《Seizing Immortality: One Day at a Time [ Xianxia LitRPG Isekai ]》 1 — The Spark Ignites~ The soft glow of the setting sun filtered through the curtains, casting a warm light on the cozy living room. The faint scent of freshly brewed coffee lingered in the air. Zhen sighed contentedly, sinking into his favorite armchair. He picked up the remote, feeling the familiar buttons beneath his fingertips, and turned on the TV, the screen flickering to life with vibrant colors. Ready for a relaxing evening of binge-watching his favorite show. "It''s the perfect time for some downtime," he murmured, a relaxed smile forming on his lips. He took a sip of his coffee, savoring the rich, bitter flavor that warmed him from the inside out. A bowl of popcorn sat on the side table, beckoning him to indulge. The soft shine of the fleece blanket draped over the back of the couch caught his attention. "Ah, almost forgot my blanket." Zhen stood up, the cool air hitting his skin as he moved away from the warm spot he''d created in the armchair. He walked over to the couch, the soft carpet beneath his feet cushioning each step. Grabbing the blanket, he felt its plush texture against his fingers, a comforting reminder of the high end price he had paid. Worth every penny. He wrapped the plush blanket around himself and sat back down, a sudden, sharp pain exploded in his chest, and a wave of dizziness washed over him. His vision blurred, the room tilting alarmingly as the colors around him blended into a chaotic swirl. As his consciousness faded, his last thought was a desperate wish. No, no, not now. Damn it, I just wanted to watch my show! The last thing he felt was the remote slipping from his grasp, clattering to the floor with a sound that seemed to echo endlessly in the darkening room. ¡ª ¡ª ¡ª ¡ª ¡ª His eyelids were tightly shut, and his body felt heavy, like he was submerged in a dense fog. Instead of soft fabric, rough stone scraped against his skin. Wherever he was, it wasn''t the carpet or the hospital bed he was expecting. Lying on a hard surface, and a metallic tang filled his mouth, accompanied by a sticky liquid on his left side. Cough Cough. He tasted the iron flavor of blood. Panic flared within him. Blood? Wait, no, no, no, no¡ª He couldn''t die yet. He still had to watch that show. Then suddenly, a cool chill washed away his dizziness as he struggled to sit up. Opening his eyes, he took in the unfamiliar surroundings. A couple more glances revealed that he was lying in the center of a strange circle etched into the stone floor, glowing faintly with an eerie blue light. The walls around him were rough, unchiseled stone, reminiscent of the trip to the caves in the Whispering Hills. There was also a simple mat and a small fire pit with faint embers glowing, providing the room with some dim light. What had happened? Where was he? His heart pounded in his chest, his breaths coming in shallow, rapid gasps. He tried to keep his panic at bay, focusing on calming down. Deep breath in, deep breath out. He knew better than to act impulsively. He had learned enough from his Boy Scout training to know that panicking would only make things worse. Rash actions could lead to severe consequences, especially in such a startling situation. It felt like all the built-up pressure was suddenly released, a dam bursting inside his head. Along with the pain came a flood of memories that didn¡¯t belong to him. This novel is published on a different platform. Support the original author by finding the official source. He saw flashes of another life, another person¡¯s experiences melding with his own. His legs gave out, and he collapsed back onto the hard stone floor, his eyes rolling back as he lost consciousness once more. ¡ª ¡ª ¡ª ¡ª ¡ª A sharp jolt of pain shot through his skull, dragging him back to consciousness. He blinked rapidly, disoriented by the unfamiliar surroundings. Panic surged through him as fragmented memories of another life flooded his mind. Amidst the barrage of memories, he strung together a couple of memory snippets that explained his situation. Transmigration. He had somehow crossed over into another world. It felt like the plot of a novel he¡¯d once scoffed at, but the weight of the memories in his head was undeniable. The realization hit him like a freight train: he was no longer in his own body. "Seriously? I didn''t even watch the intro! How did I end up here?" he muttered, bewildered. His new surroundings were a stark contrast to his previous life ¨C gone were the comforts of modern technology, replaced by the rustic charm of a natural cave. The rough stone walls were dimly illuminated by the embers of a small fire pit and the blue glowing circle, casting flickering shadows that danced eerily around him. Rubbing his aching temples, he took a deep breath and tried to focus. The memories swirling in his mind began to settle, revealing the life of the body¡¯s former occupant. "The original owner was also called Zhen. How creepy..." he muttered a bit eerily before shaking off the discomfort. Li Zhen, born into a family teetering on the brink of poverty; his childhood was a patchwork of mundane struggles and simple joys. But fate, with its twisted sense of humor, had other plans. When debts mounted, and choices dwindled, his parents made the desperate decision to sell him to the nearby demonic sect¡ª the Abyssal Harmony Sect. Luckily, Li Zhen had a natural affinity for cultivation and two years after he started cultivating, he had already reached the seventh realm of Qi Condensation was a nominal disciple. The Abyssal Harmony Sect was considered a first-rate sect in the region, and only those who had reached the Foundation Establishment stage could become its outer disciples. His rapid ascent was fueled not just by talent but by a lucky encounter during a mission¡ªa forgotten shrine where the air thrummed with ancient energy, allowing him to break through the eighth realm of Qi Condensation and firm up his foundation. As Li Zhen advanced rapidly through the realms, he caught the eye of a greedy inner disciple. Eager to become an outer disciple before his nineteenth birthday, Li Zhen had secured a ten-day retreat in the coveted Qi Cave, a sanctum saturated with dense spiritual energy. His plan was meticulous¡ªfasting pills to sustain his body and undisturbed meditation to refine his qi. However, destiny, ever capricious, had one more twist in store. On the first day of his retreat, an explosive surge of energy overwhelmed him as he pushed for the ninth realm. The balance of qi within spiraled out of control, throwing his cultivation into disarray and reducing him back to the seventh realm. Now, he was in his place, with weakened strength. Although Abyssal Harmony Sect had some weird rules, it didn''t take a genius to see that his future was miserable. His boy scout training from his previous life kicked in¡ªa habit of adaptability that had served him well during childhood. Since he was in this situation anyway, panicking would do no good. It was best to adapt and play it by ear. First things first. Assess the situation. He took a deep breath, his chest rising and falling as he tried to steady his racing heart. The cave was silent except for the faint crackling of the dying embers. He focused on calming himself, deep breath in, deep breath out. The sense of panic that had gripped him began to subside, replaced by a growing curiosity about this new world. From his brief memory, he realized that this world was very similar to the novels he used to read. There were many dangers in this world, whether it be abnormal creatures or humans themselves. This world revolved around ''strength'' or the law of the jungle. After a while, he didn''t feel as panicked as he thought he would be, nor was he so scared that he would lose his mind. Of course, he did feel a slight panic, but it was overshadowed by his interest in cultivation and this new world. The thrill of adventure and the prospect of discovering new abilities ignited a spark of excitement within him. He had already set his mind to become a cultivator. Well, it''s not like he had much choice regarding this. And the first step to do that is to accept his new identity. Taking a deep breath, he muttered to himself, "From this moment forth, I am Li Zhen, disciple of Abyssal Harmony Sect." There was a brief moment of stillness, and just as he began to feel a bit foolish posing alone in the cave, golden words burned in the air before his eyes. Sage¡¯s Daily Scroll of Heavenly, Earthly, and Mortal Insights. Target: None He looked to the side to see the exact words still burning in the air, not matching up with his reality at all. What did they mean? He had no clue. He could certainly use some sage insights, though. 2 — The Golden Finger~ Sage¡¯s Daily Scroll of Heavenly, Earthly, and Mortal Insights. Target: None The glowing golden words hovered in the air, frustratingly vague. Li Zhen narrowed his eyes, scrutinizing the message. The Target was the key; finding something to target was priority number one. But after a sweep around the cave, there was nothing that he could target. The cave was sparse, with only the etched circle on the floor, the mat, a rolled-up scroll, and the dying embers in the fire pit. There was also the question of how to target. Moving his gaze around did nothing for the golden words. After wasting half an hour searching every nook and cranny, he still couldn''t find anything to target. Frustration gnawed at him, but he forced himself to remain calm. With nothing much to do, he decided to check the energy that he could feel subtly thrumming around him. He picked up the Refinement Scroll that was provided with the Qi Cave. From Li Zhen''s memories, he knew this was the basic Refinement Technique given to the disciples of the Abyssal Harmony Sect. He unrolled the scroll, the parchment crackling softly, and began to read. Refinement Techniques allowed a cultivator to convert the qi or absorbed from their surroundings to their own internal qi. The Hundred Stars Refinement technique cycled the qi through the meridians, forming stars in the acupoints to increase the quality of the qi. His fingers traced the ancient characters, each stroke a path to a deeper understanding. These types of words might be the work of a lunatic or a writer, but he was sure he was sensing this qi around him. As he got a basic understanding of the scroll, he took a moment to gather his thoughts. The intricate pathways and the concept of forming stars in his acupoints fascinated him. He closed his eyes, imagining the flow of qi, feeling a gentle hum within his body. Idly, he checked the target again, and the sight nearly made him fall to his feet in shock. Sage¡¯s Daily Scroll of Heavenly, Earthly, and Mortal Insights. Target: Valid The hell? Zhen muttered, rubbing his eyes as if seeing things. But the words remained the same, steady and unchanging. It had clearly been None at first, and he certainly hadn¡¯t searched for any insights. Was it the Refinement Scroll? That made a little sense. Both have scrolls in their name. He turned his head away from the scroll, and the words changed back. Target: None He hurriedly looked back at the scroll, and the message returned to Valid when he focused on the scroll. His heart pounded with excitement and curiosity. Does that mean my abilities work on scrolls, but that still didn''t explain the Heavenly, Earthly, and Mortal parts? Were the scrolls divided into three categories? He didn''t think so. It seemed too simplistic. Regardless, this was the opportunity he had been waiting for. So long as he played his cards right, that is. It was finally looking like something was going his way. The golden words of the Sage¡¯s Daily Scroll of Heavenly, Earthly, and Mortal Insights hovered before his eyes, their glow casting a warm light over his focused expression. Good enough. He summoned up the burning words and¡­ pushed for lack of a better term. It felt as if something was snapping into place and filling what was once an empty space. If you find this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the infringement. The golden words flashed and began to shift, new sentences materializing before Zhen''s eyes. Hundred Stars Refinement The Hundred Stars Refinement is created by the Sect Master of Abyssal Harmony Sect from Opening Heaven Scripture. To create the Hundred Stars Refinement, Sect Maste¡ª Split the Chaos, Open the Heavens. Create the Three Thousand Dao and the Starry Sky¡ª His eyes widened as he read about the Opening Heaven Scripture and how the Sect Master had derived the Hundred Stars Refinement from it. The knowledge was both enlightening and overwhelming. More complex than the Refinement scroll he read earlier. Half of it flew over his head, while the other half, which he understood, was cloaked in flowery, poetic language that seemed to complicate what might have been simple concepts. A burning sensation traveled through him, but he ignored it, his mind too engrossed in the knowledge to pay attention to anything else. Each sentence seemed to unravel and reweave itself in his mind, creating a tapestry of information that was as beautiful as it was bewildering. As soon as he finished reading, the golden words disintegrated and reverted to the previous message. He let out a breath he hadn''t realized he was holding. He couldn''t remember half of what he read, but he was sure there were some changes. Sage¡¯s Daily Scroll of Heavenly, Earthly, and Mortal Insights. Target Available In 16:42:33 Well¡­ it was different, at least. He supposed it was his fault for assuming it would show him a user manual or something more straightforward after using the ability. The timer in the golden words continued to tick down. He glanced at it, noting that he had less than seventeen hours until the next revelation. The passage of time both surprised and frustrated him. He had spent a third of the day deciphering some esoteric knowledge that felt more like an abstract poem than practical guidance. He felt like he had just experienced the so-called Enlightenment that cultivators referred to, and it was not to his liking. Suddenly, a wave of weakness washed over him. His legs wobbled, and he nearly fell to his knees. A hollow, empty sensation spread through his body, draining his strength. His vision blurred, and his head felt light, as if he were about to faint. What''s happening? he whispered, panic creeping into his voice. He had expected to feel invigorated, but instead, he felt as though the energy had been sucked out of him. He stumbled to the mat, collapsing onto it as he tried to focus on his breathing. Deep breath in, deep breath out. The weakness persisted, gnawing at him from the inside. He closed his eyes, attempting to center himself and understand what was happening. From the memories of Li Zhen, he knew that overexertion in cultivation could lead to a depletion of one''s qi, leaving a person feeling hollow and weak. It was a common mistake among novice cultivators, pushing themselves too hard without adequate preparation or rest. Was this weakness the price he had to pay for activating his ability? He wasn''t sure, but it felt like it was only half right. The energy drain seemed too severe for just accessing knowledge. Perhaps there was more to the cost of using the Sage¡¯s Daily Scroll than he initially realized. After steadying himself, he tried to work out what he had learned, his mind racing as he replayed the events in his head. Sage¡¯s Daily Scroll of Heavenly, Earthly, and Mortal Insights was a pain in the ass to parse out the meaning of at first, but he felt he had a good idea of it after actually using the power. The Daily Scroll contained information about whatever was set as a Target, and he had to concentrate his mind to set a target. The new information would contain insights related to the target. However, he could feel the understanding slipping away, as if the knowledge was too advanced for him to fully grasp. There was a reason why the Hundred Stars Refinement was used as a basic refinement method by disciples of the Abyssal Harmony Sect. Maybe the knowledge of Opening Heaven Scripture was too esoteric for his mind. The word Daily was the issue. That was way too slow, but Zhen knew that it was just his inner laziness talking. Even getting some aid in this situation was heaven sent. Would it only work on scrolls? He didn''t think so. The term Scroll must refer to the golden words flashing in front of his eyes. He would have to wait for sixteen hours to check it out. Now, Zhen had a basic understanding of the mysterious energy he¡¯d been feeling inside him since he woke up in this world. The memories helped him know what qi is, but after reading the golden text, he felt that his senses were more responsive to it as his understanding had taken a qualitative leap. Qi. With his new experience, he gained a new understanding of fanciful tales of cultivators throwing fire from their hands and breaking rocks with a flick of a finger. All of it, from those supernatural phenomena to his newfound super strength, were powered by qi. Naturally, after hearing all that, his first thought was to experiment. 3 — Hundred Stars Refinement~ Li Zhen sat up straight as the feeling of weakness passed. He wasn''t sure what was wrong, so he stopped worrying about it. There shouldn''t be anything more wrong than him waking up here, so in front of that, everything could take its time to understand. Hundred Stars Refinement Shifting his weight to sit with his legs crossed in the center of the circle. From what he knew, the circle was a simple Qi Gathering formation. There were three steps to properly complete one cycle of Hundred Stars Refinement. First, he aligned his breathing with the Hundred Stars Refinement technique. He inhaled deeply, counting the seconds, then exhaled in short, controlled bursts¡ªnine shallow exhalations followed by one deep inhalation. The rhythm was vital, a beat that his body and mind synchronized with, much like a musician finding the groove of a song. As he continued this controlled breathing, Zhen felt a subtle shift in the air around him. The spiritual qi of the cave, rich and potent, began to stir in response to his disciplined breath. It flowed towards him, drawn by the harmony he had established with his breathing pattern. The qi was like a gentle breeze at first, brushing against his skin, but quickly intensified, surging towards him like a tidal wave as the Qi Gathering Circle started to activate. Cultivation. The act of absorbing qi to break through the body¡¯s limits. The human body needed an effective rhythm to inhale spiritual qi and synergize with heaven and earth. Nine shallow exhalations and one deep inhalation... With each cycle, the spiritual qi surged like a tidal wave. Zhen felt like every pore in his body was gaping wide, greedily absorbing the spiritual qi. The qi entered his body through every pore, a sensation that was both invigorating and soothing. It felt as though countless tiny hands were massaging his muscles, easing away the fatigue and stress that had accumulated over time. His body responded eagerly, drinking in the qi like a parched desert soaking up rain. The comfort was almost overwhelming, a wave of pleasure that threatened to break his concentration. It felt too good! But Zhen held firm. He focused on the next step of the Refinement, guiding the qi through his meridians with deliberate care. With qi in hand, he began to twist and turn it until it matched the pattern described in the technique book. The technique book had suggested imagining a hundred stars, each one a point of light representing the qi circulating through his system. Each star point would act his refinement location, providing him area to easily convert the ambient qi. He tried to hold this image in his mind, but the sheer intensity of the sensation made it difficult. A sharp pain lanced through his body, jolting him out of his meditative state. The qi writhed within him, threatening to break free from his control. He gritted his teeth, forcing himself to remain calm. Maybe not a hundred¡­ He should start with one. One is good¡­ There is nothing wrong with one. He thought that cultivation would bring him new heights of pleasure; instead, no one informed him that it also brought new heights of pain. He felt cheated¡­ After controlling his rhythm again, he soon focused on the refinement. The pain subsided, replaced by a steady warmth that spread through his body. He could feel the qi settling into a harmonious flow, each breath drawing in more energy, each exhalation purging impurities from his system. Now came the hard part. The cultivation method had its own specific pattern to flow qi in, but more than that, it required him to recite a sutra as he did so. He didn¡¯t know exactly how that helped, and the book didn¡¯t see fit to tell him. Zhen thanked all the last minute cramming he had ever done as he recited the painfully memorized sutra. Something about a hundred stars floating in the starry sky or something. Maybe forming a constellation. The language was flowery and full of metaphors he couldn¡¯t understand, and he slowly got lost in trying to parse them. His qi was still cycling, and Zhen felt some peace for the first time since he found himself in this world. Within his growing qi, he could almost see a speck of light appear in one of the acupoints. It grew with every passing rotation, and he could feel the quality of it was much greater than what he currently had. The genuine version of this novel can be found on another site. Support the author by reading it there. That thought gave him a pause¡ª He should at least have seven stars in his body due to his seventh realm, but he didn''t notice anything other than qi¡ª The thought disrupted his rhythm, and a spurt of blood flowed from his lips. Zhen realized the meaning of why concentration was crucial in cultivation. It was one thing to know and another to feel the consequences. He suppressed his errant thoughts and focused on the Hundred Stars Refinement. How could anyone practice this in one go¡­ His modern mind is not equipped for these meditation exercises. With a yell, the speck of light illuminated inside his body. He followed the flow of his qi as it completed its natural cycle around his body. With an effort of thought, he took control of it and manually directed another cycle, then another, and another, faster and faster. As the circulation sped up, he felt the qi in the air around him enter his body. Every cycle washed away whatever differences there were in the ambient qi until it became his own and permanently expanded his reserves. Zhen felt the qi in the cave lessened considerably as his body absorbed it. Before he thought that the qi would be consumed, a fresh wave of qi started entering the Cave as a new wind bellowed in the cave. Suddenly, the speck of light vibrated violently and rapidly started to absorb all the qi inside his meridians. After focusing for a whole ten minutes, the qi in his body lessened, he saw that it wasn''t just a speck of light. Now it became a glowing star spinning at the acupoint. After every trace of qi on his body was absorbed by the star, it lit up as a supernova, and erupted with a massive amount of his own qi that started flowing through his meridians again. Zhen exhaled the turbid qi, his eyes shining brightly with remaining spirituality. As his qi flooded out in a white starlight, the star''s burst of qi was ringing in his skull, and he roared with it, his qi rising with it before doubling back. He was slick with sweat and heaving, but¡­ He could easily observe his first star in the acupoint. It was the source for the qi inside his body. Invigorated. He felt strong. He felt giddy. For the first time since he transmigrated, he felt like he finally owned this body. He looked within and found that his qi capacity had grown and the qi had become white. The star, however, was rotating in the acupoint. He didn¡¯t know why there was only one star. That information almost disrupted his refinement. According to Hundred Stars, he should have seven stars at a minimum, and he was not sure the reason for the absence of stars in his acupoints? A sliver of worry crept into his mind. Did that mean he had been dropped again from the seventh realm to the bottom? Whether it was the technique or something he did, he needed to meditate and check again. He had to at least reach the ninth realm in Qi Condensation to ensure his safety and progress outside. The thought almost disrupted his focus, but he forced himself to remain calm. There was still time, and with the speed that first star was created, he was sure he could complete it on time. Zhen looked around the cave and felt that the qi had returned to the level that he now dubbed normal. A sigh escaped his lips. A cultivation cave was really a treasure. He silently praised the previous Zhen''s decision to save his spirit stones to reserve the cave for ten days. Thankfully, he had his personal clock for timing or he would have gone crazy without much to do. Target Available In 05:59:12 Another six hours. And eight more days. In a bare bones cave. Zhen stood up, his legs a bit wobbly from the intense cultivation session. He steadied himself and walked toward the fire pit in the corner of the cave. The flickering flames held a mesmerizing quality, drawing him in, providing a distraction to clear his mind from the worries of his cultivation. As he approached, he noticed the embers glowing with a steady, intense heat. They didn¡¯t emit any smoke, which struck him as unusual. The fire pit''s warmth enveloped him, providing a comforting contrast to the cool cave air. He crouched down beside the fire pit, extending his hands toward the heat. The warmth seeped into his skin, easing the lingering tension from his body. He stared into the embers, losing himself in their steady glow. The rhythmic dance of the flames seemed to mirror the cycles of qi he had been guiding through his body. For a moment, Zhen allowed himself to simply be, without the pressures of cultivation or the mysteries of his current state. The absence of smoke from the embers was peculiar, but it provided a clean, unclouded heat that seemed almost purifying. At least heat was something familiar from his old world. From his body, to the environment, to the air itself, everything in this world was different from what he had been used to for the past twenty-five years. He crouched down beside the fire pit, extending his hands toward the heat. The warmth seeped into his skin, easing the lingering tension from his body. He stared into the embers, losing himself in their steady glow. For a moment, Zhen allowed himself to simply be, without the pressures of cultivation or the mysteries of his current state but that didn''t last long. Even some new fire magic stones were not enough for him to notice it. Standing up from his crouched position, he took a deep breath, inhaling the pure, smoke-free air. The warmth from the embers had rejuvenated him, providing a moment of peace amidst his chaotic thoughts. He knew he needed to meditate further, to understand the anomaly in his cultivation. As he watched the embers, his thoughts gradually settled, and clarity began to seep back into his mind. 4 — Gaining Power & Debt~ Despite Li Zhen''s peaceful meditation, he did not, in fact, enjoyed it for long. After a cursory exploration of the dimly lit surroundings, the novelty wore off, and the oppressive silence only heightened his sense of boredom. His hyperactive mind forced him to do something. And the only thing he could do was practice his refinement method. He settled into the center of the circle, closed his eyes, took a deep breath, and sensed the qi in the cave reacting. Just as he felt a flicker of calm, a sudden flash of light burst forth, shattering the cave''s dim monotony. Zhen''s heart leaped into his throat, and he scrambled backward, his thoughts racing. His mind raced with scenarios of attacks, ambushes, assassins, and other threats. Being in a cave was not reassuring at all. But no attack came. As quickly as it had appeared, the light faded, leaving behind a single, tattered parchment on the ground. Zhen''s eyes widened in disbelief after the mystical transfer as he cautiously approached the object, his heart still pounding in his chest. He reached out and picked up the parchment, feeling the rough, uneven texture beneath his fingers. The paper was not at all like the smooth surface he was accustomed to. He carefully unrolled the parchment, revealing a series of hurried scribbles. His eyes scanned the letter, the memories helping him to understand the words. Disciple Li Zhen, You have gone above the allotted qi for your ninth realm Qi Condensation breakthrough. Additional fines have been levied for not providing prior notice, and the next usage of qi will be charged at double the rate. Fine - 200 Qi Condensation Spirit Stones Additional Qi Cost: 2x You could also end your cultivation early. Total Dues: 211 Nominal Area Qi Gathering Cave Disciple Feng Ling His heart sank. Just the word fine was enough to introduce stress in his inner mind. It had not even been a day since he had come to terms with the fact that he was indeed in a cultivation world. Yet, this simple parchment grounded him in the harsh reality that even here, bureaucracy thrived. His mouth fell open in disbelief at the exorbitant dues that he accrued. For a moment, he was raging to go flying to lodge a complaint. But he controlled himself. The Seventh realm Qi Condensation Li Zhen might have been barely strong enough to demand an answer, but with his current first realm cultivation, he would be lucky to avoid enslavement, let alone demand answers. The cave is not a treasure at all. It''s a damn money pit. He sighed, contemplating his situation. There was no way he could leave without at least regaining his former strength. To do so would be suicidal so leaving early was not an option. All the excitement he felt earlier dissipated, replaced by a sinking realization of his strength. It was just a small dose of what personal strength meant in a world ruled by the laws of the jungle. With great powers, comes great debt. There was nothing he could do. Strength ruled all, and he had become a broken cultivator, fallen to the First Realm of Qi Condensation. He would have to dig himself out of this hole, one painstaking step at a time in just nine days. Before practicing, he started to go over Li Zhen''s memory. There should be something there he could use. He saved a hundred spirit stones for his breakthrough and was penniless. Now he was even not penniless but beyond it. Surprisingly, he retained all the memories of the previous Li Zhen except for his personal cultivation, Any enlightenment, progress, or insights he might have gained during his cultivation were missing. He wasn''t sure what to make of it. Find this and other great novels on the author''s preferred platform. Support original creators! Even the fact that he was once an Eighth realm Qi Condensation Cultivator was because the previous Li Zhen had booked this cave to break through to the ninth realm. During this time, he dedicated himself to adjusting his mindset and familiarizing himself with his new environment. One of his primary focuses was delving into the depths of his acquired memories, gaining a more comprehensive understanding of the body he now inhabited. This process proved to be immensely beneficial for him. As he delved deeper into the recesses of his mind, he unearthed a wealth of knowledge that shed light on his newfound capabilities. When comparing this new body to his previous one, he found that he possessed