Chapter 9: Time Passing Like Sand
The incident of the fog had already been forgotten when the news spread that Qing Chen had reached the First Layer Of Energy Refinement Realm.
Bai Zian, Feng Liang, Zhao Ling and even Mu Qingfeng came out to celebrate this news.
As Qing Chen was the youngest among everyone present here he was loved by everyone not only because he was the youngest but also because he was the only hard worker among a group of Lazy people.
Everyone cheered that Qing Chen was a genius, a prodigy that would one day shake this continent.
But Qing Chen was destined to fail their expectations. He had decided to stop his cultivation and continue harvesting, Cleaning and helping plants and Herbs to earn Harmony Points. His Goal was to Breakthrough 3 Major Realms in one go.
A year later, Feng Liang Revealed that he had reached Ninth Layer Of Energy Refinement and the Valley Master, Mu Qingfeng rewarded him with a Foundation Building Pill. This was a pill that usually every Cultivator used to breakthrough because it increase the chances for Cultivators with average talents to reach Foundation Building Realm. While Geniuses mostly avoided these pills, not for some grand reason just because their self esteem did not allow them to use Pills that Average Cultivators used.
Qing Chen did not care whether Feng Liang Used it or Not.
The next day. Feng Liang left on his own towards the direction of Outer sect. Qing Chen felt a hollow feeling in his heart. It might be because the face he was used to seeing daily was no longer there. The Herbs Valley remained the same. Qing Chen continued his duties even after his breakthrough to the First Layer Of Energy Refinement Realm. Although senior brother and Bai Zian said that he should focus on increasing his strength. But he did not listen and continued what he was supposed to do.
At some point even they stopped saying it. Not because they thought he was arrogant but they believed that Qing Chen was more mature then them and knew his limits. But they also said that Cultivation is all about breaking through these constraints set on them by the Heavens.
But humans sometimes tend to forget that everything in the world has its pros and cons. Human with limited lifespan are able to achieve what demons take 1000''s of years to achieve. Humans are more intellectual then demons and are also more dangerous.
The next year, Qing Chen received a new news that Bai Zian had left the sect with a note saying that he would return one day. Qing Chen was not much worried because he knew that Bai Zian had already reached the peak of Nascent Soul Realm. Although not enough to say that Bai Zian had become invincible but someone like Bai Zian, an old monster regaining his strength life outside the sect would be much better.
Qing Chen was sure that Bai Zian was an old monster, while he never counted himself because he too was growing at the same pace as Bai Zian but he did not think that anyone other then him can have a system. That caused him to grow like Qing Chen.
At fifteen, Qing Chen stood as a quiet enigma within the Herbs Valley, his presence unassuming yet oddly reassuring. The years spent working tirelessly among the spiritual herbs had sculpted him into a figure of understated strength. His lean frame, though lacking the imposing build of a cultivator, carried the wiry resilience of someone attuned to both labor and balance.
The sun cast a warm glow over his features as he knelt beside a cluster of luminous spirit grass. His youthful face, kissed by faint freckles from countless days beneath the valley¡¯s golden rays, was serene as he worked. Dark brown eyes, filled with quiet determination, scanned the delicate herbs with the precision of one who understood their value deeply. If one looked closer, they might notice the faintest hint of silver shimmering in his irises¡ªa subtle, otherworldly mark of his growing connection to the valley¡¯s spiritual energy.
Jet-black hair, tied loosely into a low ponytail, swayed gently as he moved. A few strands framed his angular jawline, softening the maturity that had begun to settle there. Though his robes were plain, made of rough brown fabric befitting a servant, they were meticulously kept¡ªfree of stains despite his constant toil. At his waist hung a simple belt, its pouches filled with seeds and small tools for tending the valley¡¯s treasured herbs.
There was something about Qing Chen that defied explanation¡ªa calm that lingered like the faint, soothing fragrance of the spiritual plants he cared for. It wasn¡¯t the assertive aura of a cultivator, but rather an unshakable serenity. While others in the valley fretted over breakthroughs and rivalries, Qing Chen seemed untouched by such concerns, content to sow seeds and nurture life.A case of theft: this story is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.
Yet even as he worked, his mind often wandered. He would pause, glancing toward the distant peaks, where the valley¡¯s guardians and elite disciples trained. What lay beyond those mist-shrouded cliffs? What stories did the wind carry from the outer sects? Qing Chen shook his head, dismissing such thoughts.
¡°Focus on the soil beneath your hands,¡± he muttered to himself, returning his attention to the task at hand. ¡°The valley provides all that I need.¡±
Still, as the breeze swept through the valley, carrying the distant hum of leaves, Qing Chen couldn¡¯t help but wonder. His world was small, bound by the valley¡¯s borders, but the faint glimmer in his eyes hinted at something greater¡ªa potential not yet realized, waiting patiently to awaken.
Harmony Points: 4786
Qing Chen had accumulated many points, sometimes his hands itched to increase his strength. But he always calmed his beating heart to slow down.
The speed is slow.
Qing Chen knew that at this speed it would take Qing Chen forever to increase his Realm. He had to find more ways to earn points.
The eve of the New Year was a quiet affair in the Herbs Valley. Qing Chen sat under the sprawling canopy of a Tree, listening to the tales of the outer sect that Feng Liang had brought back. The older disciple¡¯s voice was filled with excitement, recounting adventures that spanned treacherous mountains, dangerous missions, and newfound camaraderie.
¡°You¡¯d enjoy it out there, Qing Chen,¡± Feng Liang said, his eyes glinting with nostalgia. ¡°The missions are tough, but they make you stronger. You meet people, face challenges¡ It¡¯s better than being stuck in this backwater, tending herbs all day.¡±
Qing Chen smiled faintly, his expression unreadable. ¡°Perhaps,¡± he said, his tone polite but noncommittal. He didn¡¯t envy Feng Liang¡¯s world. The serenity of the valley, the hum of spiritual energy flowing through the herbs, and the steady accumulation of his Harmony Points¡ªthese were enough for him. Or so he told himself.
The next day, Qing Chen resumed his work, the memory of Feng Liang¡¯s stories lingering in his mind. It was during one of his routine tasks¡ªclearing weeds near an overgrown section of the valley¡ªthat he stumbled upon something unusual.
The patch of weeds was thicker than usual, the roots tangled around old, moss-covered stones. As he pulled the stubborn growth away, a faint shimmer caught his eye. A symbol¡ªworn and weathered but unmistakably a formation mark¡ªgleamed faintly beneath the grime.
Qing Chen paused, his breath hitching. He glanced around to ensure no one was watching before brushing the dirt away with trembling hands. The mark was part of an ancient array, its spiritual energy long dormant.
¡°An entrance?¡± he whispered to himself, tracing the formation with his fingers.
Recalling old stories he¡¯d heard from the Senior Brother about forgotten gardens once used by alchemists, Qing Chen couldn¡¯t contain his curiosity. With careful precision, he poured a sliver of his spiritual energy into the formation. It flickered faintly, then stabilized, revealing a narrow, concealed path leading deeper into the mountainside.
The air grew cooler as Qing Chen stepped into the hidden space. What greeted him was breathtaking¡ªa garden shrouded in mist, its flora untouched by time. Luminous herbs with faint auras of spiritual energy grew in wild abundance. Some were ancient varieties that he had only read about in passing.
The garden had been forgotten for centuries, its protective formations keeping it sealed off from the outside world. Yet, it was clear that neglect had taken its toll. Many of the herbs were wilting, their spiritual essence fading due to the imbalance of energy.
Qing Chen¡¯s eyes glimmered with a mix of excitement and determination. Here was an opportunity¡ªone that aligned perfectly with his Harmony Points Collection System.
He set to work immediately, carefully removing the dead growth and clearing the clogged pathways of spiritual energy. With every act of restoration¡ªwhether it was stabilizing the soil with his Harmony Points or pruning overgrown vines¡ªQing Chen felt the garden respond.
The garden, once dormant, began to stir. The spiritual energy became richer, the herbs recovering their vitality. Qing Chen couldn¡¯t help but smile as his Harmony Points steadily increased, ticking upward with every effort he made.
By the time he left the garden, night had fallen. Qing Chen sealed the entrance once more, leaving no trace of his discovery. As he returned to the valley¡¯s main grounds, he felt a quiet sense of accomplishment.
His Harmony Points now exceeded 10,000, and the garden was thriving once more, hidden from prying eyes. For Qing Chen, it wasn¡¯t just about the points¡ªit was the act of nurturing life, of bringing balance to something long forgotten.
That evening, as he sat under the Verdant Willow Tree once more, Qing Chen¡¯s thoughts wandered. Feng Liang¡¯s tales of adventure and glory were enticing, but they weren¡¯t his path. The hidden garden, the herbs, and the valley¡¯s quiet beauty were enough for him¡ªfor now.
He glanced at his hands, calloused from years of work, and then at the distant mountains shrouded in mist.
¡°Strength isn¡¯t always about fighting,¡± he murmured to himself, his voice barely audible. ¡°Sometimes, it¡¯s about preserving what matters.¡±
As the stars shimmered above, Qing Chen closed his eyes, feeling the tranquil energy of the valley resonate within him. Somewhere deep in the hidden garden, the spiritual herbs swayed gently in the night breeze, their vitality restored, and their essence glowing faintly under the moonlight.
And Qing Chen, the quiet servant of the Herbs Valley, remained an enigma¡ªunseen yet irreplaceable.
Chapter 10: Evil Returns
Chapter 10: Evil Returns
The dawn broke gently over the Herbs Valley, the first rays of sunlight casting a golden sheen across the dew-kissed leaves. Qing Chen woke before the others, his routine unbroken by the discovery of the previous day. His hands itched to return to the concealed garden, but he knew better than to act rashly. The valley¡¯s harmony relied on its subtle equilibrium, and any sudden disappearance would raise questions he wasn¡¯t ready to answer.
The morning air was crisp as Qing Chen stepped into the main grounds, his robes plain but immaculate. Zhao Ling greeted him with a cheerful wave. ¡°You¡¯re up early as always, Little Brother! Don¡¯t you ever sleep in?¡±
Qing Chen smiled faintly, adjusting the strap of the basket slung over his shoulder. ¡°There¡¯s work to be done. The herbs won¡¯t tend to themselves.¡±
Zhao Ling laughed, her light demeanor a contrast to the rigorous discipline of cultivation. ¡°You¡¯re like a machine. If only we all had your dedication.¡±
"I wanted to tell you that I will be going down the mountain. I know that I have reached my limit, and right now, I should get married while I am still young. Otherwise, I would have to stay single like our Valley Master for my whole life."
"But can¡¯t you try pursuing the opportunities that could change someone¡¯s talent against Heaven¡¯s Will, like you and Bai Zian always used to say?"
