《Cruelty unbound》 Starting over With a deep and menacing voice, the group leader spoke, "Wei ying, surrender the precious inheritance of Gu Yao immediately and accept your fate. If you do not comply, your death will be slow and painful. This is your only chance to escape a torturous end." "Wei ying, the path you have walked stains your hands with blood. The countless individuals you have slain are proof of your cruelty. You should atone for your sins now and accept a painful and deserved death. The karma for your sins cannot be escaped and you will pay for your atrocities." "Wei ying, you have mercilessly extinguished countless lives whether they were righteous or demonic. Your actions have tarnished your soul and brought shame to your path. Today, the punishment for your transgressions begins." ... "Wei ying, immersed in blood, relentlessly persisted through repeated failures in his pill refining. The formation echoed with echoes of his determination, refusing to surrender despite the exhaustion of countless materials.He had a pale face with red eyes with white hair extended to his shoulders. " "With a furrowed brow and a profound sigh, Wei ying uttered a weary ''Damnit!'' Frustrated at yet another failed attempt to refine the elusive reincarnation pill. The inheritance of Gu Yao revealed two recipes, each with its own set of challenges - one possessed a lower success rate, while the other bore an insurmountable flaw, complicating his pursuit of perfection further." Suddenly, cracks began to appear on the formation that enshrouded him, fracturing the protective shield amidst the arduous refinement process. "With a resounding voice, the group leader proclaimed, ''You malevolent demon, Wei ying, your time of reckoning has finally arrived. Your days of terror are at an end, and you will receive the punishment you so rightly deserve. Prepare to face the consequences of your actions.''" "The formation crumbled, its protective veil shattering in a shower of fragments. Wei ying was caught off guard, found himself reeling from the backlash, the energies of the shattered formation swirling around him in a chaotic vortex." "In a display of determination, Wei ying swiftly activated his soul-dispersing wings, simultaneously taking flight and multitasking with a focus to continue refining the elusive pill, navigating through the air as he pursued his goal with unwavering resolve." "It seems I have no choice," Wei Ying said calmly. He drew out a dagger crafted from dragon skin and slit open a vein, allowing his blood to flow freely. With a steady hand, he poured the crimson liquid into the cauldron as a refinement material. The groups behind him erupted into excited shouts. "Quickly, disturb this demon''s refinement! He''ll suffer a backlash and die if he fails, for he''s using a Blood Refinement Technique!". The crowd''s mockery and curses rained down on Wei Ying, but he remained impervious, his focus solely on refining the Reincarnation Pill. Finally, after an eternity, an incomplete pill emerged from the cauldron. Wei Ying''s eyes gleamed with determination. "Now for the most difficult part." With unwavering resolve, Wei Ying merged the pill into his soul. He deliberately lowered his defenses, rendering himself vulnerable. A female cultivator seized the opportunity, her eyes flashing with malice. "Shattering Ice Blade!" she exclaimed, activating her technique. Behind her, a swirling mass of ice qi coalesced into the shape of a sword. With a swift motion, she sent the icy blades flying towards Wei Ying, aiming to strike him down while he was defenseless.Support the creativity of authors by visiting Royal Road for this novel and more. Wei Ying stumbled backward, his body battered by the relentless assault. His left arm was severed, and his back was gravely injured, with bones visible beneath the torn flesh. Just as all hope seemed lost, a brilliant light burst forth from Wei Ying''s chest. "Finally, I have succeeded!" he exclaimed, a triumphant smile spreading across his face. As he turned to face his attacker, his voice remained eerily calm. "Today will be the last time I struggle before death in my life." The female expert''s face darkened. "Oh no, he has refined the elusive Reincarnation Pill." The demonic group''s eyes gleamed with greed as they fixed their gaze on Wei Ying. "Demon, if you hand over the pill, we''ll consider letting you live," their leader growled. Wei Ying''s response was unexpected. He burst into laughter and said, "Consider it a deal." With a nonchalant flick of his wrist, Wei Ying tossed a pill towards the leader. The Demonic Path leader''s eyes gleamed with excitement. "Quickly! Grab the pill and kill him!" Both righteous and demonic cultivators rushed towards the pill, eager to claim its power. But just as they were about to seize it, the female expert shouted a warning. "It''s a trap! Don''t fall for it!" Her words came too late. The pill suddenly exploded, releasing a devastating blast of energy that obliterated the surrounding experts. "Wei Ying, you vile fucking creature!" the female expert spat, her teeth gritted in rage. "I''ll skin you alive and burn your soul! You should repent for the countless lives you''ve taken. You''re cruel, vicious, demonic!" Wei Ying smiled, his expression serene. "So what if I am cruel? I simply don''t care about your lives or your morals. If you''re cruel, then your cruelty must know no bounds." His words dripped with indifference, and his gaze seemed to pierce through the female expert''s very soul.. A massive explosion engulfed Wei Ying, and he self-destructed in a blaze of energy. "The world will scourge under the hands of this demon!" The female expert''s face fell, her eyes clouded with a heavy expression as she gazed upon the spot where Wei Ying had self distructed.. ... 1000 years ago Cloud Po Valley was located in the far northeast of the Cloudsea Continent, a vast expanse of clouds and mist that spread across the landscape like a sea. The dense clouds made it difficult to see far into the valley, and the thick mist obscured everything except for the towering bamboo groves that grew densely throughout the area. there existed a large clan called Qingyun village. Qingyun village was the largest and most influential village in the Cloud Po Valley, known for its extensive resources, martial arts techniques, and powerful members. The clan''s headquarters were located in a large palace in the center of the valley, surrounded by a dense forest of bamboo groves and towering cliffs. The clan leader, a wise and powerful martial artist, ruled over the clan with a firm but fair hand. There were four major families that ruled the valley, each vying for power and dominance. These families were known as the Four Great Families, and they were the Bai, Liu, Zhang, and Wu clans. Each of these families had a powerful patriarch that commanded a great of influence within the valley, and the families were constantly engaging in power struggles to try to gain more influence and control. There are always new geniuses emerging among the young members of the Four Great Families each year. These young cultivators possess extraordinary talent and potential in martial arts, making them formidable opponents. Every three years, the martial arts academy holds a tournament, where