greater strength, agility, and overall prowess. The memories he accessed revealed that the previous Li Zhen had diligently practiced martial arts from a young age, and for that, he would like to thank his sect. After that, he checked his supposed ability. Testing the idea of having a system, he playfully uttered commands like "System," "Panel," "Properties," and "Status." When no response came, he felt a mix of frustration and amusement. Perhaps he was missing something, or perhaps there was no system at all. Either way, he knew he couldn''t rely on it. With no other options, he gritted his teeth and resumed his cultivation, fully aware of the exorbitant costs involved. Burning four times the money for half the result. Sitting cross-legged, he took a deep breath and centered himself, entering a state of tranquil rhythm with his breathing. The dim glow of the cave''s blue circle flickered softly around him as the qi began to respond to his call. Slowly but surely, he felt the ethereal energy start to flow toward him, a gentle yet persistent current that enveloped his body and seeped through the pores. The rush of energy made him temporarily forget about his pain as he started to go through the stages of the Hundred Stars Refinement. The initial rush of energy was a soothing balm that momentarily made him forget the harsh realities of troubles as he navigated the stages of the Hundred Stars Refinement. As he focused, the qi coalesced within his acupoints, swirling and condensing with increasing intensity. The sensation was both exhilarating and challenging, requiring him to maintain precise control over the influx of power. The qi started being rapidly absorbed by the star rotating in his acupoints. He wasn''t sure why, but the formation of the star was easier than the previous one. Achieving a second star in his acupoint brought a sense of accomplishment, though it quickly depleted the qi in the chambers. The rapid replenishment of the qi only added to his frustration, as it felt like a deliberate ploy to drain him dry. They sure as hell couldn''t wait for him to use more of the qi. He realized it was just muttering of his poor mindset, but cursing helped lessen his blood pressure. There was also something else. This time, Zhen noticed something peculiar about the qi he was absorbing. He was not sure, but he felt the qi he was absorbing contained some traces of starlight or something that would accumulate in his acupoint before converting to a star. This discovery intrigued him, adding a layer of mystery to his cultivation process. Was it due to his increasing realm that he started noticing the subtleties of qi? He checked the golden words trying to get a sense of time passed. Sage¡¯s Daily Scroll of Heavenly, Earthly, and Mortal Insights. Target: 00:30:47 After achieving the second star in under five hours, he felt a slight release of the tension that had been building within him. His body was brimming with energy, and he felt stronger. Clenching his fist, he felt the muscles tensing and the air vibrating around him. The sensation was exhilarating, a reminder of the power he sought to reclaim. Rather than rushing to the third realm, he decided to wait for the golden words. That was the only thing that might help him breakthrough, because he was certain he wouldn''t be able to rush to the ninth realm of Qi Condensation even with the money pit cave. The first word, Sage, might refer to someone, perhaps the owner of whatever artifact or power he had stumbled upon. Or it could simply be a title or a name. Sage could describe a vast number of cultivators, so for his peace of mind, he started believing it referred to a general class of people rather than someone specific. But what if it''s not? What if it''s someone incredibly powerful watching my every move? He shook his head. No, no, that''s just paranoia talking. Focus on what you can control. Daily Scroll, was also easy to understand, possibly indicating the frequency he might be able to use this skill. As for the Scroll, he wondered if it was only possible to target scrolls or if it could also be used to target different things. As for Heavenly, and Earthly, he just termed it as cultivation jargon refer to all things. Probably just fancy words for the big stuff and the little stuff, he mused. What he was interested in was about Mortal Insights. Now, this sounds like something I can actually use. Maybe it means he could learn more about himself, his own potential or his situation. That could be the key to rapid advancement. Sage¡¯s Daily Scroll of Heavenly, Earthly, and Mortal Insights. Target: 00:00:47 5 — Not a System~ Li Zhen stood up and began collecting the miscellaneous items scattered around the cave. The tea set with a kettle sat beside the fire pit, which radiated comforting heat without producing any smoke. He appreciated the lack of smoke; it would make this cave much more tolerable. His gaze moved over to the mat, the refinement scroll, and the glowing circle that pulsated in rhythm with his cultivation practice. This circle, he knew, was the source of his mounting debt, a constant reminder of the price he was paying for his ambition. Sage¡¯s Daily Scroll of Heavenly, Earthly, and Mortal Insights. Target: None Relief washed over him as the target changed back to none. He wanted to check the refinement scroll again, as it gave him the highest thrill, but he reined his mind. First, he needed to understand his ability better. That took precedence over everything else. He needed to be systematic. He placed the empty cup before him and fixed his stare on it. It felt strange, almost silly, but the golden words materialized promptly, sparing him from feeling like a fool. There was a moment of suspense, a brief second, where he questioned if this would work. When the golden words appeared, he felt a rush of excitement. Target: Valid One by one, he checked the other items. The fire pit, the kettle, the tea leaves, the mat¡ªhis skill could target each one. This ability was more literal than he had initially thought. Maybe the Heavenly and Earthy Insights really refered to all things. Even the blue glowing circle below him, the very thing feeding his debt, was a potential valid target. That realization opened new possibilities. He made a mental note to target the circle the next day. It could hold secrets he had yet to uncover. Next, he picked up the refinement scroll, holding his breath. This scroll was a lifeline for him to advance with proper foundation. If the scroll was no longer valid, he would lose a critical source of insight. Target: Valid Relief washed over him again as the golden words appeared, confirming its validity. He had feared that his first reading might have exhausted its insights, but that was not the case. Now came the ultimate test¡ªtargeting himself. If his ability could reveal insights about his own body, it would be invaluable. He crossed his fingers, feeling a flutter of nerves in his stomach, and lowered his head to focus on his body. He sat cross-legged, wearing the simple disciple uniform of brown pants and a beige shirt. A robe was also folded near the entrance that he had left. Information cascaded through his consciousness as the golden words materialized before him. His breath hitched as the information poured in, his thoughts racing to process the influx. Li Zhen Spiritual Root: Mid-Grade Spiritual Root. Cultivation: 2nd Realm of Qi Condensation. Refinement Technique: Hundred Stars Refinement ( Modified ) He is a nominal disciple of the Abyssal Harmony Sect, striving to break through to the ninth realm of Qi Condensation to get the chance to become a Quasi Outer Disciple before reaching nineteen. Due to a qi deviation three days earlier, his cultivation had regressed to the Seventh Realm. During an enlightenment session while contemplating the Opening Heaven Scripture, the faint seven stars were consumed, causing him to fall to the Mortal Realm. However, his understanding of the Opening Heaven Scripture significantly increased his cultivation speed, allowing him to return to the 2nd Realm of Qi Condensation by combining his newfound insights with the Hundred Stars Refinement technique. A deep sigh escaped his lips as the content of the golden light disintegrated after he completed reading it. It was intriguing and overwhelming to access such detailed information about himself and his abilities. Looking at the detailed report about his current situation, he was surprised to note that there were no details about his transmigration. Either the golden words were not powerful enough to pry into his secrets, or the world accepted him as Li Zhen. Love this story? Find the genuine version on the author''s preferred platform and support their work! The thought brought a mix of relief and anxiety. If his secret remained hidden, he had an advantage, but it also meant he was alone in this world, with no way to know his true origins or how he was brought here. His fall in the cultivation realm had been a shock. He hadn''t even noticed the changes in his body during that time. He had felt so powerful earlier. Did that cheap enlightenment stiff him on his realms? No, impossible. He could feel the answer circulating within him; he instinctively could tell that the quality of the energy produced by the Hundred Stars Refinement was better than what he had before. The two stars in his acupoints shone brightly, unlike the faint stars mentioned by the golden words. Of course, it wouldn¡¯t be a 1:1 exchange when he switched from one to another. Then there was another worrying thought. If the refinement scroll had once led to a loss of his cultivation, could it happen again? Was he building on a proper foundation or setting himself up for another fall? He needed to be cautious in its future usage. For a moment, he felt he would not be able to push toward Ninth Realm of Qi Condensation, but pushed the worries to the back of his mind. Next, he noticed that the text was flavored with only mentions about cultivation. Maybe it was due to him focusing solely on it, or perhaps the golden words showed what was most relevant to his immediate needs. More usage would be required to test the limits of his power. Initially, his mind was blown by the appearance of the golden words. After all, with a heaven defying ability, even a pig could fly, but soon his elation gave way to a tinge of disappointment. The golden words had a counter of a day. Even his first usage of his ability had unknowingly caused his realm to fall. That was a scary thought. What if he was not in a cave with qi? Would he suddenly be weakened during a mission or facing an enemy? His dream of becoming a heaven-defying, handsome immortal cultivator vanished just like that. Alas, it was not meant to be. He couldn''t help but laugh at the absurdity of it all. It was a dramatic thought, a bit of theatrics to lighten his mood. In truth, he was indeed disappointed that he did not have an unlimited chance, but he also did not mind it too much. He had always known that reality rarely matched the fantasies spun in novels. After all, the abilities he read about were basically omnipotent miracles, ones that would easily make even immortals jealous. So why would he ever be lucky enough to receive such a thing free of cost? One thing Zhen had learned in his life was that free things cost the most. Now, in this new world, he learned that the things you paid for even cost you more. The sheer idea of possessing such power without any strings attached seemed too good to be true. He knew better than to believe in free miracles. Even though there were some worries. At least, looking on the bright side, Zhen reminded himself that he was still alive, and in the grand scheme of things, that was already a tremendous blessing. So, he did not dwell on it too much. Especially since the status uplifted his mood. He remembered the glowing words, each line bringing some sense to his chaotic understanding of the world. The first piece of information that caught his attention was his spiritual roots. Everyone is born with spiritual roots, but mortals have atrophied spiritual roots. And it takes a lot of resources to make them healthy. Even then, you could get the lowest potential of a cultivator. The disparity between mortals and cultivators was stark. The resources needed to nurture spiritual roots were immense, often beyond the reach of ordinary people. Low-grade, middle-grade, and high-grade. How fast one absorbed and processed qi depended on the quality of the spiritual roots. This hierarchy of spiritual roots determined the ease and speed of cultivation, a crucial factor in a cultivator''s journey. He possessed Middle Grade Spiritual Roots, which could be considered a reasonably good aptitude. In the context of the entire sect, he could be regarded as a middle-to-upper-tier talent. While not the best, they provided a solid starting point. At least he wouldn''t be repeating the main cliche fully. His cultivation was consumed; for a time, he was a mortal. But his spirit roots were not crippled. And he had to reach the same realm before he became a snack for his enemies. While he was consoling himself, the light from before emitted in front of the circle. The familiar glow filled the cave, drawing his attention. Brother Li Zhen, Congratulations on deciding to continue using the cave to break through your ranks. We were deeply moved by your dedication and wanted to contribute to Brother Li Zhen''s cultivation, so we have decided to increase the percentage of starlight qi in your cave. Reading the first part of the letter, Li Zhen felt quite emotional. The address had changed from Disciple to Brother. The cultivation world was not the same as he expected. There are many who are willing to help a fellow disciple. He continued reading the letter quite happily. It was heartening to think that his peers recognized his efforts and were willing to support him. Perhaps this world wasn''t as cold and ruthless as he had feared. As your brothers and sisters are working extra hard to gather starlight qi for Brother Li Zhen, we would like our brother to take care of us. Additional Qi Cost: 3x You could also end your cultivation early or stop us fellow brothers and sisters from supplying additional starlight qi. We could easily accommodate Brother Li Zhen, but there might be a dip in your starlight qi percentage as we reshuffle the disciples. Total Dues: 257 Nominal Area Qi Gathering Cave Senior Brother Feng Ling He nearly felt like he was going to cough up blood when he read the final words. This cultivation world was even more shameless than he had thought. There are well wishes and helping hands, and then there was the threat of low-quality qi. The initial warmth he felt was swiftly replaced by a cold realization. His peers'' support came at a hefty price, a stark reminder that nothing in this world came free. 6 — Conspiracy To Kill For a while, this Brother Li Zhen didn''t know if he should laugh or cry. Ultimately, he chose to count his blessings. His initial plans to use the refinement scroll were abruptly thwarted before they could take hold, but his newfound brother''s entrepreneurial spirit helped him find a solution. Moving on, he focused on his current situation. According to the memories he had absorbed, the Abyssal Harmony Sect was a first-class sect, and their disciple ranks reflected this status. There were four types of disciples that Li Zhen knew. True Disciple, Inner Disciple, Outer Disciple, and Nominal Disciple. All Nominal Disciples were in the Qi Condensation Realm, while all Foundation Establishment cultivators were Outer Disciples. Then there were those with Quasi Ranks. It was one of the weird rules that he didn''t understand at all. A Quasi Disciple referred to individuals who had reached the final stage of their current realm, earning titles such as Quasi Outer Disciple or Quasi Inner Disciple. These cultivators enjoyed the significant perk of a grace period¡ªranging from a few months to several years¡ªfree from missions and decreased responsibilities and jobs, allowing them to focus solely on their advancement. The previous Li Zhen had gambled everything to attain the status of a Quasi Outer Disciple, hoping to deflect the greedy eyes of the Inner Disciples. With a six-month grace period granted, he aimed to smoothly transition into the Foundation Establishment stage, solidifying his place within the Outer Sect area. Now he was in the second realm, trying to advance to the ninth realm. Although his brother from the Qi Gathering Cave was good to him, he felt confident about his prospects of reaching the eighth realm effortlessly. The ninth realm, however, loomed as a formidable challenge. Sage¡¯s Daily Scroll of Heavenly, Earthly, and Mortal Insights. Target: 23:01:49 With his abilities reset and the countdown ticking away, his focus sharpened to a single, urgent goal: reaching the ninth realm as swiftly as possible. He was prepared to go to any lengths, even if it meant burning through money and having debts. Hopefully, he could easily repay them back. Placing all the objects back to their places, he settled into his meditation stance, he couldn''t help but smirk. It was time for his numbers to go brr. ¡ª ¡ª ¡ª ¡ª ¡ª ¡ª ¡ª ¡ª Two days had already passed since he woke up in this world, and there was nothing much to do other than drink the tea here or cultivate. If he had booked it for ten days, it would be best to use it to the fullest. Not that his weak self would survive much in the outside world. While there were other considerations to make, the power coursing through his body was like drinking the finest delicacies he had tasted back home, and he was hooked on getting more of it. No wonder those cultivators become murderhobos to gain more of these feelings. He had only increased his realm by two levels in the past day. The speed of his cultivation had slowed down, and by his calculation, he could easily cover his major goal of attaining Ninth Realm. Sage¡¯s Daily Scroll of Heavenly, Earthly, and Mortal Insights. Target: None Now he could use the golden words again as the counter has reached zero. With a limit of time on his ability, he would have to prioritze his usage. For the time being, he had decided not to use the refinement scroll as he couldn''t risk his cultivation falling. So he focused on the blue glowing circle in the center of the cave. Starlight Convergence Qi Gathering Formations Created by the Sect Master of the Abyssal Harmony Sect, it is a meticulously designed Qi Gathering Formation tailored for cultivators in the Qi Condensation realm, particularly those who utilize the Hundred Stars Refinement or starlight qi. It als¡ª Formation Blueprint Optimum Activation: The cultivator must stand at the Central Star Point and circulate their qi in harmony with the rhythm of the stars. Damages: Due to the abnormal flow of nightshade poison qi three days ago, the formation efficiency is reduced by 5 percent. Unauthorized use of content: if you find this story on Amazon, report the violation. Weakness: Severing Astral Lines in Section 3A and Damaging the 4th Celesti¡ª Looking at the details, his heart started beating faster and faster. The complete blueprint for the formation, with its activation methods and weaknesses, lay before him. He felt as though he had robbed the Abyssal Harmony Sect as he meticulously tried to memorize the formation. From his past experience, he knew that he only had one chance before the golden words disintegrated. His future suddenly seemed bright; if he could get these details easily, wouldn''t he be a money-making machine? But then he returned to reality. Anything worth making money should be protected, meaning if he started flaunting exclusive goods, it would be a problem. For common goods, it was just a method to get things in a different way. Suddenly, the ability didn''t seem so great. He took a deep breath and refocused. The blueprint of the starlight Convergence Formation was intricate, its potential immense. However, its real value lay not in selling the knowledge but in using it to bolster his own cultivation. After he completed reading, he closed his eyes as the golden words disintegrated. He savored the information he had gained and began to revise it in his mind. Only a quarter of the knowledge was comprehensible; the rest had coalesced into flowery language that he couldn''t understand. Nonetheless, it was still valuable. He knew he would have more chances to learn and decipher it later on. Despite the partial understanding, the core principles and activation methods were clear. And also the damages. His eyes narrowed as he contemplated the situation. Three days ago was when the previous Li Zhen had started cultivating inside the Qi Gathering Cave. Three days earlier was when he had died. He would be an idiot if he couldn''t understand that someone had tried to kill him using the formation. Someone had tampered with the starlight Convergence Formation, causing it to malfunction, and sent the nightshade poison qi. That person had intended to harm, or even kill, the previous Li Zhen. Though he wasn''t entirely sure what nightshade poison qi was, he knew it must be deadly enough to be a significant threat. Why would anyone go to such lengths? Was this just a one-time attack, or would more attempts be made? If they targeted him once, they might try again. The fear of unknown enemies gnawed at him, but he analyzed the situation logically. His mind raced as he considered the implications. Why? Was it jealousy, rivalry, or something deeper? The previous Li Zhen had been a decent person within the Abyssal Harmony Sect, and there was only one person who had a clear motive to kill him. Was it for the supposed treasure that helped previous Li Zhen advance? But that shouldn''t be possible. Even though the inner disciple had his suspicions, that didn''t mean he had to kill him. The inner disciple who targeted him didn''t work in the Qi Gathering Caves of the Nominal Sect Area. What if the elders or disciples from the Qi Gathering Caves got their hands on it? He stopped his thoughts from spiraling. Either way, the answers were unclear, but one thing was certain: he had enemies within the Abyssal Harmony Sect. Enemies who wanted to kill him. His fingers tightened, hardening his resolve. He couldn''t afford to be careless. The sect was now a den of potential threats. He needed to be vigilant, to watch his back at all times. He looked around the cave, the familiar blue glow of the formation now tinged with a sense of danger. The cave was now a reminder of the peril he faced. From a money pit to also becoming a poison pit. His life seems to be going downhill pretty fast¡ª Truly, ignorance was bliss. But he wouldn''t be deterred. If anything, this revelation only fueled his desire to grow stronger, to uncover the truth, and to protect himself from those who wished him harm. Even if he was raised to be non-violent, it doesn''t mean he was going for his death waiting. He realized that the cultivation might also have affected his mind and not only his body. Only strength mattered. After putting the whole matter to the back of his mind, he returned to his latest find. Some good news might be enough to help him stabilize. The starlight Convergence Qi Gathering Formation was quite confusing for him to understand. Despite his partial understanding, it was evident that this formation was high grade. And it was another thing given by the Sect Master. From Li Zhen''s memory, the Sect Master was a woman, who had been recuperating from grievous injuries sustained sixty years ago when the Abyssal Harmony Sect rose to the status of a first rate sect. After seeing the two products of the Sect Master, she seemed particularly powerful as the Sect continued to hold its first rate position without her direct intervention. He shook his head, refocusing his thoughts. He had a few days to unravel the formation. Now, he wanted to break through to the fifth realm of Qi Condensation. For a moment, he considered the possibility of being poisoned again, but the perpetrators should have already acted if they had the chance. He was playing with his life here if the poison qi was present again. Hopefully, he could observe any changes. Zhen took a deep breath and steadied his breathing with the rhythm, qi flowing into his meridians. This influx of energy created a subtle sensation of expan¡ª And a new light flashed before he was fully immersed. This time, he was not at all surprised. Even though it was the third time he had witnessed something materialize out of thin air, an event that would have turned his previous world upside down, it had become a staple of his current reality. He chuckled inwardly at the thought. Who was he kidding? It was totally cool to watch, every single time. The only regret gnawing at him was his lack of understanding of the phenomenon. Maybe in the future¡­ Brother Li Zhen Due to your impressive consumption, the Qi percentage in your Cave will be increased to support your Qi Condensation Realm breakthrough. Total Dues: 375 Qi Condensation Spirit Stones Nominal Area Qi Gathering Cave Senior Brother Feng Ling Looking at the new letter, this Brother Li Zhen''s eyebrow twitched. He felt like a pig being fattened. His future earned Qi Condensation Spirit Stones seemed to evaporate before he even put his eyes on them. Shaking from the brief interruption, he started deepening his breadth and returned to refinement. 7 — Ninth Realm of Qi Condensation Sage¡¯s Daily Scroll of Heavenly, Earthly, and Mortal Insights. Target: None Three days and a few hours had passed since Li Zhen woke up in this place. His progress had slowed considerably, forcing him to delay activating his abilities. Instead of focusing on the formation, he decided to check on other materials inside the cave. For his first try, he focused on the tea leaves. It was the only consumable item he had indulged in regularly and could be affecting him. He gathered the remaining tea leaves and carefully examined them, suspecting they might have been tampered with, potentially laced with some kind of poison or suppressant. The tea had been the only consumable item he had indulged in regularly, and its effects could be subtle but significant. Starveil Leaf Enhances starlight qi consumption for Qi Condensation realm cultivators. Soothes and focuses the mind and spirit. Hidden Properties: Laced with a drop of Shadowroot Extract, it reacts lethally with nightshade poison qi, producing a potent poison that disrupts spiritual pathways and causes qi deviation, leading to death without physical harm. The Starveil Leaf is known for its ability to enhance the absorption of starlight qi, making it a favored choice among nominal cultivators practicing refinement like the Hundred Stars Refinement. It is a staple tea for most individuals in the sect, second only to spirit stones. However, these leaves had been laced with a catalyst that, when combined with nightshade poison qi from a formation, creates a deadly poison. Zhen almost flipped the entire set of cups and leaves in frustration. The increasing pressure from all the death traps he had encountered was overwhelming. Cultivating was proving to be far more dramatic than he had ever imagined. Next time, he resolved not to come to the Qi Gathering Caves at all. Instead, he would learn the formation, build it in secret, and cultivate privately. He looked around the cave, shaking his head. Free things are truly the costliest. Not using them should be a good idea. He put the tea leaves as far away from him. His mind raced with plans. He was sure the person targeting him had access to these Caves, and the only clue he had was Disciple Feng Ling. His eyes narrowed as he contemplated. He could applaud Feng Ling''s enterprising tactics, but his attacker was clearly intent on killing him. Perhaps he could glean some clues through his Senior Brother. ¡ª ¡ª ¡ª ¡ª ¡ª Sage¡¯s Daily Scroll of Heavenly, Earthly, and Mortal Insights. Target: None Life before felt simpler compared to the constant paranoia he was developing now. Despite this, he continued to cultivate and practice. While using his abilities after every day. Firesoul Hearth A simple, earthen pit, commonly used by novice cultivators in the Qi Gathering Cave for warming and cooking. Typically lined with ember stones that absorb and retain heat efficiently. There is one in fifty chance that any food cooked over the Firesoul Hearth may develop a taste of burnt wood. The result of the fire pit was quite mundane. Li Zhen didn''t know whether to feel relieved that it wasn''t trying to kill him or to cry for wasting his precious ability. Instead of wasting the golden words, he decided to only target the Qi Gathering Formation. The vision of the stars appeared again when he recited the sutra of the Hundred Stars Refinement. It wasn¡¯t as intense as the first time, which he thought was typical. It wasn¡¯t enough to merely flow his energy a specific way; he also had to change the properties of the qi directly as the qi refined through the stars. The Hundred Stars Refinement served as the primary cultivation technique of the sect, so its effectiveness couldn''t be underestimated. It was a great technique to lay the foundation for cultivators, but its sole drawback lay in its difficulty in making progress without stars. However, this was easily mitigated within the Qi Gathering Cave. Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on Royal Road. Seven days had passed since he woke up. He had achieved the eighth realm, but a new problem arose: he couldn''t form his ninth star. It was illusory and unstable, wobbling here and there. After wasting a day on it, he had a sinking feeling. His rapid advancement might be because he was regaining his former realm rather than forging a new path. For a moment, he considered using the golden words for targeting the Refinement Scroll but decided against it. He can''t lose his realms again. Instead, he decided to go old fashion and entered meditation, understanding it was a life-and-death situation, and delved into the knowledge from the Opening Heaven Scripture that he could remember. With his comprehension of the Opening Heaven Scripture aided by the clear golden words from his first usage, Zhen repeatedly studied the Hundred Stars Refinement and finally grasped the essence of the refinement. The stars were actually forming in a path. And the path was not actually straight forward but instead was encircling below his navel. Or what felt like navel when he sensed the qi circling in the area. Yet, there was nothing tangible he could find there. Unfortunately, Li Zhen''s memory of cultivation was strangely missing from his mind. So, without much knowledge of this world, he started patching it up with his own ideas. Likely, the stars were trying to surround his center below his navel. Dantian. He called it Dantian as there was no other name he knew. Hopefully, the cultivation world followed some similarities with the stories from back home. By encircling the the area below the navel, within the body from sensing and refining the qi, one could observe the Dantian. That was his working theory. Even though he didn''t remember much, he felt he was instinctively heading in the right direction. Perhaps some aftereffects of the Opening Heaven Scripture. Zhen had a huge advantage in this department. The golden words gave him some otherworldly insights, providing him with the ability to see things from a broader perspective and his own perspective was different from others. To search for the Dantian within the body, he focused his attention on visualizing the process. Each breath drew in vital energy, while each exhalation expelled impurities, purifying and refining the qi. Drawing from that knowledge, Zhen visualized his Dantian in the center where the stars were congregating. He imagined his Dantian as a confined space akin to a gas chamber. With each breath, he envisioned his qi condensing, gradually circulating and moving towards the Dantian. As Zhen immersed himself in deep meditation, the formation of his ninth star commenced. Through the meticulous control of his breath, he imagined the qi coalescing, circulating with faster and faster speed. As the ninth star formed, it was as if it was the arrowhead pointing to the Dantian. His curiosity got the better of him as he took a peek at the area. A glimpse of an empty sphere surrounded by what he sensed were sturdy walls covering the whole surface appeared in his mind. In front of the strength of the walls he felt, his eight stars seemed pitiful in comparison. But before he could observe more, he felt his qi destabilizing. His qi started to go more haywire. Quickly suppressing the agitated state, sweat began to form on his brow. His mind was not made to focus on a single thing for so long. The star moved ever closer to the Dantian, but he only focused on forming the star. With the constant supply from the Qi Gathering Formation, the star grew increasingly bright. Each passing moment brought it closer to absorbing and erupting. He focused his attention, directing his qi through the intricate network of meridians within his body, refining as it passed through previous stars. Suddenly, the ninth star started vibrating and pulling the qi inside them as they began to spin. His mind was entirely focused, trying to maintain control over the wobbly, greedy absorption of his qi. The qi in the cave depleted rapidly but replenished at the same time without any break. Suddenly, his compressed star expanded, unleashing a surge of energy akin to a dam breaking free. In that exhilarating moment, his qi took on a milky white hue, signifying its heightened purity, which soon returned to a colorless state A surge of power coursed through Zhen''s body, almost doubling the vigor of his qi. The meridians, once tranquil conduits, now roiled turbulently, circulating the amplified energy within his being. The very air around Zhen seemed to ripple with the energy unleashed. He had broken through. Zhen opened his eyes, shining brightly with the immense influx of energy. Everything went according to plan, other than that little wobbling. With a sense of relief, he surveyed himself. Initially, after theorizing about the Dantian, he had intended to achieve the ninth realm of Qi Condensation first and then comprehend the Dantian. However, with his supposedly untrusted knowledge, the enlightenment from the golden words and his active mind, he reversed the order. While the change in order may seem insignificant, it held tremendous significance. Or that was how he felt. The ninth star had also moved closer to the Dantian, and he could sense an illusionary sphere at the center of his circling nine stars. Hopefully he had established a robust and formidable foundation. "Finally, I can rest easy. Zhen sprawled in the center of the circle in exhaustion as the sweat soaked robes plastered on his back. These past few days had not been easy for him. Except for occasional bursts of strength increment, he used all his free time to break through. He resembled a man possessed, with his sole purpose fixated on raising the numbers and advancing his practice. However, as the saying goes, heaven rewards the diligent. Zhen had forged a sturdy foundation and was happy with what he had accomplished. A sense of security washed over him¡­ Then his mind wandered to his unfinished business of getting targeted. Now, he could finally try to find the culprit. He was excited and jumped up. But suddenly, as if a cruel reminder from his body, he grimaced in pain. "Ow! Crap! Muscle cramps..." 8 — Debts and Loans Li Zhen squinted as the sunlight pierced through the clouds, casting intricate patterns of light and shadow on the cave entrance. The clear blue sky and the warmth of the sun, after a week of seclusion in the cave, felt almost foreign to his skin and irritatingly bright to his eyes. The cave''s rich qi air had been dense, almost suffocating with its potent energy, making every breath invigorating. Now, the fresh, clean air outside felt strangely light and thin in comparison, almost as if it lacked the same life force he had grown accustomed to. For a moment, he felt like he was at the top of a mountain with less oxygen in the surroundings. He hacked a cough as he tried to suck in more air, his lungs struggling to adjust to the difference. Just what I needed¡ª an open-air suffocation experience. The sensation was disorienting, making him acutely aware of just how much he had come to rely on that concentrated qi environment. That dense qi... it was intoxicating, like continuously guzzling triple shots of espresso. How am I supposed to adjust back to normal air? From his memory, he knew that it had been ten days since he had holed up inside. It was as if he had stepped from a vibrant, energy filled sanctuary into a world that was somehow more ordinary, more mundane. After being brought to this sect, Li Zhen cultivated for two years after reaching fifteen years, now I had become Li Zhen with my Ninth Realm of Qi Condensation. Who doesn''t know what to do next¡­ During his seclusion, he had relied on the fasting pill¡ªa magical concoction that could provide enough nutrients and energy for the body to last a month. He still doesn''t feel peckish. In his previous world, something like this would have been dubbed a godly medicine, but here, it was merely an extremely ordinary pill. There was a stone path leading down from the cave entrance. In the distance, he could see outlines of mountains all around. But they were way too far. Instead of gawking around, he walked with purposeful strides, trying to project confidence, though internally he was disoriented. Even if you''re lost, no one needs to know. What if that bastard who wants to kill him is here? The winding paths, the towering trees, and the distant silhouettes of mountains added to his sense of bewilderment. After wandering for what felt like an eternity, he stumbled upon his first real challenge in this new world: he was lost. No one had given him a tour or any directions, and the previous Li Zhen was busy with his breakthrough to memorize the way when a worker brought him here. Of course, I''m lost. Why would anyone bother with something as trivial as directions? He scanned his surroundings, searching for a familiar face or a landmark. His gaze settled on a man clad in white robes with blue highlights, moving with the ease of familiarity through crossroad ahead. The robes were intricately embroidered with silver threads and the the blue highlights accentuated the flowing lines of the fabric. Gathering his composure, Zhen approached the person. "Excuse me," He called out, his voice steady despite his inner turmoil. Hopefully, no one would notice he was an imposter. The man turned, sharp jawline gave him a commanding presence, while his piercing blue eyes flickered to the path Li Zhen had travelled. "Junior Brother Li Zhen," the man greeted him with a wry smile, "you really used quite an amount of qi. We were almost hung dry collecting starlight qi." His hair was a deep black, tied neatly at the back of his head. Zhen''s eyes twitched slightly as he turned to look at the sprawling mountain, dotted with countless caves. The idea that his qi usage had nearly drained their resources seemed absurd. Supplying qi for a single Qi Condensation Realm cultivator, they had been sucked dry? Like hell it was possible. But how does he know my name? "Thank you, but I must confess I do not know who you are," He admitted, feeling a bit sheepish as there was no memory of the man in previous Li Zhen''s memories. The man chuckled, a knowing look in his eyes. "Ah, where are my manners? I am Feng Ling, a senior disciple assigned to oversee the Nominal Area Qi Gathering Cave. It is my duty to ensure everything runs smoothly and to assist newer disciples like yourself." So this is my enterprising senior brother. Zhen nodded, filing away this information. "Then I would like to thank Senior Brother for his help with Junior''s cultivation," He cupped his hand and bowed slightly, maintaining a veneer of politeness despite the absurdity of the claim. Feng Ling handed him a parchment. "What is this between brothers? Here is the receipt." Zhen accepted the parchment, his eyes scanning the neatly written characters. He felt a mix of amusement and frustration. The fines and increased costs were steep, but they were part of the sect''s stringent rules, or so he hoped. One could never be certain in a demonic sect, but the paper seemed real enough. Final Receipt of Usage Nominal Disciple: Li Zhen Contract Period: 10 days for the breakthrough to the Ninth realm of Qi Condensation Additional Costs: Total Dues: 1,195 Qi Condensation Spirit Stones Stolen from its original source, this story is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings. Nominal Area Qi Gathering Caves Disciple Feng Ling This place is a business as much as a sect. How am I supposed to pay this? Zhen looked up from the parchment, meeting Feng Ling''s expectant eyes. The air between them grew thick with an unspoken tension, Feng Ling''s gaze unwavering as he awaited an answer. "So, when is Brother Li Zhen planning to pay the amount?" Feng Ling asked, his tone casual but with an edge that hinted at the seriousness of the matter. Zhen felt a flush of embarrassment creeping up his neck. He knew he had no immediate means to settle such a hefty fine. The reality of his situation was stark. Li Zhen had already used all his savings. He mustered a sheepish smile, trying to mask his discomfort. "Ah, Senior Brother Feng Ling, I... I must admit that I am currently not in possession of enough spirit stones to cover the fines," He confessed, his voice steady despite the flutter of anxiety in his chest. "Is there perhaps a way to... work off the debt or some arrangement that could be made?" Feng Ling''s genial expression turned cold as he frowned. "It''s not uncommon for new disciples to find themselves in such situations. The sect does have provisions for this." Zhen''s heart sank at the change in Feng Ling''s demeanor, but he kept his composure. "I understand. I am willing to do whatever is necessary to resolve this." "You don''t have to go that much." Feng Ling seemed to consider this for a moment before his gaze sharpened with curiosity. "I was also quite curious what you were doing with all the qi. Could I check your realm?" Zhen hesitated for a moment, feeling a prickle of unease. He had spent an inordinate amount of qi, but not in a way that would be immediately apparent to an outsider. Still, he had no choice but to comply. "Of course, Senior Brother Feng Ling." Feng Ling extended his hand, his fingers lightly grazing His wrist as he closed his eyes in concentration. Silence stretched between them, the only sounds being the rustle of leaves and the distant chirping of birds. Feng Ling''s brow furrowed for a second as he probed Zhen''s qi, and then his expression started growing more subtle. "So Junior Brother is practicing Cultivation Renewal..." Feng Ling commented after releasing his hands. Cultivation Renewal? What¡¯s that supposed to mean? Is he onto something? I don''t know if I''m practicing anything other than Hundred Stars Refinement. Zhen looked at him in confusion. "What is Senior Brother talking about?" Feng Ling gave him a subtle smile. "It''s alright if Junior Brother doesn''t want it known." He gave him a knowing wink. "With your firm foundation, we could easily forgo sending you to the mines to recover our money." Li Zhen felt cold sweat breaking out. Is that what the sect does to disciples who can''t pay their debts? The previous Li Zhen had only heard rumors about that place. Rumor had it that once a disciple was sent to the mines, they rarely returned to the surface unchanged. The work was grueling, often pushing them to the brink of their physical and mental limits. There were stories of promising cultivators whose spirits were broken, their ambitions crushed under the weight of unending labor. Many don''t even return. The main sources of death in the mines were spirit beast attacks and encountering toxic fumes during mining. He shuddered at the thought. The previous Li Zhen had always believed these tales to be exaggerated, but now, faced with the possibility, they seemed all too real. Thankfully, he seemed to have dodged a bullet with this misunderstanding and his firm foundation. "Then I don''t have to go to the mines?" He wanted to be sure. "Junior Brother is joking. With your foundation, you have countless prospects and can easily enter the Outer Sect. Then you could easily pay it back." Zhen released a sigh of relief as they descended the mountain. Just as he thought the crisis was averted, Feng Ling snatched a paper that appeared from thin air. His eyes widened in astonishment. Spatial storage! He had heard of such mystical items, but seeing one in action was entirely different. "Junior Brother, this is the standard loan agreement. You could pay the money in three months, or interest will be charged at 10 percent per month." His astonishment turned to dread. Zhen stared at the parchment, the neatly written characters a stark reminder of the exploitive reality. Can¡¯t I catch a break? Loan Agreement Nominal Disciple: Li Zhen Amount Due: 1,195 Qi Condensation Spirit Stones Repayment Period: 3 months Interest Rate: 10% per month after the repayment period By signing this agreement, you acknowledge the debt and agree to the terms of repayment. Signature: ____________________ Nominal Area Qi Gathering Cave Disciple Feng Ling Interest? At 10 percent per month? That¡¯s practically robbery. He took the paper, feeling the weight of his new obligation. "I understand, Brother Feng Ling. I will make sure to repay it within the given time." He sent his qi as the area under his signature filled with his name. Feng Ling nodded approvingly. "Junior brother doesn''t have to care too much. You should first enter Foundation Establishment, then you could easily pay it back. The interest might seems large but it would be pocket change in Foundation Realm." Hearing the words, his mouth twitched. The loan document clearly stated that the interest was compounding per month. They really don¡¯t miss a chance to squeeze every last bit out of you, do they? Does this senior of his want him to be a debtor forever? "Then I would do as senior brother says." Like hell, he would. He would pay it back as soon as possible. No way am I letting that interest pile up. Feng Ling then handed him a small, intricately designed badge. "Here is your Quasi Outer Disciple Badge. Go to the Outer Sect Hall to finalize the procedure." He took the badge, noting its straightforward design. It was a modest piece of jade, cool and smooth to the touch, with a faint green hue that caught the light. The badge had the sect''s emblem engraved in the center: a stylized phoenix in flight, its wings spread wide, surrounded by intricate swirling clouds. He slipped the badge into his robe, feeling its reassuring weight against his chest. "Thank you, Brother Feng Ling. I will head to the Outer Sect Hall right away." Feng Ling gave him a nod of approval. "Good luck, Junior Brother. Make the most of this opportunity and be sure to pay." 9 — Outer Sect Hall After leaving Feng Ling behind, Zhen breathed a sigh of relief as he clutched his Loan Agreement. His mind was a whirlpool of thoughts. This cultivation world seemed surprisingly advanced with believing in future promises. Wasn''t the path to immortality supposed to be riddled with constant danger and frequent death? Could the Abyssal Harmony Sect be this stable, or was there something he was missing? The previous Li Zhen had taken these questions at face value, leaving him with more questions than answers. As he walked, he felt the qi coursing through his body, a sensation both thrilling and strange. He remembered martial arts moves he had seen in movies, and though he knew he couldn''t fly, he felt an irresistible urge to test his limits. With a quick look around the deserted path, he decided to indulge his curiosity. He bent his knees slightly, gathering qi into his legs, and leaped into the air. The burst of energy sent him soaring a good ten feet into the air, covering a distance of about twenty feet. The sensation was exhilarating¡ªhis heart raced as the air rushed past his face, the ground rapidly shrinking beneath him. This is insane! I¡¯m really flying¡ªwell, sort of. For a moment, he felt invincible, a broad grin spreading across his face. However, as he began to descend, the ground seemed to rush toward him with alarming speed, and panic set in as his grin faltered. Wait, how do I land? He flailed his arms, trying to regain balance, but his body was still unfamiliar with controlling qi. I didn¡¯t think this through! Steady, steady... I can do this! His legs stiffened in preparation for the landing, but he misjudged the force and the strength of his new body. He hit the ground hard, stumbling forward as his feet skidded on the dirt path. He managed to regain his balance after a few awkward steps, his heart pounding in his chest. Ouch! Okay, maybe not my finest moment. He looked around, hoping no one had seen his less-than-graceful landing. Phew, that was close. Gotta practice that more. Despite the rough ending, a part of him buzzed with excitement at the possibilities of what he could achieve with more practice. Walking towards the Outer Sect Hall, he noticed something different in the air¡ª it felt heavier and more alive with qi. The feeling returned to the time when he was in the cave. Though it was still far away from the qi-saturated cave, it was more substantial than the Nominal Sect Area. The path to the Outer Sect Hall was lined with other disciples wearing various color robes. In contrast, he wore the simple gray robes of a nominal disciple, marking him as a newcomer, a fresh face among seasoned practitioners. He sifted through the memories of the previous Li Zhen, realizing that nominal disciples rarely ran errands. It was a menial task that could be pretty profitable if one had a powerful backer. But I don¡¯t. The supply of tasks from the outer disciples was far fewer than the number of nominal disciples. He could feel the weight of their stares. He tried to read the people around him, deciphering the subtle cues to survive. The other disciples looked at him like he was an easy target, someone they could push around. They stood taller, their backs straight, trying to intimidate him with their presence whenever he made eye contact. He knew they saw him as weak, just another stepping stone in their path to power. My robes might as well be a bullseye on my back. But he didn¡¯t let it show that he was bothered. He kept his face calm and walked steadily. Inside, though, he was alert and cautious. Just as he was nearing the Hall, a figure in bright emerald robes, denoting her higher status, stepped gracefully toward him. She was a Senior Sister, her face framed by a friendly smile that contrasted starkly with the intense scrutiny of the others. She had delicate features, a serene expression, and long black hair that flowed like silk down her back and contrasted nicely with her fair skin. Her eyes, though friendly, held a depth that suggested she was not to be underestimated. A jade beauty, huh? Maybe not. He didn''t feel the loss of reason or infatuation, so perhaps she wasn''t that beautiful to him. While she was attractive, his expectations were relatively high in this regard for the cultivation world. However, he was wary of her seemingly kind demeanor. Better stay on guard. You never know what kind of shenanigans might be at play here. "Junior Brother," she greeted warmly, offering a slight nod. "You must be new. I''m Lian. It can be a bit overwhelming here, but you''ll get used to it." Did my confident stride fool no one? He was confused as to why she thought he was new but returned the greeting with a bow. "Thank you, Senior Sister Lian. I''m Li Zhen. It''s a lot to take in." Help support creative writers by finding and reading their stories on the original site. Lian chuckled lightly, her eyes twinkling. "I remember my first day; it felt like walking into a den of lions. You''re going to the hall, right? " Zhen nodded, cautious but polite. ¡°Yes, Senior. I¡¯m trying to find my way around.¡± ¡°Come, I¡¯ll show you to the hall,¡± Senior Sister Lian offered with a friendly smile. As they walked together, Lian''s easy manner helped dissolve some of the tension Li Zhen had felt. Okay, maybe she''s genuinely nice, but better safe than sorry. Her robes swished gently around her ankles, her stride confident. "We''re having a little gathering tomorrow night for a few of the newer disciples," she mentioned casually as they approached the massive doors of the hall. "It''s nothing formal, just a chance to relax and meet everyone. You should come." Now she knew I was newly promoted too? He was surprised by the invitation but knew he had to be cautious. Uncertain of the existing alliances and rivalries, he decided on a non-committal response. ¡°Thank you for the invitation, Senior Sister. r. I''ll come if I can make it. But how did Senior Sister know I was newly promoted?¡± Lian smiled knowingly. "Well, Junior Brother, you¡¯re leaking your Qi like a broken jar. It¡¯s easy to tell you¡¯ve just entered the ninth realm." He felt a flush of embarrassment at the simple reason and quickly tried to rein in his Qi, realizing how evident his inexperience must have been. Focusing inward to control his energy more tightly, he tried to keep the qi only inside his body. As they approached the Outer Sect Hall, he took a moment to appreciate the building from the outside. It was a grand and imposing traditional Chinese tower with a pagoda-style roof, the tall, ornately decorated walls and eaves were adorned with intricate carvings of what looked like war to him. The dark wooden doors were wide open, with many disciples bustling in and out, each engaged in their own tasks. Lian turned to him just outside the massive doors. "Junior Brother, I have some matters to attend to. Remember, the gathering is tomorrow night. It¡¯ll be a good opportunity to meet other disciples and get acquainted with Outer Sect." He nodded, maintaining his polite demeanor. "Thank you, Senior Sister Lian. I¡¯ll keep that in mind." She smiled warmly. "Take care, and don¡¯t hesitate to ask if you need any help. We¡¯re all here to grow together." With that, she gave a final nod and walked away, leaving him at last. Gathering, huh? Maybe I should go. He took another deep breath and stepped inside. The interior was just as impressive. There were many doors leading to different rooms and a grand staircase that spiraled upwards. He was met with the organized chaos typical of a large, active sect. Disciples bustled about, each absorbed in their duties or conversing in low, urgent tones. The hall itself was expansive, with high ceilings supported by ornate pillars, and the walls were adorned with tapestries depicting the sect''s storied history. In the hall''s center was a large reception desk, where a stern-looking elder was seated, busy with paperwork and directing the flow of disciples. To the left wall, there was a massive bulletin board covered with various notices, announcements, and missions. And on the far right side of the hall, there were holding cells. He could see a few individuals inside, some bound in chains, their expressions ranging from defiance to despair. Curious, he walked over to examine them more closely. The holding cells were made of sturdy iron bars, each equipped with a simple cot and a small table. Outer Sect Hall''s Public Criminal Prison The prisoners were provided with basic necessities¡ªfood, water, and even some rudimentary bedding. It was far from luxurious, but certainly more than he had expected for criminals. His gaze then shifted to the large post beside the cells, detailing the crimes and the cost of bailing out each prisoner. He read the descriptions one by one. The first prisoner was a man in his late twenties, with a lean build and sharp features. Kang Wei ¡ª Stole Spirit Herbs from the Alchemy Hall. Bail: 1,378 Foundation Building Spirit Stones. Next was a woman with long, unkempt hair and a cold, steely gaze. Mei Ling ¡ª Found killing Elder Ye Zu. Bail: 30 Foundation Building Spirit Stones. Looking at Mei Ling''s bail, he wasn''t sure if the elder''s life only cost 30 Foundation Establishment spirit stones, or if there was something else behind the scene. The last prisoner that caught his eye was a man in his thirties, his face weathered but his eyes still sharp and calculating. Qin Rong ¡ª Spied for the Azure God Sect. Bail: 5,243 Foundation Building Spirit Stones. The sheer amount demanded for his release was staggering. Spirit stones are a fundamental resource in this cultivation world, he recalled from the memories of the previous Li Zhen. All spirit stones are harvested by cultivators at their respective stages, and the qi inside corresponds to those levels. They serve not only as a currency but also as a vital resource for cultivation and various alchemical processes. Li Zhen had only seen Foundation Building spirit stones from afar. They were larger and more radiant than the ordinary ones he was accustomed to, pulsating with qi dense enough for cultivators in the Foundation Building. Surprisingly, many of the prisoners were in good condition, their faces resolute. Aren¡¯t prisoners supposed to be, I don¡¯t know, suffering? He pondered as he heard a few bystanders talking. "The number of spies is increasing. We found another one in the alchemy garden yesterday." "Yeah, I heard the sect discovered some kind of treasure in the mines. That''s why everyone''s getting so jumpy." Treasure in the mines? Interesting. That area was one of the most rumored places for previous Li Zhen. And spies... this place is more complex than it seems. 10 — Outer Disciple at Last As he observed the prisoners, a small group began to form around one particular cell. A tall, broad-shouldered man with a scar running down his left cheek approached Qin Rong''s cell. His presence commanded attention, and more disciples gathered to watch the spectacle unfold. "Well, Qin Rong," the man said with a smirk, his voice dripping with disdain, "I heard the Law Enforcement extracted all the information from you." Zhen moved closer, drawn by the intensity of the confrontation. Qin Rong''s eyes blazed with anger, the veins in his neck bulging as he spat back, "You think you know everything? You know nothing, fool. My sect¡ª" The man cut him off with a harsh chuckle. "Oh, save it. Send your pathetic emergency talisman to your sect. Maybe they''ll bail you out to save face. Then I could get a cut from dragging you here." Qin Rong''s face turned crimson with fury, his fists clenching so tightly that his knuckles turned white. "You wretch! I''ll see you rot before I give you anything!" The man chuckled and stepped back, clearly enjoying Qin Rong¡¯s reaction. Qin Rong''s fists clenched as he struggled against his restraints, his eyes burning with hatred. The onlookers murmured amongst themselves, clearly entertained by the exchange. So Qin Rong could only serve as a money bag. The sect really is greedy enough to extract every spirit stone. Sure, it was cutthroat and merciless from previous Li Zhen memory, but it also had its moments of sheer absurdity that he was experiencing. Moving on, he joined the line of Outer Disciples waiting for their turn at the reception desk. The air buzzed with chatter, the line moving steadily. As he waited, his attention was drawn to the disciple before him. A sword was strapped to the back of the red-robed disciple. The man at the reception desk raised an eyebrow slightly. "Ah, Lan Mei, it''s good to see you again. Did you fail to complete your latest mission?" The red-robed disciple shifted slightly, revealing a more delicate frame than he had initially noticed. A cold, clear voice addressed the elder, and he realized with a start that the disciple was a girl. "No, Elder Zhou. The traitors have been dealt with." Elder Zhou nodded, starting to return to his no-nonsense demeanor. "It''s alright if you fai¡ª Wait, did you say you eradicated them?" "Yes, Elder Zhou. They will no longer be a threat to our sect." Lan Mei placed a blood-soaked bag on the desk, red droplets dripping from it. Zhen almost lost his stomach as the smell of the blood assaulted his nose, and he saw three round-shaped objects inside the bag. His heart raced as he realized they were the severed heads of the traitors. The sight was shocking, a harsh introduction to the brutal realities of the cultivation world he had only expected but not experienced personally. Elder Zhou''s stern expression faltered, "Wasn''t the mission issued only three days prior?" He muttered as he checked inside the bag. Thankfully for Zhen''s stomach, the elder only gave it a casual look before the bag, and all the bloodstains were removed with a flick of his wrist. A smile tugged at his lips as he leaned back slightly. "Impressive, Lan Mei. You continue to exceed our expectations. The sect is fortunate to have you." Lan Mei bowed slightly, her expression softening for a brief moment. "Thank you, Elder Zhou. I will continue to serve the sect to the best of my abilities." Elder Zhou''s smile faded, his demeanor once again serious, but with a hint of pride in his eyes. "Good. Report to the Law Enforcement if you want to deal with more traitors. And take some time to rest; you''ve earned it." As Lan Mei turned to leave, Zhen maintained his eyes straight toward the reception. He didn''t want to cause problems by trying to observe this ruthless cultivator. Sure enough, jade beauties and sword cultivators should be kept at arm''s length. Next, it was his turn. At the reception desk, the elder had already returned to his no-nonsense demeanor. His gaze flicked over Zhen, assessing him with a brief, calculating look before nodding slightly, seemingly approving of his composed demeanor. ¡°Name?