"Nothing is free. In search of opportunities, hundreds of disciples die every day around the world. Not everyone is the main character, and the main character will also stop progressing one day, waiting to become stepping stones for the new generation."
Zhao Ling continued, "I had wanted to leave long ago. But as the only disciple in the Valley, I could not leave the Valley Master alone. He could die anytime. And as deserted as our Herbs Valley is, it might have taken the sect months to find out about the death of the Valley Master."
Qing Chen looked around the Valley and saw that there was so much silence in the Valley that he could even hear the sound of the air.
"Now that you are here, I can leave with peace of mind."
"Do not worry, Senior Brother. I will take care of the Valley Master like I would have taken care of my parents if they were still with me." Qing Chen was honest. Although the Valley Master looked shady, he was already stronger than him, and he did not need to be on his guard all the time.
Qing Chen could also understand the worries of his Senior Brother, as his Senior Brother had said that he had been sold by his parents when he was only eight years old because they were not able to feed one more mouth. Luckily, he had not spent much time in the slave market; he was bought by the Valley Master, joined a righteous sect, and even became a respected cultivator and understanding Senior Brother.
In this sense, even if the Valley Master had asked for the life of Zhao Ling, he would not have hesitated to give up his life for the Valley Master.
"Thank you. You just saying this much is enough for me to go down the mountain with peace of mind."
"Senior Brother, never forget this place will still be your first home, even if the Valley Master dies."
Zhao Ling just looked into Qing Chen''s eyes, trying to find if he had lied, but Qing Chen looked back into his eyes with firm determination.You could be reading stolen content. Head to the original site for the genuine story.
Zhao Ling did not feel good leaving his responsibilities on the young shoulders of this youth, but he also knew that if he hesitated now, he might never be able to leave this Valley.
He was not like Qing Chen, who was uniquely close with Nature and liked doing what he was doing. Zhao Ling was different. He had only stayed in this Valley for five decades because he owed the Valley Master, and the real reason he wanted to leave the Valley was because he knew that he would not be able to handle the death of the only loved one he had in this cruel world.
...
"Have the preparations been completed?" an indifferent voice sounded from an eerie-looking purple crystal placed on an empty throne. Robed individuals were genuflecting in front of the empty throne.
"Yes, My Lord."
"Finally, after centuries of planning and sacrifices, the time has arrived for our revenge." The purple crystal glowed whenever the voice spoke from the other end.
"Have you searched? Is there any talent noteworthy that could disrupt our plans again, like 1,000 years ago?"
"No, My Lord. We have searched the whole continent, and if someone showed signs of such a person appearing again, we killed them. Currently, the spiritual energy in the continent is no longer as rich as it used to be 1,000 years ago."
"Now even reaching the Celestial Path Realm has become something only 1 in a billion geniuses can do. And there are only 3 or 4 such beings, maybe, still alive on the continent. Many have left the continent in the past 500 years to try and break through the Mortal Peak Realm."
"Hahaha...those fools." Again the dim purple crystal lit up with a purple glow.
"Years ago, the founder of the Azure Sky Sect forced us to flee from the continent. But during that historical fight with the Founder of our organization and the Azure Sky Sect, at the last moment, our Founder inflicted an incurable curse on the founder of the Azure Sky Sect."
"I don''t believe that he would still be alive after so many centuries have passed, and even if he were alive, he would no longer be able to exert the same strength as in his prime."
"Send your subordinates to all the top sects in the kingdoms across the continent to first test the waters."
"Yes, My Lord."
...
Qing Chen was unaware of the threats that had started to regain their strength again after recuperating for centuries.
And his wish for living a low-key and calm life would remain a dream.
A few weeks later, after Zhao Ling had left the Herbs Valley, indirectly, Qing Chen became the second-highest power in the Valley, but he was a king without a kingdom. Qing Chen was doing everything himself, from cutting herbs to registering them in the records to submitting them to the Alchemist Hall in the sect. As all the herbs and seeds belonged to the sect,
Qing Chen did earn Harmony Points, but they were so few and rare that it was shameful to even call them Points.
While Qing Chen was in the study that was previously owned by Zhao Ling, Mu Qingfeng entered. His face looked more withered, with wrinkles now more pronounced on his pure white skin. Qing Chen stood up from his seat and cupped his hands in greeting to the Valley Master.
"Valley Master, here, sit here." Qing Chen vacated his seat and walked to stand opposite him.
Mu Qingfeng did not say much, walked, and took Qing Chen''s seat. A few minutes went by, but the Valley Master did not say anything.
"Valley Master, do you need something, or did I make a mistake? I apologize in advance if I had, because I am still new at this job," Qing Chen nervously said.
Although his cultivation was higher than Mu Qingfeng¡¯s, seeing the head of any company, school, or place visiting the home or office of their staff without any prior notice rang an instinctual alarm inside his head.
Even though it had been 2 years since he arrived in this world, how would 2 years win against the fear of 10 years he had felt whenever the boss was around or sometimes stopping behind him and looking at what he was doing on the PC?
"Before Zhao Ling left, he recommended you for the position of the next Valley Master."
What?! But why?
"Starting from today, I will be imparting all the techniques, secret skills, and confidential info to you."
"I don¡¯t want to be your disciple." Qing Chen became alert.
Why was this old fellow giving away his knowledge for free?
"I know. I just want my legacy to continue, which is why I will be passing my knowledge to you."
What legacy could a puny Eight Layer Foundation Building Realm Cultivator even have?
Qing Chen did not believe him one bit.
Mu Qingfeng looked at him and smiled.
"I know what you are thinking. What type of legacy could an Eight Layer Foundation Building Realm Cultivator like me have? But you should never judge a book by its cover."
Chapter 11: Legacy
Chapter 11: Legacy
"You''re absolutely right, Valley Master. Sometimes, we may form opinions based on appearances or first impressions, but just like a book has a story beyond its cover, people have experiences and qualities that aren''t always visible at first glance. It''s important to take the time to understand and appreciate what lies beneath." Qing Chen gave a relaxed reply to Mu Qingfeng.
Hahaha...
Mu Qingfeng burst into laughter. He laughed for a whole minute, then looked back into Qing Chen''s eyes.
"No, no... Do not misunderstand. I wasn''t laughing at you. I was laughing because what you said today¡ªthe same thing was said to me by someone in the past."
Mu Qingfeng waved his arm in the air as a gesture toward Qing Chen.
"So, are you willing to take over my position?"
"...Yes. Thank you for this generosity, Valley Master." Qing Chen cupped his hands again as a form of thanks. Becoming the next Valley Master of the Herbs Valley would open up many new doors of opportunity for him.
He would also be able to secure more spiritual stones from the sect.
...
After an hour, Qing Chen had completed all his pending work and arrived at the courtyard of the Valley Master.
"I see that you have already cultivated, but your control over the spiritual energy is not refined enough to execute even the basic combat techniques."
"Here, practice these techniques first."
Mu Qingfeng used his spiritual energy to make the technique books appear in front of him. Qing Chen reached out to grab the skill books.
As the evening deepened, casting long shadows across the quiet study, Mu Qingfeng retrieved four ancient tomes from a hidden compartment beneath the floorboards. Their covers were aged and worn, but the titles etched into them gleamed faintly, as though untouched by time. Qing Chen eyed the books with a mix of curiosity and caution.
¡°These,¡± Mu Qingfeng began, placing the tomes on the table, ¡°are my most precious legacies. Each one holds a technique that I have safeguarded for decades, waiting for someone worthy to inherit them. You, Qing Chen, are that person.¡±
Qing Chen hesitated, unsure of how to respond. The titles caught his attention first:
Verdant Soul Manifestation
Eclipsing Shadows Technique
Azure Sky''s Final Resurgence
Sealed Void Incantation
¡°These are...¡± Qing Chen¡¯s voice trailed off as he reached for the first book.
Mu Qingfeng gestured toward the green-bound tome. ¡°This technique is deeply tied to nature itself. With it, you¡¯ll learn to harmonize with the natural world¡ªdrawing energy from plants, healing wounds, and even using the environment as a weapon or shield. It suits you well, given your unique connection to the Valley.¡±
Qing Chen opened the book and skimmed the first page. The words spoke of becoming one with the earth and nurturing life while understanding the balance of destruction and preservation.Stolen story; please report.
The second book, bound in sleek black leather, exuded an air of mystery. Mu Qingfeng tapped its cover lightly. ¡°This is for survival. Eclipsing Shadows Technique will teach you to move unseen, mask your presence, and strike without warning. It¡¯s not a path for the reckless¡ªit requires patience and precision.¡±
Qing Chen felt a chill as he touched the book. The air around it seemed to shift, as though the shadows in the room grew darker in its presence.
The third tome radiated a faint blue glow, its title shimmering like a calm sky before a storm. ¡°This,¡± Mu Qingfeng said with reverence, ¡°is a combat technique that originated from the Azure Sky Sect. It is their final legacy¡ªa set of devastating strikes and celestial defenses. It is said that mastering this will grant strength akin to the founders themselves.¡±
Qing Chen¡¯s pulse quickened as he picked up the tome. Flipping through its pages, he saw illustrations of energy surging from the heavens, forming shields and blades.
Finally, Mu Qingfeng rested his hand on the violet tome, its surface swirling with faint, arcane patterns. ¡°The last of these is Sealed Void Incantation. It¡¯s a defensive and sealing technique¡ªone that can trap foes, suppress spiritual energy, or lock away secrets that must never see the light of day. It¡¯s the most dangerous to learn, as it requires immense spiritual control.¡±
Qing Chen stared at the book, feeling its quiet, oppressive aura. ¡°And why are you giving me all of these?¡±
Mu Qingfeng smiled faintly, his eyes clouded with something unspoken. ¡°Because I will not be here forever, and this Valley¡ªthis world¡ªwill need someone prepared for the challenges to come. Each of these skills serves a purpose, but together, they form a foundation strong enough to withstand what lies ahead.¡±
As Qing Chen gazed at the four tomes, he felt a heavy responsibility settling over him. These were not just books¡ªthey were lifelines, tools to navigate a world fraught with danger and hidden enemies. He clenched his fists, his determination solidifying.
¡°I will study them well, Valley Master,¡± he said firmly.
Mu Qingfeng nodded, his expression unreadable. ¡°Good. Then let¡¯s begin with the basics.¡±
...
A week later.
Qing Chen was still doing what he usually did¡ªcleaning the dry leaves and dirt from the Valley while trimming the extra-long branches of trees.
Qing Chen was still unsure about the real identity of the Valley Master. He had shown no signs of having any ill intentions toward him.
Did Mu Qingfeng really take the senior brother of Zhao Ling to the outer sect?
At first, Qing Chen thought he had killed the senior brother of Zhao Ling long ago. But he might have been too quick to judge the Valley Master after meeting him just once.
