《Life Cheat Code: Unlocking New Powers Monthly》 Chapter 1: Seven Days of Haunting: The Curse of the Heavenly Money Bank Whoo! Han shot up from bed, gasping for air, his hands quickly running over his face and body. I wasnt hit by a car? No sooner had the words left his mouth than his head exploded with a barrage of memories. Qi Dynasty, Black Cloud Town, Han The flood of fragmented memories gave Han a glimpse into the life of another Han. The conflicting memories collided in Hans mind, leaving him momentarily dazed. Did I cross over? The surroundings were completely different from his previous world, and the influx of foreign memories made the reality undeniable. [This Month''s Cheat Code: The Heavenly Money Bank (A place where wealth gathers, and by communicating with it, money will continuously flow into your hands)] Suddenly, glowing text appeared before Hans eyes. He froze for a second, then quickly understood the meaning. Is this my cheat as a traveler? Every traveler had their own cheat code, a basic feature of crossing over. After understanding the purpose of the Heavenly Money Bank, Han couldnt help but feel a sense of excitement. He wouldnt have to give up anything, and he could continually withdraw money from this bank. Copper coins, silver, gold As long as he was alive, money would keep coming. Han opened his hand, and in the blink of an eye, ten copper coins appeared in his palm. This was basically a carbon copy of the "godlike rich system"! Han could already envision his future luxurious life, and just the thought of it made him chuckle aloud. But waitwhat does This Month''s Cheat Code mean? Will the cheat change next month? Han threw off the covers and groggily got out of bed. But as soon as his feet hit the floor, his legs buckled, and if he hadnt grabbed onto the edge of the bed for support, he would have collapsed to the ground. This body is way too weak. Right now, Han felt as though his energy had been completely drained. He had no strength left. Lighting a candle, Han surveyed the room before slowly making his way to the mirror. The mirror reflected a young face in his twenties, but every feature on this face screamed unhealthy. Hans eye sockets were sunken, his dark circles were deep, his eyes were hollow and lifeless, his face was as pale as snow, and he was extremely emaciated with messy hair hanging loose. Anyone who looked at the person in the mirror would think they were on the brink of death. The original owner had no bad habits and wasnt a reckless or immoral person. In fact, he could be described as someone with a solid moral character. The memories Han received from the original self explained why he had become like this. Because Han had Collided with a ghost. Wait, what? He collided with a ghost? Han suddenly realized. Han had collided with a ghost, and now, since he was Han, didnt that mean he had collided with a ghost too? Whoa! Just then, a chill swept through the room, and the flickering candlelight cast strange shadows. Han quickly scanned the room. Although he saw nothing, his nerves were on edge. In his two lifetimes, he had never experienced anything like this. When he turned back to the mirror, he saw something new. As the candlelight flickered, a woman''s ghostly face had appeared on Han''s shoulder in the mirror! Han felt a shiver run down his neck, his skin crawling as the ghosts hair slowly began to wrap itself around his neck! This was the thing that had been haunting Han, as he learned from the original memories, the thing that had caused his body to become so weak. Holy sh*t! A wave of intense fear exploded in Hans chest. His heart was racing as if it would leap out of his body. He slapped at the mirror, but instead of hitting the ghosts face, his force caused him to fall backward, adding more strain to his already fragile body.This narrative has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. If you see it on Amazon, please report it. Smash! The mirror shattered. Han missed the ghosts face but hurt himself by falling, worsening his already weakened condition. Han quickly scanned both shoulders and the entire room. There was nothingeverything seemed to be a figment of his imagination. But Han knew. There was a ghost in the room. Han backed into a corner, eyes wide open, fixated on the entire room. His body tensed, his eyes red from fear, and he could feel an icy chill all over him. Wait, the cheat code! I have the cheat code, the Heavenly Money Bank! Han suddenly recalled his cheat, and it gave him a fleeting sense of hope. Is the Heavenly Money Bank powerful? Of course, it is. It gives him an endless stream of money, and as long as he keeps doing nothing, he would eventually become the richest person in the world. But at this moment, what use is this Heavenly Money Bank to me? Clink! A couple of silver coins fell from thin air beside Han, as if to remind him of its presence. Is this cheat a joke? I dont care about money! I have no interest in wealth! Go away, I want to switch cheats! Han wanted to cry, desperately wishing he could change cheats. Right now, he only wanted to know one thing: Can money really drive away ghosts? He didnt care about moneyhe just wanted the ghost to leave! Time dragged on, and the air seemed to freeze. DONG! DONG! DONG! Suddenly, the sound of a town crier echoed outside, along with their announcement. Midnight, all is calm! Whoo! As the crier''s voice rang out, the oppressive, cold atmosphere fractured. Han let out a relieved sigh, feeling warmth spreading through his body as if the eerie presence had been scared off by the sound of the bell. Three o''clock? Its already eleven? No, somethings wrong. This world rings the bells every half hour, and this is the second time it''s struck three o''clock. That means its already midnight. And its the seventh day since I started encountering ghosts A wave of unease washed over Han. The number seven held significant meaning in many cultures, particularly in ghostly tales where it was seen as especially important. Had it been a while ago, Han would have dismissed this as mere superstition. But after what he had personally experienced, there was no longer any room for doubt. It was crucial to notethis night was far from over. The bells could break the silence for a while, but they couldn''t keep the terror at bay forever. Just then, a line of glowing text appeared in front of Han, floating in mid-air and demanding attention. [You have received a refresh of your cheat code. Starting refresh now.] [Last Month''s Cheat: The Heavenly Money Bank] [Refreshing...] [Refresh Complete] [This Month''s Cheat: The Great Immortal Tree (A game-like secret realm)] The cheat had refreshed? The Heavenly Money Bank was replaced by the Great Immortal Tree? As Han read these words, he felt a strange sense of revelation. "So this is what the cheat meansevery month it refreshes! And this month, my cheat is the Great Immortal Tree!" After grasping the basics of the Great Immortal Tree, Han wasted no time and activated his cheat. With the evil ghost lurking and ready to strike at any moment, there was no time to hesitate. A little more delay, and hed be a goner! In an instant, the world around him flickered between light and dark, and Han found himself standing in a boundless, empty space. Before him stood a tree, about the height of two men. At first glance, the tree seemed unremarkable, nothing special. Its trunk and leaves were shrouded in a faint, ethereal glow. Realizing that he had left the haunted house behind, the oppressive chill no longer lingered. Han let out a deep sigh of relief. For the moment, he was safe. After escaping danger, Han had the chance to reflect on the events. He finally understood what his cheat code really was. His cheat was... multiple cheats. According to the information provided by the cheat, it refreshed every monthold ones disappeared, and new ones appeared. When Han crossed into this world, it was the evening of April 30th, and after the bell rang, it was already May 1stjust in time for the refresh of the cheat. The Heavenly Money Bank, after briefly making its presence known, was replaced by the Great Immortal Tree. You didnt last long, Money Bank! Han muttered with a smirk. The first cheat was actually pretty good, but it came at the wrong time, Han thought, still shaken. He had nearly died at the hands of the vengeful ghostan experience too intense to forget. To be precise, "Han" had already died on the sixth night. The second cheat that had been refreshed, the Great Immortal Tree, was a game-like secret realm. When activated, Han would find himself transported into the Great Immortal Treerealm. According to the cheats details, the realm contained an ancient and mysterious treethe Great Immortal Tree. And his objective was simple: chop down the tree using a special axe. The Great Immortal Tree would then reward Han with treasures based on his level, strength, vitality, and the damage he dealt. The trees power could manifest into various formsanything from mundane items to divine treasuresdepending on the strength of the person wielding the axe. The stronger you were, the better your loot. The weaker you were It was very similar to a game Han had played in his previous life called The Path to the Great Immortal, a simple, yet engaging cultivation game. The tree in front of Han was, in fact, the Great Immortal Tree. He studied it closely, taking in its full size, but then Han felt a sense of confusion. Where was the axe? How was he supposed to chop it down? Just then, Han was inexplicably drawn toward the tree. He felt as though he had pierced through a membrane. The dark space vanished, and Han found himself standing in a vast, sunlit world, filled with endless green. And before him stood an enormous tree that seemed to stretch on foreverits top lost in the clouds, its sides out of sight. This was the true Great Immortal Treerealm. Moments ago, Han had been outside it. "This is massive!" Han exclaimed. No wonder it was called the Immortal Treeits size seemed limitless. Han took a few steps to the left, but the scene remained unchangedhe still couldnt see the trees end. Around the tree, there was a riverabout three meters wide and impossibly deep. It had no clear beginning or end. Han was positioned between the tree and the river. This is different from the game I played on Earth, Han noted inwardly. Beside the tree was a stone trough, and inside it lay an axe. Han picked it up. It seemed ordinary enough, nothing special about it at first glance. Han then opened his personal stats panel. Since this was a game-like secret realm, there had to be a data panel. But once he left the realm, or when the cheat refreshed again in a month, this panel would disappear. The data panel was only there to summarize Hans personal information and make it easier for him to understand his stats. It served no other purpose. [Player: Han] [Life: Acquired] [Realm: Mortal (Body weakened, source damaged, spirit injured)] [Stamina: 1/1 (First chop of the Great Immortal Tree grants bonus rewards)] [Items: None] Hans face darkened as he looked at the panel. Each stat was straightforward and easy to understand, no need for much explanation. However, the one thing that stood out was the realm description. "Body weakened, source damaged, spirit injured!" To put it simply: "Youre about to die!" Chapter 2: "The Celestial Master" Han It was clear that all the injuries Han had sustained were caused by that ghostly entity. The first two were physical injuries, while the last one was related to his spirit and soul. Since the original body had already perished, Hans soul now took its place. In other words, within just a short time, Hans soul had already been damaged. What would happen if he spent an entire night with that ghost? Han didnt dare to imagine. "Yellow-bellied coward, just wait!" Han gritted his teeth. The original body had been a simple, honest person, never involved in anything strange or sinister. The ghosts relentless pursuit was certainly the work of someone behind the scenes. From the memories of the original body, Han now knew who was responsible for this schemesomeone who had already tried to kill Han once and almost succeeded. After Hans parents passed, they left behind a house, one that Huang Shiren from the town had been coveting for a long time. Ten days ago, after his failed attempt to take possession of it, he had even threatened Hans life. Han closed the data panel and turned his attention back to the celestial tree in front of him. Today, he only had one chance to chop it down. With so little stamina left, that meant he could only make one strike for the day. Although this game was similar to a game Han played back on Earth, it was still quite different. Back in his Earth life, all Han needed to do was tap on the screen, control a character, and use various items at his disposal. As long as the screen didnt break, he could tap away as much as he wanted. But now, Han was in the real world, wielding an axe to chop down a giant celestial tree. It made sense that there would be limitations. Given his current physical state, if he were to chop a tree outside, hed probably wear himself out before even making a dent. The fact that he had any stamina left at all was already a small victory. The field might not be ruined by plowing, but the ox could still be overworked and die. At least this Great Immortal Tree secret realm wasnt one of those that demanded in-game purchases. Han examined the axe in his hand. It wasnt heavy. Without any more hesitation, he aimed at the celestial tree. This would be the strike that would decide his fate. He raised the axe with determination. Half-step Breakthrough Fist! Wait, wrong scene. Heavenly Cleaving Axe! "Boom!" The axe struck the tree with a shockwave, and Han was forced back several steps, panting heavily. The axe fell from his hand. But the spot where the axe had struck the tree was completely unharmed. No scratches, no marks. Awkward. Suddenly, two glowing orbs flew out from the celestial tree, hovering in front of Han. One orb contained a droplet of water, and the other contained a mirror. "Is this my reward for chopping down the tree?" Han let go of the axe and grabbed the objects. The data panel automatically popped up. [Magical Artifact: Three Lights Blessed Spirit Mirror] [A magical artifact formed by the power of the Great Immortal Tree, transforming into the combined force of the Sun, Moon, and Stars, and imbued with the aura of blessing and spiritual energy. It has the ability to calm the soul, ward off evil, protect homes, dispel all malice, and purify restless spirits.] [Bound to Player Han. Can be unbound upon request (Magical artifacts and items of higher grade are automatically bound to the player upon acquisition).] [Acquired: Later-Stage Mortal Essence] [A product of the Great Immortal Trees power, this Essence of Life can strengthen the foundation of life, enhancing both physical body and soul.] [This is a special drop from your first tree-cutting.] Hans eyes lit up as he read the information. A magical artifact! And Life Essence! These two items came at just the right timeexactly what he needed. Han wasnt sure exactly how valuable this magical artifact was yet, but from its abilities, it seemed to be precisely what he needed. From the memories of "Han," he knew that there were special beings known as Warriors in Black Cloud Town. The weapons they used were powerful, surpassing ordinary tools, but from what Han understood, none of those weapons could compare to this magical artifact. The Life Essence, a treasure capable of directly enhancing both mind and body, was even rarer. It involved the very essence of life and could save Hans life. It was priceless. Truly, the reward for this special drop was extraordinary. Without hesitation, Han consumed the Life Essence. Instantly, Han felt warmth spread through his body. Every part of him seemed to radiate comfort, as though his entire being had been restored.Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on the original website. He silently savored the sensation, a bliss like no other. It was a feeling that nothing else could compare to. Once the pleasant sensation faded, Han opened his data panel again. [Player: Han] [Life: Acquired] [Realm: Mortal] [Stamina: 0/1] [Items: Three Lights Blessed Spirit Mirror (Magical Artifact)] His stamina was completely drained, but now he had an additional item, the magical artifact. More importantly, his Life Essence was no longer depleted, his soul was healed, and he had fully recovered. Not only that, but Han felt that his body was in the best condition it had ever been, reaching a new peak, even surpassing his state before the encounter with the vengeful ghost. He felt strong enough to defeat the person he used to be. This cheat was definitely worth it. Han then reached down to pick up the axe that had fallen to the ground, but to his surprise, the once-lightweight axe was now too heavy for him to lift. "No stamina left" Han understood, but wasnt surprised. Afterward, Han spent some more time in the Great Immortal Tree realm, exploring it further. However, he didnt make any new discoveries. Looking at the magical artifact in his hand, Han hesitated for a moment before deciding to leave the realm. He needed to see if this artifact could help him deal with that evil ghost. He couldnt stay here forever. As long as the ghost remained alive, he would be constantly under threat. Instead of waiting passively, it was time for him to take the initiative. Han wasnt one to be easily pushed around. If this magical artifact couldnt deal with that evil ghost, then Han would just retreat into the secret realm and lay low for a while It wasnt like he didnt have options. But as soon as Han disappeared, the axe that had fallen to the ground suddenly rose into the air, returning to its original position in the stone trough, as if nothing had changed. Back in the room, Han materialized out of thin air. The warmth and ease he had felt moments before quickly vanished, replaced by the chilling atmosphere and growing tension. Han felt a sudden coldness on the back of his neck, a slight itch, and his left shoulder began to feel heavy. Without even needing to look in a mirror, Han knew what had happened. That ghost was back. But now, Han was no longer the fragile, timid version of himself! Without a second thought, Han slapped his left shoulder with his right hand. The Three Lights Blessed Spirit Mirror was already bound to him, and to his surprise, he realized that he could equip the artifactessentially merging it into his body. However, since Han was still just a mortal with no spiritual energy to activate the artifacts full potential, he could only use it in the most basic way, letting the artifact passively exert its power. That meant smashing it. Ah! A sharp scream echoed. Han felt as if he had struck something tangible, unlike before when he had hit his own shoulder. Bright white light erupted from the surface of the Three Lights Blessed Spirit Mirror, and the air around him filled with the sound of crackling fire and an overpowering stench. Suddenly, Han felt his body lighten, as though a weight had been lifted from his shoulders. He turned to look. The ghostly face was sent flying by the artifacts light, shrinking in size and releasing clouds of black smoke. Simultaneously, a soft glow began to radiate from Hans right hand, surrounding his entire body. Hans heart leapt with excitement. It worked! Courage surged through him, and the terror hed felt earlierwhen that ghost had nearly made his heart leap out of his chestnow seemed distant. The ghost didnt seem so frightening anymore. Han stepped forward, his right hand striking down with force. This time, it was his turn! Seeing Han act so arrogantly, the female ghost let out a terrifying shriek and lunged at him. But the artifacts power knocked her back with greater force, causing her form to shrink even further. The power of the artifact was truly terrifying! The female ghost continued to howl, but surprisingly, she chose to turn and flee. Han immediately gave chase, his heart racing with exhilaration as he felt a surge of strength course through his body. You think you can run after crossing paths with me? Die! With one last burst of speed, Han broke through the door and was no longer bothered by fear. He was no longer the ordinary Han, but Ghost-Hunting Celestial Master Han! Well, he had coined the title himself. She ran. He chased. After being struck by Han twice, the ghost was already gravely injured. With the artifacts power still at play, her attempt to escape was futile. Perhaps due to her injuries, the ghost was now unable to control her own breath, and the dark, oppressive energy of the underworld leaked out uncontrollably. This didnt affect Han, who was protected by the artifact. However, this uncontrolled release of negative energy was easy for other cultivators to sense. Chasing her into the yard, Han took another heavy swing. The ghost, unable to move anymore, collapsed to the ground. Han stood over her, his gaze unwavering. The female ghost glared at him with malice. Can you understand me? Han asked, but the ghost merely responded with a weak, ineffective attack. Han shook his head. He didnt understand how this creature came into being, but it seemed to lack any real intelligence, making communication impossible. He had hoped to confirm if his suspicions about the mastermind were correct. But it didnt matter. The ghost couldnt be reasoned with, and Han had already made up his mind about who was behind it. Han raised his hand again and delivered a final slap. The ghost let out a wail as she began to shrink and fade away. Just before she disappeared, a moment of clarity appeared in her murky, frenzied eyes. Her gaze seemed to carry a hint of gratitudeor perhaps relief. Han remained silent, his thoughts heavy. It seemed like this ghost had a story to tell. But there were countless others in this world with their own stories. Besides, when a person dies, its like a lamp going out. Go to where you belong. Finally, the ghosts face vanished, and the artifacts glow receded back into the mirror. But Han noticed something floating in his palm: a small, milky-white light orb, about the size of a soybean. Upon seeing the orb, Han felt an overwhelming desire deep within himself to consume it. He fought to suppress the urge, but to his surprise, the light orb seemed to follow the rim of the mirror and instantly entered his body. Han was shocked, but then he felt a surge of spiritual pleasure. His body grew lighter, as if he were about to ascend into the heavens. Pop! In a daze, Han found himself in an entirely different place. It was a small, dimly lit space surrounded by a gray mist, making it impossible to see what was inside. At the center of the space, there was a small puddle of liquid, shimmering in a brilliant array of colors. Han realized that his current state was strangehe wasnt exactly human here. It was more like he was a consciousness observing the scene from an external perspective. What is this place? How do I leave? Just as the thought crossed his mind, Han was suddenly pulled out of that space. Without hesitation, he returned to the Immortal Tree Realm and checked his changes on the data panel. This was more reliable than guessing. [Player: Han] [Life: Acquired] [Soul Realm: Sensory Stage] [Physical Realm: Mortal] [Stamina: ] Everything else was unchanged, except that the realm had now split into two categories: Soul Realm and Physical Realm. His body was still at the Mortal level, but his soul had reached the Sensory Stage! Could that place have been the Sea of Consciousness? Han suddenly realized. That light orb Could it have been a form of spiritual power? The original bodys memories only contained information about warriors, not soul cultivation. But as a transmigrator, Han could easily make the connection. In this world, there were countless legends about Taoist priests and evil spirits, and based on his own experiences, those stories were likely true. Soul cultivation was probably a path distinct from that of warriors. Although the process of unlocking his Sea of Consciousness and entering the Sensory Stage had been a bit confusing, Han was still thrilled. If I look at it this way, I owe a big thanks to Huang Shiren. If it werent for him, I might not have stumbled upon this path of soul cultivation so easily. The very thing that threatened his life had become the key to his breakthrougha total reversal. Hans negative emotions were swept away, and nothing felt more refreshing than that. From now on, Han decided he would definitely "pay back" Huang Shiren in the future! Chapter 3: The Taibai Martial Arts School After realizing the changes within him were a good sign, Han left the Immortal Tree Realm once again. With the Three Lights Blessed Spirit Mirror in hand, he carefully checked every corner of his house for any lingering spirits. When he didnt find any, he finally allowed himself to relax. If it werent for the mirror, after what hed just gone through, Han would have never dared to wander around alone in the middle of the night. But now, armed with a magical artifact, his courage had grown considerably. If another ghost like the one earlier showed up, hed be ready for a Celestial Masters Exorcism. Back inside, Han placed the Three Lights Blessed Spirit Mirror safely by his side. The immediate danger is over, but things might not be safe in the long run Han pondered. Having arrived in this new world, his first encounter had been an attack by a ghost, which had kept him on edge ever since. Now, Han finally had a moment of peace to process his thoughts and carefully go over the memories of his original self. The original Han was 22 years old. His parents were businessmen, but six years ago, they tragically passed away in an accident while on a business trip, leaving behind this property for Han. At first, the inheritance seemed secure, as some of the people in Hei Yun Town had known his parents. But as time passed and those connections faded, it was no surprise that the once-secure inheritance had become vulnerable. Three years ago, Huang Shiren, an outsider, came to settle in Hei Yun Town and soon took an interest in the Zhou family''s estate. The original Han was a simple and stubborn man who would never have sold his parents'' legacy. Without this property, he would have had nowhere to call home. But Huang Shiren wasnt truly interested in a fair dealhe wanted to exploit Han, who was alone, by using the pretense of buying the house to force a sale at an incredibly low price. The offer Huang made wouldnt even be enough to buy a shack in the worst part of town. It was a clear case of bullying someone who was honest and unsuspecting. Since Ive survived this time, Huang Shiren wont stop. Hes a wealthy man with a lot of influence in town. Im alone, so the only way to face future threats is one thing Han thought, his mind already made up. He needed to take the Martial Arts Exam! Wait, no he needed to train in martial arts! While martial strength wasnt the only solution, it was certainly the most direct and effective way to protect himself. At present, he had reached the Sensory Stage in soul cultivation, but his body was still at the mortal level. The problem was, he lacked the knowledge and techniques to actively cultivate his soul''s power. While there might be soul cultivators in Hei Yun Town, Han had never heard of any concrete information about them. He suspected that the ghost who had attacked him was somehow tied to the soul cultivation system, and Huang Shiren, being an outsider, probably had more access to these teachings than the locals. Despicable foreigner! Han cursed inwardly. He certainly wasnt going to seek out Huang Shiren for that kind of knowledge. But martial arts trainingthat was a different story. Hei Yun Town wasnt lacking in martial artists, and there were even several martial arts schools that accepted new students. Every martial artist in town was formidable, capable of defeating a hundred opponents with ease, and they held high status within the town. Once Han had settled on his course of action, he sighed with relief, only to notice some scattered coins on the floor. Heavenly Wealth Bank! Suddenly, Han remembered his first cheatthe Heavenly Wealth Bankand quickly gathered the coins. There were copper, silver, and even a few gold pieces. In the brief period he had access to the Heavenly Wealth Bank, he had amassed quite a fortune. Just thinking about its capabilities made his chest tighten with regret. If only he could continue using it Heavenly Wealth Bank, my Heavenly Wealth Bank, please come back! Han collapsed onto his bed, wistfully recalling the artifact he had lost. Han had also conducted some experiments with the Immortal Tree Realm, like trying to bring things from this world into it. To his disappointment, while it was possible to bring items in, as soon as he left, everything from the outside world was ejected. Only items dropped from the Immortal Tree could remain inside the realm. His dream of using the realm as a storage space was shattered, much to his dismay. What surprised him next was that, despite not sleeping a wink, Han didnt feel the slightest hint of exhaustion. He felt full of energy, as though he had boundless vitality. This was clearly related to the life essence he had absorbed and his entry into the Sensory Stage.Royal Road is the home of this novel. Visit there to read the original and support the author. It was almost like a dream come truecultivation was a gift to those who had a tendency to stay up late, like those on Earth who were always burning the midnight oil. But if you werent cultivating, why bother staying up all night? Were you really trying to become an immortal? By morning, Han realized that cultivation wasnt just a blessing for night owls; it was also a miracle cure. Perhaps because of his overabundant energy, Hans body had been restless, a certain part of him constantly "on edge"a true sign of vitality. Such a pity, though, that his sword had no one to duel with. After washing up, Han looked at himself in the mirror. The near-death look from the previous night was gone, and he had fully recovered. If he had relied on normal supplements, it would have taken a long time and a lot of money to restore his body to its original state. There was even a high chance that he would have developed some lingering illness, and might have even died young. Fortunately, he had the life essence dropped by the Immortal Tree. Whats more, this body looked almost identical to his original self, with only subtle differences. Still as handsome as ever. Today, Im going to check out the martial arts schools. There are three major schools in town Ill go to the Taibai Martial Arts School. That name sounds so familiar. Taibaijust hearing it made Han think of his past life and his days of sword training. Hei Yun Town had three major martial arts schools: Tenglong, Kuangdao, and Taibai. Among them, Taibai Martial Arts School had the best reputation in the community. At this moment, Han was just looking for a stable environment where he could quickly gain the supernatural power he needed in this world. One reason for Taibais good reputation was that its tuition fees were relatively low and that was also one of the reasons Han was interested. Although his parents had been in business, when they passed away in the accident, most of their wealth had already been converted into goods, leaving Han with little. Six years had passed, and Han was left with nothing but this house, living in a rather poor situation. After rummaging through his belongings, Han found just enough money to pay for Taibais tuition. As for the wealth he had obtained from the Heavenly Wealth Bank, he decided to hold onto it for now. What if, with this money, he could summon the Heavenly Wealth Bank again in the future? With the silver coins in hand, Han left his home. As soon as he stepped outside, Hans heightened senses detected someone watching him from a corner. Over the course of a single night, Han had undergone significant changeshis senses were now sharper than ever. He casually glanced at the corner, spotting a man dressed as a servant. Probably sent by Huang, Han thought to himself. He didnt pay much attention to the man and, following the route stored in his memories, made his way to the Taibai Martial Arts School. Though it was called a town, Hei Yun Town was more like a small city, bustling with activity and prosperity. Han stopped by a street vendor to buy a quick snack. A few coins were enough to satisfy his hunger. When he arrived at the martial arts school, he looked up at the sign hanging above the entrance. The calligraphy was bold and dynamic, and with his sharpened senses, Han could feel an aura of sharpness emanating from it. Just as Han was about to enter, he heard a voice from behind. Xiao Zhou? Han turned around to see a middle-aged man and a boy who appeared to be around fifteen or sixteen years old. Uncle Li, Han greeted. Li Guangyuan, when Hans parents were still alive, had been someone they interacted with on a few occasions. So its really you, Xiao Zhou, Li Guangyuan said, his gaze full of surprise. Han looked too healthy, far better than the young masters of rich families. What brings you to Taibai Martial Arts School? Li Guangyuan asked. Han answered honestly, Im here to learn martial arts. Li Guangyuan froze for a moment before saying, If I remember correctly, youre already 22, right? Learning martial arts at this age, it might be a bit too late to make any significant progress. Not just a bit difficultthis was an incredibly hard task. Ill just train for general fitness, Han replied with a smile. The fact that he was learning martial arts wasnt something he could hide, but there was no need to explain the deeper reasons to others. Li Guangyuan shook his head but didnt say anything more. After all, it wasnt his money, and Han wasnt his son. He didnt need to worry about it. His comment had been made out of mere casual curiosity. Han and Li Guangyuan entered the martial arts school together. The boy was Li Guangyuans son, Li Wu, who was also there to learn martial arts. This son of mine has always been smart and physically capable. I thought Id send him to train here. Who knows, he might even become a great martial artist, Li Guangyuan said proudly, his words filled with expectation. The boy, Li Wu, gave Han a dismissive glance, then turned away, not bothering to speak. Han wasnt offended. After all, in both his past and present life, he was already an adult. A teenagers arrogance wasnt something worth getting upset over. On the contrary, Han smiled and praised Li Wu, saying that the boy had great potential, which only made Li Guangyuan more pleased. When they reached the registration desk, they were greeted by a young woman in her late teens dressed in a martial arts uniform, sitting behind a long table. She looked up at them. Are you here to register? she asked in a clear, pleasant voice. Yes, Han replied. Im Bai Ruoyue, a disciple here, and Ill be one of your instructors, she introduced herself. Come, take a seat. Li Wu stepped forward first, and Bai Ruoyue quickly began taking his details. Soon, it was Hans turn. Name? Han. Qingshui. Age? 22. Upon hearing this, Bai Ruoyue looked up at Han, surprised. However, seeing the healthy glow on his face, she didnt comment further. Wheres your home? Hei Yun Town. With just three simple questions, the registration was complete. The tuition fee is fifteen taels of silver, and the training period is four months, Bai Ruoyue stated. Han paid the fee without hesitation. The other two martial arts schools in town charged eighteen and twenty taels for only three months of training. The fees were steep. For an ordinary family, this would be a huge burden. Even for Han, this tuition drained his entire savings. Except, of course, for the money he had gained from the Heavenly Wealth Bank. Bai Ruoyue handed over the registration papers to both Han and Li Wu and said, Enter through the door behind me. Family members, please stop here. Li Guangyuan gave a few parting words to his son, who responded impatiently before walking off. Han smiled and waved at Li Guangyuan, ready to leave, but just as he turned to go, Li Guangyuan called out to him. Xiao Zhou, Ive known your parents for a long time. I know things havent been easy for you these years. When you train, give it your all, Li Guangyuan said kindly. Perhaps it was because Han, who was like a son to him, had treated him better than his own son ever had, so Li Guangyuan took the time to give him some advice. Its a strange thing, really. People often show their worst side to their loved ones and reserve their best behavior for strangers. Han nodded in acknowledgment, and Li Guangyuan left, while Han proceeded toward the door Bai Ruoyue had pointed to. But then, Han was called back once more. Wait a moment. Teacher Bai, is there something you need? Han asked, feeling a bit awkward calling her "teacher." Bai Ruoyue looked at him with a serious expression. What is your family background? This question caught Han off guard. He had come here for a simple training program, and yet she was asking about his family situation? Han paused, then answered honestly, Its not great. I live alone. You may leave, Bai Ruoyue said with a nod. Prove yourself, and Ill refund your tuition. Take the money and go. Han furrowed his brow. What did this mean? Was she implying that because he came from humble beginnings, he wasnt worthy of learning at her martial arts school? What a clich! Chapter 4: The Body and the Art Teacher Bai, does Taibai Martial Arts School take a students family background into consideration when admitting apprentices? Han asked, somewhat puzzled. Bai Ruoyue, with an unreadable expression, replied calmly, The best age to start martial arts is between twelve and eighteen. Youre already twenty-two, and achieving any substantial progress will be difficult. Fifteen taels of silver is not a small sum. You shouldnt spend it on something that has little chance of yielding results. Take the registration fee back, and focus on lifemartial arts is secondary. Han was momentarily stunned. His frown relaxed as he couldnt help but chuckle to himself. This wasnt what he had expected. He thought he was about to deal with someone who looked down on his humble origins, and he was ready to prove himself. But instead, he had met a kind person. He had walked in with money to offer, intending to bring Taibai Martial Arts School some income, and here was Teacher Bai, not only considering his situation but also willing to refund his money. She was truly a kind-hearted person. Teacher Bai, if I take the tuition fee back, the school will lose out on the money, Han said with a smile, looking at her with gratitude. If the headmaster hears about this, he might reprimand you. Since youre so kind, I cant let you suffer. I wont leave! The tuition fee, Ill take it whether you want me to or not! Of course, if youre willing to waive the fee and let me join the school, that would be even better. Bai Ruoyue remained expressionless, giving him a brief glance before saying, The headmaster is my father. . Well, this changes everything. Ill leave now No, wait! Since her father is the headmaster, I cant leave now! It wasnt that Han wanted to take shortcuts in lifedont misunderstand himhe simply admired Bai Ruoyues character. With a daughter like this, the headmaster must be a person of good morals as well. Youre not leaving, are you? Bai Ruoyue asked, her patience running thin. Why wasnt he listening to her? Martial arts isnt something you can easily master, especially at twenty-two. What kind of achievements could you make at this age? Its nearly impossible, you know? In the end, Han decided to ignore Bai Ruoyues good intentions. With the registration papers in hand, he entered the door behind her. Bai Ruoyue didnt say anything more. Beyond the door was a spacious training hall. Several people were scattered around, practicing different movements. Others, dressed in martial arts uniforms similar to Bai Ruoyues, walked around offering guidance. Li Wu, along with another young girl, was standing by a corner window. Han walked over to join them. A new apprentice? a man asked from the window. Yes, Han replied, handing over his registration papers. The man glanced at them, took a wooden token, inscribed Hans name and details on it, and handed it to him. From now on, you can come directly here with the token. No need to go through Teacher Bais side. My name is He Feng. Im a disciple of the headmaster and one of your instructors for the next four months. Han and the others respectfully greeted him. Ill go over some of the rules of our school, He Feng said, stepping forward. Right now, youre just regular apprentices. If you can reach the flesh and bone stage within the next four months, you can be promoted to senior apprentices. Senior apprentices dont have to pay tuition, but theyll have certain duties to fulfill. Of course, you can choose to continue paying tuition if you wish, but it will be much more expensive. If youre unwilling to take on responsibilities, the school wont keep offering free training. Also, if your talents are good enough, theres a chance the headmaster might take you on as a personal disciple once you become a senior apprentice. Han listened quietly, absorbing the structure of the school: regular apprentice, senior apprentice, and disciple of the headmaster. The Taibai Martial Arts School primarily practices the Taibai Fist. At the flesh and bone stage, there are three main forms to choose from: the Elephant, the Bull, and the Crane. Theres no hierarchy between them, so you can choose whichever one suits you best. Elephant, Bull, and Crane... They dont sound particularly impressive. If I were naming them, Id call them God Elephant Suppressing Hell Fist, Mighty Bull Demon Fist, and Longevity Crane Fist. Han mused to himself. Such powerful-sounding names would definitely attract more students. And when you fight others, youd have the upper hand with names like that. Ill take your bone structure and physique into account to see which style suits you best. Choosing the right form will help you progress faster with less effort.If you come across this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it. At that moment, Bai Ruoyue entered and called over the young girl who had been standing with Li Wu. Elephant form, He Feng said after examining the girl, giving her a confirming nod. Just as expected, He Feng chuckled. Most female apprentices tend to be more suited for the Crane form, with only a rare few exceptions. Next, it was Hans turn. Initially, He Feng seemed casual, but as his hands moved over Hans body, his expression changed. What a remarkably well-built man! After feeling Hans physique, He Feng looked at him in surprise. Teacher He, which style is most suitable for me? Han asked, curious. He Feng paused before responding, Your body... is quite unique. All three styles are equally suited for you. Li Wu, who had been listening nearby, shot Han an envious glance. I can only do the Bull style, but he can do all three. That sounds pretty impressive, doesnt it? Youre in a rather unique situation, He Feng said thoughtfully. Well need to discuss it before making a decision. Please wait here for a moment. He gave Bai Ruoyue a meaningful glance, and the two stepped into another room. Junior Brother He, whats going on? Bai Ruoyue asked. Though she was younger than He Feng, Bai Ruoyue had joined the school much earlier, making her the senior. Senior Sister, theres something odd about Hans physique, He Feng said, his voice tinged with concern. Ive noticed that his body is already stronger than some of the warriors whove just entered the Flesh and Bone Stage, and hes full of vitality. Bai Ruoyue froze for a moment, her first thought being that Han had lied about his age. Hes not really twenty-two, is he? she asked, frowning. But then she quickly realized something didnt add up. The bone age is indeed twenty-two, so he wasnt lying, He Feng continued. But his body is incredibly unusualfull of vitality, with vigorous blood flow, far beyond the average person. This is the first time Ive encountered something like this. Im not sure what to make of it. Do you think we should inform the headmaster? He Feng asked, unsure. Father seems to be meeting a distinguished guest forget it. Bai Ruoyue waved it off. You go ahead and teach them the fist techniques. Ill go speak with Father. She quickly left the room. What did it mean to have a body that was on par with someone who had already entered the Flesh and Bone Stage without any martial training? It meant that once Han stepped into the world of martial arts, his natural physique would already put him ahead of others in the same stage, giving him a significant advantage. Moreover, this indicated an extraordinary talent for physical strength, which made the chances of him becoming a martial master all the more likely! Twenty-two might seem too old to start learning martial arts? Not at all. It wasnt old at allquite the opposite, he was still young, with plenty of time to train! As Bai Ruoyue made her way to find her father, a wave of relief washed over her. It was a good thing Han was so stubborn and didnt listen to her advice to leave. She almost ended up inadvertently preventing him from reaching his potential. Meanwhile, Han and the other two apprentices stood awkwardly, unsure what to say to each other. Well, Han wasnt feeling awkward. He decided to break the silence and learned that the young girls name was Wang Taotao, who was also fifteen, the same age as Li Wu. Li Wu, however, wasnt keen on talking to Han, who he considered too much older. But when it came to Wang Taotao, he struggled to find the right words, stammering in hesitation. Han couldnt help but chuckle at the scene. It was rather cute, in a way. While the two younger apprentices exchanged shy glances, Hans mind drifted to the two disciples who had just left. They mustve noticed something unusual about my body, Han thought to himself. Ever since he consumed the Essence of Life, his body had undergone a significant transformation. He felt as strong as an ox. In this world, where martial arts emphasized the body, Hans physique was undoubtedly perfect for cultivating strength. When He Feng returned, he led the three of them to a corner of the training hall. Wang Taotao, youll be learning the Crane Form later. For now, you can watch, He Feng instructed. Han, well decide which fist technique youll practice after Senior Sister comes back. Han nodded, showing no objections. With that, He Feng turned to begin teaching Li Wu the Bull Form. Li Wu eagerly awaited the lesson, but He Feng first spoke about something else. Martial arts starts with cultivating health. The process of learning fist techniques is also a process of nurturing the body. If you supplement your practice with nourishing herbs and tonics, the results will be even better. There are health tonics available at the school, and they work quite well. If youre interested, you can buy some. Once youve completed your health cultivation, its time to start pushing the boundaries of martial arts, striving to enter the martial world. The fifteen taels of silver was just the tuition fee; it didnt cover the cost of the herbs or tonics. If you were serious about martial arts, youd need a lot of money to support you. The saying "poor in literature, rich in martial arts" was more than just a phrase. Han didnt really care about the tonics, mainly because he couldnt afford them. But it did make him miss the Tian Di Bank even more. He Feng was still talking when Han asked a question. Teacher He, is cultivating health considered a stage of martial arts? He Feng shook his head. Not exactly. Its not a formal martial arts stage, but more of a preparatory phase. Its about getting your body into a healthy condition, so its better suited for martial practice. During the health cultivation phase, any hidden injuries or imbalances in your body will be healed. Anyone who completes the process, unless they were born with some kind of deficiency, will be in top physical health. You dont need to worry. Even without tonics, as long as you practice diligently, youll still complete the health phase. It wont take long. Han understood nowthe health cultivation phase was just the preparation before formally stepping into martial arts. Once youve finished cultivating health, you need to continue your practice and refine your body. When you cultivate your first Inner Breath, thats when youll officially enter the Flesh and Bone Stage, and become a senior apprentice. With enough inner breath circulating throughout your body, your flesh will undergo deep refinement. This is when you reach the early stage of Flesh and Bone. By the time you reach the perfected Flesh and Bone Stage, your body will be able to withstand most weapons attacksblades wont cut, swords wont pierce, and youll be able to fight a hundred enemies with ease. Li Wu and Wang Taotao were both shocked, their eyes wide with excitement. Weapons cant harm you, and you can defeat a hundred people? That sounded incredible! Han also felt a rush of excitement. The idea of having such extraordinary power was something he could never have imagined in his previous life. It was something he longed for deeply. Then He Feng began demonstrating the Bull Form for Li Wu. He used both fists and feet, his movements fast and explosive, with air-shattering sounds echoing through the room. The intensity of it was overwhelming. Han and the others stepped back, feeling a tremendous pressure, as if a massive predator were about to pounce on them. Li Wu and Wang Taotao looked pale, while Hans reaction was slightly better. Other people in the hall gathered around to watch He Fengs demonstration of the fist techniques. They had already chosen the forms that suited them, but none of them had yet entered the Flesh and Bone Stage. Watching an expert like He Feng perform would undoubtedly benefit them. Once He Feng completed the set of movements, his breathing was still steady, showing no sign of exhaustion. He turned to Li Wu and asked: Did you remember it? Li Wu snapped out of his daze, his face turning red with embarrassment. I... I only remembered a little. Alright, thats okay. Try it yourself. Ill break each move down for you. Dont rush, He Feng reassured him. He Feng wasnt surprised by Li Wus answer. After all, he had never seen a genius who could learn an entire set of techniques after just one demonstration. Every apprentice he had taught had to go step by step. Ive been practicing the Bull Form for two months now, and I still find it difficult to master. It took me a long time to learn it properly. Its truly hard to master any technique. ʹɣҲû˵ֻһʾѧȭ Χ˵ͷʾͬ⣬ԼľǶûгЦ䡪ϾǸտʼʱ򶼾ͬĹ̡ ڳЦֻǿ޴ õȵ仨˱ǸʱѧϰǾͿЦˡ Han ̸۲Χı顣ƺʾͬͷ۾ؿźη⹹ţ̬ ĬĬضţЩ ţ̬ôѧ Լֻǿһͼסˡ ٣һ...ⷽ棬Dzijţ Chapter 5: I’m No Illiterate Martial Artist Although Han suspected he might be a dual genius in both physique and comprehension, he still paid close attention to He Fengs teachings. As He Feng had told Li Wu earlier, even genius couldnt be an excuse for slackness. At that moment, Bai Ruoyue, along with another female disciple, approached and called Han over in a low voice. Han, come with me. Han immediately followed. The other female disciple began teaching Wang Taotao the Crane Form. Han and Bai Ruoyues departure caught the attention of most of the people in the training hall. Isnt that the new apprentice? Why isnt he learning fist techniques here? Where is Bai Ruoyue taking him? That looks like its toward the back of the martial hall Hiss! Thats a place only the headmasters disciples are allowed to go! What qualifications does a new apprentice have to go there? The crowd murmured, various opinions being voiced. Until then, Han had seemed like just an ordinary apprenticehandsome but unremarkable. No one had bothered to teach him any techniques, and many of the other apprentices hadnt cared about him. But now, as they watched him leave with Bai Ruoyue, they couldnt help but reconsider. There was something special about him. On the way, Bai Ruoyue didnt speak to Han, and only when they reached the back courtyard of the martial hall did she finally break the silence. Han, you have excellent talent. Youre perfect for martial arts. It seems that your age wont be an obstacle. I was... too forward when we first met, Bai Ruoyue admitted, her cheeks reddening with slight embarrassment. Han was a little taken aback. He hadnt expected this warrior, someone with such strength, to apologize like this. She really is a kind person. He smiled and responded, I know your advice was for my own good, Bai Lao Shi. But why didnt you try to stop me when I registered? Han asked, genuinely curious. Bai Ruoyue explained, At the time, I didnt know your family background. I assumed you were the son of a wealthy family. If someone from a less fortunate background came to study martial arts, she might try to dissuade them, but if they were a rich young master, Bai Ruoyue wouldnt say a word. After all, the martial hall had to make a living too. Han nodded inwardly. Bai Ruoyue was indeed thoughtful. You saw He Feng teaching the fist techniques earlier, she continued. Do you think the martial arts of Taibai Martial Hall meet your expectations? Truly a world-class martial art, Han said with all seriousness. It was the only martial art Ive seen, so calling it world-class sounds about right, doesnt it? Bai Ruoyue rolled her eyes in the back of her mind, though Han couldnt see it. I didnt even know our martial arts were considered this powerful. The three forms taught in Taibai Martial Hall are top-tier martial arts in Black Cloud Town, Bai Ruoyue explained. Youre just beginning your martial journey, so if you have any confusion, dont worry about it. Han hesitated for a moment, then decided to be honest. Bai Lao Shi, I think Ive already memorized the Bull Form. Really? The question didnt come from Bai Ruoyue, but from a man who suddenly appeared in the courtyard. The man was tall, wearing a black robe, with a strong and resolute face. His features bore some resemblance to Bai Ruoyues.Love this novel? Read it on Royal Road to ensure the author gets credit. It was Bai Tian, the headmaster of Taibai Martial Hall. Father. Bai Tian shot a glance at his daughter. How many times have I told you? In public, refer to me by my title. Got it, Father, Bai Ruoyue responded obediently. Bai Tian had no choice but to let it go and turned his attention to Han. Did you really memorize the Bull Form? Han nodded confidently. I really did. Bai Ruoyue was shocked. Talent was talent, but when it came to learning, it was all about comprehension. Bai Tian spoke again. Good. Show me what youve got. Han found a spot and, recalling He Fengs demonstration, took his stance. Then, his feet shifted, arms extended, moving in all directions. His body followed the motions, and he looked like a mighty ancient bull. Although Hans performance lacked the intimidating presence that He Feng had shown, he executed the movements smoothly, without any mistakes. Bai Ruoyue was already stunned, but Bai Tian appeared calm. Not bad. Bai Tian uttered the two words and then suddenly appeared next to Han. He placed a hand on Hans body and squeezed, feeling his bones and muscles. After inspecting Hans foundation, Bai Tian seemed pleasedperhaps even more so than his daughter had described. Your martial arts talent is indeed excellent, Bai Tian said, his tone becoming serious. But talent alone is not enough. The path of martial arts is not something that can be mastered overnight. It requires diligence, perseverance, and hard work to truly achieve something. Thank you for your guidance, Headmaster Bai, Han responded. These words werent new to him. Having lived two lives, he understood the importance of hard work. Ruoyue, take Han to the lecture hall, Bai Tian instructed. Han was momentarily stunned. That was it? He had been called here, his talent tested, but wasnt this supposed to be the point where he was accepted as a disciple? Isnt this where the official apprenticeship should begin? He couldnt help but feel a little puzzled. Wasnt he qualified? The lecture hall was somewhat similar to the classrooms hed seen in his previous life. Bai Ruoyue found a few books and placed them in front of Han. Bai Lao Shi, are you going to teach me to read and write? Han asked, surprised. I can read, Han replied casually. When my parents were still alive, they hired a tutor for me. No matter which world Han was in, he was far from being illiterate. Thats even better, Bai Ruoyue said with a smile. But youll still need to continue your studies. Almost all martial arts involve philosophical principles and certain specialized terminology, she continued. If you dont study, then even if youre given a martial arts manual later, and you can recognize every single character, you still wont be able to understand them when theyre put together. If you cant even read the martial arts manual, how can you expect to practice martial arts? Han suddenly understood the deeper meaning of Bai Ruoyues words. There might be top-tier martial artists who are illiterate, but theres no such thing as an illiterate martial arts expert. At the moment, the instructors in the martial hall were teaching him every move, guiding him step by step, and all he had to do was follow along. But that wouldnt be a long-term solution. To truly go far on the path of martial arts, one also needed to possess sufficient cultural knowledge. Just picking up a random martial arts manual wouldnt make someone a master. Unless the manual could somehow help you automatically grasp the relevant knowledge, it would just be a few sheets of useless paper. Illiteracy didnt suit the path of a true martial artist. Martial arts begins with understanding the human body, Bai Ruoyue began. She introduced him to the meridians, acupuncture points, and various specialized termsterms that Han had never heard of before, and concepts he was only now beginning to understand. It was a whole new world for him. His mind cleared of all distractions, and Han eagerly sought to learn from Bai Ruoyue. These were the kinds of things that, on Earth, no one would ever teach you unless you had access to the right resources. This was a world set in ancient times, and Han, having come from Earth, appreciated the importance of learning more than most. It was a concept and mindset that had been ingrained in him since childhood, a stark contrast between the modern and ancient worlds. As for becoming the headmasters disciple, Han wasnt in a rush anymore. His treatment now was clearly different from that of other apprentices, which suggested that the headmaster had some plans for him. This was only the second day since his arrival, and there was plenty of time ahead. Hans attitude also made Bai Ruoyue secretly approve of him even more. Excellent aptitude, remarkable comprehension, and a calm mind for studyhe truly was a gem. She found herself increasingly fond of him. And just to clarify, it wasnt the romantic kind of affection, but rather admiration for a fellow disciples potential. On the third floor of Taibai Martial Hall. The martial hall was quite spacious, consisting of three floors and a large backyard. The third floor was reserved for the headmasters disciples. At that moment, Bai Tian, the headmaster, was on the third floor, with one of his disciples standing beside him. Master, weve finished investigating the apprentice named Han, the disciple reported. His parents died in an accident six years ago. Hes lived alone ever since, and during these six years, he hasnt fallen into any bad habits. Neighbors speak highly of him. Hes honest and straightforward, with no major issues. The disciple went on to share other details about Hans background, including his connection to Huang Shiren. Bai Tian nodded thoughtfully. Given Hans remarkable talent, Bai Tian was naturally interested. However, he hadnt immediately taken Han as an apprentice because Bai Tian had a rule when it came to accepting disciples. The character of a disciple had to be impeccable. It wasnt just about talent; a disciples character had to meet a certain standard as well. This was also the reason why the disciples at Taibai Martial Hall were responsible and the martial hall had such a great reputation. The headmasters integrity set the standard for the entire hall. However, this approach had led to the martial hall losing a few talented individuals over the years. But Bai Tians disciples fully supported his approach. No one wanted to be part of a group with individuals of poor character. Even bad people prefer to be friends with good people. Chapter 6: The Most Entertaining Part In Heiyun Town, there were generally three paths for those who wished to go further in the martial arts world. The first was to join a martial hall, step by step, breaking through your limits until you caught the attention of the various hall masters. The second was to enter the realm of physical cultivation and try to join the government forces, attempting to pass their rigorous examination and become a government martial artist. The last option was to enter one of the powerful families in Heiyun Town, where many martial artists resided and could offer training. However, becoming a government martial artist was the hardest path to walk, and joining a family could be even more restrictiveit was almost like selling yourself. If you were trained by one of those families, they would expect you to stay loyal to them forever, making it hard to leave once you were entrenched. So for most people, the martial hall was the best option, and it was also Hans choice. As for self-taught martial artists... Well, let''s just say two words: Good luck. After learning about Hans background, Bai Tian, the headmaster, had already formulated his own plans. At that moment, two new visitors walked in: a young man and an older man. Master Bai, I wont take up much of your time since I have to visit a couple of other martial halls, the young man, Meng Hao, said with a smile. I wont keep you any longer, Young Master Meng, Bai Tian nodded. Rest assured, I will join you for the Black Mountain expedition. Meng Haos smile grew even wider. Thats perfect! Meng Hao was about to leave with the old man when his gaze fell on a registration form on a nearby desk, and he stopped in his tracks. Huh? Meng Hao pointed at the form. Old Mu, isnt this the address of the place we visited last night? Old Mu glanced at the form. Young Master, youre right. Bai Tian furrowed his brow. Whats the matter with this address? Theres nothing wrong with it, but last night, while I was strolling through the town, I sensed some strange, dark energy at this location, Meng Hao explained, shaking his head. But before I could get closer, it disappeared. From the intensity of the energy, it seemed like a minor ghost. And the owner of that house, is he still an apprentice at your martial hall? Yes, he just joined today. Hes quite talented, and I plan to take him as a disciple, Bai Tian nodded. Just joined today? Meng Haos interest was piqued. So hes still a regular human? Right. Interesting... how does a regular human manage to survive a ghost encounter? Meng Hao thought for a moment but said nothing more, leaving with Old Mu. However, as they exited the martial hall, Old Mu suddenly spoke. Master Bais martial hall has a regular human with impressive physical strength and vitality. But he has no signs of practicing any martial arts or possessing magical tools or charms. Old Mu had never been to the backyard, but it was as if he had seen everything with his own eyes. Meng Hao chuckled helplessly. Old Mu, try not to do that so often. Its a bit impolite. Still, its quite interesting. A human without any external aid... how did he deal with a ghost? By the way, Old Mu, did you sense anything else at the house last night? Old Mu shook his head. No, nothing related to Taoism or any magical items. And Young Master, even with a magical tool, a regular human wouldnt be able to use it. Meng Hao thought for a moment but couldnt come up with any answers. He chuckled and shook his head.This story originates from a different website. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there. Forget it. Im just here to have some fun. Its none of my business anyway. The old and young duo walked down the street, while on the third floor of the martial hall, Zhang Yuantao approached Bai Tian. Master, those two guests have left. Bai Tian nodded. In three days, I will join them for the expedition to Black Mountain. You all stay here and keep an eye on the hall. Beyond Heiyun Town, there were towering mountains, with the highest peak known as Black Mountain. There was also a mighty river, the Yun River, after which the town was named. Thanks to the presence of these two geographical features, Heiyun Town was more prosperous than some small cities. Zhang Yuantao couldnt object to Bai Tians decision. After agreeing, he brought up another topic. Master, what about Han...? Bai Tian pondered. As the master of a martial hall, and with his own experiences from his youth, he knew all too well about dark energy and ghosts. Meng Haos curiosity was also his. He had thought that Hans situation had been thoroughly investigated, but now it seemed like this prospective disciple wasnt as simple as he had initially assumed. Go ahead and leave for now, Bai Tian said, signaling for Zhang Yuantao to step away. In the backyard, Han had already been learning a great deal about martial arts theory from Bai Ruoyue. Throughout their lessons, Han continued to surprise Bai Ruoyue. He was learning at an astonishing pace, his mind quick and sharp. He could easily make connections and understand concepts, and there seemed to be no problem that could stump him. Han was pleased with his progress. He had a rough idea of why his transformation had been so dramatic. The first reason was the enhancement of his life force. It didnt just improve his physical body but also his soul. The second factor was the help he received from the Sensory Period. Bai Ruoyue sighed. Han, you truly are a genius. A genius who hasnt yet grown is nothing special, Han replied with a smile. Bai Ruoyue glanced at him, finding that sometimes Han was a bit too rational. Logically, when an ordinary person first learned they were a genius, they should feel somewhat smug or proud. But Han, though happy, seemed remarkably clear-headed. It was a bit strange. Bai Ruoyue only thought Han was an ordinary personshe never imagined the extraordinary experiences he had gone through. She glanced out at the sky, wondering where her father, the hall master, was. "Let''s stop here for today. It''s almost time for dinner," Bai Ruoyue said. "Han, why don''t you stay at the martial hall for dinner?" "Wait, the martial hall provides food?" Han asked, surprised. "They offer regular meals, but just one per day," Bai Ruoyue replied, packing away her books. "Come with me later, we''ll eat together." Han hesitated. "Isnt that a bit inappropriate? After all, Im not one of the hall master''s disciples." But deep down, he was eagerly anticipating the chance to sample a martial artists meal. The real reason? He was running low on money... Even though he was in such a situation, Han still found it hard to be rude, as politeness had been deeply ingrained in him from his past life. It wasnt pretense; it was genuine courtesy. "Its fine, one more person wont make a difference," Bai Ruoyue said, insisting. Han smiled and agreed. "Theres no rush now. You can look around the hall for a bit. Ill call you when its time for dinner." Bai Ruoyue was planning to speak with her father about the current situation. The two parted ways, and Han returned to the hall on the first floor. As soon as Han walked in, a group of people immediately surrounded him, chattering away. "Hey, brother, what were you doing in the back yard? Did you meet the hall master?" "Big bro, did the hall master take you as a disciple?" "No way! I heard from Li Wu that youre already 22. At that age, how could the hall master take you as a disciple?" "Right, maybe you did something wrong and got called in for questioning." The crowd was buzzing with gossipsome were merely curious, others envious, and some even tried to hurt Han with their words. There were those who darkly speculated that Bai Ruoyue might have taken a special interest in Han, maybe even played with him a little. After all, he certainly looked like a pretty boy. But these thoughts remained unspoken, as no one dared voice such things out loud in the martial hall. "I havent been accepted as a disciple of the hall master," Han clarified simply, then said no more. Just that one sentence, however, excited some of the onlookers. "I knew it! A 22-year-old apprentice, what qualifications does he have to be accepted as the hall masters disciple?" "Pfft, whats with all the acting? Who do you think you are? Youre not that talented." "Hey, youre Han, right? Got the guts to spar with me? Ive been here longer than you. Let me show you a thing or two." Since Han wasnt a hall master disciple, his status was no different from theirs. So naturally, they werent worried about anything. They said what they wanted, some even thinking about taking a swing at Han. Sparring was allowed in the martial hall. Seeing the way these people were acting, Han couldnt help but feel amused. The disciples of Bai Yun Martial Hall gave off a good impression, but the apprentices? Well, they were a mixed bag. When it came to accepting apprentices, the hall focused on talent, not character. And now, everything had finally reached a familiar stage for Han. Han glanced around at the loudmouths. After dismissing a few younger ones, who looked no older than 12 or 13, he pointed to several others. "You, you, you, and you. Some of you wanted to spar with me, and others seem to have issues with me." "Well then, Ill give you the chance. Lets spar." The crowd was stunned by his words. Even those who had been quietly training in the corner and showed no interest in Han couldnt help but glance over. A few of the hall masters disciples who happened to be patrolling nearby also turned their heads. "What are you looking at? Im talking about you guys," Han said, his tone oozing arrogance. He didnt care one bit for these senior apprentices who had been training for a while. Han had no habit of pretending to be weak, nor did he have the mindset to smile when others ridiculed him. He had crossed over to this world, and he certainly wasnt here to take anyones nonsense! If he was supposed to suffer when he hadnt crossed over, fine. But if he crossed over with a cheat code only to still get pushed around, then what was the point of the damn transmigration? He wasnt about to waste this chance! Chapter 7: The Unsolved Mystery – How Powerful is Peak Han? It felt like an older student in school mocking a new onethere was no doubt it was close to bullying. Han had made up his mind to stand against it. The martial hall he was in was for regular apprentices; the advanced ones trained in other halls. Bai Ruoyue had mentioned to him that this batch of apprentices was still far from reaching the "Body Transformation" stage, and none of them were on the verge of a breakthrough. So, why should he be afraid? Martial arts were about training, and he wasnt going to train like a turtle hiding in its shell. Low-profile? That didnt exist in this part of Taibai Martial Hall. "Youre really arrogant, arent you?" a young man around twenty said through gritted teeth, feeling insulted. "My name is Zhao Jiefeng. Ive been here for three months, and Ill teach you a lesson as your senior brother." "No need to tell me your name," Han said casually. "You wont leave any mark on my life." "After today, Ill only remember that someone was defeated by my hands. What they were called wont matter." Zhao Jiefeng''s face flushed red, and with a shout, he rushed toward Han. The hall masters disciples, who had been quietly observing, exchanged looks but didnt stop him. Since it wasnt a group attack but a one-on-one spar, it was allowed. In fact, even fighting multiple opponents was permitted, as long as one had the ability. The only thing that mattered was ensuring no serious injuries occurred. After training for three months, Zhao Jiefeng had completed his body conditioning. While he hadnt broken through, his physical strength was still decent. However, Han didnt avoid or dodge Zhao Jiefengs punch. He met it head-on. There was no fancy martial arts techniquejust a direct collision of bodies. Boom! Han didnt even step back, and Zhao Jiefeng was thrown to the ground. Could this not be compared to the physical strength of someone who had just entered the Body Transformation stage? A martial artist and a regular person were on entirely different levels. Hans overall strength was still far weaker than a true martial artists, but dealing with these apprentices who only knew basic moves was a breeze. A single punch was all it took. Han didnt even look at the fallen Zhao Jiefeng. Instead, he addressed the people he had called out earlier. "You guys, all of you, step up." "Im in a hurry." The large hall fell completely silent, the tension thick enough to hear a pin drop. Achievement unlocked: Fist of Taibai! The few apprentices Han had named instinctively stepped back a few paces. As for attacking him? They didnt have the courage anymore. The ones who had openly mocked Han after hearing he wasnt the hall masters disciplewhat kind of backbone did they have? It was unrealistic to expect much from them. Seeing this, Han chuckled. Is this it? In truth, Han found these people quite foolish. He had gone to the back yard, a place only hall master disciples were allowed, and even though he hadnt been accepted as a disciple, it was obvious he had some connection to the martial hall. But these people only saw the surface and still dared to step forward. Though Han wasnt surprised. He knew very well that some peoples stupidity could break your imagination. His past life had taught him that well. But, fortunately, idiots were few. Most of the others hadnt said anything bad, and some didnt even care about Han.If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it. The hall masters disciples, however, were clearly amazed. They could directly feel the special nature of Hans physical strength. The other apprentices, shocked, were left wondering just how fierce Han truly was. Could it be that he came to the hall with skills already? The one most confused was Li Wu, a person Han had barely considered a "senior." Yet, he had just been knocked down with a single punch by a guy he thought was an "old man." Remembering his own performance earlier, Li Wu felt uneasy. Especially when he saw Wang Taotao looking at Han with admiration, the pain in his heart deepened. It should have been me... "Han, come here!" Bai Ruoyue suddenly appeared, and Han clapped his hands, walking toward her. As for the incident earlier... He defeated someone. What was their name again? He had already forgotten. The apprentices in the hall watched Han leave once more, but now, the atmosphere was different from when they first saw him. Before, they had been curious about the newcomer. Now, it was respect for a stronger individual. "Miss Bai, are we going to eat now?" Han asked. "...Not yet," Bai Ruoyue paused. "Well eat later. Ill take you to meet my father first." When they reached the back yard, Bai Tian was already waiting. "Han," Bai Tian said, his gaze intense. "Did you get attacked by a ghost last night?" Han''s heart skipped a beat. How did he find that out? "Not just last night. Ive been haunted by ghosts for the past six days," Han answered truthfully. "It was only last night that I managed to escape the danger. It was because of that experience that I decided to start practicing martial arts to strengthen myself." Bai Tian stared at him, and Han felt a chill run down his spine. "Youre just a regular person. How could you possibly deal with ghosts?" Bai Tian asked directly. "I dont know," Han said. "During the most dangerous moment last night, I seemed to have had a dream. In the dream, I ended up in a strange place." "And when the dream ended, I realized I could harm the ghost." Han wasnt making things up. He really did go to a place last night, though he left out some details to keep things vague. But upon closer inspection, everything he said was true. He had nothing to feel guilty about, that much was clear. Bai Tian didnt say anything, but Han wasnt lying. "A living being possessed by a ghost will suffer from spiritual and physical decay. You dont look like that," Bai Tian remarked. Han smiled helplessly. "The hall master didnt see me a few days ago. I really did look like I was about to die then." "It was like one of those strange stories where a scholars life force is drained by a ghost." Bai Tians eyes suddenly widened in surprise. When he first learned about Hans situation, he had remained calm. Even when dealing with Young Master Meng, he was indifferent. But hearing Hans words now, Bai Tian couldnt stay composed. "Are you saying that your current body... is the state after being possessed by a ghost?" he asked, a hint of disbelief in his voice. Han nodded; it wasnt entirely inaccurate to say that. "My God!" Bai Ruoyue gasped, astonished. "For your body to still be comparable to a martial artist whos just entered the Body Transformation stage after being possessed by a ghost and severely damaged... if your energy was at its peak six days ago, just how terrifying must your physical strength have been?" Bai Tian was equally shocked by this realization. "..." Han paused, unsure how to answer the question: How terrifying could his body have been before being possessed by the ghost? How was he supposed to answer that? After thinking for a moment, Han exaggerated a little: "Probably terrifying enough that your martial hall wouldnt dare accept me as a disciple for fear of ruining its reputation..." In truth, his original body had no talent for martial arts, and the six years he spent as an orphan had severely hindered his physical development. His foundation was incredibly poor. Bai Tian and Bai Ruoyue couldnt help but feel regret for Han, sensing they had missed out on an extraordinary talent. When a ghost possesses someone, it damages their core, affecting their foundation. While it was easy to recover parts of the damage afterward, completely restoring it was much more difficult. Looking at their expressions, Han realized that the three of them were on different wavelengths, leading to a misunderstanding. Han decided not to explain further. Let them believe that his current state was one of being severely weakenedhe didnt want to waste time explaining how hed restored his energy. Not being able to witness Hans "peak" energy would become Bai Tian and Bai Ruoyues eternal regret. "Han, would you like to become my disciple?" Bai Tian suddenly asked, his tone turning serious. He could never let go of such a gifted disciple. "Thank you, Master!" Without hesitation, Han immediately bowed, no need to kneel. "Good. From today on, you are my seventh disciple." "The Taibai lineage isnt strict with rules, but there are three absolute prohibitions, ironclad laws that cannot be broken." "1. No betraying your master or ancestors! 2. No harming fellow disciples! 3. No unnecessary killing of innocents!" "If you violate any of these rules, I will personally take action and eliminate you." Bai Tians words were firm and authoritative. "I will strictly follow the rules, Master," Han replied solemnly. "Little junior brother, Im your eldest senior sister," Bai Ruoyue said with a smile. She had been with Bai Tian for so long. "Senior sister," Han naturally corrected himself. "Once you join my school, you dont have to feel restricted," Bai Tian continued. "If one day your achievements surpass mine, youre free to seek another master for further guidance." "In this regard, whether youre a martial artist or cultivator, its not rigid." It was quite normal for a gifted person to have several masters throughout their life. "To surpass your master is the best praise a disciple can give." But while having multiple masters was acceptable, betraying your master or ancestors was absolutely forbidden. "Since youve joined my school, I should teach you martial arts," Bai Tian said next. "Your talent is extraordinary, and you have a great chance of mastering a secret martial art I possess." Han asked, "Do I not practice the Elephant, Ox, or Crane techniques?" "The secret martial art I hold is far more advanced than those three techniques. If you can master it, your achievements will far exceed those of the three techniques." "Among my six previous disciples, only Ruoyue succeeded in mastering it." Bai Ruoyue puffed out her chest a little to draw attention to her success. "Though even Ruoyue had to take some shortcuts." Bai Ruoyue immediately shrank her chest back down. "But theres one thing you must remember," Bai Tian suddenly became much more serious. "If you manage to master the secret martial art, you must never reveal it to anyone when you venture into the outside world." "You also must not tell anyone that you are my disciple." "" Why did that sound so familiar? Has he become a monkey now? Chapter 8: Breaking Through – Becoming a Martial Artist! Han couldnt help but wonder: Had he joined the Taibai Martial Hall, or was this place secretly the "Slanted Moon Three-Star Cavern"? Secret martial arts techniques hold immense value, Bai Tian explained, his tone serious. Even beyond Heiyun Town, they are highly sought after by the great martial sects. The technique I possess comes with significant baggage. Ive had my share of conflicts in the past, which is why you must never reveal it. Do you understand? Yes, Master. I will be cautious, Han replied earnestly. The secret art I will teach you is called Heaven-Breaking Bull Demon Body Refinement. If you can master it, your foundation in the Body Refinement Realm will be unmatchedsecond to none, Bai Tian said, his words carrying weight. Hans curiosity was piqued. It became clear to him that Bai Tian was no ordinary martial artist. If the three primary Taibai techniques were considered top-tier in Heiyun Town, Bai Tians tone suggested that Heaven-Breaking Bull Demon Body Refinement was an elite technique across the entire martial world. The gap between them was staggering. How had Bai Tian, a mere martial artist from a small town, come to possess such a treasure? Still, the name of the techniqueHeaven-Breaking Bull Demonhad a certain charm to it. My other disciples were given the opportunity to learn this secret art, but unfortunately, none of them met the requirements to master it, Bai Tian sighed. I hope youll succeed. He began instructing Han in the technique, with Bai Ruoyue offering guidance from the side. As soon as Han started practicing, he could feel the extraordinary nature of the technique. Though it shared the Bull theme with one of the three primary Taibai methods, it was on an entirely different level. The primary method felt like a fearsome beast, while this secret art resembled a mythical demon bull from legends. Each movement and stance caused subtle changes in Hans body. Gradually, he began to feel a faint soreness, which intensified as he progressed. By the time he reached the final sequences, the soreness had turned into excruciating pain. It was as if a raging demon bull was rampaging inside him, threatening to tear him apart. Stay strong! Youre almost there! Bai Tian encouraged. Moo! In a moment of hallucination, Han thought he heard the roar of a colossal bull and caught a fleeting vision of a towering black demon bull before him. Crack! A strange sound came from Hans body. His muscles trembled, and a sudden warmth surged within him. A faint glow flickered across his skin before vanishing. Around him, tiny vortexes appeared, as if the essence of heaven and earth was being drawn into his body. Han opened his eyes sharply, and a dark light flashed within them. Master, Senior Sister, did I succeed? Han asked, his voice tinged with anticipation. You did, Little Brother! Youve mastered it! Bai Ruoyue exclaimed, excitement lighting up her face. Hans success was more than a personal victory; it also promised a brighter future for the Taibai Martial Hall, her home. Not only did you master the secret art, but you also broke through to the Body Refinement Realm and cultivated inner energy, Bai Tian said, a rare smile crossing his face. Han was startled. So that chaotic little thing running around inside me is inner energy But I havent even completed the Nourishment stage yet! Bai Tian explained, With your physique, you were naturally prepped for the Nourishment stage. Honestly, whose body could compare to yours even after completing it? To Bai Tian, it wasnt surprising that Han had broken through after just one session of training. With Hans unparalleled talent, entering the martial path was never going to be a challenge. This, Bai Tian realized, was the power of lifes true potential manifesting itself. Han understood now. As he felt the strength surging through his body, he couldnt hide his excitement. I feel incredibly strong right now! With your talent and the secret art unlocking your potential, every breakthrough you achieve will surpass the norm, Bai Tian said. Right now, your body strength alone is equivalent to lifting 1,000 pounds. With inner energy, it will be even more terrifying. To possess such power at the very start of the martial path was unheard of. Han was deeply satisfied. What took others months of training, he had accomplished in a single morning. To celebrate my little brothers breakthrough, lets have a feast today! Bai Ruoyue suggested cheerfully. The three of them headed to the dining area, with Bai Tian offering more advice along the way. For a martial artist, practice is essential, but so is eating, Bai Tian explained. Every breakthrough greatly strengthens the body, and that growth demands energy. Some of it comes from absorbing the essence of heaven and earth, but a large part comes from the food you eat. This tale has been unlawfully obtained from Royal Road. If you discover it on Amazon, kindly report it.Ordinary food cant keep up with a martial artists needs. Thats why most of us consume beast meat or spiritual ingredients, he continued. Han nodded in understanding. Eating is fundamental to a martial artists survival, Bai Tian said. Some martial artists have even developed secret techniques to efficiently extract the essence from food. Without such techniques, youd only absorb 30% of the energy from a pound of beast meat. But with a Devouring Technique, you could draw out the equivalent of three to five poundsor even more. At the highest level, a skilled practitioner could digest earth and stone with ease, even at your current stage, Bai Tian added with a grin. Ill teach you the Devouring Technique that complements the secret art. With your foundation, youll pick it up quickly. Thank you, Master! Han said, bowing deeply. By the time they reached the dining area, Bai Tian had fully explained the secret technique that complemented the Heaven-Breaking Bull Demon Body Refinementa technique called Sun Devouring Method. Han quickly realized that many of the martial principles and technical terms involved in the method were concepts Bai Ruoyue had previously explained to him. He understood them perfectly. Clearly, Bai Tian had prepared him in advance. Though devouring techniques were considered relatively simple compared to other martial arts disciplines, they still required effort. While mastering advanced levels was challenging, achieving basic proficiency was straightforward. Still, even the simplest technique couldnt be mastered in the span of a short walk. The Heaven-Breaking Bull Demon Body Refinement was another matter. Hans so-called mastery meant he had practiced all its forms once, which was all it took. Secret techniques were peculiar like that: If you could grasp them on the first try, you were compatible. If not, they werent meant for you. Hans rapid breakthrough owed much to his extraordinary physical condition, which was already on par with that of a trained martial artist. At the dining table, Han finally met his fellow disciples. Bai Tian had six disciples in total: four senior brothers and two senior sisters. Five of them were present at the martial hall. After brief introductions, Han wasted no time digging into the meal. He was genuinely starving. Breaking through to a new realm consumed significant energy, and his body was crying out for nourishment. The table was piled high with beast meat, and the taste was incredible. Each bite warmed his body, and he could feel his strength subtly increasing. After the meal, the disciples chatted briefly before Han was called back to training. Han immersed himself in practicing the secret technique, while Bai Tian stood nearby, offering instruction. Martial arts, at their core, are all about refining the body, Bai Tian began. In the Body Refinement Realm, the focus is on the skin and muscles. Secret techniques like yours strengthen them, and inner energy fortifies them even further. You can also accelerate the process through external meanslike strikes and herbal baths. Ill prepare the medicinal brews and baths for you, Bai Tian continued. Your only job is to focus on refining your body and cultivating your inner energy. Han didnt respond, fully absorbed in his training. Still, he felt a deep gratitude toward Bai Tian. He wasnt sure if all masters were as devoted to their disciples, but Bai Tians care and responsibility left a lasting impression. The entire afternoon was spent under Bai Tians guidance. He not only corrected Hans movements but also imparted valuable martial knowledge. The day concluded with Han soaking in a medicinal bath. The herbal concoction soothed his weary body, restoring vitality and washing away the fatigue of relentless training. After another hearty meal at the martial hall, Han headed home. As Han approached his house, he noticed something unusual: the front door was broken. Four men stood guard near the entrance. Upon seeing him, they immediately surrounded him. Youre Han, right? one of the burly men sneered, pressing a heavy hand on Hans shoulder. Master Huang wants to see you. Come with us. Han glanced at the group. Their smug expressions made it clear they werent expecting resistance. Two of them stood outmuscular and imposing. Han suspected they were martial artists. Huang Shiren, a wealthy man in town, hiring martial artists wasnt surprising. However, they were likely only in the Body Refinement Realm, as higher-level martial artists wouldnt stoop to such work. Hans eyes flicked toward his house. The broken door suggested these men had already forced their way in. Fortunately, he had taken the land and property deeds with him when he left that morningjust in case. Han smirked, his cautious nature paying off once again. Fine, he said calmly. Take me to this Master Huang. Lets see how many eyes he has. Chapter 9: Humans Are More Poisonous Than Ghosts The grand mansion stood imposing, with vigilant guards stationed at the entrance. Above the gate hung a plaque engraved with two characters: Huang Mansion. Han was escorted by four burly men into the estate, where Huang Shiren awaited him. Brother Zhou, we meet again, Huang greeted with a sly grin. Huangs square face was accentuated by a thin mustache. Unlike the common long-haired style of this era, his hair was cropped short and sparsely spread. He wore a long robe, an air of arrogance about him. I heard some troubling rumors latelyghosts haunting your place, no? Youre unharmed, I trust? Word has it youve also joined the Taibai Martial Hall to learn martial arts? A spirited choice at the age of twenty-two. I admire your determination. Thanks to you, Master Huang, Ive been doing quite well, Han replied, studying Huang Shiren. The mans appearance alone screamed treachery. Im glad to hear that, Huang said, sipping tea from an ornate cup. After a pause, he set the cup down and fixed his gaze on Han. Brother Zhou, you surely know why Ive invited you here today. Ive had my eye on that property of yours for some time now. Have you come to your senses over these past few days? If not, Id be happy to help you reconsider. After all, a haunted house is no small matter. Who knows? The disturbances could escalate. The thinly veiled threat only fueled Hans anger. It confirmed his suspicion that Huang Shiren was behind the ghostly attacks. Even though Han had dealt with one of the apparitions, it was clear that Huang had more tricks up his sleeve. The ghost that attacked him must have been a minor spirit, nothing formidable. Huang noticed Hans silence and furrowed his brows. Brother Zhou, a house is only worth keeping if youre alive to enjoy it. Yours is beyond your grasp. Im now a disciple of the Taibai Martial Hall, Han stated firmly. Huang chuckled. A disciple of the Taibai Martial Hall? This town is crawling with those. Who will care if you skip training tomorrow? When your body is found in a few days, the authorities might investigate but it wont bring you back. Brother Zhou, be smart. Do you really think you can rely on martial arts to challenge me? Even if I gave you four months, you wouldnt stand a chance. You lack connections, power, and influence. Youre Before Huang could finish, a commotion erupted outside. A disheveled woman, her clothes tattered and her face streaked with tears, rushed into the room. She threw herself at Huangs feet, clutching his leg desperately. Master Huang, please! Let me go home! My father passed away, and my mother is all alone. I need to take care of her. I beg you! The womans frantic tugging caused a few drops of tea to spill from Huangs cup. Moments later, several panicked servants appeared at the doorway, bowing repeatedly. They confessed their failure to restrain the woman and pleaded for forgiveness. Huang waved dismissively. Its fine. Leave us. Zhang and the others, you may go as well. Close the door behind you.Support creative writers by reading their stories on Royal Road, not stolen versions. The burly men who had brought Han departed, leaving only Han, Huang Shiren, and the woman in the room. Stand up and speak, Huang said, pulling the woman to her feet. Youve been here for five days, havent you? Yes, Master Huang. Please, have mercy and let me go home! she sobbed, her eyes swollen from crying. Han couldnt hold back any longer. I didnt expect Master Huang to stoop to abducting women. Truly despicable. Huang ignored Hans jab, addressing the woman instead. You said you need to take care of your mother Ah, yes, she lives in a small village east of town, doesnt she? I have some good news for you. Huangs face twisted into a smile, revealing yellowed teeth. You dont have to worry about her anymore. The day I brought you here I arranged for her departure as well. Its been several days now. By this time, Id imagine her bodys been picked clean by stray dogs. What a pity. Of course, if you head to the afterlife now, you might just reunite with her. The woman let out a piercing scream before falling silent, her face blank and devoid of emotion. Han clenched his fists and quickly stepped forward, pulling the woman behind him. He shielded her with his body, ready to defend her from any harm. Youre worse than a beast, Huang! You vile scum! Han shouted, his fury boiling over. The ghost he had encountered the night before seemed far less sinister than the man standing before him now. I had planned to toy with you a bit longer, Huang said, shaking his head in mock disappointment. Make you agree to hand over the property first then kill you. Young peoplealways so hot-headed. Huangs demeanor shifted as he retrieved a tattered flag from beneath the table. With a wave of his hand, he muttered an incantation under his breath. Whoosh! A gust of eerie wind swept through the room, and two ghostly figures materialized. Their wailing cries pierced the air. You cost me one ghost servant. You wont die easily for that. Hans eyes locked onto the tattered flag in Huangs hand. Could this be some kind of enchanted artifact? The two ghostly servants summoned by Huang Shiren howled as they lunged at Han, their eerie presence clawing at his very soul. Yet, within Hans mind, the vibrant liquid in his sea of consciousness emitted a faint glow, effortlessly dispelling the attack. The ghostly assault dissipated into nothingness, leaving Han entirely unaffected. Even their power of illusion, meant to ensnare him in a web of deception, was seen through with ease. Han remained clear-headed, his mind unshaken. Still, Han could tell that these two spirits were far stronger than the one he had faced the previous night. Impressive resolve, Huang Shiren remarked, his tone dripping with disdain. No wonder you managed to survive six days under my ghost servants torment. Sitting back in his chair, Huang sneered. Last night, you got lucky. Someone intervened and saved you. But tonight, who will save you now? Huangs mind wandered back to the events of the previous night. Upon discovering that one of his ghost servants had been destroyed, he immediately sent his men to investigate. The report they brought back mentioned nothing unusualexcept for the sighting of an old man and a young boy leaving Hans home. After piecing together information about the duo throughout the day, Huang felt confident in his conclusion: an external force had protected Han. This time, Huang was determined to eliminate Han quickly, avoiding unnecessary complications. Originally, he hadnt planned to kill Han in his own home. But Han had witnessed things he shouldnt have, forcing Huang to act decisively. Han, however, ignored Huangs taunts, his focus entirely on the two ghostly figures before him. Earlier that day, his master had offered him some crucial advice: When facing spirits, stay calm. A martial artists vitality, brimming with yang energy, is a natural counter to such dark, sinister forces. In the early stages of your training, youll have the upper handprovided the spirit isnt too powerful. Bam! Hans fist connected with one of the ghosts, the impact resounding through the room. A shrill scream escaped the spirit as a wisp of black smoke curled from its form. Without pausing, Han pressed the attack, his movements relentless. Alone against two ghosts, he fought with unyielding ferocity. In martial arts, there are two aspects: the method of practice and the method of combat. While the former focuses on improving ones cultivation, many training techniques also contain combat-ready moves. The Ox Form Training Method was no exception. Though primarily a cultivation practice, its techniques could be adapted for battle. Han, newly advanced to the Skin and Flesh stage, possessed exceptional talent. His skill far exceeded others at his level. Even techniques he had only seen once could be put to formidable use. Each punch and kick radiated the yang energy of his blood and vitality, clashing with the ghostly aura of death and decay. The two ghost servants, despite their malevolence, couldnt overpower him. The scene unfolding before Huang Shiren defied his expectations. Rising abruptly from his seat, he stared at Han in utter disbelief. A martial artist?! Huang exclaimed. Training for a single day and already a martial artist? Thats impossible! Chapter 10: A Fight for Survival In a single day, Han transcended his mortal limits and became a martial artist. Such feats were unheard ofeven before coming to Black Cloud Town, Huang Shiren had only heard vague rumors of such occurrences. He had dismissed them as baseless tales. Yet now, the impossible stood before him. Zheng! The ornate sword hanging on the wall emitted a sharp hum. Suddenly, it unsheathed itself and shot toward Han, hovering menacingly in the air. Psychic weapon controla unique ability of soul cultivators, fundamentally different from the methods of martial artists. Hans eyes narrowed as he noticed the flying sword and instinctively moved to evade it. But the two ghost servants grew even more aggressive, and a wave of invisible energy crashed into his mind, leaving him momentarily dazed. Slash! The sword grazed Hans body, slicing through his robes and leaving a deep gash. Blood sprayed into the air as pain surged through him, forcing him to stagger back several steps. Had he not twisted his body at the last moment, the blade would have struck his neck. That was... psychic shock? Han muttered through gritted teeth. Before he could process further, the sword and the two ghost servants attacked again in unison. Han fought to fend them off, but his movements were clumsy, and fresh wounds began to appear on his body. Hiss! The pain made Han suck in a sharp breath. With Huang Shiren personally joining the fray, the battle took a dire turn for Han. The ghost servants, while ferocious, were straightforward in their attacks. Han could handle them even with his limited combat experience. His innate yang energy offered him protection, and direct confrontation worked well enough. But against Huang Shiren, Hans lack of battle-hardened skills became glaringly obvious. Adding to the difficulty, Huang occasionally unleashed psychic shocks that further disoriented Han. While Hans cultivation could resist the illusions of the ghost servants, it wasnt enough to fully withstand the attacks of Huang, a ghost master. As his injuries multiplied and blood loss took its toll, Han felt a dark force stirring within him. A pair of bull-like demonic eyes seemed to appear in his mind, and suddenly, the pain vanished. His consciousness gave way to a feral, frenzied state. Youre a genius, Huang Shiren said with a sadistic smile. Your martial talent is extraordinary, and your will is unyielding. If given time, you might have become a martial powerhouse even at the age of twenty-two. Huangs voice carried a mix of mockery and excitement. Though his own talent was mediocre, the thrill of crushing a rising star brought him joy. I will extract your soul and turn it into my ghost servant. Despite his taunts, Huangs attacks never relented. His words were venom, but his blows were lethal. Han was barely holding on, his body covered in wounds. Yet, as the battle dragged on, something remarkable began to happenHans combat instincts and skills visibly improved. Indeed, Han was a natural-born talent, though his current abilities had been artificially enhanced by a treasure.This novel is published on a different platform. Support the original author by finding the official source. But the situation grew critical. Blood loss and exhaustion loomed like specters over Han. Desperation surged within him. Damn it, he thought. To hell with staying hidden! In that moment of resolve, a pattern resembling the Three-Light Fortune Mirror appeared on Hans right palm. He activated the artifact he had kept hidden all this time. Pouring his scarce inner energy into the mirror, Han felt it respond, even if the energy wasnt perfectly compatible. Instantly, a faint white glow enveloped his body. Huang Shirens psychic shocks crashed against the glow like stones sinking into the ocean, losing all their potency. With the artifacts protective light shielding him, Han unleashed a flurry of punches on the ghost servants. Their anguished howls filled the air as they staggered back, their forms flickering and fading. Empowered by the infused energy, the artifacts strength grew exponentially. Seizing the momentum, Han took a powerful step forward, closing the distance to Huang Shiren. His right fist shot forward like a cannonball. Huang Shiren, caught off guard, sent his flying sword to intercept. Fist clashed against blade, but Hans other foot lashed out, catching Huang Shiren squarely in the chest. Bang! The kick sent Huang Shiren crashing into the wall behind him with a deafening impact, reducing the structure to rubble. Pain shot through Hans right hand as the sword had managed to pierce his fist, though not deeply. The speed of the psychic-controlled weapon was incredible, making it nearly impossible to evade in such a confined space. While the artifacts light was highly effective against spiritual attacks, its defense against physical weapons was less reliable. Clang! The sword fell to the ground, its power spent. The two ghost servants, now severely weakened, retreated back into the tattered flag. Han stepped through the collapsed wall, his eyes locked on Huang Shiren, who lay sprawled amidst the debris. Huang Shiren lay in a pool of blood, his lifeless body grotesquely torn apart. His chest was split open, and crimson stains soaked the floor. It was evidenthe was dead. Dead by Hans hand. Han froze, staring at the corpse. The fiery battle lust that had consumed him moments ago dissipated, leaving him in a state of stunned clarity. Huang Shiren... was it really that simple? Had he truly died? Had Han just killed someone? His clenched fists loosened as the glow of the artifact faded, leaving his body exposed once more. Han gazed at Huangs lifeless form, his mind racing to catch up with the gravity of what had just happened. The pain from his injuries was momentarily forgotten. Ever since realizing he had transmigrated into this perilous world, Han had understood that this day would inevitably come. But he hadnt expected it to come so soonon only his second day here. A complex wave of emotions swirled in his chest. He didnt regret killing Huang Shiren. Nor did he feel disgusted or nauseous. Surprisingly, he was calmeerily calm. Still, there was no denying ithe had crossed a line he could never uncross. He had taken a life. For justice, theres no need for guilt, a gentle voice spoke behind him, accompanied by a firm pat on the shoulder. Startled, Hans body tensed as he spun around, his fist already halfway raised for a strike. Yet, before he could move further, his arm felt an invisible force press it down, holding him in place. He turned his head and found himself looking into the familiar face of his master. Master? What are you doing here? Han blurted out, a mixture of relief and confusion flashing across his face. Bai Tian, his towering and enigmatic mentor, placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder and replied evenly, When I learned someone had targeted you with such malicious intent, how could I, as your master, stand idly by? Ive been following you in secret ever since you left the martial arts hall. Unexpectedly, you gave me quite the surprise. Bai Tians lips curved into a faint smile. Impressive. Youve exceeded my expectations. Warmth spread through Hans chest. He hadnt expected Bai Tianrenowned head of the martial arts hallto personally watch over him. Or rather, to shadow him as protection. Hans impression of his master had always been of a mysterious and dutiful martial arts instructor, ruthlessly efficient in imparting knowledge. Bai Tians teaching methods felt more like a machine than a personbombarding him with advanced techniques and relentless drills. But now, Bai Tian seemed more human, more approachable, more real. Han had anticipated someone from the martial arts hall would quietly guard him after he left, but he never thought Bai Tian himself would take up the role. Earlier in the day, Han had consulted Bai Tian about ghost creatures and their manipulators. Bai Tian had given him a clear answer: the person controlling the ghosts to attack Han must be a cultivator, but likely not a high-level one. With time and training, Bai Tian had assured Han he would be able to handle such threats. It was those words of confidence that had encouraged Han to follow the men to Huang Manor. He wasnt marching in blindlyhe had come prepared. After all, Han wasnt foolish enough to follow their invitation without a plan. Now, however, another concern nagged at Han. Would Bai Tian notice the artifact he had used in the battle? What excuse could he come up with this time? Han, Bai Tians voice broke through his thoughts, his tone calm yet probing. Your background may not be as simple as you think. That sudden surge of powerit felt remarkably similar to bloodline magic. ... Han stiffened, speechless. Master, you hit the nail on the head. Chapter 11: A Living Hell An unreachable pinnacle of vitality? Well, Im speechless. A bloodline power hidden within me? I wouldnt know about that. Han glanced at his master, Bai Tian, and shrugged internally. Whatever Bai Tian decided to believe, Han wasnt about to argue. Bloodline power? Han repeated aloud, feigning confusion. Bai Tian nodded thoughtfully. Descendants of legendary figures sometimes inherit traces of their ancestors power. If awakened, it can become a formidable strength. However, the further removed one is from the source, the weaker the bloodline becomesunless a rare reversion occurs. Im merely speculating in your case, Bai Tian added. Its not a certainty. Han nodded in apparent ignorance while suppressing a sigh of relief. It seemed his equipment remained undetectableor perhaps only cultivators, not martial artists, could sense it. As the conversation faded, Han recalled the poor, battered woman from earlier. Without hesitation, he stepped over the collapsed wall and approached her lifeless body. Shes already gone, Bai Tian said quietly, halting Han in his tracks. Han turned to the womans corpse, a wave of sorrow washing over him. Not just her, Bai Tian continued. Aside from the martial artists, everyone else in Huang Manor is dead. Hans fists clenched. Why? What happened? Its a type of sorcery, Bai Tian explained. Huang Shiren extracted a fragment of their souls. Once he died, their lives were forfeit as well. Rage surged through Hans chest. The thought of killing Huang Shiren again suddenly felt all too appealing. Huang Manors inhabitants were mostly complicit in his evil deeds, Bai Tian said, placing a firm hand on Hans shoulder. They deserved their fate. As for the innocents... we couldnt save them. For them, death might have been a release. Go see for yourself. Walk to the rightyoull understand. Han nodded slowly, lifting the lifeless woman and placing her body gently against the wall. Bai Tian remained behind as Han ventured further into the ruins. The aftermath was horrifying. Corpses littered the ground, and a few martial artistsbarely alivelay restrained by Bai Tians earlier efforts. Han ignored them, his feet carrying him down a path to the right. At the end, he found a series of open doors and a building that resembled a crude stable. He entered the rooms first. Inside, young womens bodies lay scattered. Their pale skin bore bruises, and shackles marked their wrists and ankles. One room after another revealed the same haunting scenes. Hans expression remained stoic, but his clenched jaw betrayed the storm brewing within him. Finally, he reached the stable. He hesitated at the entrance, then stepped inside. Huang Shiren, you sick bastard The stench was overwhelming. The air was thick with the smell of filth and decay. The bodies here were worseboth men and women, their naked forms mutilated and scarred. Severed limbs, missing fingers, disfigured torsoseach corpse bore evidence of merciless torture. The stable itself was a cesspit of human suffering. Feces stained the corners, and flies buzzed over the remains.If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation. This wasnt just a massacre. This was hell on earth. Unable to bear the sight any longer, Han fled the stable, his fists trembling with uncontainable fury. Veins bulged on his hands and forehead as he stormed back to the restrained martial artists. The rage finally erupted. Han kicked one man to the ground and unleashed a flurry of punches and kicks. You call yourselves human? Han roared, his voice breaking. How could you do something so vile? You deserve a thousand deaths! Youre monsters! All of you! Youre worse than animals! You should burn in hell! His vision blurred with rage as he pummeled the men until they were barely conscious. Gasping for breath, Han staggered backward, his body trembling with adrenaline. Master, he muttered hoarsely. This is Black Cloud Towna civilized place with martial artists and even an official government. How could something like this happen right under their noses? How can such horrors exist in a land ruled by the Great Qi laws? Hans voice cracked as he questioned the world around him, his gaze vacant. Bai Tian looked at his distraught disciple and spoke softly: This is the nature of the world we live in. The nature of this world The words echoed in Hans mind, leaving him dazed. His strength seemed to drain away, replaced by a suffocating weight. His thoughts drifted to his past lifea world far more advanced and civilized than this one, at least for the lower and middle classes. Yet even in that world, hellscapes like this werent unheard of. In chaotic regions, in so-called civilized nations, atrocities still occurred. Hidden corners of cities harbored unspeakable acts. Now, in this primitive and brutal world, where extraordinary power existed alongside lawlessness, such horrors would only multiply. In a place like this, life without power was worthlessno better than a blade of grass trampled underfoot. For the first time, Han truly understood: to survive, one had to seize power. Only then could one truly live. Governments exist, and there are many virtuous martial artists. Yet, those who commit heinous crimes are often individuals wielding extraordinary power. Han wasnt aiming to be a saint, but he was a persona person with a conscience, a moral compass, and the values shaped by the nation he had once called home in his previous life. Witnessing such atrocities right before his eyes was unbearable. As someone who had only recently crossed over into this world, his worldview was still deeply rooted in his former life. Back then, even reading about such horrors in the news had filled him with indignation. Now, standing face-to-face with this hell, Han felt a profound shock to his core. This wasnt an abstract issue to be debated online; it was staring into the abyss of human depravity. Anyone with even a shred of humanity would find it impossible to stay calm or indifferent. Hans thoughts turned to the female ghost he had slain earlier. She had likely been one of the countless victims confined to those dreadful rooms. This damn world what a twisted, rotten place! He cursed under his breath, fury simmering in his voice. Bai Tian broke the silence. The aftermath of Huang Manors crimes will be handled by the authorities. Ill personally liaise with them. Given Bai Tians status, his involvement would undoubtedly draw significant attention to the matter. Alright then, Ill leave it to you. Thank you, Master, Han said, exhaustion weighing heavily in his tone. That flag, Bai Tian pointed to the tattered artifact on the ground, is a damaged magical instrument. Leave it behind; Ill turn it over to the officials. Dont worry, he added. The reward theyll offer will far exceed its current worth. It was a sound dealtrading the broken artifact for greater benefits. Han hesitated, then picked up the flag. Id rather destroy it. Who knows what might happen if someone misuses it in the future? While Han trusted the authorities, he wasnt naive. Who could guarantee that no one within their ranks would covet its power? Bai Tian took the flag from Hans hands, his expression contemplative. After a moment, he said, This artifact is already severely damaged. Huang Shirens intensive rituals further corrupted it, and his death has rendered it nearly useless. Destroying the two remaining ghost slaves tied to it will effectively nullify its power. Unless someone reforges itan expensive and complicated processits as good as scrap. Anyone capable of crafting a new artifact wouldnt bother with this junk, Bai Tian concluded. Relieved, Han nodded. Knowing it was essentially a worthless husk, he felt at ease handing it over to the authorities. Scanning the room, Hans mind sparked with a thought. Master, with Huang Shiren dead, is it possible for his soul to linger? Bai Tian shook his head. Until the moment of his death, he hadnt reached the stage where his soul could detach from his body. He was merely at the Visualization Realm. At this level, a cultivators soul cant survive without the body. Once the body dies, the soul enters the cycle of reincarnation. Reincarnation, huh? Han mused. Do you think its real? I cant say for sure, Bai Tian replied. But such tales have existed for centuries. Hans lips curled into a cold sneer. Even if reincarnation is real, scum like him would be reborn as nothing more than a beast in their next life. Bai Tian chuckled softly, then said, Ill release the ghost slaves tied to this artifact. Meanwhile, you should take a look around. If you find anything interesting, its yours to keep. Hans eyes lit up with understanding. His master was subtly granting him permission to claim the spoils of victory. Looting the enemy after a hard-fought battlehow could he refuse? Huang Shirens belongings undoubtedly held treasures that would catch Hans eye. Chapter 12: The Yaksha Visualization Technique Hiss... ha... oh... ah... Han made strange noises as he limped toward Huang Shirens corpse. He couldnt help ithe was in real pain. During the battle, Han had entered a peculiar state, one where pain was muted. Even after the fight, the horrifying sights had shocked his mind so much that it temporarily numbed his body. But now that he had calmed down and his thoughts began to settle, the wounds across his body were screaming for attention. This was his first time being cut by a swordacross both his lifetimes. Han couldnt help but think his master must have a big heart. Watching from the sidelines, Bai Tian hadnt even flinched as Han got slashed repeatedly, seemingly unconcerned about the possibility of a fatal mistake. This, Han realized, was the life of a martial artist. For a warrior, combat was a lifelong companion. Bai Tian was pleased to see Han experiencing the harsh realities of battle early on. Even more so, he was impressed by Hans performance. A genius was indeed a genius. Still, Bai Tian lamented that he hadnt seen his disciples peak physical potential, dulled by circumstances. It was one of lifes bitter ironies. Hans gaze turned icy as he looked at Huang Shirens cracked corpse. There wasnt an ounce of sympathy in his heart. For his first kill to be such a vile creatureit was, in its way, meaningful. You got off easy dying this quickly, Han muttered coldly. Perhaps it was the influence of his growing martial spirit, but the sight of so much blood didnt faze him at all. Han crouched to search the corpse but found no manuals or cultivation techniques. It made sensewho would carry such things around at home? Finding nothing of value, Han turned to leave. Though Huang Shiren had some gold, silver, and jade ornaments on him, Han didnt take a single piece. Instead, he picked up the sword lying nearby. Its blade reflected his face, its edge glinting with a cold, sharp light. What a fine sword, Han exclaimed. He didnt know much about swords, but having felt its cutting power firsthand, he could recognize its quality. Han decided to keep it as his prize of battle. Sliding the sword back into its scabbard, Han headed off to search Huang Shirens room. It didnt take long to find it, and after a thorough search, he discovered what he had been hoping for. He returned to Bai Tian with his findings. After examining the items, Bai Tian nodded. Nothing sinister here, he said, handing the materials back. I noticed you have a keen interest in soul cultivation. Take these and study themthey might prove useful. Bai Tians insight was remarkable as always. Grateful, Han happily stashed the items away before raising another topic. Master, Huang Shiren was quite wealthy. I have an idea. After this matter is dealt with, could we use some of his wealth to compensate the families of his victimsif any of them survived? Huang Shiren had been in Black Cloud Town for three years, wreaking havoc on countless families. The full extent of his crimes was known only to him and his accomplices, but Han could easily imagine the despair he had caused.Help support creative writers by finding and reading their stories on the original site. Using part of Huang Shirens ill-gotten gains to aid those families seemed like the least they could do. Of course, Han planned to keep a small portion for himselfhe was utterly broke, after all. Even so, most of the money would remain for others. Han felt no guilt about using Huang Shirens wealth for good. As for whether Bai Tian would take his share, that wasnt Hans place to ask. It was an unwritten rule, even recognized by the authorities, that warriors were entitled to claim spoils after taking down evildoers. Agreed, Bai Tian said, then glanced at Han. First, though, you should head to the martial hall and get some healing medicine from Ruoyue. Change into fresh clothes while youre at it. Han winced, the reminder of his injuries reigniting the pain. Thanking his master, he hurried off to the martial hall. Thankfully, his warrior physique kept him from fainting from blood loss. When Bai Ruoyue saw him, she was startled. Seeing Hans hurried demeanor, she thought he was being chased. Before Han could explain, she called over the other disciples in the hall. Han couldnt help but laugh bitterly as he spent a good amount of time clearing up the misunderstanding. Eventually, the group helped him apply medicine to his wounds. The healing salve was remarkably effective. It soothed his injuries with a cooling, tingling sensation, bringing instant relief. Afterward, Ruoyue suggested that Han spend the night at the hall, but he refused, insisting on going home. Unable to change his mind, Ruoyue personally escorted him back. When they reached his house, Ruoyue gave him an odd look. Junior Brother, you must have great neighborsyour house doesnt even have a door, she remarked. Hans lips twitched. Hed have to fix that door later. What a hassle. Ruoyue didnt stay long, reminding Han to rest and not overexert himself before leaving. Sitting in his room, Han poured himself a cup of water and stared into space, lost in thought. So much had happened in such a short time since his arrival in this world. Last night, he had faced ghosts. This morning, he had faced humans. By evening, he had faced monsters in human form. Three different moments, three entirely different battles. Han chuckled to himself. Did this count as upholding justice? He had thought his first nemesis in this world would be a formidable villain, someone hed need time and effort to overcome. But in the end, Huang Shiren turned out to be nothing more than a petty thug. Shaking off those thoughts, Han reached for the spoils he had taken from Huang Shiren: two paper manuals. "The Yaksha Visualization Technique" "Ghost Control Method" These were the entirety of Hans gains in the realm of soul cultivation from this encounter. Curious, Han first skimmed through "Ghost Control Method". True to its name, it detailed techniques for harnessing ghostly spirits for personal use. This method wasnt inherently evilit all depended on the practitioners intentions. While Han grasped the general purpose of the technique, certain parts of the cultivation process left him puzzled. The text used specialized terms he wasnt familiar with. It was, frustratingly, quite realistic. Setting it aside, Han opened the second manual. A quick glance was all it took for him to become engrossed. If "Ghost Control Method" was akin to combat techniques in martial arts, then the "Yaksha Visualization Technique" was like a cultivation method, designed to elevate the souls strength and level. Through this manual, Han finally began to understand the process of soul cultivation. He realized that the Sensing Phase he was currently in was analogous to the preparatory stage of martial artsmuch like building foundational health. It wasnt yet the true entry into the path of a cultivator. The Sensing Phase involved clearing ones mind of distractions, meditating to sharpen the spirit, and seeking a glimmer of inner clarity. Eventually, one would sense the presence of their Soul Havena unique spiritual space within themselves. Han had glimpsed his Soul Haven before, a small ethereal space he once inadvertently stumbled upon. While still in the Sensing Phase, one wasnt considered a true cultivator. However, their enhanced mental strength allowed them to resist common ghostly illusions. Thanks to the Life Essence he had consumed, Hans soul was already exceptionally robust. His spiritual power had reached a peak stage comparable to novice cultivators who had just begun their journey. In essence, Han was a dual prodigy, gifted in both the physical and spiritual realms. A talent without equalif only he had a cool code name to match. Furthermore, the life essence he absorbed had strengthened his soul to the point where he naturally sensed his Soul Haven. Once the Soul Haven was sensed, the next step was Visualization: meditating within the Soul Haven and imagining various objects. Successful visualization marked the true beginning of the path of cultivation. Huang Shiren had been a cultivator at the Visualization Phase, and the technique he practiced was none other than the Yaksha Visualization Technique. Han felt a mix of emotionsboth elation and concern. He was thrilled to have a clear path forward in soul cultivation and a method he could actually comprehend. But he was also worried that this visualization technique seemed of mediocre quality. In martial arts terms, if this were the equivalent of a secret-grade martial technique, Han might have been the one defeated in their battle earlier. Given Huang Shirens age and the fact that he was still stuck in the Visualization Phase, it was unlikely that the technique he practiced was particularly advanced. Han knew his talent in soul cultivation was exceptional. Hastily cultivating with a subpar technique would undoubtedly limit his future potential. Deep in thought, Han made a decision. Why not ask his enigmatic master, Bai Tian, for advice? Chapter 13: Two Chances to Chop the Sacred Tree The sound of the night watch drum echoed once more. In the courtyard, Han slowly completed his martial arts routine, anticipation gleaming in his eyes. Though it was still dark, a new day had begun, and that meant one thing: he could chop the Sacred Tree again! Wasting no time, Han returned to his room and logged into the Mystic Realm of the Immortal Tree. Without the thrill of chopping trees, he felt as if his soul were incomplete. As always, he first appeared in the dark space, where he could clearly see the magnificent silhouette of the Immortal Tree in its entirety. Moments later, he was transported into the mystic realm. The realm looked the same as it had during his last visit: the boundless Immortal Tree, the endless flowing rivers, and the familiar axe embedded in the stone slot. [Player: Han] [Life: Postnatal] [Soul Realm: Sensing Phase] [Physical Realm: Skin Stage (Initial Entry)] [Stamina: 2/2] [Items: Sanguang Spirit Mirror (Magical Artifact)] Han immediately noticed some changes in his stats. While his physical realm progression was expected, the increase in stamina was a pleasant surprise. Nice! Looks like my hard work and sweat yesterday werent wasted! Without hesitation, Han grabbed the axe and swung it forcefully at the Immortal Tree. Bang! As before, the impact sent him stumbling back a few steps, and the tree remained completely unscathed. This tree... its mystery was unfathomable. Two light orbs emerged from the Immortal Tree, just like last time. [Common Artifact: Hundred-Refined Inner Armor] A piece of inner armor forged by the Immortal Trees power, comparable to one crafted from expertly refined steel. It offers strong defense against physical attacks and moderate resistance to internal energy strikes. [Magical Artifact: Fragment of the Water-Repelling Pearl] A fragment of the renowned Water-Repelling Pearl, imbued with some of its original abilities. It repels ordinary water but has a limited duration of effectiveness. Han examined the items and nodded in approvalthey were valuable. Although these items werent as extraordinary as his first drops (thanks to the "first-drop bonus"), they were still excellent treasures. The Hundred-Refined Inner Armor was particularly practical. Many martial artists sought such items, but this one, crafted by the Immortal Trees power, was even more precious. Han could use it for a long time, and it might even save his life one day. If he had to commission something of similar quality, the cost would be astronomicalfar beyond his current means. Getting it for free was a stroke of luck, and Han couldnt help but feel smug. Any martial artist would envy him to the point of madness. As for the Fragment of the Water-Repelling Pearl, its function was self-explanatory. The full version of the Water-Repelling Pearl was a legendary artifact. Although this fragment had limited usefulness now, it might prove invaluable in the future. Han made a mental note to test its duration and effectiveness later. Stowing the items away with satisfaction, Han gripped the axe again and swung it with all his might.Unauthorized usage: this narrative is on Amazon without the author''s consent. Report any sightings. Come on, give me something amazing this time! [Low-Grade Spirit Plant: Foxtail Grass] A spirit plant manifested by the Immortal Trees power. Though low-grade, it strengthens internal energy upon consumption. ... A weed? Seriously? Han looked at the plant in his hand. It was unmistakably a foxtail grass, though its surface shimmered faintly with a mystical glow. This wasnt an ordinary foxtail grassit was the kind poets would write odes about. Ill ask Senior Sister Bai about spirit plants tomorrow, Han thought. He could make some educated guesses about its properties, but Bai Ruoyue would have more precise knowledge. Without further hesitation, Han popped the plant into his mouth and chewed. It tasted... bitter. Once again, the food in this Mystic Realm defied normal expectations. First glowing beans, now glowing grass. As the spirit plants energy surged through his body, Han felt waves of heat coursing uncontrollably within him. He immediately began practicing the Flat Sky Bull Demon Refinement, channeling the energy to maximize its benefits. During the process, even his lingering injuries started to heal at an accelerated rate. After some time, Han fully absorbed the plants medicinal properties. Mission accomplished! Checking his internal energy flow, Hans eyes lit up with joy. Where he once had only a single thread of internal energy after his breakthrough, he now had over a dozen. His progress was remarkable, and even his skin and muscles showed signs of refinement. However, he was still far from achieving the Minor Accomplishment stage, where internal energy could flow seamlessly through his entire body. Reaching that level required years of dedicated practice under normal circumstances. Cultivating secret techniques is all about tempering the body and fortifying internal energy. The stronger the internal energy, the greater the tempering effect on the bodyand vice versa, Han mused. Still, achieving a physique or energy level beyond your current stage isnt easy. Han knew his body surpassed his current realm, but not every martial artist could be as naturally gifted as he was. Placing the axe back into the stone slot, he gazed up at the boundless Immortal Tree and sighed in admiration. "This Immortal Tree is truly incredible. I can''t even imagine what level of existence it represents. If only I could keep chopping it forever..." Suddenly, a spark of inspiration flashed in Hans mind. The Great Immortal Tree was clearly an existence far beyond his imagination. What if he could... Contemplate the Great Immortal Tree? Wasnt that infinitely better than contemplating some Night Demon or other trivial figure? The thought made Han feel a rush of excitement. In the cultivation system, particularly in soul cultivation, the object of contemplation was crucial. The more powerful the object, the greater the benefits. The Great Immortal Tree was undeniably the perfect subject for Hans contemplation! Han paced beneath the tree, pondering the possibility of contemplating it. The more he thought about it, the more convinced he became. I wonder if I can return to the dark space where I could see the entire tree? As soon as this thought crossed his mind, Han found himself flying out of the Immortal Tree Realm, landing once again in the dark space. The once boundless and distant tree was now fully within Han''s view. He could see the trunks shape, the intricate patterns on the leaves, and how the roots spread beneath the ground. The clarity was astounding, and Han couldnt contain his joy. All the necessary conditions for contemplation were now met. Han was genuinely excited. He quickly left the space, returned to reality, and pulled out the Night Demon Contemplation Technique, carefully scanning it for any useful information.