¡± The elder''s voice was brisk, with none of the earlier warmth, more like a command. "Li Zhen," he responded clearly, meeting the elder¡¯s gaze with steady eyes. The elder¡¯s eyes flicked over him again, this time with a hint of curiosity. "Nominal Disciple Li Zhen, why are you here?" Zhen maintained his composure under the scrutinous look. "I''m here to receive my Outer Sect uniform and badge, sir." The author''s tale has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon. Handing over the badge given by Senior Brother Feng Ling, he watched as the elder''s expression softened slightly. "When did you reach the ninth realm?" the elder asked in rapid-fire succession. "This morning," Zhen replied. "Where?" "Inside the Qi Gathering Cave." "Show me your previous badge." "Here." Zhen produced the old badge that he found in his robes, holding it out. The elder took it, eyes flicking over the details, before asking a few more questions. As Zhen answered the rapid firing of questions, the elder picked out a register. He noticed a quill floating in the air, its tip scratching across the parchment as it recorded the information. Then, the elder reached under the counter, bringing out a neatly folded set of robes and a small, velvet-lined box. The elder handed the items back to Zhen. "Here are your Quasi Outer Sect robes and your disciple badge. The badge must be worn at all times within sect grounds. It¡¯s your proof of identity and rank." He accepted the robes and badge, feeling the weight of the fabric and the cool metal of the badge against his skin. The robes were a deep blue, almost black, with intricate silver embroidery that shimmered subtly in the light. He opened the box to find a badge made of polished, dark metal etched with the sect¡¯s emblem¡ªa soaring phoenix. "Thank you, Elder Zhao," he said, accepting the items. He felt the weight of the badge in his hand, a tangible symbol of his new beginning. "Now, as for your duties," the elder continued, "you are required to complete one non-intensive task for the sect in the next six months. You can choose from tasks like working in the spirit garden, going outside for expeditions, or clearing the Devil Cave. If you''re looking for something that pays more, check the bulletin board over there." The elder pointed towards a large wooden board on the wall to his right, filled with various postings. "Most new disciples start with simpler tasks¡ªtending to the spirit gardens, guarding the sect''s lesser halls, or assisting in the kitchens. These tasks help you integrate and understand the daily workings of the sect while in your six months grace period." Zhen''s mind, however, was already on more ambitious goals. "Which of these tasks would be the most financially rewarding?" he asked, his tone casual but his intent clear. The elder replied promptly, as if he had been asked this question numerous times before. "If it¡¯s the spirit stones you¡¯re after, check the bulletin board for assignments outside the sect. Some involve more risk, like escorting traders or gathering rare ingredients from the wilds, but they pay accordingly. However, going outside might hinder your growth to become a Foundation Establishment." "Thank you for the advice, honorable elder." he said, turning towards the bulletin board to inspect the postings more closely. Being courteous should have earned him some brownie points. Just as he was about to take a step, Zhen felt his body stopping. He was confused and a little fearful as his body turned towards the elder automatically. "Youngsters these days are always in such a rush," the elder commented with a similar sharp tone. "Your registration is not completed. You¡¯ll have the chance to select one Foundation Establishment martial arts technique from the Martial Arts Pavilion. In three months, you would get permission to either pick a new refining technique or upgrade your previous technique. Now sign your name here." Elder Zhao forwarded a register with a entry in his name. The previous Li Zhen memory easily helped him understand the language so he made a quick sign. Zhen waited, expecting more information. Elder Zhao glanced at him and added, "That is all you need to know. You can go now." Thanking the elder, Zhen stepped towards the bulletin board, scanning the various postings. The board was cluttered with flyers and scrolls, each describing different tasks with their corresponding rewards. There were tasks for gathering herbs, hunting beasts, and even more dangerous assignments for higher. Some were mundane, suited for those looking to avoid risk, while others promised adventure and substantial payment for those willing to brave dangers. Zhen''s eyes skimmed over the postings, Gather ten Moonlight Herbs from the Misty Forest - 5 Foundation Establishment spirit stones. Escort a merchant caravan to the Western Pass - 7 Foundation Establishment spirit stones. Hunt down the Ironclaw Bear in the Blackwood - 22 Foundation Establishment spirit stones. He mentally calculated his options, considering the dangers and rewards. His debt loomed in his mind, pushing him to seek the higher-paying, riskier tasks. I need to solve the question of my debt. And fast. Nothing else matters right now. Zhen paced around one of the corners of the Outer Sect Hall, feeling the cold wood floor beneath his foot. He cast a glance at the task board, examining the available options for what felt like the hundredth time. After ten minutes of scrutinizing the list, he had a rough idea of all the tasks available. Most of them fell into two categories: inside and outside sect tasks. Unsurprisingly, the tasks outside the sect paid more. He paused, contemplating the choices before him. Tasks inside the sect would allow him to maintain a rigorous cultivation schedule, crucial for reaching the Foundation Establishment without disruptions. He would have the time and stability to focus on his practice, making steady progress without the added dangers of the outside world. On the other hand, the tasks outside the sect offered higher pay, a tempting prospect that could help him clear his debt much faster. But the risks were significant. Venturing outside the sect meant facing unpredictable dangers, and the time spent away from his cultivation could slow his advancement, possibly jeopardizing his long-term goals. The dilemma chewed at him, pulling him in two directions. Inside sect tasks offered a safe and steady path, aligning with his long-term aspirations of progressing through the cultivation realms. Yet, the immediate pressure of his debt made the lucrative outside tasks tantalizingly appealing. As he debated the question, he weighed the long-term benefits against the short-term urgency. Tasks inside the sect meant a slower, more secure route to power, while outside tasks promised quick relief but at the risk of his future potential. Finally, after thinking long and hard, Zhen made his decision. The long-term goal of reaching Foundation Establishment and beyond was too important to jeopardize. He needed stability and uninterrupted practice to ensure his future strength. With a sigh, he resolved to take the tasks inside the sect, accepting that the path to clearing his debt would be slower but safer. But there should be other ways for him to earn spirit stones. He should be able to monetize his daily insights from the golden words. 11 — Future Plans Zhen¡¯s first priority was to secure an inside job with the sect, but he wasn¡¯t opposed to exploring other ways to make money. Absentmindedly, he found a secluded corner and started going through other money-making schemes. The distant hum of conversations and the hurried steps of disciples filled the air, but he was oblivious to it all, lost in his thoughts. He extended his fingers, counting the potential methods one by one. He lifted his index finger, his brow furrowing in concentration. First was Selling Techniques and Scriptures. What if I sold some of the scriptures and techniques that I would know using the golden words? Although he had only tested the ability on Hundred Stars Refinement, the prospect of learning advanced techniques and scriptures seemed plausible if he could find their distilled versions. Even if it wouldn''t be a new scripture, it could at least upgrade any of the scriptures and techniques he might target. He spent a few moments mulling over the idea, visualizing himself in clandestine meetings, passing scrolls to eager buyers. But then he dismissed it with a shake of his head. While his knowledge was valuable, he was too weak to demand the proper value for it. The sect likely had these scriptures in their library, and selling directly to disciples would raise uncomfortable questions he wasn¡¯t ready to answer. He sighed, lowering his index finger, dismissing the idea, and raised his middle finger. Selling Guidance. This comes back to my golden words, Zhen thought, tapping his chin thoughtfully. He had spent plenty of time getting answers from the golden words on anything that he used the ability on. From cultivation questions to mundane details. Maybe he could help disciple solve their problems. Sage¡¯s Daily Scroll of Heavenly, Earthly, and Mortal Insights. Target: None There were many obscurities about his ability, but the Insights were what Zhen was sure about. Unfortunately, while this knowledge could guarantee a smooth journey to at least the same realm as his, it faced the same issue as selling techniques and scriptures. He was too weak, and no one would believe his advice, let alone pay for it. Advice from peers was rarely helpful, and targeting those lower than him wouldn''t work either¡ªthey were as poor as he was. He crossed out the second idea. Next, Zhen raised his ring finger, Selling Formations Or Maybe Pills. The golden words had already helped him learn the Starlight Convergence Qi Gathering Formations. Perhaps he could sell his service by constructing formations he learned from the golden words. His mind conjured images of intricate formation patterns, glowing with ethereal light as they channeled qi. But the problem was whether they were restricted by the sect or if there was exclusivity. He had similar concerns about pills. Although he hadn''t checked a pill with his ability, he was seventy percent sure he could get the pill refining method. He imagined rows of bubbling cauldrons, the rich aroma of herbs filling the air. But again, sect restrictions and exclusivity issues arose. But not by that much, as pills should be staple supplements for these cultivators. Even the previous Li Zhen used quite a number of pills. A little mollified, Zhen put down the ring finger and raised his pinky finger, thinking of his fourth idea. Rather than chasing extra income, he could concentrate on his cultivation progress. After all, wasn¡¯t this the typical path of fated cultivators in the world who forged their path? His past problems could be solved with a wave of his hand when he is strong enough. Advancing his own cultivation would not only ease his path but also enhance his allowance from the sect. There could be future options that he could easily pursue, but there was also the risk of falling deeper into debt once the interest period was activated. After thinking it over, he decided to postpone the money-making schemes and go for stability inside the sect. If an opportunity arose, he would try to search for general formations and normal pills to sell within the sect. Hopefully, the golden words would help him produce higher quality products. But for now, planning in detail was simply counting his chickens before they hatch. At least, he know a direction. Heaving a sigh, Zhen made his way through the crowded hall to the reception. After another period of waiting, it was again his chance. The elder, already deep in the next set of paperwork, glanced up with a hint of surprise and mild irritation. "What is Nominal Disciple doing here again so soon?" Ignoring the slight rebuke, Zhen took a deep breath. "Do I have to select a task right now?" Stolen from its rightful place, this narrative is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings. The elder''s initial curiosity lessened a little, creasing his brow. "You don''t have to snatch up a task right this second. You can head back to the nominal area. Sort out your advancement first; tasks can wait." Zhen''s brows furrowed slightly. Shouldn''t he be moved to better housing and transferred to the Outer Sect Area? He voiced his thoughts, trying to ensure he understood every detail. "And housing? Do I move into the Outer Sect quarters now?" The Elder scoffed as soon as Zhen stopped speaking. "Stay where you are until you''ve cracked Foundation Establishment. You don¡¯t just get handed the keys to a better place because you got a new badge." Zhen mind raced. What the hell? I don''t get free housing? All those days of diligent practice, and I still have to worry about a place to stay. The thought of missing out on the dense Qi in the Outer Sect area gnawed at him. That Qi would skyrocket my cultivation, he mused, imagining the power he could attain. Moreover, moving into the Outer Sect would mark a clear division from the life of the previous Li Zhen. It was a step towards solidifying his own identity in this world. He took a deep breath, determined to push further. "Is there no way to move into the Outer Sect Area?" he asked, a hint of suggestion lacing his words. Surely, there must be some way around this. The elder''s irritation melted, and he raised an eyebrow, his interest piqued. Slowly, he set down his pen and removed his glasses, wiping them with a cloth from his sleeve in a deliberate, thoughtful manner. Leaning back, he finally spoke, "You really don''t give up, do you, Li Zhen? It''s rare to see such stubbornness." Zhen straightened, feeling a flicker of hope ignited within him. This is it, he thought, a chance to finally break free from the confines of the nominal disciple quarters. The Elder paused, studying his face before continuing. "The Outer Sect is divided into Twelve Peaks. You have to be selected into one of the peaks to move into their region." Zhen''s eyes brightened with curiosity. The faint lines of worry on his face relaxed slightly. It wasn''t much, but it was a start. "And how do I get selected?" The elder''s eyes met his, "Each peak has its own criteria and trials. You''ll need to prove your worth. Or wait for the quarterly mass advancement period." He paused for a moment, lowering his voice conspiratorially. "Sometimes, new positions that are crucial to the sect or particularly demanding can come with the perk of improved accommodations. These aren¡¯t typical, but they do exist." Positions that come with better accommodations? This could be my chance. Zhen''s interest deepened. "Are there any new positions available right now?" The elder leaned forward, lowering his voice even further. Zhen mirrored his action, leaning forward as well. The elder glanced around, ensuring no one else was listening. The disciples behind him suddenly appeared engrossed in their own tasks, their chatter fading into the background. "As a Quasi Outer Sect Disciple, you would receive one Foundation Establishment Spirit Stone at the end of each month," he said, his tone suggestive. Zhen¡¯s heart leaped with joy. One spirit stone a month just for being a disciple? His mind raced with future plans. The idea of receiving resources for being a quasi disciple was beyond his expectations. But before he could fully revel in his fortune, the elder''s next words brought him back to reality. "Of course," the elder''s expression turned suggestive, as if expecting something in return for this information. "some information like this isn¡¯t freely given." Zhen''s excitement dimmed as he realized the elder expected a bribe. He cursed inwardly but knew he had no choice but to accept. It was already his idea, but spending his money before seeing was too much. "How much?" he asked, trying to keep his voice steady. The elder smirked, a look of satisfaction crossing his face. He reached for another register, made an entry, and then handed Zhen a small pouch. "Here is your monthly allotment of spirit stone." Zhen took the pouch, confusion washing over him. His fingers traced the edges of the pouch, noting its lightness. He opened it, only to find it empty. Realization dawned, and he gritted his teeth, understanding that the bribe had been taken upfront. "You could start by helping with the construction effort for a new spirit garden in Jadecrest Peak," the elder suggested. He sighed, as if debating whether to delve into the details for a mere one foundation establishment spirit stone, then shrugged. "This project involves setting up a mild Qi density cultivation area. It''s high stress and high responsibility. Screw up, and you affect the sect''s future supply of healing salves, potions and cultivations resources. But manage well, and you get not just better pay, but also a living space in the Outer Sect quarters to keep you close to your work." Zhen nodded, absorbing the information. "Where can I find more information about this role?" The elder opened a folder and handed Zhen a sheet. The parchment felt heavy in his hand, filled with detailed script. "These tasks are on a need-to-know basis, but this should qualify you. Make sure you understand what you¡¯re signing up for. These roles aren¡¯t for the faint-hearted or slackers." His tone was stern, almost challenging, as if testing Zhen''s resolve. "Thank you, I will," Zhen responded, grateful for the honest advice. With a deep breath, Zhen decided to take the plunge. This task could fast-track his integration into the sect''s core activities and establish his own advancement. The details were daunting, outlining the precision and dedication required to manage the garden effectively. The list of potential pitfalls seemed endless, but so did the benefits. As he read, Zhen envisioned himself amidst rows of rare herbs, the rich scent of medicinal plants filling the air. This could also be the perfect opportunity to gain insights and ingredients for a future pills business, he thought, excitement bubbling within him. It was a challenging task, but the rewards were worth it: increased pay, better living quarters, and a denser qi percentage than the sect grounds. He approached the elder again, who looked up with his same no-nonsense demeanor. "I''ll take on the medicinal herb garden task." The elder nodded, his expression slightly less stern. "Very well. Report to Jadecrest Peak in a week at dawn. You''ll meet the head disciple for the task there, and they''ll brief you on your duties." 12 — Past Grievances Li Zhen stirred as a beam of sunlight pierced through a narrow crack in the thatched wall, casting a warm glow across his face. He blinked, slowly emerging from the depths of sleep, his mind gradually becoming aware of the unfamiliar surroundings. As he shifted, the bed beneath him responded with creaks and groans, each movement causing the old wood to protest. The lumpy and worn mattress offered little comfort, a major inconvenience compared to the life Zhen had once known. He lay still for a moment longer, listening to the creaking bed, the sound almost rhythmic, like a song of the past echoing in the present. He inhaled deeply, the scent of aged paper and dried herbs filling his nostrils, grounding him in the present. With a soft sigh, Zhen swung his legs over the side of the bed. The old frame groaned in response, the sound almost a part of his morning routine now. He stretched, feeling the tightness in his muscles ease slightly, the remnants of sleep slowly fading away. The cool wooden floor against his bare feet sent a shiver up his spine, waking him further. Rubbing his eyes, he stood and moved towards the window, drawn by the light. The dust motes danced in the sunbeam, tiny particles swirling and shifting like stars in a miniature galaxy. He reached out, the light warming his fingers, and for a brief moment, with a simple mental nudge from him, he felt the qi in the air responding and flowing in the room. It was far more sparse than the Cave, but it was still a new experience for him. Ten days had passed in this cultivation world, and it was his first sleep in a normal environment. As he stood there, the reality of his situation gradually sank into his mind. He was no longer in the world he once knew, no longer the same Zhen. The memories of his past life felt like shadows, distant and intangible. Transmigration¡ªhe still marveled at the thought. The concept seemed so foreign, yet here he was, living it. "This is my life now," he reminded himself, the words echoing in his mind. "A new world, a new identity." He could feel the weight of those words settling in, grounding him further in this reality. The previous Li Zhen''s memories were now his, and he had become Li Zhen. The hut was modest, constructed from weathered wood and thatched with straw, blending seamlessly with the surrounding forest. Sparse furnishings decorated the interior: a low wooden table, a simple cot with a straw mattress, and a few shelves lined with scrolls and trinkets. After washing himself behind the house, Zhen stood quietly in front of a simple mirror in his sparse hut; his gaze fixed not on his reflection but on the air just before him. Dressed in the new outer sect robe ¡ªa young man of modest yet pleasing appearance with warm eyes and pale skin stared back at him. Though he was pleased with his appearance, it was the least of his concerns. The fabric felt soft against his skin, a constant reminder of his promotion. As he adjusted the robe, his gaze wasn''t drawn to his own reflection¡ª but rather, his focus was intensely fixed on the space just before him where golden words floated gently in the air. Sage¡¯s Daily Scroll of Heavenly, Earthly, and Mortal Insights. Target: None The golden words burned in the air silently. He already had wasted one day without using his ability for fear of being discovered. Despite the allure of using it now, Zhen''s mind was preoccupied with a pressing concern. He needed to confirm they were invisible to others, a secret that could keep him safe¡ªor mark him for danger. He watched, almost holding his breath, as the golden words shimmered. Looking back into the mirror, he found no trace of them reflected. A sigh of relief escaped his lips, easing the tension that had tightened his shoulders. Stepping away from the mirror, Zhen pondered the potential disasters that could unfold should anyone ever glimpse these words. The mere thought sent a chill down his spine, an icy reminder of the precarious edge on which he now balanced. While one might assume it was a given that others couldn''t perceive the golden words, as it was his ability, Zhen was not one to leave things to chance. There were too many uncertainties about this whole thing, so it was a given that he would be extra careful. His mind buzzed with the implications of his power being exposed. Such a revelation could lead to envy, fear, or worse, manipulation by those craving his abilities. Only a tiny rumor of possession of a tressure had pressured the previous Li Zhen to rush his cultivation, resulting in his death. Now, Zhen harbored a new, powerful ability, one that could tempt cultivators to commit crimes and murder. The stakes were even higher; such a power, if discovered, could unleash chaos, turning his journey into a blood bath. With these sobering thoughts, Zhen exhaled slowly, banishing the remnants of doubt clinging to his mind. Straightening his back, he looked into the mirror one last time and then turned to leave the small hut that used to belong to the previous Li Zhen. Unauthorized duplication: this tale has been taken without consent. Report sightings. This confirmation gave him the confidence to proceed and move forward without the haunting fear of being watched or exposed. Still, he knew he had to test his abilities on some unsuspecting people first. He gathered the few things he owned¡ªjust ten Qi Gathering Spirit Stones that made a soft jingling sound in his pocket. The previous Li Zhen had hidden them in a secret place in the wall for emergencies. Only ten. Zhen sighed, feeling a bit defeated. Compared to his debt of over a thousand, this was barely one percent. But beggars couldn''t be choosers, so he stopped his whining. For now, he had one week before his tasks began. He could use this time to cultivate in the nominal area and learn the martial arts technique Elder Zhao had informed him about. With everything of value tucked away, Zhen stepped out of the hut, the door creaking shut behind him. The world outside vastly differed from the humble interior he had just left. The Nominal Sect area sprawled before him¡ªa lush expanse of green plants and trees dotted with thatched huts scattered at decent distances from each other. Yet, for all its visual appeal, the air was thin, barely carrying the qi that cultivators sought. The terrain was covered in greenery, with tall grasses swaying gently in the breeze and clusters of wildflowers adding splashes of color. The trees were ancient, their thick trunks twisted and gnarled, branches reaching out like the arms of forgotten giants. Moss and lichen clung to the bark, giving the forest an emerald hue. Despite the abundance of plant life, the qi density was so low it was almost nonexistent. In his old world, Zhen would have seen this place as a paradise. But here, where qi was essential, this beautiful place held little value. To a true cultivator, it was like a barren wasteland. He could easily imagine this place as a neglected corner of the sect reserved for its nominal disciples. The air carried a sense of desolation, reinforcing the area''s status as a place for those who were barely considered part of the sect. The path he took was a narrow, well-worn dirt track that wound its way through the huts, worn down by the footsteps of countless others who had walked it before him. The ground beneath was uneven, with roots and rocks jutting out. As he walked, the leaves rustled softly in the morning breeze, and the scent of fresh foliage filled the air. The lush surroundings created a stark contrast to the barren qi environment. Occasionally, he passed other disciples who bowed their heads in his direction. For a moment, confusion flickered across his mind¡ªwhy the sudden respect? The previous Li Zhen had never received such treatment. Then he realized it was due to the clothes he now wore, marking him with a higher status than before. Thinking like this, Zhen walked toward the Martial Arts Pavillion leisurely, enjoying being in a different world with a higher status. Approaching the nominal area gate, his ears caught the rise of voices¡ªa commotion that drew his curiosity. A small crowd was in front of him, which Zhen slowly approached. "He Shan, why didn''t you pay us your protection fee? Are you trying to disrespect Senior Brother Xiao Hong, huh?" A tall figure shouted at the top of his lungs, accusing a young man. Zhen remembered the guy¡ªthe local serpent. His name was Wang Bo, a man with a personal history of animosity with the previous Li Zhen. Wang Bo worked for Xiao Hong, an inner sect disciple who had made it his mission to target him. As memories of their past encounters flooded his mind, Zhen''s hands clenched into fists. But then Zhen took a deep breath and controlled himself. Even though the memories were vivid and raw, he knew seeking revenge wouldn''t help him now. His fingers slowly unclenched and he let the tension drain from his body. However, one thing was sure¡ªhe would never allow himself to suffer like that again. "Being the lackey of Xiao Hong must be fun for you? I¡¯m not paying your protection fee," He Shan said defiantly. Wang Bo''s face twisted with anger. "Looks like you need a reminder of your last beating," With that, he lunged forward, his foot connecting with the young man''s stomach with a sickening thud. The crowd collectively recoiled, taking a step back as the violence erupted. A few faces twisted in shock and fear, while most of the onlookers leaned in, eyes gleaming with morbid curiosity. Hushed whispers and gasps rippled through the gathered people, a mixture of excitement and dread. He Shan doubled over, clutching his midsection, pain etched across his face. Yet, there was a fire in his eyes. He struggled to his feet, his breaths coming in ragged gasps, "You might be stronger now, but don¡¯t underestimate the young. I¡¯ll come for you someday," he spat, each word dripping with defiance. Looking at the youth who seemed to exude an aura of determination to go against the world, Zhen paused momentarily. This youth also had left a strong impression on the previous Li Zhen. From his memories, Zhen recalled He Shan, who was one year younger than him and had caused quite a stir during the spiritual root assessment ceremony. His talents were quite good, at least above average, but his rapid rise in strength was exceptional. There also had been talk of an Inner Elder taking an interest in the boy, possibly choosing him as an Inner Disciple. But all that crumbled when his cultivation was abruptly destroyed during a sect mission outside. He Shan had reached the ninth realm before the previous Li Zhen, but Li Zhen was also the fastest cultivator for his generation of nominal disciples. Even though it was not a match for genius, it was almost a miracle for him to have made such progress with his mid grade spiritual root, which was one of the reasons for the rumor of him having a treasure floating around. It¡¯s always the promising ones that attract the most enemies, Zhen reflected. When you''re at the top, everyone wants to knock you down. And when you fall, they¡¯re all too eager to kick you while you¡¯re down. He Shan had made his share of enemies, and people who were jealous of his potential. 