the young disciples from all four families compete against each other to determine the most talented genius among them. These tournaments are highly anticipated events, as they provide an opportunity for each family and sect to showcase their prowess and establish themselves as the strongest in the valley. The patriarch of Wu clan were holding a ceremony praying for a genius to appear in their clan behind him there were five elders of the clan. After the ceremony the patriarch of the Wu clan ask if there is a genius in our family Wu Xingshi the first elder of Wu clan says that there are many exceptional talents in our clan but the most noteworthy is Wei Ying he could walk and read when he was three. "Time truly flies," the Patriarch of the Wu Clan sighed, a hint of nostalgia in his voice. "Tomorrow, we''ll be holding the Blood Awakening Ceremony, where our young ones will attempt to awaken their ancestral bloodlines." ... Wei Ying stood by the window, gazing outside with an enigmatic smile. This young man, who had once tread the path of immortality, had successfully reincarnated back in time. "I''ve done it," he whispered to himself, his eyes gleaming with determination. "This time, I''ll pursue immortality once more. But first, I must rid myself of the poison in my spiritual veins." Wei Ying''s smile grew resolute, his mind already racing with plans to overcome the obstacles ahead. Jade Essence River Legend tells the Fabric of Time, an ethereal stream that flows endlessly, connecting past, present, and future in its shimmering currents. It is said that only the most resolute souls can traverse its flow, journeying upstream to witness the echoes of what once was. Wei Ying, with his relentless determination and boundless ambition, had done just that using the reincarnation pill he had refined. Standing at the edge of the stream, he gazed at its radiant waters, where fragments of memories danced like fleeting reflections. The current was strong, resisting his presence, yet Wei Ying pressed on, his will overpowering the natural laws that sought to hold him back. Finally, the stream revealed a vision¡ªhimself, as he had been a thousand years ago. A younger Wei Ying stood amidst the familiar surroundings of a quaint, peaceful village. The name came to him as if whispered by the stream itself: Qingyun Village. ¡°This¡­ This is from a thousand years ago,¡± Wei Ying murmured, his voice a mix of awe and disbelief. Thoughts collided in his mind like waves crashing upon a shore. Memories, both foreign and familiar, surged within him, overwhelming him with a sense of nostalgia and loss. Before he could fully process the sight before him, the stream surged with newfound vigor, pulling him into its depths. Wei Ying felt the weight of time pressing against him as the currents carried him forward. It was as if the river of time itself had decided to entwine his fate with its flow. In the next moment, everything stilled. Wei Ying opened his eyes to find himself seated in the present, his surroundings familiar yet foreign. His mind was a whirlwind of emotions, but clarity soon dawned upon him. He touched his chest, feeling the steady rhythm of his heartbeat, and allowed a faint smile to cross his lips. "It can be called¡­ rebirth," Wei Ying thought, his gaze firm and resolute. Though he had returned to his present, his journey upstream had given him more than a glimpse of his past. It had granted him understanding¡ªof who he had been, of what he had lost, and of the opportunities now within his grasp. With the knowledge of a thousand years and the power to shape the future, Wei Ying knew that his second chance was not to be wasted. "This time," he whispered to himself, "I will seize eternity." ... Patriarch Zhou Fan''s voice carried a hint of caution as he spoke to the First Elder, Wu Xingshi. "Wei Ying Wu, despite his exceptional talent,he may still awaken a common bloodline." Wu Xingshi''s eyebrows furrowed, his expression a mixture of concern and skepticism. "You think so, Patriarch? I had hoped that the young Wei Ying Wu would awaken a noble bloodline, one that would bring honor to our clan." Patriarch Zhou Fan''s gaze remained measured. "We cannot afford to be overly optimistic, Elder Wu. The awakening of a bloodline is never certain, and even the most talented individuals can be hindered by their innate constitution.". ... Wei Ying''s eyes clouded with concern as he assessed his predicament. "The Elusive Reincarnation Pill... I used the revered ''Nine Cycles of Purification'' technique to refine it," he muttered to himself, his brow furrowed in unease. "But it seems this technique that i obtained from gu yao inheritance has a critical flaw ¨C it can''t fully purge the pill''s residual energy. This energy has infected my spiritual roots, spreading poison through them .The inheritance mentioned it clearly to think it was this. " His gaze fell, a hint of frustration creeping into his voice. "I need resources to eliminate the poison, but... I have none.I have yet to even awaken my bloodline" A resigned sigh escaped his lips, but it was swiftly followed by a spark of determination. "Tomorrow," he whispered to himself, a hint of anticipation dancing in his eyes, "will be an interesting day indeed.'''' ... The next day The dimly lit underground chamber, hidden beneath the earth, was abuzz with the murmur of conversation. Representatives from each of the esteemed clans had gathered, accompanied by their most promising youths and talents. The air was thick with anticipation. This content has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere. One of the disciples, a young man with a puzzled expression, spoke up, "Why is there nothing here?" He glanced around the empty space, his eyes scanning the barren walls and floor. Patriarch Zhou Fan, standing at the forefront of the gathering, smiled enigmatically. "Patience, young one. The true purpose of this gathering will soon be revealed." But right at the next moment the elders of four clans Bai, Wu,Zhang ,liu diactivate the formation revealing a river full of spiritual energy Just as Patriarch Zhou Fan finished speaking, the elders of the four clans - Bai, Wu, Zhang, and Liu - stepped forward in unison. With a subtle gesture, they deactivated the formation that had been concealing the true nature of the underground chamber. As the formation dissipated, the room was bathed in a radiant glow. The disciples'' eyes widened in awe as a majestic river, teeming with spiritual energy, was revealed before them. The river''s crystal-clear waters shimmered and rippled, as if alive, and its surface seemed to be adorned with a mesmerizing pattern of glowing, ethereal runes. A collective murmur of excitement rippled through the crowd as Patriarch Zhou Fan paused, surveying the group with an expectant gaze. "Now, let us begin with the fundamentals of accumulating spiritual energy," he continued, his voice dripping with anticipation. "Listen carefully, for the secrets I am about to impart will lay the foundation for your future growth." Patriarch Zhou Fan''s eyes swept across the gathering, his voice clear and authoritative. "To cultivate your inner strength and unlock the secrets of your bloodlines, you must follow these five steps: "First, each of you must find a suitable location