Qing Chen¡¯s mind again drifted to debating this topic inside his head. While he held the broom no longer with his hand but instead used his spiritual energy, Qing Chen stood on the side with his hands folded and his eyes closed. To avoid sleeping, he just chose a topic, and the battle of debate was going on in full swing inside his brain.
[+10 Harmony Point.]
The broom stopped when the prompt notification sounded from the system.
Today, he had decided to increase his realm. He did not feel safe staying in the Golden Core Realm for so long. He knew that an average talent takes around a maximum of two decades to break through to the Nascent Soul all the way from the First Realm of Golden Core, but Qing Chen was still young and he had not experienced enough adventures and trials yet that could shape his Daoist heart.
It should be remembered that Qing Chen''s current strength is enough to suppress all the powers on Earth and become the real ruler of almost the whole solar system, but here his current strength was only enough to place him in the position of an assistant elder of the Outer Sect.
Qing Chen chose to go to the forest at the back of the Herbs Valley, as that was the only place he could go for now to avoid attracting attention from the sect. Even if they noticed, he could just use Harmony Veil and stealthily return to the Valley.
The harm that Feng Liang''s breakthrough had caused to the forest had already been largely recovered, but there were still some old trees that were at the end of their lives and no longer able to recover from the impact of Feng Liang''s Devouring Law.
It made the forest visually different. At the outer periphery of the forest, there were some harmless animals with vibrant green trees and wild grass growing, but at the very center of the forest, the scene changed from life to death. The whole center of the forest was filled with dry grass, trees, and even some animal bodies, but this was only visible if one walked on foot through the forest. People flying on their artifacts were not able to spot anything unusual, as they usually flew at altitudes that made even the Azure Sky Sect look like a speck of dust.
Chapter 12: Upgrading Everything
Chapter 12: Upgrading Everything
[Qing Chen]
Age: 15/59
Physique: Common Cultivator (0%)
Cultivation: Golden Core Second Layer (21%)
Skills: Essence of Energy: Unlocking the Core of Cultivation (1%), Verdant Soul Manifestation (10%), Eclipsing Shadows Technique (1%), Azure Sky''s Final Resurgence (1%), Sealed Void Incantation (1%)
Harmony Points: 26,002
[A/N: Changed the numbers with percentage in 10 : 1 ratio Or 10 Harmony Point is equal to 1%.]
"Put 15,000 points in Cultivation."
"Activate the Harmony Veil."
Golden Core Second Layer (100%)
Golden Core Third Layer (100%)
...
Golden Core Ninth Layer (100%)
It took 6320 Harmony Points To reach the Peak of Golden Core Realm. Now he would finally be able to reach Nascent Soul Realm.
Nascent Soul First Layer (100%)
Nascent Soul Second Layer (100%)
...
Nascent Soul Ninth Layer (100%)
As Qing Chen sat cross-legged in the secluded Forest on a meditation Cushion, the air around him crackled with energy. His spiritual energy surged in torrents, coursing through his meridians like an unrelenting river. With each breakthrough, the Golden Core within his dantian pulsed brighter, growing unstable under the immense pressure.
The sensation was both exhilarating and excruciating.
The moment Qing Chen''s Golden Core shattered, an unbearable pain tore through his entire body. It was as if every fiber of his being was ripped apart, his meridians stretched to the brink of rupture. The spiritual energy that had been his lifeline now felt like molten lava, surging through his veins and incinerating everything in its path.
Qing Chen¡¯s breathing became ragged as his muscles spasmed uncontrollably. His bones cracked and reformed, each fissure sending shockwaves of pain deep into his marrow. The pain wasn¡¯t just physical; it was spiritual, an agonizing tearing at the very core of his existence. It felt as if his soul itself was being dragged across shards of glass, the old foundation of his being crumbling under the immense pressure.
His skin burned, flushed with heat as beads of sweat evaporated before they could fall. His vision blurred, the world around him consumed by a whirlwind of light and shadow. Yet, amidst the torment, he could feel something new taking shape.
As his Golden Core gave way to the Nascent Soul, his entire physique began to break down. His muscles tore apart, sinew by sinew, and his skeleton cracked as if shattering under an unrelenting hammer. The pain was indescribable, a primal agony that left Qing Chen trembling on the brink of collapse. He gritted his teeth and grabbed the Grass tightly that his nails started drilling into his palm and blood flowed out like a river.
And then, amidst the destruction, came renewal.
His shattered bones reformed, denser and stronger than before. His muscles regenerated, their fibers infused with raw power. His skin, once worn and battered, now glowed faintly, imbued with resilience and vitality. Each layer of agony brought with it a transformation, his body rebuilding itself into something far beyond its previous limits.
Qing Chen gasped for breath as he felt his heart thunder in his chest, not from exhaustion but from the energy coursing through him. It was as if his body were a dying star, collapsing in on itself only to ignite anew, brighter and more potent than ever.
The pain did not subside entirely¡ªit ebbed and flowed, a constant reminder of the cost of evolution. His meridians, once fragile channels for spiritual energy, expanded, reinforced by the influx of power. His blood surged with newfound vigor, each drop carrying the essence of his transformation.
When the process neared its end, Qing Chen¡¯s mind was nearly numb from the ordeal. Yet, as the final wave of agony passed, he felt a profound stillness settle over him. The Nascent Soul within his dantian radiated an overwhelming sense of completeness, a presence that pulsed with vitality and unyielding strength.
His body, now rebuilt, felt alien yet familiar¡ªa perfect vessel forged through trial and pain. Flexing his fingers, Qing Chen marveled at the power flowing effortlessly through him. The pain was not forgotten, but it had shaped him, tempered him like steel in a forge.Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere.
A Nascent Soul began to form amidst the chaos. It started as a faint, ethereal silhouette, barely discernible against the blazing light within him. Qing Chen gritted his teeth as waves of power rippled through his body, reshaping his cultivation foundation at its core.
The pain was sharp, like needles piercing every nerve, yet it carried a strange clarity. With each layer he ascended in the Nascent Soul Realm, his perception of the world around him sharpened. Colors seemed more vivid, sounds more distinct, and even the faintest whispers of energy in the air felt tangible.
The breakthroughs came in rapid succession. Each time he reached a new layer, a wave of pure energy erupted from within, rushing through his body and outward into the room. His veins burned with heat, his meridians stretched to their limits, and his mind teetered on the edge of collapse, yet he pushed forward with unwavering determination.
By the time he reached the Nascent Soul Ninth Layer, Qing Chen felt as though he had become an entirely different being. The Nascent Soul within him now shone with a brilliance that illuminated his inner world, a miniature figure of himself seated in serene meditation, radiating boundless spiritual energy.
His body, once strained and battered, now felt light as a feather. His breathing was steady, his mind clearer than it had ever been. Power coursed through him¡ªnot wild and chaotic as before but refined, controlled, and infinite in potential.
Qing Chen opened his eyes slowly, and the room seemed to come alive in his presence. The once-dim Forest now radiated with a soft glow as his spiritual energy settled, harmonizing with his surroundings. He flexed his fingers, marveling at the newfound strength in his grasp.
This was what it meant to stand at the peak of the Nascent Soul Realm. The world seemed smaller now, its mysteries just within reach. Yet, as exhilarating as the ascent had been, Qing Chen knew this was only the beginning. Beyond this realm lay challenges that would test him even further.
He looked at his Harmony Points and Out Of 15000 that he had invested in cultivation 1360 remained making his current total point equal to 10,362.
[Qing Chen]
Age: 15/59
Physique: Common Cultivator (0%)
Cultivation: Nascent Soul Ninth Layer (100%)
Skills: Essence of Energy: Unlocking the Core of Cultivation (1%), Verdant Soul Manifestation (10%), Eclipsing Shadows Technique (1%), Azure Sky''s Final Resurgence (1%), Sealed Void Incantation (1%)
Harmony Points: 10,362
Sigh~
Qing Chen sighed when he saw that he still had to evolve the skills or else he how would he look if he had to personally show up even after reaching Nascent Soul Realm Peak to kill cultivators in the Energy Refinement Realm.
''The Association of Immortal Cultivators Might Stripe away my cultivation from me.''
"Okay, Be serious now. Invest 5000 points in skills and remaining 5000 points in Physique."
Essence of Energy (100%), Verdant Soul Manifestation (100%), Eclipsing Shadows Technique (100%), Azure Sky''s Final Resurgence (100%), Sealed Void Incantation (100%)
Qing Chen¡¯s mind felt like a raging storm as the influx of memories and knowledge flooded his consciousness. Each skill unraveled itself within his thoughts¡ªlayer by layer, revelation by revelation. His body trembled as if it could barely contain the weight of the newfound understanding.
The Essence of Energy laid the foundation, its principles weaving through his mind like threads of clarity, revealing the intricate workings of cultivation in ways he had never imagined. It was as though his previous comprehension had been a mere shadow of what was now illuminated within him.
Verdant Soul Manifestation brought with it a rush of vitality, the connection to nature overwhelming in its purity. He could feel the pulse of life around him¡ªthe gentle hum of the grass, the whisper of the wind, the ancient strength rooted deep within the earth.
Then came the shadows. The Eclipsing Shadows Technique settled into his thoughts like a cold embrace, teaching him how to vanish, to become one with the darkness. It was terrifying yet exhilarating, the realization that he could exist unseen, unheard, and untouched if he willed it.
The power of the heavens surged next. Azure Sky''s Final Resurgence was pure, unyielding energy¡ªa combat skill forged in celestial flames. Qing Chen¡¯s muscles tensed as if the sheer force of its techniques threatened to burst forth unbidden. The weight of its brilliance was almost too much to bear, yet it left him in awe of its destructive beauty.
Finally, the oppressive force of the Sealed Void Incantation struck him like a thunderclap. It was a skill of profound intricacy, its secrets rooted in suppression and confinement. As the knowledge settled, Qing Chen felt the crushing weight of its potential¡ªa power that could trap entire realms within its grasp.
His breathing was ragged, his body drenched in sweat as the storm of knowledge subsided. His mind, though strained, slowly adapted to the overwhelming influx. He felt stronger, sharper, as though the barriers of his understanding had been shattered, replaced with boundless potential.
A screen hovered before him, glowing faintly:
[Do You wish to upgrade these skills further?]
¡°No,¡± Qing Chen whispered, his voice firm despite the exhaustion.
He needed time to adjust, to let this torrent of power settle into something he could truly wield. For now, he simply sat in silence, letting the calm after the storm wash over him, his heart steady, his resolve firm.
[Starting Physique Advancing.]
Common Cultivator (100%)
Iron Vein Physique (100%)
Bronze Spirit Body (100%)
Silver Meridian Physique (100%)
Verdant Nature Body (100%)
Qing Chen¡¯s mind reeled as the influx of memories and abilities overwhelmed him. Each advancement in his physique brought with it a rush of knowledge, sensations, and instincts that left him gasping for breath.