13 — Possible Protagonist Zhen stepped back into the shadows, his mind racing. The scene before him was a perfect blend of tension and drama, straight out of the cultivation stories he loved. Rising quickly means you make enemies just as fast. They see your success as a threat and will do anything to see you fail. The previous Li Zhen had more than his share of those who wanted to see him broken. Gazing at the unfolding scene, Zhen decided to stay low key in the sect, avoiding unnecessary drama. Observing the lives of others from the shadows would suffice; there was no need to add more chaos to his own. This boy, once a rising star now reduced to a target of mockery, embodied the harsh realities of this cultivation world. "So full of himself," one voice sneered. "He needs to be put in his place," another chimed in. "How can a commoner like him think he can rise above us?" a third mocked, disdain dripping from their words. Zhen''s eyes flicked to the third speaker, narrowing as he took in the opulent, embroidered robes marking the man as someone of high status in the mortal world. He noticed others in the crowd turning to look at the man as well, their eyes flashing with greed. Someone''s going to have a bad day. His gaze lingered for a moment before he turned back to the scene, his expression unreadable. From previous Li Zhen''s memories, it was pretty common for nearby mortal empires and kingdoms to send their nobles into the sects. Although most didn''t have a good ending. Zhen focused his attention back to He Shan. Even the previous Li Zhen couldn''t escape the irrational contempt he held towards the fallen youth. As Zhen observed him, he noted the crowd''s lack of pity or concern. Instead, degrading murmurs filled the air, their eyes glinting with malicious satisfaction. The cultivation world was merciless; the strong preyed upon the weak without a second thought. Is this guy a protagonist? Zhen mused inwardly. A young man who had seemingly lost his cultivation, despised and loathed by others, yet still alive with all those enemies around. It''s not possible that all his enemies turned stupid, right? It''s a perfect chance to settle some score with He Shan, but he is still here getting into more fights. Maybe he really is a protagonist. Destined to encounter fortuitous events and embark on a journey of slaying gods and demons while surrounded by a bevy of beautiful women¡ª this was the standard template for a protagonist. It¡¯s like watching a show unfold before my eyes. If he really is a protagonist, things are about to get interesting. And I have a front-row seat. Moreover, this guy''s name is He Shan... meaning Rivers and Mountains. Does he have a special physique or maybe hidden potential? Zhen''s mind raced, his eyes narrowing in intrigue as he constructed a fine show for himself to enjoy. Of course, this single incident alone wasn''t sufficient evidence to confirm He Shan''s status as a protagonist. But for his peace of mind, Zhen examined him carefully. He noticed He Shan wore no rings or necklaces that might suggest a hidden expert or artifact capable of changing his fate dramatically. Double-checking, he shoved the idea to the back of his mind as there was no sign of a cheat. No signs of a hidden expert or artifacts. Just raw determination. Still, it¡¯s too soon to tell. But before he could extricate himself, Wang Bo''s furious gaze turned toward him. What? Hey, why are you looking at me? "Li Zhen, where the hell have you been for the last ten days?" Wang Bo barked, his eyes narrowing suspiciously. The crowd''s attention shifted to Zhen, curious to see how this new development would unfold. Two of the rising stars of Qi Condensation were present here, and even he would have taken out popcorn if he had not been targeted. Does that mean the previous Li Zhen was also a protagonist? Does it mean I''m a protagonist? Nah, he stopped himself from spiraling. That was not a good direction to go. I''m just an above-average cultivator. This content has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere. Zhen noticed Wang Bo''s gaze flicker briefly to his new, more elegant robe before focusing back on him with anger. Does he not fear my rank? I''m an outer disciple now, fatty. Quasi outer disciple, but that was semantics for him. Zhen subtly sensed the qi flowing through the meridians to give him some backbone. He had no desire to attract unnecessary drama, preferring to keep to himself. However, if trouble came walking his way, he had no intention of backing down. Allowing a problem to fester could only create larger issues in the future. Zhen straightened his posture, exuding a calm confidence. "Why do you care where I''ve been?" he replied evenly, meeting Wang Bo''s glare without flinching. "I see I walked into something interesting." Wang Bo sneered, taking a step forward. "Interesting? This isn''t a show for your amusement. Why don¡¯t you move along before you get yourself into trouble?" The words hung in the air, carrying a weight that made the crowd hold its collective breath. Zhen¡¯s tone was casual, almost indifferent, yet the underlying challenge was unmistakable. Disciples around him began to distance themselves, sensing the rising tension. Zhen, however, remained unperturbed. His recent breakthrough to the ninth realm had given him confidence. No one in the Nominal area could match him now. Even if he failed, at most, it would be a tie. Being equal to the strongest could also solve many of his problems. It was also a perfect chance to break from Wang Bo''s clutches. Even though he couldn''t fight the inner disciple yet, it doesn''t mean he had to take a beating from his lackeys. And this was his first chance to assert his place in the sect. Zhen wasn''t going to wait for a crisis to defend himself. Wang Bo was the perfect opponent for honing his abilities and trying to test himself. "Trouble?" Zhen smirked. "The only trouble I see here is you bullying someone weaker than you." Wang Bo''s face darkened with anger. "You think you''re better than us now, don¡¯t you? Just because you''ve been off training?" "It''s not about being better, Wang Bo. It''s about knowing where you stand. And right now, you''re out of your depth," Zhen said, his voice steady. Wang Bo''s eyes blazed with fury, and he lunged forward, shouting, "You arrogant¡ª" In that instant, Zhen noticed the silhouette of talons forming around Wang Bo''s hands and the unmistakable presence of qi radiating from his attack. The air around them crackled with energy, and a hush fell over the crowd. "He''s using eighth realm strength!" someone in the crowd murmured. Zhen''s smirk widened. He felt his suppressed qi billow out, rushing to his arms like a dam breaking. He didn''t know any advanced techniques, but his first try to jump had given him a rough idea of how to strengthen his body with qi. The raw power coursing through him was intoxicating, a surge of potential that made his skin tingle. As Wang Bo''s talons struck, aiming for his chest with precision, Zhen crossed his arms in a fluid motion. The qi infused his muscles, hardening them like steel. The impact was instantaneous and violent, a clash of titanic forces. The talons stopped dead upon touching Zhen''s crossed arms, unable to penetrate the hardened muscles. For a split second, there was a shared look of surprise. Zhen wasn''t sure who was more shocked¡ªWang Bo, who had expected to easily overpower him, or himself, for effortlessly stopping the attack. He only wanted to put up small resistance so that Wang Bo might think twice before attacking him. Not this impenetrable wall that he just showed. "Zhen''s at the ninth realm?" another voice in the crowd shouted in awe. Finally, the onlookers noticed the elegant robe Zhen wore, a mark of his recent advancement and status. He took advantage of the momentary shock and shoved Wang Bo back, qi rushing through his body. The force sent Wang Bo stumbling, his expression a mix of anger and disbelief. He Shan, still clutching his midsection, looked up at Zhen with a mixture of pain and admiration. "Thank you," he said, his voice strained but sincere. Zhen gave a slight nod. "It''s alright. I didn''t do it for you," he replied. Even though this kid has the potential to be someone great, I can''t afford to get involved too deeply in his matter. Friends of the protagonist never have any good endings. Staying low-key is the safest route. He thought that the matter was solved but he noticed He Shan''s eyes widen in shock, the disbelief evident in his gaze. For a moment, He Shan''s mouth opened as if to speak, but no words came out. Slowly, as if processing his words, he gave a nod of acknowledgment. Zhen''s curiosity piqued. What goes on in the mind of a possible protagonist at a moment like this? With a sudden look of determination, He Shan exclaimed, "I won''t forget this kindness, and one day, I''ll repay you tenfold!" Zhen''s mouth dropped open in surprise. Did he thought that I was doing it for him? I clearly said I didn''t! Shaking his head, he only muttered, "Do whatever you want." Then Zhen looked at the still shocked Wang Bo and waved his hand dismissively, as if swatting at an insect. "Go away, Wang Bo. You''re not worth my time." Wang Bo''s eyes blazed with fury, but he took a reluctant step back, recognizing the shift in power dynamics. For a moment, it seemed he might back down, but then his face twisted with renewed rage. "You think you can just wave me away like a fly?" Wang Bo shouted, his voice echoing through the courtyard. He clenched his fists, and a palpable surge of strength emanated from him. "You dare to humiliate me?" 14 — Maybe Im Strong? Wang Bo''s bellow shook the air, and his qi surged, a dark read aura enveloping him. "You¡¯ll regret this, Zhen!" His power didn¡¯t just rise; it exploded, a suffocating wave of force that slammed into everything around him. The pressure of his Qi Condensation realm descended on everyone around. Zhen stood frozen, his mind racing as Wang Bo''s furious roar echoed in his ears. The air seemed to tremble, and suddenly, an invisible force bore down on him like a mountain. His chest tightened, and his legs felt as if they were rooted to the ground. He could feel something, an oppressive energy in the air that seemed to be pushing against him, making it hard to breathe. What... what is this? It was as if the very atmosphere had turned hostile. Zhen had never paid much attention to the concept of ''pressure'' before. To him, it was just another one of those mystical things cultivators liked to talk about¡ªlike profound insights, legendary treasures, or that elusive enlightenment. This was the second thing on that mystical cultivator list that had suddenly become all too real for him. Has Wang Bo been hiding his true strength all along? Just how powerful is he? Or is this the true strength of a proper cultivator in the eighth realm of Qi Condensation? Am I that weak? Not having any memories of cultivation, Zhen could only guess. He had read stories about powerful cultivators exerting their presence, but experiencing it firsthand was a different matter altogether. Just as he was beginning to think he''d buckle under the strain, something strange happened. Deep within his body, Zhen felt a stirring¡ª the nine stars in his acupoints, which had been dormant moments ago, suddenly began to rotate, each one slowly spinning as if responding to the external pressure. The rotation started off sluggish, but it quickly gained momentum, and Zhen felt a surge of energy coursing through him, pushing back against the oppressive force. His eyes widened in realization. The weight he felt wasn¡¯t just in his head¡ªWang Bo''s Qi was influencing the environment, filling the air with a palpable sense of danger. The pressure that had felt so suffocating just moments before was now meeting resistance¡ªhis own Qi was rising to the challenge, fueled by the instinctive sense of the stars. It was like an invisible tug-of-war, with the oppressive force of Wang Bo''s Qi on one side and the resilient energy of Zhen''s own Qi on the other. So this is what those cultivation talks were all about¡ªbeing able to sense the pressure, Zhen realized, the pieces of the puzzle finally falling into place as he gained a sudden epiphany. The pressure he felt was due to the qi in the environment, which was influenced by Wang Bo spiritual sense. His gut instinct, that strange sense of instinctively handling the qi, was actually something more¡ª It was my Spiritual Sense... That¡¯s what he had been feeling this whole time. Before he could understand this new experience, he heard someone in the crowd shout, "That''s the ninth realm of Qi Condensation!" "Oh, Li Zhen is done for¡­" "When did Wang Bo reach the ninth realm of Qi Condensation?" someone in the crowd shouted. Wait, what? Ninth realm? For a moment, Zhen was stupefied. Isn''t that supposed to be, like, really hard to achieve? Isn''t this the kind of plot twist where the protagonist somehow powers up mid-fight and turns the tables? Since when do the bad guys get to use that cheat code? I need to learn how to distinguish between different realms, Zhen thought, gulping down the saliva that had gathered in his throat. This guy''s no pushover. I might actually get a beating here. Wang Bo''s eyes were wild with anger, and he stepped closer. "You think you¡¯re safe just because you¡¯ve gained a little strength? In this sect, power rules, and I¡¯m going to show you your place." Zhen''s heart pounded in his chest. He might actually do it. I need to be prepared. The previous Li Zhen had faced countless beatings, and the memories of those painful experiences resurfaced. Even though there was a small deterrent to kill inside the sect, bullying was within limits and even a daily practice in this demonic sect. I should have taken those combat lessons seriously... He recalled skipping out on sparring sessions, dismissing them as a waste of time. Now, all he had to rely on was his Boy Scout training, but that didn¡¯t exactly cover this. Unauthorized use of content: if you find this story on Amazon, report the violation. As Wang Bo¡¯s qi grew more intense, Zhen¡¯s eyes drifted to his opponent¡¯s hands. He could see the growing talons, overlaid with a dense red aura of qi, sharp and menacing. Should I try to replicate that? he wondered, a part of him filled with the childish hope of mimicking Wang Bo¡¯s deadly technique. But reality quickly set in¡ªsuch an advanced skill was far beyond his reach. Should I use my daily limit for the golden words? Zhen thought, considering his options. The golden words were his trump card, but they were limited, and he had to be careful about when to use them. He didn''t know much about them and it would be problematic if Wang Bo could somehow sense his ability. Before he could make a decision, Wang Bo¡¯s strength surged again, and Zhen felt his own qi react instinctively. He braced himself, crossing his arms defensively, trying to focus his qi to reinforce his body like he had done before. But this time, something went wrong. Instead of the controlled flow he was aiming for, his nine stars of qi began to rotate wildly, sending a flood of energy crashing through his meridians. What the¡ª! Panic surged through him as the overwhelming force coursed through his body. He barely managed to direct most of it to reinforce his arms, but even then, it felt like too much. His hands began to burn, the skin tingling with a painful heat as the qi condensed into a rough, hand-shaped aura above his own. The energy was volatile, gaining in color to a light shade of blue with streaks of purple that danced erratically across his skin. The pain was nearly unbearable, a searing sensation that threatened to overwhelm him completely. But at the last second, Zhen managed to divert some of the excess energy to his legs, bracing himself for the impact he knew was coming. Wang Bo lunged, his talons gleaming with concentrated qi, aimed straight for Zhen¡¯s chest. The sheer force behind the attack was terrifying, the air itself seeming to split apart as Wang Bo¡¯s qi-enhanced strike hurtled toward him. Zhen could see the deadly intent in Wang Bo¡¯s eyes, the raw power behind his strike. Every instinct screamed at him to dodge, to flee, but he knew it was too late. All he could do was focus everything he had on his defense, praying that the chaotic energy swirling around his arms and legs would be enough to withstand the attack. As Wang Bo¡¯s talons closed in, Zhen¡¯s vision narrowed, time seeming to slow as he prepared for the impact. The energy burning in his hands flared brighter, the blue and purple hues merging into a violent storm of qi just as Wang Bo¡¯s strike connected. The crowd watched with bated breath as the two forces collided. Zhen¡¯s arms absorbed the impact, his reinforced qi holding against Wang Bo¡¯s fierce assault. The sheer force of the blow pushed Zhen back three steps, his feet scraping against the ground as the shockwave ran through his body. His muscles screamed in protest, burning with the effort of holding on, but he remained standing, staring at Wang Bo in disbelief. Zhen could feel his qi begin to leak from the point of impact where Wang Bo''s attack had struck. Panic flared in his mind as he felt his qi destabilizing, the once steady flow turning chaotic and unpredictable. But Wang Bo wasn¡¯t giving him any time to recover. He advanced swiftly, another strike prepared, his intent clear. Desperation gripped Zhen and there was another wild surge of qi from his stars. The small leak in his qi tore open further, and suddenly, his energy exploded outward with a force he hadn¡¯t expected. The blast knocked both of them back several steps, but Wang Bo was in worse shape¡ªhis outer clothes were slightly torn and scraped. Zhen stumbled, his heart racing, as everything around him seemed to freeze for a moment. For a brief moment, the world seemed to pause. The once dismissive crowd now stared in stunned silence, their disbelief palpable. ¡°Zhen stopped Wang Bo¡¯s attack¡­ Did you see that?¡± someone whispered, the shock in their voice echoing the thoughts of everyone present. ¡°Zhen has the same strength as Wang Bo? How is that possible? He was only at the eighth realm a few days ago!¡± another voice chimed in, filled with confusion and awe. I stopped the attack? Zhen straightened slowly, trying to ignore the raw power still coursing through him and the way his heart pounded in his chest like a drum. His arms were burning, turning red from the strain, but he forced himself to keep a straight face. Face is important in here, after all, he reminded himself, mentally gritting his teeth against the pain. Great. Just great, Zhen thought bitterly as he checked his condition, trying to keep his composure. He could feel the strain in his meridians from the sudden surge of energy, each pulse of qi like a knife scraping along raw nerves. I¡¯ve just blown half my qi reserves in one go, my meridians feel like they¡¯ve been scraped raw, and now I have to stand here and pretend I¡¯m not one step away from crying from the pain. Why couldn¡¯t I just have a nice, normal day? Just once? he lamented inwardly. No, of course not. I had to go and pick a fight with someone who¡¯s basically a walking qi disaster. Despite his inner complaints, Zhen forced himself to appear calm, his expression one of cold defiance. This is what they do in all those stories, right? Act like you¡¯re completely unfazed while secretly dying inside? Yeah, this is exactly how it¡¯s done. But even as he tried to project confidence, Zhen¡¯s mind was racing. The blast had knocked Wang Bo back, but it was clear that the fight was far from over. It was only the first strike, and Zhen could tell that Wang Bo wasn¡¯t close to being finished. 15 — Silence Before the Storm "Can''t believe Wang Bo''s getting pushed back," one voice muttered, just loud enough to be heard. "Maybe he''s not as strong as he likes to pretend," another snorted, the disdain barely masked in their tone. Zhen noticed the murmurs of the crowd, their dissatisfaction with Wang Bo''s barely concealed in their hushed tones. But not everyone doubted. Scattered among the crowd, there were still those who supported Wang Bo, their loyalty unwavering despite the somewhat clash. "Who does Li Zhen think he is?" someone hissed, the words dripping with venom. "Daring to upstage the strongest disciple!" "Wang Bo''s just getting warmed up. He''ll crush Li Zhen in the next strike," one of his supporters whispered. "Li Zhen doesn''t stand a chance once Wang Bo stops holding back," another chimed in. "This won''t end well for Zhen¡­" another voice murmured, low and resigned, as if the outcome was already decided in their mind. Zhen''s jaw tightened, the muscles knotting beneath the skin as he fought to keep his expression neutral. These bastards, I thought, casting a glance at the crowd. Half the problem here is the way they spin every little thing, turning it into a mountain of exaggeration. This cultivation world is filled with gossiping idiots who make everything worse just by opening their mouths. Across from him, Wang Bo''s face twisted with rage. The humiliation of being stopped in front of the entire sect had pushed his anger to new heights, but it was clear that the last exchange had taken a toll. His stance wasn''t as firm as before, and his breathing was heavier, as though the previous clash had taken more out of him than he cared to admit. Zhen could see the fury in Wang Bo''s eyes¡ªa storm that clouded his vision, turning everything into a red haze. Wang Bo''s fists were so tight his knuckles turned white, the dark red aura around him flaring up, burning brighter and hotter as if it were feeding off his fury. The dark red aura gradually intensified, Wang Bo''s qi swirling with a renewed ferocity. The air crackled with tension, the oppressive weight of Wang Bo''s anger pressing down on everyone around. But despite the intensity of the aura, it lacked the sharpness it once had. Should I attack? Zhen considered, but quickly dismissed the idea. I need to stop myself from being crazy; a good defense should be enough. Without any weapons at hand, Zhen knew his bare hands wouldn''t stand much chance against Wang Bo''s defense. Zhen''s eyes narrowed as he noticed the dark, red aura swirling around Wang Bo, pulsating with an ominous energy. This guy is definitely doing something to fuel his strength, Zhen realized. It was clear that Wang Bo wasn''t just relying on his natural qi reserves; he was drawing from something else, something that twisted the natural qi around him into that malevolent hue. Despite the display, Wang Bo didn''t seem ready to strike. Is he waiting for the right moment to crush me with one powerful attack? Or is he running out of steam? Zhen wondered, analyzing the situation. If his last move drained him, I might have a chance to outlast him. Maybe I could win with my proper ninth realm of Qi Condensation. At least my reserves should be enough to outlast this brute. With my ninth realm of Qi Condensation, my reserves should be enough to withstand whatever he throws at me, Zhen thought, hope flickering within him. If Wang Bo''s taking his time, I''ll use it to replenish my own qi. Deciding quickly, Zhen began the Hundred Stars Refinement technique, settling into the specific breathing pattern it required¡ªnine shallow exhalations followed by one deep inhalation. As he inhaled deeply, he could feel the surrounding qi respond, a faint trickle drawn toward him. There''s not much qi around, but I''m not in a position to be picky, he thought, focusing on drawing in every bit of energy he could. Across from him, Wang Bo''s eyes narrowed, his sharp gaze locking onto Zhen. For a split second, Zhen thought Wang Bo might try to interrupt his technique, but the moment passed, and instead, Wang Bo''s fury only seemed to intensify. The dark red aura around him pulsated with a dangerous energy, twisting and coiling like a living thing, as if it had a mind of its own. But Zhen refused to be distracted by the sight of the recharging brute. Instead, he closed his eyes, focusing inward. The pressure of Wang Bo''s intent only served to sharpen Zhen''s mind. With each deep breath, he drew in qi not only through his mouth and nose but through every pore of his skin. The sensation was almost soothing, as if the qi was a cool stream, washing away the heat and tension that clung to his muscles. Inside him, the nine stars began to spin, each one a tiny vortex of power. Unlike the early stages of his cultivation, where forming and maintaining these stars had been a challenge, they now spun effortlessly, each one a beacon of refined energy, pulsing in perfect harmony. If you come across this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it. As they rotated, they drew in the qi around him, refining it into his own unique qi. It felt like a small engine revving up inside him, ready to unleash its power. But as the qi flowed in, Zhen noticed something unusual. The nine stars were refining the qi at a pace far faster than he had anticipated. The process was so efficient that it almost seemed too good to be true. Either this refinement technique is better than I thought, or there''s really not much qi in the air to begin with, he mused, realizing that the scarcity of qi might be the reason for the unexpectedly fast refinement. Then it hit him¡ªthe Starlight Qi I felt in the Cave is missing. The quality of the qi here is subpar. He would need twice the amount to get half the result. So without refining that potent qi, maybe he was able to refine normal qi much fater. Zhen opened his eyes, briefly considering the possibility of reabsorbing the qi he had already used in their previous exchange. But a quick assessment revealed that the qi both of them had unleashed seemed to be dissipating into the air, vanishing without a trace. So much for recycling my own qi, he thought wryly. It''s like trying to grab smoke¡ªit''s just gone. Even the qi I wasted is nowhere to be found. Shouldn''t the qi linger in the environment, at least in some form? But where would it go? He wondered, his mind briefly grappling with the mystery. Is it really a one-time use? But there was no time to dwell on it. For now, though, Zhen focused on maximizing what he could absorb. Every ounce of qi he drew in was refined into a denser, more powerful form, enhancing his strength and reinforcing his body. Great, now I''m a qi guzzler. If this keeps up, I''ll be gobbling up qi like an overpowered protagonist gathering cheat skills. As the gentle flow of refined qi coursed through his meridians, Zhen felt a soothing effect spread through his body. The rejuvenating energy flowed directly into his most battered areas, restoring vitality to his fatigued limbs with each breath. The exhaustion in his arms, strained from Wang Bo''s attacks, began to lift, the sharp sting of overexertion dulling to a faint throb, and the burning sensation ebbed away, replaced by a comforting warmth. This qi might even help with normal injuries, Zhen thought, noting how effectively it was healing his body. Is this a normal effect for cultivators? Maybe it is¡­ After all, don''t people in this world seem to bounce back into fights even after being battered? Wang Bo suddenly bellowed, his voice shaking with fury. "It would be a waste to use thin on a bug like you, but you''ve forced my hand!" Zhen didn''t like the sound of that, unease prickling at the back of his mind, but he quickly masked his unease with a smirk. "Are you just trying to scare me with empty threats because you know you''re running out of steam?" Wang Bo''s eyes narrowed, fury blazing in their depths. For a brief second, Zhen thought Wang Bo might lash out recklessly, but the brute seemed to hold back, his focus sharpening even more. Zhen didn''t like Wang Bo''s control, but he still decided on outlasting Wang Bo tricks. Only five minutes at most had passed. While it was not much, Zhen felt like hours had passed in his active state. But instead of letting the growing dread consume him, he pushed it aside and refocused. What other power is Wang Bo hiding? Zhen wondered, his thoughts racing. Why waste it on me? The question gnawed at him. Or is this really about He Shan? His gaze flickered to He Shan, sprawled on the ground, watching the fight with white-knuckled intensity. Even battered and bruised, He Shan''s eyes still burned with defiance, a look that seemed to scream that the real injustice was happening to him, not Zhen. That bastard, Zhen cursed silently. Even when he''s down, he acts like the world owes him. The realization struck hard, Am I just taking the beating meant for him? Is this one of the protagonist halo effect? Is Wang Bo planning to use me as an example, to terrify the others? Wang Bo''s stance shifted lower, more aggressive, his body coiled tight like a spring. His robes, dark and tattered from their earlier exchange, flared out slightly as the qi around him distorted the air. He looked like a beast ready to pounce, barely contained rage simmering just beneath the surface, threatening to erupt. "You think you can stop me with some fancy tricks, Zhen? I''ll crush you!" Wang Bo roared, his voice echoing with murderous intent. The dark qi traveled up his arms, concentrating into his hands, where it began to take on the shape of sharp, deadly talons, each one gleaming like polished steel. The red aura flared brighter, crackling with energy as the talons lengthened, their edges jagged like the teeth of a saw, shimmering with a dark, corrosive energy that seemed to eat away at the very air around them. Time''s up. Zhen checked his qi reserves and almost vomited blood. Huh? Not even a five percent increase? His heart sank. This can''t be right, he thought. As Zhen readied himself to defend once more, he narrowed his focus, concentrating intently on the qi coursing through his arms. He wanted to form a stronger, more stable defense, something that wouldn''t shatter so easily under Wang Bo''s next assault. But the qi responded sluggishly, refusing to cooperate the way he wanted. Damn, this isn''t working¡­ Frustration bubbled up inside him. Deciding to take a different approach, Zhen eased his grip on the qi, allowing it to flow more naturally along his arms, without forcing it into a rigid form. To his surprise, the qi began to move more smoothly, increasing his overall arm strength and resilience as it did so. Okay, not exactly what I planned, but I''ll take it, Zhen thought, feeling the energy coalesce around his arms. There was the same light blue with purple streaks of qi over his hands, but they felt more solid to him. While it wasn''t the perfect defensive technique he had imagined, it was an improvement, and at least it wasn''t scorching his flesh like before. Maybe getting specific effects from qi requires following a set pattern or technique, Zhen conceded, recalling the martial arts technique he had planned to acquire. Wang Bo should be using a technique to shape his qi into those deadly talons. Maybe I need martial arts techniques to form a proper defense. Using a vague sense to control qi could only do so much. 16 — First Battle of Qi Condensation But before he could dwell further on this realization, Wang Bo''s figure blurred into motion, closing the gap between them in an instant. Zhen barely had time to react as Wang Bo''s right hand shot forward, the talons slicing through the air in a vicious diagonal arc aimed directly at Zhen''s throat. Instinctively, Zhen ducked, feeling the wind from the strike rush past his ear. He quickly pivoted on his left foot, bringing his qi-reinforced right arm up in a swift, upward block to deflect the follow-up strike aimed at his ribs. The impact reverberated through his arm, and he felt his qi construct shudder under the strain. Damn, is this bastard trying to kill me? As the dark, corrosive energy emanating from Wang Bo''s talons brushed past his arms construct, Zhen felt an unsettling sensation. His eyes widened as he noticed the talons'' effect of the dark, corrosive energy. Where they passed, the air itself seemed to sizzle, and small amount of blue qi disintegrated on contact with the malevolent qi. Wang Bo''s eyes narrowed, sensing Zhen''s defense weakening, and he pressed the advantage. He spun on his heel, his left leg sweeping low in a vicious kick aimed at taking out Zhen''s legs. Zhen saw the attack coming, but his body was slow to respond, still reeling from the previous strikes. The kick connected solidly with the side of his left knee, sending a sharp jolt of pain shooting up his leg. Move! His mind screamed as he stumbled backward, desperately trying to maintain his balance. His knee throbbed painfully, threatening to buckle under him. Somehow, he managed to stay upright, but Wang Bo was already on him again, his talons slashing horizontally toward Zhen''s midsection. Zhen twisted his torso, just barely managing to avoid a fatal blow. The talons grazed his side, and he winced as the dark qi left a burning sensation on his skin. The corrosive energy was starting to eat away at his defenses, weakening them with every hit. This is bad¡ªreally bad, Zhen thought, realizing that he couldn''t keep up with Wang Bo''s relentless pace. As Wang Bo moved, his speed seemed to defy the limits of human ability. Zhen had only seen this speed in movies, mainly in action hero scenes. Wang Bo''s movements were a blur, faster than anything Zhen could have believed possible. This speed¡­ no normal human could move like this. The realization struck Zhen like a bolt of lightning. This must be the speed of a cultivator at the ninth realm of Qi Condensation. The moment that thought crystallized in his mind, Zhen felt something shift within him, like a door opening in the back of his consciousness. It was as if he had unlocked a hidden chamber in his mind, one that had been closed off until now. I''m in the ninth realm too. I can do this. Suddenly, Zhen''s body began to respond differently, as if the realization had flipped a switch inside him. His movements became faster, more fluid, and his reflexes sharpened to a razor''s edge. It wasn''t just his mind that had caught up with the pace of the battle. His heart pounded in his chest, but instead of fear, there was a growing sense of exhilaration. This is good¡ªreally good. Despite his newfound speed, Zhen remained on the defensive, his mind still reeling from the intensity of Wang Bo''s attacks. He kept his stance low, his eyes locked onto Wang Bo''s every movement, searching for an opening. Seeing a small opening as Wang Bo retracted his arm, Zhen lashed out with a quick, focused punch aimed at Wang Bo''s sternum. His fist connected, but Wang Bo twisted his body at the last second, absorbing most of the impact with his shoulder. Zhen''s eyes widened as he noticed a thin layer of qi shimmer around Wang Bo''s body, dissipating the force of his strike. The force of the blow still sent Wang