within the Jade Essence River to cultivate your dantian. Attune yourself to the river''s energy and select a spot that resonates with your inner self. "Second, focus on your lower dantian, concentrating on the energy emanating from it. As you sense this energy, gradually spread it throughout your body, nourishing your vital organs and increasing your overall vitality. "Third, slowly absorb the qi from the river into your body, allowing it to circulate and stimulate your cells and tissues. Be cautious, for this step is the most perilous; improper circulation can lead to devastating consequences. "Fourth, as your qi circulatory system matures, visualize a radiant, golden light emanating from your dantian. This light will represent your nascent spiritual core. Focus on nurturing and stabilizing this core, for it will serve as the foundation of your future growth. "Fifth, once your spiritual core is stable, attempt to harmonize your inner energy with the Jade Essence River''s energy. This synergy will allow you to tap into the river''s profound spiritual power, accelerating your cultivation and unlocking the secrets of your bloodline." Patriarch Zhou Fan''s eyes swept across the gathering once more, his expression serious. "Now that I have imparted the fundamentals of cultivation, commit them to memory. Remember, the path to true power is fraught with peril, and only those who grasp these principles will succeed." He nodded to the elder of the Bai Clan, who stepped forward with a dignified smile. "Very well, let us begin. I will call out your names, one by one. When you hear your name, you will enter the Jade Essence River and commence your cultivation." Some of the disciples whispered among themselves, their faces filled with concern. "How can we possibly remember all those details in such a short time?" one of them asked. Another disciple nodded in agreement. "I know, right? The Patriarch explained it so quickly, I barely caught half of it." The elder of the Bai Clan ''Bai Yizhen'', shot them a stern glance. "Silence! You will have time to reflect on the Patriarch''s words later. For now, focus on your cultivation. First, we have... Liu Feng of the Liu Clan!" The elder''s voice continued to echo through the chamber, calling out the names of outsiders who had come to awaken their bloodlines. "Next, we have... Chu feng! Followed by... Di Ming!" Elder Bai Yizhen''s voice echoed through the chamber: "Next, we have... Bai Yun of the Bai Clan!" Bai Yun stepped forward, his eyes shining with determination. "Followed by... Wei Ying Wu of the Wu Clan!" Wei Ying Wu nodded, his face set in a calm expression. "Then, we have... Zhang Mei of the Zhang Clan!" Zhang Mei walked forward, her long silver hair flowing behind her, a look of quiet confidence on her face. Her skin was snow white and she had blue eyes. The other disciples who were left behind couldn''t help but stare as Zhang Mei walked forward. One of them, a young man, whispered: "Woah, I didn''t know that Zhang Clan has such a beauty!" "Looks like Zhang Clan''s got more than just brute strength going for them!" The group of disciples continued to whisper among themselves, their voices filled with a mix of admiration and envy. Meanwhile, Zhang Mei remained oblivious to the commotion she had caused, her focus solely on the cultivation ahead. She enters the river. Awakening Bloodline In the world of cultivation, individuals possessed both physiques and bloodlines, categorized into unique and common types. The rare and highly sought-after unique bloodlines consisted of the Azure Emperor (Qinglong), White Tiger Essence (Baihuxi), Vermilion Bird Origin (Zhuquezi), Mystic Turtle Realm (Xuanwujing), Dragon King''s Will (Longwangzhi), Phoenix Jade (Fenghuangyu), River Dragon Spirit (Jianglongling), Winged Dragon''s Might (Yinglongshi), Turtle Shell Energy (Bixiqi), and Stellarhorn (Qilinyuan). In contrast, common bloodlines included Thunderbolt (Leidian), Wind Jade (Fengyu), Fire Energy (Huoqi), Mountain Spirit (Shanling), River Energy (Heqi), Lunarflux (Yueli), Moonshadow (Yueying), Golden Bell (Jinzhong), Wood Essence (Muxi), Water Crystal (Shuijing), and Earth Origin (Tuzhi). "There existed only five extraordinary physiques, renowned throughout the heavens. These included the Heavenly Thunder Physique, Celestial Yin Yang Physique, Icy Jade Physique, Desolate Heaven Physique, and Tyrant Battle Physique. These rare and exceptional bodily constitutions held the key to unlocking unimaginable power and potential.But how can everything have benefits without deficits. " ... In Jade Essence river Wei Ying focused on accumulating qi in his dantian, his progress slow but steady. The poison lingering in his spiritual vein hindered his pace, making him lag behind his peers. Yet, as he sat by the river, surrounded by its abundant qi, a spark of inspiration struck him. "What if I try to channel qi through the poison and force it out?" he wondered. Although his understanding of the qi path was limited, his past life experiences allowed him to make some educated deductions. With newfound determination, Wei Ying began to experiment, attempting to harness the river''s qi to purge the poison from his spiritual vein. "I succeeded," Wei Ying exclaimed, relieved that he had finally managed to remove the poison from his spiritual veins. However, his triumph was short-lived, as his attention turned to his dantian. A small, ominous black spot had appeared, marring the otherwise pure qi within. Wei Ying''s eyes narrowed in concern. "It seems that although I cleansed my spiritual veins of the poison, some of the residual poison qi was forced into my dantian instead." He knew that eliminating the poison entirely was impossible, at least for now. "I can only suppress it," he muttered to himself. With a calculated precision, Wei Ying began to weave intricate patterns with his fingers. As he did so, a gentle stream of qi flowed from his fingertips, carefully covering the black spot. The poison qi seethed and pulsed, but Wei Ying''s controlled breaths and precise movements slowly suppressed it, forcing it into a state of dormancy. After a while After a while, Wei Ying let out a sigh of relief. "I''ve finally suppressed it. Based on my calculations, it''ll take at least three years for the poison to start corroding my dantian again." His expression turned grim as he recalled the recipe he had used to refine the pill. "That formula had a catastrophic flaw - it corrodes spiritual veins. And to make matters worse, it''s the notorious Black Mist Poison. If it affects one''s spiritual roots, the only way to eradicate it is to destroy the roots themselves... but that would mean sacrificing all my cultivation and reverting to a normal human." Wei Ying''s frown deepened as he contemplated the dire consequences. "To resolve this, my dantian must be destroyed. If the poison corrodes it completely and my dantian ruptures... I might die.'''' Wei Ying pushed aside his concerns for the moment, focusing on his immediate goal: awakening his bloodline. "In this life, I''ll use the Reverse Qi Absorbent Technique to forcefully awaken my bloodline," he determined. With unwavering concentration, Wei Ying initiated the technique. The flow of qi within his body began to reverse, coursing through his meridians in an unnatural