The Iron Vein Physique filled him with a sense of unyielding strength, his body feeling sturdier than stone. The transformation into the Bronze Spirit Body brought a newfound vitality, his muscles brimming with energy as if they could never tire.
When the Silver Meridian Physique activated, his meridians blazed with clarity, spiritual energy coursing through him effortlessly, leaving him with a sharp and precise sense of control. Finally, the Verdant Nature Body brought a strange calm, a connection to the world around him that made him feel more alive than ever before.
Qing Chen staggered, his body trembling under the weight of the transformations. His breaths came shallow, but his mind steadied, adjusting to the flood of abilities now ingrained in his being.
¡°So much... all at once,¡± he murmured, his voice a mix of awe and exhaustion.
Chapter 13: Assembly of the Unknown
Chapter 13: Assembly of the Unknown
Near the Herbs Valley, where Qing Chen used to bury all the waste, like leaves and herbs that had decayed, a little silver-fur creature was walking on its four legs and sniffing for something. As soon as it caught the scent, it started moving its front paws, and soon a little pit had started to form.
Just when it was about to achieve its goal, a voice sounded inside its brain. It shivered because the voice was a little too familiar. Its little eyes blinked with fear and anxiety of getting caught.
"Little Fur, bring me my clothes."
It recognized the voice as its owner, Qing Chen, but it looked around, and there was no Qing Chen here.
"Follow my scent and come here. With my clothes."
Again, the voice sounded inside its head. The little creature jumped up in the air from fright, but it still obeyed the orders.
The little creature knew that its owner was a hygiene devotee. So, it went towards the pond where it hunted fish and washed its paws to remove all the dirt.
Then it hopped back towards the direction of the eldest disciple''s residence, fetched Qing Chen''s clothes, and put them above its head. While balancing them, it sniffed its way to Qing Chen, who was within the forest. Qing Chen had already covered the forest with his divine soul, so no beast dared trouble Little Fur on its way to him.
Qing Chen took the white plain robes that Little Fur had brought him.
"My trust in you was not misplaced."
Qing Chen patted its little head.
"It feels nice."
Little Fur just stared at him with its small dark blue eyes blinking from time to time. It was understandable, as the current condition of Qing Chen¡ªwho was known as a hygiene devotee by the little creature¡ªnow looked no different from a beggar.
Qing Chen had worn the robe, but his appearance did not change.
He closed the Harmony Veil and suppressed his cultivation to a new realm: the Second Layer of the Energy Refinement Realm.
Rustle.
Just when he was about to go back to the Valley, Qing Chen felt that someone was walking towards him. Qing Chen did not hide because he felt that whoever was walking from the front had already locked onto him with their divine sense.
The most important thing was that the divine sense was a whole major realm weaker than his.
[Brutal Eruption]
Golden Core Ninth Layer
Harmony: 100If you come across this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.
"Are you a disciple of the Azure Sky Sect? No... If you are here, then it means you must be a disciple. But why are your clothes so plain? Has the Azure Sky Sect weakened to this degree?"
"Sir, shouldn''t you introduce yourself first? Looking at how you are covered in a robe from head to toe, you must have infiltrated the sect by avoiding the guards at the entrance of the Outer Sect."
"You should be proud... becoming the first sacrifice for our great cause." The man had a crazed look in his eyes. Slowly, he took out a dagger from within his sleeve.
"W-Well, shouldn''t I at least know for what great cause I am being sacrificed?" Qing Chen took a step back and hesitated as he asked, "Look, I am just a little Energy Refinement Realm cultivator, and believe me, my meat is not tasty and not tender enough."
"Blame your sect for making enemies with our organization." The figure said this and rushed towards him with great speed. Little Fur hid behind the bushes, poking its little head out from behind from time to time.
"Hehe... Same to you."
That was the last sound the person attacking Qing Chen heard before his world turned upside down. The sky became the ground; the ground became the sky.
Thud!
"What is my body doing there?" The person saw that his body was far away from his vision, and for the first time, he saw his body from his own eyes. Only then did he realize that his head had been severed from his neck.
The ground beneath the body and head opened its mouth and devoured them completely. It was Qing Chen who had used Verdant Soul Manifestation. As his mastery of this skill increased, he was able to manipulate nature more precisely than before. It was his first kill, but not the last. His hand, which had sliced through the neck of the attacker, had not a single drop of blood on it, but it was still shaking.
[+50 Harmony Points.]
Qing Chen did not know how to put this feeling into words. His hand was shaking, not from fear. His heart was beating fast, and the faint smell of blood in the air made his irises turn a shade red.
The Little Fur ran towards Qing Chen and rubbed its paw on his legs. That made Qing Chen return from his strange state.
"What happened? Was this what the records stated¡ª''Bloodlust''? It was the first kill that decided whether you remained as a righteous cultivator or strayed away from the path of justice and drifted towards your demonic desires."
"Thanks, Little Fur." Qing Chen picked it up in his arms and swiped his hand over the soft fur.
"Oh, I forgot to search the body." But Qing Chen continued walking.
Who knows if I would be able to control my bloodlust again.
...
"Lord, I have already sent a Peak Golden Core Realm Cultivator to the Outer Sect to first test the waters."
"Hmm."
"In a month, the news should spread throughout the kingdom that the majority of outer sect disciples have been assassinated."
...
Qing Chen was writing a diary for the first time in his life in this world. As to always remain humble and know from where he had grown, a time ago he was also a powerless mortal, and for the world, he still was.
The whole page of the diary was in English, a language not used in this world. This world used a language named Oendan. It was difficult to even pronounce it.
After closing the diary, he walked outside his residence and started picking up herbs and closing the pits that Little Fur had dug open.
"Luckily, the attacker had met me." Qing Chen sighed, thinking that fate was at play. As soon as he reached the peak of the Nascent Soul Realm, a person at the peak of the Golden Core Realm came flying towards him, and he had the experience of his first kill. If he had still stopped his cultivation for a few more days, he would have likely been killed today or in the future.
And who knew how many lives would have been lost like today if it had been someone else instead of him?
And how long the sect would have taken to notice this strange activity?
Qing Chen just shook his head and continued doing his work.
He was still too weak to understand the intricacies of fate. Maybe someday, when he was strong enough to adventure throughout this world unafraid, he might be able to delve deeper into the secrets of his transmigration and also this system.
Chapter 14: A Year Later
Chapter 14: A Year Later
Qing Chen had become more handsome after reaching the Nascent Soul Realm, but except for some changes in his height and appearance, his eyes and hair were still the same.
Every movement of his arms, legs, and fingers seemed to be in harmony with nature. Qing Chen was in the secret garden, cleaning the leaves that had dried and accumulated in the garden.
The spiritual energy in the secret garden had also decreased; his breakthrough might have been the cause.
In the future, I could open this place for servants in the valley.
[+1 Harmony Point]
[+1 Harmony Point]
He had been unable to get enough sleep last night. Whenever he closed his eyes, the dead body of that assassin visited him in his dreams, tormenting him. But who was Qing Chen? He was a great cultivator, one who stands at the peak of Outer Sect strength.
He stubbornly remained on the bed and kept his eyes closed. The scene of him killing that assassin repeated continuously. The headless body walked towards him and placed its separated head in the hands of Qing Chen. Qing Chen even laughed inside his heart.
He knew this was just his brain playing tricks, and with time it would go away. But he was unable to control his consciousness. In the landscape of his dreams, he was powerless to resist.
Great cause? What did he mean by that?
Qing Chen again delved into the memories of when he had met that assassin. The assassin had said something about a great cause.
The following months brought little clarity but many questions. Qing Chen maintained his duties as a member of the valley. He cultivated diligently, attended meetings with Feng Liang, and kept his interactions with him light and unassuming. Yet behind his serene demeanor, he was watchful¡ªobserving, listening.
At first, there was nothing out of the ordinary. The outer sect remained as it always was¡ªa bustling place of learning, sparring, and ambition. Yet slowly, like a trickle turning into a stream, rumors began to surface.
Disciples had gone missing.
An elder¡¯s closed-door cultivation had ended abruptly, with whispers of his Qi being disrupted by an external force. The outer sect guards reported strange figures on the periphery of their patrols, only for them to vanish into the shadows before anyone could act.
And then there were the dreams.
Even so, one question persisted: What great cause could justify such madness?
A year passed. Qing Chen¡¯s cultivation progressed smoothly despite the turmoil in his heart.
The peace of the outer sect was beginning to fray at the edges. Qing Chen noticed it in the way disciples whispered to one another in hushed tones, in the unspoken tension that hung in the air during sect gatherings.
One evening, as he walked through the valley¡¯s quiet pathways, Qing Chen overheard a conversation between two disciples.
¡°Do you think it¡¯s true?¡± one of them whispered.
¡°What¡¯s true?¡±
¡°The rumors about the assassins. They say the sect has made enemies¡ªpowerful ones. Outer sect disciples are disappearing because of them.¡±
Qing Chen didn¡¯t stop to listen further. He continued walking, his expression unreadable, but his mind churned with unease. If the rumors were true, then the assassin he had killed might have been just the beginning.
That night, Qing Chen sat under the stars once more, the little fur creature curled up beside him. He stared at the vast expanse above, his thoughts heavy with questions.Did you know this text is from a different site? Read the official version to support the creator.
Who was behind this organization? What did they want with the sect? And how many more lives would be lost before the truth was revealed?
For the first time, Qing Chen allowed himself to feel the weight of his responsibility¡ªnot just as a cultivator but as someone who had seen the shadow of this hidden threat firsthand. He clenched his fists, his resolve hardening.
¡°The sect may not know what¡¯s coming,¡± he murmured, ¡°but I won¡¯t be caught off guard.¡±
Little Fur stirred at his side, its small eyes blinking up at him in curiosity. Qing Chen reached down, stroking its soft fur with a faint smile.
¡°I¡¯ll observe for a while longer.¡±
¡°Junior Brother Qing, if you go outside the valley at night, please keep checking that your surroundings are crowded,¡± Feng Liang advised Qing Chen. They were both sitting in a tavern, with the window facing the streets of the Outer Sect.
¡°I have heard the rumors, but are they really true?¡± Qing Chen asked, fear dripping from his voice.
¡°Yes, they are true. What I am about to tell you is confidential, so do not discuss this with anyone, especially not with Mu QingFeng.¡±
¡°Senior Brother, please do not call the Valley Master¡¯s name like this. It seems disrespectful.¡±
¡°The sect has already sent many inner sect elders, and many assassins have already perished at the hands of our elders. But I think, Junior Brother, this is just the first wave, and the next wave might even make Inner Sect elders retreat.¡± Feng Liang ignored what Qing Chen had said about the Valley Master and continued.