The next morning, Han arrived at the Taibai Martial Arts Academy. Inside the hall on the first floor, the regular apprentices were still diligently practicing, hoping to break through their limitations and become true martial artists. Look, Hans here! A voice spoke up, drawing attention. Everyone turned toward the entrance, where Han walked in casually, hands behind his back. Hey, look at what hes wearingthose are the academy disciple robes! someone exclaimed, noticing something important. As soon as the words were out, those who hadnt been paying attention now focused their eyes on Han. It was indeed the disciples uniform! "Senior Brother He." "Junior Brother Zhou." The two main disciples greeted each other, and all the apprentices fell silent. Just a day ago, Han had been a regular apprentice who had just signed up. Now, in the blink of an eye, he was wearing the robes of the academys most prestigious disciples. Everyone was stunned. Han glanced at the apprentices. Their eyes were filled with complex emotions. In just one day, his status had shifted dramatically. Han smiled but didnt say anything. He simply walked over to find Bai Tian. By the way, Han did have to admitthe Taibai Martial Arts Academy robes looked pretty good. He was quite fond of them. "With such fine attire, I must live up to the standards!" Chapter 14: Senior Sister Cant Handle It Anymore "You''ve recovered quite well." Bai Tian glanced at Han and noticed that his condition had improved significantly. "The academy''s healing medicine has been very effective." Han quickly shifted the topic. "Master, are you familiar with soul cultivation?" Bai Tian nodded. "When I was younger and traveling outside, I studied it a bit." "Physical cultivation and martial arts are for warriors." "Spirit cultivation and Taoist practices are for cultivators." "Theres no superiority between the two paths; both lead to the ultimate road. Its said that if you reach the deepest levels, you can gain extraordinary abilities." Han asked again, "Can martial arts and Taoist practices be practiced together?" "Of course, as long as you have the talent for it," Bai Tian replied. "However, martial arts are easy to see, while cultivators are much rarer. The threshold for Taoist practices is much higher than martial arts." "Are you interested in Taoist practices?" Bai Tian asked. Han nodded. "Your talent in martial arts is exceptional. I wouldn''t recommend you focus on Taoism. Plus, whether you have the talent for Taoist cultivation is still unknown." "Perhaps the incident with the ghosts sparked your interest in Taoism, but warriors are no less than cultivators. In fact, in the early stages, warriors hold an advantage. You don''t need to be overly fixated." Practicing both martial arts and Taoist practices sounds impressive, but each of them requires a lifetime of dedication. Pursuing both would significantly slow your progress, and the demand for resources would be immense. While the future may be bright for someone who practices both, the reality is brutal. Bai Tians advice made sense, but Hans situation was far from typical. "Master, I believe I have some talent in Taoist cultivation as well," Han said seriously. "Oh?" "Ive already sensed the Soul Homesteadit happened the night before last." "???" Bai Tian knew what the Soul Homestead was, but was this even possible? "After the ghost attack that night, I started sensing the Soul Homestead, but before I obtained the Night Demon Contemplation Technique, I didnt know what it was." "Born with a strong soul, the Soul Homestead opens naturally" Bai Tian murmured, gazing at his disciple with an indescribable expression. "So, you''re a genius in Taoist practices? A natural born genius whose Soul Homestead opened on its own?" Is this really the disciple I, Bai Tian, have taken in? After a long pause, Bai Tian said, "If thats true, then your Taoist talents are indeed excellent, no less than your martial arts talents." Taoist practices: Soul Homestead opens on its own.Unauthorized duplication: this narrative has been taken without consent. Report sightings. Martial arts: Born with vitality. Both are naturally at their peak, without the need for special training, already at the pinnacle of the entry level. Bai Tian sighed regretfully. "Its a shame that youve been through the ghost incident, and both your body and soul foundation were damaged. Otherwise, your talents would be even more astounding." "What a pityyou cant cultivate with your peak talent, and youll never see the best version of yourself. Its truly unfortunate." Han remained silent. The misunderstanding was growing larger. "Master, do you know about the Contemplation Diagram?" Han chose to avoid the subject and asked about what concerned him. "I know a little, though I dont have a Contemplation Diagram," Bai Tian replied. "By contemplating certain things within the Soul Homestead, cultivators can strengthen their soul power and even imbue their soul power with specific traits. If they can achieve flawless contemplation, they can break through to the next realm." "Mountains, rivers, objects, living beingsanything can be an object for contemplation. Its said that some top-tier Contemplation Diagrams involve legendary deities and have incredible effects." At this point, Bai Tian shook his head. "But that''s just a legend. Ive never seen such a diagram." "The Night Demon Contemplation Diagram you have is acceptable." "What if I contemplate the sun directly?" Hans mind began to race. Bai Tian chuckled and said, "Contemplation is not about wishful thinking." "If you attempt to contemplate the sun without any preparation, what will appear in your Soul Homestead is just a ball of lightneither the shape of the sun nor the essence of the sun itself. Unless you have a Contemplation Diagram that captures the true form and divine essence of the sun." "I dont have a Contemplation Diagram, but if I could get close to the sun, leaving no part of it unseen, would it be possible to contemplate successfully?" "Of course, its possible. After all, the ancestors didnt have Contemplation Diagrams either. How did they contemplate?" "They faced the real world and all its things directly." Han got the answer he wanted, feeling invigorated. Contemplating the Great Immortal Tree was possible! "Master, you really know a lot," Han said with admiration. "Once you travel to many places and meet many people, youll acquire a lot of knowledge too," Bai Tian replied, suddenly looking lost in thought. "Since you have such outstanding talent in Taoist practices, make good use of it," Bai Tian continued, returning to the conversation. "As for that Night Demon Contemplation Diagram, dont practice it for now. Ill see if I can find a better one." "The government might have something useful." Han looked at Bai Tian, feeling a mixture of emotions swirling inside him. His master, who had only taken him in just two days ago, had been incredibly kind to himso kind that Han felt a little uneasy. He really wanted to tell his master that he didnt need the Contemplation Diagram, but he wasnt sure how to say it. Han decided to step away and think about how he could explain things to Bai Tian. Master, I wont disappoint you. Bai Tian smiled but didnt say anything. Han left his masters side and went to find Bai Ruoyue. As per Bai Tian''s arrangement, Han was supposed to spend some time each day learning from Bai Ruoyue. When he found her, she was practicing martial arts in the backyard. Upon noticing Hans arrival, she didnt stop her movements. Han stood off to the side, observing for a while, and silently praised her skillsimpressive! The martial arts uniform at the academy was loose, often concealing Bai Ruoyue''s figure. But as she performed various movements, her shapely, curvy figure became more apparent. He hadnt expected her to be such a "plump" beauty! Han, with the purest mindset of learning martial arts, watched her with unblinking eyes, filled with genuine admiration. Martial arts practice, after all, was completely about focus! "Senior Sister, is there a way to quickly temper the body and enhance internal energy?" In between lessons, Han seized the opportunity to ask a question. "Of course," Bai Ruoyue nodded and replied. "Consuming higher-level beast meat or taking spirit plants can help achieve that effect." "Spirit plants?" "Plants that contain abundant vital energy and special powers. They''re rare, but they have remarkable effects on cultivation." "Ive consumed a few in the past, and every time, my cultivation level improved greatly in a short period." "Where can I find such spirit plants?" Han asked eagerly. "They can be found in places like Black Mountain and beneath Yunjiang, but the former is the main source." Bai Ruoyue glanced at Han and gently tapped his head with a book. "How long have you been practicing martial arts? Why are you already thinking about such things?" "If my father acquires any more spirit plants, youll certainly get your share. You dont need to rush." Han nodded to himself. It seemed that although spirit plants were useful, they werent extremely rare. "Senior Sister," Han called again. "What is it now?" "I went back to practice a bit last night, and I feel like my internal energy has increased a lot. Do you think Ill be able to reach the ''minor success'' stage soon?" Han was trying to bolster his image as a genius. This way, when he eventually did something extraordinary, Bai Ruoyue and the others would be more likely to accept it. "Just one night of practice and your internal energy has increased? Really?" Bai Ruoyue smiled, not quite believing it. She thought maybe her junior brother hadnt fully woken up yet. Even geniuses have their limits. "Let me see." She placed a hand on Han''s shoulder, and immediately, her smile froze. How could he have so much? So much and it was burning hot. Bai Ruoyue truly couldnt handle it anymore. Chapter 15: The Three Supreme Skills of Taibai Senior Sister, has it increased? Bai Ruoyue stared at Han and finally uttered two words. Freak. In just one night, your internal energy has grown so much. Junior Brother, you always manage to surprise people. Han humbly replied, I was just practicing, and my internal energy naturally expanded. Of course, he kept quiet about the spirit plant matter. Such progress was purely thanks to his own effort! Bai Ruoyue sighed, Junior Brother, if you had started cultivating at twelve, youd have surpassed me by now. Whats your cultivation level now, Senior Sister? Han asked curiously. Organ stage, Bai Ruoyue explained. In martial arts, you first temper your body, then strengthen your muscles and veins, and finally enhance your organs. Im currently at the third stage of martial arts, while most other junior brothers are still in the muscle stage. Im eighteen this year and have been cultivating for six years. Ive made some progress, and among my peers in Black Cloud Town, no one is stronger than me. Bai Ruoyue was clearly a little proud. Han wasnt surprised by his senior sisters genius. It was obvious from her mastery of the secret martial arts techniques. What did surprise him was that this plump senior sister was only eighteen? This was what eighteen looked like? The future was truly boundless Junior Brother, if you keep working hard, your achievements wont be small, Bai Ruoyue said seriously. Then well join forces to make the Taibai Martial Arts Academy the strongest in Black Cloud Town, and even spread our name far and wide! Bai Ruoyues eyes gleamed with determination. My dream is to make the Taibai Martial Arts Academy the most famous martial arts sanctuary in the Great Qi Dynasty! Junior Brother, with your talent, youll definitely help me achieve that. Bai Ruoyue said this casually, but it wasnt inappropriatesince Han became her disciple, he was already considered a part of this. Of course. The martial arts academy is like my family! Han didnt hesitate. Though he hadnt been at Taibai Martial Arts Academy for long, he liked the people here. They were kind and treated him well. He fully supported the academy and had no intention of betraying his master or stealing any of the academy''s techniques. Spreading the name of Taibai Martial Arts Academyit''s our duty! The first step to making it great? Education! In the afternoon, Han sat cross-legged, feeling his stomach convulsing intensely, as though something special was happening inside him. Mooh! A faint sound resembling that of a bull demon echoed, and Han opened his eyes with a gleam of joy. The Sun Swallowing Technique, Ive mastered the basics! This secret technique related to consumption, under Bai Tians guidance, had taken Han half an hour to get a grasp of.Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon. The technique mainly involved the stomach and intestines, using special methods to stimulate them, enabling them to have stronger digestive and absorption abilities. According to Bai Tian, practicing the Sun Swallowing Technique early would benefit Hans future cultivation in the organ stage. Han picked up the prepared beast meat and swallowed it in one bite. As the Sun Swallowing Technique activated, the meat was quickly digested and absorbed. His digestive system was terrifyingly efficient! No wonder they say that, once the technique is perfected, one could even survive on stones and dirt. Right now, Han couldnt do thatdigesting stones was much more difficult than digesting meat. Just then, Bai Tian and Zhang Yuantao arrived. Half an hour to master the Sun Swallowing Technique? Junior Brother, your talent is truly enviable, Zhang Yuantao praised. Being Bai Tian''s disciple, Zhang Yuantao was undoubtedly talented as well, but there was still a clear gap between them. Compared to his younger disciple, Zhang Yuantao felt utterly "dull and hopeless." He was Bai Tians third disciplesteady and reliable, often handling most of the martial arts academys affairs. Bai Ruoyue was the eldest disciple, He Feng was the fifth disciple, and there was also the fourth disciple, Su Changan. The sixth disciple, Shen Yu, was also a woman, just like Bai Ruoyue. Bai Tians second disciple, Shen Long, was not at the academy at the moment, rumored to be in Black Mountain. Han, after joining, felt fortunate that his timing wasnt too early or too late. Otherwise, he mightve ended up as the sixth or eighth disciple Master, Third Senior Brother, Han greeted. Your techniques, both the martial arts and the consumption techniques, are well on their way, Bai Tian said warmly, But as a martial artist, do you know what youre still missing? Without hesitation, Han answered, Combat techniques! The basics are training techniques, consumption techniques are supplementary, and combat techniques are the key to survival! Correct, its combat techniques, Bai Tian affirmed. Our Taibai Martial Arts Academy has three supreme skills: Sword, Fist, and Steps. You can practice all three. However, sword techniques are difficult to master, so you should focus on fist and step techniques, while supplementing your training with sword techniques. Han nodded, but his mind couldnt help but wander to another "three supreme skills." Heh, just thinking about it made him feel awkward. Swordsmanship was hard to master because it was a lifelong endeavor. But among these three supreme skills, Han was still most interested in swordsmanship. And remember, the foundation lies in the basic techniques. Do not slack off on the basics just because of the allure of the ultimate skills. After saying that, Bai Tian personally began teaching Han the three supreme martial arts, while Zhang Yuantao, who had come along to check on Han, left shortly after. The Taibai martial arts were famous throughout the entire Black Cloud Town. The three training methods available to the academys apprentices were part of the Taibai Fist Art. After tempering the body, there were techniques for strengthening the muscles, veins, and internal organs. However, these techniques were not accessible to apprentices. Another group within the martial arts academy was the advanced apprentices. They still practiced the body-tempering techniques, but the academy would also teach them combat techniques, allowing them to progress in both practicing and fighting simultaneously. Of course, the advanced apprentices didnt learn the supreme skills of Taibai; instead, they were taught martial arts created or gathered by Bai Tian himself. The teaching continued well into the evening. These three supreme skills are not something you can master overnight, Bai Tian reminded him, But youre already close to the basics. With diligent practice, you will surely achieve great things. Bai Tian couldnt help but feel a sense of admiration. His young disciple was so easy to teach. Many things were easily understood and quickly grasped by Han. Generally speaking, combat techniques were harder to master than basic techniques, yet this disciple was picking them up quickly. Han couldnt help but suspect that the mysterious life essence might have enhanced his comprehension, elevating his overall abilities. Theres one more thing. Since you have the potential for Taoist arts, the sword you received from Huang Shiren will be very useful to you. Whats so special about that sword? Han asked, puzzled. Han hadnt brought the sword home from Huang Shirens place. Bai Tian had told him to let him take a look first. That sword is forged from a rare material called Soul Silver, Bai Tian explained. Its not a magical artifact, but its perfect for spiritual control. Soul Silver? Han was confused. Most weapons for martial artists are made from metals or ores, but these kinds of weapons are only suitable for martial artists. Cultivators find it hard to wield them with their spiritual powerits like a child trying to use a heavy iron hammer. But some materials naturally possess soul properties. When forged into weapons, they allow cultivators spiritual power to easily merge with the weapon, controlling it as if it were an extension of their own body. Bai Tian patiently explained this rare knowledge, which few people in Black Cloud Town were aware of. Han thought for a moment and said, Seems like Huang Shirens background is quite mysterious. He must be wealthy. This is Black Cloud Town. No matter who he is or where he comes from, he wont be able to stir up much trouble here, Bai Tian said dismissively. After dinner at the martial arts academy, Han quickly headed home. Without any hesitation, he entered the Secret Realm of the Immortal Tree. He was ready to visualize the Great Thousand Immortal Tree! Chapter 16: Breakthrough—Entering the Visualization Realm! The Great Thousand Immortal Tree, shrouded in mystery, is ancient beyond belief. Han was certain that visualizing the Immortal Tree was far superior to visualizing the Yaksha. Even though Bai Tian suggested trying to obtain a visualization diagram from the authorities, Han still didnt believe anything could surpass the Great Thousand Immortal Tree. The Great Qi government was powerful, and perhaps they possessed the legendary top-tier visualization diagrams. But such diagrams, Han was certain, would be out of his reach. Therefore, the Great Thousand Immortal Tree was his bestand onlychoice. If the visualization diagram were subpar, it would put someone at a disadvantage right from the start, just like the gap in martial arts techniques. Could the Great Thousand Immortal Tree be inferior? Absolutely not. In the dark space, Han found himself at a place closest to the Immortal Tree and began his meditation, visualizing this divine tree. Though the Yaksha''s visualization diagram was imperfect, it contained universal principles that Han had already mastered. He understood the fundamentals of the Visualization Realm very well. As he meditated, Han found himself feeling faintly connected to a tree. Roots... trunk... branches... leaves... A tree, almost identical to the Great Thousand Immortal Tree, appeared in Han''s soul space. The moment it manifested, something extraordinary happened. The gray mist around his soul began to swirl, and strands of mist flowed into the "Immortal Tree." When they re-emerged, they had turned into transparent liquid threads. These transparent liquid threads fell into the "puddle" at the center of his soul space, enlarging it. The once colorful puddle slowly turned transparent. This process continued for some time, and Han could feel his soul space expanding. The "puddle" had also grown significantly. At some point, Han woke up, immediately sensing that something was different. It was as if he had entered another world, disconnected from the mortal realm. ... Soul Realm: Visualization Realm Physical Realm: Body Tempering (Initial Stage) Stamina: 2/2 ... Opening his panel, Han noticed two changes. His soul cultivation had officially entered the Visualization Realm, and his stamina had been fully restored! Did I meditate for that long? Han was surprised. When he left for home, the sun had just set, and now, looking at the time, it was already past midnight. But the results were gratifyinghis soul had entered a new realm. The Taoist arts'' Visualization Realm was different from martial arts'' body temperingit didnt have the small stages. Looking at his soul space, Han immediately noticed the expansion and the tree that was now so prominent.Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere. At present, the visualization of his Immortal Tree was still rudimentary, lacking the vivid detail and divine aura. His next step would be to perfect this visualization until it was a perfect replica, imbued with complete spiritual resonance. Once that happened, the Visualization Realm would be complete. Is it only through martial arts breakthroughs that stamina increases, or does each major realm only increase stamina once? Or is it only the highest cultivation path that affects it? Han wondered. But this didnt stop him from entering the Immortal Tree Secret Realm and starting his tree-cutting. With two powerful swings, two glowing orbs appeared in front of him. Rare Item: Chicken Blood Stone Transformed by the power of the Immortal Tree, this stone has been soaked in the blood of the Eight-Treasure Chicken. When used for cultivation, it absorbs the power of chicken blood, strengthening vitality and fortifying the body. Weapon Fragment: Eagle Beak Spear (Shard) Transformed by the power of the Immortal Tree, this is a broken weapon. The spearhead is missing, and only the spear shaft remains, extremely tough. Hans expression upon seeing these items could only be described as: Old Man Subway Phone Meme.jpg Chicken blood stone? Absorb chicken blood power for cultivation? Really, just like injecting "chicken blood" into your system... Weapon shard with only the shaft? Without the spearhead, how can it even pierce anything? Though strange, the quality of this loot was clearly much better than the previous time. His soul realm had entered the Visualization Realm, and the impact on his loot was evident. Though his stamina hadnt increased, the quality of the drops had risen. This weapon must correspond to magical artifactsexclusive weapons for martial artists. Martial artists use forged weapons, ordinary tools compared to magical artifacts. Han was a little disappointedwhy no sword? He was planning to practice swordsmanship. He stored the two items and looked at the Immortal Tree. Ever since successfully visualizing the Immortal Tree, Han felt an inexplicable sense of familiarity with it, as though it had subtly connected with him. He couldnt figure out what was happening. Could it be that some hidden change occurred when he visualized the tree? ... What? You had another dream last night, similar to the one before, and you successfully visualized the tree? Bai Tian looked at Han, slightly bewildered. Yes, last night I was in a daze again, and it seemed like I had the same dream as before, Han explained. When I woke up, I realized there was a tree-like visualization in my soul space, and Ive entered the Visualization Realm now. Han suddenly looked concerned and asked, Master, is there something wrong with my body? Youre not the one with problems, but I think I might be... Bai Tian suddenly had a headache. What was going on with this disciple? Dream-killing demons, dream breakthroughs Bai Tian racked his brain, trying to make sense of it all. Could this disciple have some special bloodline, or is he the reincarnation of some Daoist master? Bai Tian suddenly had an epiphany, and the more he thought about it, the more it seemed possible. It was said that when one reached the pinnacle of Taoist arts, they could transcend the mortal realm and even reincarnate. Though Bai Tian had never encountered such a case, due to his past experiences, he knew that many legendary tales werent entirely baseless, mere fantasies. Could a Taoist master have taken an interest in Han and transmitted their knowledge through dreams? Bai Tian pondered. The whole dream cultivation, sleeping breakthroughs situation was simply too absurd. Master, what do you think happened to me? Han asked anxiously. Well... Im not sure, Bai Tian shook his head. But its probably a good thing. Theres no need to worry. Sigh, I guess it has to be that way. Han sighed and then assured Bai Tian that there was no need to worry about obtaining a visualization diagram. Bai Tian agreed with this. It was impossible for one person to visualize multiple diagrams at the same time. Go ahead and leave, Bai Tian waved his hand. I need some time to think, he added. Han left with a worried expression, but inside, he was at ease. All settled. Han silently thought to himself. Seeing Bai Tians expression, he knew that his master had come up with a reasonable explanation for his situation. As for the absurdity of his experiences, it didnt matter if Han couldnt make up a flawless answer. His master would do it for him. The truth was, Han could have kept his entry into the Visualization Realm a secret from Bai Tian. But if he did, Bai Tian would inevitably go out of his way to find a visualization diagram, only for Han to be unable to use it. That would waste Bai Tians efforts. Besides, obtaining a visualization diagram from the government? How easy could that be? Senior Sister! After a night of cultivation, I feel like my body has become much sturdier and stronger! Big progress! ? Bai Ruoyue sensed something was off. She felt like shed heard this before. Really? Let me take a look. Wait, his body... Why is it like this? So firm, so rigid. Bai Ruoyue couldnt take it anymore. Chapter 17: New Drops! Looking at Hans confused expression, Bai Ruoyue couldnt quite accept what she was seeing. What on earth is this? Why does it seem so strange? The night before, his internal energy had skyrocketed, and last night, his body became stronger. Bai Ruoyue had always been confident in her own talents, and even though Han had extraordinary potential, she didnt think he could catch up to her. After all, there were still two or three realms between them. But now, Bai Ruoyue was starting to have second thoughts. "Senior Sister, whats wrong?" Han asked. "Dont talk to me, I need some space," Bai Ruoyue responded, a little shaken. Why do both father and daughter seem like they need some space now? "Oh, by the way, why did you suddenly start calling me Senior Sister? Havent you always called me Sister before?" Bai Ruoyue suddenly asked. Han was taken aback, his gaze shifting awkwardly. "Out of respect," he said. ... That night, Han entered the secret realm right on time at midnight. The refresh of his stamina was the moment he was most looking forward to. He loved chopping trees, and he wanted to chop trees for the rest of his life. With his axe raised high, it came crashing down with a heavy thud. To Hans surprise, this time, three items dropped at once. [Low-grade Spirit Plant: Sunflower Fruit] [A celestial-grade plant with dual effects to enhance both physical strength and internal energy.] [Mortal Artifact: Hundred Refinements Helm] [Has strong physical defense and some resistance against internal energy attacks.] [Mortal Artifact: Hundred Refinements Gloves] [Has a balanced combination of defense and offense.] Han immediately put away the two Hundred Refinements items. They were good, but there was no need to study them further. Another spirit plant dropped, and Han was quite happy about it. "Sunflower Fruit... Isnt that just sunflower seeds? They made it sound so formal!" With the next swing of his axe, only one item dropped this time. [Magic Artifact: Pure Heart Jade Pendant (Fragment)] [Fragment of a Pure Heart Jade Pendant. Wearing it calms the mind, dispels distracting thoughts, and can resist mind-altering powers, keeping the heart as clear as ice.] A magic artifact fragment, clearly meant for Taoist cultivation, Han was very pleased with this item. Magic artifacts were high-tier goods, and their fragments were still treasures. Han wasnt about to complain. Han happily began snacking on sunflower seeds, feeling special energy flowing into his body and internal energy. His strength was rapidly increasing. Eating sunflower seeds to get strongerwho knows how other people train? By morning, when Han arrived at the martial arts hall, his respected Senior Sister, without waiting for him to speak, reached over and touched him again. Well, the volume had increased again. And it had become firmer. Senior Sister was getting numb to it. "Bang! Bang!" After a steady day of training at the martial arts hall, nightfall came again. In the secret realm, Han chopped away relentlessly, turning into an emotionless tree-chopping machine. Every tree he chopped was one tree less. Han was keeping track of his time, not wanting to waste a single moment. After two consecutive swings, three items dropped. Not bad at all. [Weapon Material: Silver Essence]Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon. [Material for forging weapons. Can be used by skilled craftsmen to forge a weapon.] [Low-grade Soul Plant: Soul Nourishing Grass] [Can nourish the soul and enhance its power.] [Low-grade Soul Plant: Poisonous Soul Grass] [Contains poison for the soul. Can poison ones soul, and if not detoxified, will cause the soul to scatter within half an hour.] These two tree chops dropped items Han had never seen before. Weapon materials and soul plants! Han looked over the Silver Essence in front of him. It was a good item, but unfortunately, it wasnt useful for him, so he stored it away. But the two soul plants were interesting. One nourished the soul, the other poisoned it! Han pondered for a moment. Both would be useful for him. A huge profit! After consuming the Soul Nourishing Grass and visualizing for a while, Han felt his soul space expand again. Training was truly blissful. The next morning, Han and the others gathered outside the Taibai Martial Arts Hall. Bai Tian was heading to Black Mountain, and his disciples came to see him off. Before leaving, Bai Tian gave some instructions, and then especially told Han: Do not slack off while Im away. When I return, Ill test your progress. Dont worry, Master, Han responded. On my way to Black Mountain, Ill keep an eye out for spirit plants. If I find any, Ill bring them back to help you advance. The martial arts hall will be in your care while Im gone. Master, you dont need to keep saying that. The more you do, the more it feels like youre putting up a flag, and Im really worried now. Bai Tian left, and not far off, an old man and a young one were waiting. "Where is everyone else?" Bai Tian asked. Meng Hao shook his head. "The other two hallmasters turned me down, saying they were too busy. This Black Mountain trip will just be the three of us." "Thats fine." Bai Tian nodded. Three people or five, he didnt care. As long as that Wood Elder was with them, it was good enough. Before leaving, Meng Hao glanced back at the Taibai Martial Arts Hall. Master Bai really has taken in a good disciple, Meng Hao remarked, somewhat unexpectedly. Bai Tian smiled. Theyre all quite exceptional. Just earlier, Wood Elder had transmitted a message to Meng Hao, saying that the person who had once encountered the ghost was now a martial artist, and their progress had been impressive. Such talent was quite rare, and coupled with the events of the past, Meng Hao found Han interesting. Watching the three leave, Han asked curiously, Who are the other two people? I dont know. They seem to be young masters from other places, with a bodyguard, Bai Ruoyue replied, shaking her head. They wanted to go into Black Mountain, so they asked my father to guide them. I dont know why he agreed. The more Han heard, the worse it seemed. Outsiders, heading into Black Mountain, and asking for a guide? There was an unsettling dj vu about this. Han asked again, What else is in Black Mountain besides the barbarian beasts? Could it pose a threat to Master? Sixth Sister, Shen Yu, smiled and answered, There are also demons and ghosts, treasures, and various other mysteries. Its said that the Mountain God resides in Black Mountain. But I doubt anything could threaten Master. Shen Yu had a graceful appearance, with a delicate, gentle air about her. Mountain God? Han asked, intrigued. Han recalled the memories of his original body and remembered that there were indeed rumors about the Mountain God in Black Cloud Town. Not only was there the legend of the Mountain God, but also the tale of the Dragon Lord of Yunjiang! In this extraordinary world, Han thought, these legends of the Mountain God and the Dragon Lord might not be entirely false. "Black Mountain is a place you will eventually need to visit," Bai Ruoyue said. "Martial artists cant just train in isolation. They need real combat experience. The savage beasts in Black Mountain make for excellent opponents." "If advanced apprentices want to stay in the martial arts hall without paying tuition, they must regularly venture into Black Mountain to hunt the beasts." "The beasts they hunt become their tuition." "The savage beasts, huh..." Han said, intrigued. He was eager to see them for himself. His internal energy was already boiling, and his body was craving action! His hard training over the past few days had shown results, and his strength had increased significantly. After lunch, Han told Bai Ruoyue he was stepping out. "Is something wrong?" she asked. "My houses door still isnt fixed" Han said with a sigh. For the past few days, he had been living without a door. "..." Bai Ruoyue nodded in agreement. Han quickly took care of the door problem and left the town, heading toward the Yunjiang River. Bai Tian''s departure reminded Han of somethinghe still hadnt tested the power of the Water Avoidance Pearl fragment. So, he decided to take the opportunity to try it out. This was Han''s first time at Yunjiang. The river was vast, with waves crashing against the banks, its waters flowing endlessly toward the horizon. Han glanced around, making sure no one was nearby. "Splish!" Han dove into the water, swimming gracefully. The powerful current didnt hinder him at all. What was most astonishing, however, was that Hans clothes didnt get wet, and he was still breathing underwater! It felt as if an invisible barrier had separated him from the river, creating a dry space beneath the water. Furthermore, Han didnt feel the usual human fear of deep water. This was the effect of the Water Avoidance Pearl fragment. Han was quite satisfied. Looking at the Water Avoidance Pearl in his hand, which was emitting a soft blue glow, Han suddenly noticed that the light seemed to dim slightly. "This must be the time limit," Han thought. "Once the blue glow completely fades, the Water Avoidance Pearl will temporarily be unusable." This was the flaw of the artifact fragment. If it were a complete Water Avoidance Pearl, it would have no significant consumption when warding off water. For the next period of time, Han continued to move beneath the Yunjiang, wanting to test the limits of the Water Avoidance Pearl fragment. Gliding smoothly, Han became like a fish in the water, encountering all kinds of aquatic animals and plants. Wherever he went, fish and shrimp hurriedly scattered, with Han becoming the "bully" of Yunjiang. "Wait... what''s that?" At one point, Han spotted a glowing water plant growing on a patch of mud. He swam closer, only to freeze in place. This plant looked eerily familiarit seemed like one of the spirit plants he had eaten before. But this one was the aquatic version. "Spirit plants are found in both Black Mountain and beneath Yunjiang..." Han remembered Bai Ruoyues words and confirmed the identity of this glowing plant. A smile spread across his face. Sure enough, people with a good heart tend to have good luck. This spirit plant... its fate that we meet! Han swam toward the plant, but just as he got closer, the water suddenly churned. "Whoosh!" A shadow shot toward him at lightning speed! A sneak attack! Chapter 18: The Rising Dragon The dark shadow shot towards Han like a sharp arrow, stirring the water into a wild frenzy. Its speed was terrifying. Han''s heart tightened, and with a surge of spiritual energy, he sent a mental shock toward the shadow. Once a cultivator reached the Visualization Stage, with just a bit of practice, techniques like mental attacks and telekinesis could be mastered quickly. The shadow slowed for just a split second under the impact of Han''s spiritual shock, granting him the opportunity to react. Han swiftly dodged to the side, and at the same time, the Eagle Beak Spear appeared in his hand. With a powerful swing, he aimed the shaft at the dark shape. "Whoosh!" To Han''s surprise, the shadow dodged his attack! It was a black serpent, about the size of a babys arm, with glossy scales that shimmered in the light. Its tongue flicked silently in and out. "A water barbarian beast?" Han narrowed his eyes, realizing that this serpent, able to dodge his attack, could only be a savage beast. "It seems youre after the spirit plant too..." Han muttered. The serpents tail flicked, and it lunged at Han again, its mouth wide open, revealing venomous fangs. Han didnt intend to leave. If he had encountered the spirit plant, he wasn''t going to let it go. There were no particularly powerful savage beasts in this stretch of Yunjiang near Black Cloud Town, so Han wasnt overly worried. He went with the simplest method: a mental shock, targeting the serpent''s mind. The Eagle Beak Spear in his hand was swung with great force, but the serpent was too fast, dodging Hans strikes several times. The environment gave it a significant advantage. Even with the Water Avoidance Pearl, Han still found it difficult to match the serpents speed in this watery terrain. However, Han was patient. He didnt panic or rush. Over the past few days, he had sparred with his senior brothers, gaining some battle experience. When the serpent charged again, Han released his most powerful mental shock and, at the same time, reached out with his hand to meet it head-on. The serpent, seeing Han unarmed with the spear, was further disoriented by the repeated mental assaults. Its limited intelligence almost entirely vanished, and it became ferocious, charging directly at Hans outstretched hand. "Ill crush you!" Han thought. The serpent collided with Hans hand with a massive impact, but Han''s face lit up with joy. He seized the snake and slammed it down with the spear. The serpent thrashed wildly, but its strength had already waned, and its speed was slowing. In the silent water, the shaft of the spear landed with a resounding strike. The serpent froze for a moment. Without hesitation, Han brought the spear down a second time. The serpent''s struggles ceased abruptly, and it went completely still. Han wasnt entirely familiar with this type of savage beast, so he struck the serpent a few more times to ensure it wasnt feigning death. He then proceeded to cut it into several pieces, satisfied that it was truly dead. The weapons fragments, especially the "Hundred Forged" ones, were hard enough to cut through the serpent. Looking down at the severed pieces of the black serpent, Han couldnt help but smile in satisfaction. Youre out of your league, snake. With my Hundred Forged Gloves, what can you do? Trying to charge at me with a snakes head? What are you, a Hundred Forged Serpent? After securing the spirit plant, Han swam toward the rivers surface, carrying the severed pieces of the serpents body.If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. Please report it. With the serpents death, its blood began to spill into the water. Han didnt want to stay in the river for too longif the scent of blood attracted more savage beasts, it could get troublesome. More importantly, the blue glow from the Water Avoidance Pearl was already dimming. Before Han could make it out of the river, the pearls effect had worn off, and the cold water began slapping against his face. Fortunately, he wasnt far from the surface. Han swam up, emerged from the water, and crawled onto the riverbank, drenched through. He squeezed out the water from his clothes, then smiled at his good fortune. He had obtained the spirit plant, but this was the first time he had gotten one in such a way. He didnt waste any time and was ready to head back to the martial hall. However, just then, Han noticed three figures in the distance, walking toward him. Han furrowed his brows as he recognized them. Could they be from the Tenglong Martial Hall? He didnt want to confront them, so he planned to leave from another direction. However, Han discreetly equipped his Hundred Forged Gloves once again, and with one hand, he dipped it into the water to pull out the Eagle Beak Spear''s shaft, preparing it just in case. The mystical tree secret realms, being game-like in nature, couldnt store items like a spatial artifact, but the dropped items could be retrieved and used on the spot. As soon as Han turned to leave, the three men quickened their pace. "Hey, stop right there!" they called. Han, of course, had no intention of stopping. Why should he? They werent his superiors. Yet, the three still caught up to him. "So, this is the new disciple of the Taibai Hall? Seems like hes rather old." The leader, recognizing Han from his attire, sneered. "That old fool Bai Tian didnt want me, a young genius, back in the day, but now he accepts you, some useless old man." Seeing Hans clothes bulging with the spirit plant and the beasts body, the leader snorted and asked, "Whats in your clothes?" "Its none of your business," Han replied coldly. He studied the three men. The leader wore the Tenglong Martial Halls uniform, while the other two were dressed as apprentices. The apprentices of the Taibai Martial Hall didnt have a standard uniform, unlike the other two martial halls, which made them easily recognizable. So, this guy had almost been accepted by Bai Tian as a disciple in the past? "You dare ignore me?" The leader, Yang Xing, frowned and made a move on Han. What kind of brainless fool have I run into now? Han immediately retaliated, swinging the spear shaft in a wide arc. Yang Xings body flashed to the side, dodging the strike, and his hand transformed into a hawks claw, aiming straight for Hans chest with incredible speed. As he made the move, a faint glow appeared on his skin. The glow of the skinthis was the peak of the Flesh Stage! Han blocked with the spear, holding it in front of his chest to deflect Yang Xings strike. However, the immense force of the peak Flesh Stage still sent Han stumbling backward, causing the spirit plant inside his clothes to partially reveal itself. Yang Xings eyes lit up. "Ah, so it''s a spirit plant! I didnt find much in Black Mountain, but to come back and get this kind of opportunity...! Yang Xings voice was filled with greed. "King Da, King Er, take him down together! Do it fast!" Surrounded by three enemies, Han immediately realized the situation was troublesome. The other two apprentices werent at the peak of the Flesh Stage like Yang Xing, based on their strength, King Da was likely a beginner, while King Er was at the small success level. But Han himself was still a beginner! "Seems Bai Tian is generous after all, giving you this new disciple a Hundred Forged weapon," Yang Xing said, recognizing the spear. "Hundred Forged weapons, I have one too," he added. With that, Yang Xing unsheathed his blade and slashed toward Han, the momentum fierce. Hans eyes narrowed. His internal energy surged as he swung the spear with all his might, meeting Yang Xings sword head-on. "Clang!" Yang Xings Hundred Forged blade actually suffered a crack! His hand went numb for a moment, almost losing grip on the sword. Yang Xing stared at the damage to his blade, momentarily stunned. Han was also knocked back by the impact, nearly falling to the ground. Without hesitation, the other two apprentices launched their attacks. Han twisted his body to meet King Das punch, using the spear as a shield to block King Ers palm. Then Han gripped the spear, pushed with even greater force than King Er, sending him flying back. With the spear lifted high, Han brought it crashing down onto King Ers chest. King Ers chest caved in slightly, and he flew backward, crashing into the ground with a heavy thud. "Bang!" As Han dealt with King Da and King Er, Yang Xings sword slashed into Hans side, but his inner armor absorbed the impact. The clash of metal rang in the air, and the blade failed to penetrate. "Hundred Forged Inner Armor?!!" Yang Xing blurted out in shock. "Poof!" Despite the protection, the force from Yang Xings peak Flesh Stage strength still made Han spit out a mouthful of blood, staining his clothes red. "Brother!" King Da exclaimed, no longer attacking Han. Instead, he rushed toward King Er. Having been hit in the chest by Hans weapon, King Er was in no condition to keep fightinghe was either dead or gravely injured! "Youre not using a Hundred Forged weapon? How could you be so strong?" Yang Xings face twisted in disbelief. "This cant be! Its impossible!" He stared at Han, his expression darkening. Hans weapon had shocked him, but what truly amazed Yang Xing was Hans strength. This was definitely not the power of a beginner in the Flesh Stage! Yang Xing couldnt wrap his head around it. How could this be? Wasnt this supposed to be an old, useless fool?! Han chuckled, though the blood on his lips made him look somewhat menacing. "You think youre robbing someone, huh?" "Im practicing secret martial artswhat are you training in?" "When I was a mortal, my body was already on par with a martial artists. And what about you, back then? What level were you at?" "From the moment I started practicing martial arts, its only been four days." "Impossible?" "Whats impossible about it?!" "How could someone like you, an ordinary person, understand the genius I am?!" Chapter 19: The Daily Dose of Nonsense Han stood facing off against Yang Xing. Hans strange behavior made Yang Xing wary. Although Yang Xing had been struck by Hans spear, he was wearing inner armor, and given his strength, Yang Xing knew that Han was far from being out of the fight. As for King Er, whether he was alive or dead was still uncertain, but King Da was clearly more concerned about his brothers fate. Suddenly, King Da picked up King Ers body, shot Han a hateful glare, said nothing, and turned to run toward Black Cloud Town. Saving King Ers life took priority over continuing to fight Han. With the brothers leaving, Yang Xings face darkened. His eyes fixed on Han, and a murderous gleam flashed in his gaze. "Damn it, cant I even take down an injured man?" "My blade is damaged, but I can still take something from this to make up for my loss!" Yang Xing muttered under his breath, his resolve firm as he charged at Han again. Now that he was only facing one opponent, Han was completely unafraid. Though Hans battle experience wasnt as vast, he fought with everything he had, holding nothing back! His weapon gave him an advantage, and Yang Xing didnt dare directly clash with the spear shaft. In terms of defense, Han had his inner armor, while Yang Xing didnt have such protection. Han was free to unleash his full power. Meanwhile, Yang Xing, who was two realms above Han, found himself restricted and deeply frustrated. Han was willing to risk his life to take another strike, but Yang Xing wouldnt dare take a single hit from Hans spear. A desperate man is the most dangerous! After a fierce struggle, Han noticed Yang Xings attacks slowing downhe was reaching his limit. Hans internal energy was nearly depleted, and now, he was relying solely on his physical strength. Just as Yang Xing missed a strike, Han seized the moment, unleashing his long-hidden mental energy to strike at Yang Xings mind. The prolonged battle had worn Yang Xing down, and he briefly lost focus. Though he quickly regained his composure, he was shocked to see the spear hurtling toward him, already inches from his face! Yang Xing twisted his body in an attempt to evade, but it was too late. The spear crashed into his right shoulder with a resounding "thud." He screamed in pain and collapsed to the ground. Seizing the advantage, Han didnt hesitatehe swung the spear again. Yang Xing scrambled to roll and dodge, but without a glance back at Han, he fled, clutching his injured arm. Han didnt pursue him. Instead, he turned and made his way toward Taibai Martial School. Chasing after Yang Xing? Only a fool would think thats a good idea. Yang Xing had mastered the Flesh Stage and had far more internal energy than Han, so Han knew it was pointless to chase him. Plus, with King Da and King Er leaving early, who knew if theyd come back with reinforcements?You could be reading stolen content. Head to Royal Road for the genuine story. Sometimes, retreating is the best strategy. Han quickly returned to Taibai Martial School, and luckily, he wasnt stopped by anyone from Tenglong Martial School along the way. As soon as Han burst through the door, drenched in blood, Bai Ruoyue, sitting at the registration desk, saw him and gasped in shock. "What happened to you?!" she exclaimed, rushing toward him. "I found a spirit plant in Yunjiang, but ran into people from Tenglong Martial School. They tried to take it from me..." Han explained quickly. Bai Ruoyue was furious. Her face reddened with anger. "They robbed you of your spirit plant and did this to you? Are they thinking Taibai Martial School has no one to defend itself?!" "The spirit plant wasnt taken. I managed to protect it," Han reassured her. He pulled out the spirit plant and the black snakes remains from inside his clothes and handed them to Bai Ruoyue. She didnt take them but instead helped Han to the back courtyard. "Even if the spirit plant is safe, this cant just be forgotten. They went so far as to harm you. This isnt over!" she said firmly. By the time they reached the courtyard, the other disciples had been alerted. Upon hearing Hans story, they were filled with both shock and anger, cursing Tenglong Martial School for their actions. "Tenglong Martial School? How dare they lay hands on Junior Brother, someone who has only been training for four days!" Zhang Yuntaos expression was icy. "We must repay this grudge!" he added. While cursing Tenglong Martial School, Bai Ruoyue and the others didnt forget about Han. They immediately began applying healing ointments, both internal and external, to help him recover. Hans blood-stained clothes were peeled away, revealing his Hundred Forged Inner Armor underneath. Han had equipped some of the items hed found in Yunjiang by merging them with his body, making them invisible to others, like the Hundred Forged gloves. Even after fighting Yang Xing, the gloves went unnoticed. But the inner armor was harder to hide. After taking Yang Xings strike, the armor couldnt remain concealed anymore, so now it was better to reveal it openly. Among the items Han had obtained, the weapons were the most conspicuousthese couldnt be merged into his body and hidden. For example, his spear, the Eagle Claw Staff, couldnt be equipped inside his body, so it had to be left exposed. The reveal of the Hundred Forged Inner Armor also surprised Bai Ruoyue and the others. "I got these from Yunjiang too, along with that spear," Han explained, weaving a story. "I went down into Yunjiang, found a body at the riverbed, and the spirit plant and weapons were near the corpse." "When I was taking them, a black snake attacked me. I used the spear to kill it, and fearing more beasts, I put on the armor before returning to the surface." "As soon as I got out of the water, I ran into people from Tenglong Martial School." Bai Ruoyue and the others exchanged glances. Hans tale felt rather legendary. "Junior Brother seems to have stumbled upon a great opportunity," Zhang Yuntao laughed. "Yunjiang really is a treasure trove. More than one person has found treasures there in the past, though its a place thats hard to fully explore." Hearing this, Han felt relieved. If others had found treasures in Yunjiang before, then his experience seemed perfectly normal. "Opportunity or not, I still had bad luck. What are the chances that, in such a big Black Cloud Town, Id run into Tenglongs martial artists?" Han mused, feeling his luck was both good and bad. "Thats where youre wrong," Zhang Yuntao interjected. "Martial artists go into Black Mountain every day, and some come out. Its completely normal for you to encounter them." "But werent you supposed to be going to repair the door? Why did you end up in Yunjiang?" Bai Ruoyue asked suspiciously. Han shrugged, speaking with a smile. "I think I have a special ability." "I seem to be able to move freely in the water for short periods of time, so I decided to test it out." With the power of his bloodline awakening And the dream visualization technique now in play Now, he even had a special ability! Whats the problem? Of course, there was no problem. Han played it cool, completely unbothered. "You want to know where it came from? Sorry, but I cant really explain it." "Though Im sure my Master will give a reasonable explanation. I trust him completely." Bai Ruoyue and the others were taken aback. A special ability? How did it come about? After applying the medicine, Bai Ruoyue helped Han sit down in a chair. His injuries were serious. Unless he found some rare spirit herb, Han would need some time to recover. "Good thing you had the inner armor, or I dont even want to imagine what wouldve happened to you," Bai Ruoyue said, still shaken. "Junior Brother is one of our martial schools hopes for the future. We cant afford for anything to happen to you." "Hmph, Second Junior Brother, lets go to Tenglong Martial School and demand an explanation!" Bai Ruoyue couldnt swallow her anger. "Yes, we must demand justice for Junior Brother!" The others agreed with her, showing strong unity. What Bai Ruoyue didnt know was that, as she and the others were preparing to confront Tenglong Martial School, the people from Tenglong were already on their way to Taibai Martial School. They were also coming for an explanation. How could Taibai Martial School have beaten up their people like this? Enough was enough! Chapter 20: The Mighty and Unyielding The commotion outside the martial arts hall quickly reached the inner chambers, making Bai Ruoyue frown. "Shen Shimei, go out and see whats going on," she ordered. Shen Yu, the sixth disciple, rushed out in a hurry, only to dash back in moments later, her face pale. "Bad news, Shijie! People from Tenglong Martial Arts Hall are here, demanding an explanation!" "Smash!" Bai Ruoyue slapped the table, and it splintered into pieces under her strength. "Tenglong Martial Arts Hall! How dare they? They robbed my junior brothers spiritual herb and injured him. I havent gone after them yet, and now they dare to come here demanding an explanation?" "Lets go and teach them a lesson!" she declared, anger flaring. But Zhang Yuntao stopped her. "Wait, Shijie," he said coolly. "Get the clothes my junior brother wore earlier and have him wear them again. Then, find a stretcher and carry him out." "What''s the meaning of this?" Bai Ruoyue asked, puzzled. Zhang Yuntao sneered. "My junior brother is almost dead, and Tenglong Martial Arts Hall needs to pay for this! And let everyone see just how badly they hurt him. When Shifu returns, well have him deal with Tenglong once and for all." "Almost dead?" Bai Ruoyue paused for a moment, then her face lit up with realization. "Ah, yes! Hes almost dead!" The other disciples exchanged looks, amused by Zhang Yuntaos scheming. It seemed like he had a plan, and they were all on board with it. Han, who had been covered in blood earlier, was made to look like he was near death. His physical condition and vital energy were carefully manipulated to create the perfect illusion of someone seriously wounded. As they reached the entrance, a group from Tenglong Martial Arts Hall stood outside, looking intimidating. Bai Ruoyue took a closer lookamong them was their hall masters disciple, Long Yun. "Long, you dare show your face here!" Zhang Yuntao stormed ahead, pointing at Han lying on the stretcher. "You robbed my junior brother of his spiritual herb and beat him into this state. Now you have the audacity to come here demanding an explanation?" Long Yun glanced at Han on the stretcher, a frown forming on his face. This person didnt look like the same Han that his disciple, Yang Xing, had described. "Zhang Yuntao, stop twisting the truth," Long Yun retorted, pulling the injured Yang Xing forward. He then pointed at the Wang brothers. "The spiritual herb was an item with no owner. How can it be considered stolen?"This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it. "Instead, your junior brother didnt follow martial ethics and attacked mercilessly! One of my apprentices was almost killed, and Yang Xing had his hand broken. Hes now a cripple in martial arts. You want an explanation for that?" Bai Ruoyue was taken aback. Yang Xing and Wang Er seemed seriously injured. Could Han really be this strong? Could it be that this was all part of a trick? She smirked, then shot back, "My junior brother found the spiritual herb at the bottom of Yunjiang, how is that a ''no-owner'' item? Take a good lookhis clothes are still wet!" "And you, Yang Xing! You studied at Taibai Martial Arts Hall for a while, and now you have the nerve to act like this, shameless!" Bai Ruoyues words made Yang Xings face turn crimson with anger, but he couldnt retort. "Utter nonsense!" Long Yun yelled, waving his hand dismissively. "That spiritual herb was clearly discovered first by my disciple, Yang Xing! His wet clothes are still in Tenglong Martial Arts Hall!" "What does a wet shirt prove?" Bai Ruoyue sneered. "You can easily wet a hundred shirts if you wanted to!" Zhang Yuntao stepped forward, fuming. "Tenglong Martial Arts Hall is shameless! Three of you ganged up on my junior brother, beating him unconscious, and now you come here threatening us? Today, unless you give us a proper explanation, none of you are leaving!" The air was thick with tension as the two sides faced off. Long Yun wanted to retaliate but knew better than to pick a fight in Taibais domain. When he saw how badly his disciples were injured, his anger flared, and he rushed over to confront them. But then, Hans iron staff was mentioned, and Long Yun immediately realized it was a valuable weapon. Greed stirred in him as he imagined claiming it for himself. However, upon seeing Han lying on the stretcher, he began to doubt the situation. It was clear that if this matter went public, they would lose credibility, especially with the injuries not adding up to the claims. "Does this mean youre telling me that we were just beaten for nothing?" Long Yun snapped, feeling cornered. Bai Ruoyue stared at him coldly. "Anyone who dares to rob the road or provoke us deserves to be dealt with. You want an explanation? Heres one!" "Youre not leaving until we get whats owed to us!" Zhang Yuntao shouted, as the Taibai disciples subtly moved into position, surrounding Long Yun and his crew. Long Yun was seething with frustration, but his instincts told him it was not the time to fight. His earlier cocky attitude quickly crumbled, and he wanted nothing more than to escape this confrontation. As expected, Long Yun glanced one last time at Yang Xing and then at the Wang brothers before muttering through gritted teeth. "Let your fathers settle this!" With one last angry glare, he stormed off, leaving the Taibai disciples victorious. Han, still lying on the stretcher, silently observed the turn of events, grinning to himself. "Shijie, they just left like that?" Han asked, feigning confusion. "Of course, what else could they do?" Bai Ruoyue laughed. After teaching Long Yun a lesson, she was finally at ease. "But Long Yun was publicly humiliated by youhis pride must be in tatters..." Han mused. Bai Ruoyue threw a clean set of clothes at him and spoke firmly, "Taibai Martial Arts Hall is one of the three strongest halls in Black Cloud Town. My father is one of the strongest in the town, and I am the strongest among the younger generation." "If we cant handle something like this, then Taibai should disband right now." She paused, her gaze firm. "Junior brother, remember this: Taibai Martial Arts Hall is your permanent support. Behind you is one of the strongest forces in Black Cloud Town. No one can use their power to suppress you!" Han fell silent, finally understanding the weight of his identity as a disciple of Taibai. He smiled inwardly, realizing: "Tenglong Martial Arts Hall had better watch out. Taibai is the true powerhouse." Chapter 21: Room for Improvement Bai Ruoyues words left Han feeling even more at ease. His decision to join the Taibai Martial Hall to learn martial arts was undoubtedly one of the best choices he had ever made. Zhang Yuantao said with concern, "Junior Brother, your injuries this time are not light. You need to rest properly for a few days." Han nodded, but in his mind, his injuries were no big deal. Others might need time to heal, but he had his cheat code. With a few more swings of his axe, he''d recover everything he needed, and his training wouldn''t be delayed. Hed be back in top form in no time. Tomorrow, when he returned to the martial hall, he planned to give everyone a little "Zhou-style shock." "Senior Sister, what''s the story with that Yang Xing?" Han asked curiously. "Oh, him." Bai Ruoyue explained, "Four years ago, he was a senior apprentice at our martial hall. He was talented, and my father was even considering taking him as a direct disciple." "But after investigating his background, we found some issues with his character. So, my father decided against it. In the end, Yang Xing left Taibai and joined the Tenglong Martial Hall, where the hall master took a liking to him." "Issues with his character?" "Exactly. During our investigation, we discovered that although he came from a decent family, he spent most of his time hanging out with a group of unsavory friends and caused a lot of trouble." "The worst incident led to a death, but his family used their influence and wealth to cover it up." Four years ago, Yang Xing must have been only twelve years old, yet he was already capable of such things... The thought sent chills down Hans spine. Now, four years later, he could ambush people outright. While his grudge against Taibai Martial Hall was part of it, it was clear Yang Xing hadn''t reformed in the slightest. No wonder he targeted Han. Turns out, he really was just a complete idiot. Han felt a twinge of relief. Luckily, Yang Xing wasnt one of his fellow disciples; otherwise, he couldnt imagine how much trouble the guy wouldve caused. "Yang Xing had talent, no doubt. Reaching peak Skin Refinement in four years is impressive, but his flawed character doomed him," Zhang Yuantao remarked. "Our master has encountered a few people like him over the years. They all ended up leaving the hall and finding other paths." Han raised a concern. "But wouldnt people like that leak our martial halls techniques to others?" Bai Ruoyue smiled. "It''s nothing significantjust Skin Refinement techniques and a few basic combat forms. Theyre not the essence of Taibai Martial Hall." "Our junior disciples might not have mastered secret techniques yet, but even our Skin Refinement training is superior to most others'' methods."This content has been misappropriated from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere. "If you ever visit Tianyue County, youll see that techniques like Skin Refinement and basic combat forms are openly sold by certain merchant guilds." Tianyue County. Han made a mental note of the name. "By the way, Junior Brother," Bai Ruoyue said seriously, "things are relatively safe in Black Cloud Town. But if you ever leave and encounter other martial artistsespecially disciples from rival martial hallsyou must be cautious." She continued, "The three major martial halls are in constant competition. Taibai has a rocky relationship with the other two. When my father founded this hall, there were plenty of conflicts with them." "While the Qi Dynastys laws forbid martial artists from fighting privately, those rules only really apply within towns. Outside, martial artists are difficult to regulate." Bai Ruoyue and the others gave Han detailed advice about surviving in the martial world. Han listened carefully, committing every word to memory. Once he left the safety of civilization, peace would be a thing of the past. As they talked, the other senior brothers gradually departed, each attending to their own affairs. "Good thing your opponent this time was only a peak Skin Refinement martial artist," Bai Ruoyue commented. "You" Her voice trailed off, her expression shifting. What had she just said? Only a peak Skin Refinement martial artist? That didnt make sense. Wasnt Han a beginner in Skin Refinement? "Junior Brother, what were the strengths of the other two who fought you?" she asked. "One was the same as me, and the other was mid-level Skin Refinement." "So... you managed to defeat two opponents stronger than you and one at your level, all while being outnumbered three-to-one?" Bai Ruoyues voice rose. Earlier, her concern had clouded her thinking, and Hans vague explanation hadnt helped. But now, she couldnt ignore the glaring inconsistency. Han blinked innocently. "Yeah. Why? Is there a problem?" "A problem? The fact that youre still alive is the biggest problem!" "How did you do it?" Han replied earnestly, "Simple. I just kept fighting until they couldnt anymore." "..." Sure. Simple. "You didnt just fight above your levelyou exceeded two levels and took on three opponents at once." Han tilted his head, still looking completely unbothered. "Whats so strange about that? Senior Sister, cant you do the same?" Bai Ruoyue fell silent, her face blank. You can leave now. Consider yourself temporarily expelled from the martial hall. That kind of talk was just too aggravating. Her junior brother always had a way of surprising herwhether she was ready for it or not. Annoyed but still curious, Bai Ruoyue asked Han for more details about the fight before stomping off in a huff. Watching her leave, Han smiled. Although Senior Sister was older, she was only eighteen. Sometimes, teasing her was pretty entertaining. Out of Hans sight, Bai Ruoyue clenched her fists, muttering under her breath, before breaking into a smile. "My junior brother is amazing. Yay!"