Bo stumbling back a few steps, giving Zhen a moment to catch his breath. A defensive technique? Or maybe a protection talisman? Zhen thought, frustration bubbling up inside him. This bastard has too many tricks. Breathing heavily, Zhen''s eyes flicked to his arms, which were trembling from the strain. The light blue qi barely held together against the corrosive energy from Wang Bo''s attacks. This speed boost is great, Zhen thought, his mind racing, but my qi construct isn''t holding up well. The corrosive effect of Wang Bo''s qi gnawed at him, not just on the surface but deep within his defenses. It wasn''t dramatic, but it was relentless, wearing him down bit by bit. Zhen could feel his qi construct fraying, its edges flickering as it struggled to withstand the continuous assault.Reading on Amazon or a pirate site? This novel is from Royal Road. Support the author by reading it there. At least the purple streaks were doing a nice job of reinforcing the qi structure. Those streaks, a curious and unexpected development in his qi, seemed to weave through the blue energy, knitting the frayed edges back together, even as the corrosive energy tried to tear them apart. It''s like they''re holding everything together, Zhen thought, a spark of hope igniting in his chest. But Zhen noticed Wang Bo''s eyes gleaming with sadistic delight as he pushed harder, the dark qi around his talons swirling with increased intensity. One moment, he would lunge forward with a brutal swipe; the next, he''d spin on his heel, using the momentum to deliver a backhanded strike that Zhen barely managed to block. The corrosive energy left traces on Zhen''s qi, weakening its integrity with every clash. Zhen''s arms began to burn from the constant strain, and his qi-reinforced defense was fraying at the edges, the once solid barrier now flickering as it struggled to withstand the relentless attacks. But Zhen noticed something else¡ªWang Bo''s qi construct was also destabilizing, though at a much slower rate. At least I''m not the only one struggling. Wang Bo''s face twisted into a malicious grin. "You''re running out of tricks, Zhen," he sneered, his voice dripping with venom. "Let''s see how long you can last." Just as Zhen thought he might have a moment to catch his breath, Wang Bo suddenly shifted tactics. In an instant, he closed the distance between them, lowering his stance and driving his shoulder into Zhen''s chest with the force of a battering ram. Zhen gasped as the impact knocked the wind out of him, his vision swimming from the sheer force of the blow. The world tilted around him as he fought to stay on his feet, his body screaming in protest. But before Zhen could react, something even more disturbing happened. As Wang Bo pulled back for another strike, his mouth began to contort, the qi around it coalescing into a sharp, beak-like construct. The sight was so bizarre, so utterly unnatural, that Zhen hesitated for a split second, his mind struggling to comprehend what he was seeing. That split second was all Wang Bo needed. He lunged forward, the beak snapping toward Zhen''s face with terrifying speed. Zhen barely managed to dodge, throwing himself to the side at the last possible moment. The beak grazed his neck, sending a sharp, searing pain ripping through his flesh. He stumbled back, one hand instinctively flying to his neck as he felt the corrosive qi begin to burn away at his skin, disintegrating a small patch of flesh. The pain was intense, like molten metal being poured onto his skin, but Zhen forced himself to focus through the agony. I can''t take much more of this, Zhen thought, his mind racing as he fought to stay conscious. I need to end this¡ªnow. On the brink of collapse, Zhen made a desperate, last-ditch move. Instead of reorienting himself, he allowed his stumble to continue, using it as a feint to lure Wang Bo in. As Wang Bo struck, Zhen suddenly shifted his weight, grabbing Wang Bo''s wrist with both hands. With a burst of strength born from sheer desperation, he twisted Wang Bo''s arm at an awkward angle, throwing him off balance. Before Wang Bo could recover, Zhen began accumulating qi in his legs. He could feel the stars in his acupoints spinning faster, gathering energy with a ferocity he hadn''t felt before. He only hoped that there were more of those purple streaks in his qi than the blue light. His muscles tensed, and his vision cleared as the qi surged through his body. In one swift, powerful motion, Zhen drove his right knee upward, aiming for Wang Bo''s midsection. He felt the fabric around his knee shred against the force, the vast amount of purple qi leaving his body like a floodgate being opened. The sensation was hollowing as if he had poured out every last drop of energy he had, but he knew it had to be done. The impact was brutal¡ªWang Bo''s eyes widened in shock as the air was driven from his lungs, his body folding around Zhen''s knee. The qi-infused strike tore through his defenses, sending him flying backward several feet before he crashed to the ground, gasping for breath. The clothes around Wang Bo''s abdomen were shredded, revealing bruised and battered muscles beneath. Blood began to seep through the torn fabric, and Zhen could see the last remnants of Wang Bo''s qi hand constructs shattering like glass under the weight of the attack. Both of them were sent staggering backward, the force of the collision sending shockwaves through the ground. Zhen''s knee had started bleeding, the skin split open from the intense pressure, but he gritted his teeth and held on. Wang Bo wasn''t in much better shape¡ªhis own arms trembled from the backlash of the attack, and his expression twisted with pain and fury. For a moment, the two stood there, panting heavily, blood dripping from their injuries as they glared at each other. Why am I always the one getting targeted like this? Zhen thought, a bitter smile creeping onto his face despite the pain. Was it an order from someone above, or is it because I reached the ninth realm? Maybe it''s just because I''m unlucky enough to get mixed up with He Shan. The thought made him almost want to laugh. Of course, with my luck, it''s probably all three. But before Zhen could consider his next move, Wang Bo''s expression twisted from fury into something closer to pure frustration. "This isn''t over," Wang Bo spat, his voice dripping with venom as he slowly pushed himself up from the ground. His body was shaking with effort, but his eyes were filled with a burning hatred. "I''ll make sure you pay for this." What? Just like that? Zhen wondered, his mind racing even as his body began to feel the toll of the battle. Is he out of qi? Or is this some kind of trap? As Wang Bo finally turned and limped away, Zhen''s body started to shake uncontrollably, the adrenaline that had been fueling him beginning to fade. It left behind a deep, bone-weary exhaustion that threatened to pull him to the ground. Why is he retreating? Zhen thought, his mind still trying to process the sudden turn of events. Was he more hurt than he let on, or is there something else going on? Maybe his boost failed? 17 — Rest and Experiments Zhen watched as Wang Bo turned and stormed away, his steps heavy with landing with a thud, and the crowd instinctively moved aside, creating a path for him to pass. No one dared to meet his gaze, their eyes fixed firmly on the ground, as if the mere act of looking at him might invite his wrath. Even as the pain threatened to overwhelm him, Zhen couldn''t help but smirk. So this is the power of the ninth realm¡­ He had stood his ground against a stronger opponent, and in doing so, he had proven something¡ªto Wang Bo, and to the crowd. He had also learned to never get into a fight without fully understanding the stakes and the power of his enemies. Another wave of pain surged through his legs, threatening to pull him down, but Zhen resisted. His gaze dropped to his robes¡ªdeep blue with intricate silver embroidery was now tattered and stained. The shredded fabric at his knees revealed bruised and bloodied skin, a harsh contrast against the once pristine cloth. So much for keeping them clean, he thought wryly, a bitter smile tugging at his lips. These were supposed to make me look respectable, not like I''ve crawled out of a battlefield. Suddenly, a pair of arms steadied him, halting his inevitable collapse. Zhen turned, surprised that someone helped, but instead found He Shan''s concerned face. "You''re hurt," He Shan tried to ease Zhen onto a nearby stone. "Why did you get involved? I could''ve handled him on my own." He Shan''s voice was laced with something that was more frustration than gratitude. "With your mortal level cultivation?" Zhen almost rolled his eyes at the disillusioned man. Did you really believe I was taking the heat for you? The thought was almost laughable. He Shan''s brow furrowed, a flicker of indignation crossing his face. "I''m not helpless, you know." "Could''ve fooled me," Zhen shot back, pulling his arms free from He Shan''s grip with a deliberate motion. The forceful tug left no room for misinterpretation, and he quickly distanced himself, both physically and mentally, from the man. Zhen noticed He Shan standing there, his fists clenched so tightly that his knuckles had turned white. There was a tremor in He Shan''s stance, a mixture of anger and something else¡ªsomething that Zhen couldn''t quite place. For a moment, he felt a pang of something close to sympathy, but he quickly buried it beneath his mask of indifference. That was odd¡­ he didn''t know why he would have felt the small sympathy there. Without missing a beat, he responded brusquely, "As I said, I didn''t do it for you." But as he looked at the frustrated expression on He Shan''s face, he was certain the words would go right over his head. Great, Zhen mused, irritation bubbling under the surface, now I''m playing the hero in someone else''s story. The very idea made his stomach churn. He imagined the foolish narrative He Shan might be constructing¡ªtwo unlikely allies, bound by honor, facing the world together. Yeah, right. As if I''d ever let myself get caught up in that kind of mess. Straightening his posture, Zhen winced internally as sharp pain flared through his bruised legs. Maybe staying here a bit longer wouldn''t be such a bad idea, he thought grudgingly, finally allowing himself to sit down again on the stone His hands fared no better¡ªthe skin raw and throbbing, knuckles split from the strain of channeling his qi and fighting Wang Bo''s corrosive qi. The remnants of his qi still lingered in his meridians, the previous wild surges barely contained within him. The stars within him, which usually glowed with a steady brilliance, were now dimmer, their opaqueness loosening as if the very essence of his power had been drained. He could sense that only ten percent of his qi remained, a dangerously low reserve for someone who might still need to defend himself. Zhen closed his eyes and took a slow, measured breath, beginning to guide the small amount of qi he had left through his meridians. The process was delicate, the qi moving like a trickle of water through a cracked channel. But as it flowed, even in a simple loop without any purposeful direction, it brought a small measure of relief. The pain that had been gnawing at his insides lessened slightly, a faint numbness replacing the sharper edges of his injuries. Maybe this is why cultivators can keep fighting even when they''re grievously injured, Zhen thought, letting the qi circulate, slowly mending what it could. It was a bitter comfort, but a comfort nonetheless. As he continued to focus on the flow, he realized that the qi contained self-healing properties as well, a subtle yet potent force that worked to repair the damage his body had sustained. However, the frustrating reality was that he could only let it act passively. Despite the qi''s inherent ability to heal, Zhen lacked the advanced control needed to direct it with precision. He couldn''t actively channel it to target the worst of his injuries; all he could do was allow it to flow in its natural loop, offering gradual, limited relief. But for now, Zhen accepted what little comfort the qi offered, letting it ease his pain as best it could. The murmurs of the crowd reached his ears, sharp-edged whispers that cut through his thoughts. "Did you see that? Zhen actually stopped Wang Bo!" "How is that possible? He was just a nobody before!" "Li Zhen¡­ Maybe he''s not so weak after all." Zhen''s jaw tightened as he fought to keep his expression neutral, his irritation rising. He glanced around at the dispersing crowd, noticing the way their eyes lingered on him now¡ªnot with disdain, but with a newfound respect, perhaps even fear. If you encounter this narrative on Amazon, note that it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it. It was a strange sensation, to be looked at like this, as if he had suddenly become someone worth noticing. Is this what it means to climb higher in this world? Zhen wondered. More attention, more scrutiny, more fights? The thought was as unsettling as the battle had been, if not more so. With power came expectations, and with expectations came responsibility¡ªsomething Zhen had never sought and had no desire to bear. As the crowd began to lose interest, turning away and going back to their lives now that the entertainment was over, Zhen felt a flicker of relief. Thank the heavens this show is finally over, he thought, knowing that soon enough, he could leave this place behind. He Shan, meanwhile, remained by his side, his presence a constant despite Zhen''s cold demeanor. "You''re stronger than I thought," He Shan said quietly, more to himself than to Zhen. There was no trace of mockery in his voice, only a genuine acknowledgment of what he had just witnessed. Now what? Only you could be strong? Zhen sighed, his irritation ebbing slightly. "I didn''t do it for you," he repeated, though the words lacked their previous bite. He couldn''t quite understand why He Shan was still here, why he hadn''t left like everyone else. Was it stubbornness? Zhen wasn''t sure, and he didn''t have the energy to figure it out. His fingers reached into his robes, finding the small strips of white cloth he had taken from the hut earlier. The fabric was rough against his fingertips, but something he could work with. Pulling one out, he began to wrap it around his hands, the motion mechanical, almost meditative. As he made the first pass, a grimace crossed his face, the raw skin protesting the contact. The pain was sharp, a reminder of his limits, but it also anchored him, and kept him grounded in the reality of the moment. "You should let me help," He Shan offered, stepping closer again. "I''m fine," Zhen snapped, though the next pass of the cloth did little to ease the deeper ache. Especially within his meridians, where the qi still swirled, trying to decrease the effect of the previous surges. It''s a miracle I''m still standing, he mused, the thought drifting lazily as if his mind, too, was seeking an escape from the pain. Ignoring the few remaining onlookers, Zhen couldn''t help but feel a pang of sadness. So many acquaintances, but not a single true friend, he thought, bitterness creeping in. Living in a demonic sect is really quite hard. His attention shifted back to He Shan, who was still there, battered but unyielding, the only one who hadn''t left when the crowd dispersed. Except for this guy, Zhen thought, his eyes narrowing slightly. What did He Shan want from him? "You don''t have to do this alone, you know," He Shan said softly, as if sensing Zhen''s internal struggle. For a moment, Zhen felt a strange warmth stir within him¡ªa warmth he couldn''t explain. Then the qi completed another loop inside his body, and just as quickly as the strange feeling came, he shoved it aside. "Why do you care?" Zhen''s tone was sharper than intended. He Shan didn''t flinch. "Because I know what it''s like to be alone." Zhen paused, the words catching him off guard. He glanced at He Shan, really looking at him for the first time. The young man''s face was earnest, his eyes reflecting a sincerity that Zhen found disconcerting. He Shan wasn''t trying to play the hero, nor was he seeking recognition. He was just¡­ there. Willing to help, even if it wasn''t wanted. Zhen suddenly snapped back from his thoughts as another loop started, the realization hitting him like a cold splash of water. For a moment there, he had almost accepted He Shan''s help, almost let his guard down. Was this the legendary protagonist halo effect? Zhen wondered, his mind racing. Or maybe it was just the normal start of a friendship, that elusive, almost mythical bond that only the main characters truly experienced. He had heard the tales of how the so-called chosen ones could bend reality around them, drawing others into their orbit, but he had never believed them. Yet here he was, caught in the gravitational pull of He Shan''s sincerity, no matter how much he resisted. But Zhen knew better than to get caught up in such thoughts. He didn''t want to associate himself with this disaster magnet, didn''t want to be pulled into whatever mess He Shan would inevitably attract. The thought of being dragged down by someone else''s misfortune made his skin crawl. Still, as much as he wanted to dismiss He Shan entirely, Zhen couldn''t shake the nagging feeling that knowing more about the man might be useful. After all, information was power, and in a world as treacherous as theirs, knowing your allies¡ªand potential liabilities¡ªwas crucial. They were alone now, no one nearby, as an idea sparked in his mind. He had used the ability on many things¡ªcups, scrolls, kettles, arrays¡ªbut never on a person. The situation had developed to this point, so targeting He Shan now didn''t seem like a bad idea. And the man should be a good subject, Zhen mused, his thoughts turning calculated. From what I''ve seen, he''s more like a righteous fool than a demonic sect member. And with his cultivation currently at rock bottom, this is as low-risk as it gets. He considered the young disciple before him, sensing that not only was He Shan a promising target, but testing the ability on someone like him could yield valuable insights, helping Zhen understand the depths of the Sage''s Daily Scroll of Heavenly, Earthly, and Mortal Insights¡ªhis only edge in this world. But there was another factor at play, one that Zhen couldn''t ignore. His protagonist role, Zhen thought, a wry smile tugging at his lips. The idea that He Shan might be one of those chosen figures, blessed¡ªor cursed¡ªwith an uncanny ability to draw others into their orbit, was both intriguing and concerning There was also the possibility that He Shan might sense something when Zhen used the ability on him. But Zhen reasoned that given the favor he had just done for He Shan, the young disciple was unlikely to turn against him so soon. Besides, Zhen thought, I need to know what I''m dealing with. If this really is the protagonist''s halo effect, it''s better to understand it now than to be blindsided later. Despite everything, a part of him couldn''t resist the temptation that lay just beneath the surface. Why not? Zhen thought, almost casually. If this is the kind of power I''m dealing with, I need to understand it better. No harm in a little experiment, right? With that thought, Zhen made up his mind. Zhen focused, his gaze narrowing as he activated the ability to target He Shan. For a moment, nothing happened, and Zhen felt a flicker of doubt, a nagging concern that perhaps this wasn''t going to work on a living person as it did on objects. Sage''s Daily Scroll of Heavenly, Earthly, and Mortal Insights Target: None He Shan shifted uncomfortably, noticing Zhen''s intense and peculiar gaze. "Brother Zhen, is there something wrong?" he asked, his voice tinged with uncertainty. Zhen mumbled a barely coherent reply, "Just¡­ testing something." He pushed harder, his mind delving deeper, focusing all his will on He Shan. There was a brief, agonizing moment where nothing seemed to happen, and Zhen''s doubt grew stronger. Then, suddenly, the target changed. Target: Valid 18 — True Protagonist Target: Valid His heart raced as he seemed to grasp something profound, but then the sensation was gone as quickly as it came. The elation that surged within him almost made him shout, but he caught himself just in time, aware of He Shan''s bewildered expression. "Ah, nothing to worry about, just remembered something," he added hastily, trying to cover up his excitement. He activated the ability, and new details began to form before his eyes, golden words flashing vividly. Name: He Shan Cultivation: Mortal ( Hidden Strength: 2nd Realm of Qi Condensation ) Cultivation Renewal: 9th Realm of Qi Condensation Spiritual Roots: Heavenly Grade Spiritual Roots True Disciple of the Abyssal Harmony Sect''s Jadecrest Peak. He''s 17 years old. Blessed by the Spirits of Rivers and Mountains. As he wanted to become a Sword Cultivator, his master gave him the Cultivation Renewal Technique and destroyed his cultivation base to have a firm foundation. He wants to cut down every obstacle in his path and become the Prime Disciple of the Abyssal Harmony Sect. He is quite surprised by your strength and believes that one day, he will surpass you. Zhen''s heart skipped a beat as the golden words formed before his eyes, each revelation more shocking than the last. Hidden strength? The hell! He''s not a righteous fool¡­ he''s a wolf in sheep''s clothing. His mind raced as he processed the information the golden words had revealed about He Shan. Cultivation Renewal? Zhen''s brow furrowed slightly in confusion, there was that technique again. He had no idea what that technique was or what it entailed, but it should provide quite a boost to strength. If He Shan had undergone such a technique, it must be something serious, something powerful. Heavenly Grade Spiritual Roots? A True Disciple? His thoughts spun faster, his mind struggling to keep pace with the revelations. This guy''s status is higher than mine, Zhen realized with a sinking feeling. He''s not just any disciple¡ªhe''s someone important. Although He Shan''s talent was undeniably top-notch, and he was favored by the spirits of mountains and rivers, Zhen couldn¡¯t shake the feeling that there was much more to this story. This guy is really blessed, Zhen thought, noting the lack of detail about what those blessings truly entailed. It was unsettling, like staring at the surface of a deep pool and knowing something lurked beneath, unseen and dangerous. He Shan is surprised by my strength, but he¡¯s determined to surpass me? And become a Prime Disciple? Zhen hadn¡¯t expected this level of fierce competitiveness from He Shan. The man had seemed so straightforward, so earnest in his ideals, but underneath that exterior was a burning desire for power and recognition. The realization made Zhen uncomfortable, a cold knot forming in his stomach. He had no idea what a Prime Disciple was, but it had to be more prestigious and powerful than a True Disciple. This is way too much entanglement, he thought, his unease growing with each passing second. I need to get away from this guy before I''m drawn into something I can''t control. Zhen released a deep breath, a wave of relief washing over him as he noticed that He Shan didn¡¯t seem to react to the golden words or the ability¡¯s activation. Good, Zhen thought, the tension in his shoulders easing slightly. He hadn¡¯t been caught, and that meant he still had time to distance himself from this potential disaster. He quickly bandaged his knees, wrapping the torn fabric tightly around the wounds. The act was more of a distraction than anything else, something to focus on while his mind raced for a way out of this situation. Finally, with a slight limp, he started to walk toward the outer sect area. "Well," he began, his voice clipped and brisk, "I should be on my way. There''s... much to take care of." He Shan paused, sensing the shift in Zhen''s demeanor. "Brother Zhen," he began, his tone thoughtful, "I appreciate what you did today." Please don''t call me your brother¡­ Zhen forced a smile, his expression tight. "Just a matter of circumstance," he said dismissively, but then decided to give the man some advice. "Listen, you need to be careful. Standing up to people like Wang Bo is commendable, but you also need to know your limits. Junior Brother was strong before, but now that you have fallen in cultivation, you should bide your time before any more confrontation."Unauthorized duplication: this narrative has been taken without consent. Report sightings. He Shan looked at Zhen, his eyes filled with an unwavering determination. After a moment of thoughtful silence, He Shan spoke, "Senior Brother, if I don''t confront evil when I''m weak, how can I claim to do so when I''m strong? It''s not power that determines one''s actions, but the choice to stand against what''s wrong, no matter how difficult." For a moment, Zhen was caught off guard, the profundity of He Shan''s words resonating deep within him. He couldn''t easily dismiss these words as the foolish idealism of a young disciple, not when they came from someone blessed by the spirits of rivers and mountains. He noted the words to later reflect on them, his thoughts briefly wandering to the possibility that this was the kind of introspection that marked a protagonist. Zhen saw a reflection of his own past determination in He Shan''s gaze, but the thought quickly soured as he came back to reality. When did I start thinking like that? Zhen wondered, a chill running down his spine. I just wanted to enjoy my life here, not fight against the heavens. With another turn of the loop of qi circulating through his meridians and acupoints, Zhen realized something remarkable¡ªhis own qi was helping him resist whatever this ¡°protagonist effect¡± was. The circulation of his qi wasn¡¯t just maintaining his strength; it was actively shielding him, keeping his mind clear and focused, preventing him from being swept up in the tide of He Shan¡¯s convictions. So, my qi is protecting me from this, Zhen mused, a mix of relief and intrigue flooding his thoughts. But why? It must be due to the purple qi, Zhen couldn¡¯t help but feel a surge of curiosity. It had become a mystery to him, something he had yet to fully understand. Now, it seemed to be playing a crucial role in keeping him grounded, shielding him from the overwhelming influence that seemed to radiate from He Shan. But as fascinating as this new revelation was, he quickly refocused on the present problem. Now was not the time to delve into the mysteries of his qi; he needed to deal with the situation at hand and ensure that he didn¡¯t get pulled any deeper into He Shan¡¯s orbit. The idea of being caught up in a protagonist''s journey made him almost shudder. I''m not here to be someone''s sidekick or to get dragged into their heroic destiny. He Shan said determinedly. "I''ll get stronger. I''ll make sure they can never push me around again." Zhen forced a faint smile, masking his unease. "Good," he said, his voice lacking its usual edge. "Keep that fire alive. You''ll need it in this world." But even as he spoke, he could feel a cold sweat break out on the back of his neck, a small but growing sense of dread gnawing at the edges of his mind. With that, Zhen parted from He Shan, his steps deliberate despite the limp, each one carrying him further from the entanglement that now seemed inevitable. As he walked, he could feel the weight of his decision settling on his shoulders, a reminder that in this world, knowledge could be as much a curse as it was a blessing. The sun was at its zenith, casting harsh shadows that seemed to intensify the heat radiating from the stone pathways. Zhen felt the weight of the midday sun pressing down on him as he made his way toward the outer sect area. At least he could finally categorize He Shan as a protagonist. The signs were there: the Heavenly Grade Spiritual Roots, the mysterious blessings, the unyielding will even in the face of adversity. All of it pointed to someone who wasn¡¯t just ordinary, someone who might be fated to shake the very foundations of the world. Zhen pondered the implications of being a so-called protagonist, someone whose life was shaped by forces beyond their control, for better or worse. If He Shan was indeed on the path of a protagonist, then anyone in his orbit could be swept up in the inevitable maelstrom of events¡ªbattles, betrayals, ascensions to power, and the ever-looming threat of catastrophic failure. Perhaps all of this was speculation, and he was assuming things. If that were the case, only time would tell. At the very least, he would get quite a show watching He Shan''s journey unfold, a front-row seat to the rise¡ªor fall¡ªof someone destined for greatness. The thought was both thrilling and terrifying. How remarkable, Zhen thought, trying to suppress the conflicting emotions that roiled within him. He felt little to no jealousy for He Shan¡¯s luck, as individuals like him were often favored by fortune and, simultaneously, by misfortune. There were many things he wanted to understand about how someone like He Shan came to exist. After all, while an ordinary person might ponder their life''s path, someone like He Shan had the rest of his fate predetermined. Nobody was born so special without reason. If I¡¯m right, Zhen thought, then He Shan¡¯s journey is going to be filled with challenges that would break most people. Even if he succeeds¡­ The thought trailed off, leaving Zhen to contemplate the power and danger of being tied to such a figure. Even if he succeeds, many around him might be dragged down due to association. But still, he thought, as he walked away, there¡¯s no harm in keeping an eye on He Shan¡¯s journey. If nothing else, it¡¯ll be an interesting story to watch unfold. Suppressing the urge to delve deeper, Zhen turned away, his thoughts swirling as he struggled to make sense of the new reality unfolding before him. I need to be careful, he reminded himself, his resolve hardening with each step he took away from He Shan. This place is more dangerous than I ever imagined. Zhen shook his head slightly, pushing these thoughts aside for now. There was no use in getting lost in speculation. He needed to focus on what he could control¡ªhis own path, his own decisions. 