¡°It¡¯s a good thing that Brother Bai and Senior Brother Zhao have both left the sect.¡±
¡°Are you crazy? This is not the time to be thinking about other people¡¯s lives. They both are capable enough. But you are not.¡± Feng Liang took a deep breath and sat upright. ¡°But if you ask me for help, I might take you with me when I leave the sect.¡±
Qing Chen wanted to slap this guy. Who told Feng Liang that when he smiled like this, he looked good?
¡°But are you not weaker than Senior Brother Zhao?¡± Qing Chen hit the nail on Feng Liang¡¯s head.
Although his real cultivation had reached the peak of the Golden Core Realm, for the elders and disciples of the sect, Feng Liang was only one more Foundation Building cultivator.
Qing Chen couldn¡¯t help but smirk inwardly at Feng Liang¡¯s offended expression. The senior brother was quick to puff up his chest and retort, ¡°Weaker than Senior Brother Zhao? I might not flaunt my strength, but I am far more resourceful. Strength isn¡¯t just cultivation level, Junior Brother; it¡¯s about using your wits and knowing when to strike.¡±
Qing Chen hid his amusement behind a neutral expression and sipped his tea. The tavern was lively, filled with the chatter of disciples and the clinking of cups, yet the undercurrent of unease from the rumors couldn¡¯t be ignored.
Feng Liang leaned closer, his voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. ¡°Let me give you a piece of advice, Junior Brother. The sect is not as invincible as it appears. We¡¯re on the brink of something far larger than what you or I can imagine. If you¡¯re smart, you¡¯ll think about your future now. When the next wave comes, loyalty won¡¯t save you¡ªonly preparation will.¡±
Qing Chen placed his cup down and met Feng Liang¡¯s gaze. ¡°And what about you, Senior Brother? What will you do when the next wave arrives?¡±
A fleeting shadow passed over Feng Liang¡¯s face. He quickly masked it with a grin, but Qing Chen had already caught the crack in his composure. ¡°Oh, don¡¯t you worry about me. I¡¯ll survive, as I always do. The question is, will you?¡±
Qing Chen leaned back, feigning nonchalance. ¡°Perhaps. Or perhaps I¡¯ll stay and see this through. After all, what¡¯s the point of cultivation if we abandon our home at the first sign of trouble?¡±
Feng Liang opened his mouth to argue, but the sound of raised voices from the street outside interrupted him. The two exchanged a glance before rising from their seats and approaching the tavern¡¯s window.
Outside, a small crowd had gathered. At its center was an unconscious outer sect disciple, his robes torn and his body covered in strange, pulsating marks. Murmurs of alarm rippled through the spectators.
¡°Another one?¡± Feng Liang muttered, his tone grim.
Qing Chen¡¯s eyes narrowed as he observed the scene. The disciple¡¯s condition was unlike anything he had seen before. The marks glowed faintly, their pattern resembling the script of ancient talismans. It wasn¡¯t just an injury¡ªit was a message.
¡°We should leave,¡± Feng Liang said, tugging at Qing Chen¡¯s sleeve.
But Qing Chen didn¡¯t move. His gaze lingered on the fallen disciple, his mind racing. The assassin¡¯s words echoed once more: Great Cause.
This wasn¡¯t just an attack. It was a warning¡ªa prelude to something far more sinister.
¡°Senior Brother,¡± Qing Chen said softly, his voice steady despite the unease gripping his heart. ¡°You go ahead. I¡¯ll stay and see what I can learn.¡±
Feng Liang hesitated, his usual bravado faltering. For a moment, he seemed to consider protesting, but instead, he nodded. ¡°Don¡¯t be reckless, Junior Brother. If things get worse, find me.¡±
With that, he turned and disappeared into the crowd, leaving Qing Chen standing alone by the window.
Qing Chen¡¯s gaze shifted to the unconscious disciple once more. The glowing marks seemed to pulse in rhythm with his own heartbeat, as if calling out to him.
¡°I¡¯ll observe a little longer,¡± Qing Chen murmured to himself. His resolve hardened. Whatever the Great Cause was, he would uncover its truth¡ªfor the sake of the sect, and more truthfully, for the balance he sought to protect.
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Chapter 15: Bai Zian Returns
Chapter 15: Bai Zian Returns
The next day, Little Fur was hunting colorful butterflies, but every time it thought they were within reach, they somehow escaped.
"Have you reached the Basic Stage in the skills that I imparted to you?"
On the fourth floor of the Valley Master''s residence, two people were sitting facing each other: one old, one young.
"Yes, I think so," Qing Chen said to Mu Qingfeng. "Valley Master, do you know how much truth there is in the rumors circulating in the outer sect?"
"Remember, Qing Chen... When the sky falls, the great cultivators are there to hold it up. And if even they failed, then me, you, and anyone else would be unable to make any difference."
"... You are right, Valley Master. But this still has not answered my question. Are the rumors true?" Qing Chen feigned ignorance.
"I guess you would have trouble finding a Daoist partner in the future." Mu Qingfeng made a regretful expression when he saw that Qing Chen was unable to understand what he was trying to say without uttering it directly.
Who wants a Daoist partner? Women are nothing but trouble.
Qing Chen vomited in his mind at the thought of a "Daoist partner." History is witness that women were the reason thousands of years old kingdoms and empires fell to their ruins.
"Okay, go back and get to work. Today, the new Head Elder will be coming for an inspection to find out if there is any corruption going on in the Herbs Valley."
"So, what should I do, Valley Master?"
"What do you have to do? Just show only the records that have been asked for by the Head Elder. Do not be overly efficient."
Qing Chen did not care about the money, but the Valley Master, in his newfound hobby of becoming an alchemist without proper teaching and only reading books, had cost the valley a lot of herbs. Qing Chen had checked the records of the yield submitted each year, and the yield in the past ten years had decreased. Qing Chen had noticed this and had already compensated through the Secret Garden since the day he took the responsibilities as the next Valley Master.
But it seemed like someone was intentionally targeting them¡ªor, to be precise, his Valley Master.
He was afraid that whoever was the enemy of the Valley Master might make things difficult for him.
The Head Elder¡ªsomeone who had reached the peak of the Nascent Soul Realm.
I don''t know how strong he would be compared to me.
Qing Chen was not a normal cultivator. He also had a special physique that was not recorded in the books of this kingdom. It might appear outside this kingdom, but for now, there was not much information regarding the combat capabilities of the Verdant Nature Body.
...
"My time is getting close," Mu Qingfeng muttered to himself after Qing Chen had walked away. "Qing Chen has also matured now. And the new Head Elder is also not a problem. As long as he is in that position, no one would dare make Qing Chen''s life difficult."
Thinking about the expression Qing Chen would make when he saw the new Head Elder, Mu Qingfeng thought he would surely be shocked beyond belief.
There was a slight smirk on Mu Qingfeng''s old face. He calmly continued drinking hot water from the cup, with the sounds of bugs, insects, and birds surrounding his residence.
...
Qing Chen was walking around the Herbs Valley with Little Fur. Qing Chen was not aware of the Valley Master''s thoughts, so he was nervous and unsure when the Head Elder might crash land on the Herbs Valley.
Qing Chen cleaned the Herbs Valley and his study spotless.
While he was cleaning, he remembered the first day he arrived in this world¡ªthe day he was trapped in the underground dungeon of the Liang Clan.
Liang Yuexin had helped him. He had not seen her since then. She might have already become a prodigy in the inner sect.
But it is said that the strongest disciple of Azure Sky Sect is the True Heir. He is old enough and stronger than the current Sect Leader. If the True Heir just expressed that he wished for the throne of Sect Leader, the Council of Elders would have placed him on that throne.
The sun was hanging high in the sky, casting a golden glow over the Herbs Valley when a deep rumbling sound broke the tranquility. Little Fur perked its ears, its small body trembling with a mix of excitement and fear. Qing Chen froze mid-step, gripping the broom handle tightly as he turned toward the source of the commotion.The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation.
A majestic figure descended from the sky, robes fluttering with an otherworldly elegance. The Head Elder had arrived.
He was a tall man with a commanding presence, his sharp eyes scanning the valley as if they could pierce through lies and deception. His silver hair gleamed under the sunlight, and a faint aura of power radiated from him, making the air around him feel heavy. The cultivators working in the valley stopped in their tracks, bowing deeply in respect.
Qing Chen used the Harmony Detector on the Head Elder.
[Bai Zian]
Nascent Soul Ninth Layer
Harmony: 10,000
Qing Chen felt his heart race. This was the peak Nascent Soul Realm cultivator¡ªan individual whose strength was unparalleled in the outer sect of Azure Sky Sect. But what shocked him more was the faint familiarity in the man¡¯s features. Qing Chen¡¯s mind raced, trying to place where he had seen this figure before. When he saw the prompt from the System, he understood why he felt the sudden familiarity with the Head Elder. It was his brother Bai Zian all along.
But Qing Chen did not let Bai Zian know that his disguise had been seen through. This guy is a true monster. Just what type of cultivation technique does he cultivate? For normal people, it takes decades to pass through even one layer in the Nascent Soul Realm, and here Bai Zian was basically flying unrestrained in the realm.
The Head Elder¡¯s gaze settled on Qing Chen, and a flicker of recognition crossed his face before it vanished behind a mask of stern authority. ¡°You must be Qing Chen,¡± he said, his voice deep and resonant.
Qing Chen bowed respectfully. ¡°Head Elder, it is an honor to welcome you to the Herbs Valley.¡±
The Head Elder nodded curtly. ¡°Let us begin the inspection without delay.¡±
In the Valley Master¡¯s residence, Mu Qingfeng greeted the Head Elder with a calm smile. The Head Elder¡¯s arrival was not unexpected, but the atmosphere between the two men was charged with unspoken tension. Mu Qingfeng was shocked when Bai Zian was introduced as the new Head Elder. It was common knowledge among the outer sect Elders that a servant from the Herbs Valley had run away from the sect, and coincidentally, that servant¡¯s name was also Bai Zian. They could not help but think this Bai Zian was the same servant, but then they shook their heads. That servant was only in his teens, and reaching the peak of the Nascent Soul Realm seemed absurd.
Was cultivation a joke?!
¡°Head Elder,¡± Mu Qingfeng said, gesturing to a prepared table. ¡°The records you requested have been compiled. Qing Chen has ensured their accuracy.¡±
The Head Elder¡¯s gaze swept over the room before settling on the documents. He took a seat and began reviewing the records with a meticulous eye, flipping through the pages with deliberate precision. As the inspection proceeded, his expression remained inscrutable.