direction. This painful method threatened to overwhelm him, and Wei Ying felt a wave of dizziness wash over him. His vision blurred, and his head spun, but Wei Ying gritted his teeth, refusing to yield. He poured all his willpower into the technique, compelling the reversed qi to stimulate his dormant bloodline. A surge of energy burst forth from Wei Ying''s body. He gazed at his aura, now tinged with a greyish hue. A triumphant smile spread across his face as he realized he had successfully awakened the moonshadow bloodline. In his past life, Wei Ying had been unable to awaken his bloodline, no matter how hard he tried. But now, through the advantage of rebirth, he had achieved what was previously impossible.Only after 50 years did he obtained the method to awaken his bloodline. "The benefits of rebirth are truly unimaginable," Wei Ying muttered to himself, his eyes shining with excitement but he was still calm. The tale has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation. Seven hours had passed, and twenty cultivators had already emerged from the trial. However, not a single one had successfully awakened a bloodline, sparking a mix of disappointment and concern among the elders. Wei Ying emerged from the river, his figure dripping with water yet he wasnt wet. The four elders were taken aback, surprised that someone had already exited the river. Their eyes widened in astonishment as they took in Wei Ying''s appearance.he had black eyes which were calm as a tranquil sea. He was wearing black and white robes. His long black hair extended to his shoulders "It can''t be..." one of the elders trailed off, stunned. "Wei Ying, how is this possible?" The elders exchanged skeptical glances before their faces lit up with excitement. "It''s unlikely that he would have awakened a common bloodline," one of them said, eyes shining with anticipation. "Wei Ying must have awakened a rare and extraordinary bloodline!" Wei Ying cupped his fists and greeted the elders. As he did, a pale greyish aura emerged from him. Wu clan elder Wu Xingshi was shocked the disciple he had placed his hopes on only had a common bloodline but he quickly regained his composure that its normal as he remembered patriach Zhou fan words Wu Xingshi only muttered one word''''good'''' Elder Liu Chenyue of the Liu Clan sneered at Wu Xingshi, his voice dripping with disdain. "It seems that all this time, you''ve been wasting your efforts on a useless disciple, Wu Xingshi." Wu Xingshi''s calm expression remained unchanged as he replied, "Why should I panic over such a trivial matter? So what if he doesn''t possess a rare bloodline? History has shown us that there''s no such thing as the strongest bloodline or physique, only the strongest cultivator. Besides, I have other disciples who show great promise." Liu Chenyue''s eyes widened in surprise as he stared at Wu Xingshi, his voice laced with a hint of mockery. "Good, good..." Suddenly, two magnificent dragons materialized above the Jade Essence River, their ethereal forms undulating as they hovered in the air. The dragons'' appearance was synchronized with a subtle disturbance in the river''s energies, precisely where Zhang Mei was cultivating. The sudden appearance of the dragons sent shockwaves throughout the gathering, with all the elders stunned into silence. However, Zhang Clan''s Elder was over the moon with joy, his face beaming with pride. Above the Jade Essence River, a spectacular sight unfolded. Two dragons emerged from the disturbed energies - one crafted from crystal-clear water, the other forged from blazing flames. The assembly watched in awe as the two dragons merged into a single, magnificent creature, its body a mesmerizing fusion of water and fire. Bai Clan''s Elder, Bai Yizhen, gulped audibly as he whispered in reverence, "Celestial... Yin-Yang Physique." His voice trembled with a mix of awe and trepidation, as if he couldn''t believe what he was witnessing. Zhang Huan of the Zhang Clan gazed confidently at the other clan elders, a hint of pride in his voice. "My disciple has already surpassed all of yours, regardless of whether they possess a rare bloodline. What''s more, my disciple can cultivate two paths simultaneously, harmonizing the opposing elements of water and fire without any conflict. This is a feat that none of your disciples can match."'''' Bai Yizhen:'''' ... '''' As the gathering waited with bated breath, Zhang Mei of the Zhang Clan emerged from her cultivation. With a gentle smile, she released her aura, and the air around her began to ripple. The elders watched in stunned silence as an majestic Azure Dragon materialized beside her, its body radiating the dual energies of water and fire. The assembly was left speechless, their minds reeling in awe. "What extraordinary talent is this?" they thought, their eyes wide with wonder. "A Celestial Yin-Yang Physique, combined with the esteemed Qinglong Bloodline... this young one''s potential is boundless!" Wei Ying''s eyes clouded over as memories from his past life flooded his mind. He recalled Zhang Mei, a talented cultivator who had been destined for greatness. Tragically, she had perished while attempting to overcome the tribulation, a crucial trial that would have elevated her to the Immortal Realm. As the gathering continued, Bai Zhu of the Bai Clan emerged, greeting the elders with respect. As he released his aura, a turtle-like creature materialized beside him, its shell adorned with intricate patterns that shimmered with ancient wisdom. Bai Yizhen''s eyes lit up with delight. "Excellent! You have awakened the Turtle Shell Energy bloodline!" As the other disciples from the respective clans underwent their awakenings, a mix of rare and common bloodlines emerged. However, the disciples of the Liu Clan proved to be exceptionally gifted, with most of them awakening rare bloodlines that sparked envy and admiration from the other clans. Fundamentals of martial arts and cultivation A week later. In a dimly lit classroom, an elderly man in his seventies stood before a group of young cultivators. His wispy white hair danced with each gentle gesture as he began to lecture on the fundamentals of cultivation. "Humans possess a unique gift ¨C the ability to attain Rank 10, the pinnacle of cultivation. Our world is comprised of ten distinct ranks , each serving as a benchmark for a cultivator''s prowess." The old man''s eyes twinkled as he continued, "Cultivators who achieve Ranks 1 through 5 are referred to as Ascendents. These individuals have begun to tap into the mysteries of cultivation, but their journey is only just beginning." A hint of reverence crept into the old man''s voice as he spoke of the higher ranks. "Those who surpass Rank 5 are bestowed the title of Transcendents, or Immortal Cultivators. These exceptional beings have transcended the limitations of mortal men, unlocking the secrets of the universe and achieving unparalleled power." One of the disciples, a young man with a curious gaze, raised his hand. "Elder, what are the names of the first five ranks of cultivation?" The elderly man smiled, "Very well, let us begin. Today, I will only explain the names of the first five ranks of cultivation." He cleared his throat before continuing, "Rank 1 is called _Essence Awakening_. This is the initial