As Han lay on a chair reflecting on the days battle, he realized that while his achievements were remarkable for his level, there were areas where he fell short. The first issue was time. Despite his efforts, he had only been training for four days, leaving his cultivation level relatively low. This could be solved with timeor with resources to speed up the process. The second issue was his lack of spiritual techniques. Though Han had achieved his current level, he had no usable Daoist arts. Spiritual Shock didnt count. What kind of proper technique would just be a blunt mental attack? It was merely the most basic application of soul energy, and it was ineffective against martial artists, whose strong wills made them resistant. True Daoist arts could perform incredible feats, like summoning ghosts. Han was painfully lacking in this area. His low cultivation level was manageable, but the absence of Daoist techniques left him at a loss. While the Immortal Tree might provide a solution someday, Han hadnt encountered any relevant opportunities yet. For martial arts training, Taibai Martial Halls teachings were more than sufficient. If it werent for the fragment of a martial weapon in his possession, the Taibai fundamentals would have been his primary means of combat. His martial arts were solid, but his lack of Daoist techniques was a glaring gap. "My master doesnt cultivate the soul, so theres no foundation to build on..." "Ill either have to wait for future opportunities or find another way to seek out Daoist teachings." Han resolved to work harder, aiming to bridge this gap. Martial arts and Daoist techniqueshe needed to master both. Chapter 22: The Mountain Waters Temple At dusk, Sixth Senior Sister Shen Yu escorted Han, the injured "patient," back home. She gave him a few words of advice and politely declined his invitation to stay for a while. Once Han ensured that no one had followed him, he immediately entered the secret realm of the Immortal Tree and began meditating on the Great Thousand Immortal Tree. By day, he trained in martial arts; by night, he practiced Daoist techniques. Han''s life was a well-ordered cycle, and he never allowed himself to slack off. Despite his extraordinary fortune and resources, Han understood the importance of his own hard work. Having traveled through time to embark on this extraordinary path, he deeply cherished everything he had. As the image of the Immortal Tree in his mind slowly grew clearer and more complete, time in his meditative state seemed to fly by. His stamina was restored, and without hesitation, Han grabbed his axe and resumed chopping. This was Han''s fifth day of chopping trees. One-sixth of the month had already passed. Suddenly, a glowing orb fell from the tree. [Low-Grade Spirit Plant: Vermilion Fruit] [A standout among low-grade spiritual plants, it contains vast energy that can enhance physical vitality and inner breath.] Seeing the description of this treasure, Han''s mood instantly lifted. After five days of chopping, he had finally encountered a classic treasure like the Vermilion Fruit, and its effects were even better than those of the previous spirit plants he had obtained. While the Great Thousand Immortal Tree was said to drop anything and everything, the most common drops were items related to martial arts and spiritual energy. This was because the tree''s drops were influenced by the chopper''s strength, cultivation level, and essence of life. Since Han trained in martial arts and cultivated his soul, the tree responded accordingly. Although items unrelated to martial arts or spiritual cultivation could drop, the probability was much lower. Buoyed by this auspicious start, Han eagerly anticipated the next drop as his axe swung once more. [Talisman: Vajra Talisman] [A Daoist talisman containing the Vajra mantra. When activated, it grants the power of a vajra. Usable three times.] [Talisman: Aura Observation Talisman] [A Daoist talisman containing the Aura Observation mantra. When activated, it allows the user to perceive and interpret various auras. Usable three times.] This time, something completely new felltalismans! One was golden, the other white. The Vajra Talisman was clearly a combat talisman that would prove invaluable in the future, while the Aura Observation Talisman served a supportive function. By injecting spiritual energy into the talismans, they could be activated, but Han held back his excitement. With only three uses each, wasting them now would be imprudent. After safely storing the talismans, Han felt more at ease. His arsenal of techniques was steadily growing! Next, he consumed the Vermilion Fruit in one bite. Its sweetness was delightful, and a surge of energy coursed through his body. Han immediately began practicing his martial arts techniques to refine the energy. Meanwhile, his injuries were rapidly healing under the fruit''s medicinal power. The previous day, he had already consumed a Water Spirit Plant at the martial arts school. As for his internal armor and the broken weapon shaft, his senior sister and brother had no objections to him keeping them.Love this novel? Read it on Royal Road to ensure the author gets credit. Han also confirmed from Bai Ruoyue that the weapon fragment in his possession was indeed part of a martial artist''s weapon. The Taibai Martial School itself owned several intact martial weapons. Morning at the Martial School When Han arrived at the school the next morning, he showed his senior siblings his remarkably recovered injuries, leaving them astonished. "Can a single Water Spirit Plant really do all that?" Zhang Yuantao questioned his reality. Meanwhile, Bai Ruoyue conducted her routine inspection of Hans progress, only to find her suspicions confirmed. Her youngest junior brother''s cultivation had advanced againyet again. She was unfazed. At this point, nothing about this anomaly of a junior brother could surprise her. "Big Sister, are there any Daoist temples or similar sects in Black Cloud Town?" Han asked. ... Changing into plain clothes, Han left the town again, but this time, he headed west instead of toward the Cloud River. His destination was a temple located outside the town. The temple wasnt particularly grand or ancient, but it had a steady stream of visitors. Along the way, Han encountered several travelers heading in the same direction. Mountain Waters Temple. Han gazed at the plaque above the entrance. Compared to the martial schools plaque, this one seemed utterly mundane, lacking any sense of uniqueness. Upon entering, he noticed something peculiarmost of the worshippers came in pairs, typically a man and a woman, and they all seemed to be couples. Han reflected on what Bai Ruoyue had told him earlier. In the region surrounding Black Cloud Town, there were no Daoist temples and only one Buddhist establishment: the Mountain Waters Temple, built just six years ago. Despite its relatively short history, the temple had garnered a reputation for being remarkably effectiveespecially when it came to granting children to childless couples. It was said that many couples who had struggled with infertility for years would come to the temple, offer their prayers, and miraculously conceive soon after. Of course, not every couple who prayed for a child saw results. Perhaps three out of ten couples might succeed, or even fewer. But in the eyes of the locals, such a success rate was nothing short of divine intervention. Because of this reputation, Han decided to visit the Mountain Waters Temple. He wasnt there to pray for a child, of course. Han sought something else entirely. Without access to advanced Daoist techniques, temples or monasteries were the most likely places to find such knowledge. If the Mountain Waters Temple was as "effective" as the rumors claimed, there might be more to it than met the eye. Perhaps it concealed some unique secrets. Following the steady stream of visitors, Han entered the main hall. It wasnt a grandiose Mahavira Hall but a more modestly named Mountain Waters Hall. What surprised Han most was that the hall did not house any statues of Buddhas or Bodhisattvas. Instead, the objects of worship were... a handful of soil and a bowl of water. After completing the necessary rituals expected at such a place, Han approached a monk standing nearby and asked curiously, Master, may I ask what is being worshipped here? The monk pressed his palms together and solemnly intoned what could loosely be called a Buddhist chant, Boundless are the blessings of the mountains and waters. He then explained, The soil comes from Black Mountain, and the water from Cloud River. Our temple venerates the Mountain God of Black Mountain and the Dragon Lord of Cloud River. Han was taken aback. A Buddhist temple worshiping a mountain god and a river dragon? What kind of strange combination was this? If they were honoring the Mountain God and Dragon Lord, why not simply build separate shrines for them? Why the need for a Buddhist temple? Moreover, the monk before him was dressed in the standard attire of a Buddhist monk. The whole setup struck Han as baffling. Still, he chose to respect what he didnt fully understand. As he wandered through the temple grounds, he noted that five senior monks were actively present, alongside several young novice monks. What stood out to Han was that the senior monks all possessed martial arts skills. However, he couldnt determine whether they practiced any Daoist techniques. Compared to martial artists, cultivators were far better at concealing their abilities. After observing the temple for some time, Han approached one of the senior monks directly and inquired whether he could meet the temples abbot. If youre here to pray for a child, theres no need to meet the abbot, the monk replied with a serene expression. Simply stay here overnight with your spouse, and that will suffice. Han almost choked at the response but quickly clarified, Im here on a personal matter. I need the abbots guidance on something important. Speaking sincerely and demonstrating his earnestness, Han eventually convinced the monk to take him to see the abbot. As they walked, Han patted his nearly-empty wallet and sighed. It turned out that even in this sacred place, money was the unspoken rule of entry. Truly, money could open any door in this world, while those without it struggled at every turn. Without money, Han doubted hed have a chance to meet the abbot today. Indeed, even the enlightened Buddha wouldnt save the penniless. Chapter 23: "Revealing Hidden Truths: The Secret Beneath the Temple" Han stood before the abbot of Mountain Waters Temple and was struck by his appearance. Unlike the stereotypical image of an elderly, solemn monk, this abbot was a refined young man in his twenties, more like a scholar than a monk. I am Neng Wu, the abbot introduced himself calmly. What business brings you here, patron? I came seeking your help, Master Abbot, Han replied earnestly. The abbot studied Han briefly before saying, Youre a martial artist, arent you? If this is about vengeance or feuds, I regret to inform you that I cannot assist. Please take your leave. Han was surprised. Neng Wu clearly wasnt a martial artist himself, yet he had discerned Hans background with precision. Was this the result of true spiritual cultivation? Or perhaps the abbots martial prowess was simply so advanced that Han couldnt perceive it. I assure you, Master Abbot, Im not here to involve you in mundane affairs, Han explained. But the matter Ive encountered cannot be solved by martial strength alone. And what is it youve encountered? Abbot, I believe Ive seen a ghost. Neng Wu chuckled softly and shook his head. Martial artists possess robust vitality and an abundance of yang energy. No spirit would dare approach you. Besides, ghosts and spirits are but figments of imagination. You mustnt take such things seriously. Im not imagining it, Han insisted. He recounted his recent experiences, vividly describing his unsettling encounter. Master Abbot, I am convinced it was real. Do you have any way to help me? The abbot seemed unshaken and replied, You might consider purchasing a consecrated artifact. It could bring you peace of mind. Shortly after, Han was presented with the so-called "artifact"a plain, ordinary string of prayer beads. It was hardly the powerful item Han had hoped for; it seemed more like a token to calm ones nerves than a genuine tool against supernatural forces. Beyond this, Neng Wu admitted he could offer no further assistance and promptly instructed other monks to escort Han out of the temple. Frustrated, Han couldnt decide whether Neng Wu truly possessed spiritual abilities. Even Bai Ruoyue and the others couldnt confirm if the temple housed any true Daoist practitioners. Asking Neng Wu directly would be pointless. After all, the Mountain Waters Temple had been operating for six years in Black Cloud Town, and there had never been rumors of its abbot being a cultivator. To outright question him would be akin to walking up to a stranger on the street and accusing them of espionage. Han sighed. If this temple didnt yield results, he might have no choice but to turn to his master for help.The story has been illicitly taken; should you find it on Amazon, report the infringement. Just then, an idea struck him. Among his recently acquired items was the Qi-Perception Talisman. The talisman would allow Han to discern the different types of qimortal qi, martial qi, and even cultivators qi. If he used it, he could finally determine if there were any hidden cultivators in the temple. After weighing his options, Han decided it was worth using the talisman here. If this place indeed harbored secrets that could aid his cultivation, it would be a worthwhile investment. Standing outside the temple, Han activated the Qi-Perception Talisman. His vision rippled, and the world around him transformed. Various forms of qi became visible to his eyes. Some people emanated pure white qi, a sign of good health. Others had grayish-white qi, indicating health problems. Most of the couples visiting the temple had at least one partner with grayish-white qi. Infertility due to health issues? Han speculated. Yet, if their health was compromised, how could some of them conceive after visiting the temple? Could it truly be divine intervention, or was there some hidden Daoist technique at work? Among the occasional visitors, Han observed those whose qi was predominantly white but tinged with pale blue or greensigns of wealth, status, or privilege. These individuals were clearly not here for fertility prayers. It made sense; wealthy or influential families would have the resources to address infertility without resorting to temple visits. The talisman not only revealed these insights but also directly conveyed their meanings to Hansuch was the power of a true spiritual tool. After observing passersby for some time, Han turned his gaze toward the temple itself. What he saw shocked him. Five distinct streams of blood-red qi, each condensed into vague beast-like forms, drifted within the temple grounds. These were the qi of martial artists. But more striking was a stream of soft blue qi, faintly human-shaped, emanating from none other than Neng Wu himself. This was the qi of a cultivator, its form and hue reflecting the visualization technique he practiced. However, Hans attention quickly shifted to something even more disturbing. In the rear courtyard of the temple, where the couples seeking children stayed overnight, a massive cloud of pink qi billowed and lingered. Hans body felt an inexplicable heat as he stared at it. It was unmistakablethe qi of desire and lust. How could such an overwhelming presence of lustful qi exist in a Buddhist temple? The scale of this qi cloud suggested it wasnt the product of one or two individuals over a short period. Lustful qi, if left unchecked, would normally dissipate. The fact that it persisted indicated it was being replenished constantly. Hans gaze hardened as he turned toward a couple exiting the temple. The husbands qi was pure white, while the wifes was grayish-whitetinged with faint traces of pink that were quickly fading. Curious, Han re-entered the temple to observe other couples who had stayed overnight. In every case, regardless of the wifes original qigrayish-white or pure whitethere were residual traces of pink qi. Passing by a couple, Han overheard their conversation. I hope were lucky this time. Mountain God and Dragon Lord, please bless us, the husband pleaded. This is our third visit, yet we still havent been blessed, the wife lamented. That girl next door only needed one visit to conceive. Our faith must not be strong enough, the husband replied with a sigh. As they walked away, Hans eyes suddenly stung with searing pain, forcing him to stumble out of the temple. Sitting by a nearby rock, he rested until the pain subsided. By the time he opened his eyes again, the effects of the Qi-Perception Talisman had worn off. But the scene he had witnessed lingered in his mind. The inconsistent blessings of the gods, the requirement for couples to stay overnight, the correlation between health issues and infertility And the overwhelming presence of lustful qi in the rear courtyard. Mountain Waters Temple, a place lauded for its miraculous efficacy, harbored a sinister truth. This wasnt divine intervention. It was human manipulation. Chapter 24: The Aura of a Sovereign Han stood outside the ancient Shan Shui Temple, his expression shifting between gloom and resolve. Taking one last look at the temple, he turned on his heel and left without hesitation. Moments later, wooden fragments from a shattered string of prayer beads, a supposed "blessed artifact" gifted by Abbot Neng Wu, drifted in the wind. "Even if these beads were consecrated," Han thought darkly, "theyd be imbued with nothing but wicked energy." He strode back to the Taibai Martial Arts School, his pace quick and his mind heavy. "Junior brother, what happened to you?" Bai Ruoyue, noticing Hans troubled demeanor, raised an eyebrow. "Dont tell me you got mugged again?" Han rubbed his temples. "Senior Sister, I went to Shan Shui Temple." Her smile faded. "And?" "Theres something seriously wrong with that place." "You mean the gods they claim to worshipthe Mountain God and Dragon Lord?" Bai Ruoyue chuckled. "Thats par for the course here in Heiyun Town. If youre going to honor gods, it has to be those two. Worshiping anything else is forbidden." "Why, though? Isnt that why there werent any temples or shrines here before?" "Exactly," Bai Ruoyue nodded. "But the monks at Shan Shui Temple dont seem to care about divine orthodoxy. They arrived six years ago, got government approval, and started their temple. If you ask me, theyre probably just drifters playing at being monks." Hans eyes narrowed. "More outsiders..." First Huang Shireng, now these monkswhy were so many outsiders flocking to Heiyun Town? "Do you think the Mountain God and Dragon Lord have ever truly manifested?" Han pressed. "Who knows? There are stories of miracles, sure, but no ones ever seen them in person. And lets be real, gods dont intervene lightly. Whatevers happening at Shan Shui Temple, I doubt it has anything to do with divine intervention." Han hesitated before lowering his voice. "Senior Sister, those monks... theyre not good people. I believe the so-called ''blessings'' at that temple come from something far darker." "What do you mean?" Bai Ruoyue asked, her tone suddenly serious. Han took a deep breath and laid out his suspicions. "I think theyre exploiting the guise of divine blessings to prey on women. Theyre using this whole ''miracle child'' act as a cover for their crimes."You could be reading stolen content. Head to Royal Road for the genuine story. "What?" Bai Ruoyues expression turned grim. "How did you come to that conclusion? Do you have proof?" Han recounted everything he had seen with the Vision Talismanthe swirling pink clouds of lustful energy in the temples rear courtyard, the lingering traces of that same energy in the auras of women who had stayed overnight, and the patterns he had observed in their so-called "blessings." "Pink energy of lust..." Bai Ruoyue murmured, deep in thought. "Ive heard of life energy manifesting in visible forms, but my father never explained it in detail. Junior Brother, how were you able to see such things?" Han scratched his head, feigning ignorance. "Honestly, I dont know. It just happened." "Just happened?" Bai Ruoyue raised an eyebrow. "Yeah," Han shrugged. "After leaving the temple empty-handed, I was determined to figure out if there were any practitioners of Daoist arts inside. The next thing I knew, I could see their auras." In truth, Han was well aware that his newfound ability stemmed from the Vision Talisman he had used earlier. But he wasnt about to reveal that. This world was full of people with natural giftsthose born with double pupils or a third eye in their forehead, for example. Compared to them, his "innate" ability to see auras wasnt so strange. "Could it be youve awakened some special talent?" Bai Ruoyue asked skeptically. "If thats the case, can you see my aura?" "I could try," Han replied, squinting at her theatrically. After a long moment, he declared, "Your aura is blood-red, accompanied by visions of a heavenly ox splitting the sky and a sea-dragon overturning the ocean. Senior Sister, youre destined for greatnessa sovereign among mortals!" Bai Ruoyue beamed. "I knew it!" Han blinked. "Wait, what?" "Everything you just said matches the secret techniques of our Taibai Martial School," she explained proudly. "The ox represents the ''Sky-Cleaving Ox Strength,'' and the dragon refers to the ''Sea-Overturning Dragon Force.'' Those are our schools advanced skills." "...What?" Han was dumbfounded. "You must be right about my ''sovereign destiny,'' too," Bai Ruoyue added, puffing out her chest confidently. Han resisted the urge to facepalm. Hed made up the "heavenly ox" and "sea-dragon" on a whim, but apparently, they were real techniques. Was Bai Ruoyues family even human? "Anyway," Bai Ruoyue said, regaining her serious demeanor, "if your ability is real, then Shan Shui Temple is indeed suspicious. But without concrete evidence, we cant make any accusations." "Why not report them to the authorities?" Han suggested. She shook her head. "You think its that easy to establish a temple? Those monks wouldnt have succeeded without influential backers. If we go through official channels, the most likely outcome is that they get tipped off and cover their tracks." "So, whats the plan?" "Well investigate ourselvestonight," Bai Ruoyue said firmly. She gathered the others and explained the situation. The group agreed on the need for action, though all wore solemn expressions. "Those monks are weak martial artists," Bai Ruoyue assessed. "The strongest among them is only at the Meridians Stagemanageable. The abbot, though, is an enigma and could pose a challenge. To ensure our success, Ill seek help from a trusted expert." "And whos going to infiltrate the temple?" someone asked. Han spoke up. "The couples seeking blessings stay in a separate area from regular visitors. Whoever goes in will need to pose as part of a pair." The group exchanged uneasy glances. "We cant risk sending Xiao Yuer," Bai Ruoyue said, referring to their youngest member, a girl named Shen Yu. "Its too dangerous for her." The others nodded in agreement. If a woman couldnt go, then the only option left was... The men. Chapter 25: Demons in Disguise After thorough planning, the group finalized the details and assigned roles for their operation. Bai Ruoyue smiled mischievously. "My father brought back quite a collection of rare items during his days as a wandering martial artist. I know where he keeps them. I''ll steal somethey''ll be perfect for creating flawless disguises." Such filial devotion, Han thought sarcastically. With the plan set, Bai Ruoyue quickly set off to "borrow" her father''s treasures. For this mission, the entire Taibai Martial Arts School was mobilized. When dealing with wicked forces, there was no need for diplomacyjust strength and unity. Once preparations were underway, Han reflected on an ancient saying: Martial virtue often infringes upon the law. It was true. Those with martial prowess, whether good or evil, inevitably tread the fine line of societys rules. Power changes peoplenot necessarily corrupting them but altering their mindset. Strength becomes the default and often the best solution. Bai Ruoyue returned swiftly with her haul. Since it was her own home, the theft was both convenient and quick. "Tonight, well wait outside the Shan Shui Temple," she declared. "If anything suspicious happens, send the signal. Well storm in without hesitation." If the monks were truly as corrupt as suspected, there was no need for mercy. With tasks divided, everyone dispersed to prepare. Han spent the time pushing himself in training, practicing his secret techniques, Taibais core martial arts, and the Sun-Devouring Method. He trained to his limits daily, unwilling to waste even a moment. Step by step, one can traverse a thousand miles. By dusk, Han had transformed his appearance. He walked alongside a tall "woman" with delicate features but a notably unremarkable figure. "Fourth Brother, be careful once youre inside," Han reminded. "Dont worry, Junior Brother. Ill be fine," replied the "woman" in a calm, distinctly male voice. Yes, the group had decided to infiltrate the temple with Han and Taibais Fourth Disciple, Su Changan. Hans dual cultivation in both martial and spiritual arts made him the ideal candidate to detect any supernatural tricks. Su Changan, though stoic and reserved, was chosen for his striking looksperfect for dressing as a woman.If you discover this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation. While Hans own appearance was even more handsome, his lower cultivation level meant that a disguise might not hold up under scrutiny. Entering as himself posed fewer risks. The monks, after all, had no interest in men. Bai Ruoyues "borrowed" items worked wonders. Su Changan truly looked like a womanalbeit one with a lack of curves. Seeing the results, Han couldnt help but wonder how many times his master had relied on such disguises in the past. On the way, Han deliberately avoided looking at Su Changan, fearing he might laugh. Hed never forget Su Changans bewildered expression when assigned the role. Thank goodness my cultivation level is low, Han thought with relief. Otherwise, this might have been my burden. Still, Han handed Su Changan a fragment of a milky white jade pendanta spiritual artifact he had once acquired. "This is a family heirloom," Han said earnestly. "It clears the mind and wards off illusions. Take it for extra protection during this mission." Reluctantly, Su Changan accepted the fragment, promising to return it once the mission ended. Upon entering the Shan Shui Temple, Han and Su Changan were greeted by a monk named Nengfa. After a brief inspection, Nengfa led them to the guest quarters. The living areas were separated by gender, with male guests on the left and females on the right. Nengfa explained the temples rules: guests could move freely before a certain hour but were expected to remain in their rooms after curfew to await the gods blessings. With that, he left. In his room, Su Changan noticed a small incense burner on the table, emitting a red smoke that filled the air with a strange fragrance. After inhaling it, he felt a faint discomfort. The jade pendant glowed softly, dispelling the effects. Theres definitely something wrong here, Su Changan thought, glancing at the incense. In Hans room, a similar incense burned, but its scent was subtler. Initially, Han felt unaffecteduntil a sudden drowsiness washed over him. "Sleepiness?" Snapping his head up, he realized the incense had burned two-thirds of the way down. Even I, a cultivator, feel this way. Ordinary people would likely fall into a deep, unshakable sleep. Just then, Han heard faint footsteps outsidemany of them, accompanied by crude laughter. "Heh, every night these women exhaust me. Theyre going to drain this martial artist dry!" "If you cant handle it, give me your share." "Get lost. Tonight, Im taking three at onceright in front of their husbands!" "Ha! A true flower thief. You never disappoint!" "These foolish women, begging for children from the gods, deliver themselves to us on a silver platter. And when they do conceive, theyll raise our offspring. What a life! Before I became a monk, I never dreamed of such fortune." "Speaking of, theres one tonight whos quite the ice queen. But her figureugh, like a mans. No curves at allkilled the mood for me." "Really? A man-like figure? Thats intriguing. Ive always wondered about trying a pretty boy" Their voices carried, clearly unconcerned about being overheard. It seemed they were confident the drugged guests wouldnt wake. As Han listened to their vile words, his anger surged. He clenched his fists tightly, resisting the urge to charge out immediately. This worldis full of demons hiding in plain sight. Chapter 26: The Moonlit Sword Immortal The lecherous monks passed by Hans courtyard, heading in another direction. Han listened carefully, gauging their distance from the womens quarters. When the time was right, he kicked open the door with a loud crash. Startled by the noise, the monks turned to see Han standing there with a cold expressionand a signal flare rising into the sky. The monks panicked, and a commotion erupted as another door was slammed open in the womens quarters. Su Changan leaped out, though his appearance was peculiar: his face was flushed, his gaze dazed, yet he remained mostly lucid. The incense in the womens quarters was laced with something more potent than that in the mens areaa concoction that dulled the senses and ignited unholy desires. Who are you to cause trouble in my Shan Shui Temple? Seize them! roared the monk who had brought Han and the others inside. The group split in two, half charging toward Han and the other half toward Su Changan. For martial artists at the Meridian Stage, the distance of a few dozen meters was covered in mere strides. You idiots! How could such a mistake happen? If this gets exposed, youll all pay with your lives! Suddenly, the head monk, Neng Wu, soared into the air from another courtyard, landing directly in their midst. He could fly. Hans heart sank. Without hesitation, he retreated into the room, smashing through the opposite wall to escape. Running was the only option. Facing a group of Meridian Stage martial artists and an unknown cultivator would be suicidal. However, no matter how fast Han ran, the monks chased faster. They crashed through obstacles with brute force, closing in on Han relentlessly. Neng Wu ignored Han, heading straight for Su Changan instead. Hans heart pounded wildly, cold sweat drenching him. The killing intent behind him was palpable. Using his spiritual sense, he saw the monks closing in, their energy surging like boiling blood. He could feel the heat and the sharp pain on his back. This is it. Im done. Just as despair set in, a radiant sword energy slashed through the air.You might be reading a stolen copy. Visit Royal Road for the authentic version. Hmph. Daring to act unruly in my presence? The sword energy was terrifying, splitting three monks in half before they could react. One monk, due to his position, lost only an arm and part of his torso but still fell, screaming in agony. Hans eyes lit up. Without hesitation, he equipped his refined gloves and pounded the injured monk with relentless blows, finally beating him to death. You thought chasing me was fun? Ive been dying to kill one of you scumbags! Ahead, Bai Ruoyue stood in the courtyard, dressed in pure white. She calmly sheathed her sword, the moonlight bathing her figure, giving her the ethereal appearance of a sword immortal. Han froze, momentarily captivated. Noticing his expression, Bai Ruoyue brushed a strand of black hair behind her ear and smirked. Well, junior brother, how was that? Impressive, wasnt it? Senior sister No need to praise me. Please, praise me more! Could you not wait until the last second to save someone? Its nerve-wracking. Bai Ruoyue gripped her sword tightly, resisting the urge to draw it again. Ill stab you for being such an infuriating disciple! Han stepped out of the rubble, glancing toward Su Changan. The monks who had been pursuing him were already subdued by their senior brothers and sisters. The fight had ended as quickly as it had begun. The strength of their group overwhelmed the Shan Shui Temples forces. Some monks were left alive for questioning, as the situation required follow-up. Among the captured were even a few young novices who, surprisingly, were also at the Flesh and Blood Stage of martial arts. Han hadnt noticed them earlier in the day. In the sky, Neng Wu saw the tide turning and shouted angrily, Tai Bai Martial Hall? Fine, fine! Mark my wordsyoull regret this! With that, he turned to flee. Live to fight another day. But as Han watched, he noticed Neng Wus form was faint and illusory. He wasnt flying with his physical bodyit was his spirit. Suddenly, the energy around Neng Wus path surged violently. A massive, glowing hand, several meters wide, materialized and seized him mid-flight. Agh! The Profound Palm of Heaven! Neng Wu screamed as his entire body, save for his head, was crushed. His remains were carried away by the glowing hand, vanishing beyond the temple grounds. Leave the rest to me. Bring your people and meet me tomorrow, a womans voice echoed across the night, then faded into silence. Han was dumbfounded. What kind of technique was that? Daoist magic? Senior sister, was that the expert you brought in? Han asked. Indeed. Theyre incredible A giant energy palm several meters wide? The expert herself must be as towering as a mountain. Senior sister, was Neng Wu really flying? That was his spirit. A soul can move freely without the limitations of the physical body, Bai Ruoyue explained. Han had suspected as much. By the way, was that the Tai Bai Sword Technique you used earlier? Yes, the Flying Swallow Chases the Moon technique. Hans envy was palpable. Sword energy? That was beyond cool. Youre still building your foundation. The Tai Bai techniques wont be as effective in your current state, Bai Ruoyue reassured him. When you reach the Organ Refinement Stage, youll get there. Thats going to take forever At that moment, Zhang Yuantao and the others approached, checking on Han. Fourth Brother, are you okay? Su Changan, still dressed as a woman, shook his head, his flushed face drawing muffled laughter from the group. The incense in the room was laced with something vile. No wonder the women fell victim to it so easily, Su Changan explained. Though brief, the battle left a noticeable impact. Han and his comrades had wiped out a den of evil, though it was clear the monks had used potent drugs to maintain control over their victims. The novices should be locked up, Bai Ruoyue instructed. The authorities will arrive shortly. Was that expert connected to the authorities? Bai Ruoyue nodded. Han raised an eyebrow. Didnt you say we shouldnt involve the authorities? You just wanted an excuse to fight, didnt you! Chapter 27: A Treasure Trove of Secrets Han and his companions didnt have to wait long before a large number of government officials arrived at the Shan Shui Temple to take over the scene. Leading the group was none other than the governor of Heiyun Town, who personally expressed profound gratitude to the Taibai Martial Hall for their contributions. From here on, the officials would handle the aftermath. When it came to wrapping up such matters, the government undoubtedly had the necessary experience. As for rewards, those would naturally be distributed after everything settled down. In the Great Qi Empire, martial artists were forbidden from private disputes but were encouraged to punish evil and uphold justice. Had they reported the Shan Shui Temples activities to the government in advance, they might have encountered endless difficulties. But now that the case was open and shut, the authorities could show their "thunderous hand" with ease. Looking back, the government still owed Han a reward from a previous incident. However, Han wasnt worried about them reneging on their promise. He understood that bureaucratic procedures always took timeit was simply the nature of the system. On the way back, Han suddenly sighed. This world is full of bad people. Huang Shiren, the monks of Shan Shui Temple These individuals wouldve been executed a hundred times over in his previous life. The Taibai Martial Hall had revealed to Han the kindness and beauty of this world, yet the events hed witnessed also exposed its darker, more sinister side. Through a brief interrogation of the remaining monks, they discovered that these so-called monks were frauds. Before arriving in Heiyun Town, they were banditsmen with blood on their hands, guilty of countless crimes. But by donning monks'' robes and branding themselves with vows, they transformed into revered holy men in the eyes of the public. Was this what people meant by "putting down the butchers knife and attaining enlightenment"? The notion was laughable. These events only solidified Hans resolve to train harder. He would never allow himself to die a senseless death. Zhang Yuantao patted Han on the shoulder, offering no words of comfort. Some lessons in life could only be learned through personal experience. When Han returned home, he pulled out a few items hed taken from the Shan Shui Temple: seven sticks of incense and four books.If you encounter this story on Amazon, note that it''s taken without permission from the author. Report it. Looting the temple was a natural conclusion to dismantling it. Han claimed the possessions of Neng Wu, the leading cultivator, while leaving the other monks belongings to his senior martial brothers. He had undoubtedly secured the most valuable items. As expected, Neng Wu, a cultivator beyond the Visualization Stage, had a collection worth its weight in gold! Among the four books, the first was a visualization technique titled Pleasure Immortal Visualization Chart. A quick glance revealed that the so-called "Pleasure Immortal" was a seductive figure with fox ears, a bushy tail, and a sheer veil that barely concealed anything. The image was so indecent that Han discarded the book in disgust. Do they think Im that easy to fool? The second book, Lunar Essence Technique, explained how to collect the moons energy to temper ones soul. Unfortunately, Han couldnt use this technique yet. It required one to reach the Out-of-Body Stage, far beyond the Visualization Stage. The third book, Incense Crafting Techniques, detailed methods for making various incense types used to aid cultivation. Comparing the information within, Han identified the purpose of the seven sticks of incense: Han was thrilled. These items were incredibly useful for his training. Better yet, with the crafting techniques in hand, he could produce them himself in the future. The fourth book, Dream Illusion Technique, introduced an illusion-based Daoist spell capable of trapping enemies in a dream-like realm. Finally, Han had found a protective technique he could actually practice! However, deciphering the book was challenging. The text was riddled with esoteric terms unfamiliar to him. Han had made great strides in martial arts, but no one had taught him Daoist techniques. And unlike martial arts, dabbling in Daoist magic recklessly could result in severe consequences. Being ignorant was a frustrating experience. This wont do. I need to find a proper path to learn Daoist knowledge. I cant stay a novice forever. After studying the materials again, Han reluctantly set them aside and began his soul cultivation for the day. He refrained from using the Spirit-Stabilizing Incense, wary of any hidden traps Neng Wu might have left behind. Fortunately, he had an opportunity to consult a Daoist expert tomorrow. After completing his visualization, he turned to the sacred tree in his yard, striking it twice. Three orbs of light fell: Talisman: Explosive Yuan Talisman Contains the Explosive Yuan spell, capable of causing an explosion of spiritual energy within a set area. Single-use. Low-Grade Spirit Plant: Yuan Qi Fruit A spiritual plant that boosts inner energy for martial artists. Human-Grade Elixir: Revival Pill Restores life when consumed by martial artists in critical condition. Effective for Flesh-Strengthening and Meridian-Reinforcing Stages. Han noted that the variety of drops seemed to increase the more he interacted with the tree. The Revival Pill, in particular, was a rare and life-saving treasure. The next morning, Bai Ruoyue took Han to meet the Daoist expert who had declined to appear the night before. This isnt the way to the town hall, Han remarked. She lives elsewhere. Just follow me. What, afraid Ill sell you off? Bai teased. With you? Anythings possible. After a series of turns, they arrived at a secluded peach grove on the eastern outskirts of town. I never knew there was a peach grove like this in Heiyun Town, Han said in surprise. You couldnt have entered it before, Bai replied with a sly grin. Damn these privileged martial aristocrats. Deep within the grove, they reached a three-story pavilion surrounded by rare and vibrant flowers. Before the pavilion stood a stunning woman in a black dress. She exuded an air of maturity and elegance as she watered the flowers. Though Bai Ruoyue was no less beautiful or well-proportioned, she couldnt compete with the woman''s sophisticated allure. At that moment, eighteen-year-old youth was no match for mature charm. Chapter 28: The Perils of the Soul—A Treacherous Journey "Miss Mo, I''m here," Bai Ruoyue called out loudly. A graceful woman on the balcony waved her hand, signaling Bai Ruoyue to lead the others inside. Han shot Bai Ruoyue a look, as if to ask, What''s going on here? "Junior Brother, is your eye twitching?" "..." I''ll twitch you to death! Once inside the pavilion, Bai Ruoyue busied herself brewing tea. Acting like she owned the place, she prepared three cups with an air of casual hospitality. "Here, Junior Brother, have some tea." As soon as the tea was ready, Aunt Mo walked in and seated herself beside Bai Ruoyue. "Aunt Mo, you were waiting for me to make tea, werent you?" Bai Ruoyue teased, catching on. The elegant woman shot her a glance. "You had a much different attitude when you came begging for my help last night." Turning to Han, she said, "So you''re the new disciple Bai took in yesterday?" "Yes, Senior," Han replied respectfully. "A few days ago, my master officially accepted me as his student." "Dual cultivation of Dao and martial arts with such talentno wonder Bai sought my advice on visualization diagrams. My name is Lu Qingmo." Han realized that Bai Ruoyue had already sought help on his behalf the same day his talent for Dao cultivation was discovered. Master really is kind-hearted. No wonder Bai had mentioned using her connections with the authorities to find a good visualization diagramshe clearly had connections in high places. "The situation at Mountain Water Temple was handled well. The Great Qi authorities wont skimp on your reward," Lu Qingmo said. "However, this matter must not be disclosed to outsiders. The Black Cloud Town government will also downplay it and avoid making it public." Han and Bai Ruoyue nodded, understanding the implications. Over the past six years, countless couples had visited the temple hoping for children. Revealing its dark secrets could lead to chaos, potentially destabilizing the entire town. Handling the aftermath was beyond their responsibility; the authorities were better equipped for that. "Aunt Mo, uncovering the truth about the demonic lair in Mountain Water Temple was all thanks to my Junior Brother," Bai Ruoyue said, shaking Lu Qingmo''s arm playfully.The story has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation. "You cant be stingyyou must reward him generously!" Han remained silent, thinking, Denying a reward now would just make me seem fake. Go ahead, reward meI can handle it! Lu Qingmo said calmly, "Merit should indeed be rewarded." "What visualization diagram are you cultivating?" Han hesitated, unsure how to respond. While he was willing to reveal certain abilities to Bai Ruoyue and others, that didnt mean he completely let his guard down. Sensing his reluctance, Lu Qingmo didnt press further but instead shared some insights about visualization diagrams. "Visualization diagrams are the foundation of soul refinement. The strength, potential, and progress of your soul all depend on the diagram you cultivate. "Ordinary diagrams leave the soul muddled and slow to grow, prone to disasters of disorientation and loss of self. Even if ones soul miraculously leaves the body, it is doomed. "A weak soul dissipates with the wind, melts under light, shatters at the sound of thunder, and perishes upon encountering fire or water. "If youre cultivating a basic diagram, you must upgrade it before your soul leaves the body to go further on this path. "Once your soul departs the body, its foundation is set, and switching diagrams becomes nearly impossible." Han listened with growing alarm, realizing how perilous soul cultivation truly was. In martial arts, even with basic techniques, as long as one avoided mistakes, training was safe. But Dao cultivation, even when done correctly, could be fatal if the visualization diagram was subpar. Thank goodness I chose the Thousand Realms Immortal Tree. Bai Ruoyue, on the other hand, was startled, glancing at Han with concern. What if his diagram isnt good enough? Though he could be annoying, she didnt want her Junior Brother to die. "Thank you, Senior Lu, for your guidance," Han said. Lu Qingmo shook her head. "Its nothingjust some basic knowledge." Han didnt take her words lightly. To someone of her caliber, this might be basic, but for someone like him, it was precious information. Knowledge like this depends on one''s background and connections. "The items taken from the monk should be with you," Lu Qingmo said. Han obediently handed over the objects, having brought them along on purpose. "Four Spirit-Calming Incenses, three Guardian Spirit Incensesperfect for your level. "The Dao techniques are unaltered and safe to cultivate. "The visualization diagram is decent, and this Illusory Dream technique is impressive, even reaching the Divine Travel grade. The Moonlight Refinement technique, however, is mediocre." Lu Qingmos evaluations provided Han with valuable clarity. Meanwhile, Bai Ruoyue frowned at the "Joyful Immortal" diagram and muttered, "This looks like something only bad people would cultivate." "Thats a bias," Lu Qingmo corrected. "Except for a few inherently malicious diagrams, most are neutral. Its the cultivator who determines their nature." "That said, certain diagrams do make it easier to stray toward evil." "Wait," Bai Ruoyue said, pointing at the Spirit-Calming Incense. "Aunt Mo, isnt this the same incense you use?" "It looks similar but isnt the same," Lu Qingmo explained. "Incense-making is a profound art and an essential aid in soul cultivation, as crucial as spiritual pills. "Spirit-Calming and Guardian Spirit Incenses are basic but invaluable at your stage. "When your soul leaves the body for the first time, burn a Guardian Spirit Incense. "And this Tranquil Mind Incense will help if you encounter the Disaster of Disorientation." "What is the Disaster of Disorientation?" Han asked. "Visualization strengthens the soul but also influences it. At critical moments, cultivators may confuse themselves with their visualization object, losing their sense of self. "Those who fail to break free will become lost souls, never to awaken again. "The lower the diagrams grade, the more frequent and severe these disasters. The highest-grade diagrams only bring this calamity onceat the culmination of visualization." Han fell silent, realizing just how dangerous soul cultivation was. Every step, from visualization to out-of-body experiences, was fraught with life-threatening challenges. Without guidance, he wouldnt have known any of this. Lu Qingmos advice was invaluable for someone like him who lacked formal training. In that moment, Han made a decision: I must hold onto this wise and capable womans support! Chapter 29: The Nine-Orifice Golden Pill Lu Qingmo''s advice was a revelation for Han, providing insights that would prevent him from stumbling blindly in his future cultivation journey. Having guidance versus navigating alonewhat a stark contrast! Youve earned two merits, Lu Qingmo remarked. Although those matters arent fully resolved yet, Ill reward you in advance. Aunt Mo, hasnt the issue of Huang Shiren, the man who controlled ghosts to harm my junior brother, been dealt with by now? Bai Ruoyue asked, puzzled. Hes just a scoundrel dabbling in Daoist arts for malicious purposes, isnt he? Lu Qingmo shook her head. The situation is more complicated than it seems. The influx of cultivators from other regions in recent years has added layers of difficulty. Han couldnt help but wonderwas there more to the story? Lu Qingmo didnt elaborate. Instead, she revealed Hans reward. Ill personally grant you an exceptional visualization chart and three Daoist techniques. If you prefer martial resources, youll need to apply through official channels, proportional to your merit. Han immediately understood the underlying message. Choosing Daoist resources meant the reward would likely come directly from Lu Qingmo herself, not the imperial government. An exceptional visualization chart and three Daoist techniquesthese far exceeded what his merits could typically secure. A substandard chart means certain death during soul departure; a low-grade chart merely allows you to continue your cultivation, Lu Qingmo emphasized. An exceptional chart, however, is among the finest soul-refining methods in Tianyue County and the foundation of soul cultivation. Han fell into deep thought. He wasnt hesitating between Daoist and martial resourceshis concerns were elsewhere. Finally, Han cautiously inquired, Senior Lu, could I exchange my reward for the chance to study under you for a while? I dont need the visualization chart or the Daoist techniques, he added firmly. Did Han lack Daoist techniques? Yes, but what he lacked even more was a mentors guidance. Without it, even possessing techniques would be useless. You dont have to teach me Daoist artsjust some foundational knowledge about soul cultivation will suffice, Han explained. Lu Qingmo scrutinized him before replying gravely, Understand this: if you forgo this opportunity, even Bai Tian himself wont persuade me to give you another exceptional visualization chart. Without hesitation, Han declared, Im willing to trade it for a chance to study under you! To him, knowledge outweighed any material reward. Aunt Mo! Bai Ruoyue tugged at Lu Qingmos arm, shaking it playfully. My junior brother is so talented! Please teach him!This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere. I finally have such a gifted junior brother! Were going to expand our martial hall to the county capitaland beyond! Lu Qingmo glanced at Bai Ruoyue and sighed. Even your father only asked me for one visualization chart. An exceptional chart wasnt a guaranteed path to greatness, but Lu Qingmo was already a master herself. Han, standing quietly by, waited for his senior sister to work her charm. Whether this succeeded or not depended on her efforts. But my junior brother is really talented Bai Ruoyue persisted, her determination unyielding. Unable to resist her pestering, Lu Qingmo finally relented. Starting tomorrow, come here at this time daily. Ill teach you for half an hour each day. After agreeing, she brought up another matter. Black Cloud Town frequently experiences ghostly disturbances. While the government has a dedicated department to handle such matters, theyre short-staffed. Would you consider registering as an auxiliary with the Ghost Management Bureau? Han hesitated and glanced at Bai Ruoyue. But Im from the Taibai Martial Hall You wouldnt be formally joining. Its just a nominal affiliation. Occasionally, they might request your assistance with ghostly issues, offering compensation in return. Participation is voluntary, so you can refuse if you wish. Monthly stipends are included, along with Daoist resources. Han nodded. I am honored to serve the Great Qi!
Outside the peach grove, Bai Ruoyue puffed out her chest, looking smug. Junior Brother, I really pulled some strings for you this time. How will you thank me? Anything for you, Senior Sister, Han replied with a grin. Whatever you need, just say the word. Being eighteen wasnt so bad, after all. Curious, Han asked, Senior Sister, whats Senior Lus background? Aunt Mo is a cultivator from Xuandu Temple, stationed in Black Cloud Town to oversee all matters related to cultivators, Bai Ruoyue explained. In Black Cloud Town, governance is splitmartial affairs are under the Black Cloud Commandant, while Aunt Mo oversees cultivators. So, she was one of the three most influential figures in the area. No wonder the bureau he was joining fell under her jurisdiction. Whats Xuandu Temple? Sounds like a place that trains cultivators. Its the state religion of Great Qi and the most powerful sect within its borders, Bai Ruoyue replied with a knowing look. Every county-level city or higher has Xuandu Temple cultivators stationed there. If we could elevate Taibai Martial Hall to the level of Xuandu Temple, my life would be complete. Youre dreaming, thought Han. The Ghost Management Bureau is a secretive organization. Ordinary people dont even know it exists. It wields significant authority, and Aunt Mo oversees it, Bai Ruoyue continued. They wont impose any restrictions on you. But if you refuse too many assignments, it might affect your stipend. Han didnt mind affiliating with the bureau. Life in Great Qi inevitably entailed interactions with the authorities. Such an identity might even be advantageous in the future, especially since it came with no real obligations. Dont worry, Aunt Mo is great. When I was little, I often stayed with her when my dad was busy. Shell take good care of you, Bai Ruoyue assured him. So, his senior sister had grown up under her watchful eye. Still, what kind of relationship did his master share with Lu Qingmo to entrust her with childcare? Master Bai Tian truly was a mystery. Make sure to behave when youre with Aunt Mo, Bai Ruoyue warned. If you annoy her like you do others, dont blame me if she throws you out. My manners are impeccable. Trust me, Han joked. By the way, hows your visualization chart? If its lacking, my dad can take you to the county capital to find a better one. Im finebetter than fine. Ill show you someday.
No way the Great Thousand Immortal Tree could disappoint him! Gazing at the Immortal Tree in his mind, Han felt more confident than ever in his soul cultivation. It was time for his daily chopping session. As he checked his status panel, something caught his eye. [Stamina: 2/2 (Seventh day in the Immortal Tree Secret Realm, bonus rewards applied)] [Reward obtained: Nine-Orifice Golden Pill] [Special Elixir: Unranked. Contains nine orifices, resembling a living spirit. Enhances physical potential, cleanses the body, and continuously nourishes it, accelerating martial growth.] [Usage: Create an opening in the heart, insert the pill, and let it merge with the heart. Its power will circulate through the bloodstream, fortifying the entire body.] Gold! Its finally here! Chapter 30: Breakthrough in Cultivation! Reward Bonus! The last time Han saw these words was on the first day he chopped trees, when he received a bonus for his first cut. He never expected to receive a seven-day bonus now. It truly feels like something from a game. Han immediately thought to himself: if theres a bonus for the first and seventh days, then surely there might be bonuses for half a month, or even for a full month? But thats a matter for the future. Right now, Han had only one thoughtchopping trees is definitely more exciting when theres a reward bonus. The regular drops pale in comparison. The Nine-Opening Golden Pillgolden and legendary! But theres something odd about this gold. Han looked at the pill in his hand. It was dark gold in color, with nine openings, almost like living creatures with nine orifices. The air swirled within the openings, making it seem like it was breathing. It was as if the pill itself had a life force! But the pill, and its description, gave Han an overwhelming sense of dj vu. "The Nine-Opening Golden Pill, lucky Im surnamed Zhou..." Han muttered. Just the thought of how this pill was supposed to be used made him feel a chill. To make a hole in his chest? Thats something he had never tried before. He put the Nine-Opening Golden Pill aside, as he still had one more tree-chopping opportunity. The second tree-chop only dropped a light orb. [Curious Object: Ghost Dwelling] [A dwelling for spirits. It can nurture, strengthen, and gradually enhance the potential of spirits. Only spirits connected to the player can reside in it, and it can only house one spirit.] This time, a curious object dropped, the same as the last time, but its use was completely different from the last one. This Ghost Dwelling was a good item, but for Han, it was of no use at the moment. Ghosts referred to souls that remained after death due to some unforeseen circumstances. The key point was that the person had to be dead. A living persons soul leaving their body doesnt count; they couldnt enter the Ghost Dwelling, especially considering the limitation that the spirit had to be connected to Han. But theres no doubt this was a rare treasure. It could enhance a spirit''s potential, and even if there were limits, many cultivators would still flock to it. For now, this curious object would have to be stored as a backup. But Han firmly believed in one thingthere are no useless treasures, only useless cultivators! (Laughs) The Ghost Dwelling was an egg-sized stone, with a deep hole on one side. "Do ghosts live in the hole? A caveman ghost?" Han thought, then quickly put the Ghost Dwelling away. Tonight''s main event, however, was the Nine-Opening Golden Pill.The narrative has been illicitly obtained; should you discover it on Amazon, report the violation. Han grabbed a knife and tested it against his chest. The thought of self-inflicted injury made him a bit nervous. This was a first. At least he didnt have to worry about tetanus. He steeled himself. No turning back now. Han gave himself a cut, and immediately a wound appeared on his chest. "Hiss!" He quickly pressed the Nine-Opening Golden Pill to the wound. A sharp pain shot through him, a double dose of agony. But the moment the pill entered his blood and flesh, a different sensation began to spread. The pain disappeared, replaced by a cool, refreshing feeling. Han even faintly smelled a pleasant fragrance emanating from his body. His heart, in particular, felt strangely special. He didnt feel like there was anything foreign inside it, but the heartbeat was much stronger, pounding like never before. With every beat, a warm current spread from the heart throughout his entire body. That was the power of the Golden Pill! Under the influence of the Golden Pill, Han felt subtle enhancements throughout his body, as if he was constantly becoming stronger. "What a treasure. Truly a treasure." Han was ecstatic. As they say, "One pill in the belly, and my fate is in my hands, not in heavens!" He wasnt at that level yet, but even the youth version of "My fate is mine to control" was already a good start. "However, didnt they say the Nine-Opening Golden Pill could wash the tendons and marrow? Why doesnt my body feel any different?" Han wondered. Shouldnt washing the tendons and marrow make black filth gush out from the body, and reek terribly? But instead, Han felt fragrant! Though it seemed like no one would be able to answer his questionthere was no customer service for the Immortal Tree. But there was no denying that the Nine-Opening Golden Pill was effective. Endless vitality, abundant energy, and constant medicinal power made Han even more excited. He immediately began practicing the "Pingtian Bull Demon Refining Form." He felt like he could keep practicing without ever getting tired. As Han continued practicing, the medicinal power of the Nine-Opening Golden Pill flowed out faster, completely merging with his body. "Whoosh! Boom!" Each punch and kick echoed with a sound. Hans body was turning red, glowing with heat. His stamina was bursting with energy. "Boom!" He didnt know how long it had been, but suddenly, a booming sound filled his ears. His internal energy surged, spreading through every part of his body. The internal energy covered his entire body, further enhancing his physical strengthhe had reached the Minor Completion of the Flesh Realm! After his breakthrough, Han slowly stopped and smiled with satisfaction. Seven days. Just seven days. Han had gone from an ordinary person to breaking through two levels, reaching Minor Completion of the Flesh Realm! In Black Cloud Town, other cultivators would take around two years to reach this stage, but Han did it in just seven days. Moreover, the quality and quantity of his internal energy now were on par with the Major Completion of the Flesh Realm. Internal energy is refined from the body, and its quality is directly related to ones physical strength and cultivation techniques. And Hans physical strength surpassed even that of the Major Completion of the Flesh Realm! Such strength already placed him above the lowest ranks among the cultivators in Black Cloud Town. With his body now brimming with seemingly limitless power, Han felt like he could easily defeat a few Huang Shiren to celebrate his newfound strength. "Another breakthrough..." Having entered the extraordinary realm, Han was determined to keep climbing to the highest peak! When Han left the Immortal Tree Secret Realm, he realized the sky was almost bright. "Ive been cultivating for that long?" Han was surprised. He hadnt expected his training to last all night. He didnt feel tired at all, and his body didnt feel like it had reached its limits. Cultivation techniques cant be practiced day and night without rest, as the body would break down. But the Nine-Opening Golden Pill didnt exactly remove his limits, but it certainly raised them significantly. After tidying up, Han didnt go to the martial arts hall. He went directly to see Lu Qingmo. He was eager to absorb knowledge from her. With a breakthrough in martial arts, he couldnt neglect his spiritual cultivation. As he walked through the peach grove, Han didnt sense any hidden guards. Perhaps it was because he was already permitted to enter by the owner of the place. This time, he didnt make it to the loft. Instead, he encountered Lu Qingmo right in the grove. Today, Lu Qingmo was dressed in a red gown, her long hair flowing naturally without makeup, yet she was breathtakingly beautiful. There was also a mature aura that added to her charm. The peach blossoms around her were in full bloom, vibrant and delicate, yet they seemed to pale in comparison to her beauty. "Senior Lu, Ive come to learn from you," Han said. To become a true master, one must first start by learning! Chapter 31: Look Within for the Answer Lu Qingmo''s gaze shifted from the vibrant peach blossoms to Han. Hm? Her bright eyes flickered, noticing something unusual. Did you break through in martial arts? By chance, I made a breakthrough last night, Han replied modestly. Youve only been practicing for seven days, havent you? Lu Qingmo gave him a deep look. Martial arts progression relied on persistence and effortbreakthroughs werent a matter of mere luck. In a place like Black Cloud Town, with meager resources and barely any low-grade spiritual plants, achieving a breakthrough to the Minor Completion stage of the Flesh Realm in just seven days was shocking. Lu Qingmo had never seen such raw talent, except in legendary figures whose feats in their youth became the stuff of myth. Could it be that this Han was truly such an extraordinary anomaly? This level of talent was something that the great martial sects of the world desperately sought after. Indeed, its been about seven days. Seven daysa breakthrough didnt seem so impossible. Sometimes, one had to reflect on their own effort. After all these years, had progress in cultivation stagnated because of genuine limitations, or because they hadnt taken practice seriously enough? No wonder Bai Tian was willing to personally approach me on your behalf. Your talent in martial arts is exceptional. Even in the broader martial world, youd stand out, Lu Qingmo remarked. However, since your aptitude for martial arts is outstanding, you should prioritize it and treat Soul Path cultivation as supplementary. Though Hans abilities surprised her, Lu Qingmo didnt suggest abandoning the Soul Path entirely. If there was talent to be developed, it shouldnt go to waste. Dual cultivation was always better than single cultivationas long as it was balanced. Follow me, she instructed, turning away. Han quickly followed, the faint fragrance emanating from him catching Lu Qingmos attention. She sniffed instinctively, then glanced at him. Whats wrong, Senior Lu? Han asked curiously. Nothing, she said, shaking her head, though she found it odd. How does a man have a natural fragrance? Lu Qingmo didnt bring Han into her study but opted for an outdoor lesson. Soul cultivation is unlike physical cultivation. It is mysterious and often dangerous. You may face calamities such as losing your way, soul separation, damage from the sun and moon, or even demonic invasion. Once you walk this path, you must be prepared. It requires not only immense courage but also extraordinary perseverance to overcome these trials.The tale has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident. In the early stages, practitioners often struggle against... Lu Qingmo started her lesson by bluntly listing the dangers and weaknesses of the Soul Path, pouring cold water on any overconfidence Han might have had. However, Han wasnt deterred. He listened intently to every word his teacher said. Dangerous? Lacking combat ability in the early stages? Thats no problem for me. A real man faces every obstacle head-on! Ive never backed down from a challenge! Lu Qingmo was pleased with his reaction. How long did it take you to sense the Soul Realm? she asked. Han hesitated for a moment. From her tone, it seemed Bai Tian hadnt shared all the details with her. That was rather considerate of him, keeping some of Hans privacy intact. Still, Han couldnt help but wonder about Bai Tians relationship with Lu Qingmo. He could ask her for resources but seemed unwilling to explain their connection. Were they close? Or not? The ambiguity was odd. A few breaths, maybe, Han answered truthfully. ...What? Lu Qingmo frowned. A few breaths? Yes. Seven days ago, after being haunted by a ghost for six days, I felt drained and almost died. But in that moment of mental relaxation after the ghosts destruction, I sensed the Soul Realm. Lu Qingmo fell silent. His talent in martial arts was already extraordinarycould it be that he was also a genius in the Soul Path? Your soul is naturally strong, at least on par with a practitioner in the sensing stage, she commented. But if a ghost haunted you, it must have harmed your soul, right? Yes, I was incredibly weak. I thought I wouldnt make it, Han admitted honestly. To sense the Soul Realm after such damage and begin cultivation without harm to your essence Lu Qingmo trailed off, unsure of what to say. She was both impressed and regretful. She had initially dismissed Bai Tians new disciple as ordinary, thinking hed be no different from her previous students. She hadnt even been particularly fond of Bai Tian himself. Bai Ruoyue had called Han a genius, but what kind of genius could exist in a remote place like Black Cloud Town? Yet now, after interacting with Han, Lu Qingmo realized she had underestimated him. A dragon hidden among commoners? Someone like Han shouldnt be confined to Black Cloud Town. He belonged in the great martial sects or even among the legendary schools of cultivation! This young man would one day surpass herit was inevitable. Meanwhile, Han felt a little awkward. Why did Lu Qingmos words sound so familiar...? His potential? It was something they couldnt even imagine. Han, even if your aptitude in the Soul Path is not as strong as your martial talent, youre still a rare genius in this field, Lu Qingmo said. Dont waste your gifts. And one more thingdont call me Senior anymore. Ah? Then what should I call you? The same as Ruoyue does. Alright, Aunt Mo! Han then asked, Aunt Mo, that night, we found Neng Wus body at the mountain temple. His soul had already fled. Without his body, can his soul survive? At the Spirit Roaming stage, a soul must rely on a physical body. If it flees, it will likely attempt to possess a mortal, Lu Qingmo explained. Han was startled. Soul possession? He had heard of it beforesoul cultivation was indeed stranger than physical cultivation. In the Visualization stage, a practitioners death means total annihilation. At the Soul Leaving stage, the soul can exist briefly without the body. However, possessing another body is difficult unless prepared beforehand. At the Spirit Roaming stage, its different. So, when fighting cultivators, never leave their souls unchecked. After imparting more advice, Lu Qingmo handed Han some books and formally began his instruction. Her attitude had shifted subtly, now treating him with genuine respect. Han absorbed everything eagerly, gaining new insights into soul cultivation. As the lesson continued, Lu Qingmo occasionally expanded on advanced theories, offering knowledge beyond the basics. The half-hour lesson passed quickly. As it ended, she handed him the materials. With your talent, youll reach perfection in the Visualization stage soon. Be wary of losing your way, she warned. Han nodded. His speed in visualization was remarkablethe great celestial tree in his Soul Realm was already vivid and lifelike. This was a reflection of his extraordinary talent. Returning to the martial hall, Han went straight to Bai Ruoyue. Senior Sister, take a look at me! Bai Ruoyue glanced at him, already guessing his intent. Youve improved again, havent you? Im not even surprised anymore, she teased. Still, she examined him. As she did, she suddenly frowned. Huh? Little Junior Brother, why do you smell so good? What did you Before she could finish, she gasped. You broke through?! Han gasped, too. Senior Sister, be gentle! Youll break my arm! Chapter 32: The Beast Awakes Within the Body "Did it really break through?" "Such a strong physique!" "Junior Brother, you''re way too fast!" "..." Several senior brothers and sisters gathered around Han, pinching and poking him while expressing their amazement. To achieve such a feat in seven daysthis was beyond their expectations. "Junior Brother didnt just break through his cultivation; his body and internal energy are now comparable to a perfected Flesh Realm practitioner," Zhang Yuantao marveled. "In other words, after only seven days, Junior Brother already has the strength of a perfected Flesh Realm practitioner?" Yang Xing from the Tenglong Martial Arts Hall had spent four years to reach the same level. Even in Heiyun Town, that was considered exceptional talent. Comparing seven days to four years left Zhang Yuantao and the others utterly stunned. "At this rate, Junior Brother''s strength will probably catch up to ours very soon," He Feng chuckled. "As senior brothers, we really have to step up our game." "Even if we''re eating spiritual plants every day, feasting on high-level monster meat, and training with secret techniques, there''s no way we could break through in just seven days," Bai Ruoyue said, deeply shaken. Bai Ruoyue was the most affected and clearly confused. For Bai Ruoyues confusion, Han could only testify that it was indeed true. He ate spiritual plants almost daily, but before he got the Nine Aperture Golden Dan, there was still some distance before he could break through. Spiritual plants alone could not get him through in seven days. But Han couldn''t explain this to Bai Ruoyue, so he shrugged it off. "Maybe its just my innate talent." Bai Ruoyue shot him a look. "Are you implying that my talent is lacking?" "Im not saying that at all, Senior Sister. I was just making a casual remark," Han grinned, shaking his head. Bai Ruoyue raised a fist. "You asking for a fight?" Everyone burst into laughter, the atmosphere light and joyful. It was certainly a good thing when their younger brother showed such remarkable talent. The bond between senior and junior brothers was strong, especially when they were still alive and kicking. After finishing todays martial arts training, Han set off with his sixth senior sister, Shen Yu, leaving Heiyun Town behind and heading toward the Yunjiang River. "Junior Brother, you can really move freely underwater?" Shen Yu asked curiously. "Of course. You''ll see in a bit." Han secretly equipped the Water Avoidance Gem fragment. The Yunjiang River was vast, and its underwater resources were just as rich as the mountains, though the environment made them difficult to exploit. But Han was different. With the Water Avoidance Gem fragment, he could walk on the riverbed as if on solid ground. This rarely explored area beneath the riverunreachable by other martial artistswas an ideal spot for Han to explore.Support creative writers by reading their stories on Royal Road, not stolen versions. Such an extraordinary advantage, Han certainly wouldnt waste it. He planned to make a daily visit to the Yunjiang River, as long as it didnt interfere with his training. Shen Yu was intrigued and decided to follow Han, also to keep an eye on him. What if he got robbed again It was a bit embarrassing, but Shen Yu was the youngest among their group of martial siblingsonly sixteen years old. Yet, Han still needed this sixteen-year-old senior sister to look after him. "Sixth Senior Sister, stay here and dont move. Ill be right back." With that, Han jumped into the river with a splash, then surfaced to show Shen Yu that his clothes were completely dry. "Dry as a bone!" Shen Yu stood frozen in astonishment. However, when Han didnt surface for a while, she began to worry. Shed heard that those who could swim well were usually the ones who drowned. Was Junior Brother really that skilled? Would there be a problem? Meanwhile, Han had already descended to a great depth, carefully scanning his surroundings to spot any potential spiritual plants. At the same time, he remained vigilant, prepared for any aquatic beasts that might appear. It was precisely the aquatic beasts that lived in the depths of Yunjiang that had prompted Han to venture further into the river after his breakthrough. At his current level, venturing into the river was still risky. The last time he faced a Black Xuan Snake, it was only comparable to a beginner in the Flesh Realm. His spiritual sense spread out, allowing him to see every detail within a hundred-meter radius, helping him to locate potential resources. Even with the Water Avoidance Gem, Han''s spiritual power was still somewhat suppressed in this environment. The dark riverbed felt like a haunted pit, as if countless monsters were lying in wait. Suddenly, Hans spiritual sense detected an anomaly, a dense surge of elemental energy. His focus sharpened, and he swam in that direction. A coral-like plant glowing faintly appeared in front of him, but guarding it was a strange fish nearly a meter long, its mouth full of sharp teeth. The fish was immediately alerted to Hans presence and lunged at him without hesitation, trying to bite him. Hans spiritual sense made contact with the creature, and he could feel the energy and strength within its flesh. This fishs strength was at the peak of the Flesh Realm! Facing such a creature underwater, even someone at the Meridian Realm would likely be killed. But with the Water Avoidance Gem fragment, Han now had the qualifications to fight this fish. Fully armed, Han was ready. The fish was already charging at him, and he couldn''t help but feel a surge of excitement in his eyes. A perfect test for his newfound strength! He swam forward with agility, not dodging the fishs charge but meeting it head-on. The two collided, sending a burst of water around them. Han gripped the fishs fin, throwing punch after punch at it. The fish went wild, thrashing and attacking furiously, but Han never let go. Every punch felt exhilarating, as though a bull demon was awakening within him. His blood boiled, and the Nine Aperture Golden Dan within his heart increased its output, making Han even more unstoppable. He absorbed the medicinal power of the Dan, refining it into his flesh and internal energy, growing stronger with every hit. Finally, the fishs fin was torn off, and it began to bubble, turning to flee. Han pursued relentlessly, now wielding his Eagle Claw Spear. With an even stronger attack, the fish was struck dead before it could escape. His body was ablaze with heat, his blood boiling. The medicinal power from the Golden Dan flowed through him, mending his wounds and enhancing his physical strength in the process. Han discovered another use for the Nine Aperture Golden Danit not only aided his cultivation but also made him stronger in battle. Dragging the fishs body and plucking the glowing coral plant, Han swam back to the surface. "Whoosh!" Han emerged, and Shen Yu rushed over immediately. "Junior Brother, are you alright?" Han placed the fish and the coral plant on the shore. "Sixth Senior Sister, I plan to dive again. You can hold onto these for me." Without waiting for a reply, Han dived back into the water, leaving Shen Yu standing stunned on the shore. Why does it feel like Junior Brother is at home in the water? This time, Han didnt find any spiritual plants, but halfway through, he encountered another aquatic beast. The beast had no intelligence and charged at him head-on. Han had no choice but to deal with it, but the Water Avoidance Gem fragment was running out