After what felt like an eternity, the Head Elder looked up. ¡°The yield of herbs has been consistently declining over the past decade. Why?¡±
Mu Qingfeng¡¯s smile faltered for a brief moment before he regained his composure. ¡°There have been... challenges. Environmental factors, a shortage of skilled labor, and¡ª¡±
¡°Enough,¡± the Head Elder interrupted, his voice cold. ¡°Do not insult my intelligence with half-truths. The records indicate a pattern that suggests mismanagement or, worse, deliberate sabotage. Who is responsible?¡±
Qing Chen stepped forward. ¡°Head Elder, if I may¡ I have been investigating these discrepancies myself. While I cannot yet determine the culprit, I have ensured that the valley¡¯s operations remain stable by compensating for the losses.¡±
The Head Elder¡¯s sharp eyes bore into Qing Chen, and for a moment, the young cultivator felt as if his very soul was being scrutinized. Then, unexpectedly, the Head Elder¡¯s lips curled into a faint smile.
¡°You have a strong sense of responsibility. That is commendable. However,¡± he said, his tone softening slightly, ¡°you must be prepared for the challenges ahead. There are forces within this sect that would love to see you and the Valley Master fall. Be vigilant.¡±
Qing Chen nodded, his mind racing with questions. Who are these forces? And why are they targeting the Herbs Valley? Is even Bai Zian, a Nascent Soul Realm cultivator, unable to protect us?
As the inspection continued, the Head Elder¡¯s demeanor shifted. He began offering subtle advice, pointing out inefficiencies and suggesting improvements. Qing Chen found himself unexpectedly grateful for the man¡¯s insight.
When the inspection concluded, the Head Elder rose to his feet. ¡°The records are acceptable for now,¡± he said, ¡°but I will return in three months. Ensure that the issues are resolved by then.¡±
¡°Understood,¡± Mu Qingfeng said, bowing deeply.
Before leaving, the Head Elder turned to Qing Chen. ¡°Walk with me.¡±
Qing Chen¡¯s breath caught, but he obeyed without hesitation. They walked in silence through the valley, the Head Elder¡¯s presence both imposing and strangely reassuring. As in the past, Bai Zian and Qing Chen used to walk through the Herbs Valley like this.
Finally, the Head Elder spoke. ¡°You have potential, Qing Chen. Your love for nature is a rare gift, one that could make you a pivotal figure in the sect¡¯s future. But it also makes you a target. Be cautious whom you trust.¡±
Qing Chen swallowed hard. ¡°Thank you for your guidance, Head Elder.¡±
The older man stopped and placed a hand on Qing Chen¡¯s shoulder. ¡°The path of cultivation is fraught with peril. Remember this: strength is not merely a measure of power but of the wisdom to wield it.¡±
With that, the Head Elder took to the skies, leaving Qing Chen standing alone, his mind a whirlwind of thoughts.
As night fell over the valley, Qing Chen sat outside his study, gazing up at the stars. Little Fur curled up beside him, its small body rising and falling with each breath. The events of the day weighed heavily on him, and he couldn¡¯t shake the feeling that a storm was brewing.
In the distance, the faint sound of insects and birds filled the air, a soothing melody that belied the tension simmering beneath the surface. Qing Chen knew that the coming days would test him in ways he couldn¡¯t yet imagine, but he was ready.
As he rose to his feet, the faint glow of dawn began to creep over the horizon. A new day was beginning, and with it, new challenges and opportunities.
Far away, in the depths of the Azure Sky Sect, shadowy figures convened in a hidden chamber. Whispers filled the air, their words dripping with malice.
¡°The Head Elder¡¯s intervention has bought them time, but it won¡¯t be enough. The Herbs Valley will fall, and with it, Mu Qingfeng and his pet disciple.¡±
A cloaked figure stepped forward, their voice cold and ruthless. ¡°Prepare the next phase. Let¡¯s see how long they can withstand the storm.¡±
The chamber plunged into silence as the conspirators dispersed, their plans set into motion.
Back in the valley, Qing Chen stood at the edge of the cliff, the wind tugging at his robes. He closed his eyes, feeling the energy of the world around him. His Verdant Nature Body resonated with the life force of the valley, filling him with a sense of purpose.
Chapter 16: Head Elder Confronts The Assembly Of The Unknown?
Chapter 16: Head Elder Confronts The Assembly Of The Unknown?
Bai Zian did not return to the sect but instead ventured out of the Outer Sect. After reaching a considerable distance from the sect, he stopped and turned around, his gaze fixed on the silhouette of the Azure Sky Sect.
Soon, figures cloaked in shadow began to appear¡ªone, then two, until twenty figures had gathered. Although none were in the high layers of the Nascent Soul realm, there were many cultivators in the lower layers, with five in the middle layers of Nascent Soul.
Bai Zian stood calmly, his eyes scanning the cloaked figures.
"Your organization holds enmity with the Elders'' Council and the Sect Leader in the Inner Sect. Why are you targeting innocent disciples in the Outer Sect? They are not even the true pillars of our sect, merely stepping stones for the Inner Sect disciples." Bai Zian''s piercing gaze swept over the assembly.
"...."
No one responded to Bai Zian''s query. The cloaked figures remained tense, clearly uneasy in the presence of a Peak Nascent Soul realm cultivator.
"Do not resent us in the afterlife, Head Elder. We are merely doing our job." With that, all the cloaked figures launched an assault on Bai Zian.
Are they not sent by that organization? Bai Zian''s robes fluttered in the air as he effortlessly dodged each attack directed at him.
"Are you hired by the clan that previously funded the former Head Elder?" Bai Zian grabbed the wrist of an attacker. Hearing no answer, he killed the assailant and moved to the next, repeating the process until only the five middle-layer Nascent Soul cultivators remained, hovering in the air.
Fifteen bodies lay strewn across the ground below. Bai Zian''s sword gleamed, coated in blood. With a flick of his wrist, he shook off the crimson droplets and addressed the remaining five.
"Who sent you?" he demanded once more.
"We were just hired by some cultivators. We don''t know who''s behind them," one of the five stammered. They backed away as Bai Zian''s sharp gaze bore into them.
"Go back and tell them to send someone in the same realm as me." Bai Zian¡¯s voice was calm but carried an undertone of menace.
He was not a cold-blooded killer. However, if they still refused to leave after two minutes, he would have no choice but to send them to eternal rest.This novel is published on a different platform. Support the original author by finding the official source.
The five cloaked cultivators exchanged hesitant glances.
"What should we do?" one murmured.
"Let''s just run. We''re respected Nascent Soul realm cultivators. We can find work as elders or tutors in another sect," another suggested.
Bai Zian observed their whispered deliberation.
"Hurry up. I don¡¯t have all day."
Sensing Bai Zian''s growing impatience, the five turned and fled into the night.
"You still did not answer." A hidden smirk played on Bai Zian''s lips as he swung his sword.
Swoosh!
Phantom Horizon Cleave!
The five Nascent Soul realm cultivators were sliced in half, their bodies falling lifeless to the ground. Yet, something flew out of their bodies¡ªchains shimmering with ethereal energy.
Soul-Binding Chains.
These chains, formed from pure Nascent Soul energy, wrapped around their souls, suppressing their spiritual essence and temporarily severing their cultivation base. The chains were unbreakable unless the user willed it or the target''s cultivation exceeded the user''s.
The souls wailed in torment, but Bai Zian remained unmoved. He tightened the chains further.
A faint breeze carried the stench of blood, rustling the grass around the fallen bodies. Bai Zian stood motionless, his sword glinting under the moonlight, its blade pristine despite the carnage. The Soul-Binding Chains pulsed with rhythmic energy as the trapped souls struggled in vain.
¡°Pitiful,¡± Bai Zian muttered, his tone devoid of emotion. His eyes flickered to the struggling souls. ¡°Even in death, you cannot escape the consequences of your actions.¡±
The chains absorbed the spiritual essence of the souls, reducing them to faint wisps before dissipating entirely. Sheathing his sword with a deliberate motion, Bai Zian scanned the battlefield. Something felt... off. Despite their obvious inferiority, the group had attacked him with unusual confidence, as though they had expected a different outcome.
Elsewhere...
Qing Chen was idly playing with Little Fur to pass the time. The days often felt like years.
He had completed a week''s worth of work when news reached him that the new Head Elder was arriving.
Qing Chen looked up, noticing a glimmer in the dark sky. Slowly, it descended toward him. Spreading his divine sense, he recognized the figure¡ªit was Tan Bao. Like Qing Chen, Tan Bao had started as a servant but, being more talented, had risen to become an Outer Sect disciple. In contrast, Qing Chen remained a servant in the Herb Valley.
"Senior, what can I do for you?" Qing Chen asked respectfully, his tone subservient. The robes Tan Bao wore set him apart, drawing a clear boundary that Qing Chen dared not cross. Hierarchy in this era was absolute. Though equality was preached within the sect, it only applied within one¡¯s own rank.
No one batted an eye if an Outer Sect disciple killed a servant. However, if an Inner Sect disciple killed another Inner Sect disciple, punishment would follow through the Judgement Hall.
"Here. This is an invitation to the celebration for the coming of age of the eldest Miss of the Liang Clan." Tan Bao handed him a scroll.
"What? The eldest Miss still remembers me?" Qing Chen asked, surprised.
"Don''t think too highly of yourself. Every member of the Liang Clan is invited, including servants. That day, the lady was in a good mood and decided to save your life. Don¡¯t harbor any feelings for her¡ªthey¡¯ll only make your life harder," Tan Bao advised, his tone arrogant yet firm.
"I understand. I¡¯m just a servant, and I hold no feelings for her¡ªonly gratitude for saving my life, which I wish to repay someday," Qing Chen replied earnestly.
He had no lingering feelings for the eldest Miss. However, the same could not be said for the previous Qing Chen.
Chapter 17: Purchasing A Dress
Chapter 17: Purchasing a Dress
The Next Day, Herbs Valley.
Eldest Disciple''s Residence.
"60, 61, 62, 63..." Qing Chen was in his room, counting how many Spiritual Stones he had earned. He had decided to buy a new dress, but it would leave him broke again.
The birthday was five months away, but Qing Chen had to at least prepare a decent outfit to wear at the event. Before, he might have been a normal servant, but now he was also the next heir of Herbs Valley. It was a good opportunity to see the mysterious inner sect.
Mu Qingfeng was not invited, so unfortunately, Qing Chen had to go alone with Tan Bao.
His status in the eyes of outsiders was still that of a servant, even though he had been chosen as the next heir and might become the Valley Master any day.
"Little Fur, you have gotten fatter." Qing Chen lifted the Moonlight Hare and felt it had gotten slightly heavier.
"Oooh-aaah," Little Fur touched its small red nose to Qing Chen''s robe.
Qing Chen was familiar with this behavior. Whenever Little Fur had done something troublesome, it would act all cute and coquettish.