stage of cultivation, where one''s dormant Essence is stirred, granting them access to the fundamental energies of the universe." The elderly man''s eyes sparkled as he explained, "Rank 2 is called _Meridian Forging_. At this stage, cultivators learn to forge and temper their meridians, creating a resilient network of pathways for their Qi to flow, and laying the groundwork for future breakthroughs." He nodded, "Rank 3 is called _Foundation Establishment_. Here, cultivators create a resilient foundation for their future cultivation, weaving a complex network of Qi pathways and meridians, establishing a strong and stable base." The elderly man''s expression turned serious, "Rank 4 is called _Core Formation_. This stage is crucial, as cultivators forge a brilliant, crystalline core within themselves, amplifying their abilities and granting them access to new dimensions of power." Finally, he concluded, "Rank 5 is called _Nascent Soul_. At this stage, cultivators give birth to a radiant, nascent soul, imbuing them with an aura of wisdom, clarity, and inner light. This marks a profound turning point in their cultivation journey." The elderly man paused, surveying the room before adding, "It''s essential to note that each of these ranks is further divided into three stages: Initial, Mid, and Late. Cultivators must progress through each stage, refining their techniques and solidifying their foundations, before advancing to the next rank. This journey is long and arduous, but with dedication and perseverance, one can reach the pinnacle of cultivation." As the elderly man finished his lecture, the disciples nodded thoughtfully, taking mental notes. However, at the back of the class, Wei Ying remained oblivious, his head resting on the black wood table, fast asleep. One of the disciples, a tall and lean young man, whispered to another, "Can you believe it? They thought he might have a rare bloodline, but it turns out it''s just a...trash bloodline!" The surrounding disciples stifled giggles, trying not to disturb the elderly man. However, not everyone shared in the amusement. A few disciples, seated near the front, remained serious, their expressions a mix of concern and curiosity. One of them, a quiet and reserved young woman, glanced back at Wei Ying, her eyes filled with a hint of sympathy. But would these insults matter to Wei Ying, even if he heard them? No. For someone like Wei Ying, who had lived a past life as a formidable demon, insults were nothing more than a distant whisper. His previous life had been a tapestry woven from threads of bloodshed, betrayal, and cunning. He had danced with fate, outwitting his enemies and defying the odds and whenever he faced an opponent he couldn''t beat he immediately retreated. As a demon, Wei Ying had been the embodiment of shamelessness and viciousness, with no qualms about doing whatever it took to survive and thrive. Wei - ying pursue''s immortality but that didn''t mean he was afraid of death. And so, the mocking words of his fellow disciples were merely a gentle breeze that caressed his skin, leaving no mark or impression. Unauthorized reproduction: this story has been taken without approval. Report sightings. The elderly man, seemingly oblivious to the whispers, smiled warmly at his disciples. "Remember, cultivation is not just about achieving power, but also about understanding yourself and the world around you. Let us take a short break before we proceed with the next lesson." ... A day later Bang Dong Xie''s short red hair seemed to blaze with intensity as he bellowed in a manly tone, "I am Bang Dong Xie, and I will teach you the ways of martial arts!" His toned physique rippled with power as he stood before the gathered disciples. "Today, you will practice the fundamentals of martial arts," he declared, his eyes burning with enthusiasm. "Watch closely, for I will demonstrate the most basic yet essential technique. Concentrate!" With a swift, fluid motion, Bang Dong Xie launched a flurry of strikes against the wooden dummy before him. His movements were a blur, leaving the disciples struggling to keep up. In the span of a few breaths, he unleashed 19 swift and precise strikes, each one landing with a resounding thud. The disciples watched in awe, their eyes wide with wonder. Some of them looked like they were about to be enlightened, while others seemed bewildered, their minds struggling to process the speed and complexity of Bang Dong Xie''s technique. Bang Dong Xie''s intense gaze swept across the gathering, his voice firm and commanding. "You will all practice these techniques, and master them. These fundamental skills are essential for those who do not hail from the Major Four Clans." He paused, his expression acknowledging the presence of disciples from the esteemed clans. "As for those of you from the Major Four Clans, you will, of course, have access to your own clan''s unique techniques and traditions. However, it is still essential for you to understand and master these fundamental skills, as they will serve as a foundation for your future growth." Bang Dong Xie''s eyes seemed to bore into the souls of his students, his voice dripping with an unspoken challenge. "I expect nothing but dedication and perseverance from each and every one of you. Let us begin our training, and may the strongest among you rise to the top!" Bang Dong Xie''s piercing gaze came to a sudden halt, fixing intently on a single disciple. The object of his attention was none other than Wei Ying, whose raven-black hair cascaded down to his shoulders, framing his pale face and accentuating his striking black eyes. Even in repose, Wei Ying''s features seemed to exude an aura of quiet strength. Bang Dong Xie''s eyes narrowed slightly, his expression a mixture of curiosity and disdain. It was no secret that Wei Ying was a member of one of the esteemed Major Four Clans, yet his demeanor and behavior were a far cry from the proud and noble heritage of his clan. A whisper seemed to echo in the air, a cruel taunt that only Bang Dong Xie''s keen ears might have picked up: "This disciple is a mockery of his clan..." The instructor''s gaze lingered on Wei Ying, as if daring him to prove himself worthy of his illustrious lineage but Wei Ying never payed heed to him as if the instructer has never existed and continue resting. Extorting Qi stones As the three hours of intense training drew to a close, Bang Dong Xie''s expression transformed from one of fierce intensity to a hint of satisfaction. With a swift motion, he retrieved a multitude of jade stones from his storage ring, the soft clinking of the stones echoing through the air. "Those with rare bloodlines, step forward!" Bang Dong Xie commanded, his voice firm but measured. The disciples with rare bloodlines hesitantly moved forward, their eyes shining with a mix of excitement and trepidation. Bang Dong Xie handed each of them 10 jade stones, the precious tokens of his approval and recognition. "And for those with common bloodlines," he continued, his gaze sweeping across the remaining disciples, "five jade stones each." The disciples with common bloodlines accepted their allocation of jade alike looking stones with varying degrees of gratitude and disappointment. The distribution of the jade stones seemed to underscore the harsh realities