of energy. He had to leave, though not in time to avoid some minor injury. He was now soaked. On the shore, Shen Yu helped wring the water from his clothes, amazed. "Broad daylight, and what exactly are you two doing?!" A furious voice rang out. Han froze. Could it be another robbery? He turned around to see a burly man running toward Shen Yu, grabbing her hand and attempting to pull her away. Hans face darkened. Is he trying to abduct her?! The audacity! Without hesitation, Han grabbed Shen Yus other hand and kicked the man away. "Bro, youre back!" ??? Looking at Shen Yus joyful expression, then at the burly man, and finally at his own hand holding Shen Yus, Hans foot froze in midair. Uh-oh, Ive just become an accomplice in a kidnapping! Chapter 33: Chaos Unleashed "You two have known each other for how long?" "Seven days." "Seven days and its already come to this?!" "Because the bond is deep." "What? You already have a child together?!!" "" Shen Yu punched the burly man. "Brother, stop spouting nonsense. This is our junior brother!" "Junior brother?" Han immediately recognized the mans identitythe second disciple from earlier that day, Shen Yus older brother, and one of the only two practitioners at the organ-level: Shen Long. "Hello, Senior Brother." Shen Longs expression softened a bit. Since Han was a junior brother, he wasnt an outsider. But still, no way he was going to let Han get too close to his sister! "Since Master accepted you as a disciple, your talent must be remarkable," Shen Long said as he scrutinized Han. Han was older than he expected, but he didnt comment on it. "But talent alone is not enough. Once we get back, we should spar." "If youre lacking, Ill train you well!" How could someone from the organ-level say something like that? "Brother, stop joking around. Junior brother has only been practicing for seven days!" Shen Yu gave her brother another punch. "Junior brother, dont take my brothers words too seriously. Hes like thisalways picking fights." Han gave a forced smile. I think he enjoys picking fights with me. "Are you hunting water beasts?" Shen Long asked, glancing at the two beast corpses on the ground. "Quite daring to stir up trouble at the bottom of the river." At that, Shen Yu grew animated, excitedly telling Shen Long about Hans incredible abilities. "He has such talent?" Shen Long was astonished. This junior brother was truly impressive. "Brother, are you heading back to Black Cloud Town?" "Yeah." "Then lets go together. You can help keep Junior Brothers trophies safe." Shen Long pulled a small bag from his waist and opened it. To Hans surprise, the two beast corpses were sucked right into it. Hans eyes lit up. Is this space equipment? "Junior brother, amazing, right?" Shen Yu said with a grin. "This is a space pouch, but we call it the Taibai bag. Its small, very cute, right?" "It has quite a bit of storage space and can be used to carry items. Its very handy." "This was a reward for my brother when he broke through to the organ-level. Well all have one someday!"If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation. "Impressive," Han nodded. While he had heard about space equipment before, seeing it in person was a different experience altogether. He hoped the great Qiankun Tree would drop one for him soon. The Water Protection Pearl shard had cooled down, so diving again would just be serving the water beasts a meal. The trio decided to leave. "Seven days to reach this level? To be that strong already?!" After hearing about Hans feats from his sister, Shen Long was shocked. "Impressive, truly impressive," Shen Long slapped Hans shoulder, then his eyes sparked with excitement. "No way. Junior Brother, we definitely have to spar. I need to experience the power of a genius like you." "What? That little punk Yang Xing dared to lay a hand on Junior Brother? And that scoundrel Long Yun dares to cause trouble?" Shen Longs anger flared. "Once I get back, Ill go to the Tenglong Martial Arts Hall and teach Long Yun a lesson. No one messes with the people of Taibai Martial Arts!" Along the way, Shen Long kept on about his plans for confrontation. Han was starting to understand what his second senior brother was likestubborn, hot-headed, and in short, a pure martial artist. No wonder Senior Brother Zhang Yuan Tao was usually the one handling the affairs at the Taibai Martial Arts Hall. Back at the hall, Shen Long took out many beast corpses from his Taibai bag. There were even some from the first three realms of martial arts, which would be used as food for Han and the others. Some rare parts could be made into weapons, making them quite valuable. He also handed several spirit herbs to Bai Ruoyue for distribution, as he no longer needed thembeing at the organ-level, they didnt help him much anymore. "Second Brother, looks like you had quite the harvest after spending half a month in Black Mountain," Zhang Yuan Tao commented with a smile. "Not bad," Shen Long replied, his tone slightly disappointed. "I found some really good stuff, but I couldnt get to it." "What did you find?" Bai Ruoyue asked. "A Bone Grinding Flower. It already has fruit." "B-Bone Grinding Flower?" Bai Ruoyues eyes lit up. "Yeah, it''s a treasure," Shen Long sighed. "But there were two fierce tigers guarding it, beasts comparable to the Bone Refining realm. I didnt have a chance to get near." "The Bone Grinding Flower is a spirit herb that helps martial artists refine their bones," Shen Yu quietly explained to Han. "Both Master Sister and my brother are in the organ realm, and the next step for them is bone refinement. The Bone Grinding Flower is incredibly useful for them." "Even the fruit is one of the best medicines for refining tendons and veins." Han understood. It was related to cultivation after the organ realm. "With my strength, I can easily handle a Bone Refining beast," Bai Ruoyue mused. She clearly wanted that Bone Grinding Flower. "Of course, my brother can have his share too," she added. "Master, please intervene. Its dangerous to enter Black Mountain now," Shen Long said. "My father went into Black Mountain a few days ago. I dont know when hell be back." "Your father went into Black Mountain too?" Shen Long frowned. "Then we cant go for now." "What''s going on inside?" "Chaos. Complete chaos. Many of the beasts that should be staying in their lairs have come out to roam. There are also strange creatures, even ghosts. Many martial artists have died." Shen Long seemed to shudder at the memory. "I ran into a demon once. Just a glance was enough to terrify me. I ran without daring to look back." "I wasnt planning to leave, but the situation in Black Mountain is too risky." "Demon?" Han had heard Bai Ruoyue mention them before. They were like beasts, but unlike the wild and chaotic water beasts, demons were intelligent and extremely cunning. Some could even take human form. The fox and the white snake from the storiesthose were demons. After hearing Shen Long''s tale, Bai Ruoyue also decided against going to Black Mountain. Han, however, felt uneasy. He had gone to Black Mountain during the day, and now it was in chaos. Could something have happened to Master? "Senior Sister, after half a month in Black Mountain, I feel like Ive improved!" "Come on, lets have a spar!" Shen Long smoothly shifted the topic, looking at Bai Ruoyue with intense fighting spirit. Bai Ruoyue rolled her eyes slightly. "Suddenly remembered I have things to deal with at the martial arts hall. Ill leave first," Zhang Yuan Tao disappeared without another word. Su Changan didnt say anything and just slipped away. "I need to check on the apprentices." He Feng tugged on Han before leaving. "Junior Brother, should we go together?" "Huh? Sure, sure." Soon, everyone had left, leaving only the Shen siblings and Bai Ruoyue behind. "Fifth Senior Brother, you really think Second Senior Brother has a chance against Master Sister?" Bai Ruoyue was recognized as the strongest of the younger generation in Black Cloud Town. Shen Long was a few years older than her, but still considered part of the same generation. "Of course not," He Feng laughed helplessly. "But Second Brother is just like that." "If we dont leave now, after hes done with Master Sister, hell want to spar with us too." "If Master were here, hed be next." "" Sounds just like Second Senior Brother! Chapter 34: Pure Soul Energy "Flying Swallow Chasing the Moon!" "Returning Wind Settling the Wild Goose!" "Flying Eaves, Splattering Snow!" "..." In the back courtyard, Han held the Hundred Forged Longsword, practicing the Taibai Sword Technique with great focus. This sword was a gift from Bai Ruoyue, a standard weapon for Taibai disciples and one of the best among Hundred Forged weapons. Bai Ruoyue observed Hans practice, occasionally offering guidance. "Junior Brother, your comprehension is quite impressive. Youve made noticeable progress in the Taibai Sword Technique," she praised. Han smiled. In the future, Ill be a sword immortal! "Even if a practitioner at the Flesh Refinement realm can''t fully wield the Taibai Sword Technique''s power, with such a profound skill, you won''t be outclassed by any other Flesh Refinement practitioner when it comes to swordplay." "By the way, hows your progress with Aunt Mo?" "Aunt Mo is very knowledgeable. In just half an hour this morning, she taught me a lot," Han said, genuinely impressed by Lu Qingmos wisdom. "Good, Im glad youre learning," Bai Ruoyue replied. "Wait, since when are you calling her Aunt Mo?" "She asked me to call her that." "When did you two become so close?" "Just today." But you only met yesterday! And already, youve become so close? Bai Ruoyue gave Han a side glance and said, "I was planning on letting you show off your talent in front of Aunt Mo, but since you two are getting along so well, Ill stay out of it." "Ive already shown it," Han replied with a grin. After observing Bai Ruoyue and the others during the day, Han made sure to show off his talents boldly, not holding back at all. The more you show, the more attention you attract. Pretending to be humble and then complaining about how the world is unfair is nothing but self-delusion. Bai Ruoyue flicked Hans sword lightly. "Hmph, youre quite slippery." That evening, Han left Taibai Martial Arts Academy, shaking his hand as he walked out. In the end, he couldnt escape the challenge from his Senior Brother, Shen Long. The sparring match between the two ended in a drawno harm, no loss of face. Although it was a match, it felt more like guidance. Shen Long, for all his roughness, was quite respectful when it came to this. Shen Long also handed Han a spirit herb he brought back from Black Mountain. But Han''s hand, after being grabbed by Shen Yu, was still aching.The story has been taken without consent; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident. Who says that brutes dont have brains? As soon as he entered his room, Han immediately began to visualize the Immortal Tree, dedicating his time after leaving the martial arts academy solely to soul cultivation. Now, Han had completed most of the visualization. He hoped to finish it soon and achieve a state where his soul could leave his body and soar through the air! During his visualization, Han lit a calming incense stick. Combined with the effect of the Jade Heart Pendant fragment, no distracting thoughts could affect him. His practice went smoothly. At midnight sharp, Han started chopping trees. "Day 8. Still 22 more days to go..." One swing of his axe caused three glowing orbs to fall. [Rare Item: Pure Soul Energy] [Pure Soul Energy, free of any life marks. Once absorbed, it can enhance the soul and strengthen the spirit.] [Rare Item: Sword Sharpening Stone] [A sharpening stone that can increase a sword''s grade. A one-time use item (max: Semi-Warrior Grade)] [Material: Raw Stone] [Contains a faint primordial force that can be used to forge weapons by perfectly blending with other materials.] Two rare items, one material! Han briefly looked at the Raw Stone before putting it awayno need for weapon forging materials just yet. As for the Pure Soul Energy, Han quickly realized this wasnt the first time he had encountered it. After using the San Guang Fu Ling Mirror to defeat the ghost-like creature, he had obtained a glowing orb, which was essentially the same as this energy, just smaller. However, this time, the energy was much larger. "Pure Soul Energy... its perfect for me right now." The Sword Sharpening Stone was quite intriguing. It could directly improve the swords grade, though there was a limitit could only raise the sword to Semi-Warrior Grade. Still, that was impressive. Han was pleased with his first tree-chopping result. [Rare Pill: Qi Blood Pill] [A pill that rapidly restores depleted Qi and blood.] [Low-Grade Spirit Herb: Small Apple] [Once consumed, it strengthens Qi and blood, enhancing physical strength.] The second tree-chopping drop was a pill and a spirit herb, both useful for martial cultivationa standard drop. Han stored the items he didnt need for now and absorbed the Pure Soul Energy, just like last time. Inside his soul world, he noticed the "pond" in the center of his soul space expanding at a visible rate. By the end, it had a diameter of at least fifty meters! Of course, this growth wasnt solely from the Pure Soul Energy; it was also due to his daily practice and cultivation. "Good, good," Han thought, pleased with his progress. Soul cultivation was essentially the process of expanding and evolving the soul. Mental strength, a byproduct of the soul, directly reflected its power and quality. After consuming another spirit herb to aid his martial arts, Han dove into his Secret Martial Arts, fully absorbing the medicinal properties of the herb and the Qi from the Golden Core Pill. His training efficiency had skyrocketed, and now, just one day of cultivation could replace several days before he obtained the Nine-Pointed Golden Core. His martial arts and soul cultivation both improved drastically. Breaking through another realm in a short time seemed increasingly possible. The next morning, Han visited Lu Qingmo again. Today, Lu Qingmo wore a white dressanother new look. To Hans surprise, there was another person here. "Aunt Mo." Lu Qingmo nodded and introduced the girl, "Yun Duo, my disciple." "Han, hell be learning here with me for a while." Han greeted the girl, Yun Duo. She looked at him with great curiosity. "Lets begin," Lu Qingmo said, not wasting time on pleasantries. Yun Duo, however, didnt pay attention. Instead, she went off to do something else. As Lu Qingmos disciple, she clearly already knew the basic principles of Taoism. Half an hour later, Han had solidified the teachings Lu Qingmo had passed on. He was about to leave when she called him. "Wait a moment." Yun Duo also approached. "Han, do you remember your appointment with the Ghostly Affairs Bureau?" Han nodded, already suspecting what Lu Qingmo was about to say. "All matters related to cultivators within Black Cloud Town fall under my jurisdiction," Lu Qingmo explained. "Sometimes, I bring things directly from the Ghostly Affairs Bureau for Yun Duo to handle." "Now, I have something for you. Will you help me?" "Im willing," Han said after a moment of thought, not rejecting her offer. Theyre slowly beginning to treat me like one of their own! I like this; I dont want to be an outsider to Aunt Mo! Chapter 35: Gao Family Village Youre Han, right? Thats right, Han. Han, as in Zhou Quan for Zhou, and Qing Shui for Qing. Which family do you come from? I dont think there are any Zhou families in Black Cloud Town. Im not from any family, Miss Yun. I come from an ordinary household. As they walked out of Black Cloud Town, Han and Yun Duo had this exchange. The task that Lu Qingmo had assigned was not within Black Cloud Town but in a village located about ten miles west of the town. Oh, Yun Duo nodded in surprise. Just call me Yun Duo, she added. Then how did you end up studying under the teacher? Many people want to become his disciple, but he never accepts anyone. Im a disciple of the Taibai Martial Arts School, and the school sent me to study under Aunt Mo. Han could guess Yun Duos background, as Black Cloud Town only had one major familythe Yun family. As long as there were people and descendants, there would always be family power, even in foreign realms. However, the formal disciples of the three great martial arts schools were not inferior in status or talent compared to the people from such prestigious families. Han glanced at Yun Duo. She was quite cute, but nothing remarkableordinary in every sense. Shes really just ordinary, without any notable features, Han thought. So, youre a Taibai disciple. That explains a lot Yun Duo said, nodding before realizing, You practice both martial arts and Daoist arts? Yes. Youre so impressive. Im Yun Duo, fifteen years old, from the Yun family. Ive been learning Daoist arts from the teacher for two and a half years. Im currently in the Night Wanderer stage, Yun Duo explained, her curiosity piqued. Han, whats your level? The Daoist arts had two stages: Night Wanderer and Day Wanderer. The evil monk could be considered a Night Wanderer. Yun Duo, the girl walking beside Han, was currently at this stage. Han, a bit helpless, faced her endless stream of questions. Weve only just met, and youve got so many questions, he thought. I just started soul cultivation. Im still at the Visualization stage, Han explained. It was natural for temporary partners to discuss their strengths. Oh, Yun Duo nodded thoughtfully. No worries, soul cultivation is quick. You dont need to rush. Ill protect you on this mission. Yun Duo had reached the third stage of soul cultivation after two and a half years of training, while Bai Ruoyue, the top martial talent of Black Cloud Town, took six years to reach the third stage in martial arts. The special nature of soul cultivation was evident. However, soul cultivation couldnt always progress that quickly. If they had to fight, even if they tied up several Yun Duos, they still wouldnt be able to defeat Bai Ruoyue. Yun Duo continued asking questions, and Han realized that she was quite talkative. He felt she was a bit naive, almost like she wasnt quite all there.This story has been stolen from Royal Road. If you read it on Amazon, please report it Whether she was truly naive or just pretending, Han couldnt tell. Soon enough, they arrived at the task location: Gao Family Village. A name that instantly filled Han with an urge to complain. They werent going to run into a pig demon here, were they? Yun Duo, do you have a plan? Han asked, respecting the senior disciple, even though she was still a registered student. After all, she had helped Lu Qingmo with many tasks, so she must have quite a bit of experience. Huh? Me? Yun Duo glanced at Han and then at Gao Family Village, deep in thought. After a moment, she said, Im not sure. So after thinking for a while, thats all she came up with? How did you solve things when you worked for Aunt Mo? Han asked, unable to hide his disappointment. Yun Duo replied honestly, I went home and talked to my father. He sent someone to help me. Thats a solid excuse. Han thought, seeing the task-expert aura around Yun Duo dissipate, revealing her true identity as a fresh newbie. Now, with a clearer perspective, Han understood. She was just a fifteen-year-old girl; it wouldnt be fair to expect too much. After all, the world had its Yang Xings, twelve-year-olds who committed murder, so it also had girls like Yun Duo. Well first check a few households and then go find the village chief of Gao Family Village to get a detailed understanding of the recent events, Han said. Okay. Three days earlier, the villagers of Gao Family Village had reported several disappearances to the authorities in Black Cloud Town. Both adults and children had gone missing. The towns garrison had investigated but found nothing, though they did uncover some clues related to Daoist arts. The matter eventually reached the Ghost and Spirit Affairs Bureau. According to the garrisons intelligence, Han and Yun Duo secretly went to the homes of the six missing people. Many details were already recorded in the files, but the perspective of cultivators and that of ordinary constables were vastly different. At the fourth house, Han and Yun Duo found something. The missing person was a child, and under Hans mental probing, he discovered several animal hairs hidden in a secret corner of the childs bed. Could it be a demons doing? Yun Duo asked. None of the six families kept animals with such fur, nor were any of them involved in farming or butchery. Han didnt respond but collected the hairs and moved on to the next house. At the sixth household, they made the same discovery. What kind of animal is this fur from? Yun Duo asked. Han shook his head. I cant tell. There were so many animals in the world, and aside from chicken feathers, it was hard to immediately identify the fur of other animals. We shouldnt go to the village chiefs house just yet. Lets search the village for more of these, Han suggested. Without the constraints of a special underwater environment, Hans mental reach had increased significantly, and it didnt take long for him to search the entire village. Sure enough, he found more of the same fur in the corners of the village, and following the trail led them to the southern part of Gao Family Village. They went south? During their search of the village, Han and Yun Duo also discovered what animal the fur came from: donkey fur. Some villagers kept donkeys, and the fur matched perfectly. However, the donkey fur they found didnt match the color of the ones raised by the villagers. They made their way to the village chiefs house, with Yun Duo following obediently behind Han, doing exactly as he instructed. Village Chief Gao, when you reported to the authorities, you mentioned that a wandering Daoist came to your village recently? Han asked. Yes, that Daoist rested here for a while, asked for a bowl of water, and then left, Village Chief Gao explained. But not long after he left, people started disappearing in the village. Is there anything south of the village? Where could they have gone? To the south, theres a teahouse. Further south, youll reach Niu Family Village, the village chief answered. Do the villagers ever drive donkeys south? Sometimes, yes. A few days ago, someone bought several donkeys and headed south. Han continued asking the village chief a few more questions before leaving with Yun Duo, heading straight south. Soon, they saw the teahouse, and in the distance, they spotted about ten donkeys tied up. This time, the color matched perfectly. Chapter 36: The Living Turned into Donkeys Another pot of tea, and a plate of fennel beans! Sure thing, please wait a moment, coming right up. Cloudys gaze wandered to the dozen or so donkeys tied up beside the teahouse. Han, donkeys, she muttered. Han shot her a confused look. What are you getting at? Im just saying, I see them, Cloudy replied, her tone somewhat cryptic. Han, sitting in the chair, also observed the donkeys. He compared the fur in his hand with the donkeys multiple times, and a few of them seemed to match. Hey, buddy, what are all these donkeys doing here? Han casually asked the man next to him. Someone from the nearby villages bought them and tied them up here. Not sure what for, though. Was the person who bought them a Taoist priest? Dont think so. Hes nowhere to be seen now, but Im sure hell be back. The donkeys are still here. As for the man, he was just an old fellow. Thanks. The tea and fennel beans arrived, and Han wasted no time, diving right into the meal. Cloudy, curious, took a bite but immediately wrinkled her brows at the taste. Still, she swallowed it down. Han chuckled. Not used to such simple tea, huh? This tea... I dont like it, Cloudy admitted, The fennel beans are... okay, though. Han understood. As the daughter of a powerful family from Black Cloud Town, it made sense that she wasnt accustomed to such plain tea or food. He had half-expected her to spit it out. If you cant handle it, dont force yourself, Han said, sipping the tea without hesitation. He had no problem with it at all. Should we wait for that guy to come back? Cloudy asked. Yeah. They waited for about half an hour before an old man appeared, driving three donkeys slowly toward the teahouse. The donkeys themselves seemed ordinary, and the old man looked like any other regular person. But something in his eyes caught Hans attentionthey were unusually bright and sharp for an elderly man. Hans spiritual perception also triggered a slight reaction, almost like a warning. Han thought for a moment and quietly activated his Qi-sensing talisman. The world of Qi appeared before his eyes again, and he focused on the old man guiding the donkeys. His aura was unusually intense. So this old man was a cultivator! However, Hans attention was quickly drawn to the three donkeys in front of the man. Although they were clearly animals, they radiated human-like Qi! Typically, animals exuded a white Qi, but human Qi was different. Anyone capable of sensing Qi could immediately tell the difference.Stolen novel; please report. These three donkeys had human Qi! The dozen or so donkeys tied up earlier also exuded the same aura. The appearance could be altered, but Qi couldnt lie. In other words... these donkeys were actually people? Were they using a transformation technique? Han scanned the teahouse and saw no other cultivators around. The area had no unusual energy, so it didnt appear to be the old mans base of operations. This person is suspicious. Even if he isnt behind the disappearances, hes definitely involved, Han whispered into Cloudys ear using his spiritual energy. Cloudy responded the same way. Should we act now? There are too many people here. We dont want to hurt any innocents. Lets wait until he leaves, then follow him. The old man carefully tied the donkeys again and glanced at Han and Cloudy a couple of times. Their appearance and energy were hard to ignore. Ill step outside for a bit. Stay here and wait for me. Dont act alone, Han suddenly said, then stood up and left. Han used his Qi-sensing ability to carefully scan the area around the teahouse. There were no other cultivators nearby, which made him feel more at ease. Better safe than sorry. ... Lets follow him. The old man left the teahouse again, and Han motioned for Cloudy to follow him. After they moved a good distance away from the teahouse, the old man stopped and turned around to face them. Where do you two little ones think youre going? You better go home and behave yourself, he said, his voice sharp. Youre in trouble now. Come with us, Han said, already fully prepared for a confrontation. Youre a martial artist, arent you? The old mans eyes flashed with cold light. Why imitate the heroes of the world? Let me show you what it really means to know your place! The old man took out a wooden donkey figurine from his robes. He moved his feet and began chanting a spell. Suddenly, the eyes of the wooden donkey figurine glowed red, and a beam of light shot toward Han. Watch out! Cloudy threw a bracelet, blocking the red light. The old mans attack was completely neutralized. A magical tool?! The old man gasped, his expression changing dramatically. Youre a cultivator? Without further hesitation, the old man turned and ran, his speed increasing as the wind seemed to follow his steps. Against a martial artist, especially one with a magical tool, running was his only option. But Han had no intention of letting him escape. As soon as Cloudys magical tool blocked the attack, Han charged forward. The old man was fast, but Han was faster! A cultivators body was stronger than an ordinary persons, but it couldnt compare to a martial artist, especially not someone like Han, whose physical prowess rivaled that of an expert. Seeing that Han was catching up quickly, the old man frantically activated the wooden donkey figurine again. Hans lips curled slightly as he channeled the power of his Three Lights and Blessed Spirit Mirror, and with one punch, he shattered the red light. The old mans face twisted in shock. What kind of monster is this?! Cloudy was equally stunned. Is a martial artist in the Flesh Realm really that strong? By this time, the old man had been caught by Han, who grabbed him by the arm. Once a cultivator was captured by a martial artist, there was no way they could escape. Han yanked the old man back and threw him to the ground behind him. When the old man hit the ground, his appearance changed dramatically, and he became a middle-aged man wearing a Taoist robe. So it was himthe wandering Taoist priest! Han stepped on the mans hand, causing him to scream in pain. The wooden donkey figurine fell to the ground. Han tore off a piece of the Taoists robe to prevent him from casting any spells. Tell me, were you the one who kidnapped the people from Gaojia Village? What kind of sorcery did you use to turn them into donkeys? Not talking, huh? Lets see if your mouth is tougher than my fists! Still not confessing? Fine, Ill break you one way or another! Han... Cloudy called softly, and Han turned to look at her. Youve sealed his mouth, so he cant talk, right? ... Han gave the Taoist another kick. You cant talk, huh? Then why do you think youre still silent? After removing the cloth from his mouth, the Taoist immediately screamed, Please spare me! Spare me! Ill talk! Stop hitting me! I did it all! But I was just following orders! The young man was terrifyinghe didnt follow the usual rules of the martial world. So brutal! Han wasnt concerned about rules. The wandering Taoists actions were no different from that of a human trafficker. Who ordered you? I dont know! Ah! I swear, I dont know! I came from Tianyue County. Someone approached me, offered me rewards, and sent me here to use the Beast-creation Technique. I was supposed to gather some human-animal hybrids for them. Theyll come to collect them later! Please, spare me! I was forced into this! Please let me go! Han hadnt expected the Taoist to confess so quickly. And yet again, it was an outsider involved! Hans frown deepened. Every one of these malicious events he had encountered so far had involved outsiders. And this Beast-creation Techniquecould it really turn humans into donkeys? This world truly had some strange and bizarre Taoist arts. Chapter 37: Further Lessons With the donkeys and the captive in tow, Han and Yun Duo made their way to Black Cloud Town. "Han, you''re amazing! The other martial artists I''ve seen don''t compare to you," Yun Duo said, her steps light and full of curiosity. "That was Daoism you just broke throughhow did you do it?" Han replied vaguely, "Maybe its because martial artists have a natural resistance to Daoists." "Martial artists can resist Daoist magic?" Yun Duo asked, puzzled. When it came to resisting Daoist magic, it was more about how the martial artist''s vitality and energy clashed with a cultivators spirit. However, not all Daoist spells were of an yin nature. "Yun Duo, have you ever heard of the Animal-Transformation Technique?" Han switched the topic. "No, I haven''t," Yun Duo shook her head. "Looks like Ill have to ask Aunt Mo when we get back." Han had already interrogated the wandering Daoist thoroughly and learned some disturbing details. The Daoist, originally a cultivator at the perfect stage of visualization, had been approached by someone from a distant place who helped him break through to the Out-of-Body stage. They also taught him the Animal-Transformation Technique, instructing him to come to Black Cloud Town and find humans to transform. The Animal-Transformation Technique was a complex and advanced method, but the Daoist couldnt fully control it. To perform the spell, he relied on a wooden donkey statue. The procedure involved first using the blood of a living donkey to coat the statue, then trapping the donkeys soul within it. Afterward, the Daoist could recite a spell to turn a person into a donkey. Unfortunately, the Daoist didnt know how to reverse the transformation. In comparison, this Daoists methods were primitive. Even the previous figure, Huang Shiren, was more skilledhe could control ghosts and wield a soul sword. Being at the Out-of-Body stage didnt help when your soul could be destroyed by the sun''s rays. As for who was behind him, Han couldnt extract any useful information. After handing over the donkeys and the wandering Daoist to the town guard, Han and Yun Duo made their way straight to the Peach Grove to discuss the Animal-Transformation Technique with Aunt Mo. "A technique like that? The Animal-Transformation Technique isnt something ordinary," Aunt Mo said, her eyes narrowing. "I didnt expect to encounter it here in Black Cloud Town." She closed her eyes and, after a few moments, reopened them with a deeper focus. "Indeed, it''s the true Animal-Transformation Technique. Though incomplete, its not a simple illusion spell or a charm designed to trick common folk." "Aunt Mo, is there any way to undo it?" Han asked. "It can be undone. Fortunately, this is not the complete version of the technique, or else it wouldve been impossible to reverse. If it had been fully completed, even gods and buddhas wouldn''t have been able to help, and the person would be stuck as a donkey for life." Aunt Mo continued, "If you encounter someone under such a spell again, you can give them plain water to drink." "If it''s just an illusion or charm meant to deceive, the water will dissolve it."Help support creative writers by finding and reading their stories on the original site. Han listened closely, grateful for the new knowledge. "But the real Animal-Transformation Technique cant be broken just by water" Aunt Mo went into the attic and returned moments later holding a yellow talisman. "Burn the talisman to ash, mix it with water, and then give it to the victim. It will return them to their original form." "You need special water for that to work," she added. "Aunt Mo, this Animal-Transformation Technique is terrifying, though. It can turn a person into a donkey!" Hans voice held a note of disbelief. "Changing one species into anotherinside and outis astonishing," Aunt Mo remarked. "But the full technique can do more than just turn people into donkeys. Pigs, sheep, and other livestock can be transformed as well." She shook her head. "However, this spell is difficult to use on cultivators, so theres no need to fear it too much." "Aunt Mo, the Daoist must have someone behind him. If they find out weve captured him..." Han hesitated. "The people pulling the strings want this chess piece caught," Aunt Mo said with a cold gleam in her eyes. "Anyone who can force someone to break through and teach them the Animal-Transformation Technique doesnt need a wandering Daoist to collect humans and animals for them." "You dont need to worry about what comes next. Your efforts will be recognized. Yun Duo, take the talisman and deliver it. Han, stay behind." Yun Duo nodded obediently and took the talisman, leaving. Han stayed behind, ready to discuss everything with Aunt Mo. "Tell me everything that happened in detail," Aunt Mo instructed. ... "Wait, you mean to say that you discovered the killer was a cultivator, and those donkeys were actually transformed from humans?" Aunt Mo interrupted Han at one point. "Yes," Han confirmed. "Does Yun Duo know the Spirit Vision Technique?" Aunt Mo asked, surprised. "Huh?" Han frowned. "I didnt know she knew that. She never mentioned it." "She probably forgot about it," Aunt Mo said with a rare trace of helplessness in her voice. "For her, forgetting is just part of her nature." ... So Yun Duo had actually forgotten about her own ability? Han was surprisedwas she really that absent-minded? "How did you figure it out?" Aunt Mo asked again, clearly intrigued. "I have a special gift that lets me see Qi," Han replied, using the same explanation he had given Bai Ruoyue and the others. Since Bai Ruoyue had said she could share some details with Aunt Mo, Han decided to reveal a bit more of his abilities to test Aunt Mos knowledge and depth. "You awakened the Qi observation ability?" Aunt Mo asked, clearly astonished. "Thats quite rare!" "Is it really that rare?" Han asked, a little surprised. "Its not about how rare it is, its about how special it is," Aunt Mo explained. "But the fact that you have awakened such an ability is a good sign. It proves how extraordinary your potential is." Aunt Mo thought for a moment before asking, "You should have a few Daoist techniques by now, right?" "I know Ghost Control, Dream Illusion, and Moon Absorption Techniques," Han replied. All of these had been acquired from others. The wandering Daoist had nothing but the wooden donkey statue. He didnt even have the original Animal-Transformation Technique. "Starting tomorrow, Ill guide you in cultivating these three techniques," Aunt Mo said, causing Hans heart to leap with excitement. She had originally only agreed to teach him Daoist knowledge, not specific cultivation methods for these techniques. Now, Han would receive direct guidance. Since Han had already learned the fundamentals, this was the perfect time to speed up his training. The opportunity to learn directly from someone was invaluable, and he couldnt wait to begin. Aunt Mo looked at Han, the admiration in her eyes growing. She never expected someone so talented to emerge from Black Cloud Town. How had He Dehe managed to recruit such a genius as his disciple? "This is incredible," she muttered to herself. "From now on, youll spend an additional hour each day studying here," she added. "But remember, dont neglect your martial arts training." ... "Smack! Smack!" Bai Ruoyue finished her set of punches and glanced over at Han. "Little Junior Brother, its been half the day and I havent seen you. Looks like youve been busy." "Come here and let me have a look at you." This time, it wasnt a morning check-upit was a midday one. As Bai Ruoyue examined Han, he explained why he hadnt been at the martial hall earlier that day. She pulled her hands away and smiled. "Very good, strong, just how I like it." "Ah, so youve been out on an errand for Aunt Mo. Thats good for you," Bai Ruoyue remarked. "Remember, whatever you do, always prioritize your own safety." "On second thought, Ill take you out to relax sometime soon." "..." Was this relaxing invitation serious? Chapter 38: The Minions of the Sea "Its like how you handle affairs related to the gods and spirits under your title as the God-Guardian Officer," Bai Ruoyue explained. "The Town Guard occasionally enlists the help of martial artists for various tasks." "In Black Cloud Town, the martial artists from our three major martial arts schools are the primary partners of the Town Guard." "They often come to us first for help with certain matters, and in the process, both the battles and treasures are up for grabs." "Fighting, after all, is the greatest pleasure for martial artists!" Han was about to protest, but then realizedthis was the enjoyment Bai Ruoyue was talking about? Sister, you''re really disappointing me! Han couldn''t help but feel a little embarrassed. He finally understoodthis was just outsourcing, wasn''t it? Damn, how enviable these big powers leaders must be. In the future, I, Han, will be the one in charge! Ill be the boss! "Next time there''s a suitable commission, Ill take you along to see it for yourself. Martial artists grow the fastest in the heat of battle," Bai Ruoyue continued. Han didnt have much desire to go, but his senior sister was so thoughtful. She really did have his best interests in mind. Compared to the naive Yun Duo, Bai Ruoyue was much more likable. She was beautiful, kind-hearted, and easily amused. Although she had a bit of a violent streak, it wasnt a major issue. The most important thing was, Bai Ruoyue made perfect sense. Bai Ruoyue added one more thing before leaving, "By the way, Yun Duo is the daughter of the current head of the Yun family. She''s really spoiled, and while were not afraid of the Yun family, dont go out of your way to bully her." Han felt insulted. "How could I bully a fifteen-year-old girl?!" "You speak so provocatively; Im worried you''ll upset her," Bai Ruoyue said, tapping her hands before walking off. Han wanted to chase after her and argue, but just then, a hand landed heavily on his shoulder. Han turned around and saw a large face staring back at him. "Little Junior Brother, what are you doing here?" "Second Senior Brother..." Hans heart sank. Now he understood why Bai Ruoyue left in such a hurry. If she stayed any longer, she wouldve been harassed by Shen Long again. But now, it was Hans turn to be "harassed." From talking to the other seniors, Han learned that Shen Long was absolutely obsessed with fighting. Not only did he enjoy sparring with the other disciples, but he would often go to other martial schools under the pretense of "exchanging ideas"but in reality, he just wanted to fight. This had made the martial artists from other schools terrified. Sparring wasnt weird, but constantly showing up to "exchange ideas"? That was a bit much. Han left the martial school, stretching his neck. Despite everything, he was in a pretty good mood. After finishing his martial arts practice for the day, he had sparred with Shen Long multiple times, gaining quite a lot from it. Han had noticed yesterday that during their fights, the medicinal energy of his Nine Aperture Golden Pill would flow out more intensely, and he could absorb it more thoroughly.Unauthorized usage: this tale is on Amazon without the author''s consent. Report any sightings. Every hit to his body would trigger a response from the Nine Aperture Golden Pill. So while Han found Shen Longs obsession with fighting a bit exhausting, his behavior was actually playing into Han''s hands. Fighting... makes me go crazy. After several rounds of sparring, Shen Long was growing increasingly satisfied with his little junior brother. During this time, Han had also made another trip to Yunjiang, where Shen Long even sent Shen Yu to keep an eye on him. Shen Yu, as lively as ever, excitedly followed Han around. ... [Item: Spirit Pill - Feather Soul Pill] Consuming this pill can nourish the soul and restore mental energy. [Artifact: Water Repelling Pearl (Fragment)] A fragment of the Water Repelling Pearl, inheriting some of its ability to repel water. The water-repelling effect lasts for a limited time. The player already has a fragment of the Water Repelling Pearl. Two fragments can be fused. Hans spirits lifted when he saw the drops from his recent battle. The Feather Soul Pill was a versatile elixir, useful in both battle and cultivation. Visualization techniques could be mentally taxing, and once his mental energy was exhausted, he couldnt continue until it slowly recovered. But with the Feather Soul Pill, Han could recover quickly and continue his practice. The second drop made Han even more excitedhe had obtained another fragment of the Water Repelling Pearl! Without hesitation, he fused the two fragments. [Artifact: Water Repelling Pearl (Fragment)] A more complete fragment of the Water Repelling Pearl. Its water-repelling ability has been slightly enhanced, and the duration has increased. It can now control regular water to a limited extent. Han was slightly disappointed. Still not a complete artifact? How many fragments does it take to complete the Water Repelling Pearl? If he had a fully functional Water Repelling Pearl, he could survive underwater indefinitely, as long as he could secure food. [Mystical Item: Soul Cleansing Pearl] Placed in the Soul Realm, it can purify the spirit and cleanse the soul. (There is a limit to how much purification it can provide.) [Magic Talisman: Radiant Light Talisman] A talisman that contains a Radiant Light spell. When activated, it releases a powerful burst of otherworldly sunlight, obscuring the vision of all beings within its range except for the talismans holder. One-time use. Han was ecstatic as he looked over the items that had dropped during his second tree-cutting session. The Soul Cleansing Pearl looked like an excellent item for training. It could help refine his mental energy and purify his soul, making it highly beneficial for both cultivation and combat. This would allow him to improve faster than others in his realm and become stronger than other cultivators at the same level. The Radiant Light Talisman reminded Han of a flashbang. It could blind opponents by obscuring their visionand in this case, even their soul sight. The next morning, Han spent an hour learning from Lu Qingmo. As promised, Lu Qingmo began teaching him Daoist techniques. The first technique was Ghost Control, one of the easiest Daoist arts to learn. This technique involved both incantations and talismanic drawings. However, with enough mastery, it could be performed without the use of talismans. "Heaven has three wonders: Sun, Moon, Stars; they reach heaven and penetrate the earth, terrifying the gods and spirits" Lu Qingmo explained the Ghost Control technique carefully, and Han felt as if a veil had been lifted from his mind. All the parts he had previously struggled to understand now made perfect sense. Han was learning quickly, without much need for Lu Qingmos guidance. This pleased his teacher greatly. A good teacher and a good disciple made for the perfect match. At the end of the lesson, Lu Qingmo told Han, "In the future, if you have the opportunity, you can also cultivate a spirit to serve you." Han was puzzled. "With my current cultivation level, even if I raise a spirit, it wont be of much help, right?" Lu Qingmo shook his head. "Thats not the case. If you travel the world in the future, carrying a spirit with you can be extremely useful." "While you''re cultivating, it can warn you with incense. When you perform rituals, it can help set everything up. Some cultivators even teach their spirits to make incense or craft magical items for use or sale." "If you raise a spirit well, it might not help in combat, but it can assist with cultivation. Besides, you cant handle all the menial tasks yourself." Hans expression turned thoughtful. Wait... so youre telling me I can get a spirit to work for me without paying them? He suddenly became intrigued. As long as his cultivation didnt lag behind, he wasnt worried about not having anyone to keep up with him. He didnt choose friends based on talent, after allnobody had better potential than him. Han made a mental note of this. After finishing his martial arts and Daoist lessons for the day, Han eagerly headed to Yunjiang. With the Water Repelling Pearl fragment upgraded, he was itching to test it out. Going on an adventure in Yunjiang meant he could harvest spiritual plants and battle water beasts, both of which would greatly help his cultivation. This time, Bai Ruoyue joined him, curious about Hans unique abilities. When Han dove into Yunjiang and demonstrated his newfound powers, Bai Ruoyue was in awe. "Thats incredible! I want one too!" Han dove deeper, but just as he was about to begin exploring, he noticed two strange creatures. One was a red crab, the other a massive blue shrimp. What stunned Han was that both of them were wielding weaponsspears and forks! They immediately noticed Han, their eyes gleaming with intelligence as they locked onto him. A crab and a shrimp, armed with weapons and full of cunningwhat a sight to behold. Chapter 39: The Demon Lords of Yunjiang Han quietly equipped a few battle-oriented talismans and began to retreat cautiously. The appearance of the giant crab and shrimp at the riverbed was too bizarre. He had never seen a beastman wielding weapons before. Maybe these werent just beasts, but something else from the beastkin tribe: demons. "Human boy, wait a moment." A male voice rang out in his ear, and Han jumped in surprise. He saw the crab''s mouth move. Did... did the crab just speak? Its definitely a demon! "Youre from the Taibai Martial Arts Academy in Black Cloud Town, aren''t you?" "I am indeed a disciple of Taibai Martial Arts Academy. And may I ask who you two are?" Han didn''t expect these demons to recognize the Taibai attire. "You don''t need to concern yourself with who we are," the crab replied arrogantly. "I have a question for you. Just answer honestly." "Since youre able to enter the water, have you noticed anything unusual around this section of Yunjiang near Black Cloud Town?" "For example, have you seen a large number of water barbarians die or the river drying up?" The shrimp waved its pincers and added, "At least, we''re talking about the deaths of dozens of water barbariansyour killing of those three or four doesn''t count." Han was taken aback. He didnt expect these demons to have noticed. But at the same time, Han felt relieved. It didnt seem like these demons were causing trouble for him because of his hunting. "Ive been under the water for a few days, but I havent seen anything unusual as youve described." The crab and the shrimp both stared at Han, seemingly assessing the truth of his words. "Since you haven''t found anything unusual yet, would you be willing to help us with something?" The crab asked. "We don''t need you to do anything extra. Just, when you come to Yunjiang in the future, pay attention and see if anything strange happens." "If you agree, we''ll tell you about several resource locations as a reward. Youre diving into Yunjiang for cultivation resources, right?" Han didnt expect things to develop this way. After a moments thought, he asked, "I still dont know who you two are?" "Heh, the entire Yunjiang is the territory of our master. What do you think our identity is?" The master of Yunjiang? Han''s mind suddenly clicked. He knew. The legendary Dragon Lord of Yunjiang who protects Black Cloud Town and keeps the water barbarians away! The Dragon Lord of Yunjiang was real after all. These demons in front of him... Could they really be the shrimp and crab generals?This tale has been unlawfully lifted without the author''s consent. Report any appearances on Amazon. "You can ask your master about the greatness of our lord," the crab said smugly. "So, whats your decision? Are you willing to help us?" Han agreed in the end. He feared that if he refused, these demons might turn hostile. ... "Big brother, this kids cultivation is weak, what use is he?" "We can''t go ashore, and we cant act recklessly in this stretch of the river near Black Cloud Town." "Lord Dragon has given orders that we cannot touch the spiritual treasures or other valuable items in this river stretch. Its worth exchanging a few items we cant get for this strange human boys help." "Thats true, he has no water kin bloodline, but hes able to move freely underwater. Seems he has some skills." "Who knows, maybe its some treasure helping him. After all, Taibai Martial Arts Academy is even mentioned by Lord Dragon." "..." The shrimp and crab generals watched Han as he left with their token, continuing to communicate in their unique manner. Han didnt continue exploring underwater. He went directly to shore. "So soon?" Bai Ruoyue was surprised. "Junior brother, your ability doesn''t last long, does it?" "Master, something bad happened! I encountered two demons underwater!" Bai Ruoyues expression turned strange. "So you got robbed again by those two demons?" What is going on with this junior brother? Robbed on land, robbed underwater? Does he have some kind of "robbery magnet" physique? "No..." Han explained what happened underwater. "Shrimp and crab generals?" Bai Ruoyue rubbed the corner of her clothes. "Should be them. I didnt expect youd run into such a situation." "Master, from the way the shrimp and crab generals spoke, does this mean that our teacher knows about the Dragon Lord of Yunjiang?" Bai Ruoyue seemed uncertain. "He should know about it, yes." "My father never explicitly told me, but he did warn me not to show disrespect to the Black Mountain Mountain God and the Dragon Lord of Yunjiang." "I didnt pay much attention at the time, but now it seems like he definitely knew something." "Lets go ask Aunt Mo, she must know more." "Dragon Lord of Yunjiang?" Lu Qingmo gave Han a surprised look. She hadnt expected Han to have indirectly interacted with such a being. "Since you''ve encountered them, then youre qualified to learn about them." "The Dragon Lord of Yunjiang exists, and so does the Black Mountain Mountain God. In Daqi, only counties and cities above that level have Xuan Du Sect cultivators stationed." "The reason Im stationed in Black Cloud Town is partly due to the presence of these two beings." "But you can know about them, just dont go around spreading it. Most deities in Daqi are not allowed to openly proclaim their names or spread their beliefs." The Mountain God, the Dragon Lord... Han suddenly felt like he had stepped into a myth, glimpsing the real side of this world. "What should I do about what the shrimp and crab generals told me?" "Just do what you agreed to. The Dragon Lord of Yunjiang is a benevolent figure in Daqi, and his subordinates will follow the rules in Black Cloud Town." "But there are abnormalities in Yunjiang now?" "Junior brother, do you still want to go to Yunjiang?" "Ill go take a look. The shrimp and crab generals gave me several resource points. There might be some good things there." Although the shrimp and crab generals were arrogant, they were efficient. They gave Han the agreed reward right away. Bai Ruoyue decided to accompany Han. She simply didnt trust him to go alone. She always felt like her junior brother attracted trouble... "Master, dont you think there seem to be more warriors heading to Black Mountain lately?" "Black Mountain has been in chaos for some reason, but chaos also means opportunity. Some warriors choose to leave, but naturally, others will go in to seek adventure." "In fact, more warriors are likely choosing to go in and take risks." "Beasts, spiritual plants, and rare treasures are easier to obtain in such times." "But its also easier to die. Even my father dares not offend the terrifying entities within Black Mountain." Crisis often comes with opportunities, and vice versa. Han fully agreed, "Yunjiang is better. Its rich in resources, and the water barbarians arent that strong." Every time Han went to Yunjiang, he could find spiritual plants, but in Black Mountain, it was common to search for days and come up empty-handed. Bai Ruoyue shot Han a sideways glance. "For you, that''s normal. What normal warrior has the ability to go on adventures in Yunjiang?" "Junior brother, if your ability gets exposed, most warriors would be jealous of you." Even Bai Ruoyue was somewhat envious. Her junior brother''s ability was just too convenient. While others were grinding and risking their lives in Black Mountain, her junior brother could casually find treasures in Yunjiang, only needing to deal with the water barbarians in the Body Refining Realm. It was an entirely different level of gameplay. For most warriors, exploring was a difficult challenge; for her junior brother, it was easy mode. She almost wished she could trade places. "Is it my fault?" Han shrugged in response to Bai Ruoyues words, looking like a mischievous little bear. Chapter 40: The Hidden Jade Beneath the Yun River near Heiyun Town, few savage beasts comparable to the Meridian Realm could be found. With Han''s current strength, he wasn''t invincible underwater, but he could move with ease, navigating the depths without difficulty. Even if he did encounter a Meridian Realm beast, Han wasn''t particularly afraid. The shrimp and crab warriors had shared three resource points with Han, two of which contained rare spiritual plants, hidden away and unnoticed by beasts. Han collected them effortlessly. However, at the third location, Han found not only a pile of bones but also a strange spiritual plant resembling a lotus root. Han scratched his head, realizing that something he had joked about with Bai Ruoyue and the others had come true. But his wariness skyrocketed. As expected, a pair of blood-red eyes suddenly flickered next to the lotus root, and with a surge of water, a crocodile over ten meters long emerged before Han. His heart raced, and his spiritual senses buzzed, warning him that this crocodile was no ordinary beast. This was most likely a rare Meridian Realm crocodile! Han cursed his bad luck. The shrimp and crab warriors had mentioned a crocodile, but they had said it was at the Flesh Realm level. If they weren''t lying, then the crocodile must have recently broken through to the Meridian Realm. The giant crocodile opened its massive mouth and charged at Han. For beasts like this, unless they encountered something they instinctively feared, they never backed down. They would just charge ahead and tear apart anything in their waybrutally relentless. From a distance, Han could already smell the rancid stench from the crocodile''s mouth. "Ugh, this filthy beastwait, no, crocodile, you seriously need to brush your teeth!" Holding his weapon fragment, Han didn''t immediately run away. He had sparred with his senior brothers before and understood the power of a Meridian Realm fighter. As a disciple of Taibai, his skills were certainly top-notch among his peers. With his abilities, he could hold his ground against this crocodile. Cultivation worked in such a way that every breakthrough made a huge difference. The stronger you were, the more benefits you reaped, and the difference between strong and weak was enormous. Strength begets more strength, and weakness only spirals down further. This principle was unchanging. "Whoosh!" The water surged violently, creating whirlpools, as the crocodile swung its tail and sent a wave of water crashing in all directions.The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation. Han narrowly dodged the crocodiles attack, striking its back with his spear. The crocodile roared in pain, thrashing wildly. Its massive size, which should have made it a formidable force, was also a disadvantage. Its strength and vitality were immense, but that only made it a bigger target. However, the crocodiles tough scales made it incredibly hard to deal damage. "Thud!" Despite his best efforts to avoid it, Han was struck by the crocodiles tail, sending him flying. His blood surged, and he felt a dull ache, but his inner armor softened the blow. Compared to savage beasts, humans lacked sharp claws and tough scales, but they had weaponsan advantage that neutralized much of the natural disparity. The crocodile circled back, and Han quickly swam to its back, continuing his relentless attacks as the crocodile thrashed about. Occasionally, the tail hit him, but he held on tightly to its leg, preventing himself from being flung away. The crocodile became more frantic, stirring up the silt at the riverbed, trying to force Han off. The surrounding river stones attempted to push him away. But Han wasnt so easily thrown off. The biggest difference between humans and beasts was intelligence! Beasts were, after all, just beasts. Humans had the intelligence to hunt down even the most ferocious creatures, and with Hans strength, he had even more room to maneuver. The crocodile had been the undisputed king of this river region, but now, facing a "mere human," its size was a liability. The more it struggled, the faster it wore itself out. Eventually, the strength of its thick armor couldn''t hold up against Han''s relentless strikes with the weapon fragment. At the right moment, Han unleashed a burst of spiritual energy, crashing into the crocodiles body. At the same time, he activated his ability from the Water Avoidance Pearl fragment, manipulating the water around the crocodile to slow it down. With a sharp thrust, Han drove the weapon fragment into the crocodile''s open mouth, stabbing deep into its throat and twisting the blade viciously. "Deep throat!" The beast bled profusely, its blood staining the water as it screamed in pain. The crocodile thrashed violently, but Han kept his grip on the weapon, moving with agility, pulling the weapon back, and thrusting it deep again. "Straight to the stomach!" With that, the battle was won. The crocodile was too severely wounded to retaliate and could no longer escape. Who says you can''t defeat a beast just because it doesn''t have a head?! It was clear that this savage beast was far easier to deal with than a Meridian Realm human cultivator. Without wasting any time, Han collected the lotus root plant and took the bones, dragging the crocodiles carcass up to the rivers surface. "Senior Sister, look! Theres a crocodile in the sky!" Han called out as he surfaced. When Bai Ruoyue looked up, Han tossed the beast''s carcass into the air, sending a splash of water everywhere. "A crocodile spectacle in mid-aircheck!" "Is this a Meridian Realm water beast?!" Bai Ruoyue exclaimed, shocked. "Han, have you lost your mind? You went and provoked a beast like that?!" "Senior Sister, I didn''t provoke itit came after me!" Han protested. Once on shore, Han pointed to the bones, saying, "I found this underwater, but I dont think its a human bone." The bones seemed unusual, especially the tailbone and the three long, sharp finger bones on each hand. But the most curious feature was the blue bone at the center of its forehead that curved upward like a horn. "These must be the remains of a demon," Bai Ruoyue said. "A demon?" Han bent down to examine the seventh rib closely. To his surprise, the rib glowed faintly in the sunlight. Underwater, neither his eyes nor his spiritual sense had detected anything unusual about it. "Did you find anything else around the bones?" "Nothing at all," Han said, shaking his head. Hed thoroughly checkedthe bones and the lotus root were all that remained. Empty! Han tapped the rib, finding it hollow. Surprised, he tried tapping the other bones, but they were solid, unlike this one. "Could there be something inside?" Han focused, extending his spiritual sense to touch the rib. Before he could probe further, a burst of blue light radiated from the rib, and a square jade slipped out, falling to the ground. The rib''s color returned to normal. Han stared at the jade, recognizing it immediately. "Could this be...?" A jade slip? Han was no stranger to this term. Chapter 41: Soul Fusion Technique As soon as Han''s spiritual energy probed into the Jade Slip, he saw the words clearly: "Soul Fusion Techniqueuniting the soul with the ancestral spirit, tracing the bloodline, the true meaning of the Holy Ancestor revealed within the heart "This seems to be a secret cultivation technique of the Light Fox Clan?" Han thought aloud. "It says only their bloodline can practice it." "Bloodline related?" Bai Ruoyue immediately lost interest. "Doesnt seem useful to us. We humans can''t cultivate it." "Yeah, its of no use to us," Han agreed. "But if you ever head to Tianyue County, you could sell it to the major trading guilds there. They collect all sorts of oddities like this." Han didnt comment further and quietly tucked the Jade Slip away. What he initially thought was a great opportunity had turned out to be an ancestral secret technique, limited to a particular clan. What will you do with this skeleton? Bai Ruoyue asked. Bury it, Han said, thinking there was no need to mistreat it. The skeleton hadn''t wronged him in life, and it even gifted him a secret technique. It deserved a peaceful rest. Bai Ruoyue nodded in approval. I was right about him after all! After finding a secluded spot to avoid disturbance, Han dug a small pit and carefully buried the bones. As they headed back, Han kept thinking about the Soul Fusion Technique. According to the technique, once mastered, it would allow one to awaken the power of their bloodline, trace it back to its origins, and merge the soul with the true will of their ancestors. The benefits of achieving this were vast. But, as the Jade Slip stated, only the Light Fox Clan could practice this technique. Han was intrigued but, unfortunately, wasnt born into the Light Fox bloodline. On their way back to the Taibai Martial School, someone suddenly called out to Han. "Han!" Han turned and saw that it was Yun Duo, running toward him with a few guards trailing behind. "I went to Taibai Martial School looking for you, but you weren''t there. Didn''t expect to run into you here. Were you out near Black Cloud Town?" Bai Ruoyue had already stored away the beast corpses and spiritual plants in her Taibai Bag. Yun Duo smiled and greeted Bai Ruoyue with a "Sister Bai," which Bai Ruoyue returned with a nod. "Do you need something from me?" Han asked. "The people from the Guard House are looking for us. Its related to the Taoist from yesterday." "Oh, I see. Sister Bai, should I go to the Guard House then?" "Go ahead." After parting ways with Bai Ruoyue, Han followed Yun Duo toward the Guard House. Along the way, Yun Duos guards frequently shot Han secretive glances. Han didnt mind. Being handsome did come with its perks; it was something everyone who looked good had to deal with. "Whats this about the Guard House needing us? Did they say what happened?" Han asked. "The Taoist is dead," Yun Duo replied. "Dead?" Han looked at Yun Duo. "He was locked in a cell and constantly watchedhow did he manage to kill himself?" "It doesnt seem like a suicide..." Yun Duo hesitated and added, "He died mysteriously, without any warning." If it wasn''t suicide... then it must have been murder. Upon arriving at the Guard House, a martial artist led them inside. "I''m sure you''ve already heard, the killer is dead, but there are still many unanswered questions." "We''ve called you here to get a more detailed account of the whole situation." "How did the Taoist die?" Han asked. "There were no signs. No one had interacted with him, and he didnt show any unusual behavior. He just died suddenly." "Its definitely sudden..." Han thought for a moment and then recounted the events of the previous day, with Yun Duo adding some details. "Mr. Zhou caused injuries to the suspect during the capture?" the martial artist asked. Han frowned. What does that mean? Is he implying something here? "Against a ruthless cultivator, I could only fight with everything I had." "I dont think theres a law in Daqi that forbids injuring a cultivator during a capture, right?" Han shot back. A case of content theft: this narrative is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.The martial artist chuckled. "Of course not. Im just gathering information. Were documenting everything." Once all the details were recorded, Han left the Guard House. "Han, Im going to see my teacher. Do you want to come?" Yun Duo asked. Han initially thought to decline; hed already visited Taolin twice that day. But then, the Soul Fusion Technique came to mind, and he changed his mind. Upon reaching Taolin, Yun Duo went into the attic with Lu Qingmo for a meeting, while Han stayed outside, admiring the flowers. There was something special about this placeevery time Han came here, it felt like his mind calmed, as if some kind of Daoist method had been set up by Lu Qingmo. When Lu Qingmo emerged, Han took out the Jade Slip and explained what had happened. "This is a legacy Jade Slip. I cant believe the Light Fox Clan even lost their Soul Fusion legacy," Lu Qingmo commented as he examined the contents, then explained in detail to Han. "Every powerful demon race has its strong ancestors. Their cultivation often involves contemplating their ancestors, and each clan has its own Soul Fusion technique." "Its a secret technique that only their geniuses can practice, and even if it leaks, others cant learn it." "The difference in bloodline is as vast as the distance between heaven and earth," Han muttered, impressed. "Youre mistaken," Lu Qingmo shook his head. "This Soul Fusion Technique may seem to emphasize bloodlines, but its really a soul technique. Whether it can be cultivated depends on the soul''s origin. Only a soul belonging to the Light Fox Clan can fuse with their ancestral will." "Even if a Light Fox cultivator takes over the body of another race, they can still use this technique. The reverse is true too." "A Light Foxs soul can awaken the will of its ancestors, even without a body, by tapping into another Light Foxs bloodline or an ancestral relic." "Awakening the true will of the bloodline is simply the easiest way to do it." Han suddenly understood. The bloodline requirement was a red herringwhat really mattered was the souls origin. But the difference between souls was even more profound than that of bloodlines. "If we could also merge our souls with something we contemplate, would that allow us to achieve a similar effect to the Soul Fusion Technique?" "No, thats not how it works," Lu Qingmo denied. "Without the Soul Fusion Technique, you cant awaken the true will. You can only try to fuse with what you visualize, but its extremely difficult, and even if you succeed, you wont remain yourself." Lu Qingmo gave Han a critical look. "Trying to fuse your soul with something you visualize is no small feat. If you try to merge with something like Black Mountain or the Holy Ones, whose soul could match theirs?" "Fusing your soul with Black Mountain? Youll be crushed by the mountain gods." Han fell silent, thinking deeply about what Lu Qingmo had said. The idea of merging his soul with something so powerful was both dangerous and profound. Later, in the Immortal Tree Secret Realm, Han looked up at the towering, limitless Immortal Tree. What Lu Qingmo said made sense, but Han also felt that certain things about Lu Qingmo didn''t align with reason. His visualizations weren''t hard to find; they were within his grasp. If he could complete the Soul Fusion Technique, the benefits were immense, and Han found himself tempted. "The real problem