"What did you do now?" Qing Chen asked with his eyes, staring directly into the little furball¡¯s blinking, innocent eyes, as if it didn¡¯t know what Qing Chen was asking.
"Don¡¯t act innocent!" Qing Chen glared at Little Fur with a dangerous glint in his eyes.
"..."
"So, that¡¯s how you want to play? No issues." Qing Chen¡¯s expression softened, and Little Fur shivered. Qing Chen lifted it and walked toward a nearby pond.
"Eeek!" Little Fur pleaded with its small eyes, shaking with fear.
Qing Chen knew how much this creature hated water. It didn¡¯t care if it had to cross rivers or fire to hunt for food, but it had a specific issue with being cleaned.
Little Fur and the pond water were now just a hair''s breadth apart. It waved its little paws in the air, trying to somehow escape by flying.
"Okay, go away. I have things to do today. I will be going outside the Valley. Just calmly stay with the Valley Master and wait for me. Do not trouble him¡ªhe is old now and can¡¯t run around the Valley to catch you. If someone else catches you, then..." Qing Chen intentionally left the last part unfinished.
"I want this one," Qing Chen said, standing in a shop and pointing at a decent outfit for the event five months away.
"Excellent choice, brother! This is the newest outfit, recently famous in the neighboring kingdom," the salesman, a fat middle-aged man, said, his eyes almost invisible under the fat on his face.
Qing Chen recognized the tactic. Even in his previous life, people would inflate the value of jewelry, clothing, or other goods with such claims.
"How much?"
"Three low-grade Spiritual Stones," the salesman said, holding up three fingers while keeping a wide smile on his face.
"Here. And one piece of advice: if you want to continue selling your clothes, please do not smile."The author''s narrative has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.
Qing Chen did not linger. He handed over the stones, turned, and walked out.
The outer robe was a deep azure, reminiscent of a serene twilight sky, adorned with faint patterns of silver clouds and cranes soaring gracefully. The embroidery shimmered faintly under the light, moving as though alive¡ªa subtle enchantment capturing the essence of flight. Beneath the outer robe lay an inner tunic of pale cream, its cuffs and hem lined with delicate gold threading, depicting a blooming lotus¡ªa symbol of purity and resilience.
The sash was a rich, earthy brown, fastened with a carved jade buckle shaped like a qilin. Its understated elegance complemented the outfit¡¯s overall harmony. Completing the ensemble were ankle-length boots made of supple leather, dyed midnight black and embroidered with silver stars that mirrored the heavens.
After buying the robes, Qing Chen went to check if the rates for skills had decreased. There was only one place in the entire sect that sold skills: the Celestial Archive.
This grand structure housed a vast collection of cultivation techniques, martial arts manuals, spiritual arts, and ancient texts, all meticulously categorized. Its towering shelves of glowing jade scrolls, imbued with protective runes, prevented unauthorized access. The pavilion was divided into tiers, each level representing a higher grade of skill or technique. Only disciples with sufficient merit or status were allowed access to the uppermost levels, where the most profound secrets of the sect were kept.
Qing Chen stood at the base of the Celestial Archive, gazing up at its towering spires that seemed to pierce the heavens. The air shimmered faintly with spiritual energy, as though the very knowledge within was alive, pulsing with power and history.
A group of disciples passed by, clad in their resplendent robes. Their laughter and chatter contrasted starkly with Qing Chen¡¯s solitude. He clenched the bundle holding his new outfit tightly, a faint determination flickering in his heart.
He approached the entrance, where two stern-faced guards stood with spears carved from spirit iron. Their gazes swept over him briefly before one of them barked, "Name and token."
Qing Chen presented the jade medallion issued to him as the heir of Herbs Valley. The guard¡¯s expression wavered, showing a mix of skepticism and mild surprise, but he stepped aside. "You may enter. First-floor access only."
The heavy wooden doors, reinforced with spiritual runes, creaked open, revealing the treasure trove of knowledge within. Shelves of glowing jade scrolls stretched endlessly, their faint hum creating an almost hypnotic melody.
Qing Chen walked cautiously, scanning the titles etched in ancient characters. Techniques for alchemy, combat, and spiritual refinement lay before him, but his excitement was tempered by the reality of his meager savings.
At a desk near the back, an elder disciple glanced up from his scroll, gesturing to a board that displayed the rates:
-
Low-Grade Skills: 2 Spiritual Stones
-
Mid-Grade Skills: 5 Spiritual Stones
-
High-Grade Skills: 20 Spiritual Stones
Qing Chen sighed. Even the lowest tier of skills would cost nearly all he had left. He brushed the few remaining stones in his pouch with his fingers and frowned.
"Still so far to go..." he muttered, the weight of his current status pressing down on him.
As he turned to leave, his gaze caught a faintly glowing scroll resting on a lower shelf, separate from the others. Its faint golden light seemed to call to him. There was no price tag, no label, and strangely, no one seemed to notice it.
¡°Curious, aren¡¯t you?¡± a voice interrupted his thoughts.
He turned sharply to find an elderly attendant sweeping nearby, his movements deliberate yet unhurried. "That scroll isn¡¯t for sale. It chooses its owner."
Qing Chen frowned. "What does it mean to choose?"
The attendant chuckled, his eyes glinting with amusement. "If it deems you unworthy, you won¡¯t even be able to touch it. But if you are..." He trailed off, smiling faintly. "Let¡¯s just say your life might take an interesting turn."
Without another word, the attendant resumed sweeping, leaving Qing Chen standing alone, torn between caution and curiosity.
In the end, Qing Chen didn¡¯t reach out. He turned and walked away, not sparing the scroll a second glance.
The elder disciple at the desk snapped his head up, shocked. "Impossible... Such control over his nerves. Even when an opportunity to change his fate and soar like a phoenix was placed before him, he didn¡¯t even try to take it."
The elder valued disciples like Qing Chen¡ªrare individuals who could resist greed for the sake of greater aspirations.
"Wait, disciple. What is your name?"
"Qing Chen, the next heir of Herbs Valley," Qing Chen replied.
He knew better than to hide from someone capable of becoming an elder in the Celestial Archive.
Chapter 18: Narrowly Avoiding Death Flag
Chapter 18: Narrowly Avoiding Death Flag
"Okay, you can go now," the elder composed himself. He decided to go back and check Qing Chen''s background first, to know whether he was affiliated with any Clan or was a loose cultivator.
Qing Chen was confused, but then clarity returned to his eyes when he thought that the elder was surely waiting for the destined person, and he was not one. So he automatically backed away.
Should I check what his real cultivation is?
Qing Chen was tempted for a second, but he did not use Harmony Detector. Right now, he did not know much about the cultivation realms above the Nascent Soul Realm. If the elder turned out to be of a much higher realm, then he would be unable to differentiate just how many realms he was away from reaching the same level as that of the elder.
"Thanks, Elder." Qing Chen cupped his hands and walked out.
"Strange child," the elder, Fu Min, glanced at the back of Qing Chen and said, "I definitely felt some response from the scroll."
Could he be wrong?
Fu Min looked around him and saw that there were many disciples around this area; it might not have been that child.
"Are you ready? That person¡¯s disciple has come out." A person standing in casual outer sect disciple robes was standing at a stall far away in the corner of the Celestial Archive. His eyes first glanced at Qing Chen, then at his accomplice who was standing a little closer to Qing Chen.
Hmm... I know, that person also said with his eyes.
Qing Chen looked around him. This place was filled with cultivators going in and out of the Celestial Archive.
I feel like some eyes are watching me.
Qing Chen was a Nascent Soul Realm cultivator at the peak of it. On top of it, his soul was able to sense any ill intentions that were directed at him.
He did not alert the enemy. He showed and acted like he did not sense anything. He continued walking.
"Follow him, don''t let him return to the Herbs Valley." The people who were scattered around the Celestial Archive stopped what they were doing.
Thud!
Qing Chen collided with a random outer sect disciple.
Before Qing Chen could say anything, the guy openly took away the pouch hanging on his waist and ran away with it.
"Hey! Stop!" Qing Chen acted according to their wishes and shouted like a normal person would when faced with theft in broad daylight.
Qing Chen ran behind the disciple who had collided and stolen his pouch filled with the remaining spiritual stones.
Pant! Pant!
Qing Chen, as a second-layer Energy Refinement cultivator, was just a little better than mortals, and after running for so long, he had arrived at a dead end. The thief was standing a little away from him with his back facing towards him.
Qing Chen saw that, one by one, shadows appeared behind him, stopping the sunlight from lighting up the dead end.
Killing within the sect would attract too much attention.
Qing Chen rubbed his chin, not caring about the cultivators behind him.
"Any one of us would have been enough to end his pitiful life. I think the Lord has become a little too cautious after his defeat..."
"Agh!" The person who was just talking had his head exploded on the spot.
"Do not insult my Lord," the person who had killed that guy said with a fanatical look in his eyes as he eyed others in his team.
Qing Chen shivered, seeing that these guys were not even merciful to their own colleagues. Truly a group of terrorists.Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on Royal Road.
"Peng Qiang, go and finish him." Hou Zexi ordered a member of his team, while Hou Zexi and others walked away with Fan Xue''s dead body in their arms. This Fan Xue also had a family. They could at least deliver his body to them.
Peng Qiang was a second-layer Foundation Building Realm cultivator. A cultivator like Qing Chen, even if a hundred attacked Peng Qiang at the same time, he would be unfazed and wipe them out like killing a fly.
A few minutes later.
[+10 Harmony Points]
"Hey Peng Qiang, if you are done, come out now. Don''t torture the dead body, you pervert." Hou Zexi and other members returned to check after Fan Xue''s matter had been completed.
They were not alarmed when Peng Qiang did not return immediately after killing Qing Chen because they were aware of his perverse tendencies.
"Peng Qiang."
They shouted again, but no response came. There was only complete darkness in the dead end where they had trapped Qing Chen.
They looked into the darkness, but this darkness felt different. It felt like the darkness was also looking back at them. And for some reason, they were unable to look past this dark fog.
Hou Zexi seemed to sense something felt off. He was about to shout at the others to turn back and run, but the fog devoured them.
Aaaa! My Lord, save meee!
[+10 Harmony Points]
[+30 Harmony Points]
Tsk! Qing Chen clicked his tongue when the person furthest from him succeeded in shouting out loud.
I should have isolated this area with my divine sense... Well, it¡¯s not like I am a professional killer.
Qing Chen had used the Eclipsing Shadows Technique and Azure Sky''s Final Resurgence to cover the area around him in pitch-black fog. Unfortunately, the Eclipsing Shadows Technique was only usable to hide in the shadows or create pitch-black fog to hide his identity.