of their world, where those with rare bloodlines were often afforded greater opportunities and recognition. The jade stones distributed by Bang Dong Xie were sturdy and compact, with a subtle hint of green color that seemed to emanate from within. The surface of each stone was smooth to the touch, with a delicate sheen that caught the light. Most striking, however, was the single character engraved on each stone: the letter ''Qi''. Bang Dong Xie''s voice rang out, explaining the significance of the jade stones. "As you are all aware, cultivating qi is a crucial aspect of our martial arts training. However, not all of you possess the innate ability to absorb qi from your surroundings. To aid in your development, our sect will provide you with these ''Qi'' stones." He held up one of the stones, and the green hue seemed to glow in the light. "These stones possess a concentrated form of qi, which you can use to supplement your own cultivation. With these stones, you should be able to achieve Rank 1 Mid Stage, a crucial milestone in your martial arts journey." Bang Dong Xie''s gaze swept across the gathering, his eyes serious. "Additionally, these stones can also be used as a form of currency within our sect. You can use them to purchase resources, equipment, and even trade with your fellow disciples. Remember, these stones are a valuable resource, and you should use them wisely." Bang Dong Xie''s voice rang out once more, his tone firm and authoritative. "You are all dismissed. Return to your homes or dormitories and begin your cultivation. Remember, you have only three days to break through to Rank 1 Mid Stage. If you fail to meet this deadline, you will be expelled from our sect." As he spoke, Bang Dong Xie handed each of the disciples a sleek, silver storage ring. "These storage rings will allow you to store and carry your belongings, including the Qi stones I distributed earlier. Use them wisely, and do not lose them." His eyes seemed to bore into the souls of his students, emphasizing the gravity of the challenge ahead. The disciples nodded solemnly, their faces set with determination. With a final glance at their instructor, they turned and began to disperse, each one eager to commence their intense cultivation regimen. The air was electric with anticipation, as the disciples of the sect embarked on their perilous journey towards martial arts mastery. As the disciples filed out of the training area, their footsteps and murmured conversations filling the air, they suddenly noticed a familiar figure standing against the wall. It was none other than Wei Ying, his black hair and eyes a stark contrast to the dull, stone walls behind him. Wei Ying''s gaze swept calmly over the departing disciples, his eyes gleaming with a hint of intensity. He spoke in a low, polite tone, his voice carrying easily across the space. "Each one of you can leave... if you surrender one Qi stone." The disciples slowed to a stop, their faces turning towards Wei Ying in surprise. Some of them exchanged uneasy glances, while others eyed Wei Ying warily. The air seemed to thicken with tension, as the disciples weighed their options and considered Wei Ying''s proposal. Wei Ying''s expression remained calm and unruffled, his black eyes gleaming with a hint of amusement. He didn''t flinch or back down, despite the angry outburst from the disciples. "Who the hell do you think you are?" one of the disciples spat, his face red with rage. "You think you can just block our way and demand our Qi stones? You''re just a common-blooded disciple, while we possess rare bloodlines. " Another disciple sneered, his voice dripping with contempt. "What could you possibly have to offer, with your inferior bloodline? You''re not even worthy of carrying our shoes!" Wei Ying''s smile grew, his voice taking on a slightly mocking tone. "I''m not stopping your way, merely... collecting a toll," Wei Ying replied, his voice low and even. "A small price to pay for the privilege of passing through this area." Wei Ying''s expression remained unruffled, his black eyes gleaming with a hint of amusement. He seemed to be savoring the disciples'' insults, his smile growing wider. Another disciple stepped forward, his face twisted in a sneer. "You''re not even worthy of the food we feed our pigs, and you''re imagining taking our Qi stones? Our bloodlines are superior, and so is our talent. We''re the ones who will become the true masters of the sect, not some common-blooded disciple like you." The narrative has been taken without permission. Report any sightings. The disciple''s words were laced with venom, his tone dripping with contempt. He seemed to be enjoying Wei Ying''s humiliation, and was eager to drive the point home. Wei Ying''s eyes sparkled with a hint of mischief as he repeated his demand, his voice calm and collected. "Oh, since you all are so confident in your bloodlines, then let me repeat myself: for those who possess rare bloodlines, you will give six Qi stones, and for those with common bloodlines, you will give one stone each." The disciples'' faces turned red with rage and indignation, their eyes bulging with anger. "You dare to demand more from us just because of our bloodlines?" one of them spluttered. "You''re just a common-blooded disciple, how dare you try to extort from us?" A disciple, enraged, spat at Wei Ying, "You bastard, you think you can stop us?" and charged forward, but Wei Ying swiftly countered with a knee to the stomach and precise strikes to vital spots, sending the disciple crashing to the ground, unconscious. Wei Ying''s smile grew, a mocking glint in his eye as he gazed at the remaining disciples. "If you don''t want to end up like him," he said, nodding towards the unconscious disciple, "then hand over the stones." His voice was low and even, but his smile seemed to dare them to refuse. The disciples, their faces twisted with rage, shouted in unison, "Bastard! We''ll beat you to a pulp!" as they charged at Wei Ying with burning fury in their eyes. They swung their fists and kicked with all their might, but Wei Ying dodged each strike with ease, his movements fluid and precise. With swift and deadly counterattacks, he aimed for their vital spots, striking with pinpoint accuracy. One by one, the disciples crumpled to the ground, unconscious, until only silence remained. Some of the remaining disciples, their faces pale with fear, turned tail and ran back to the training field, eager to escape Wei Ying''s wrath. They rushed to find the nurtured disciples of the Zhang, Liu and Bai clans, bursting into the training area with urgent whispers. "Wu Clan disciple Wei Ying Yu is causing a ruckus!" they exclaimed, their voices trembling with alarm. "He''s knocking out anyone who dares to cross him! We need to tell Zhang Liu and the others, they have to do something to stop him!" "Others may be intimidated, but we''re the nurtured disciples of our clans," Bai Zhu muttered. Zhang Mei chimed in, her tone dripping with assurance, "Don''t worry, I''ve mastered my clan''s advanced martial art techniques, as well as the instructor''s teachings." Liu Guang sneered, his arrogance palpable, "A mere Wei Ying with a trash bloodline dares to extort from our fellow disciples? Dont worry we will help you. " "Let''s go together and see this Wei Ying