is, Im not a Light Fox. I cant cultivate this technique. And even if I could, would it allow me to awaken the true will of the Immortal Tree?" As his fingers absentmindedly traced the massive Immortal Tree, Han thought back to the Soul Fusion Technique. If if I were a fox who had cultivated for a thousand years... Suddenly, Han felt something strange in his soul. The Sea of Consciousness, once transparent and colorless, now shimmered with white light, emanating... a demonic aura. His gaze fell on the Sea of Consciousness, and he saw, to his shock, a pair of fox eyes staring back at him. Wait... what? His soul was becoming demonic? But... Im still in a human body! So... what am I now? Chapter 42: The Multiform Nature and the Perfect Visualization The strange signs led Han to a sudden thought: Could it be that his soul had transformed into a Light Foxs? But something didnt add up. The Soul Fusion technique was a soul-based secret art, but it didnt mention that ones soul would change its essence after performing it. His soul was undoubtedly human, and even though he had some Light Fox blood, such a change shouldnt be happening. Moreover, his physical body was entirely humanno hybrid bloodlines involved. "Can I even return to my original state?" As soon as Han thought this, his spiritual sea returned to its previous transparent form, and the demonic energy dissipated. Surprised, Han tried once again to transform into a fox, but failed. After thinking for a moment, he began chanting the Soul Fusion techniques incantation while attempting the fox transformation again. This time, it worked! A thought suddenly struck Han: "Could this change be the nature of my soul?" He had learned from his master when studying the Night Demon visualization technique that, after cultivating a visualization, the soul would take on specific traits associated with the thing being visualized. For example, visualizing a Night Demon or a Joyous Immortal would imbue ones soul with those traits, granting related abilities. By visualizing the vast Celestial Tree, Hans soul must have developed its own corresponding traits. But, as the only one practicing the Celestial Tree visualization, Han had no prior examples to refer to. Although hed studied his souls traits in his spare time, he had found nothing remarkable. "The Celestial Tree''s nature transformation into a Light Fox item drops" Suddenly, Han had a flash of insight. Could his souls trait be transformation? The Celestial Trees power could morph into anythingweaponry, elixirs, spiritual plants Nothing was beyond transformation. Thus, Hans soul might possess that same ability through his visualization, but such a transformation needed a medium; it couldnt simply create things out of nothing. As part of the Light Foxs secret art, Soul Fusion contained the Light Foxs spiritual imprint. Han thought he had uncovered the truth. After some thought, he decided to name this soul trait "Metamorphosis." "With the Metamorphosis trait, I should be able to cultivate Soul Fusion," Han said, stroking the Celestial Tree. "Although I cant summon the Light Foxs ancestral spirit, Im not visualizing their ancestors. Even if I could summon it, it wouldn''t be useful."The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation. "I wonder if the Light Fox can still perform Soul Fusion without visualizing their ancestors?" "Let me try and see if I can summon the Celestial Trees spirit!" After all, there was no harm in trying. "True spirit, eternal, the source of blood and soul, with my spirit, I summon the will of the divine..." Han performed the Soul Fusion technique, and although the technique itself wasnt difficult to understand, the true challenge lay in summoning the divine will. Generally speaking, even members of the Light Fox clan struggled at this stage. Only a few would succeed. Han gradually entered a trance-like state, and in his souls realm, the Celestial Tree glimmered faintly, and some causal connections formed in the void. In this state of mixed immersion and clarity, Han seemed to see a tree that was infinitely large, but the next moment, it shrank to a size so small it was almost invisible. Then, Hans hand, which had been gently touching the Celestial Trees trunk, glowed with light. A faint, ethereal sapling materialized before him, diving into his body, merging with his visualization of the Celestial Tree. A flood of information filled Hans mind, granting him a deeper understanding of the Celestial Trees existence. In a daze, Han felt as though the Celestial Tree had truly appeared in his soul, no longer just a visualization. The next moment, he felt himself transform into the Celestial Treeeternally standing, unbroken through the ages, unweathered by time and hardship. Yet, Han remained conscious. He was the Celestial Tree, but his memories and self remained intact. Time passed in this chaotic state, like fleeting moments in a dream. Han opened his eyes, his gaze now carrying a tiny reflection of the Celestial Tree within them. "Ha!" He exhaled, and the image of the Celestial Tree faded from his eyes, leaving only clarity and wisdom. Looking at the trees true form before him, Han smiled and patted it. He had successfully summoned its divine will. Han didnt know if the Light Fox clan could summon any will other than that of their ancestors, but he had done it. He had gained all the benefits of successful Soul Fusion. Looking within his souls realm, Hans once fifty-zhang-wide spiritual sea had expanded to an entire hundred-zhang! With the expanded sea, his soul realm had grown vast, and the gray mist at its edges had melted away further. The Celestial Tree that stood in the sky of his soul realm was now vivid and life-like. Its form and spirit were at their peak perfection. This meant that Hans soul cultivation had reached the perfected visualization stage, and he was just a step away from the next realmsoul separation! His soul cultivation had surpassed his martial cultivation. Soul Fusion with a visualization object gave one the most direct, profound understanding of it, making it entirely possible to achieve perfect visualization in a very short time. Moreover, spiritual growth required physical support, but Han was well-supplied in that department. In addition to his cultivation breakthrough, merging with the Celestial Trees spirit had imbued his "Celestial Tree" visualization with intention. Form, spirit, and will were now harmoniously united, creating the perfect visualization. The clearer the visualization, the more solid the foundation, and the brighter the future. His spiritual power surged, pouring through his body. Han clenched his fist, sensing the boost in his physical body as well. He was quite satisfied with this round of cultivation. It was an all-around enhancement. The body and soul were interconnectedif one grew weaker, the other could not support it. Similarly, the strengthening of one benefited the other. Not only do martial artists need beast meat to replenish energy, but cultivators do as well. The strengthening of the soul and the growth of spiritual energy are closely tied to the bodys vitality. Without spiritual plants or beast meat, the body must provide the necessary nourishment for the souls expansion. Only with sufficient nourishment can the body stay healthy. But Han had his "cheat," along with a master, and didnt have to worry about such things. Player: Han Life: Acquired Soul Realm: Visualization (Perfected) Body Realm: Flesh and Bone (Small Success) Stamina: 3/3 Items: Three Lights Fulu Mirror His data panel had changed accordingly, and the most striking change was his stamina. His stamina had increased again, meaning he could chop three trees per day now! Chapter 43: Seeds of the Dao The increase in his physical strength helped Han understand the rules of the Immortal Tree''s secret realm a little better. It wasnt just breakthroughs in martial arts that could increase strengthones soul could also do so, with the highest level being taken from either the body or the soul. It wasnt even necessary to have a major realm breakthrough to improve strength; progress in a smaller realm could also suffice, as long as the improvement was significant enough. "With my soul''s visualization complete and my body progressing beyond the physical realm, let''s see what good items I get this time!" Excited, Han picked up his axe and struck the Immortal Tree. To his surprise, four orbs of light dropped down immediately! Including today, it was the tenth day Han had been chopping the tree, and it was the first time so many items had fallen. Before, with just a bit of strength, he would only get three items at most. [Quasi-Military Armor: Sea Heart Armor] A quasi-military grade inner armor, forged primarily with deep-sea blue gold and enhanced with rare materials using the power of the seas eye. It should have been a military-grade piece, but due to conflicting material properties, it only achieved quasi-military status. [Dao Seed: Golden Light Spell] A seed containing the Daoist Golden Light Spell. It can be planted in the Soul Field, nurtured with spiritual energy, and once it grows and bears fruit, eating it grants understanding of the Golden Light Spell. [Golden Light Spell: Daoist protective spell, shields the body with golden light, protecting the Dao and the self.] [Low-grade Spirit Plant: Yellow Plum] A spiritual plant of heaven and earth, a rare treasure in its class, known for enhancing both the body and the soul. [Talisman: Qi Perception Talisman] The quantity of this drop already surprised Han, but what really shocked him was the quality! The Qi Perception Talisman, a familiar item, though an auxiliary talisman, was quite useful. He still had one more use left on his previous Qi Perception Talisman, and now, with this new one, it was perfecthis Qi Perception "talent" could continue! The Yellow Plum, a low-grade spiritual plant, was a rare treasure in its class, but unfortunately, its name didnt have the word "middle" in it. If it were called Yellow Middle Plum, it would be absurdly powerful. As for the quasi-military-grade inner armorit was a good item. The previous Hundred Refinements Inner Armor had helped Han many times, and now with this new piece, the old one could retire with honor. Too bad it''s not a military-grade item... but I did get a stone that can merge with any material and harmonize its properties. Perhaps I can upgrade this armor in the future. However, Han wasnt skilled in forging. Even in the entire Black Cloud Town, there wasnt a master capable of forging military-grade weapons.The genuine version of this novel can be found on another site. Support the author by reading it there. Then, the fourth item droppedthis was the highlight of this tree-chopping session. The Golden Light Spell! Han had heard of this divine spell before. Looking at the seed, about the size of a soybean, he never expected to find such a treasure falling from the Immortal Tree. What a wonder! This was the first time the Immortal Tree had dropped a knowledge-based treasure. Though it was in the form of a physical item, it was undoubtedly a demonstration of the Immortal Tree''s greater potential. After collecting the items, Han immediately used his spiritual energy to touch the Dao seed. The seed disappeared and reappeared in Hans Soul Field. Invisible and transparent, his spiritual energy flew up and began nourishing the seed. Han watched it eagerly. Hmm, no change yet. Looks like it wont sprout and bear fruit immediately Calming down, Han continued to nourish the seed while heading back to chop the tree. Hard work! Struggle! The good days are ahead! [Special Item: Daoist Robe] A robe with weak defensive capabilities, it can change its style and color according to the wearers wishes, automatically cleans itself, never gathers dust, and resists both heat and cold. It automatically repairs itself unless destroyed beyond repair. [Low-grade Spirit Plant: Middle Plum] A spirit plant from heaven and earth. Eating it can strengthen the body and improve internal breath. "" Good newsfinally, a spirit plant with "middle" in its name! Bad newsthe Yellow Plum is gone. Han slapped the Immortal Tree lightly. You think youre funny, huh? Looking at the Daoist Robe, Han hadnt expected such an item to drop. While the robe wasnt much use in battle or cultivation, it certainly had its unique advantages. For example, if he wore it in water and it got wet, he wouldnt need to wring it outjust a thought, and it would dry itself. From now on, he wouldnt have to worry about his clothes being torn during a fight. In this sense, the Daoist Robe was nothing short of a miracle item. Weapons may become obsolete, but this robe would last a long time. Han immediately wore it and transformed it into the Tai Bai attirecool and comfortable, he could no longer feel the extremes of heat or cold from the outside. Although the climate in the Immortal Trees secret realm was already mild There was still one last tree-chopping opportunity for the day. Without hesitation, Han swung his axe again, and three more orbs of light dropped. It seemed that his current strength had indeed raised the drop limit for the number of items, but it wasnt guaranteed that four items would drop every time. [Odd Item: Good and Bad Mushrooms] A mushroom whose effects cant be judged. After consumption, it may bring a bit of good luck, or it may cause hallucinations and weakness. The effect lasts for a day. [Odd Item: Soul Cleansing Wind] A strange wind born from the heavens and earth, capable of blowing away impurities in the soul. A one-time use item. [Odd Item: Black and White Striped Chicken Blood Stone] A rare item soaked in the blood of the Eight-Treasure Chicken, a leader of the Eight-Treasure Chicken tribe. Consuming it can enhance the body and temper internal breath. Three odd items dropped this time. Aside from the Soul Cleansing Wind, which was somewhat normal, the other two odd items had Han looking strangely at them. The Good and Bad Mushroomswas this a poisonous mushroom? It sounded like something that would give you bad luck after eating it. The last time Han got a negative-effect reward, it was the Soul PlantToxic Soul Grass, which he still hadnt used to this day. This mushroom felt like Schr?dingers mushroom. Han decided that, unless absolutely necessary, he wouldnt eat it. As for the Black and White Striped Chicken Blood Stone, it was a stone, pure black, with two vertical white stripesjust as its name suggested. Han took one glance at the odd item and quickly looked away. He didnt dare look a second time. Clearly, even though odd items didnt have a level classification, the effectiveness of the items dropped was clearly improving as Hans cultivation progressed. The Chicken Blood Stone had even leveled up After taking out the items from todays drops that he could consume or refine, Han began to focus on his intense cultivation. His strength was visibly improving at a rapid pace, and Han was quite satisfied with his progress. Well done, Han. Your talent truly knows no bounds! Over the course of one night, Han had refined and absorbed many of the treasures, enhancing both his body and soul. By morning, when Han saw Lu Qingmo, his first words were: Aunt Mo, Ive completed the visualization realm. Lu Qingmo, who had been watering flowers, froze at the sound of his words. Wait that was too fast. So fast Is that even normal? She wondered if there was something wrong with his body. Chapter 44: Breakthrough - The Souls Departure In the attic, Lu Qingmo sat motionless on the Han, saying nothing. She, too, wanted some peace and quiet. "You sensed the Soul Land ten days ago, and last night you reached perfect visualization. When did you enter the Visualization Realm?" "If we start from last night, then I successfully visualized seven days ago and entered the Visualization Realm," Han answered honestly. "Seven days... to achieve perfect visualization..." Lu Qingmo couldn''t help but rub her temples, about to say something, but unsure of what to say. While it''s common for soul cultivation to be faster than martial arts cultivation, that''s typically in comparison to martial arts breakthroughs that require several years of effort. Soul breakthroughs might only take a year or even six months, so it''s fast relative to that. But seven days? What''s going on here? This wasnt just "fast"it was something entirely different, something indescribable. Lu Qingmo was sure that the Tai Bai Martial Arts Academy could provide Han with resources like spiritual plants, but there was nothing to aid in soul cultivation. This meant that this young man had relied purely on his natural talent to achieve such a breakthrough in just seven days... "I know you have great talent, but I had no idea it was to this extent." This was comparable to the legendary reincarnation of a grandmaster! Are you even human? "Han, how did you cultivate?" Lu Qingmo couldn''t help but ask. "Just normal visualization," Han said, as though it was no big deal. Perfectwhat a perfect answer. In this world of geniuses, it''s not something I can comprehend. "Your cultivation speed is incredibly fast," Lu Qingmo commented. "Well, it''s not that surprising. I broke through a small martial arts realm in seven days, and soul cultivation is faster than martial arts. That''s normal, right?" Ah, of course. If I wasnt like you before I awakened, and still the same after awakening, wouldnt that be a waste? "" Lu Qingmo fell silent. Does the word ''normal'' mean something different to you? Your nonchalant attitude is making me feel out of touch, almost as if I''m the one lacking experience. She couldnt continue this conversationHan felt like he wasnt even on the same plane of existence. She used to be considered a genius, filled with pride when she was growing. But now... Lu Qingmo almost felt thankful that she was born ten years earlier. "Anyway, now that you''ve passed the Illusionary Tribulation and perfected your visualization, you''re ready to attempt the soul''s departure," she said. In truth, Han wasn''t sure if hed truly experienced the Illusionary Tribulation.If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. Please report it. There was that one time when he felt like he had become the Great Thousand Immortal Tree, but he clearly remembered being Han at that moment. It didnt feel like the Illusionary Tribulation at all. Han believed he hadnt actually gone through the Illusionary Tribulationafter all, he hadnt lost himself. But according to Lu Qingmo, even the most advanced visualization techniques would face a moment of Illusionary Tribulation. If Han truly hadnt encountered it during his visualization, then that was a concerning thought He quietly buried this in his heart, deciding not to bring it up to anyone. Some things are better left unsaidjust let the success speak for itself. The visualization technique is a treasure, after all. "How you depart from your body depends on the visualization technique you''ve cultivated. If your visualization is a door, then using the power of your soul to push open that door will lead to the soul''s departure," Lu Qingmo explained. "Remember, its your soul that departs, not your spiritual energy. This step essentially allows your soul to emerge, to manifest in the world. The visualization object is the symbol of your soul." "Your soul" Lu Qingmo carefully imparted the knowledge and experience of soul departure to Han. "You can try breaking through here. I''ll protect you." Han nodded in agreement. This was exactly what he had planned; this was the perfect place for his breakthrough. Having achieved perfect visualization and a flawless foundation, there was no need to delay. It was time to break through to the next level. Lu Qingmo led Han to a secluded chamber in the attic, closed the door, and extinguished the light. The room fell into darkness. Uh Powerful "teacher," handsome "disciple," and a dark chamber. All the elements were in place. "The soul is very fragile when it first departs, so you must create a safe environment for it," Lu Qingmo said, lighting a protective incense. "Begin." Lu Qingmo didnt mention anything about changing Han''s visualization technique. Seven days for the soul''s departureit was clear that Han''s talent was extraordinary. But Lu Qingmo understood that Hans visualization technique was no ordinary one either. As the incense scent filled the air, Han sat cross-legged, turning his attention inward to the Soul Land. The Great Thousand Immortal Tree appeared vibrant and full of divine intent. The visualization object was a representation of his souls power, and Han had a clear plan for how to depart. He would make the Great Thousand Immortal Tree grow "beyond the sky." If the Soul Land was considered a world, then the external realm would be the "higher heavens." The Great Thousand Immortal Tree''s true form resided within the secret realm. The Immortal Tree and "immortal tree," the secret realm and Soul Land, the dark space and external heavensall were remarkably similar. The Great Thousand Immortal Tree had not grown beyond the secret realm''s boundaries, but Hans Immortal Tree would take the first step. Guided by Hans will, the Great Thousand Immortal Tree slowly ascended, approaching the "sky wall" of the Soul Land. As it neared, resistance arose naturally, but with Hans soul strength and foundation, the resistance was negligible. Before long, the Great Thousand Immortal Tree made contact with the sky wall. Hans heart remained calm, undisturbed, and free of distractions. In soul cultivation, maintaining tranquility is crucialonce the mind becomes chaotic, spiritual disarray follows closely. At a certain moment, Han felt as though he was about to break through a membrane. Boom! The world seemed to shake, cracking apart the chaos. A shadow of light shot from Hans head, soaring above the chamber. The world below him was still the same world, yet it felt different. Han felt himself floating upwards, weightless, free from any burden. He looked down and saw his still body below. Raising his hand, it was no longer flesh and bone but an ethereal soul! The second stage of soul cultivationsoul departurecomplete! As Han departed, he felt an inexplicable chill and unease, but the faint warmth of the protective incense brought him comfort. He knew this was the normal reaction to soul departurewithout the protection of the body, the soul was vulnerable. The incense soothed his soul, and in time, he would grow accustomed to the process. Besides the incenses warmth, Han sensed a soft, warm energy filling the space, slowly entering his soul, making him feel extraordinarily comfortable. "Well done. You succeeded," Lu Qingmos voice echoed. She wasnt surprised at all. With this kind of talent, there was no way Han wouldn''t succeed in soul departure. "Soul departure means your soul truly manifests, but you must avoid straying too far from your body. Keep away from bright light, storms, or cold winds when you depart." "As long as your visualization technique is good enough, some harm wont be fatal, but it could affect your soul. Avoid it when you can." "Return to your body now. The first time your soul departs, it shouldnt remain out too long." Hans soul nodded and began drifting downward, re-entering his physical form. The safety his body provided was incomparable to any incenses protection. In this world of suffering, the body is the vessel that carries the soul through lifes trials. A fragile soul, separated from this vessel, must face the endless suffering of the sea of life. The comfort of security is a rare thing. Chapter 45: The Qi Demon Hans soul returned to his body, and the spiritual sea within the Soul Realm expanded once again, now reaching two hundred zhang. His soul also manifested within the Soul Realm, seated beneath the great Thousand Immortal Tree. It no longer had the invisibility it did in the Visualization Realm. Han opened his eyes, his gaze gleaming with joy. His cultivation had made another leap forward. The Out-of-Body Realm... is no longer ordinary. A rare smile appeared on Lu Qingmos face. There arent many cultivators in Black Cloud Town, and your cultivation is already quite impressive. "All thanks to Aunt Mo''s guidance." Lu Qingmo shook her head, modestly denying the credit. "With your talent, you would not have faced obstacles in breaking through." She had only provided knowledge, not resources. "Han, while your talent is extraordinary, you must not slack off in your cultivation moving forward, and you need to be even more cautious," Lu Qingmo advised seriously. "Even in the Out-of-Body Realm, you still need to visualize consistently and diligently to continue strengthening your soul." This was why the visualization chart was considered the foundationvisualization was required not only for the Visualization Realm but also for the realms that followed. "In this realm, you must refine new powers to induce a transformation in your soul." Han recalled his experience when he first entered the Out-of-Body state. "Is it the force that entered my body when I left my soul?" "Exactly. That is the Qi of Heaven and Earth," Lu Qingmo nodded. "Qi is the foundation of all things, and refining it directly with your soul is the primary practice in the Out-of-Body Realm." "In the Visualization Realm, the soul needs to rely on the body for nourishment, but in the Out-of-Body Realm, the soul becomes somewhat independent. It can refine the Qi of Heaven and Earth to strengthen itself." "There are also special techniques to speed up the refining process, saving you time." "One such technique is the Moon Absorption Technique, a secret method for those in the Divine Wanderer Realm." "Your visualization chart is exceptional; it should have a corresponding cultivation method to complement it." " Aunt Mo, you''re overestimating me. While my visualization chart is indeed impressive, I don''t have any such techniques. The Yaksha and Joyful Immortal visualization methods I use dont offer any supplementary secret techniques for the Out-of-Body Realm. Hans soul cultivation seemed more like the most ancient type of cultivationwithout a formal legacy, just directly visualizing and communicating with the natural world. "The power of Heaven and Earth is unpredictable. Without the protection of the physical body, when your soul leaves the body, you might encounter all sorts of illusions trying to deceive you. If you cannot see through the illusions, you could suffer severe injury, or even have your soul scattered," Lu Qingmo explained. "This is the Out-of-Body Tribulation." She continued explaining, "As long as you are visualizing, there is a great chance of encountering the Out-of-Body Tribulation, regardless of the quality of your visualization chart."Unauthorized reproduction: this story has been taken without approval. Report sightings. "However, the higher-tier the chart, the more helpful it will be in seeing through the illusions and resisting the deceptive powers." The strength and foundation of a soul cultivated from a lower-tier chart simply cannot compare to one from a top-tier chart. Han nodded, committing Lu Qingmo''s words to memory. These were invaluable lessons. "This soul cultivation really is dangerous," Han sighed. No wonder so many cultivators focus on martial artsfew are born with the aptitude for soul cultivation, and even fewer have the ability to handle the many dangers that come with it. "There is another potential danger in the Out-of-Body Realm..." Lu Qingmo added. "Another one?" Han blinked in disbelief. Was this ever going to end? "I once heard that when refining Qi, you may encounter a Qi Demon." Lu Qingmos face turned solemn. "A Qi Demon can descend, feeding on your blood and flesh, devouring your soul, disturbing your mind, and feeding you endless desires." "Qi Demon?" "Yes, a strange and elusive demon, one of the most difficult tribulations for cultivators to overcome." "There are also other demons in the world, such as Moon Demons, Sun Demons, Sky Demons, and so onextremely fierce and mysterious." "Wait, does the Out-of-Body Realm face these demons?" Lu Qingmo shook her head. "No, only the Qi Demon is a possibility." "Actually, this is just a theory, a legend. I''ve never seen or heard of anyone encountering a Qi Demon in the Out-of-Body Realm." "In the early stages of soul cultivation, cultivators are still weak, and the various demons don''t bother with them. They only come after a cultivator has grown stronger." Small and weak as you are, youre not worth the demons'' time. "You shouldn''t encounter a Qi Demon just yet, but once your cultivation grows stronger, you''ll inevitably face demons. I just wanted to warn you ahead of time." Lu Qingmo carefully explained the key points of the Out-of-Body Realm cultivation and all the potential dangers Han should be aware of. She was being very considerate. Later, Han once again entered the Out-of-Body state in the chamber. He was preparing to attempt refining the Qi for the first time on his own. The Guardian Incense created a peaceful domain, allowing his soul to remain at ease. Hans soul sat cross-legged in the air, visualizing the Thousand Immortal Tree in his heart. The Qi of Heaven and Earth was drawn to him, continuously pouring into his soul. Unbeknownst to Han, Lu Qingmo had also left her body. She was observing him and was surprised by what she saw. "His absorption rate is unusually fast... What kind of cultivation technique is he using?" "His soul... compared to other cultivators in the same realm, it can only be described as strong..." Using the soul to observe the soul was the most direct way. Han, unaware of Lu Qingmos observations, found himself in a strange place. The ground was covered in sulfuric magma, human bones, and blood seas, with evil spirits howling all around him. The Asuras and Night Demons rushed toward Han, intent on devouring his flesh, as if he were in hell. Seeing this, Han remained calm and unperturbed. His mind was clear, and the image of the Thousand Immortal Tree in his heart kept him grounded. Despite being in an illusion, his mind was unaffected. Suddenly, the scene shiftedhell disappeared, replaced by golden mountains, silver seas, and fields of jade and spiritual herbs, all designed to tempt Han. Han wasnt swayed. Pfft. If my Heavenly Money Vault hadnt disappeared, Id show you what true wealth looks like. Is this supposed to tempt me with broken trinkets? Which cultivator wouldnt fail this test? The illusion shifted againdelicate fragrances, warm jade, and beautiful women surrounded Han. They danced provocatively, some dressed in sheer veils, others bare, swirling and entwining with him. Han raised an eyebrow. Hmph, youve finally caught my attention, illusion. For some reason, this illusion seemed to last longer than usual, but thankfully, Han was a man of integrity and resisted the temptation. His steel-like willpower wouldnt bend. He endured the illusion, his mind becoming even clearer and more refined. Eventually, all the illusions vanished. However, before Han could do anything, his soul was suddenly seized by intense pain, followed by an overwhelming heat, as if he were submerged in boiling water. It felt like his soul was splitting apartchunks of it seemed to develop their own thoughts, devouring each other in a chaotic frenzy. Han could even see his own soul''s "flesh," with sharp fangs and claws growing from his heart, liver, lungs, and kidneyseverything was in turmoil. Endless desires surged in his heart. In an instant, Han felt like his soul was about to explode, paralyzed and unable to move. "Qi Demon?!!" Lu Qingmo, who had been silently observing Han, saw the change and her face turned pale with shock. Could it really be that someone in the Out-of-Body Realm could summon a demon?! After a moment''s hesitation, Lu Qingmos soul rushed to Hans side. Chanting an incantation and forming hand seals, she placed both hands on his shoulders. "Ill help you banish the demon!" Chapter 46: There Are Limits to Humanity The Qi Energy Demon hides within the primal energies of the world. When a soul cultivates and absorbs this energy, it risks attracting the attention of the Qi Energy Demon. This is why its been speculated that cultivators in the Exit the Body realm might face Qi Energy Demonsbecause they, too, come into contact with these primal energies. But this has always been a theory, never truly proven. Until now. Han had shattered that norm. The Qi Energy Demon had taken an interest in his humble, unassuming self. The sensation of his soul shattering intensified. Han focused even harder on visualizing the Great Thousand Immortal Tree to suppress the demon''s power. It was working, but fully expelling the Qi Energy Demon seemed impossible. After all, this was a challenge no one in the Exit the Body realm was supposed to face. That Han could suppress it at all with his visualization was already defying the odds. At this moment, Han felt a hand on his shoulderLu Qingmo''s. A powerful force flowed from her hand, majestic and overwhelming, further suppressing the Qi Energy Demon. But even with her help, eradicating the demon remained a distant goal. Cultivating through a demonic tribulation rarely succeeds with the help of others. Lu Qingmo could assist, but she could not fight the demon for him. A continuous, miraculous flow of energy came from Lu Qingmo to aid Han, but despite multiple attempts, he was still helpless against the Qi Energy Demon. Seeing that even with Lu Qingmos help, he couldnt rid himself of the demon, Han realized that if things continued this way, the demon might eventually consume him. With a steely resolve, Han devised a bold plan. If he couldnt defeat the demonhed join it. "Soul, change!" he commanded inwardly. "Mo Aunty, let go of me! Ill deal with the demon myself!" Activating his Transmutation ability, Han sought to merge with the Qi Energy Demon, using it as a catalyst for his transformation. If a demon wanted to bring me down, maybe Ill just become one myself. How would that work, then? His soul was undergoing a transformation. While his form still appeared human, its essence had fundamentally changed. The clarity once in his eyes gave way to a surging tide of desire, and his soul''s aura shifted into chaotic disarray. The Transmutation ability was workingHan had indeed become a human-shaped Qi Energy Demon, but his consciousness remained intact. No matter how his soul transformed, his self-awareness stayed the same. Once Han underwent this change, the pain and chaos inside his soul vanished instantly. The true Qi Energy Demon, on the other hand, seemed completely confused.You might be reading a pirated copy. Look for the official release to support the author. Whats going on? Wheres my meal? Why am I inside another demon of my own kind? A demon with a physical form? Wait no am I about to be eaten? This high-ranking demon was bewildered by Hans unexpected transformation. But then, several invisible entities swiftly shot out of Han''s soul, disappearing into the primal energies of the world, fleeing in panic. The speed of their retreat was astonishingclearly, they were fleeing, terrified of being pursued. Han smirked. "See, there are limits to being human. Its much easier to be a demon." But the power of the Transmutation ability was truly formidable. "Mm?" Han suddenly shuddered, sensing a chilling presence behind him, along with the Qi Energy Demons lingering power. At the same time, he felt a strange connection between his soul and the one behind him. Whats this? Han quickly turned to find Lu Qingmo, her eyes filled with confusion and demonic energy. Hans heart skipped a beat. Damn it, it looks like Mo Aunty has been affected by the Qi Energy Demons power. Worse still, the demon that infected her... was me. The Qi Energy Demons Han had encountered earlier were drawn to his cultivation, and they hadnt posed a threat to Lu Qingmo. Theyd been solely focused on him, and she had taken precautions. But this Qi Energy Demon was different. The energy Lu Qingmo had sent to help him had formed a connection between her and Han, acting as a medium to infect her with the demons power. She hadnt listened to Han and let go of him. Instead, she continued assisting him, and now the demon''s influence was creeping into her soul. The demons power was indeed insidious. But what was even worse was the look in Lu Qingmos eyes. Han felt as though she wanted to devour him, to pull him into her soul and consume him. A strange urge surged within Han, a primal instinct to devour and assimilate her soul. The ultimate goal of the Qi Energy Demon was to consume the souls of cultivators and fuse with them. "Mo Aunty, fight back with everything you have!" Han shouted, then immediately shifted back to his original soul form. Thankfully, once the Qi Energy Demon "vanished," Lu Qingmo was able to break free from its influence. "Phew..." Lu Qingmos soul returned to her body, and she cast a deep look at Han before leaving the room without another word. "My soul has been tainted. You should go back for now." Before Han could say anything more, he too withdrew his soul. Opening his eyes, Han let out a heavy sigh. What the hell happened? How did things end up like this? Hed even had the sensation that he could dive straight into Lu Qingmos soul, wreak havoc from within. Of course, Han would never do something like that. The secret room was clearly not a place for peace. He would never enter one again! Standing outside the pavilion, Han thought about how he needed to explain things to Lu Qingmo. He wasnt the kind of person who would run away when something went wrong. But before he could come up with the right words, Lu Qingmos voice rang in his ear. "You should go back." Han opened his mouth but ultimately obeyed her words. After leaving the Peach Grove, Han scratched his head, feeling completely frazzled. That was a close callhe nearly dragged Lu Qingmo into it. Back at the martial arts academy, when Han saw Bai Ruoyue, he felt an unexpected sense of guilt. But after a moments thought, he walked over to her and asked a question. "Senior Sister, whats the relationship between Mo Aunty, you, and Master?" "Why the sudden question?" Bai Ruoyue looked at him with a curious expression. "Im not entirely sure either. My dad and Mo Aunty are good friends, but they dont interact much, so it doesnt seem like its that close." "Mo Aunty once told me shes here to look after me for someone else. My dad mentioned something similar." Bai Ruoyue paused, her tone suddenly tinged with sadness. "Ive wondered about it before... I think Mo Aunty might have been a friend of my mother. My dad and she arent very close; they only interact because of my mother. Thats probably why shes so good to me, but Ive never met my mother." "When I was little, I even thought she was my mother... but she wasnt." "My dad said my mother is far away..." Hans heart unexpectedly relaxed. "Im sorry, Senior Sister. I didnt mean to bring up those memories," Han said apologetically. Bai Ruoyue patted his shoulder. "Its fine." "Hey, Little Junior Brother, youve made huge progress last night. Did you take some medicine?" Feeling the strength in Hans body, Bai Ruoyue was surprised. She was used to seeing Han improve every day, but todays progress was extraordinary, almost rivaling his breakthrough to the Lesser Success stage. His souls breakthrough had given Hans body a significant boost, making him even stronger than before. Han estimated that with the combined effect of his souls reinforcement, the Golden Elixir, and spiritual herbs, he would soon break through to the peak of the Flesh Realm. Chapter 47: Earthquake "Two more Water Spirit Herbsperfect!" After completing his exploration of Yunjiang today, Han was hauling his spoils back to shore when the ground suddenly began to shake. The river water splashed violently, and fish leaped frantically out of the water. "Boom, boom, boom!" Han could feel the tremors and quickly moved away from the riverbank. "An earthquake?" Han scanned his surroundings. Although the tremors were noticeable on his side of the river, they didn''t cause much actual damage. However, across the river, in the direction of Black Mountain, the shaking was far more intense. The ground near Black Mountain cracked open, with the cracks growing larger the closer one got to the mountain. In the distance, Black Mountain itself seemed to be swaying, as if it might break apart, but after a few moments, it stabilized. Once the shaking subsided, Han hurriedly dragged the carcasses of the beasts he had hunted to the martial arts academy. Today, he was the only one who had gone to Yunjiang. In Black Cloud Town, chaos had erupted. People were startled by the earthquake, and some buildings had collapsed, causing injuries. The streets were filled with crying and panicked people. Natural disasters were merciless. If Black Cloud Town had been on the other side of Yunjiang, the magnitude of the quake could have split the earth beneath the town, destroying it completely. As it was, the damage to Black Cloud Town was minimalbarely a scratch, in fact. A stroke of luck amidst the disaster. At the martial arts academy, the apprentices gathered together, discussing the earthquake while He Feng worked to maintain order. Han headed straight to the backyard, where Bai Ruoyue and the others were also talking about the tremors. "How could there be an earthquake all of a sudden? Black Cloud Town hasn''t had one of these in years." "No one in Black Cloud Town has ever experienced an earthquake like this before!" "I suspect its something to do with Black Mountain," Han quickly shared what he had seen by Yunjiang. "Black Mountain is in chaos, and now the earthquake seems to have originated from there... What exactly is happening in Black Mountain?" Bai Ruoyue murmured, a deep worry in her eyes. Her father was still in Black Mountain! Counting the days, he had entered the mountain six days ago without any word since. Given his cultivation level, it shouldn''t have taken long for him to travel in and out of Black Mountain. Six days without news meant he had likely gone deep into the mountain. The continued instability of Black Mountain only added to the anxiety. "Third Junior Brother, go check the nearby area for damage. Help wherever you can," Bai Ruoyue said to Zhang Yuantao. Zhang Yuantao agreed and left with several other disciples, leaving only Han and Bai Ruoyue. Han had something to say to Bai Ruoyue.The author''s tale has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon. "Senior Sister, but theres a Mountain God in Black Mountain. This shouldnt be happening." "Most of the seismic force didnt reach Yunjiang. Its probably still under the protection of the Dragon King." Others might think of the Mountain God and Dragon King as myths, but both Han and Bai Ruoyue knew these figures were real. The Mountain God resided in Black Mountain, and yet such an event was still occurring. The thought of it was unsettling. Bai Ruoyue paced back and forth, then suddenly stopped. "No, I need to go find Aunt Mo. Little Junior Brother, stay at the academy." She hurried off. "Black Mountain, suddenly so chaotic... this earthquake, and the situation with those foreign cultivators Aunt Mo mentioned... something feels off," Han thought, his sense of unease growing. He hoped Bai Ruoyues father would return safely. Han truly didnt want to see his master come to any harm. Bai Ruoyue returned as quickly as she had left. "How did it go?" "Aunt Mo said my father and the others will be fine," Bai Ruoyue said, her expression easing slightly. "As for the earthquake, the local government will handle the disaster relief, but the cause... still needs to be investigated." "Aunt Mo also said we must avoid entering Black Mountain for now." Given the current state of things, no one in their right mind would venture into Black Mountain. The earlier group of martial artists there had likely suffered heavy casualties. With that settled, Han and Bai Ruoyue didnt waste time. They went out to assist the victims of the earthquake. While the local government was responsible for official relief, the people near the academy had suffered too, and the disciples of Taibai Academy werent the type to stand idly by. By nightfall, the situation had calmed, and the majority of the work was done. Back home, Han wasted no time and turned his attention to his Soul Realm. Sure enough, after todays energy absorption session, his Soul Realm had expanded further. Absorbing Yuan Qi wasnt just about strengthening his soulit was about triggering a transformation, unlocking new possibilities. To Hans delight, there was another change in his Soul Realm. The Golden Light Charm seed, which had been dormant, had suddenly sprouted, now growing to the height of a childs calf. There was a golden bud forming atop it, poised to bloom. At this rate, it wouldnt be long before the flower bloomed. Han estimated that by tomorrowor at the latest, the day afterhe would be able to learn the Golden Light Charm! How wonderful. He was already looking forward to the majestic golden aura that would surround him once he mastered it. Entering the Immortal Trees Secret Realm, Han summoned the data panel, and as expected, changes appeared. Soul Realm: Out-of-Body Stage Physical Realm: Flesh Realm (Minor Success) Stamina: 1/4 Items: His stamina had increased slightly due to his breakthrough into the Out-of-Body stage! Today, he had felled three trees, and now he could chop one more, with his increased strength also raising the quality cap for the items that would drop. By midnight, he could chop four more. One swing, two light orbs fell. Dao Seed: Cleansing Heaven and Earth Charm A seed containing the Cleansing Heaven and Earth Charm. It can be planted in the Soul Realm, watered with spiritual energy, and once it blooms, consuming the fruit will grant insight into the Dao of Cleansing Heaven and Earth. A Daoist spell, on par with the Golden Light Charm. Semi-Magic Tool: Shaking Iron Rope A semi-magical tool with binding and restraining properties. It was intended to be a magic tool, but due to impurities in the forging process, it fell short of its potential. Both of these drops were highly valuable to Han. The Cleansing Heaven and Earth Charmhe hadnt heard of it in his previous life, but since it was on par with the Golden Light Charm, it was obviously not something ordinary. He looked forward to the day it bore fruit. The semi-magic tool, Shaking Iron Rope, was far superior to a fragment of a magic tool. Han also realized that these semi-magic tools were originally meant to be full-fledged magic tools. They were simply flawed due to issues in the forging process. If those issues could be resolved, the semi-magic tool could ascend to full magic tool status. The semi-magic tools Han had received came from the Immortal Trees power and bypassed the forging process, but there was still a chance for them to evolve into real magic tools. After chopping down the trees, Han immediately started his soul cultivation. He lit an incense stick for protection and began visualizing, refining the Yuan Qi from the world. Han also considered finding a cultivation technique to assist in his training. His rate of refining Yuan Qi was already quite fast, but if he could speed it up, that would be even better. As he visualized, illusions once again surrounded Han, but this time, they had no effect on him. Even though beautiful figures appeared, Han saw through the illusions without hesitation, unaffected in the slightest. After the events in the secret room this morning, Han felt as though he had transcended earthly desires, truly embodying a sage. Chapter 48: X-ray Vision, Invisibility, and Hypnosis Eleven glowing orbs floated before Han, each one shimmering in the night air, filling the space in front of him with a mesmerizing glow. The clock had just struck midnight, and Han had truly become a force to be reckoned with. Compared to the first few days when he''d only managed to collect two or three orbs, now Han was raking in rewards like never before. Impressive! As Han inspected the drops from his eleventh day of logging, five inferior spiritual herbs caught his eye: Tiger Blood Grass, Sunflower Blossom, Red Blood Ginseng, Rhinoceros Horn Wood, and Powerfruit. These were all standard drops, and after a quick glance, Han stored them away, planning to refine them later. There were also three talismans. [Talisman: X-ray Talisman] A talisman engraved with the X-ray technique. When activated, it allows the user to see through certain objects. The talisman can be used three times before it disintegrates. [Talisman: Invisibility Talisman] A talisman engraved with the Invisibility technique. When activated, the user temporarily becomes invisible. The talisman can be used three times before it disintegrates. [Talisman: Hypnosis Talisman] A talisman engraved with the Hypnosis technique. When activated, the user can hypnotize the target. The talisman can be used three times before it disintegrates. Seeing these three talismans, Han immediately understood their potential uses. What a guilty pleasure... These talismans were a bit too "unconventional." They seemed more suited for the kind of worlds that didnt mind bending a few rules. X-ray vision, invisibility, and hypnosisif someone saw Han carrying these, they might start questioning his character. Han made sure to carefully store the talismans, keeping them in reserve for when the need arose. [Lucky Elixir: True Qi Pill] This pill can increase a martial artist''s True Qi and also has restorative properties. [Lucky Elixir: Vital Essence Pill] This pill strengthens the body, boosts vitality, and fortifies essence. Two more pills: the Vital Essence Pill was ready for Han to use, as it worked directly on the body, but the True Qi Pill was still out of reach. At Han''s current stageBody Temperinghe still had internal breath. Only by advancing to the Meridian Realm would a martial artist''s internal breath be transformed into True Qi, a much higher level of energy. One drop of True Qi was at least equivalent to ten drops of internal breath. This pill could only be taken by someone in the Meridian Realm, so Han could only stare at it for now. But there was no doubt that it was a valuable item. Of all the types of elixirs, cultivation aids like this were among the most precious. [Curious Item: Yin-Yang Dew] When applied to the eyes, it grants the ability to see Yin and Yang, discern spirits and deities, and peer into the underworld. The effect lasts permanently.Unauthorized duplication: this tale has been taken without consent. Report sightings. The last drop was particularly interesting. According to the description, it was an item that would grant Han the ability to see spirits and discern the boundaries of life and death. It was like an innate ability, but much more powerful than anything he could fake with the Water Avoidance Pearl or Qi Perception Talisman. Without hesitation, Han applied the Yin-Yang Dew to his eyes. It wasnt painful at allrather, it was cool and soothing. When the cool sensation subsided, Han opened his eyes. They seemed brighter than before, but still, there was no sign of Yin, Yang, or any supernatural presence. If Han had been able to see such things in the Immortal Tree Secret Realm, he might have started questioning his own sanity... "Now, this is truly an awakened talent," Han said, pleased with the result. While cultivators could typically perceive Yin and Yang and spirits, this talent was far more potent and extraordinary than what ordinary cultivators could achieve.
The next morning, Han wandered outside the Peach Grove for a while before ultimately deciding to enter. There was no way he was going to avoid this place just because of yesterdays events. "Han!" Yun Duo waved cheerfully at him. To his surprise, she was there too. Lu Qingmo seemed unaffected by the previous days events, appearing as though nothing had happened. After a typical lesson, Lu Qingmo brought up something serious. After yesterdays earthquake, its likely that the nearby villages and wildernesses are going to see an increase in wandering spirits and ghosts, she explained. The Department of Spirits is swamped with work, and they cant spare anyone for the task. Would you be willing to patrol the area and clear the wild lands? Han and Yun Duo immediately agreed. If you encounter wandering spirits or ghosts, exorcising them should suffice. But if you come across malevolent spirits or vengeful souls, eliminate them on the spot. Yun Duo, dont forget to use your Soul Passage technique. Got it, Master, Yun Duo nodded, a hint of embarrassment on her face, as if recalling her previous mistake. The two left the Peach Grove, but as soon as they were outside, Han turned to Yun Duo. Wait here for a second. I just remembered something I forgot to mention to Aunt Mo. Yun Duo blinked, nodding in agreement. She watched as Han rushed back into the building. Han found Lu Qingmo still standing on the balcony, and quickly spoke up, Aunt Mo, I have a question. Lu Qingmo eyed him carefully, preparing to throw him out if he started bringing up yesterdays awkward incident. What happened yesterday was far too embarrassing. It wasnt just that she had suffered a demonic calamityduring the event, she and Hans souls had formed a strange connection. That connection had made her... want to return to Hans soul. Have you ever read any strange stories? Some mention that purifying and exorcising spirits can bring great rewards. Is there any truth to that? Lu Qingmo responded, Exorcising spirits is a noble deed. Perhaps, in some way, it can accumulate merit. Is that all? Han blinked. In some stories, they say that exorcising 3,000 souls can lead to immediate ascension. Who would immediately ascend by exorcising spirits? Lu Qingmo shook her head. Your talent is already very impressive. Focus on your cultivation and stop thinking about these fantastical tales. Though there are legends, she added. Its said that if you protect a spirit during its reincarnation and bless its future life, the spirit will leave behind a miraculous power in gratitude, helping you achieve immortality. Achieve immortality? Hans eyes widened. Its just a nice wish, Lu Qingmo smiled softly. So, is this considered a good deed? Han asked. Of course, Lu Qingmo nodded. But unfortunately, many of these techniques that claim to grant blessings in the next life are nothing but empty words. Han couldnt help but feel that, well... he might just be able to do it!
Outside Black Cloud Town, Yun Duo babbled on nonstop. Han, last time I didnt react quickly enough. Dont worry, I wont make the same mistake this time! Han, you dont need to be scared. The wandering spirits and ghosts in the wilderness are weak, and even the malevolent ones arent very strong. Ill protect you. Han... Having already gone through one adventure with Yun Duo, Han had grown used to her endless chatter. It wasnt so bad, really. A little more talking from someone her age was better than complete silence. Do earthquakes always increase the number of ghosts? Han asked. They do, Yun Duo explained seriously. During an earthquake, the grounds spiritual energy becomes turbulent. Combined with natural disasters, souls that should have dispersed often linger in the human world. She paused, her expression thoughtful. Theres a legend that when such natural disasters occur, the Underworlds gates open, letting some souls return to the mortal realm. Of course, thats just a legend. No one has proven it. Normally, once a person dies, their soul dissipates. Its rare for them to linger unless they have special talents, or if the time and place are rightor if someone interferes. Han nodded, understanding. The idea of souls remaining behind was rare. If it were common, the human world would be swarming with ghosts by now. But where did all those souls go? No one knew. After all, if anyone had actually seen the Underworld, they wouldn''t be coming back to tell anyone about it... Chapter 49: The Vanishing Ghosts The area surrounding Heiyun Town, including nearby villages and the wilderness, was quite vast. However, with Han and Yunduo both having cultivation abilities, and with the help of talisman paper for faster travel, they made quick progress. As the daughter of the Yun family, Yunduo was naturally equipped with all sorts of treasures. She might be a bit naive, but she was certainly rich in resources. The first place they arrived at was still the familiar location: Gaojia Village, where they had been before. Han scanned the entire village with his eyes and noticed faint traces of yin energy in certain directions. As the sun grew stronger, the yin energy gradually faded. Yunduo, on the other hand, had her own methods. She took out a compass-like device, infused it with her spiritual power, and immediately the needle began to move. The direction it pointed to matched Hans observations. "This is a Ghost-Seeking Disk," Yunduo explained. "Its used to detect yin energy and locate ghosts. Its one of the most basic magical tools and not very valuable." So many tools... Han couldnt help but marvel. Yunduo was fully prepared, well-equipped in every way. On the other hand, Han only had his innate Yin-Yang Eyes. Without the Yin-Yang Eyes, one would have to rely on mental energy to search, and in the daylight, with its strong yang energy, the yin energy would be much weaker, making it easy to miss any ghostly presences. It was still morning, and by noon, the yang energy would only intensify further. Ghosts were typically suppressed by the sunlight during the day, and it was rare for them to manifest. But this was actually Han and Yunduos opportunitydealing with ghosts in the daytime was much easier than at night. Taking advantage of a weakened foewhy wait until nightfall? Han and Yunduo, one relying on innate talent and the other on a magical tool, had no trouble locating the ghosts during the day. Following the Ghost-Seeking Disks guidance, the two quietly entered the village without drawing attention. Dealing with ghosts quietly was the best approach. "Han, I know a Soul-Calming Spell. Let me take care of it later," Yunduo offered. The Soul-Calming Spell was a type of exorcism magic that allowed wandering spirits to rest in peace. But Han declined, "Let me handle it. I can perform an exorcism too." "You can?" Yunduo tilted her head in confusion. "But... arent you still in elementary training? How do you know how to perform exorcism magic?" Han quickly fabricated a reason. "Before coming here to see Aunt Mu, I learned it through special means. My master knows about it, but I never had a chance to use it before, so I didnt mention it to Aunt Mu."Unauthorized usage: this narrative is on Amazon without the author''s consent. Report any sightings. Even if Yunduo told Lu Qingmo, Han wasnt worried. She already knew about his exorcism abilities from daytime encounters, and it wouldnt hurt to ask her for clarification later. The exorcism technique Han mentioned was the Three Lights Blessing Mirror, a magical artifact forged with the combined powers of the sun, moon, and stars, along with the energy of good fortune. Han had learned about it during his private talks with Lu Qingmo in the peach grove. The first ghost he dealt with using the mirror had left behind a trace of pure soul energy. Now, he wanted to see if it was normal for such energy to appear after exorcising a ghost. Lu Qingmo had said it was unusual but that it was still a good deed. This time, Han was determined to handle the ghosts in the wilderness, ensuring their peaceful passage and receiving their gratitude in returna perfect win-win. Han suspected the pure soul energy was likely a result of the mirrors blessing energy, which assisted in the process of exorcising spirits. It seemed that the reward from his first tree-cutting event was quite powerful after all. He thought back to the first ghost he encountered and wondered if the pure soul energy from that encounter could provide even greater benefits. The ghosts controlled by Huang Shiren had been unfortunate souls, captured and tortured to death. Yunduo reluctantly agreed to let Han take the lead, but she insisted that he promise to back her up later, ensuring that she hadn''t forgotten her rolejust that she was giving Han the opportunity to shine. Upon reaching an area with noticeable yin energy, they found a simple house with a body inside, guarded by someone who failed to notice their presence. Just as ghosts can hide from people, so can cultivators. Han pondered, "Did these people die recently, and did the earthquake trigger their transformation into ghosts?" With his Yin-Yang Eyes, nothing could hide from him. He noticed a wandering ghost hidden in a piece of wood, dull and confused. Most ghosts who linger in the mortal realm end up causing harm, but if the spirit is not intelligent, the best solution is to guide it to its proper resting place. Han extended his hand, subtly activating the Three Lights Blessing Mirror. A flash of white light, and the ghost vanished, leaving only a tiny bead of pure soul energy the size of a grain of rice. Just as expected. The "grain" immediately entered Hans body, unnoticed by Yunduo. Though Han didnt inspect his soul directly, he could sense a slight fluctuation in his spirit, as if he had made some small progress. For someone at his current level, this small amount of pure soul energy could barely be considered a significant gain. "If this is really the blessing of reincarnation, the ghosts gratitude..." Han wondered. Could reincarnation truly be real? Was the Underworld, the realm of the dead, truly a thing? "Looks like the exorcism worked," Yunduo said, clearly happy. "Since thats the case, I dont need to do anything. I can just take a break." Han noticed her happiness and shared in her satisfaction. It seemed his act of guiding the souls to peace wasnt just a win-winit was a triple win. What a victory. There were two other areas of lingering yin energy in Gaojia Village, which Han dealt with in turn. The pure soul energy they left behind was similar to the first ghosts. In a world like this, an earthquake could cause far-reaching consequences. After leaving Gaojia Village, Han and Yunduo made their way to Niujia Village. Prioritizing the villages with more people and potential danger, they handled the ghosts efficiently, clearing them without delay. But when they arrived at the fourth village, something felt off. The yin energy here had almost disappeared, indicating that ghosts had been present. However, the ghosts themselves were nowhere to be found. "Whats going on? Did the Ghost Management Department take care of this?" Yunduo asked, puzzled. "Probably not..." Han said, focusing on a clay jar. It seemed to be where the ghosts had hidden before disappearing. Under his Yin-Yang Eyes, Han could see not only the remnants of the ghosts yin energy but also a faint, ominous aura. Cold, bloodthirsty, and violentit was a familiar feeling. The broken magical artifact Huang Shiren had used to control ghosts had emitted a similar aura. Han, no longer a soul novice, recognized the presence of a Soul Refining Banner. The Ghost Management Department wouldnt use such an artifact. If they did, then something far more sinister was afoot. Chapter 50: The Temple of Thunder... After searching through a village that had ominous residual energy but no visible ghosts, Han and Yun Duo swiftly moved on to the next village. They had already visited three villages in a row, and remarkably, all the wandering souls and wild spirits had mysteriously vanished, with only lingering traces of dark energy left as proof of their existence. And without exception, each of these places seemed to harbor the same unsettling aura of a Soul Refining Banner. It was clearthese wandering spirits had been captured and presumably used as offerings for a ritual. This is bad, Han, Yun Duo said, even her usually naive demeanor shifting with concern. Most of the wandering souls around Black Cloud Town have likely been taken, Han said, his expression darkening. What do we do now? Yun Duo asked, her worry evident. Han paused, thinking for a moment, before offering a simple answer. Report it. When in doubt, report it. Yun Duo blinked, then quickly nodded in agreement. Right, of course. Thats what my father always says, not to act on my own but to report things first. Youre just like my father, she added with a smile. Han gave her a deadpan look. Im only 22. They were now in agreement, and headed straight for the peach grove to report their findings to Lu Qingmo. After all, Lu Qingmo was the most powerful figure in Black Cloud Town when it came to Daoist methodsor at least, on the surface. When they arrived, Lu Qingmo gave them a cool, calculated look. Youve got some nerve, coming back here again and again, she remarked, her tone almost chilling. Aunt Mo, what should we do? Han asked, still uncertain about the next steps. Lu Qingmo regarded them both with a steely gaze. If youre willing, continue clearing the wandering souls and wild ghosts. Try not to leave any behind. As for those secretly capturing souls... Ill handle them, she added, her voice brokering no argument. Han and Yun Duo exchanged a glance. They understood exactly what Lu Qingmo meant. Yun Duo seemed to grasp it as wellthough Han wasnt entirely sure. "Well, since we''re already in it, might as well finish the job. No backing out now," Han said. Lu Qingmo waved her hand and, with a flourish, conjured two talismans. Take these with you, she said, handing them over. Perfectthis was the reward for reporting. Without doing so, they wouldnt have received such protective charms. Han had no objections; after all, purging the spirits was beneficial for him as well. The two of them set off again, leaving the peach grove. As they ventured further from Black Cloud Town, they focused on clearing the spirits from the wilds and along the roads where travelers passed. In the wilderness, the presence of spirits remained. Occasionally, they would encounter them, but, as expected, the wandering souls had all but vanished.Unauthorized usage: this narrative is on Amazon without the author''s consent. Report any sightings. After some time, a dilapidated temple appeared before them. A temple here? Han muttered, surprised. Its been abandoned for a long time, Yun Duo explained. My father once told me that Black Cloud Town used to have both a Taoist temple and a Buddhist monastery. But the monks and Taoists left long ago, and now everythings fallen into ruin. Han frowned, thinking about the mountain gods and Dragon Kingsthis likely occurred before their time. Well, lets take a look. Its an old temple in the wilderness, so there could be some lingering spirits here, Han suggested. When they approached, they saw that the temple had fallen into extreme disrepair, cobwebs covered the corners, and the plaque hung precariously, almost about to fall off. The characters on it were barely legible. Han squinted at it and read aloud, Great Thunder Temple? The last character was too blurry to make out. But the first three words were enough to make Hans heart skip a beat. Great Thunder? Could it be Great Thunder Sound?! The plaque, old and crooked, seemed to radiate an eerie, yet somehow calming, aura. Its Great Thunder Rain Temple, Yun Duo chimed in, standing beside him. Wait, what? Thunder Rain? Han blinked in disbelief. Yeah, I visited here with my father once when we went to the county city. He told me it was called Great Thunder Rain Temple. Han groaned inwardly. "Thunder Rain? What kind of ridiculous name is that?" He was about to step into the temple when Yun Duo hurried to catch up. But as they neared the main hall, they both froze. Inside, there were four figures. One man in black robes with long white hair, a withered elder, and two burly men in gray, muscular robes stood on either side. They were all staring at Han and Yun Duo. Something was wrong. Han had scanned the area with his spiritual sense earlier, but hadn''t detected any presence of these four. Suddenly, a chilling wind gusted through the air, and the temperature dropped sharply as ghostly energy surged. A ghostly realm formed, blocking the sunlight and plunging the area into cold darkness. Behind the white-haired man, a black chess banner appeared. In an instant, the entire area was enveloped by the ghostly domain. A Soul Refining Banner! Han exhaled quietly. It seemed hed stumbled into something much worse than he anticipated. Who are you? the white-haired man asked, his voice indifferent. A disciple of Taibai? A cultivator? Which family of Black Cloud Town do you belong to? He shook his head. It doesnt matter. The fact that you ran into me just means you were unlucky. Youll serve as my nourishment. Before Han could respond, a soul ascended from the white-haired man''s head, holding a Soul Refining Banner. As it waved, dozens of ghostly creatures manifested, screeching and charging towards Han and Yun Duo with murderous intent. In the ghostly domain created by the Soul Refining Banner, these spirits were significantly stronger. They lunged at Han and Yun Duo, eager to devour their flesh and blood. But mere ghost slaves were not a challenge for Han and Yun Duo. The withered elder also sent his soul out. He wielded a blood-red wheel, and as it spun, a bloody aura enveloped the ghostly servants, strengthening them further. The souls of these two cultivators had a faint white glow around their edges. First stage of the Soul Travel realm, Night Wanderer phase, Yun Duo said, her expression now serious. Both of them. Han noticed that while they had not reached the Day Wanderer phase, they could still send their souls out, as long as they avoided direct sunlight. And given the absence of sunlight