19 — Sect Master Abyssal Harmony Sect. Location: Devil Ascension Peak. Hong Tianxia sat on an ornate stone seat, her gaze fixed on the lake before her. The water''s surface mirrored the sun at its zenith and the nearby mountains with perfect clarity, a soft red mist curling above one side of the lake, swaying gently in the breeze. Flowers bloomed all around, their vibrant colors and shimmering petals radiating an ethereal light. Behind her, the pavilion loomed, its elegant structure both a part of the landscape and distinct from it. The architecture was graceful, with sweeping roofs that curled upwards like the wings of a phoenix caught in mid-flight, as if the building itself might take to heaven at any moment. She raised a hand to her lips, feeling the softness of the red fabric against her skin as she coughed. The sound was harsh, cutting through the stillness, and when she pulled her hand away, a small spat of blood stained her palm. She stared at it for a moment, a trace of disgust flashing through her eyes as she wiped it away. A gentle breeze stirred the air, rustling the leaves and sending the flowers into a delicate dance. Their petals fluttered softly, casting shifting patterns of light and shadow across the ground. Without needing to turn, Tianxia sensed the presence of Baiyun approaching. The woman''s aura was a familiar blend of fear and reverence that always accompanied her, even after two centuries. Baiyun landed lightly on the pavilion''s edge, her white dress billowing gently around her slender frame. She hesitated, as if gathering her resolve, then stepped forward with a deep bow, her head lowered in deference. "Sect Master, you''ve come out of your closed-door cultivation." Tianxia''s gaze shifted slowly from the still lake to the woman standing before her. Her eyes didn''t miss a single detail as they roved over Baiyun''s form. Not much had changed in the last two hundred years. The woman was breathtakingly beautiful, yes, but it was a beauty that seemed almost too perfect, too calculated. Her hair, black as the abyss, cascaded down her back in smooth, liquid waves. With jade-like skin, flawless beauty, and graceful bearing, Baiyun might have appeared serene to an outsider, but to Tianxia''s discerning eyes, there was no mistaking the underlying tension. Tianxia''s cold eyes bore into Baiyun''s, and the woman instinctively lowered her gaze further, unable to meet the intensity of her stare. "Baiyun," Tianxia''s voice was soft but carried an undeniable edge, "Does no one remember the glory of the Abyssal Harmony Sect anymore?" The question hung in the air, laden with unspoken meaning. Before Tianxia took over, the Abyssal Harmony Sect was merely a third-rate sect, overshadowed by stronger sects established in the Eternally Cursed Lands of the Southern Divine Continent. It was only because of her that the Abyssal Harmony Sect had claimed the heights to become the first-rate sect in the South. Where no sect was strong enough to form a hegemony, her relentless pursuit of dominance left no corner of the land untouched, as she systematically crushed all opposition, bringing scattered forces under her iron rule. Through years of bloodshed and conquest, the Abyssal Harmony Sect grew stronger with each victory. It expanded its territories, amassed vast resources, and its name began to echo in every corner of the Southern Divine Continent. When the Great War finally ended after ninety years, Tianxia turned to governance. Over the next decade, she meticulously distributed the wealth and resources acquired during the war, ensuring that every branch of the sect was empowered and independent. Having secured the future of the sect, Tianxia retreated from the public eye. She entered closed-door cultivation, choosing to live in seclusion for two hundred years. During this time, her presence became more of a legend than reality, a symbol of the sect''s meteoric rise to greatness. Tianxia turned her attention to Baiyun, one of the four guardian elders she had trusted to lead the sect. Baiyun had proven herself capable during the war, especially earning Tianxia''s trust and taking over the management of the sect during her long absence. But now, the fear in Baiyun''s eyes was obvious, and Tianxia could feel the elder''s anxiety hanging in the air. Are you afraid of meeting me after so many years, or are you afraid because you committed treason? Tianxia thought, her mind cold and calculating as she observed Baiyun''s every subtle movement, every flicker of emotion that crossed her perfect features.Enjoying the story? Show your support by reading it on the official site. Baiyun flinched, her heart pounding as she quickly responded, "Sect Master, the glory of the Abyssal Harmony Sect is forever etched in the hearts of its disciples. No one will ever forget." The words were spoken with conviction, but to Tianxia, they sounded hollow, tainted by the fear that underlay Baiyun''s every breath. Silence followed, stretching between them as Tianxia let the tension build. In a sect as ruthless as the Abyssal Harmony Sect, it was normal to be afraid of someone after they had emerged from seclusion. After all, a prolonged period of isolation could result in significant changes in a cultivator, and one could never be certain if they would return with their mind and spirit intact. Especially in a demonic sect, where failed cultivation could lead to unhinged behavior, paranoia, or worse. The only sounds were the soft rustling of the breeze and Baiyun''s uneven breathing, a stark contrast to the calm exterior she tried to maintain. The wind gently stirred the flowers, and ripples danced across the surface of the lake as Tianxia sat in quiet reflection. She had been in seclusion for two centuries. Everything should have gone smoothly, but at the critical moment¡­ she was ambushed. The memory of the attack was still fresh in her mind. It wasn''t the demonic sects, as she might have expected, who had struck at her, but someone from Azure Mountain¡ªa sect that prided itself on its strict moral code. A righteous sect. They had used the Three Pure Parts technique, a method known for its purity, yet they had twisted it into something vile. The attacker had embedded lethal toxins within his own body, toxins designed to remain dormant until his death. It was a trap designed to cause destruction if she had killed her opponent. Not like that stopped her from killing the man. However, the effort had cost her dearly. She could still sense the lingering effects of the toxins that had left their mark on her Dao. The fact that Azure Mountain had resorted to such a tactic was a bitter reminder of how low they were willing to sink. "Have there been any unusual movements from other famous sects recently?" Tianxia finally asked calmly. "No." Baiyun shook her head. "Azure Mountain is the most reputable sect closest to us, but they''ve been busy with the Dao Conference recently and don''t seem to have the time for anything else. Besides, Sect Master, you fought them before, so they wouldn''t dare to do anything reckless." "Is that so?" Hong Tianxia smiled¡ªa cold, calculating smile that did nothing to warm her eyes. The mere mention of Azure Mountain was enough to harden her expression, the memories of their betrayal still fresh in her mind. She could feel Baiyun''s fear rising, the woman''s instinctive sense of danger sharpening in response to the chill that had settled over the conversation. Baiyun didn''t dare speak, paralyzed by the fear of saying something wrong. "Keep the matter of me coming out of seclusion a secret for now. You can continue to take care of the Abyssal Harmony Sect for now. Also, investigate the people of our sect and see if we have any spies from other sects within our walls." "Yes. Understood," said Baiyun quickly. After a moment of pause, Tianxia asked, "Baiyun, you aren''t a spy for the other sects, are you?" Baiyun''s face went pale as she immediately dropped to her knees, touching her forehead to the ground in a desperate display of submission. Her voice trembled as she pleaded, "Sect Master, how could Baiyun ever even think of such a thing?! I have always been loyal to you and the Abyssal Harmony Sect!" Tianxia looked at Baiyun for a long time. The silence stretched on, the weight of it pressing down on Baiyun like a physical force. After not finding any sign of betrayal, Tianxia nodded, her expression softening just enough to let Baiyun breathe again. "You may leave." Baiyun stood up shakily, still bowing as she backed away a few steps before turning to leave. Just as she reached the edge of the pavilion, Tianxia''s voice called out to her again. "Also, have the sect''s information ready. Mark out any new developments. I want to see what you have achieved in recent years. And get me a list of any abnormality in the sect." "Yes, Sect Master," Baiyun replied quickly, her voice steadying as she grasped onto the task as a lifeline. She bowed once more before hastily leaving the pavilion. Watching Baiyun leave, Hong Tianxia raised her hand slightly, pressing the palm of it to her lips as a cough rattled through her. The faint taste of blood lingered in her mouth, a bitter reminder of the toll the ambush had taken on her body. Two hundred years ago, she had believed in Baiyun. Two hundred years later, she still believed in her, but¡­ Only Baiyun knew where I was during my seclusion, Tianxia thought, her mind replaying the details of the ambush. When she was attacked, the first thought that flashed through her mind was that Baiyun had betrayed her. And yet, there was no conclusive proof, only a nagging suspicion that gnawed at the edges of her thoughts. So far, she felt that Baiyun could still be of use. Tianxia closed her eyes and remained in silence, allowing her thoughts to settle as the gentle breeze stilled around her. The Ascension Peak returned to its quiet, serene state, the lake once again reflecting the sky and mountains with perfect clarity. 20 — Martial Arts Pavillion After leaving behind the whole fiasco with He Shan, Zhen refocused on more immediate concerns¡ªhis clothes and his healing. Thankfully, he was in a cultivation world where even mundane items like the robes held their own mystical properties. The Abyssal Sect is quite generous, even for quasi-outer disciples, Zhen thought, a hint of appreciation creeping into his mind. The intricate designs woven into the fabric weren''t just for show; they were imbued with subtle enchantments. These robes, while not the most luxurious, were a testament to the sect''s resources and the value it placed even on its lower-ranked members. As Zhen walked, he could already feel the robes trying to absorb qi from the air, mending themselves slowly but surely. The tears and stains were gradually fading, the deep blue and silver threads knitting back together with each passing moment. The sight was almost mesmerizing, and Zhen couldn''t help but marvel at the craftsmanship. I''d love to know how this works, but damaging my only robe just to satisfy my curiosity isn''t worth it. Pushing those thoughts aside, Zhen focused on his next task. As soon as he entered the Outer Sect area, he wasted no time and began practicing the Hundred Stars Refinement technique. Although it wasn''t as effective as sitting meditation, the technique''s only prerequisites were proper breathing and the ability to focus his mind. As he walked, his breathing fell into the familiar pattern required by the technique¡ªnine shallow exhalations followed by one deep inhalation. The rhythm was second nature to him now, a steady cadence that guided his qi along its intended paths. Within him, the nine stars began to rotate, each one glowing faintly as they refined the qi he absorbed into a more potent and usable form of energy. As the stars within his body spun, Zhen could feel the raw qi being refined, becoming purer and more concentrated. The refined qi not only enhanced his strength but also began to restore some of the fatigue and injuries he had sustained during the confrontation with Wang Bo. The ache in his muscles lessened, and the dull throb of his bruised skin began to ease, replaced by a refreshing coolness that spread throughout his body. Even though the quality of the qi in the Outer Sect area wasn¡¯t as rich as what he had encountered in the cave, the technique''s efficiency still impressed him. The qi here might not be as dense or potent, but the Hundred Stars Refinement technique made the most of what was available. At least it¡¯s tens of times faster than what I experienced in the nominal sect area. Looking inward at his healing meridians, Zhen was a little amazed. While qi was still quite a new sense for him, he was still learning more and more about it every day. From providing supernatural reflexes to enhancing my senses and even healing injuries, qi really does make me feel like one of those superheroes from the movies. As he continued, his thoughts drifted back to the events of the day. Wang Bo''s corrosive qi had been a real threat, yet Zhen had managed to repel it with surprising ease. The experience had left him with a lingering sense of unease, though. There are so many things I don¡¯t know in this world, he reflected. The confrontation had been a stark reminder that, despite his growing strength, he was still navigating unknown waters. There were powers, techniques, and dangers that he had barely begun to understand. He knew that his success wasn''t purely due to his own strength¡ªit had something to do with the mysterious purple qi that had been growing within him ever since that strange enlightenment he''d gained from the golden words. That purple qi¡­ Zhen still wasn''t sure what it was or how it worked. It had saved him today, but he knew next to nothing about its nature or origins. All he knew was that it had something to do with the Opening Heaven Scripture¡ªa high-level scripture that only the Sect Master was likely to have access to. The thought of acquiring such a scripture made him sigh. The Sect Master was far out of his reach, and even the elders of the sect were unlikely to share such valuable knowledge with a quasi outer disciple like him. It would be no easy feat, and for now, he had to make do with the Hundred Stars Refinement technique. Perhaps, in time, there would be other scriptures modified or created by the Sect Master that he could access. Zhen continued his cultivation, feeling the refined qi circulate through his body, strengthening him with every breath. Soon, Zhen arrived at the Martial Arts Pavilion. The pagoda stood tall with two-tiered roofs, the vibrant hues of crimson and gold catching the sunlight and casting a warm glow all around. This is where it starts, he thought, pushing open the doors and stepping inside. The cool air greeted him as he entered, carrying the scent of ancient scrolls and the subtle hum of qi. Shelves lined both sides of the walls, filled with scrolls and manuals, but his eyes were immediately drawn to a bald elderly man with piercing, mean eyes sitting behind a polished wooden counter. Support the creativity of authors by visiting Royal Road for this novel and more. A grand staircase loomed behind the man, and Zhen imagined that it led to higher levels of the pavilion, where more advanced and restricted techniques were kept. The man was clearly in charge, making it clear he was the elder responsible for overseeing the Martial Arts Pavilion. He approached the counter and bowed deeply, cupping his hands in a gesture of respect. "Excuse me, Elder. I am a newly initiated disciple, and I have been instructed to come to the martial arts pavilion to borrow a martial arts manual," The elder''s eyes narrowed as he slowly extended his hand, palm up. "Show me your badge." Zhen quickly handed over his badge, watching as the elder took it. The bald elder''s fingers were steady, and he stroked his chin thoughtfully as if confirming something internally. Zhen''s gaze darted from the elder''s face to his badge, his mind racing. Was the elder using some kind of technique to check the badge? Could there be hidden inscriptions or traces of energy? Last time he checked, it was a simple badge without any glowing part, but he couldn¡¯t be sure. There was nothing visible to his eyes, nothing that hinted at what the elder might be doing. For all he knew, the elder could simply be acting mysterious to maintain an air of authority. After a moment, the elder gave a slight nod, as though confirming the authenticity, and then tapped a small metal bell on the counter. Zhen waited, expecting a ringing sound, but instead, he felt a wave of Qi passing harmlessly through his body and expanding outward. It was a strange sensation¡ªso light that he almost missed it. What was that? The elder must have seen the confusion on his face because the man leaned forward, his mean eyes narrowing. "Oh, you could sense it?" he asked, his tone curious. Was it impossible for others to sense it? Did I break some security features? Zhen hesitated, unsure if it was truly possible to sense the bell. But he had already reacted, and he couldn''t take it back. He decided that honesty was his best option. "Yes, Elder," Zhen replied cautiously. "I felt a wave of qi, though it was faint." "Interesting," the elder mused, his gaze sharpening as if reevaluating Zhen on the spot. "Only a few have sensed the bell in all the time I have been in this hall. Are you¡ª" Before the elder could finish his thought, a nominal disciple came rushing toward the reception area. She was a middle-aged woman, her simple brown robe contrasting sharply with the opulent surroundings of the Martial Arts Pavilion. Her auburn hair, streaked with a few strands of gray, was tied back in a tight bun, and her face bore the lines of years of hard work. She skidded to a halt in front of the counter and bowed deeply, her breath slightly labored from her haste. "Elder Liang, I¡ª" The elder''s face darkened instantly. "Have some decorum, Mei!" he barked, his voice sharp and unforgiving. "No running in the pavilion!" Mei flinched at the reprimand, bowing repeatedly in quick succession. "I apologize, Elder Liang. It won''t happen again." So this is Elder Liang, Zhen thought, observing the interaction carefully. The way Mei reacted¡ªso quick to apologize and correct herself¡ªtold Zhen much about Elder Liang''s strict nature. It was clear that respect and adherence to rules were paramount under his watch. Zhen made a mental note to tread carefully around him. Elder Liang''s stern gaze softened slightly as he waved a dismissive hand. "Ensure that it doesn''t." With a nod, Mei straightened herself and looked at Zhen curiously. Zhen could sense the difference in their power levels, though he wasn¡¯t certain of her exact realm. Her qi indicated she was in a lower realm, but how much lower was difficult to tell. Elder Liang cleared his throat, drawing Zhen''s attention back. "Now, where were we? Ah, yes. The bell. You mentioned you could sense the bell, didn''t you?" "Yes, I¡­ I sensed it, Elder Liang" he replied cautiously, unsure of what this meant. But Zhen''s mind raced with excitement. Did he possess some latent potential he was unaware of? The elder nodded slowly. "Tell me, have you joined any Peak?" Zhen blinked, caught off guard by the question. He hadn''t expected this turn in the conversation. "The Jadecrest Peak," Zhen replied smoothly. While he had not been officially selected by any Peak, he decided to mention Jadecrest Peak to imply that he was already spoken for, hoping to avoid being coerced into whatever the elder might be planning. The elder''s lips pressed into a thin line, and he tsked softly. "Jadecrest Peak," he repeated as if weighing the name. "A decent choice, I suppose. But if that doesn''t work out, consider joining the Celestial Archive Hall. We oversee all the scrolls and techniques in the sect, and your sensitivity would easily earn you a nice position here." Zhen noticed Mei''s reaction immediately¡ªa slight gasp that she quickly tried to cover up. Her eyes widened just a little, betraying her surprise at the elder''s words. Is this such a rare offer? The offer was tempting; working in the Celestial Archive Hall might provide him with more opportunities to read the manuals and learn the sect¡¯s techniques. However, he also knew that the sect should be very protective of its scriptures, even from those who worked within the halls. He hesitated for a moment, unsure of what to say. Finally, he offered a respectful bow. "I''ll keep that in mind, Elder Liang." The man gave a small nod, his expression unreadable. "It''s good to keep your options open," he said, his tone almost advisory. "But remember, you should decide before attempting to advance to the Foundation Establishment stage." Zhen couldn¡¯t quite tell if the elder was pleased with his response or not. The man¡¯s expression remained a mystery, his words tinged with what could be either genuine advice or a subtle warning. But he filed away the information, along with the name. Without another word, the elder turned his attention back to Mei, gesturing toward the dark wooden stairwell positioned prominently at the center of the pavilion. "Take him to the first-floor manual room, Mei," he instructed as he handed the token to her. Mei nodded again, this time more formally, acknowledging the elder before turning to Zhen, and leading the way. 21 — Martial Technique Grades~ The stairs creaked softly beneath their feet as Zhen followed Mei¡¯s steady pace. Her steps were measured, her gaze downcast, as if afraid to draw too much attention to herself even in the solitude of the stairwell. ¡°Senior Brother,¡± she said tentatively, glancing back at him with a small, unsure smile, ¡°is this your first time visiting the pavilion?¡± ¡°It is,¡± Zhen replied. The title Senior Brother still felt odd, given that Mei was clearly older, but the cultivation hierarchy respected power, not age. It was quite odd, but he quickly accepted it, comparing it to being called sir in his previous job, where authority often didn''t match age or experience. ¡°It¡¯s¡­ bigger than I imagined.¡± A part of him was tempted to ask Mei how she felt addressing someone so much younger as senior, but he held his tongue. Mei¡¯s smile grew a fraction, though her eyes flickered downward again. ¡°Most newcomers say the same. The pavilion has many secrets¡ªit can be overwhelming.¡± Zhen¡¯s curiosity piqued at her tone, low and cautious. ¡°Secrets, you say? Care to share one?¡± Her head dipped, and she let out a soft, deferential laugh. ¡°I wouldn¡¯t presume, Senior Brother. But if you wish to know something, I could answer¡­ to the best of my ability.¡± Zhen chuckled, playing along. ¡°Then, do you have any advice for someone completely new to this?¡± Mei tilted her head thoughtfully as they entered a dimly lit corridor lined with intricately carved doors. ¡°Well, Senior Brother,¡± she began, a glint in her eye, ¡°if I were to give advice¡ªwhich, of course, a junior like me shouldn¡¯t presume to do¡ªI¡¯d say to trust your instincts. Sometimes, a manual might seem too advanced or too simple, but if you feel a connection with it, it could be the right one. And¡­¡± She hesitated, glancing around as if to ensure no one else could hear, ¡°if you sense one resonating with Qi, that might be a sign worth considering.¡± Zhen nodded thoughtfully, even as he realized her advice was still too vague to be of real use. He decided to smooth over the moment, discreetly retrieving a small spirit stone from his sleeve and offering it to her. ¡°Thank you, Mei,¡± he said quietly, making sure to cover all direction. Mei¡¯s eyes widened briefly in surprise before she composed herself and accepted the stone with a small, respectful bow. ¡°Senior Brother is too generous,¡± she murmured. Her voice softened further. ¡°One more piece of advice, then, if I may? The pavilion holds techniques across all four grades, but¡­ for someone like you, I¡¯d suggest starting with the Profound grade. They might seem simple now, but they offer room to grow. That could prove invaluable as you advance.¡± Zhen inclined his head, digesting her words, but a deeper problem lingered in his mind. He wasn¡¯t even sure what these ¡°grades¡± meant, nor how to categorize techniques at all. Hoping to avoid suspicion, he asked carefully, ¡°How does one begin to choose a technique? I¡¯ve heard the terms, but¡­ well, I¡¯d rather not make a fool of myself.¡± Mei faltered, the faintest hitch in her step, before she stopped entirely. She turned to face him, her eyes fixed somewhere just below his own. ¡°Forgive me, Senior Brother,¡± she began hesitantly, ¡°but¡­ why would you come here without knowing what you want?¡± Do I have to do some research before coming here? Zhen frowned slightly, careful to hide his unease. ¡°I thought this would be a good place to start learning,¡± he replied, keeping his tone casual. ¡°I assumed the pavilion would offer guidance for beginners. Why else would there be so many manuals?¡± Surely it wasn¡¯t possible to sift through techniques as one would browse a library¡¯s shelves? Was it more like navigating a labyrinth, with intuition and understanding as the guide? Mei¡¯s eyes narrowed slightly, suspicion flickering in their depths. ¡°Senior Brother,¡± she said carefully, her voice lowering, ¡°the pavilion isn¡¯t just a place to browse. Most who come here already have an understanding of what they seek. Techniques are graded not just by complexity but by compatibility. Are you certain¡­¡± she hesitated, her words trailing off, ¡°¡­that you aren¡¯t here for some other purpose?¡± Zhen forced a laugh, hoping to dispel her wariness. ¡°What purpose could I have other than to learn? I just want to avoid making a mistake.¡± Mei studied him carefully, her gaze lingering as if to gauge the truth of his words. Finally, she sighed softly, relenting. ¡°Then, forgive my doubts, Senior Brother. Perhaps you are¡­ different. But if you¡¯re truly uncertain, I can explain the basics. Techniques are categorized into four ranks: Mortal, Profound, Earth, and Heaven. The higher the rank, the greater the power and the more difficult they are to obtain. But there¡¯s more to it than just power¡ªeach rank also reflects how much potential a technique has for future growth.¡± Zhen nodded, his mind racing as he tried to piece together her explanation. Techniques sorted by rank, with varying levels of power and difficulty¡ªthat part made sense. But why was she emphasizing the Profound grade? Shouldn¡¯t he aim as high as possible? Wasn¡¯t the entire point of cultivation to ascend quickly and grasp the greatest heights? As if sensing his hesitation, Mei continued, her voice calm but tinged with caution. ¡°The pavilion¡¯s first floor holds techniques of all grades, but the Earth and Heaven techniques here are often incomplete. Incomplete techniques can be dangerous¡ªit¡¯s like trying to build a house without knowing if you have all the materials. A Profound technique might not seem as impressive at first glance, but it¡¯s solid, reliable, and offers room for steady growth.¡±Did you know this text is from a different site? Read the official version to support the creator. Zhen absorbed her words, his thoughts spinning. Incomplete techniques. The idea gave him pause. He hadn¡¯t considered the possibility that reaching too high too soon could lead to a dead end¡ªor worse, harm his cultivation. Yet, the notion intrigued him. What if an incomplete technique could be finished later? Could it hold hidden potential, like a forgotten treasure? But what if the golden words completed the technique? Wouldn''t that be similar to the first idea that he thought about generating money? Still, a Profound technique didn¡¯t sound glamorous. It lacked the immediate allure of the more prestigious Earth or Heaven grades. Zhen wondered if choosing such a path would undermine his status as a cultivator¡ªor if it might set him apart for entirely different reasons. Remembering Wang Bo, he didn''t want to commit the same mistake. Stability was more important for him. His rank had no effect on Wang Bo, so entering Foundation Establishment is still the better choice. Before Zhen could ask Mei any more questions, they reached the landing. He felt a peculiar sensation as though he had passed through a thin layer of water. The air seemed heavier for a moment, charged with faint energy, before returning to normal. He glanced upward, half-expecting to see rows of open bookshelves, but the second floor defied his assumptions. Instead of the expected grandeur, the layout mirrored the first: a stark reception desk stood ahead, though it was curiously unmanned. Shelves flanked the sides of the room, laden with scrolls and manuals, yet they seemed cloaked behind a hazy curtain. The shimmering obscured their details, leaving only indistinct silhouettes visible¡ªa tantalizing promise of knowledge hidden just out of reach. Near the desk stood a guard, his rigid posture reminiscent of a carved statue. His muscular frame filled out the pavilion¡¯s standard uniform, and his expression, chiseled with stern focus, brooked no nonsense. Beside him, an old man with white, receding hair swept the floor with slow, deliberate strokes of a broom. Despite his seemingly humble task, everything about the elder¡ªthe calm precision of his movements, the quiet strength in his gaze¡ªradiated the presence of someone extraordinary. Hidden expert. Definitely one of those elusive masters that every story warns about. Mei bowed deeply. ¡°This is a new outer sect disciple here for his manual selection,¡± she announced, her voice laced with respect. The guard¡¯s piercing gaze locked onto Zhen, scrutinizing him with an intensity that made his spine stiffen. ¡°Do you have any weapons on you?¡± Zhen shook his head immediately. ¡°No, I don¡¯t have any weapons.¡± The guard¡¯s eyes narrowed slightly, ¡°Do you have any storage space? Hidden compartments or storage artifacts?¡± ¡°No storage artifacts or hidden compartments either,¡± Zhen replied carefully. ¡°I came here with nothing but my robes.¡± The guard gave a curt nod, though his gaze lingered for a moment longer. ¡°Good. Remember, any unauthorized items found within the manual room will result in severe punishment. Follow the rules, and you¡¯ll be fine.¡± Zhen swallowed hard and nodded, forcing himself to meet the man¡¯s gaze. ¡°Understood. May I ask¡ªwhat kind of punishments are we talking about?¡± The guard¡¯s lips pressed into a thin, grim line. ¡°Pray you don¡¯t find out.¡± Before the words fully settled the elderly man interjected without breaking stride in his sweeping, his cold, authoritative voice slicing through the tension. ¡°You have thirty minutes. You may only enter the first floor. Choose one item¡ªnothing more.