for ourselves," Liu Guang suggested, his eyes gleaming with disdain. Bai Zhu and Zhang Mei nodded in agreement, their faces set with determination. As the three disciples left the training field, they were met with a scene of chaos. Their fellow disciples were scattered on the ground, unconscious. But their attention was quickly drawn to a figure standing against the wall - Wei Ying. Wei Ying''s eyes narrowed slightly as he gazed at the trio, his expression unreadable. Zhang Mei stepped forward, a confident smile on her face. "Wei Ying, I can leave, right?" she said, her tone dripping with assurance. She knew that Wei Ying wouldn''t dare to touch her, the nurtured disciple of the prestigious Zhang Clan. Wei Ying''s smile grew wider as he said, "Of course, a beauty like you is allowed to leave... unless you don''t hand over 6 Qi Stones." Zhang Mei''s eyes flashed with anger at his insolence. With a burst of speed, she launched a fury of attacks, her movements filled with pride. She was convinced that her advanced martial arts technique would give her the upper hand. But Wei Ying''s used basic martial art technique yet he still countered her strikes with ease, his movements fluid and precise.The reason was simple Wei Ying had abundant experience in fighting. Zhang Mei''s attacks, though fierce, were ultimately flawed, and Wei Ying took advantage of them. With a swift strike, he hit her vital spot, sending her crashing to the ground, unconscious. Bai Zhu and Liu Guang watched in stunned silence, their morale immediately plummeting. They had never expected anyone take down Zhang Mei so effortlessly. Wei Ying''s strength was far beyond what they had anticipated. Wei Ying''s gaze shifted to Bai Zhu and Liu Guang, a hint of a challenge in his voice. "What, don''t you also want to have a fight?" Liu Guang''s face paled, and he immediately handed over 6 Qi Stones, his eyes darting around nervously. "No, no, you got it all wrong," he stuttered. In his heart, he seethed with anger, thinking, "Wei Ying, I will remember this." Bai Zhu, too, discarded any notion of fighting Wei Ying, and reluctantly handed over the Qi Stones. As they turned to leave, they heard Wei Ying''s muttered words, "Wait, do you think I''ll pick up the Qi Stones from their bodies?" His eyes gleamed with a hint of amusement. Advancing to mid stage After successfully extorting the Qi Stones, Wei Ying immediately left. He entered a nearby restaurant, the aroma of delicious food enveloping him. As he waited for his order, Wei Ying''s thoughts drifted to his current situation. Ever since the Wu Clan discovered that he had a common bloodline, they had started avoiding him. It was as if he had become a plague, unworthy of their attention. To make matters worse, the Wu Clan had publicly declared that Wu Yong, who possessed a rare bloodline, was their true nurtured disciple. Wei Ying''s name was nowhere to be found, erased from the clan''s records as if he never existed. The server arrived with Wei Ying''s food, breaking the chain of his thoughts. He dug in, savoring the flavors, but this was with in his expectations. In Wei Ying previous life he was stripped of the surname wu and was even exiled from the village for not possesding a bloodline after eating the meal he gave him one qi stone. ... "What! He snatched 6 Qi Stones from you?" Bai Clan Elder Bai Yizhen thundered, his face red with rage. Elder, I couldn''t do anything against him," Bai Zhu explained, his voice laced with a mix of frustration and helplessness. "He defeated Zhang Mei, who has mastered her Zhang Clan''s renowned martial art technique, with ease. And what''s more, he was using only basic techniques." Bai Yizhen''s expression turned even darker, his anger and concern palpable. "We will see if the Sect Elder will take action or not," he growled, his voice dripping with a hint of warning. Liu Guang''s face turned beet red with anger and rage as the disciples recounted how Wei Ying had snatched Qi Stones from them. "What audacity! He dares to mess with my clan?" he thundered. Second Elder Liu Chenyue stepped forward, a cold glint in his eye. "Leave this to me, Clan Leader. I will take care of this Wei Ying." Liu Guang''s expression turned even darker. "This trash disciple needs to be taught a lesson. Show him the true power of the Liu Clan!" Liu Chenyue nodded, a sly smile spreading across his face. "I will hire local bandits to teach this piece of trash a lesson. He will regret ever crossing the Liu Clan.'''' Among all the clans, the Liu Clan suffered the most loss, for they possessed the most disciples with rare bloodlines. ... In a dimly lit room with only a bed for furniture, Wei Ying sat cross-legged, focusing on accumulating Qi. The faint glow of his internal energy pulsed softly within him. "Although I can absorb Qi from my surroundings," Wei Ying muttered to himself, "the efficiency is just too low." He paused, a hint of determination in his eyes. "Then I''ll just create a formation using the Qi Stones I obtained." There were a total of 96 disciples, among which 34 had rare bloodlines and the rest had common bloodlines. Wei Ying extorted 6 Qi Stones from disciples who had rare bloodlines and one Qi Stone from those who didn''t possess rare bloodlines.He used one qi stone earlier As a result, he possessed a total of 265 Qi Stones. If you come across this story on Amazon, it''s taken without permission from the author. Report it. Wei Ying carefully arranged 30 Qi Stones in a intricate pattern, creating a formation. He placed 24 Qi Stones in a circular pattern around him, with 6 Qi Stones at the center, forming a smaller hexagon. Wei Ying then sat cross-legged in the middle of the formation, at the center of the hexagon, and closed his eyes, focusing on the Qi energy emanating from the stones. As the Qi Stones connected with each other, they began to glow with a soft, ethereal light. Their rich spiritual energy swirled around Wei Ying, forming a vortex that enveloped him. The energy then directly entered his Dantian, the energy center within his body. Wei Ying''s eyes sparkled with delight as he felt his Qi absorption rate increase by more than five times. "This formation is indeed good," he thought to himself. However, he was also aware of the formation''s flaw: once the Qi from the stones was completely used, they would turn to dust, rendering them useless. This flaw was irreversible, and Wei Ying would have to replace the stones with new ones once they were depleted. Despite this limitation, Wei Ying was grateful for the formation''s power. With a satisfied smile, he settled in for a night of intense cultivation, determined to make the most of the formation''s benefits. As the night wore on, Wei Ying''s Qi continued to grow, fueled by the energy of the stones. Over the night wei ying continued to replace the qi stones as soon as they were depleted he was making use of every time and second to cultivate As the night wore on, Wei Ying continued to replace the Qi Stones as soon as they were depleted, leveraging every moment to further his cultivation. His dedication was unwavering, driven by his determination to progress. As the sun rose, casting a warm, golden light over the room, Wei Ying opened his eyes. His demeanor was calm and composed, reflecting the tranquility that came