here, it was the perfect environment for them. Han, protect my body, Yun Duo said, her tone resolute. She was also a Night Wanderer and had experience with soul combat. Han, however, stopped her. Dont worry, leave it to me. Facing two opponents in the Night Wanderer phase, he couldnt afford to take chances. Plus, they were likely wielding some form of dark magic, and he didnt want Yun Duo to face them alone. Yun Duo blinked, staring at Han, unsure if she had heard him correctly. Two Night Wanderers and you think you can handle them alone? The two burly men seemed to serve as bodyguards to the white-haired man. As soon as their souls emerged, they formed a protective stance. These were Bodyguard Warriors. Han smirked, his mood lightening. Well see about that. With a flick of his hand, he sent a wave of energy crashing through the ghosts, sending them flying. He then gave the withered elder a dismissive glance and muttered, Annoying. Old dog buried halfway in the dirt, today, you return to the earth. Evil cultivators, huh? Hans lips curled into a wicked grin. Youre going to make my day. Yun Duo instinctively took a few steps back, her eyes wide. Something was offbut also oddly fittingabout how Hans grin looked more like one of an evil cultivator than a righteous one. Is this how things are going now? The four of us... are the real righteous ones? Chapter 51: Sunshine Illuminates the Darkness "Ha ha ha" Hans eerie laughter echoed through the hall, leaving the four sinister cultivators bewildered. Who is this guy? Never encountered a young man like him before. "Two broken souls, two brutes, a bunch of weaklings, and you think you can stir up trouble?" Han laughed again, "I could wipe you all out with a wave of my hand!" The white-haired man shook his head, a look of contempt crossing his face. He began chanting incantations and weaving hand signs, drawing upon the surrounding energies of the world and the eerie ghostly forces. Daoist magic! And powerful magic at that! Seeing this, Yun Duo quickly prepared to leave her physical body, but Han had already stepped forward through the throngs of ghostly spirits, leaving her with only his back. "Dont interfere. Trust me." Yun Duo froze in confusion. "Why bother? Why rush toward death?" Han shook his head, his tone almost mocking. He stopped, hiding his fist behind his back, and then swung it forward. Sunlight Fist! In an instant, the world lit up. The darkness of the ghostly realm was replaced by blinding light, banishing all the shadows. The sunlight was everywhere! "Ah!" The cries of pain were followed by the sounds of metal crashing and bodies hitting the ground, echoing through the temple. Moments later, the overwhelming light faded, and the hall returned to its previous state. The ghostly realm had completely disappeared. Yun Duo held her eyes, tears streaming down her face. Han, on the other hand, stood next to the four defeated cultivators, hands clasped behind his back, gazing outside the temple. The four evil cultivators lay sprawled on the floor, their limbs twisted in unnatural angles, shattered beyond repair, their bodies ruined. "Pathetic. Too weak," Han said casually. One of the guardians of the evil cultivators screamed in agony, his face twisted with pain as he clutched his eyes. The two cultivators, their faces ashen and their eyes blank, seemed almost delirious, unable to speak. "Thats a technique made specifically for your kind," Han said calmly. "My eyes! My eyes!" Yun Duo cried, her voice tinged with desperation. "Han, I cant see! My souls blind!" "Dont panic, itll be fine soon," Han reassured, tearing pieces of cloth from the bodies of the defeated cultivators and stuffing them into their mouths. It didnt take long before Yun Duos vision returned, though her eyes were a bit red. She ran over to Han, looking at the subdued cultivators in awe. "Han, what kind of power was that? Its incredible!" "Just a little trick," Han said with a humble smile. [Talismans: Light of the Sun Talisman] [Daoist talisman, contains a spell that releases intense foreign sunlight upon activation, blinding and obscuring the vision of all living beings except the talismans wielder. One-time use.] This was a talisman Han had obtained earlier, which he had originally thought was just a "flashbang" of sorts. But as Hans understanding of soul cultivation deepened, he realized the potential of this seemingly harmless itemit had real destructive power!The narrative has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident. The key was the Light of the Sun Talisman, which could unleash foreign sunlight. Though it was still sunlight, it was different from the natural kind! Who wouldnt be afraid of sunlight if their soul left their body before the Daydream Stage? Han had discovered a whole new worldwho said auxiliary talismans couldnt be lethal? As long as you dont give up, theres always a solution! Under the blazing light, the white-haired man and the frail old cultivator collapsed, their souls gravely wounded. The two guardians, unable to see, could do nothing as their charges screamed in pain, giving Han the perfect opportunity to strike. With his iron rod, Han knocked down the muscle-bound warriors, who were helpless against his attack. The Light of the Sun Talisman had a limit to how long its blindness effect lasted, but for cultivators of a lower realm, it was more than enough. Yun Duo looked at Han, her eyes filled with admiration. He was simply amazing! "Do you have any rope?" Han asked casually. "Huh? Oh, let me check." Yun Duo rummaged through her spatial pouch, quickly pulling out a length of rope strong enough to bind a warrior. After quickly binding the four evil cultivators, Han grabbed the Soul-Devouring Flag. Much of the ghostly energy inside had been vaporized by the sunlight, leaving only a few stronger ghosts behind. Han regretted it a bithe had lost some pure soul energy. But the surviving spirits were far stronger than the weaklings he had encountered earlier, and the loss wasnt as significant. "Is there any way to remove the marks on this artifact?" Han asked. Yun Duo nodded, pulling out a small vial from her pouch. She opened the bottle and dripped a mysterious liquid onto the Soul-Devouring Flag. "This is Soul Corrosion Waterdesigned specifically to corrode the masters mark on an artifact." Impressive. Yun Duo wasnt just rich, she was legendary. With the soul of the artifacts master badly injured, the Soul Corrosion Water worked quickly, making the Soul-Devouring Flag ownerless. Han used the Soul Transformation Mirror to purge the remaining ghosts, sending their souls to a peaceful afterlife. "I wonder what the upper limit is for the Soul Transformation Mirror," Han mused, dragging the four evil cultivators back toward Black Cloud Town. As they made their way, neither Han nor Yun Duo noticed the soft breeze in the sky, as a white cloud drifted toward Black Cloud Town, and a black dress shimmered within it. The search of the four evil cultivators had been thorough. Aside from the Soul-Devouring Flag and the Blood Wheel Artifact, they also carried some gold, silver, weapons, and a bronze lamp. But no Daoist manuals. Why didnt they carry any? What kind of villains were these? Not professional at all. While on the road, the white-haired man, still groggy, slowly came to his senses. When he felt the overwhelming damage to his soul and his crippled body, he sighed heavily. Though his mouth was still gagged, the sound of his distress was palpable. Han glanced at him and removed the cloth from his mouth. "Anything you want to say?" "Victory belongs to the strong, defeat to the weak. Whats there to say? Do what you will, ask whatever you want." The white-haired man gazed into the sky, his eyes empty. "I guess this is the end for me." "What a shame. Ill never return home, never avenge my enemies" Ah, so this one had a tragic backstory. But Han wasnt interested in his story. "You enslaved souls, forcing them to suffer endlessly. The souls of their loved ones would have relished the chance to end you themselves." The white-haired man sneered. "Ive tortured and drained the souls of hundreds, what can they do? The strong can take from the weak." "You used to be weak." "And thats why I lost everything. Thats why I chose to become strong!" Han finally understoodthe white-haired man was a victim of his own suffering, someone who had decided to inflict pain on others to overcome his own. He chose to wield his blade against those weaker than himself. Whether it was the innocent women and men killed by Huang Shiren, or the women of Shan Shui Temple violated in their sleep by the evil monk, or even the countless innocent lives the white-haired man had slaughteredthese were the reminders of what this world truly was. Han didnt want to become another weakling slain by the whims of the powerful. "Youre not from Black Cloud Town, are you?" "Were from Tianyang County, operating within Tianyue County. We came here after hearing about the earthquake in Black Cloud Town." So they were ruthless outsiders after all. Chapter 52: A Generous Reward "How did you learn about the earthquake?" Han asked, eyeing them closely. "We heard someone mention it by chance," the white-haired man replied casually. The news had spread remarkably fast. Han didnt believe it was all coincidence. He then picked up a bronze lamp and asked, "What is this? What does it do?" The white-haired man glanced at it before answering directly, "It was found in a wealthy family''s home in Cangyuan County, Tianyang Prefecture. They thought it was special and took it, but it doesn''t seem to have any use." "I feel the same," Yun Duo added quietly. "But I can''t put my finger on it." Han nodded thoughtfully and studied the lamp more closely. Through his Yin-Yang Eyes, he spotted something unusual within the lamp. "Ive answered your questions. Now, can you grant me a quick end?" the white-haired man suddenly spoke up, his tone pleading. "I dont want to die in the decaying hands of the Great Qis government." Han raised an eyebrow. No wonder the man had been so cooperativehe had his own agenda. "No," Han replied coldly. The man didnt say another word, and Han quickly gagged him, silencing him. He wasnt going to let someone like him dictate terms. The man''s wordsHan only believed about one-tenth of them. After a moment, Yun Duo spoke again, her voice soft, "When a soul is damaged by sunlight, it suffers intensely. It''s like being burned by fire." "It requires various treasures and quiet cultivation to heal," she added. Instead of sending the four evil cultivators to the authorities, Han tied them up outside the peach grove and had Yun Duo speak with Lu Qingmo about what to do with them. It wasnt long before Yun Duo returned, holding two wooden plaques and two yellow talismans. "These are Soul Binding Plaques and Soul Suppression Talismans, used to imprison and subdue souls," she explained, collecting the souls of the white-haired man and his companion into the Soul Binding Plaques. Taking the ropes from Han, Yun Duo said, "Teacher wants you to go in. Ill take them for confinement." After watching Yun Duo drag the captives away, Han entered the peach grove. "Mo Yi," Han called out as he approached Lu Qingmo, handing her the yellow talisman Lu Qingmo had given him earlier. Lu Qingmo took it and explained, "This talisman contains a bit of my power, but it can only last for one day." It wasnt that she didnt want to give it to Han, but after today, the talisman would lose its effectiveness. Han also took out the spoils from the evil cultivators, laying them on a nearby table. He and Yun Duo had split them, and the items Yun Duo had taken were already laid out in front of Lu Qingmo. Lu Qingmo watched as Han sorted through his things, not once diverting her gaze. Han felt uneasy under her steady stare.You might be reading a stolen copy. Visit Royal Road for the authentic version. Since that day when he had nearly corrupted Lu Qingmo, their interactions had felt off. Finally, Lu Qingmo spoke. "These are two cursed items; they''re not suitable for you," she remarked, examining the Soul-binding Banner and the Blood Wheel. Han nodded in agreement. The Soul-binding Banner, with its ominous energy, and the Blood Wheel, reeking of blooddefinitely not something he could use. "Ill take these two items," Lu Qingmo continued, "and in exchange, Ill give you two proper magical tools. Everything else youve earned here is yours." Han immediately added, "And what about Yun Duos share?" "Yun Duo said she did nothing and wont be taking any of it," Lu Qingmo replied. Han hesitated. "But..." "Dont argue," Lu Qingmo cut him off. "Yun Duo has made up her mind. This is how it will be." Reluctantly, Han accepted all the spoils. Lu Qingmo spoke again, "This is your reward for the things youve done. Even the gods and ghosts will give you a prize." "However, you dont need to go to the Ghosts Court to claim it." "If you have a request, I can fulfill it directly." Han could tell it wasnt quite as official as she made it sound. A reward from the Ghosts Court? He could already tell Lu Qingmos reward would be far more appealing. And indeed, he did have something in mindhe wanted a method to help with his cultivation. With the Thousand Immortal Tree, Han wouldnt lack for anything in the long run. But for now, he still needed more time to gather the necessary resources. Though his progress had been good, his foundation wasnt deep enough yet. If he could get what he needed early, why wait? "Mo Yi, do you have any auxiliary cultivation techniques that could be shared?" Han asked. Lu Qingmo nodded. "Ive noticed your speed in refining Yuan Qi is decent. Since you want it, Ill give it to you." She handed him three manuals. "Three?" Han was surprised. The three manuals were titled: These techniques are for cultivating with the essence of the heavens, the Yin energy of the moon, and the Yang energy of the sun," Lu Qingmo explained. "They are all high-level methods. Take them." Was capturing two Spirit Realm cultivators and two Meridian Realm martial artists enough to earn these techniques? Clearly, it wasnt. Even exchanging for just one of them wouldnt be enough. This was clearly Lu Qingmos generosity. "When you come tomorrow, Ill have two magical tools ready for you." Han was about to leave when he glanced at the bronze lamp in his hands. "Mo Yi, this lamp seems to have something wrong with it." "This lamp carries divine intent," Lu Qingmo said, studying it closely. "Divine intent?" Han asked. "Objects that have been kept near statues of gods or Buddhas for years, soaked in the lingering scent of incense, acquire a certain spiritual essencethis is often referred to as divine intent." Han understood now. It was a spiritual lamp, a version of the kind found in temples. "Ordinary people who take such objects home are protectedevil spirits and wandering souls cant easily enter, and those near it will feel at peace." "For cultivators, divine intent isnt much, but without a proper lineage, you might not even know it exists." "So its essentially a spiritual artifact blessed for the mortal world," Han mused. "Mo Yi, I think theres something inside this lamp," Han said suddenly. "Under the thick divine intent, I think I saw a human-shaped presence." Lu Qingmos eyes widened. "A human-shaped presence?" She took the bronze lamp and began using some technique to probe it, her face soon filled with astonishment. "This lamp... its carved from Yin-Yang Stone. After the carving was completed, it was coated with a layer of death-bronze, tempered by incense smoke, to hide its nature." "Yin-Yang Stone? Death-bronze?" "Yin-Yang Stone is a rare material, said to only exist where the realms of the living and the dead overlap. It carries the essence of both Yin and Yang, yet doesnt fully belong to either." "When the spiritual essence in the Soul-Bronze is extinguished, it becomes Death-Bronze, a strange and rare material. This lamp likely houses a ghostly presence, the human-shaped figure you saw." "The fact that a ghost can survive inside Yin-Yang Stone is truly astonishing." Han was taken aback. "How did you figure it out?" Lu Qingmo was clearly intrigued. "I didnt notice it at first. How did you?" Han, ever the honest one, replied without hesitation, "I saw it with my own eyes." Chapter 53: The Pinnacle of Immortality Just by looking with my eyes. These words left Lu Qingmo in silence. Was he implying that Im blind? Thats really how it happened. Han explained, Aunt Mo, when I first saw the lamp, I immediately spotted something off with it. Lu Qingmo stared deeply into Han''s eyes. After a moment, she recalled their earlier encounters, realizing that his eyes were now far more piercing and brighter than before. Han didnt shy away, meeting her gaze directly. Under the intense focus, a faint light flickered in his eyes. Lu Qingmo subtly shifted her gaze away. Your mortal eyes can see through the death bronze and into the Yin-Yang Stone? Could it be that you''ve awakened some sort of eye talent? Lu Qingmos thoughts flashed to several possible types of eye abilities. I can''t believe this. Han remained silent, letting her ponder. The talent was his, but what kind of ability it was, and how it had been awakenedthese were questions that Lu Qingmo would have to explore. Much like his master had done earlier that day. Qi-seeing talent, eye talents... Lu Qingmo thought, her mind clouded. While none of these seemed overly powerful, any special ability was undoubtedly a sign of a rare talent. And this talent had surfaced in a young man from a remote region. Aunt Mo, is it possible to wake up the spirit inside the lamp? Shes always been awake, Lu Qingmo replied, looking at the Yin-Yang Stone lamp. If she doesnt appear now, Ill pull her out myself. Dont! Dont! A voice suddenly called from within the lamp. A ghostly figure shot out. It was a female ghost dressed in a green gown, with an oval face, graceful temperament, and beautiful, painted featuresher appearance was striking. Please dont kill me! Ive never harmed anyone! Im a good personno, Im a good ghost! The green-dressed ghost pleaded frantically, terrified of being struck down. Han raised an eyebrow. Can she see whats going on outside the lamp? Before Lu Qingmo could respond, the ghost spoke again. Yes, I can see. But they never noticed me before. Who are you? The ghost introduced herself without hesitation. Im An Lang, I lived in Tianyang County, Cangyuan District. Five years ago, I drowned while traveling and became like this. She continued without pause, recounting her tragic backstory. After I returned home, I took residence inside this lamp. Then, Liang Hai and his men came, seeking treasure. They killed my entire family. They then dragged me here and ended up in your hands... and helped me avenge my family.This content has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere. Wuwuwu. The ghost started crying, but the fingers covering her eyes revealed cracks, secretly watching Han and Lu Qingmo. Han couldnt help but roll his eyes. Did she really think we couldnt see that? He studied her carefully, still skeptical about her story. Whats your name? An Lang. Hans eyes widened in shock. What? Youre from the other realm? Youre sure your name is An Lang? Han asked again. Yes. Which characters? An as in safety, and Lang as in a treasure trove, the ghost answered, confused. Han breathed a sigh of relief. So, it''s not ''The Pinnacle of Immortality.'' Correct. My name is An Lang, not The Pinnacle of Immortality. Han felt a weight lift off his chest. Looks like the other realm hasnt made its move yet. You should return to the lamp now, Lu Qingmo ordered. Wait! I still have important information to share! An Lang cried out desperately. It wasnt by chance that Liang Hai and his men heard about the earthquake. Someone tipped them off! They joined the Tianmu Sect, and it was through them that they got the news. Lu Qingmos expression tightened. The Tianmu Sect? Are you sure? I saw it with my own eyes. An Lang pointed to her eyes. I saw it clearly. With that, An Lang quickly retreated into the lamp. Lu Qingmos mental energy surged, leaving a seal on the Yin-Yang Stone lamp, preventing the ghost from seeing or hearing anything outside. Aunt Mo, whats the Tianmu Sect? Han asked. Theyre no good, Lu Qingmo replied coldly. They''ve been wreaking havoc everywhere, causing disasters, and have been wanted by the Great Qi for years. What should we do with this An Lang then? Han asked. Those who turn into spirits after death are usually individuals with extraordinary talent, Lu Qingmo explained. Her taking residence in the Yin-Yang Stone was also a stroke of luck. But the stones nature is strangeit cant protect her forever. In a few years, the Yin-Yang Stone will consume her soul, causing it to vanish. You might want to talk to her, see if you can figure something out. Hans mind stirred. So, that was her suggestion Youll decide. You should focus on your martial arts now. Han nodded. Just as he stepped into the peach forest, he heard Lu Qingmos voice from behind. Also dont laugh like that. Its creepy. ? Han paused, then fled in embarrassment. Lu Qingmo smiled but still couldnt help but marvel at what she had witnessed that day. A cultivator in the Out-of-Body realm had swiftly and decisively taken down two cultivators in the Spirit Journey realm. Especially that punch infused with intense sunlightit was something she couldnt even see through. What kind of power was that? Could it be another talent? How many talents does he even have? Lu Qingmo felt like all her lifes confusion had been wrapped up in Han. She couldnt read him, couldnt understand him. It was like trying to grasp water with her hands. Han, outside the peach forest, was deeply conflicted. He had a feeling that Lu Qingmo had probably seen what happened at the Great Thunderstorm Temple. Just the thought of it made Hans face burn. He had treated Yun Duo like a little girl and hadnt cared much about her. But if Lu Qingmo had been there... It wouldve been the end. Pure social death. Han arrived at the martial arts hall and saw several young people leaving from the Taibai school. One of them was someone he recognizedhis senior brother Long Yun from the Tenglong school. Han frowned. What were Tenglongs people here for? Entering the martial arts hall, he found his fellow disciples all present, their expressions not good. Whats going on? Seeing Han, their faces softened a bit. Shen Yu snorted. Its those Tenglong school people. They want us to prepare, saying theyll be coming to teach us tomorrow. And theyve been making some sarcastic comments. Sarcastic comments? After yesterdays earthquake, most of the remaining martial artists in Black Mountain retreated, Bai Ruoyue spoke up. Some martial artists brought back word that they saw my father and the others enter the deepest part of Black Mountain, and they havent come out since. And the deepest part of Black Mountain is where the earthquake originated. Han fell silent, already guessing what Tenglongs people would say. Masters fine. Im sure of it. Han said firmly. A bunch of clowns. Dont mind them, Zhang Yuantao snorted. When Master returns, all their noise will disappear. Since theyre coming tomorrow to teach, lets make sure they learn a lesson. In the martial arts world, it was a tradition in Heiyun Town for disciples from different schools to visit each other for teaching. Han spent the rest of the day practicing martial arts, tirelessly going through secret techniques that made his body more and more powerful. Han could feel that another breakthrough was not far off. In the evening, Han returned home and, after checking his Soul Realm, noticed that it had expanded significantly. The benefits from the Soul-Crafting Banner had been substantialsaving Han a lot of time. He focused on refining his Qi, conjuring illusions, and battling the Qi demons, all while using his strategy to break through their ranks. At midnight, Han began his most important task of the day. Im chopping! Four light orbs dropped, marking a great start! [Good Luck Elixir: Vajra Blissful Butter] [A secret elixir made through alchemy, when applied to the body during martial training, the essence seeps into the skin, strengthening it, making the skin as tough as fine steel.] Chapter 54: The Heavenly Bull Demon Appears, Flesh and Strength Perfected! [Item: Bear Gallbladder Power Pill] [Purpose: Removes excess fat, strengthens muscles, increases strength, and improves blood and flesh. It can cultivate powerful and resilient flesh.] [Spell Talisman: Divine Oath Talisman] [A talisman of Taoist magic, invoking a divine oath to form a contract with otherworldly beings. It can be used to form agreements with spirits and deities and can be combined with other contract-based Taoist techniques.] [Taoist Seed: Night Sleep Curse] [A Taoist seed that, when nurtured, will eventually bear the Night Sleep Curse fruit. Consuming it will allow the user to learn the Night Sleep Curse.] The rewards for Han''s stamina from chopping trees were impressivetwo helpful training pills, a talisman, and a Taoist seed. He was satisfied with these outcomes. Speaking of Taoist seeds, Han''s Golden Light Charm Taoist seed, previously planted in Soul Town, had almost ripenedjust a few more hours, perhaps. The Pure Heaven God Curse Taoist fruit was at the flowering stage, close to being ready for harvest as well. Without hesitation, Han also planted the Night Sleep Curse Taoist seed, nurturing it with his spiritual energy. He still had three points of stamina remaining, so he didn''t hesitatehe used it, and six items fell from the tree. Among them were two spiritual plants and one Soul Plant. Soul Plants were much rarer than spiritual plants. Han had only collected two before this one. The remaining three items were: [Rare Item: Meditation Stone] [A heavenly item. When meditating on it, ones mind becomes clear, free from distractions. It aids in resisting mental demons.] [Near-Martial Weapon: Wind-chaser Boots] [Greatly enhances the users movement speed and improves agility. These were meant to be martial boots but were damaged during forging by lightning strikes, making them near-martial instead.] [Material: Sky-Blue Gold Liquid] [Primary material for crafting martial weapons. The Sky-Blue Gold Liquid is most compatible with Silver Essence.] A rare item, a near-martial weapon, and a crafting materialnone of them were ordinary. The Meditation Stone, which helps with both training and resisting mental demons, was a highly valuable find. Although Han had never encountered a mental demon, he knew this ability would be beneficial, just in case. The near-martial weapon was certainly useful, especially a pair of boots that could enhance both speed and combat effectiveness. As for the Sky-Blue Gold Liquid it seemed fate had a hand in it. Han had already obtained the Silver Essence, the perfect match for this material. If he could find a skilled blacksmith, these two materials could be forged into a powerful weapon. However, he had already asked around and learned that only Tianyue County had such a skilled blacksmith.Unauthorized usage: this narrative is on Amazon without the author''s consent. Report any sightings. Han wondered if the great Celestial Tree would drop a blacksmith as well. If given the chance, he was determined to visit Tianyue County. He stored the items he didn''t need for now and undressed, preparing to apply the Vajra Essence to himself. As he began applying it, Han hesitated for a moment. Did he really need to cover every inch of his body? After reading the description of the pill, he decided to proceed. What if missing a spot made the effect incomplete? When it comes to tempering the body, every part counts! After finishing the application of the substance that resembled ghee, he consumed the Bear Gallbladder Power Pill and began practicing his martial arts techniques, eager to test the effects of the two items. It was the twelfth day of his martial arts training, and he was now highly skilled in the technique of the Heavenly Bull Demon Form. Every move exuded strength, embodying the spirit of the Heavenly Bull Demon. "Sometimes, when I fight, I feel this overwhelming frenzy, as if a demon bull has awakened within me" "I wonder if the Heavenly Bull Demon is a real creature" Wait a minute! Han suddenly remembered his abilityhis Transformation Trait! Could he try to transform his soul into a Heavenly Bull Demon? What would happen if he let the spirit of the Heavenly Bull Demon control his body and practice the Heavenly Bull Demon Fist? Excited, Han immediately activated his Transformation Trait, using the Heavenly Bull Demon Form as a medium, aiming to change his soul. And it worked! His soul separated from his body, but instead of a human form, he was now a small black bull. The bulls fur was a deep black, with a dark aura flowing through it. Its skin was thick and firm, and its curved horns resembled sharp swords pointing toward the sky. "Is this the Heavenly Bull Demon?" Han wondered. The bull demon''s soul returned to his body, and he began to practice his martial technique. It was incredibly smoothtoo smooth! This practice felt effortless, and there was a fundamental shift compared to before. At this moment, Han could feel that the technique had reached a divine level. If anyone were to witness Hans movements now, they might think he was not a man at all, but rather a Heavenly Bull Demon charging forward with unstoppable force! Inside, Han felt the power of the Heavenly Bull Demon awakening, mastering the essence of this martial art. Even the original creator of this technique likely never imagined that a soul from a Heavenly Bull Demon would possess a human body to practice it. His flesh swelled, his internal energy boiled, and faint sounds of a bull demons roar echoed within him. Hot air rose from his skin, and his body temperature increased. The effects of the pills, combined with his cultivated inner energy, were absorbed and refined rapidly during the practice. Time passed without Han feeling any fatigue. He repeated the Heavenly Bull Demon Form again and again, finding what he believed to be the true way to practice the technique. Moo! Suddenly, Han paused in place. His flesh trembled, and something seemed to move beneath the surface. Then, everything went still. Boom! An invisible wave of energy exploded from his body with a deafening sound. His body seemed to reverberate with every pulse of energy. Han threw a punch, and the sound was so sharp and piercing that it could shatter the eardrums of ordinary people! Hah! Han relaxed, exhaling a breath as his body gradually returned to normal. His skin shone with a radiant glow, his muscles were full and strong, radiating vitality. Under his control, the glow slowly faded, but his body still felt infused with incredible power. His skin gleamed, his muscles were full of life energythis meant that Han had reached the pinnacle of body refinement! Half a day to reach the first stage, seven days for minor progress, and now, five more days to reach the final stage! Such an achievement was truly extraordinary. Though, it was perhaps a local marvel in Black Cloud Town. The outside world was still vast, and Han was cautious about his limits. With my current physical strength, I should be on par with a Qi Meridian Realm warrior. As for the energy within me, its still inner energy, but given the strength of my body and the inner energy refined from my martial techniques, I wonder how it compares to true Qi? And I think Ive finally found the real way to practice the Heavenly Bull Demon Form Han clenched his fist and felt the rush of strength and power surge within him. He was determinednothing could stand in his way in this cold, cruel world where only his own strength could bring him warmth. Well, that is, aside from his senior sister. Chapter 55: The Root of All Qi, The Mystical Dao [Player: Han] [Life: Acquired] [Soul Realm: Soul Out-of-Body] [Martial Arts Realm: Skin and Flesh Realm (Great Achievement)] [Stamina: 0/4] [Items: Three-Lights Fortune Mirror] These are the current stats of Hans body. Looking at this panel, Han feels a sense of accomplishment. Compared to the first time he saw it, his stats have undergone a drastic change. Over the past twelve days, he has steadily accumulated what he has now. The Great Achievement in the Skin and Flesh Realm didnt add any stamina to Han, but he had anticipated this. He had figured out the pattern for stamina growth C it depends on the highest level of cultivation in ones main cultivation path. Phew! At this moment, Han suddenly felt as if a storm had broken out in his souls realm. This startled him. He quickly turned his attention inward to check on the situation. He saw a vortex forming on the Golden Light Charm Fruit, sucking in his mental energy to nourish the fruit. Han was thrilled. This meant the fruit was about to ripen! Before long, the vortex faded, and the Golden Light Charm Fruit fell off the Dao Tree and disappeared from his soul realm. In front of Hans physical body, a gleaming fruit floated, emitting a fragrance that sent shivers through his soul. [Dao Fruit: Golden Light Charm Fruit] [Mantra: The Mystical Dao of Heaven and Earth, Root of All Qi. Cultivate for billions of eons, gain spiritual power. Within the Three Realms and beyond, Dao reigns supreme... Golden light swiftly manifests, protecting the true being.] [Protective Heart Refining, Inner Refining of Golden Light, Subduing Demons and Safeguarding Dao, Absorbing Spirit and Refining Essence, Empowering Magical Artifacts, Earthly Escape and Skyward Stealth.] Wonderful! Han eagerly grabbed the Golden Light Charm Fruit and popped it into his mouth. It dissolved instantly, like vapor. He moved his mouth. It didnt have much taste. Suddenly, Han felt an endless flow of profound meanings swirling in his heart. His soul left his body, surrounded by streams of golden light. At this moment, Hans soul returned to its original form. Looking closely at the golden light, it revealed itself to be bands of text forming the golden glow. Eventually, these words entered Hans soul, and the golden light disappeared. Han had an epiphany. He had entered the first stage of this divine incantation. Excited, Han thought to himself, Its all thanks to the Great Qi Immortal Tree. Once I ate this fruit, the Daoist art became immediately accessible. Normally, learning Daoist arts in the outside world would require various theoretical studies and time spent practicing.You could be reading stolen content. Head to Royal Road for the genuine story. For those who werent talented, they might not even be able to learn it. Compared to this, eating the charm fruit was incredibly convenient. It was a pity that this drop only occurred after Han reached the completion of the Visualization Realm. Otherwise, Han would have already escaped the predicament of being without usable arts. But now wasnt too late. Having learned the Golden Light Charm, Han now naturally understood the capabilities of this Daoist art. It could protect cultivators, subdue demons, assist in cultivation, and, at higher levels, enhance magical artifacts. The demons it could subdue were not just demonic cultivators, but also Earthly Demons like Qi Demons, Moon Demons, and Sun Demons. In other words, Han now had a method to deal with demonic entities. This Golden Light Charm truly had many uses. If practiced alongside the other Seven Great Incantations, it would be even more effective. Today truly felt like a day full of joy and blessings. Han left the Immortal Trees secret realm and glanced at the sky. It wasnt dawn yet, meaning this times cultivation hadnt lasted through the whole night. He then picked up the Yin-Yang Stone Lamp, which he had left on the table and didnt take into the Immortal Trees secret realm. Lu Qingmos power was still present, and the ghost inside the lamp could no longer observe the outside world as it once did. Following Lu Qingmos method, Han removed the barrier and called out to the female ghost. The ghost, An Lang, appeared immediately and bowed upon seeing Han. An... Lang. This name made Han uncomfortable. What does Young Master require? Just call me Han, Han replied. The family grudge has been avenged. What are your plans now? Youre already dead, Han continued, his tone slightly heavy. Do you wish for me to help you transcend, An Lang? Han asked. An Langs tone was sorrowful, but she still insisted on calling him Young Master. But I died at only nineteen. I havent even seen the wonders of this world, and I didnt do evil in life, nor do I harm others in death. I still wish to stay in this world. Han fell silent, pondering how to deal with An Lang. In the world of common ghosts, there are generally three kinds of spirits: the first are confused and wandering souls, the second are malevolent spirits who bring disaster, and the third, like An Lang, are ghosts with clear memories and intact intellect. Cultivators from the righteous path have different methods for handling each type of spirit. The Yin-Yang Stone Lamp has protected you for five years, which is already quite a long time. But it wont keep your soul intact forever, Han explained. An Langs expression dimmed. The Yin-Yang Stone Lamp had protected her when she wasnt skilled in cultivation, but now it was becoming a burden. If you want to live longer, I have two options for you. Go to the Great Qi government. Or... you could make a contract with me and follow me. Which transmigrator would refuse to have a ghost named An Lang as their companion? An Langs face turned pale when she heard this. Do you plan to treat me like Liang Hai treated other ghosts and turn me into a mindless ghost servant? An Lang asked. Han laughed softly, Thats a demonic technique. I would never use it. Mastering ghost taming is not an evil art. It depends entirely on the practitioner. Many great cultivators treat ghosts as companions and guardians. Some cultivators even raise ghosts and spirits that are more powerful than themselves, and they carry them along to fly. Liang Hai and the others have fallen into the demonic path. True ghost-raising and taming are upright and proper arts. In the Great Qi Nations Daoist sect, Xuandu Temple, there are many revered guardian ghosts, who protect the Daoist tradition and are highly respected. They were left behind by ascended immortals. Han had learned ghost taming techniques from Lu Qingmo some time ago. During their lessons, Lu Qingmo had shared much about raising and taming ghosts. Many cultivators were keen on raising ghosts and spirits, as it provided them with a loyal helper, not only in battle but in many aspects of life. Before, Han had considered raising a ghost. Especially since he had the Ghost Dwelling, a special artifact that could house only the ghosts he had a connection with. Without raising any ghost, it would simply gather dust in the secret realm. But Han hadnt encountered a suitable ghost until now. An Lang seemed to be the perfect candidate. A spirit who could autonomously transform after death and retain its intellect was undoubtedly a rare talent. The enhancement from the Yin-Yang Stone made her even more valuable. And the most important thing... was her name... Hearing Hans explanation, An Langs ghostly face regained a little color. You dont need to worry that I will use force, Han continued, If you dont want to go to the government, or if you dont want to follow me, you can remain in the lamp and spend the last few years of your life... or ghostly existence. An Lang thought for a moment before asking, Is that senior from the Great Qi government? Indeed, she is also a disciple of Xuandu Temple. The state religion... An Lang said. Could I meet that senior? You have nothing to fear. I simply want to discuss the contract with her. Of course, Han agreed. His intentions were honest and upright, and he had no hidden agenda. He believed in mutual consent, never forcing others. However... If this female ghost wanted to survive for more than a few years, she would need to understand... what needed to be done. Chapter 56: A Visit As Han stood before Lu Qingmo, she instinctively took a small step back, letting out a soft sigh in her heart. How... has he broken through again? Whats going on? How can someone like him exist? What does that leave for the rest of us? What should she even say? She was at a loss for words. Whether it was martial arts or soul cultivation, Han had continually astonished her with every step he took. She had become numb to it. No words could truly convey the shock she felt. And if she said too much, wouldnt that make her look completely uninformed? Aunt Mo, are you okay? Feeling unwell? Han asked, concerned. No, Im fine, really fine, Lu Qingmo replied quickly, forcing a smile. Did your martial arts break through again? Yeah, Han smiled, still pleased about his recent progress. Last night, during my practice, I had a breakthrough by chance. By chance again, by luck. You said the same thing last time. Youve only just broken through five days ago, right? Lu Qingmo remarked, still surprised. In just twelve days, youve accomplished what some of Black Cloud Town''s geniuses would take years to achieve. If news like this gets out, I wonder how many so-called geniuses would be crushed by it. Well, pressure is a great motivator, Han grinned. Lu Qingmo shook her head, unconvinced by that reasoning. While some pressure could indeed motivate, too much pressure could simply break someone. Your martial arts improvement will benefit your soul cultivation as well, she continued, Over the next period, your soul cultivation will progress more smoothly. Dont slack off. She then placed two items in front of Han. A wooden sword and a jade bracelet. Lu Qingmo explained, This is the Purple Thunder Peachwood Sword and the Spirit Talisman Bracelet. Theyre both powerful artifacts, not inferior to the Soul Refining Banner. One for offense, one for defensequite suitable for you. Thank you, Aunt Mo, Han said gratefully. He understood well. It wasnt just that they werent inferior to the Soul Refining Banner; it was that these items suited him better. If he were to trade at the Ghosts and Gods Exchange, neither the Soul Refining Banner nor the Blood Wheel could likely be exchanged for even one of these. Han began to refine these two artifacts. Previously, he had received a soul-forged flying sword from Huang Shiren, but that was just a regular weapon, useful only in the Visualization Realm. At his current level, that sword had no more use for him.A case of theft: this story is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation. Artifacts were what truly suited him. However, after refining these two items, Han could tell that they werent as effective as the Three Lights Spirit Mirror. Afterward, Han told Lu Qingmo about An Langs situation, but Lu Qingmo didnt rush to meet him, signaling that they would talk later. After a brief hesitation, Lu Qingmo spoke again. Do you still attract Vitality Demons when cultivating? Hearing this, Han immediately thought of the incident during his previous fusion of origins. Yeah, but they cant harm me. I dont know why, but after a while, the demons always retreat on their own. Though the effects of their energy on my soul continue for some time. Han explained why he could withstand the Vitality Demons. In some sense, Han wasnt lyingthe demons did indeed retreat on their own, and his soul had been affected by their energy. Though, that demon was none other than himself. Vitality Demons appearing in the Out-of-Body Realm is strange enough. Its not impossible for them to retreat on their own, Lu Qingmo nodded. But demons are unpredictable. You cant always rely on them retreating. Heres what well do. Ill teach you a demon-suppressing technique to protect yourself when facing the Vitality Demons. Aunt Mo, this is too valuable Han protested. Its not that precious, she responded. Major sects and schools teach their disciples such techniques. When facing demons, in the end, you can only rely on yourself. Others Lu Qingmo stopped mid-sentence. Both Han and she had learned the hard way that relying on others against demons could lead to disaster. A lifelong lesson. This technique is called the True Scripture of Liberation. When you chant the incantation in the presence of a demon, it will take effect. I will teach it to you now. This technique doesnt guarantee you can defeat the demon, but the higher your cultivation, the more effective it will be. Even if your cultivation is low, the incantation will still have some effect. Lu Qingmo began to teach Han the technique, and he listened intently. Though he already knew the Golden Light Incantation, learning another method of subduing demons could only be beneficial. Once the lesson ended, Han left the peach grove. Lu Qingmo watched his retreating figure and turned her gaze to the Yin-Yang Stone Lantern. Come out. At the Tai Bai Martial Arts Hall, Han eagerly went to find his senior sister to enjoy a morning training session. However, he was met by a group of strangers inside the hall. Members of the Teng Long Martial Arts Hall. Well, well, if it isnt the genius from the Tai Bai Martial Arts Hall? Long Yun called out as soon as he saw Han. Whats this? Finally showing up to train in the hall? If it were our Teng Long Martial Arts Hall, someone as lazy as you would have been kicked out long ago. Han glanced at Long Yun and walked over to Bai Ruoyue, speaking with a hint of complaint in his voice. Senior Sister, I told you before to send someone to guard the gate. You didnt listen. Now look, wild dogs have wandered in, and theyre still barking like that. Theyve polluted the whole hall. Pfft! Bai Ruoyue, who had previously been cold, suddenly burst out laughing. Its true, my fault. Ill send someone to the gate right away to chase off these wild dogs. Long Yuns face darkened. Kid, watch your words. Are you calling me a wild dog? Relax, I said wild dogs. Long Shao, are you getting worked up? Are you not human? Han teased. I am human! Stop with your sarcastic comments! Long Yun retorted. Oh? So I call them wild dogs, and you jump out. Did you bring these wild dogs in? Han quipped. Kid, keep your mouth clean, or youll regret it! Long Yun growled. Aw, are you mad? So worked up. Han smiled. You guys have me confused now. I cant even tell whos the wild dog and whos human anymore. Senior Sister, can you tell? Zhang Yuantao answered first. From a distance, they look human, up close they look like dogs, but when you really look at them, neither human nor dog. The Teng Long Martial Arts Hall members all scowled in anger. Long Yun suddenly shouted, Bai Ruoyue, weve come to your Tai Bai Hall to spar, to discuss martial arts, and all you do is babble. Are you scared of our Teng Long Martial Arts Hall? A spar is a spar. Why are you shouting so much? Bai Ruoyue scoffed. You want to learn from me? she challenged. I wont fight today. Im just here to stand guard for my disciples so none of your people break the rules. Long Yun wanted to back out, knowing that if he sparred with Bai Ruoyue, it would be a one-sided beating. We at Tai Bai Martial Arts Hall never fear a challenge, Zhang Yuantao said with a smile. But sorry, since youve come to us for guidance, the rules of the spar should be set by us. In any challenge, its the host who sets the rules. Long Shao, Tai Bai Martial Arts Hall has two martial artists at the Flesh and Bones Realm. Who do you wish to learn from? Long Yuns face shifted between emotions. Teng Long Martial Arts Hall only had him as a practitioner in the Flesh and Bones Realm. Han, however, was suddenly invigorated. Tai Bai Martial Arts Hall only had him in the Flesh and Bones Realmif the challenge really begins, wouldnt it be his turn to step up? Great, the chance that he missed last time in the conflict with Teng Long Martial Arts Hall has finally arrived! Its my turn to perform! Chapter 57: This Sword is the Sharpest Weapon Under Heaven Typically, when martial arts schools exchange disciples for sparring, the invited side has the right to refuse. If they decline, and the inviter refuses to take no for an answer, the situation escalates beyond simple disciple trainingmatters could get out of hand. Rules are important. People must abide by them, and so must powers and factions. However, if you reject too many times, it will certainly tarnish the reputation of your martial arts school. When running a school, reputation is everything. Tai Bai has no fear of Teng Long. The reputations of the three major martial arts schools are on the line. If Tai Bai wins, its fame will only grow. In the end, Long Yun decided to face off against Shen Long himself. He had no confidence in fighting Bai Ruoyue. "The leader of Bai''s school has recently taken on a talented disciple, so I brought a brother of the Flesh Realm with me today," Long Yun said, glancing at Han with a sly grin. "I wonder if my brother here might have a chance to spar with Brother Zhou?" Bai Ruoyue looked at Han, who hesitated, then spoke awkwardly: "Master Long, I''ve only practiced martial arts for a short time, and my abilities are still limited. I don''t think I stand a chance against your disciple." Long Yun froze for a moment. If he remembered correctly, this person had been quite defiant just a moment ago. What happened to him now? Could this be a trick? Just as that thought crossed his mind, Long Yun almost laughed at himself. A person who''d been practicing for only ten days couldn''t possibly be pulling a scam. Maybe he could prank a toilet, but that''s about it! "Brother Zhou, you''re being too modest. I still remember your last victory," Long Yun said. "Your strength isn''t weak." "It was just a fluke," Han replied. "What realm is your disciple in?" "Master of the Flesh Realmperfected." Han glanced at a young disciple from Teng Long Martial School, probably the youngest, so it must be him. Due to Tai Bai''s unique recruitment conditions, it had far fewer official disciples than the other two schools. "Perfected Flesh Realm? Im no match for him," Han shook his head. In sparring, if you fight someone stronger, no one cares. But if you want to fight someone weaker, both sides must agree. Long Yun saw Han''s hesitation and frowned, about to speak, but Han continued: "However, if Master Long agrees to one condition, I''ll fight him."This book''s true home is on another platform. Check it out there for the real experience. "What condition?" "Teng Long still owes me three spiritual herbs and three hundred-forged weapons. But Ill settle that account when my master returns." "Today, if youre willing to offer three spiritual herbs as a wagerif I win, all three will be mine. If I lose, Ill settle for one." By now, Hans intentions were crystal clear. "Impossible!" Long Yun immediately rejected. That would be giving him a spiritual herb for nothing! Han sighed. "Then theres nothing we can do." "Sigh... here I am, a newcomer to martial arts, daring to challenge someone in the Perfect Flesh Realm, but the other side wont even accept." "I wonder what the people of Hei Yun Town will think when they hear this." "Arrogant!" The young disciple from Teng Long was infuriated. "You, a beginner in the Flesh Realm, don''t dare to face me?" "Senior Brother Long, let me take up the challenge. I''ll even put up my next share of spiritual herbs!" Nice! Youthful passion! I like it! Han secretly gave the young disciple a thumbs-up in his mind. "You only have one spiritual herb in your next share," Long Yun remarked, looking at the disciple. "Fine, Ill use my share from the one after that!" the disciple replied confidently. "How could I lose to him?" "Yang Xing is a useless fool. I''m not someone he can compare to!" "At worst, I''ll just give him a spiritual herb as charity!" Long Yun looked at Han and said: "Three spiritual herbsif you win, they are yours. If you lose, you get half a spiritual herb. Are you going to fight?" Long Yun had already accepted that Han would get half a spiritual herb. His disciple, Xia Mo, was much stronger than Yang Xing. Xia Mo could easily defeat him and the others. The last time Han caused Xia Mo to be humiliated by Bai Ruoyue, Long Yun hadnt forgotten. Hed been waiting for a chance to get back at him, so suggesting a spar was personal. Giving up half a spiritual herb wouldnt hurt, anyway. After all, its Xia Mos share. The advantage is mine! Han sighed. "Fine, Ill take the loss." Bai Ruoyue and the others watched quietly, feeling a bit strange. Junior Brother youre so devious. At Han''s request, Long Yun placed three spiritual herbs to the side to avoid future disputes. Long Yun sneered. "When you''re lying on the ground wailing, I''ll throw half a spiritual herb at your face." Long Yun also proposed a spar in the Meridian Realm, intending to deal a heavy blow to Tai Bai''s reputation. Zhang Yuantao accepted the Meridian Realm duel. After setting the rules, everyone dispersed, clearing the area as the apprentices gathered around to watch. Xia Mo stepped forward, glaring at Han. "Let me teach you a lesson on behalf of Tai Bai Martial School." Han chuckled. "Youre Xia Mo, huh? Dont piss your pants later!" Han winked at Bai Ruoyue and stepped to face Xia Mo. "Weapon, or hand-to-hand?" Han asked. "Weapon!" Xia Mo replied. Great! This will be even easier. Han took out his Tai Bai Long Sword, gazing at the blade before slowly speaking: "This sword is the sharpest weapon in the world. The blade is three feet and three inches long, weighing six jin and four ounces. It can slice through hair and sever anything!" Bai Ruoyue and the others felt a twitch at the corners of their eyes, while Long Yun sneered. What a load of nonsense. Do you think I don''t recognize that as the basic, hundred-forged sword that every disciple of Tai Bai carries? Xia Mo, facing Han, also unsheathed his sword but inexplicably felt suppressed by Han, as though they were on different levels. This made Xia Mo uncomfortable. Damn, this shouldnt be happening. Im the one in the Perfect Flesh Realm! "Stop rambling. Watch my sword!" Xia Mo shouted. He advanced, full of momentum, his flesh glowing as he executed a powerful sword technique. Han still gazed at his sword, almost entranced, as if admiring a beautiful woman. The disciples from Teng Long Martial School grinned. They thought someone claiming to fight three opponents was a genius, but it turned out to be a joke. Half a spiritual herbmight as well treat it as pocket change. Just as Xia Mos sword was about to strike Han, he moved. He raised his hand, swinging his sword. "Clang!" A segment of Xia Mos sword hit the ground. "Drip!" Bright red blood splattered, forming petals of blood on the ground. The entire area fell silent, as if everyone had lost the ability to speak. The cold sneers from Teng Longs disciples froze on their faces, their expressions shifting to horror. In the center, the person who had practiced martial arts for only ten days held his sword against a seasoned practitioners neck. A light touch, and blood began to drip. Xia Mos sword was now broken, its edge smooth and clean. Everyone''s thoughts echoed one sentence: "This sword is the sharpest weapon under heavenable to slice hair and sever anything and its true." But they all realized one thing. The sword was sharp, but the person wielding it was even sharper! Chapter 58: A Resounding Victory "Clang!" The broken sword in Xia Mos hand fell to the ground, his eyes blank, unable to comprehend everything that had happened in such a short time. Han sheathed his sword. He certainly wouldnt kill him in this situation. "Three spiritual plants... Ill take them without hesitation." Han''s earlier hesitation was gone, replaced by a proud, disdainful look as he surveyed the crowd. Just as Han secured the three spiritual plants, Long Yuns furious voice erupted. "Werent you just a beginner in the Flesh Body Realm? Is your weapon broken? Did you cheat?!" Han looked at Long Yun as though he were staring at an idiot. "Did I ever say I was just a beginner in the Flesh Body Realm?" "Didnt you suggest a weapon duel?" "I only said I was new to martial arts!" Han retorted with a sneer. Compared to the vastness of martial arts, entering the Flesh Body Realm is just the first step. Isnt that what its all about? "Youve only practiced for a dozen days and already reached the minor stage of the Flesh Body Realm? And youre wielding a weapon?" Long Yuns gaze fixed on Hans sword, knowing that it could easily sever a hundred-forged blade. While martial prowess is critical, a weapon is equally important. "Well, well, well! What a fine disciple from the Taibai Martial Arts School!" "I didnt expect the White School Head to recruit someone like you before entering Black Mountain. It seems youve completed your mission after all." Long Yun was seething with anger, never imagining things would escalate like this. Yang Xing had said that although Han was a beginner in the Flesh Body Realm, his strength rivaled someone in the minor stage of it. Now, witnessing such power, it was clear Han had already broken through to the minor stage, potentially even matching those at the greater stage. As for Han being at the greater stage of the Flesh Body Realm? Long Yun dismissed that as impossible. A breakthrough to the minor stage within twelve days was already a rarity in Black Cloud Town. It was absurd to think he could be at the greater stage. "What? Han has reached the minor stage of the Flesh Body Realm?" "He just joined the martial school twelve days ago! His progress is terrifying!" "Unbelievable!" "Han is incredible. If I had half his talent, Id be in that realm by now." "Still calling him Han? We should call him Teacher Zhou!" "" Taibai Martial School''s apprentices slowly came to their senses and started discussing the matter. Li Wu, the young apprentice who had joined Taibai on the same day as Han, now looked at him with admiration, his previous arrogance gone. "Big Brother Zhou is much older than me, yet hes achieved so much. I can do it too!"Reading on Amazon or a pirate site? This novel is from Royal Road. Support the author by reading it there. "Go, Li Wu! Youre the best!" However, Bai Ruoyue and a few others had a suspicion. Han must have broken through again. First, he reached the minor stage of the Flesh Body Realm in seven days. Now, five days later, hed made another breakthrough to the greater stage. It seemed reasonable, right? Should be... reasonable, right? "Reasonable my foot!" Bai Ruoyue thought. "Taibai Martial Arts School is indeed impressive, as for me, I''m just average, not a genius or anything," Han said coldly, retreating back to the Taibai disciples. "This guy is still talking about what happened in Black Mountain earlier." "But Im just a little better than your disciples in Tenglong. Nothing to make a fuss about," Han added with a dismissive wave. "Thanks for the spiritual plants, Long Yun. I''m quite happy with my ''appearance fee.'' Come again next time when you''re free." One sword strike, and he walked away with three spiritual plants. It was easier than chopping down trees. Tenglongs disciples helped the dazed Xia Mo off the ground, retrieved his broken sword, and glared at Han, their eyes full of fury. Theyd lost three spiritual plants and a hundred-forged sword, and their talented disciple had been utterly crushed. Even if they won every match after this, Taibais reputation wouldnt be tarnished. In fact, it was likely to grow even stronger. This exchange had been a disastrous loss for them! Besides, could they possibly win the upcoming matches? Zhang Yuntao won his duel with Tenglongs Meridian Realm disciple! Shen Long defeated Long Yun! Having secured those wins, they were now ready to claim their resounding victory. Shen Long and Long Yun were more or less evenly matched, but Long Yun had already suffered two losses, and his anger disrupted his focus. Most of the time, anger doesnt strengthen you; it weakens you, causing errors in technique and opening up vulnerabilities. If anger could truly improve your fighting ability, then thered be no need for hard training. Three losses. Long Yun couldnt accept this outcome. If it werent for Bai Ruoyue watching him with a stern expression, he would have exploded. "Were leaving!" Long Yun and his group turned and stormed off. "Senior Sister, dont forget to find the gatekeeper." "I wont forget." Looking at their retreating figures, it felt like they were running away, tails between their legs. Hans expression remained cold. If it were a normal sparring match, he wouldnt have been so harsh. A fight should end once its over. Outside Taibai Martial School, a Tenglong disciple asked Long Yun, "Senior Brother Long, should we report this to the Master?" "Report what?" Long Yun''s face darkened. "When have our elders ever interfered with our sparring?" "There was no definitive news in the morning, so my father wont take action." He hadnt informed his father about coming to Taibai Martial School to cause trouble. Of course, even if he hadnt told him, the Master of Tenglong Martial School would surely know by now. "Are we really giving that brat three spiritual plants?" one disciple asked. "What else can we do? Go steal them back? Well deduct them from Xia Mos next share," Long Yun muttered, glancing at Xia Mo, who was still disoriented. "What a useless piece of trash!" Long Yun stormed off, with the rest of Tenglongs disciples muttering under their breath. "If you werent useless, you wouldnt have lost to Taibais second disciple. You cant even beat their eldest disciple, much less their second. And then you still have the nerve to talk down to others?" "What a failure! If you didnt have such a great father, would you even be at this level?" Tenglong Martial School would eventually fall due to him. But despite the grumbling, they all followed Long Yun, showing him false sympathy. After all, who could resist a powerful father? At Taibai Martial School, Bai Ruoyue hurriedly ushered the apprentices to their training and then quickly dragged Han to the back courtyard. The apprentices looked on with envy. "Teacher Zhou is handsome, talented, and even has the headmasters daughter favoring him. His future is bright!" "Cant help but wish I could switch places!" In the back courtyard, Bai Ruoyue, along with others, began inspecting Han. "Incredible." "Impressive!" "Is it really true?" "Greater stage... already." Martial arts cultivators of higher levels can generally tell where someone stands in terms of realms, but determining the exact stage requires a specific assessment. Usually, thats how it works, but there are always exceptions. Bai Ruoyue retracted her hand from Han and stared at him with a strange look in her eyes. "Little Junior Brother, sometimes I wonder if I should cut you open to see if youre truly the same as the rest of us." "Do you know how long it took me to reach the greater stage of the Flesh Body Realm?" "One and a half years. A full year and a half!" "And yet, you did it in just twelve days..." Bai Ruoyue''s emotions were complex. She, the greatest genius in Black Cloud Town, had just been surpassed by her little junior brother and now found herself underneath him. She didnt know whether to be happy or sad. Chapter 59: The "Exorcism of the Yuling Tribe" Chronicle From this day on, the title of Black Cloud Towns top talent changed hands. White Ruoyue no longer believed anyone could rival Hans position in the future. Compared to her junior disciple, everyone else seemed to pale in comparison. In Black Cloud Town, talents like Yang Xing, who had achieved Minor Perfection in the Flesh realm after four years of training, were already considered elite and could be taken in as disciples by the three major martial arts masters. White Ruoyues achievement of Minor Perfection in the Flesh realm after a year and a half was considered a stunning feat, made possible by a combination of her rare talent, her access to elite martial arts, and the resources available to her as the daughter of Bai Tian. At the time, this news had caused quite a stir in the martial arts community of Black Cloud Town. But now, White Ruoyue felt ordinary. "Given Junior Brother''s foundation, and the fact that he also practices soul cultivation, Im afraid even those practitioners whove just entered the Meridian realm wont be a match for him," Zhang Yuantao sighed. "In just twelve days, Junior Brothers strength has caught up to ours." "His physical body is no less than that of a Meridian realm practitionerhe simply lacks true Qi," White Ruoyue agreed with Zhang Yuantaos assessment. "However, with his physical foundation, his inner breath is already far stronger than that of an average martial artist. Once it converts into true Qi, hell surpass his peers." "And in a few days, Junior Brother may even surpass me," said Shen Yu with a bit of melancholy, realizing that as the Sixth Sister, she had lost much of her prior authority. The truth was, Hans strength had already reached the mainstream level of the Taibai disciples. At this rate, it wouldnt be surprising if he could defeat Shen Yu. Han had been quietly contemplating. What White Ruoyue and the others had analyzed was based on their knowledge of Han, but he hadnt revealed everything. Some things, for various reasons, had to remain hidden. "Regardless," White Ruoyue said, "Junior Brothers breakthrough and enhanced strength are a cause for celebration." "Oh, right. Junior Brother, what about your sword?" White Ruoyue suddenly asked, curious. "My sword has indeed surpassed the Hundred-Refinement level. Its now considered a semi-weapon," Han answered calmly. "Yesterday, when I was at Yunjiang, I found a stone shaped like a sword. When my sword touched it, a beam of light shot from the stone and fused with my sword. Somehow, the swords rank was mysteriously raised." "Comparing it with the weapon fragments Ive collected before, it feels like this sword has surpassed the Hundred-Refinement level but hasn''t quite reached the level of a weapon yet." The improvement of the Taibai sword was naturally a result of Han using a sword sharpening stone. "Yunjiang really seems to be full of opportunities," White Ruoyue remarked. "Junior Brother finds something every daythis talent is truly enviable."This narrative has been purloined without the author''s approval. Report any appearances on Amazon. Although everyone was curious about the strange stone, they didn''t doubt Hans explanation. Han''s daily routines were quite clear: Peach ForestMartial Arts HallYunjiangZhou Family. If it wasnt a gift from Lu Qingmo, then it had to have been something found under Yunjiang. There was no cause for suspicion. It wasnt like Han was dreaming this up at home, after all! Han couldnt help but think how fortunate it was that the fragments of the Water Avoidance Bead had fallen out in such a wayit gave him the perfect excuse to attribute many of his discoveries to Yunjiang without drawing attention. Even if high-level practitioners went down to explore and found nothing, how would that concern him? "Senior Sister, now that Ive reached Major Perfection in the Flesh realm, whats next for my cultivation?" Han asked. White Ruoyue smiled, answering, "After reaching Major Perfection, you can start cultivating more advanced techniques for a breakthrough. But theres no rush." "Every stage in cultivation has its own effect, whether youre at Minor or Major Perfection. So, you should continue to refine your body." "When youre training the ''Pingtian Niumo'' form and feel that your body cant progress further, that will be the right time to prepare for the Meridian realm." "Some practitioners rush to break through as soon as they achieve Major Perfection, but thats a mistake. Without reaching the peak, they wont go far. Only wild cultivators make such rash moves." "Your Third Senior Brother has been at Major Perfection in the Meridian realm for several months, and hes still at that stage." "Generally speaking, to perfect the Flesh realm, you need to..." White Ruoyue suddenly stopped and shot Han a glance. "Youre not ordinary. Youll probably only need a few days." White Ruoyue had become so accustomed to Hans breakthroughs occurring on a daily basis that she no longer found it surprising. Her entire perception had been altered by her junior brothers rapid progress. Han had never expected there would be such subtleties after reaching Major Perfection. It was easy to see how wild practitioners, unaware of these intricacies, would fall behind as they progressed. Cultivation truly hid many secrets, making it harder to decipher. For rogue cultivators, unless they encountered some extraordinary luck, theyd always fall short compared to those with a proper lineage. "You dont need to worry about techniques," White Ruoyue continued. "When youre ready to break through, even if my father hasnt returned, Ill teach you the ''Fuhai Jiaomo'' technique." "This secret technique, I actually understand it better than my father." Han believed her. After all, it was White Ruoyue who had been guiding him when he learned the ''Pingtian Niumo'' form. "Senior Sister, whats the secret technique for the Internal Organs realm?" Han asked with curiosity. "And what comes after?" "The secret technique for the Internal Organs realm is called ''Exorcism of the Yuling Tribe.'' As for what comes after, Im not sure. My father never mentioned it." ''Pingtian Niumo,'' ''Fuhai Jiaomo,'' ''Exorcism of the Yuling Tribe''... Han smirked internally. "I may not have read much, but I know these sound like the Seven Saints from Journey to the West." Hmph, Senior Sister doesnt know what the next secret techniques are, but I already have an idea! Afterwards, Shen Long sparred with Han once again. After the fight, everyone was certain Han had