¡± Zhen suppressed a groan. So much for staying inconspicuous. Not so hidden after all. At that moment, the hazy curtain veiling the shelves shimmered, then dissolved with a faint ripple on the right side of the room. Zhen¡¯s breath caught as the once-obscured shelves came into sharp focus. The room seemed to expand, as though the walls themselves acknowledged the unveiling. ¡°What are you waiting for? The clock is already ticking,¡± the elder barked, his sharp tone snapping Zhen from his awe. ¡°Yes, Senior,¡± Zhen muttered, bowing hastily. He darted toward the room, cursing under his breath. First rule of survival¡ªdon¡¯t irritate the hidden expert. Inside, the air shifted again, thickening with an almost tangible energy. The scent of aged paper mingled with the increasing hum of Qi in the air. Zhen stepped inside, his eyes scanning the rows upon rows of martial arts techniques. The shelves weren¡¯t merely cluttered; they were organized meticulously by categories. Names etched into brass plaques gleamed in the dim light: Heaven Grade - Beastly Qi, Earth Grade - Elemental Qi, Profound Grade - Spirit Techniques, and others he didn¡¯t yet recognize. For a moment, Zhen stood still, taking it all in. The immensity of what lay before him was daunting, each row brimming with potential triumph¡ªor disaster. Choose one item, nothing more, he reminded himself, the elder¡¯s warning echoing in his mind. He also noticed a faint shimmering before the bookshelves. He took a step forward and noticed a faint shimmering before some of the bookshelves. His brows furrowed. Was it some kind of protective formation? Or maybe it was simply the residual aura of the scrolls that had been imbued with techniques. He made a mental note not to touch anything without proper preparation. Zhen¡¯s thoughts drifted as he browsed. What should I choose? The question hung in his mind like an unsolved riddle. He felt a growing sense of pressure as his eyes flitted across the names of the manuals. His gaze lingered on a particularly ornate section of the shelf labeled Heaven Grade. The books there bore dramatic titles that exuded grandeur: Blue Star Heavenly Body Art, Seven Celestial Thundergod Burning Punch, Void Dragon Ascension, and more. He chuckled under his breath. If I were a protagonist in some grand tale, these names would be perfect. They practically scream ''legendary hero.'' But his skepticism grew. 22 — Opening Heaven~ As he had been warned by Mei, there were many Earth Grade and Heaven Grade martial arts. Thankfully, the techniques were easily marked in their respected grades. Yet, after inspecting the Heaven and Earth grades for a while, Li Zhen couldn''t tell if there was anything wrong with them. They followed the same flowery language to explain the technique but seemed more mysterious and powerful. Even the names they had sounded powerful, like Heavenly Body Art and Seven Celestial Thundergod Burning Punch. Zhen¡¯s eyes scanned the rows of martial arts tomes with a furrowed brow. If he was born in this world, the name might felt more powerful but his thoughts were different. Anything with such an impressive name couldn''t possibly be just for the Foundational Establishment, and he had a feeling he had encountered the trope of martial arts with cool-sounding names but having weak effects. The descriptions were grandiose, filled with promises of unparalleled power, dominion over the elements, crushing mountains, splitting seas. Zhen¡¯s lips curled into a dry smile. Techniques with such ostentatious details often carried hidden flaws or required insane cultivation realms to even comprehend. I could understand why Mei would stop me from looking at these martial arts. The air felt colder as he let Mei¡¯s warning replay in his head. Turning to the Earth Grade section, Zhen found the tomes slightly more modest. Their spines were sturdy but plain, bound in leather with only the faintest embossing of elemental symbols. Yet, these too carried promises of greatness. These still carried a weight of power but felt slightly more attainable. Titles like Crimson Flame Steps and Gale Wind Saber Technique caught his eye. Their descriptions were equally alluring, promising mastery over fire or wind and unmatched grace in battle. Similar to the Heavens Grade¡­ Grandiose descriptions, promises of power. The same script over and over. He shook his head. He wasn¡¯t looking for something flashy or destined to make him a hero. Right now, survival was the priority. He also had to get a technique that might be useful for him right now. No point in future planning if he couldn''t protect himself. For the hundredth time Zhen cursed his lack of memories for not having any cultivation advice. The fight that morning flashed in his mind like a cruel reminder. The sharp sting of bruises were still fresh. His defensive options had been laughably inadequate. A shiver ran down his spine as he remembered the way his opponent¡¯s strikes had cut through his weak stance like paper. If he didn¡¯t address this gap, he¡¯d be at the mercy of anyone with a grudge. To avoid further humiliation¡ªor worse¡ªhe needed a skill that would bolster his defenses, something reliable and immediate. Most cultivators inside the sect would leave him alone if they saw he had strong defenses, and it wasn''t like he could suddenly turn into a murderous aggressor as was typical in Xianxia tales. The Profound Grade section was less adorned but no less intriguing. Simpler titles caught his eye, each promising utility without unnecessary flair. After some searching, Zhen came across a set of options that sparked his interest: Golden Shield Art, Jade Turtle Shell, Diamond Skin Method, and Stone Skin Mantra. His fingers hovered over the spine of Jade Turtle Shell for a moment. The description promised a defensive barrier that could absorb and deflect Qi-based attacks. A solid option. But then, Diamond Skin Method seemed equally promising, offering unparalleled physical resilience against physical blows. Which one? Zhen frowned. The decision wasn¡¯t as simple as it seemed. A misstep here could cost him dearly in the future. Jade Turtle Shell sounds like it would give me a good buffer, but what if I need something sturdier? Maybe Diamond Skin... Or should I combine two techniques? Would that even work? He clenched his fists, the weight of his ignorance pressing like a millstone. If only I had my memories of cultivation... or a teacher I could trust. For a moment, frustration flickered across his face, but he quickly pushed it aside. There was no time to wallow in self-pity. Gritting his teeth, Zhen focused. This was a test, just like everything else. He scanned the shelves again, determined to choose wisely. As he looked through these, Zhen¡¯s mind raced. Defensive techniques like these could provide him with the stability he needed. Love this story? Find the genuine version on the author''s preferred platform and support their work! Zhen¡¯s gaze fell back to Diamond Skin Method. Its simplicity struck a chord. This was no grandiose, flowery technique filled with promises of godlike power. It was practical, immediate¡ªa method to fortify his body and turn his skin into an impenetrable defense. This is what I need, he thought, his grip on the book tightening. Closing the book with a decisive thud, Zhen placed the other tomes back on the shelf. He exhaled slowly, the tension in his shoulders easing as a sense of clarity settled over him. After he deliberated, a new thought sparked¡ªwild and almost ridiculous. What if the library held something more? Soon he started to rush to get a look at all the techniques. Maybe there were hidden gems that he could see. He had already met He Shan, so there were chances of books for other blessed people presents. There should be a book here that would help a protagonist on his journey, right? Getting a hand on one of them might create a good start. If someone like him existed, wasn¡¯t it possible that treasures meant for protagonists lay concealed in this library¡¯s recesses? Driven by this thought, Zhen began to scour the shelves with renewed vigor. The further he ventured, the less polished the library became. The air grew stale, carrying a faint musk of forgotten paper and mildew. After looking at almost ninety percent of the floor, he came across only dusty bookshelfs with long-forgotten techniques. This part of the library felt abandoned, the Qi formations meant to preserve the books long since failed. Fatigue clawed at him, his legs aching as he combed through the neglected aisles. Am I wasting my time? The thought flickered, accompanied by a growing sense of futility. But then, his eyes caught a name that made his heart stop. Opening Heaven. He froze. The words sparked a memory, faint yet undeniable. His steps faltered, and he nearly stumbled into a nearby shelf. Isn¡¯t this the same technique that inspired Hundred Stars Refinement? His gaze lingered on the book. Its cover, worn and faded, seemed out of place even in this neglected section of the library. The edges of the tome were frayed, threads of fabric peeling away like the unraveling of time itself. Opening Heaven: Edited by Dao Lord Tianxu, Year 1203 of the Celestial Era Zhen¡¯s fingers hovered over the spine, hesitant. His eyes darted to the books beside it, their titles equally enigmatic, with five more empty sections on the shelf. All Things: Edited by Dao Lord Zhiyuan, Year 302 of the Verdant Age Heavenly Ascension: Edited by Dao Lord Yunfei, Year 789 of the Lunar Era Devil: Edited by Dao Lord Yeming, Year 145 of the Epoch of Shadows There was a plaque above the shelf, similar to which he had seen in the library indicating if these techniques were part of a larger series. Mortal Grade - Foundation Establishment Nine Eternal Laws of the Grand Dao Zhen¡¯s heart skipped a beat. Mortal Grade? The realization struck him like a thunderclap. His thoughts churned, struggling to reconcile the revelation. The sect¡¯s refinement technique is based on a Mortal Grade art? His gaze swept the dusty section, his unease growing. The thick layer of neglect¡ªdust undisturbed, cobwebs draped like forgotten shrouds¡ªsuggested no one had set foot here in decades. What are they doing here, abandoned in the Martial Arts Pavilion? His pulse quickened. The weight of the air seemed to press against him, and a chilling thought crept into his mind. Are they here for a protagonist? The logic, while absurd, gnawed at him. It fit too well. Why else would treasures of this caliber be left untouched? If these techniques hold such power, they must be meant for someone. His lips pressed into a thin line. Am I that going to steal the protagonist treasures? His hands trembled as he reached for Opening Heaven, brushing away layers of dust and cobwebs. The weight of the book in his hands felt¡­ significant. He cracked it open, the faint scent of ancient paper mingling with the musk of the room. The words were dense, the concepts profound. Though different from what he remembered, Zhen was certain: this was the same Opening Heaven that had once guided him. Zhen quickly pursed through the words. While it was quite different from what he could remember but Zhen was certain that this was the same Opening Heaven that he gained enlightenment from. His pulse quickened. The technique spoke of splitting chaos itself to create new worlds. Even in its fragmented state, its potential was awe-inspiring. But was it too much? He chewed his lip, the old conflict rising: caution versus ambition. This is dangerous¡­ but what if it¡¯s the edge I need? Zhen¡¯s fingers tightened on the book¡¯s spine. There was not much time and he had to decide whether to take it or not. For a moment, he thought about being impulsive and take the risk. Just as he began to pull the book closer, a rustling sound shattered the silence. Zhen stiffened, every muscle locking in place. He strained his ears, his pulse hammering in his ears as a figure emerged from behind the shelves. Her robe, deep crimson and embroidered with golden phoenixes, shimmered in the low light. The birds seemed almost alive, their wings poised to burst into flames. The faint scent of jasmine and charred wood followed her, and Zhen¡¯s breath hitched. His body tensed instinctively, his muscles locking as if in response to an apex predator. The distance between them felt irrelevant; the intensity of her presence pressed against him like an invisible hand. His heart thudded in his chest, his mind racing. Higher realm. Much higher. 23 — Domineering Madness Zhen stiffened, every muscle locking in place. He strained his ears, his pulse hammering in his ears as a girl emerged from behind the shelves. Her robe, deep crimson embroidered with golden phoenixes, shimmered in the low light. Zhen''s gaze snagged on the fiery birds, half-expecting them to tear free and sear him with their incandescent touch. Gods, she reeks of power¡­ and something else. Something burnt. He swallowed hard, the scent of jasmine and charred wood clinging to the back of his throat. A tremor of primal fear ran through him, the instinctive recoil of prey sensing an apex predator. He stood before something infinitely more powerful. Higher realm? No. She''s from a whole different plane of existence. He thought back to his encounter with Wang Bo, the suffocating pressure that had pinned him to the ground. That was like a gentle breeze compared to this. This was like¡­ like having a whole damn star collapse on top of him. His heart hammered against his ribs, a frantic drumbeat against the encroaching silence. Zhen knew, with chilling certainty, that he was no match for her. "Hm," she drawled, her voice like a songbird with razor-sharp talons. "A new face." Zhen flinched. New face? He instinctively met her gaze, a mistake he realized a moment too late. Her face, a mask of perfect beauty, was framed by raven hair that cascaded down her back like a waterfall of ink. But it was her eyes that held him captive, obsidian pools glittering with predatory amusement that bordered on madness. Her lips curled into a smile that didn''t quite reach those unnerving eyes. "And you don''t seem to know how to greet your betters," she continued, tilting her head slightly. "How... intriguing." Shit, of course, he should have greeted her first. He was so caught off guard by her presence that he''d forgotten basic decorum. "Honourable Senior," he hastily performed the customary bow, clasping his palms and fists together in respect. "This disciple greets you." He cursed his own clumsiness. Smooth, Zhen, real smooth. Way to make a first impression. He risked a glance upwards, meeting her gaze with a forced smile. He had a feeling this encounter was about to get a whole lot worse. Please don''t let her be crazy, he prayed silently. Please don''t let her be crazy. Zhen''s fingers tightened around the book in his hands, his knuckles whitening as if the worn binding could anchor him to some semblance of normalcy in this increasingly bizarre situation. Her gaze flickered to the book, a subtle shift of those obsidian eyes that sent a jolt of awareness through him. A flicker of something unreadable vanished as quickly as it appeared. Had he blinked, he would have missed it entirely. "Are you interested in the books here?" the senior asked, her tone deceptively light, as though the question were a mere afterthought. Why is she asking me that? Zhen thought, bewildered. Shouldn''t a cultivator of her stature be busy cultivating? Or concocting some miraculous elixir? Or even meditating to ascend to a higher realm? He almost wanted to add, "Surely, your time is too precious to be wasted on a lowly disciple like me," but he wisely bit back the impulsive words. "Yes, Honourable Senior," he replied instead, opting for a safe and respectful response. A faint smile played on her lips. "This dusty, forgotten corner of the pavilion?" She paused, her gaze flitting to the worn leather cover in his hands before returning to his face. "Why are you interested in such... neglected texts?" For a moment, Zhen felt his tongue freeze. Her gaze was intense, magnetic, drawing him in as if her very presence had a gravity of its own. It was like standing before a fiery god, subtly probing his mind, his intentions. A wave of unease washed over him. He opened his mouth to answer, the words forming instinctively: Because it feels important... because it might help me... because¡ª And then, suddenly, the stars in his meridians stirred. It was subtle at first¡ªa faint, rhythmic pulse¡ªbut it grew stronger, the qi rippling through his body like a wave of cold clarity. His mind sharpened, and the fog that had crept over his thoughts lifted abruptly.Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon. Zhen felt the sweat on his back, cold and clinging. His heart pounded as he realized what had just happened. She was trying to subtly influence me. A surge of unease mingled with anger. What kind of person uses techniques like that so casually? And why, he wondered, would a disciple as powerful as her be even remotely interested in a dusty, forgotten book? His eyes flicked to the shelves around them. The layer of dust was thick, undisturbed¡ªno one''s touched these books in years. Her eyebrow arched, and her lips curved ever so slightly, the faintest trace of intrigue dancing in her expression. "Interesting," she mused, eyes glinting with something unreadable. "It''s rare for someone of your level to resist my technique. Even for a moment." Zhen swallowed hard, unsure whether to feel proud or terrified. The casual way she mentioned using a technique on him left little doubt in his mind¡ªshe wasn''t apologetic. Not in the slightest. To someone of her power, it was probably a simple trick, like a child idly toying with a beetle. "It must be because you were merciful, Senior," He lowered his gaze, hoping the deference in his posture would appease her. She chuckled, a soft but chilling sound. "Perhaps." Her eyes narrowed slightly as she stepped closer, scrutinizing him like one might examine a curious insect. "I am Lan Xingchen, Seventh Core Disciple." Zhen had no idea what Seventh Core Disciple meant. He knew the sect had inner disciples and true disciples. But Core Disciple? Nothing. It must be a rank far beyond his comprehension, occupied by monstrously strong cultivators who could probably flick him off a mountain with a single finger. He bowed again, deeper this time, his palms pressed together with renewed reverence. "Quasi Outer Disciple Li Zhen. It is an honor to meet you, Senior Lan." She hummed softly, as if his introduction barely registered in her thoughts. Her gaze drifted back to the book in his hands, lingering there for a beat. "Well?" Zhen forced himself to relax, though his hands still felt clammy. He offered a strained smile, carefully masking the turmoil in his thoughts. "The name caught my attention," he said evenly. "A Mortal Grade technique with a title like Opening Heaven¡ªit seemed... unusual." He trailed off, feigning a scholarly interest. He glanced down at the book in his hands, tracing the faded characters on the cover. Opening Heaven. Such a grand name for a Mortal Grade technique. A part of him cursed his curiosity. If he''d just left it alone, he wouldn''t be under her cold scrutiny now. Unless¡­ His gaze dropped to the book in his hands. Could this be because of the Opening Heaven Scripture? He gritted his teeth, suppressing a wave of frustration. He didn''t have enough information to connect the dots, but one thing was certain: Her interest wasn''t casual. Lan Xingchen''s lips curved into a thin smile, her expression unreadable. "Is that so?" She studied him for a long moment, her eyes narrowing slightly. Did I say something wrong? he thought, his pulse quickening. Did I just commit some unspoken crime? His mind raced, replaying the conversation, searching for any clue as to what she was thinking. But her expression gave away nothing, and the weight of her scrutiny was unbearable. The tension between them thickened, and Zhen couldn''t shake the feeling that she saw right through him. Just as he considered saying more, Lan Xingchen''s eyes cooled, her lips thinning in disappointment. "You truly don''t know about the Nine Laws," she said, her tone dripping with disdain, as if she regretted wasting the breath it took to ask. Zhen''s throat tightened, but he forced himself to remain composed. The weight of her disdain felt like a physical thing, pressing down on him with every heartbeat. He could hear the subtle shift in her tone, the razor-thin edge that made it clear she saw him as little more than an insect fumbling in the dark. The Nine Laws. He racked his brain for any trace of knowledge. Nine Laws? Something to do with cultivation? Damn these missing memories! The phrase tickled at the edges of his memory, but no matter how hard he searched, nothing came forward. His lack of cultivation memories struck again. Why does this always happen to me? he thought miserably. Why did he always seem to stumble into trouble with figures like her? His palms grew clammy as he fought the urge to apologize, though he wasn''t even sure what he''d done wrong. But it was too late for regret. Zhen cleared his throat, keeping his voice calm and even. "I''m afraid my understanding is limited, Senior Lan." He lowered his head slightly, acknowledging the gap between them. Hopefully, she''ll just leave it at that. She ignored him entirely, her gaze flicking back to the book, then to the shelf where it had rested, as if he no longer existed in the room. "Are you done here?" she asked flatly. "Yes," he exhaled, his shoulders sagging slightly. He hesitated, torn between offering her the book or returning it to the shelf. Should I? Shouldn''t I? Damn, I''m overthinking this. He extended the book toward her, expecting her to take it, but his hesitation earned him nothing but scorn. Lan Xingchen''s eyes narrowed slightly, her lips curling in irritation. "If you''re done, scram," she said coldly, as if his lingering presence offended her. Zhen stiffened, bowing hastily. "Of course, Senior." He stepped back, preparing to leave, but before he could move further, her hand flicked dismissively. A burst of red Qi surged from her palm, rippling toward him in a wave of oppressive heat that thickened the air around him. She''s attacking me? For this? Zhen stumbled back, his instincts screaming at him to defend himself, but no technique he knew could stand against such power. 24 — Escaping Unscathed~ He flinched, raising his hands in a desperate, pathetic attempt to shield himself, bracing for the inevitable impact. The stars in his acupoints rapidly expelled qi, forming a rudimentary construct on his hand to shield him. As the searing wave of Qi crashed towards him, a single, thought consumed him: Why? ¡°No Fighting.¡± A deep, commanding voice echoed through the library, cutting through the tension like a blade. The red qi froze mid-air, dissipating instantly into harmless sparks that flickered and faded. Zhen blinked, his heart pounding as relief washed over him. He turned his head toward the source of the voice, his gaze falling on a figure stepping out from the shadows. The elder strode toward them with the broom still in his hands, wearing simple robes with a lack of ostentation despite his evident power. Even though his face didn''t show any emotion, his eyes carried a sternness that immediately silenced any lingering tension in the air. The elder¡¯s sharp gaze flicked between them, lingering on him for a moment. Feeling the weight of the elder''s look, he quickly dispelled the qi construct on his hand and bowed, his head lowered in deference. ¡°Elder Bai,¡± Lan Xingchen said smoothly, inclining her head in a perfunctory bow. ¡°I was merely teaching this outer disciple a lesson.¡± Teaching? Fucking teaching. That was almost the feeling of staring death in the face. He didn''t know what realm she was in, but he knew that a flick of her finger was enough to erase his existence. His hands trembled slightly, and he could feel a cold sweat breaking out on his forehead thinking about it. ¡°Teaching?¡± Elder Bai¡¯s voice was even, but there was a faint edge to it. ¡°The Martial Arts Pavilion is not a place for your games, Lan Xingchen. Core Disciple or not, don''t break rules during my watch.¡± Zhen glanced up cautiously, catching the faintest hint of irritation in her eyes before she masked it with a cool indifference. ¡°Of course, Elder. My apologies,¡± she replied, her voice devoid of any remorse. Elder Bai turned his attention fully to Zhen. "Did you select your technique?" ¡°Yes, Elder.¡± Zhen bowed deeply, feeling as though he had been rescued from the precipice of a calamity. "Then what are you waiting for?" the elder boomed, his voice echoing through the vast chamber. "Go and check out the technique. Don''t dawdle." Without sparing another glance at Lan Xingchen, Zhen turned and practically fled, his heart still pounding in his chest. He half expected to feel the searing heat of red qi chasing after him, burning into his back. He had barely taken the first step when Elder Bai seemed to vanish into thin air. By the time his second foot touched the ground, the elder was gone. As Zhen rounded a towering bookshelf, a flash of crimson light illuminated the aisle behind him. Is she attacking again? He whipped around, just in time to see a wave of oppressive energy sweep across the dusty shelves. The air crackled and hissed as the cobwebs and layers of dust vanished in an instant, revealing rows of pristine books that seemed untouched by time. But Zhen didn''t linger to witness the aftermath. He hurried out of the section, the elder¡¯s words and Lan Xingchen¡¯s sharp gaze lingering in his mind. Whatever game she was playing, he had narrowly avoided becoming a casualty¡ªand he wasn¡¯t sure if he should feel relieved or offended. ? ? ? Zhen stepped carefully out from between the tall bookshelves, his heart still hammering faintly in his chest. The worn scroll containing the Diamond Skin Method was tucked securely under his arm, though the subtle weight of it felt heavier than expected. His fingers subconsciously tightened around the parchment as he crossed the threshold into the first-floor reception area. As he approached the main desk, the sharp gaze of Elder Bai lifted from his sweeping. The elder''s eyes narrowed, the wrinkles on his forehead deepening as his lips pressed into a thin line. Zhen felt the man''s gaze cling to him, as if trying to peel away the layers of calm he wore. He forced himself to meet the elder''s stare with what he hoped was an air of casualness, but inwardly he braced himself.Reading on Amazon or a pirate site? This novel is from Royal Road. Support the author by reading it there. Insert Zhen thinking about why the Elder seems interested in him. Thankfully, he didn''t ask any questions, The elder''s eyes flicked dismissively back to his cleaning. Zhen exhaled quietly through his nose, his shoulders relaxing just a fraction as he continued toward the reception desk. The guard stationed there barely glanced up, offering a brief nod of acknowledgement. ¡°You can go,¡± the man grunted, waving him through with the indifference of someone who had seen too many disciples pass through these halls. As Zhen stepped into the, his attention immediately snapped to Mei. She stood near the staircase, arms crossed tightly over her chest. Her foot tapped impatiently against the polished stone floor, but her gaze kept drifting toward the shadowy maze of bookshelves behind him. The moment her eyes met his, Zhen caught the flash of relief that softened her face. A subtle sigh escaped her lips, but it was quickly masked by a neutral expression as if the moment of vulnerability had never happened. Still, he saw it. Did she think I''d stagger out of there bloodied and broken? he mused, the memory of Lan Xingchen¡¯s fiery presence still vivid. Zhen hesitated, his steps slowing. Mei''s eyes hadn''t left him. Was she waiting for him this entire time? He glanced toward the dim interior of the library, wondering just how much time had slipped away. But why would she wait for me? he wondered, a flicker of doubt crossing his mind. Mei tilted her head slightly, her brow furrowed with concern. "Did you find something suitable, Senior Brother? You were in there for quite a while." He met her gaze, surprised by its clarity and directness. It was refreshingly straightforward, dispelling any lingering thoughts of ulterior motives. He pushed his suspicions aside, not wanting to dwell on it. Perhaps she was simply curious about the techniques he had chosen. Or maybe she had a genuine concern for his well-being. "Yes," Zhen replied, a genuine smile spreading across his face. "It took a bit longer than expected." He chuckled, the tension from the encounter with Lan Xingchen finally easing. They fell into step together, their footsteps echoing faintly as they descended the grand staircase leading to the ground level. For a moment, Zhen let himself relax, enjoying the companionable silence. But the image of Lan Xingchen lingered at the edges of his mind, her sharp eyes practically burning through the shelves. Finally, curiosity nudged him forward. ¡°Did you¡­¡± Zhen hesitated, glancing sideways at Mei. Her expression was as composed as ever, but he could see the faint lines of tension around her eyes. ¡°Did you meet the Seventh Core Discipl¡­" Before he could finish, Mei¡¯s face paled, her eyes widening for the briefest of moments before she schooled her features. Her hand shot out, fingers wrapping tightly around his arm. "Don''t," she whispered, her voice barely audible. "Don''t ask about her here." Mei''s eyes flickered nervously toward the upper levels as if expecting someone to emerge from the shadows. Zhen froze, startled by the force of her reaction. He opened his mouth to press further but something in her expression silenced him. There was genuine fear there, a rare crack in her usual self-assured demeanor. Could she be listening in even now? Zhen wondered, a chill running down his spine. He knew Lan Xingchen''s cultivation was far beyond his own; perhaps eavesdropping from a distance was child''s play for her. He suddenly felt exposed, as if every thought and whisper were laid bare before her. ¡°Alright.¡± He nodded, deciding to let the matter rest¡ªfor now. Changing the subject, Zhen lifted the scroll slightly. ¡°Anyway, take a look. I picked a Profound grade technique, just like you suggested.¡± Mei¡¯s shoulders visibly relaxed, and the grip on his arm loosened. She took a small step back, recomposing herself. "Profound grade?" she echoed, her voice regaining its usual calm tone. "That''s¡­ good." She paused, a thoughtful frown creasing her forehead. "But Senior Brother," she began, choosing her words carefully, ¡°you do know that many techniques on the Foundation Establishment floor are broken, right?¡± Zhen¡¯s brow furrowed. A knot tightened in his stomach. He had an inkling of what she meant but needed confirmation. "Broken?" he asked, his curiosity piqued. "Broken means that the technique is incomplete," Mei explained. "It will only take you so far. In this case, probably just to the peak of Foundation Establishment. There''s no progression laid out for the next realm of cultivation." "But how do I get an unbroken technique then?" Zhen questioned, his hopes sinking. So this cultivation technique is basically useless in the long run? It''ll only get me so far... he thought with a pang of disappointment. Mei considered this for a moment. "Well," she began, tapping a finger to her chin, "you could try to cultivate under an Elder. They usually have access to progressive techniques. Or you could prove your worth in the sect competitions and earn yourself some rewards. Who knows, maybe even a complete Heavenly grade technique." Zhen''s mind raced. Become an Elder''s disciple? Easier said than done. And winning sect competitions? I''m barely finding my feet here... "What about the techniques left behind by Elders who...passed away?" he ventured, thinking of the countless elders who must have ascended or perished over the centuries. Mei gave him a surprised look. "Each peak has its own Internal Pavilion for its elders, dead or alive," she explained. "Those without a designated peak usually have their techniques offered as rewards during sect competitions." By this time, they had reached the ground level. Elder Liang was still at the reception desk, but he didn''t turn to look at them. Zhen started walking toward him, but Mei stopped him. "Hold on," she said with a gentle smile. "You need to get your supplementary books as well." 26
Netherwitch

When Eric Swallow received his first quest from the System, he certainly didn¡¯t expect to end up in the netherworld. And he definitely didn¡¯t plan to become a witch called Sylvia. Now, stuck as a girl, ¡®she¡¯ must adapt as a student of the Starlight Nether Witch Academy. But she won¡¯t remain there for long, because the System¡¯s creator has a scheme. A scheme that will inevitably break the post war peace that followed Ragnarok.

And, as a bearer of the System, Sylvia will have no choice but to dive into Hell¡¯s darkest corners and its highest society all while aiming to create a safe place for herself and the ¡®gamers¡¯ who follow.

Released - Arc I ¨C Academy (13 chapters, 325 pages) Current Release: Arc II ¨C Orasul Lunii (8 chapters, 2 per a week) Next Release: Arc III ¨C Tartarus (7 chapters, coming April) Prewritten: 67 chapters covering 7 arcs with 6 fully complete

Stolen content alert: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences. What to expect: - Adventures across multiple planes - Politics, economics, and kingdom building - Weak to strong and uneducated to astute - A soul cultivation system and a complex system of magic - Werewolves, vampires, goblins, dragons, angels, demons, and more... - A background, slow burn romance with a beautiful witch - A serious take on a gender bent MC - 99% MC focus