with intense focus. Over the course of the night, he had expended an astonishing 120 Qi Stones, each one depleted in rapid succession as he cultivated tirelessly. Despite the staggering number of Qi Stones used, Wei Ying felt a deep sense of satisfaction. His efforts had yielded tangible results: he had successfully reached the mid-stage of Rank 1. Wei Ying''s aura had undergone a profound transformation, reflecting the significant progress he had made in his cultivation. Previously, when he released his aura, it was barely perceptible, but now it was more distinct and robust, radiating a clearer and stronger presence. Furthermore, the flow of spiritual energy within his body had become smoother and more refined. This qualitative change indicated that Wei Ying''s cultivation had reached a new level of sophistication, allowing him to harness and manipulate his spiritual energy with greater ease and precision. Wei Ying''s moment of contemplation was interrupted by a knock at the door. "Wei Ying, come outside!" a voice called out. Wei Ying''s eyes narrowed slightly. Fortuitous encounter? Wei Ying stepped out of his room, only to be confronted by four bandits standing before him, with swords in their hands. Wei Ying regarded them with an air of indifference. "We''ve come for you, Wei Ying," the first bandit sneered, his bald head gleaming in the light. His toned physique rippled beneath his skin as he flexed his muscles. "Today, you will die." Wei Ying''s calm expression never wavered. "And what reason do you have for wanting me dead?" he asked, his voice steady and even. The bandit snarled, "Why would a dead person want to know?" and charged towards Wei Ying with his sword pointed at his chest. Wei Ying reacted swiftly, dodging to the left and grabbing the bandit''s wrist, twisting it with a precise motion. The bandit''s sword clattered to the ground as he cried out in pain. In one fluid motion, Wei Ying snatched up the sword, his grip firm and confident. Wei Ying smiled serenely. "Since you''re here to kill me, it''s only natural I do the same." With a swift, deadly motion, he plunged the sword into the bandit''s neck. Blood spattered across Wei Ying''s face. But he closed his eyes, savoring the warm droplets like a refreshing dip in a hot spring on a winter''s night. The rest of the three bandits watched in stunned silence as their companion crumpled to the ground. They were frozen in shock, their minds reeling with a single, unifying thought: "Is this really a 15-year-old? He didn''t even blink when he killed him." "That''s it, we''ll attack him together!" the bandits shouted, charging at Wei Ying with fierce battle cries. Their swords flashed in the light, but Wei Ying dodged and countered with precision, his movements fluid and calculated. For a while, the fight remained at a stalemate, neither side able to gain the upper hand. Although I don''t lack experience, this body has its own limits," Wei Ying muttered to himself, his voice low and even. Suddenly, a greyish aura erupted from Wei Ying''s body. The bandits'' eyes widened in shock, and they involuntarily blurted out, "Rank 1, mid-stage!" Their resolve didn''t falter, however, as they believed they could gain more benefits from the Liu Clan. With renewed ferocity, they launched a barrage of attacks. Wei Ying''s strategy shifted, as he began to defend more and attack less. Yet, whenever he did strike, his blows were precise and aimed at the bandits'' vital spots. "This brat is cunning!" one of the bandits exclaimed. "He''s targeting our weak points!" As the fight wore on, Wei Ying''s movements began to slow, and the bandits sensed an opening. One of them seized the opportunity to strike, but as he approached Wei Ying, he was met with a sly smile. A feeling of dread washed over the bandit as he realized he had fallen into a trap. In the next instant, Wei Ying swung his sword and beheaded the bandit. With renewed vigor, Wei Ying shifted to the offensive. The remaining two bandits tried to resist, but ultimately, they too fell to Wei Ying''s deadly blows. Wei Ying stood tall, his body drenched in the blood of his vanquished foes. Despite his gruesome appearance, a sense of satisfaction washed over him. He had protected himself and proved his strength. Unauthorized content usage: if you discover this narrative on Amazon, report the violation. With a calm demeanor, Wei Ying made his way back to the sect to report that he had advanced to mid stage successfully. The two guards at the gate eyed Wei Ying warily, their faces pale as they took in his blood-soaked appearance. Then, their eyes widened in shock as they realized who stood before them. "Wei Ying, why are you here?" they stuttered. "I''ve come to report that I''ve advanced to mid-stage," Wei Ying replied calmly. The guards exchanged disbelieving glances. "Wei Ying, are you right in the head? It''s only been one day, and you''re claiming you''ve advanced to mid-stage?" Wei Ying smiled serenely and released his aura. The guards'' eyes went wide. "This... this is incredible! He''s really advanced to mid-stage!" They hurried off to report the news to the Sect Elder. "Sect Elder, sir! One of our disciples has advanced to mid-stage!" they announced. The Sect Elder looked up, a hint of a smile on his face. "As expected from Zhang Mei. She must have been the one to advance to mid-stage." The guards hesitated before correcting him. "N-no, sir. It''s... Wei Ying who advanced." The Sect Elder''s expression froze, his eyes widening in shock. "Let me go and see for myself," he said, hastily making his way to where Wei Ying stood. A moment later, the Sect Elder arrived in front of Wei Ying. But instead of asking about his cultivation, he exclaimed, "Wei Ying, why are you covered in blood?" Wei Ying bowed respectfully. "I was attacked by bandits, so I killed them." His voice was calm and straightforward. Even the Sect Elder was taken aback by Wei Ying''s nonchalant demeanor. The two guards whispered to each other, "Did we hear that right? He said he killed them..." One of the guards nodded, "How old is he, and he''s already started killing? This is the behavior of a demonic cultivator..." The Sect Elder''s face turned red with anger. "Silence, you two! You''re just guards, and you can''t even cultivate. How dare you question his actions? He was attacked, and if he hadn''t defended himself, he would have been the one killed!" The guards bowed their heads, chastised. The Sect Elder turned to Wei Ying. "Young disciple, we will investigate this incident and determine which clan or forces have ordered the bandits to attack you." He paused, then asked, "The guards said you''ve advanced to Rank 1, mid-stage. Can you demonstrate?" Wei Ying nodded and released his aura. The Sect Elder''s eyes widened in astonishment. "This cultivation speed is incredible! Good, good. As a reward, here are twenty Qi Stones, as well as an advanced combat system." Wei Ying gratefully accepted the Qi Stones and the advanced combat system, then bid the Sect Elder farewell and left. As he walked away, his mind began to wander. "Where is Hei Cheng?" he pondered. "In my previous life, he had a fortuitous encounter in this very village. If I can snatch his gains..." A cunning glint appeared in Wei Ying''s eyes as he contemplated the possibilities.