After his work was done, Qing Chen retrieved all the fog back inside his body. Just when he was about to go back to the Herbs Valley, there were no dead bodies strewn around him. He had already buried them using Verdant Soul Manifestation, and only some drops of blood remained. In place of the dead bodies, a flower had bloomed, completely blood red in color, looking extremely eerie and ominous.
"Stop right there."
Qing Chen''s steps halted, and he looked up and saw that some disciples were flying in the air on their swords.
Looking at the symbol on their robes, they were from the law enforcement hall.
Think of the devil, and the devil is here.
Qing Chen was now having a headache. He should have killed them more quickly. Now, he could not even run away.
They came down from the air. Only three people had arrived, with one female and two males. The female looked like a senior law enforcement officer.
"We heard a cry for help just now. Do you know anything?"
"No, I also just arrived to see what had happened."
The female officer looked at the bag in Qing Chen''s hand that had the clothes he had just purchased.
"Then did you run all the way from the shop where you bought these clothes to this dead end?"
She again gazed at Qing Chen.
"I was on my way back to the Herbs Valley."
Suddenly she came close to Qing Chen and sniffed.
"Senior..." A flustered sound came out of Qing Chen. He had never been so close to the opposite gender, except for his mother and sister in his past life.
"Don''t you smell that?" She looked at Qing Chen, who had a lost expression, then at the two lower male officers behind her.
"Yes, Senior. It smells like fresh blood," one of the male officers said with a sly smile on his lips, like they had labeled Qing Chen already as the perpetrator.
The female officer also had a smile on her lips.
"How would I know, Senior? I am just a servant in the Herbs Valley. I have never even killed an ant; how would I know the smell of blood?"
"Oh~" The female officer again came close to Qing Chen. "Then how do you explain this drop of blood on your collar?"
The female officer''s finger brushed past his collar, and then she showed Qing Chen a tiny drop of red blood on her finger.
"It might have fallen on me at some point, when I was unaware." Qing Chen''s calm expression did not falter.
Now, it was the law enforcement officers'' turn to be surprised. This guy was too calm that it gave them chills. Even innocent people became afraid when they saw them, and now this person, who called himself a servant but was dressed better than most outer sect disciples, and even when all three of them had surrounded him, did not even have a frown.
This made them more wary of this person''s real background.
"You can go now. And we apologize for the trouble," the male officer said.
The senior female officer glared at the male officer, but he said with his eyes that he had a reason for doing this.
"Okay, thank you, Senior. I hope we do not meet again." Qing Chen first glanced at each person''s expression, then slipped away confidently.
"Explain!" The senior female officer pushed the male officer against the wall of the dead end.
"Senior, I did this to save you and myself."
"..."
The male officer looked up and saw that she wanted to hear more, so he continued. "Senior, you saw how calm and composed he was, right? And there are only two reasons someone can be so calm during such situations. I have been working in the law enforcement hall for a decade now and know from experience, but you have only just arrived a month ago."
"First, he might be related to some big clan in the sect or have support from some elder in the sect. Second, he might be hiding his real strength and did not care about us. And let me add, we have no proof against him."
"I believe the first reason, as he is too young to be stronger than Senior here."
The other male officer, who had been like an extra this whole time, spoke in support from the sidelines.
"Proof! I will find one. We already have two pieces of evidence. One is this drop of blood; the other is that he was here at the crime scene faster than our flying swords."
The female officer, Chang Xinyue, said to the other male officers and also made a promise to herself. Could the background of the person behind that servant be bigger than hers? Her team members were unaware of her real background because she wished to be low-key. But to bring justice to whoever was killed here today, she would do anything in her power.
She did not even think for a second that Qing Chen might have been the victim.
Chapter 19: Back To The Valley
Chapter 19: Back to the Valley
Sigh~
Qing Chen sighed after he no longer sensed their presence. He knew the matter was far from over, judging by the way that female officer looked at him as he slipped away.
He knew these types of heroines¡ªyes, heroines. Girls who had been pampered their whole lives and were only now stepping out into the world after reaching adulthood or meeting the minimum cultivation criteria of their family. They didn¡¯t see or hear the whole side of the story. They acted as though they knew everything. The female officer hadn¡¯t even asked whether he was a victim; she outright labeled him as the culprit.
Qing Chen could only massage his head.
Soon, the herbs valley came into sight. Qing Chen reached his loft, opened the door, and threw himself onto the bed. Sleeping always helped him sort out his thoughts.
Just as he found a comfortable position and was slowly sinking into the abyss of dreams, a knock on the door disturbed him. Although he was on the highest floor, being a Nascent Soul cultivator had its pros and cons.
His senses had already been elevated beyond the bounds of mortals. Even a tiny noise could disturb him. This was why many great cultivators chose to enter seclusion in deep mountains or under the sea and oceans. As far as Qing Chen knew, only those in the realm beyond Nascent Soul could control their senses, deciding which ones to keep open and which to close.
Qing Chen spread his divine sense and saw that it was Mu Qingfeng.
Ughhhh!!
Qing Chen shouted internally but still managed to keep a smile on his face as he went down to open the door.
"I didn¡¯t disturb you, did I?" Mu Qingfeng asked.
"No, no... I just got here."
"Well, your smile looks a little forced."
"... Why are you here, Valley Master?"
"I just wanted to tell you to stay put in the herbs valley for some time. The sect is receiving many unknown visitors from across the kingdom."
"..."
"What?! Did you already encounter them?"
Mu Qingfeng noticed Qing Chen looking away when he mentioned the unknown forces entering the Azure Sky Sect.
"Sort of. They wanted to kill me, but I shouted, and luckily, the Law Enforcement Officers arrived. The attackers ran away," Qing Chen said, twisting the story.
"Well, your luck is still strong."
"Huh? What do you mean by that, Valley Master?" Qing Chen asked with a confused look.
Cough!
"...Nothing. Just think of it as an old man being muddle-headed," Mu Qingfeng coughed and feigned nonchalance.
"Okay, Valley Master. Do you want to say anything else?"
"No."
Thud!Stolen from its rightful place, this narrative is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.
Qing Chen closed the door, walked back to his room, and found Little Fur sleeping on his bed. He chose not to disturb it, instead sitting cross-legged on the wooden floor beside the bed. He began cultivating now that his physique had evolved. He could easily absorb nature¡¯s energy. Qing Chen was still far from reaching the true peak of the Nascent Soul Realm.
Why waste Harmony Points when you can cultivate and increase strength?
Slowly, the energy around the herbs valley started creating ripples like a stone dropped in water. Qing Chen¡¯s cultivation had the same effect. First, the energy inside his room, then the energy around his loft, and finally, the energy from beyond his loft flowed into his dantian.
Qing Chen had formed a small vortex but did not unleash the full potential of his physique. Otherwise, the energy from the inner sect wouldn¡¯t be spared, alarming the great cultivators. Qing Chen closed his eyes, as keeping them open while staring at the wooden walls of his room bored him.
With the increase in cultivation, the energy requirements had also increased a hundredfold. Additionally, his physique had evolved to the fifth rank, making his body thirstier for energy. In return, he was five times more powerful than others in the same realm.
...
Ahhh!
Chang Xinyue was in her residence, throwing away anything within reach. Everything she saw had the face of Qing Chen. She wanted to blow up her residence.
"Those cowards! Because of them, the culprit was set free. I was so close to solving my first big case. But..."
Chang Xinyue could not stomach the fact that a criminal had been allowed to walk away¡ªnot even run away¡ªunder her watch.
"First, I need to discipline my teammates," Chang Xinyue said, clapping her fists together.
There was an enchanting smile on her face, but her eyes glowed dangerously like a beast ready to strike.
...
Time flew by, and soon a new day arrived. Qing Chen woke up to a small, fluffy creature walking on his legs. He opened his eyes slightly, releasing an intimidating aura, but when his eyes fully opened, the aura vanished like a fluke.
Strangely, the little creature on Qing Chen¡¯s lap didn¡¯t seem much affected.
Yawn~
Qing Chen stretched his limbs. This had become a habit. It felt good after sitting cross-legged all night. He casually picked up Little Fur and threw it onto the bed like a projectile.
Uwahh!
Little Fur lifted its head from the pillow and made a sound of protest.
"You want to sleep on the floor today?"
Mweh! Little Fur gave him a cute expression and, like a docile creature, went back to sleep on Qing Chen¡¯s bed.
When Qing Chen stepped outside, he saw the Head Elder drinking tea with the Valley Master.
"Come here, Qing Chen. The Head Elder has been waiting for you," Mu Qingfeng said when Qing Chen was close enough to hear.
"Valley Master, Head Elder," Qing Chen greeted both of them.
"No need to act stiff. Come, sit beside me. I have some questions," said the Head Elder.
"...Huh? Me? Questions?" Qing Chen¡¯s mind was still hazy from cultivating all night. It took him a moment to process what the Head Elder said.
"Haha! Do you see anyone else here besides you?" Bai Zian laughed out loud while Mu Qingfeng hesitated, thinking that elders should control their emotions better in front of juniors. Then he remembered that Bai Zian and Qing Chen were almost the same age.
Cough! "Sorry. I wanted to ask if you were attacked on your way back to the herbs valley."
"..." Mu Qingfeng already knew but continued sipping tea to hide his smile. He liked that his disciple was honest with him.
"Valley Master..." Qing Chen looked at Mu Qingfeng for permission. After receiving it, he continued, "Yes. Some outer sect disciples surrounded me at the west wall¡¯s dead end. They didn¡¯t say much, but judging by their looks and the dangerous weapons in their hands, my instincts screamed that I had to call for help."
"So, you¡¯re saying the Law Enforcement Officers arrived just in time? After you shouted and they heard the swooshing sound of a sword breaking through the air, the attackers fled?"
Qing Chen nodded.
"But..." Bai Zian glanced at Mu Qingfeng, then at Qing Chen. He decided to stop speaking. He knew the officers suspected Qing Chen of being the murderer. Not all of them, but some¡ªand those few only agreed because of one female officer. They were Chang Xinyue¡¯s teammates. They were the first to reach the dead end and speak with Qing Chen.
Bai Zian was certain his junior brother wasn¡¯t strong enough to kill someone in the Foundation Building Realm, nor did he have a bloodthirsty nature. The Law Enforcement Officers had already checked Qing Chen¡¯s background, which was clean. However, Chang Xinyue still wanted to pursue the matter. Head Elder Bai Zian had no choice but to report the case directly to the Liang Clan, as the eldest Miss Liang had brought Qing Chen to the Azure Sky Sect.
Bai Zian had thought Miss Liang wouldn¡¯t care and would dismiss the matter outright. Unexpectedly, her stoic expression cracked when he mentioned that Qing Chen was under investigation. Though it lasted only a nanosecond, Bai Zian caught it.
"You don¡¯t need to worry about Chang Xinyue. I will handle her," she said.