already reached the strength of a Meridian realm practitioner. Twelve days, Major Perfection in the Flesh realm, Meridian battle strength, soul manifestation! To celebrate todays victory over Tenglong and Hans latest breakthrough, the group feasted joyously. At the Tenglong Martial Arts Hall. Long Yun stood before his father, Long Tianchong, telling him about Hans developments. Losing three spiritual herbs was nothing compared to hiding such an extraordinary talent. "In just twelve days, he reached Minor Perfection in the Flesh realm..." Long Tianchong, a tall and burly man of about the same age as Bai Tian, slammed his fist on the desk in disbelief. "Back in the day, Bai Tian advanced to the Internal Organs realm at nineteen, traveled, and returned with a daughter who advanced at sixteen. Now shes eighteen and probably near the Bone Refining realm." "Now Bai Tian has taken on a disciple whos reached Minor Perfection in twelve days..." "Crack!" Long Tianchong shattered his desk. "If this goes on, Black Cloud Town will be under the control of Taibai Martial Arts Hall." "Father, should we take advantage of Bai Tians uncertain fate..." Long Yun started, but was cut off by his father. "Fool!" Long Tianchong snapped. "Do you think Bai Tians dead yet? Havent you heard?" "You can stir up trouble at Taibai, but if I step in, what if Bai Tian isnt dead?" Can I tell you, I can''t beat Bai Tian''s father? "I hope Bai Tian doesnt die in Black Mountain." "Otherwise..." Long Tianchong paused and said, "Well spread the news of that Taibai disciple and apply pressure from others." Such a talent capable of changing the entire towns balanceit wasnt just a matter for Tenglong Martial Arts Hall to handle alone. Chapter 60: The True Meaning The man who single-handedly established a martial arts dojo and developed Taibai to its current stateBai Tiandid not rely on anything else but his own strength. Long Tianchong was no match for Bai Tian, and the difference in their strength was stark. After being scolded by Long Tianchong, Long Yun left in frustration. Not long into his walk, he encountered Yang Xing and Xia Mo, both of whom had been defeated by Han. Long Yun thought for a moment and approached them. Yang Xing, Xia Mo, are you two really going to accept this? Xia Mos face was bitter. His strength... is too overwhelming. Im no match for him. If youre no match for him, then the two of you should team up! Long Yun said, That Taibai Han seems to leave town every day. You two can team up and give him a beating. You can go all out, just make sure no one dies. Yang Xing and Xia Mo exchanged glances. We... need to think about it. With his rate of progress, this is your only chance for revenge. Opportunities dont wait, so make up your mind. Long Yun stirred them up before leaving. His hatred for Han, the cause of his and Teng Long Dojo''s disgrace, had reached its peak. In fact, he even hated Bai Ruoyue less, because at least she and he were of equal status. Both were the children of dojo masters, both from the same social tier. It wasnt such a big deal for her to look down on him. But Han? A mere orphan, a country bumpkin, daring to slap his face like that? What could his position possibly have to do with mine? ... Elsewhere, Han was unaware of what had transpired. He was focusing on his martial arts training. Just as Bai Ruoyue had predicted, continuing to train in the method for flesh body refinement after reaching full mastery indeed continued to yield results, further enhancing his physical strength. The body refinement technique, starting with health cultivation, could show its full effect once the practitioner reached the peak of flesh body development. Young Junior Brother, I feel like your ''Pingtian Niumo Lianxing'' has changed in some way, Bai Ruoyue remarked after watching him for a while. You noticed too, Senior Sister? Han smiled, Last night, when I was training at home, I suddenly felt as though I had transformed into a bull demon. Training the secret technique now feels remarkably smooth. Every move I make feels like the true bull demon itself is performing the technique. Could it be... the ''True Intent'' my father mentioned? Bai Ruoyue murmured.If you spot this tale on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation. True Intent? My father told me that the highest achievement in martial arts is to sense the ''Intent,'' such as the Bull Demons Intent or the Jiaomos Intent, Bai Ruoyue explained. If one grasps the True Intent, they can even summon the Intent to fight against opponents. She shook her head. No, this isnt True Intent, Junior Brother. True Intent doesnt manifest like this, and my father also said that True Intent can only be grasped by high-level martial artists. Even he hasnt comprehended True Intent. To comprehend True Intent, one must have a high enough cultivation base to support it. I guess this isnt True Intent, maybe its just a sudden enlightenment, Han replied. He hadnt grasped the Intenthis soul had actually transformed into the true Bull Demon, which was not the same thing Bai Ruoyue was referring to. Enlightenment... Bai Ruoyue sighed. Junior Brother, not only are you gifted, but your comprehension is also remarkable. You truly are a once-in-a-lifetime talent. Youre amazing too, Senior Sister, Han replied. A true empress. Bai Ruoyue snorted and put her hands on her hips. Of course! Its just that Im a little inferior to you. Besides, who knows? One day I might break through to the Bone Refining Realm. Youll have a long way to catch up with me! Han smiled as he looked at her pouting and hands-on-hips posture. Shes so cute. Whos chasing you? At that moment, a pleasant voice rang out. Han and Bai Ruoyue turned to see Lu Qingmo arriving. Aunt Mo, they both greeted in unison. Bai Ruoyue rushed over and hugged Lu Qingmos arm. Han looked on with envy. Why have you come to the dojo? Bai Ruoyue asked. Lu Qingmo didnt answer immediately. Instead, she turned to Bai Ruoyue with a slightly serious expression. What did you just say? Who is chasing you? Junior Brother! Bai Ruoyue replied quickly. Lu Qingmos brow furrowed slightly. Stop talking nonsense! she reprimanded. What do you mean by that? Han quickly explained, Aunt Mo, Senior Sister was talking about chasing in terms of martial arts. Right. Although Junior Brothers talent surpasses mine, catching up with me wont be that easy. Ill be improving too, Bai Ruoyue added. Lu Qingmos brow relaxed. I need to speak with Han about something, she said. I have something to take care of outside today. If you dont see me tomorrow in Taolin, just head back to the dojo. Ive already explained the matter of ghost taming and raising spirits to An Lang, and shes willing to follow you. But remember, dont use dark arts to nourish the spirits. Dont go down the wrong path. Han received the Yin-Yang Stone Lamp and thanked her. Bai Ruoyue gave the object a curious glance but didnt ask about it. Instead, she asked, Aunt Mo, why do you need to go personally? What about the people in charge of the Ghost and Spirit Affairs Department? The situation in Black Cloud Town has been unstable lately, and theres been a lot of trouble. The Ghost and Spirit Affairs Department is working around the clock and is too busy to send anyone, Lu Qingmo explained. Ive found something and need to see it for myself. In just a few days, Han and Yun Duo had dealt with two incidents involving cultivators committing evil deeds. The Ghost and Spirit Affairs Department, being an official organization, would only get busier with the ongoing chaos. Its truly an unsettled time, Han thought to himself. Outsiders were appearing one after another in Black Cloud Town, and there was something about a Tianmu Sect... Lu Qingmo didnt stay long before leaving. Whatever she had discovered must have been important. Once they were alone, Bai Ruoyue asked, Junior Brother, are you planning to raise spirits? I am considering it. Raising spirits could be an additional helpful ally. Cultivators have it so easy, Bai Ruoyue said with some envy. Aunt Mo raises a spirit, and Ive seen it before. It helps her with chores, and she has a rather leisurely life. Han was surprised to hear that Lu Qingmo also raised a spirit, something she had never mentioned to him before. That evening, Han left the dojo. When he returned home, he lifted the restrictions placed on the Yin-Yang Stone Lamp by Lu Qingmo and summoned An Lang. Master, I leave everything to you now. An Lang spoke before curtsying gracefully. To survive, this beautiful ghost had chosen the path of redemptionthe path of light. Han merely glanced at An Langs bowed form before looking away. Hmph, a true gentleman. No need for such formalities. Were one now. In the future, when I subdue an "Immortal King," how will they respond? What cards can they play? Chapter 61: The Celestial Mother and the Path of Transmigration Most methods of controlling spirits share common principles, with only the specifics of contracts and their quantity differing. The real challenge in spirit control lies not in simply commanding them, but in how one nurtures and sustains them after they are bound. Han wasted no time and began inscribing the necessary symbols and preparing for his contract with An Lang. He also had a divine oath talisman, which he could use in this situation. There are generally two approaches to controlling spirits. The first involves forcibly enslaving them, torturing them like raising poison insects, feeding them blood and sustenance. This is clearly a malevolent path. The second method is to sign a contract with the spirit, binding it to serve and follow the summoner''s commands. Once bound, the spirit is sustained by the summoner''s power. Hans role here was to ensure the spirit received sustenance. At the very least, the spirit must not go hungry. In simpler terms, it just needed food and shelter A spirit contract is typically led by the cultivator, and those who understand the intricacies of this process know exactly what it entails. For a spirit like An Lang, who didnt wish to fade away into oblivion, she had few choices. Even if she were to be sent to the official court of the Great Qi Dynasty, she would most likely end up bound by a contract with the court''s cultivators. The Great Qi Dynasty promises to provide these spirits with a space to exist, as long as they stay under the supervision of the officials until their souls naturally dissipate. But for the cultivators of the court, the primary goal is to bind and control spirits, and with their vast power, how could one refuse? Being bound by the official cultivators would be a worse fate than following Han, who at least avenged her family. "Through the heavens, the sun, moon, and stars, with spirits and ghosts bearing witness... Let the contract between man and spirit be sealed!" Han chanted the incantation, and the drawn talismans spontaneously ignited without wind, rising in a cloud of smoke that seemed to carry messages to an unknown entity. He also used the divine oath talisman he had obtained from the Thousand Worlds Tree at this moment. Two contracts appeared and merged together, forming a bond between Han and An Lang, allowing Hans will to reach her without speaking a word. "Is this what a contract feels like?" An Lang asked, feeling a subtle change, a sense of curiosity and faint happiness. Han nodded. "Yes, the contract is made. Now we are bound as one. From now on, there will be things you''ll need to help with." "Of course, it''s my duty," An Lang replied, nodding, before adding, "Will you ever send me to my death, my lord?" "Of course not!" "Will you make me work endlessly, day and night?" "Of course not!" "Will you at least feed me?" "Of course not!" "...Huh?" "..." Han muttered, embarrassed. That was not what he intended to say.Stolen content warning: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences. "Tell me, whats the story behind this lamp and... Liang Hai and his people?" Han asked, trying to redirect the conversation. "This lamp is a family heirloom, but my family always thought of it as an ordinary relic," An Lang explained. "It wasnt until I became a spirit that I realized its true power." "Liang Hai and his group are from Yuanfeng County in Tianyang Prefecture. About five years ago, there was a terrible drought that led to famine. The county magistrate, in his greed, embezzled disaster relief funds, making the situation worse." "During their escape, Liang Hai''s wife and eight-year-old son were taken by bandits and then..." An Langs face turned pale as she couldnt finish the sentence. Han remained silent, his thoughts already grasping the unspoken horrors. "Afterward, Liang Hai met an old cultivator and learned the ways of cultivation. He became a man of great evil, and because he was wanted in Tianyang Prefecture, he came to Qinghua County in Tianyue Prefecture to hide out." "They then joined the Tianmu Sect." Han nodded, understanding that even the most detestable people often have tragic pasts. "Tell me more about the Tianmu Sect." "I dont know much," An Lang replied with a shake of her head. "Theres a branch of the Tianmu Sect in Qinghua County. Liang Hai and his group hold high positions there." "Just two nights ago, the sects leader contacted Liang Hai, telling him that the earth tremors in Heiyun Town were a sign. They immediately came to collect souls." "Collecting souls... for ritual sacrifices?" Han asked, his expression darkening. Such practices would indeed increase one''s power. "Qinghua County" Han mused, noting that it was right next to Heiyun Town. "Also, Liang Hai mentioned that the drought five years ago was not a natural disaster, but rather caused by human hands," An Lang added. "That''s why he seeks revenge." "Revenge against the Great Qi government?" Han asked, his tone skeptical. After all, the corruption and mismanagement that led to the famine didnt surprise him. Even in a world of cultivation, human vices remained the same. "The Great Qi government was involved, but there''s also another group called..., An Lang paused for a moment before continuing, Ah, its called the Path of Transmigration." The Path of Transmigration... Han mentally noted the name. He had no intention of avenging Liang Hai. While his tragic past was clear, Liang Hais actions had earned him a cruel fate. However, if the Path of Transmigration had truly played a role in the drought, Han would need to be cautious if they ever crossed paths. The Tianmu Sect was another group to watch out for. Now bound by contract, An Lang could no longer hide anything from Han. Han then retrieved a protective incense stick and said to An Lang, When Im cultivating, youll stay nearby and watch over me. If nothing happens, you can read this book. He handed her a manual on incense making, considering her as free labor. "I will take care of everything," An Lang replied, nodding seriously, before casting a sad glance at him. "But my lord, could you let me have a meal first?" "..." "So forward with it," Han muttered, eyeing her with a bemused smile. "Youve spent five years in the Yin-Yang Stone Lamp without needing food. How did you manage?" "In there, I didnt feel hunger, but now that Ive come out a few times... Im starving," An Lang replied, her voice almost pitiful. "You glutton." Han took out a leftover calming incense and lit it. At his current level, he no longer needed it. An Lang floated above the incense stick, her body swaying as she inhaled the fragrant smoke, clearly enjoying it. The smoke was a form of sustenance for spirits. The sight was oddly familiar to Han. A smoke-eater, huh? The incense burned down quickly, and An Lang rubbed her stomach, clearly content. "Ah, so this is what eating feels like for a ghost..." "Enough, youve eaten. Time to work," Han said, casting a stern look at her before lighting the protective incense. An Lang, now curious, floated around the protective smoke, but did not absorb it. Han, preparing to focus on his meditation, suddenly felt a strange sensation. He felt an overwhelming sense of peace, as though he were in the perfect environment for his soul to thrive. This sensation was unlike anything he had felt while using the protective incense before. He glanced at An Lang, who was floating nearby, and a realization struck him. Could it be Han extinguished the incense, but the feeling persisted. When An Lang floated closer, the sensation grew stronger. As she moved further away, it faded. "An Lang, come closer." "Huh? Oh, okay." An Lang obediently floated closer to Han. This was so soothing. Han realized that the change was indeed caused by An Lang. When he tried to meditate again, the spiritual energy of the world flooded into his body at an accelerated rate, and there was a strange, yin-like energy in the air, even more attuned to spirits like An Lang. Han was taken aback. Could An Lang possess such abilities? She was truly a treasure. Chapter 62: Golden Light and Spirit Essence Han ended his cultivation session for the moment and carefully tested An Langs abilities. After a brief reflection, he began to understand more clearly. You create an area of yin energy around you, which is very conducive to the survival of spirits. In this yin energy domain, spirits thrive, while any external forces that could disturb them are naturally excluded. Even the essence of heaven and earth has absorbed some of this yin energy, making it more easily absorbed by spirits. Han was astounded. Was this an ability An Lang developed after becoming a ghost, or was it a result of the five years spent within the Yin-Yang Stone Lantern? He couldn''t help but marvel. Truly, An Lang was extraordinary. Didnt Liang Hai and the others mention something like this? An Lang asked, confused. Han glanced at the Yin-Yang Stone Lantern. Its likely that it blocked everything. After all, Liang Hai and the others didnt even know of your existence. An Langs face lit up. So, Master, does this mean I can be of help to you? Of course! Han replied without hesitation. In An Langs yin energy domain, Han could focus better and cultivate faster. Moreover, An Langs ability could replace the protective incense, meaning Han no longer needed to light incense for his cultivation. Now, Han was left with just one incense stick. Putting that aside, An Langs presence had saved Han from a significant future expenditure on incense. If the immortal tree didnt shed incense, Han would have to purchase it. Now, however, he could simply rely on An Langs superior incense. At first, Han thought he would have to nurture An Lang further before she could be of any use, but this pleasant surprise came much sooner than expected. Can I have another stick of incense? An Lang asked, her gaze full of longing. The craving for incense had struck again. ... Han sighed. Youre a ghost now, so you need to control your intake. Overeating is bad for your health and can lead to weight gain. Lies, ghosts cant gain weight, An Lang pouted. Come a little closer. Ill begin my cultivation now, and we can talk about the incense later. No need to get that close If you stay too far, youll disappoint me, but if you come too close, you complain. Sigh, Im just not meeting your expectations, Master. Han knew from the first meeting that a ghost like An Lang, who could feign crying and hide her true self while secretly observing him and Lu Qingmo, would not be the type of gentle and demure ghost one might expect. Meanwhile, the spiritual energy that had been gathered by Hans absorption power and not yet refined gradually began to enhance An Langs soul. The process was subtle but effective.Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere. The world around him blurred as Han continued to face the spiritual challenges. This time, however, instead of relying on his transformation powers to repel the energy demons, he chanted the Golden Light Incantation. Golden light surged within him, wrapping around the energy demon. From a dimension beyond ordinary hearing, the demon let out a terrifying scream before its limbs broke off and it fled Hans body, disappearing into the unknown. The flesh the demon had left behind within Hans body was gradually purified by the golden light, turning into pure spiritual energy, nourishing Hans soul. The effect was even better than simply absorbing the essence of heaven and earth. Energy demons were born from the very essence of energy, and from a certain perspective, they were pure spiritual essence. Han had never imagined such a pleasant surprise. The Golden Light Incantation truly lived up to its reputation as one of the Eight Divine Spells of the Daoist School. Had his cultivation been higher, those energy demons would never have escaped. But of course, the energy demons Han had attracted were not the most formidable of their kind. Feeling the astonishing effect of the spiritual essence, Han sighed. After all, energy demons were both a trial and a treasure. Once his soul reached its saturation point, Han stopped absorbing the spiritual energy. He turned to look at An Lang, who was engrossed in studying the incense-making technique. Han nodded approvingly. She was a fast learner. When Hans soul returned to his body, An Lang noticed immediately. Master, are you done with your cultivation? Youve been at it for so long. Liang Hai and the others could never compare when they were at the Out-of-Body Stage. Han shook his head. Liang Hai and his group had nothing to compare with him. Hows the incense-making going? Its interesting. Its all new to me, An Lang nodded happily. When I was still human, I loved reading. I even dreamed of becoming the top scholar one day, but... In Da Qi, there was a civil examination system. Hans parents had once considered this path for him, but soon realized it wasnt his calling. If you find it interesting, then focus on mastering these incense-making methods. Ill buy the materials, and you can start making incense, Han said. Whether you get a full meal depends on these incense. For a skilled ghost tamer, it was essential to learn how to support oneself. And mastering a craft was vital for survival. Han didnt plan to learn incense-making himself, but teaching An Lang to do it was perfect. His role for her was always to assist him. Not only incense-making, but in the future, if possible, she could learn artifact forging, alchemy, talismans, formations The more skills she had, the better. I understand. An Lang made a pouty face, resembling a little dumpling. Han smirked. She was truly resourceful. You also need to keep up with your cultivation, Han reminded her. Strength is key. Ghosts were mysterious beings. Although their souls appeared similar to those of cultivators, they were fundamentally different. An Lang, for instance, had been a mortal in life, but after death, her soul became a ghost, free from her physical body. Cultivators, on the other hand, had to leave their bodies through the Out-of-Body Stage to separate their souls. Even ordinary cultivators souls dispersed upon death, but a rare few mortals could transform into ghosts. This select group of individuals was exceptionally gifted. Moreover, ghosts were not afraid of moonlight. In fact, they could absorb it to strengthen themselves. For cultivators, this was something only those at the Astral Projection Stage could do. But An Lang, as a ghost, could easily be controlled even by a cultivator at the Imaginary Realm. Souls and ghosts were different, and in fact, ghosts could be considered a separate race. Feeding on moonlight, incense, soul plants, and using treasures were all methods that could enhance a ghosts power. Among these, absorbing moonlight was the most popular method for strengthening a ghost, as it required no investment. For Han, taking care of An Lang was effortlessshe was easy to maintain. When it was time to refresh his physical energy, Han discussed with An Lang, giving her the excuse of needing to sleep without clothes to send her back into the Stone Lantern, where he sealed her sensory abilities. The great immortal tree, activate! [Special Item: Incense Symbol Money (5)] [Currency used between ghosts and spirits, condensed from pure incense smoke, can be used for trade or absorbed directly.] [Rare Item: Treasure Buzzing Stone] [A rare item that hums when it encounters treasure.] [Item: Tiger Power Pill] [Taking this will increase ones strength to that of a thousand pounds.] Han smiled. They were even paying him now! Chapter 63: The Surprising Newbie Village The first items that dropped, aside from the Tiger Strength Pill, which seemed fairly normal, were quite strange. The Tiger Strength Pill, when consumed, boosts one''s strength by a thousand jin, definitely a good item. When Han first broke through to the Body Refining stage, his strength was only a thousand jinthis was already impressive, given his superiority over others at the same level. Without further breakthroughs, gaining an additional thousand jin of strength is a sign of solid foundation, a vital resource that supports Han as he continues to fight above his level. The "Treasure Buzz Stone" had a peculiar name, but it was actually easy to understanda rare item for treasure hunting. However, it was the "Incense Token Money" that caught Hans attention. "The Grand Immortal Tree really drops all kinds of things. It''s like its taking over the business of the Heavenly Money Bank." The Incense Token Money looked just like paper money, only thicker. Han had five pieces in his possession. Making deals with ghosts and gods? If this had come on the first day of my transmigration, I mightve used it to bribe that ghost and avoid a bloody battle. The second strike of the axe fell. [Spirit Brew: Battle Brew] [Specially brewed to heal internal and external wounds, detoxify, and clear toxins. One sip is enough to sustain a full day without food or water. It can also open meridians, invigorate the spirit, cleanse the body, and enhance physical strength.] [Low-grade Soul Plant: Forgetful Grass] [A heavenly spiritual plant, consuming it can erase memories and cleanse the soul.] This time, only two items dropped. Han glanced at the Forgetful Grass before putting it away. Cleansing the soul might be helpful, but the ability to forget ones past wasnt something Han needed right now. The Battle Brew seems quite comprehensive; it even helps with meridians. I like this one. Han was satisfied with the brew, as it was exactly what he needed. The effects would be maximized when used during injuries. However, Han didnt lack healing itemshed use them as needed. [Magical Artifact: Water Avoidance Pearl (Fragment)] [Material: Blaze Gold Essence (Soul)] [Contains the fiery power of the soul, can be used as the main material for crafting magical artifacts.] [Magic Symbol: Weapon Symbol] [A Daoist symbol that can be attached to a weapon to temporarily enhance its power. A one-time use item.] [Magic Symbol: Radiance Symbol] The third strike dropped two magic symbols, including the familiar Radiance Symbol, and a piece of soul materialboth would prove useful in the future. The big surprise was the Water Avoidance Pearl fragment. Han was thrilled and immediately chose to fuse it. [Magical Artifact: Water Avoidance Pearl (Fragment)] [The fusion of three fragments has greatly enhanced its abilities. It now grants the ability to increase perception through water flow.] Still a fragment? Han was confused. Three pieces still couldnt form a complete Water Avoidance Pearl. How many fragments were there? What level was the complete Water Avoidance Pearl? It was taking forever to assemble. Could it really be the legendary Water Avoidance Pearl? To Hans surprise, the fourth strike only dropped one item.You could be reading stolen content. Head to Royal Road for the genuine story. [Special Item: Level 1 Evil Punishment Order] [Punishes evil, generates good karma, which can help with enlightenment, controlling demons, and enhancing luck. A one-time use item.] [The targeted evil has been locked. The player may choose whether to go to the location. Purge the evil thoroughly, as good karma will have additional effects upon settlement.] This item was unlike any previous drops. Holding the Evil Punishment Order, Han felt some information emanating from the token. The "locked evil" it referred to was actually the Tianshi Sects stronghold? The only Tianshi Sect stronghold Han knew of was in Qinghua County. What kind of locking mechanism was this? Did it mean there was no evil in Heiyun Town? Could the Evil Punishment Order be locking based on Hans experiences? Holding the order, Han began to have some thoughts. After sorting through his tree-cutting spoils, Han consumed the Tiger Strength Pill. With a roar of a tiger in his ears, a steady stream of power flooded into him, and his strength began to grow. When the effect of the pill wore off, Han had gained an additional thousand jin of strength. I wonder if I could get a Dragon Strength Pill... Han mused, then returned to reality and started sweating it out, using his talent to its fullest. In addition to chopping trees, Han had another gain today. Both of the Daoist seeds in his Soul Realm had matured! In the morning, Han woke up An Lang once more. "Young master, so early. Whats going on?" she asked sleepily. "The suns already high, and youre saying its early?" Han teased. Looking at An Lang rubbing her eyes, Han could easily imagine what her life had been like in the Yin-Yang Stone Lamp for the past five yearsobserving the outside world, then sleeping, sleeping, and more sleeping... "Young master, thats not true. If the sun really burned my backside, I wouldve lost my soul by now," An Lang joked. Han pulled out a stone and held it out to her. "From now on, youll stay inside this stone." Before Han could explain further, An Lang dove straight into the ghostly residence. "Young master, its so comfortable inside! Its spacious too!" An Langs cheerful voice echoed from inside the ghostly cave. "...If you like it, then its fine." Han said, "This is my familys treasure. Now its yours to live in, so you got a good deal." "Remember to learn how to make incense quickly." "I know, young master. Dont worry about me; Ill just sleep a bit longer!" You lazy ghost. Han brought the ghostly residence closer and inspected the ghost cave. He could vaguely see a figure in green clothes inside. Its only the size of my pinky finger. Is it really spacious? Could it be that theres more inside than meets the eye? "Young master, why are you peeking at me sleeping?" "Just sleep, will you?" Han discovered that he could control the ghostly residence. As long as he didnt want her to come out, An Lang couldnt sense the outside world at all. This was incredibly convenient for Han. Han went to the peach orchard and found Lu Qingmo had returned. "Aunt Mo, Ive signed a contract with An Lang," Han said, explaining her abilities. "The Yin Energy domain... that must be a special effect from the Yin-Yang Stone. If Im not mistaken, An Lang should be able to help you when you break through to the Sunwalk stage." Han nodded thoughtfully. "Could she also have a Yang Energy domain?" "Aunt Mo, youve heard about the Tianshi Sects stronghold in Qinghua County, right?" Lu Qingmo nodded. "Im thinking about how to handle it." "Recently, theres been so much happening in Heiyun Town, I cant leave. The Ghost God Office and the Dingwu Office both have no one to spare." "The Dingwu Office is the department responsible for martial artists in Da Qi, in contrast to the Ghost God Office." "Dont you want someone from Qinghua County to handle it?" Han asked cautiously. "Qinghua Countys strength... is quite weak. I dont trust them." Lu Qingmo explained, "Dont think just because Heiyun Town has disciples of the Three Great Martial Academies at the Organs Realm, that other counties are stronger." "In other counties, reaching the third stage of cultivation is already a major achievementextremely rare. Even second-stage cultivators can dominate." She sighed. "And Qinghua County is one of the weakest among all the counties of Tian Yue." "Heiyun Town may be called a town, but its overall strength is only slightly weaker than the prefecture city." "With the abundant resources from Heishan and Yunjiang, Heiyun Towns martial artists are much stronger. If not for some reasons, Heiyun wouldve been upgraded to a county by now." Han realized that he had underestimated the placeit wasnt just a newbie village, but potentially a hidden high-level area. With the other counties weak, this could actually be his chance! "Aunt Mo, since thats the case, let me head over there." Han was eager to visit Qinghua County, especially after seeing the Evil Punishment Orders target locked onto the Tianshi Sects stronghold. He wanted to see what this so-called good karma really was. "You..." Lu Qingmo hesitated before shaking her head. "Its too risky for you to go." "Aunt Mo, Im confident. An Lang said that Liang Hais strength at that stronghold is among the top few." With Hans methods, he was confident he could retreat unscathed. After much persuasion, Lu Qingmo finally agreed. "Alright, you go investigate first. If somethings wrong, return immediately." To assist Han, Lu Qingmo also provided him with a special identity. Heiyun Towns Ghost God Office and Dingwu Office Special Envoy. He was authorized to handle all matters related to martial arts and Daoist magic during the mission and could request Qinghua Countys cooperation. "Investigate first. Then decide whether to contact Qinghua Countys officials." "Be cautious with Qinghua Countys officials." Hans mind stirred. Aunt Mo, are you hinting at something? It seems theres more to this than meets the eye. Chapter 64: The World is a Sea of Suffering, the Goddess Descends At the Taibai Martial Arts School, Bai Ruoyue immediately approached Han upon his return. After a few moments of examination, she gave him a knowing look. "I wasnt wrong. With your cultivation speed, your body will soon reach its limit, and you wont need much longer," she said. Han sighed, shaking his head. "I often feel troubled by my rapid breakthroughs." Bai Ruoyue pretended to scold him playfully, a mischievous gleam in her eye. "Junior Brother, I need to go to Qinghua County..." Han explained the situation to Bai Ruoyue. "Qinghua County? Ive been there once," Bai Ruoyue thought for a moment before continuing. "With your strength, theres no one in Qinghua County who could harm you." She paused, then asked, "Do you want me or someone else to accompany you?" Han shook his head in refusal. "Senior Sister, you are the strongest in the school now, with important duties." Bai Ruoyue nodded in agreement. "That''s true." "However, since you''re going to another county, let me give you something." She hurried off, soon returning with a small cloth bag, handing it to Han. "Take this Taibai Bag with you. It will be convenient for the journey." "But isnt this something that requires reaching the Zangfu realm to use...?" Han hesitated. "Ah, no problem. Just borrow it for now, and return it when you come back," Bai Ruoyue replied, waving her hand. "All the other disciples going out are given one as well." Han accepted the Taibai Bag, recognizing how much easier traveling with a space bag would be. "Damn it, the Grand Immortal Tree really doesnt know how to appreciate kindness. It''s been days, and it still hasnt given me any spatial equipment," he grumbled inwardly. "However, youll be gone for a while, right?" Bai Ruoyue continued thoughtfully. "In that case, let me teach you the true strength of the Sea-Fury Demons Energy, in case you reach your physical limits while in Qinghua County." Ordinarily, it would be impossible for anyone to progress that quickly, but Han... might just be capable. Han readily agreed. He didnt mind learning new martial arts, especially since it wouldnt take much time. As he packed his things, Bai Ruoyue circled around him, a hint of envy in her voice. "Junior Brother, off to become a hero, huh? A young knight of the martial world?" Han smiled. "Its not that dramatic." From the incident at Shanshui Temple, he had noticed that Senior Sister Bai was very passionate about justice and adventure. But the Taibai Martial Arts School was always her top priority. After Bai Ruoyue sent him off with her gaze, Han left the school. Bai Ruoyue watched him go, but then suddenly realized something. "Has Junior Brother been getting closer to Aunt Mo recently?"This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report. "Theyve only known each other for a few days, but hes been entrusted with so many tasks. Aunt Mo and I dont even talk as much..." she muttered, feeling a bit sulky. "I was here first!" With the Taibai Bag slung over his shoulder, Han went to the Peach Grove and collected several items from Lu Qingmo, who had prepared them for him. "Aunt Mo, what if the people in Qinghua County try to stop me, or even collude with the Heavenly Mother Sect?" Han asked. "Kill them." "..." Thats a bit too domineering. "Could it cause trouble?" Lu Qingmo glanced at him and replied, "Collusion with the Heavenly Mother Sect is a capital offense. No one can protect them." "Whatever you do in Qinghua County, Ill take responsibility for the consequences. Dont worry about it." "...But won''t it affect you, Aunt Mo?" Lu Qingmo smiled. "Do you know how the local Ghost and Spirit offices are appointed?" "I dont." "From the Xuandu Sect in Yujing, disciples are sent to various prefectures to establish Ghost and Spirit Offices and oversee the local Taoist temples. They select talented individuals from the Taoist temples to serve as officials in the Ghost and Spirit offices." "The county officials come from the prefecture-level offices." "Go ahead, do what you must. Ill be behind you." Hans heart stirred. So thats how it works! With newfound confidence, Han immediately set off for Qinghua County. "Still asleep!" Han called out to the Ghost Residence. "How can you sleep at your age?" "Im not sleeping, Im practicing incense technique," came the voice of An Lang. "This stone is amazing. Im not hungry at all, and its so comfortable here." "Of course, its a family heirloom. Remember my kindness and work harder in the future." "Where are we going, Young Master?" "Qinghua County. Please guide me." "...I dont remember the way." "Useless ghost. Good thing I brought a map." "Tell me more about the Heavenly Mother Sects strongholds." "Yes, Young Master!" "Not many actual members of the Heavenly Mother Sect are at the stronghold..." An Lang began, revealing some details. Qinghua County wasnt far from Heiyun Town, and with the horse Han rode being no ordinary steed, he reached Qinghua County quickly. Upon entering the city, Han noticed the guards at the gate were just ordinary, strong men who hadnt trained in martial arts. He didnt rush to the local Ghost and Spirit office but first found a place to stable his horse, then wandered through the city. From An Lang, Han had learned some things, and now he wanted to see it for himself. In the northern part of the city, the area was run-down with shabby houses and beggars in corners. The air was thick with unpleasant odors. Han used his spiritual power to make his robe appear worn and tattered as he entered this underdeveloped district. As he passed by a house, he faintly heard the sounds of prayer coming from within. Using his spiritual power to probe, Han quickly understood the situation. "The world is a sea of suffering, the goddess has descended, to deliver us from our misery, bringing peace, longevity, and wealth..." Inside, a family of three knelt before an image of a goddess, repeatedly bowing in prayer. The goddess depicted was adorned in elaborate robes, her face compassionate. Han moved on and saw similar scenes in several other homes. "The Goddess... the Heavenly Mother..." Han murmured. The "goddess" they worshipped was an aspect of the Heavenly Mother Sect. They didnt openly worship the Heavenly Mother but instead revered this goddess figure, probably called "Tian Nu" (Heavenly Maiden) in secret. The Heavenly Maiden was a representative of the Heavenly Mother. Han had learned this from An Lang. In the northern district alone, the number of people worshipping the Heavenly Maiden in recent years was staggering. Were the people of Qinghua County unaware of this? Han moved from the northern part of the city to the eastern district, where wealthier families lived. Yet, he still found people venerating the Heavenly Maiden. A whole city, supposedly under official control, had fallen into such decay. Han pondered how he could gather more information about the Heavenly Mother Sects strongholds. After some time, Han started to notice two men in gray robes frequently interacting with the families who worshipped the Heavenly Maiden. After they knocked on a door, Han naturally approached. "The Goddess has truly manifested! After drinking the holy water yesterday, I wasnt hungry the whole day!" a middle-aged man said excitedly to the two gray-robed men. Upon seeing Han approach, he immediately fell silent, looking wary. Han glanced at the three of them and sneered. "Fools. Theres no such thing as deities. How can you be so easily deceived?" "If there really were gods, would I just need to pray to them to have all my wishes come true?" "Ridiculous. You two are martial artists, and yet you''re so ignorant." "Do you dare blaspheme the Goddess?" The middle-aged man was enraged, but the two gray-robed men held him back. Han gave them a contemptuous look and simply walked past them. Before long, he noticed the two gray-robed men following him. Perfect. Chapter 65: Faith in the Cloud of Darkness Han paused in his tracks and turned around to face the two men. "What do you two want following me? Are you here to teach me a lesson on behalf of your gods?" The tall man in gray spoke first, "You seem unfamiliar, friend. You''re not from Qinghua County, are you?" Han frowned, "What does that have to do with you?" "Why be so distant? We''re all martial artists here; its fate that we meet. How about joining us for a drink?" The tall man continued with a smile. "You''re new here. If youre facing any troubles, perhaps we can help." Han''s face showed a trace of impatience, but he ultimately agreed, his mind still calm. First step of the Fog Plan: Achieved. Anlan''s intelligence had indicated that the Heavenly Mother Cult was eager to recruit both martial artists and cultivators. If they saw a chance to pull someone in, they wouldnt hesitate. Liang Hai and his companions had been discovered by the cult and then dragged into their ranks. In a high-class tea house in Qinghua County, the three of them sat in a private room, chatting. Han had specifically chosen the tea house for their meeting. During their conversation, Han learned that the tall man was named Wang Hao, and the slimmer one was Li Zhe. "Jia Ming, from Baihua County." Han gave a false namewho would use their real name when venturing into the martial world? "From Baihua County? Thats quite far from Qinghua," Wang Hao noted. "I''ve been traveling for several years," Han replied. Wang Hao and Li Zhe were very friendly, continuously striking up conversations with Han. The atmosphere grew warmer, and their relationship deepened. "Jia, as a martial artist, why not enjoy life at home? What brings you wandering around?" Li Zhe asked. Han sighed deeply. "My cultivation has stagnated. Theres no hope for a breakthrough, so I came out to see if theres any opportunity, but alas, I''ve found nothing." "May I ask what level of cultivation youve reached?" Wang Hao asked. "To avoid any offense, let me tell you first: my brother and I are both at the Small Completion stage of the Flesh Realm." "Started training at twelve, and now at twenty-nine, still at Small Completionnothing impressive." Han casually lied, although in reality, it had taken him seventeen years to reach the peak of the Flesh Realm, which was hardly anything extraordinary. Wang Hao and Li Zhe exchanged a glance, their eyes filled with surprise. "Jia Ming, you truly have outstanding talent." "..." Seventeen years for a breakthrough, and you call that outstanding talent?If you come across this story on Amazon, it''s taken without permission from the author. Report it. If you had no more compliments, you could just say I look handsome. No need to blow smoke like this. "Jia Ming, have you made any progress toward the Meridian Realm?" Wang Hao asked. Han shook his head. "I came to Qinghua precisely to see if theres any opportunity for advancement." Wang Hao chuckled. "Well, Jia Ming, youve come to the right place." "We know of an opportunity that can help someone break into the Meridian Realm." Han sneered. "Theres no need to make such promises. If you really knew of such an opportunity, would it be offered to someone like me?" "I''ve traveled far and wide these years and encountered similar promises before. Could it be that you two are plotting something against me?" Li Zhe interjected, "How could we ever deceive you, Jia Ming? This opportunity requires no risk from you. Its within your grasp." Wang Haos expression grew serious. "Jia Ming, please allow me to introduce our deity, the all-powerful and great ''Goddess.''" "As long as you worship her and do her bidding, she will reward you, and reaching the Meridian Realm will be as easy as flipping your hand!" "Heretic nonsense," Han muttered, shaking his head. "There are no gods in this world. If such a good thing really existed, no one would need to cultivate." With that, Han stood up to leave. Wang Hao and Li Zhe exchanged a look before standing to stop him. "We wouldnt deceive you, Jia Ming. In all of Qinghua County, the worship of the Goddess is widespread. If there were no miracles, how could she be so revered?" "This is the power of the Goddess. You will soon see that what we say is true." Wang Hao pulled out a crimson crystal, and a mysterious force emanated from it. "This is the power of the Goddess. A single breath will strengthen your body. Can you feel it, Jia Ming?" Wang Hao and Li Zhe wore expressions of enjoyment, and Han couldn''t help but show a hint of surprise. "I do feel a slight strengthening of my body..." But in reality, Han had separated his soul from the crimson crystals influence, not absorbing any of its power. He couldnt trust something so unknownwho knew if it was poisoned? "The power of the Goddess is infinite, her might boundless. Jia Ming, do you believe us now?" Wang Hao asked, smiling. "You dont need to worry about trying to take it by force. We, the Heavenly Mother Cult, are many, and if you steal from us, you wont escape." "How about it? Will you follow us and worship the Goddess?" Han remained silent for a moment, then replied, "Let me think it over." "Of course. Once youve made your decision, come find us." Wang Hao gave him an address. Han checked it against Anlans intelligence and realized it wasnt the Heavenly Mother Cults headquarters. The two men paid for their tea and left, but they didnt go far. Instead, they found a nearby place to watch Han. "Brother Wang, do you think hell agree?" "Of course he will. What martial artist can resist the temptation of a breakthrough? Many have joined us over the years because they couldnt break through on their own." Wang Haos face hardened. "But if he doesnt agree, well have to deal with him." "Lets hope hes wise about it." "Hes probably struggling right now," Li Zhe chuckled. "Ill head back first. You stay here and keep an eye on him." Meanwhile, Han... was simply enjoying his tea, feeling quite comfortable. A free mealnothing lost here. The Goddess was to be "worshiped." There was no avoiding it. This was Han''s best way to gather information on the Heavenly Mother Cults headquarters and deal with the situation. Although Liang Hai and his group had been captured, they hadnt revealed muchstubborn and resistant, with the cults methods likely affecting their souls. Thats why Jia Ming had to infiltrate their ranks. But Han also needed to give Jia Ming time to thinktime to show his internal struggle, his reluctance, but also the unavoidable pressure of reality. Eventually, he would descend deeper into the abyss, with no way to turn back. "Young master, youre so bad," Anlans voice suddenly echoed. "Whats that supposed to mean?" "But I like it," she teased. "..." You little schemer, playing that game, huh? In the end, "Jia Ming" couldnt resist the temptation of a breakthrough and succumbed. Han went to the address given by Wang Hao. After meeting Li Zhe, Han asked seriously: "I dont believe in gods, but I know which faction you belong to." "If I join you, will I really be able to break into the Meridian Realm?" Li Zhe laughed heartily, "Of course. As long as Jia Ming sincerely worships and contributes to the Goddess, breaking through will be a piece of cake." "With your strength, Jia Ming, it will be effortless." "Alright," Han nodded seriously. "From this moment on, I am a follower of the Goddess." "I will serve the Goddess!" From this moment, he became the Goddesss most devout follower. Wang Hao appeared, and the two men laughed together, growing even more enthusiastic toward Han. With this new recruit, the Heavenly Mother Cults Qinghua branch was truly on the rise! Chapter 66: The Power of Psychological Suggestion Peng Manor After Han agreed to follow the teachings of the Goddess, Wang and Li led him to the Peng Manor. Impressive and grand, it was situated in the most coveted area of Qinghua County. For a cult, especially one that was being hunted by the Great Qi government, to have its base in such a location was deeply thought-provoking. "Brother Jia, I''ll take you to meet the Goddess now," Wang Hao said, guiding Han toward the back of the manor. Li Zhi quietly departed, heading to the main hall. Inside the hall, three people sat. A young man with a somewhat cold and calculating demeanor occupied the main seat. The other two were a burly man with a thick beard and another with a scar running from his left eye to his earlobe, giving him an extra menacing look. "Director Gao, Director Hong," Li Zhi greeted the two guests before stepping forward to whisper to the cold young man, reporting on Hans situation. The young mans eyes gleamed as he listened. "Good, good. This will be credited to you and Wang Hao. The Goddess will reward you both." At this base of the Goddess'' cult, besides performing services for the Goddess, gaining the loyalty of practitioners also earned rewards. "Since Brother Peng has matters to attend to, we shall take our leave," the bearded man said as he stood. Peng, the young man, escorted the two out, but once they were alone, Li Zhi muttered angrily, "These two are so greedy. Just a month ago they came by, and today, theyre back again." Pengs eyes flashed, "Whatever theyve taken now, well make sure they give it back double later." "Have Liang Hai and the others returned yet?" "Not yet, theyre probably still collecting lost souls and ghosts." Meanwhile, Wang Hao led Han to a very secluded courtyard. "Brother Jia, this is where the Goddess resides. Go in and pray to her." Han stepped inside calmly, fully aware of what awaited him. In the center of the room stood a statue of the Goddess, surrounded by incense smoke. Prayer scrolls adorned the walls, more detailed and complete than those found among the local believers of Qinghua Countyeach dedicated to praising the Goddess. The statue was of the Goddess Sutiann. With his Yin-Yang Eyes, Han also noticed the statue was hollow inside, and something was concealed within. "Brother Jia, pray to the Goddess," Wang Hao urged. Han followed suit, and as he deepened his prayer, a strange force emanated from the statue. Han felt a sense of disorientation, and the image of the Goddess grew larger and more imposing in his mind. But just as his soul shimmered with a golden light, the sound of a powerful roar filled his mind, dispelling the influence of the Goddess and restoring clarity. This was a method used by the Goddess cult to ensure loyalty from its followersa psychological suggestion, subtly altering thoughts and emotions. The first prayer didnt have much effect, but repeated prayers would eventually lead to a genuine belief in the Goddess. The higher the practitioner''s cultivation, the harder it was to be influenced. Of course, psychological suggestion wasn''t invincible, and there were many ways to avoid its effects. Han, with his strength and knowledge, was largely immune. But in a small place like Qinghua County, the influence of the Goddess was highly effective. As Han finished his prayer, he turned to see a new figure standing before him. "Jia Ming, or should I say, Brother Jia?" the cold young man smiled. "My name is Peng Liuming, an emissary of the Goddess. Welcome, Brother Jia, to our fold." "The Goddess?" Han asked, confused. "That is the true name of our Goddess." Peng Liuming reassured him, "Don''t worry, Brother Jia. As long as you contribute to the Goddess, reaching the Meridian Realm will be a breeze!" "I hope you keep your word." Peng Liuming enthusiastically conversed with Han for a while, offering to arrange lodging for him at Peng Manor. However, Han declined the offer. This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.Peng Liuming wasnt offended. He understood Hans hesitation. It was normal to have doubts at first, but with continuous devotion to the Goddess, Han would eventually dedicate himself fully. Peng Liuming left instructions for Wang Hao and Li Zhi to take care of Han, then departed to handle other matters. "Who is this emissary of the Goddess?" Han asked. "Hes our leader. We have three emissaries of the Goddess, but the other two are away and haven''t returned yet." Han immediately understood that Liang Hai and the elder who accompanied him were the other two emissaries. These three emissaries were all at the Night Walker level, but there was a distinction among them. Peng Liuming had come directly from the Goddess'' cult to establish the base, while Liang Hai and the elder had joined mid-way. Although their cultivation levels were similar, Peng Liuming held a higher position as he directly communicated with the Goddess'' cult. Han, sensing an opportunity, asked, "How do you view my strength here? Are there ways to quickly accumulate merit?" "Brother Jia, your strength is extraordinary. Among the Goddess followers, you''re already among the top, with only a few of the Goddess guardians surpassing you." Wang Hao chuckled. "As for merit, don''t worry. Were in the expansion phase here, so theres plenty to do." Wang Hao and Li Zhi explained more about the base, and then Wang Hao smiled mysteriously. "Youll understand soon enough, Brother Jia. Joining us is the best choice you could have made." "Its not just about power; youll also get to enjoy things here that you couldnt back when you were wandering." "What do you mean?" "Every seven days, we hold a meeting for the followers. Some of the devotees, in hopes of receiving the Goddess blessings, will offer up great tributes." "Gold, silver, wives, daughters, dignity, even their livestheyll all be offered to the Goddess." "At that time, Brother Jia, youll have a chance to truly enjoy it." "We never fail to treat our own well." Hans heart turned cold as he pieced together the meaning of Wang Haos words, recalling things he had learned in his previous life. Lust, violence, bloodshed... Han shook his head. "I dont care for such things. My life is devoted to martial arts." Li Zhi chuckled. "Brother Jia, you''ll come to like it." Wang Hao and Li Zhi saw Han off at the manors gate, and even paid for his lodging before they left. "Brother Wang, Jia Ming seems to be quite righteous," Li Zhi remarked. "Ha, righteous? Thats because he hasnt experienced it yet!" Wang Hao smirked. "Lets have Boss Zhang from the west side of town send his wife and daughter to serve him. Well see how righteous he is then." "But tonight, we need to keep an eye on him. He cant escape." "Dont worry, Brother Wang. Once a practitioner from the Flesh Realm has experienced the Goddess, theyll already start accepting her." Han, listening from the courtyard, felt a cold chill run through him. No wonder the Great Qi Empire was hunting this Goddess cultit truly was a cancerous tumor. The things they planned to offer up were just the beginning. "Master, what are we going to do next?" An Langs voice echoed. "Anyone connected to this Goddess'' cult cannot be allowed to escape," Han said, his voice resolute. These toxic criminals had been exposed, and now they had to be eradicated completely. Moreover, this was connected to the Evil Extermination Edictthe more thoroughly he purged, the more merit he would gain, and the greater his rewards would be. However, completing this task wasnt going to be easy. The members of the Goddess cult didnt always stay together. After thinking it through, Han found a secluded spot and began to practice martial arts. He could feel his body reaching the peak of its refinement. The Master was rightwhen it came to judging people, she was truly accurate. Chapter 67: Collusion Though in a foreign land, Han did not slack off in his cultivation. His martial arts and spiritual training advanced steadily, without disruption. In the evening, Wang Hao and his companion visited again, inviting Han to dinner in an attempt to gather more intelligence about the base. Han agreed, seeing the opportunity to learn more. Brother Wang, although I tend to avoid worldly matters and focus solely on my training, I understand that your actions here are likely to be disapproved of by the Great Qi, Han said, looking at Wang Hao intently. But within Qinghua County, it seems the Great Qi has no intention of interfering with you? Brother Jia, had you asked this question before you devoted yourself to the Divine Maiden, I would not have answered, Wang Hao chuckled, his tone smug. But now that we are brothers, part of the same family, its no trouble to share, he continued. Our success is thanks to careful planning and building connections with all sides. But theres more to it, Brother Jia. Dont ask now, you will understand in time. Han fell silent for a moment, then sighed, Truly, your influence knows no bounds. Of course, Wang Hao replied. The Divine Maiden is all-powerful. After the meal, the two men took Han to pray to the Divine Maiden. After the prayer, their smiles grew wider, and they seemed to view Han more favorably. Hidden in the shadows, Peng Liuming observed with satisfaction. They had gathered many cultivators at this base, but those who were purely dedicated to martial arts were the best to win over. There were many cultivators desperate for breakthroughs but powerless to achieve themthese people were easy to manipulate. Han returned to his quarters, and the night had fallen with the moon high in the sky. He released An Lang, allowing her to absorb the moonlight to improve herself and enjoy her domain of Yin energy. Han also took time to teach An Lang some knowledge of Taoist arts. Within the Yin energy domain, Han tirelessly refined the elemental energy of heaven and earth, and absorbed the essence of the energy from the Spirit Demons, making rapid progress in his soul cultivation. His soul had just exited the body, still in the early stages of the Out-of-Body state. Once it reached a certain strength, Han could face heaven and earth directly without the aid of a protective incense. That would be the middle stage of Out-of-Body. When his soul naturally desired the sensation of being bathed in moonlight, he would have entered the later stages of Out-of-Body. At this stage, continued cultivation would cause the moonlight to draw the soul more powerfully. Once the desire for moonlight became irresistible, he could prepare for the next stepspiritual transcendence. The elemental energy, moonlight, and sunlight were not just pure energy; they could cause a fundamental transformation in the soul. The greater the desire, the closer the soul was to undergoing its transformation. Han had reached the middle stage of Out-of-Body, but even at this level, it would still be better to use a protective incense if he could, as it would assist the process.If you stumble upon this tale on Amazon, it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it. However, if he was out of resources, there was nothing to be done. An Langs Yin energy domain was even more useful than a protective incense. After some time, An Lang started to complain of hunger. Han took out the last incense stick. This is the last meal. If you dont learn to make incense, youll be hungry from now on. An Lang pouted, But you promised to feed me, and now... youre tricking me! Wuwuwu. Han gave her a playful punch. Are you eating or not? Of course, Im eating! An Lang floated to a corner, clutching the incense stick, inhaling it with delight. She glanced at Han before turning her back with a hum. You cant look! After midnight, Han sent An Lang back to her ghostly abode to rest, then immediately entered the secret realm. Time to chop down some trees! With four powerful swings, light orbs fell like rain. Han checked the loot from the harvest: three spiritual plants that could strengthen the body and enhance internal breath. One soul plant that could enhance the soul and clear the mind. Item: Explosive Power Pill A type of explosive pill that temporarily boosts strength. No side effects for the user, but causes weakness in others for three days. Item: Blood Essence Pill Enhances blood and strength, consolidates vitality, and nurtures the foundation. Item: Pulse Protection Pill Protects the meridians, preventing damage. In addition to the spiritual and soul plants, three useful pills had dropped, all fitting Hans needs perfectly. Talisman: Gale Talisman A Taoist talisman containing a wind spell that can scatter souls. Talisman: Thousand-Mile Talisman Allows the user to travel a thousand miles in one day. Talisman: Truth and Falsehood Talisman Allows the user to distinguish truth from lies. Three uses. Three talismansone offensive, two auxiliary. However, Han was curious about who could benefit from the Thousand-Mile Talisman. Weapon: Snake Fang Club A weapon forged from the fangs of a thousand snakes, filled with deadly venom. Due to a mishap during its creation, its rank was lowered. This was a weapon resembling a wolf-toothed club, but covered with numerous snake fangs. For someone with a fear of clusters, it would be enough to make their scalp crawl. Although Han preferred swords, this snake fang club wasnt without value. In fact, compared to swords, blunt weapons like clubs were easier to use and could be wielded right away. Curious Object: Moonstone A stone formed by moonlight falling onto the earth, containing ample and gentle lunar energy. Curious Object: Sophora Heart The heart of a ghost tree that grows in places filled with Yin energy. After devouring hundreds of ghosts, it strengthens the ghosts origin and solidifies their essence. The last two items were curious objects. The Sophora Heart was something for ghosts to use, and since Han only had An Lang as his ghost, it was obviously for her. As for the Moonstone, it could also be useful to An Lang, but Han didnt plan to give it to her. This stone was valuable to him as well. When he reached the stage of spiritual transcendence, the Moonstone would be instrumental. Han didnt mind sharing resources with An Lang, as their bond was inseparable, but some treasures had to be prioritized for him. Anything he couldnt use would go to An Lang. After collecting everything, Han consumed the spiritual plants and began his night practice. The thrill of watching his strength grow was incomparable. The next morning, Wang Hao came to find Han again, taking him to pray. The rule here was that followers prayed to the Divine Maiden three times a day. After completing his third prayer, Peng Liuming appeared once more, and Han sensed a shift in his attitude. It felt like Peng Liuming had truly accepted Han. It seemed that after three prayers to the Divine Maiden, as long as there were no major missteps, the recognition from the Divine Maiden was assured. Han thought to himself. Brother Jia, since you are sincere, we cannot let you feel unappreciated, Peng Liuming said. From now on, you can come here daily to receive guidance from the martial artists at the Meridian Realm. Guidance from Meridian Realm martial artists... Sounds like a waste of time. Once you prove your worth, the Divine Maidens divine power will be at your disposal, Peng Liuming added, continuing to talk to Han with a newfound respect. Just then, Li Zhi arrived, out of breath. Messenger, those two have returned. Peng Liumings expression darkened, and he immediately went to the hall. Wang Hao led Han away. Hans instincts kicked in, and he watched Peng Liumings meeting with the two newcomersone with a full beard and the other, concealed, with their face hidden. Brother Wang, those two arent followers of the Divine Maiden, are they? Wang Hao shook his head. No, theyre important figures in Qinghua County. When the Divine Maidens assembly takes place, the messenger will introduce you to them. The officials from Qinghua will attend the Divine Maidens assembly? Wang Hao smiled. Of course. They know how to enjoy life much better than we do. Were just playing with the leftovers, he added, chuckling. Chapter 68: Breaking Through to the Meridian Realm! Three days had passed in the blink of an eye. Including the day he arrived in Qinghua County, Han had now been part of the Tianmu Sect for four days. Four days, and eleven prayers. The Tianmu Sect had lifted its surveillance on Han, and now, he had earned their trust. Having prayed to the Heavenly Maiden eleven times, Han had long since pledged his loyalty to her. As long as Han wasnt forced into a situation where he had to commit suicide or had his interests severely harmed, he would never betray them. This was the general understanding within the sect. In truth, Han hadnt been affected by any of this. At this very moment, Han was fully focused on his training, immersed in his secret martial techniques. Each move was like the appearance of the Ox Demon in the worldevery step and motion embodied the essence of the Ox Demon. Hans flesh glowed with intensity, the air crackling, and steam rose as his energy surged. Boom! Boom! Boom! His heartbeat reverberated like a drum. His skin gleamed, and his internal energy rushed wildly within him. Han stamped the ground heavily, and the stone floor cracked under his foot like it was made of paper. Over and over, he practiced the "Pingtian Ox Demon Transformation," but as time passed, each movement grew slower, as if encountering some kind of resistance. Though slower, Han didnt lose his rhythm and continued pushing forward, until, at a certain moment, he completed another round of the secret technique. Boom! It was as if a thunderous sound echoed inside Hans body. He stood still, motionless for a long while. Hoo! He exhaled deeply, and his spiritual attire activated, automatically brushing off the dirt and grime from his body. Hans eyes gleamed with excitement as he clenched his fists. "The refinement of my flesh is at its limit. Theres no further improvement to be made." Half a day to enter the state, seven days for small progress, another five for major progressnow, it had reached perfection. Feeling the surging power within his body, Han had the urge to throw his head back and let out a triumphant roar. With his lifes essence, the Nine Aperture Golden Dan, dual cultivation of soul and martial arts, various pills, spirit plants, and extraordinary martial techniques Han''s foundation was profound beyond compare. His monstrous training speed and strength far exceeded that of others at his level. The few rare treasures he used were truly one of a kind in the world. "Its time. After my flesh, its time for my meridians!" Han took out several spirit plants and a pill from his Taibai Bag and consumed them in succession. A tremendous wave of medicinal power exploded within his body. Han briefly reflected, then began training a new secret technique. Ocean Overturning Dragon Demon True Power! This was a martial technique for refining the meridians, and when mastered, the meridians would be as powerful as the Dragon Demon!This story has been taken without authorization. Report any sightings. Unlike the Ox Demon transformation, Hans movements now exhibited flexibility and resilience. Activating the soul transformation trait, Han turned his soul into the Ocean Overturning Dragon Demon. At once, faint traces of a dragon-like posture appeared in Hans movements. Though still a novice in practicing this martial technique, even with the Dragon Demon soul, Han was somewhat unfamiliar. However, thanks to the foundation built with the Ox Demon transformation and his exceptional talent, progress was swift. As he advanced through the Dragon Demons techniques, Han felt the same intense pain he had when practicing the Ox Demon. But now, the pain wasnt in his fleshit was in his entire meridian system. It felt as though someone were twisting his meridians or using a knife to sever each one, a constant wave of excruciating agony. The Dragon Demon soul didnt automatically grant him the Dragon Demon body. Meanwhile, beside the image of the Ox Demon in Hans mind, a pair of Dragon Demon eyes flickered in and out of focus. Roar! After completing one round of the Ocean Overturning Dragon Demon True Power, the sound of a dragons roar echoed, and Hans entire body shuddered. His internal energy surged violently, pushing against his meridians as if they were about to change. It wasnt enough! Han pushed on, continuing to hammer away at his meridians with the Dragon Demon True Power. Ocean Demon, Overturning Heaven and Earth! After three repetitions, a few strands of Hans internal energy began to compress and merge, eventually transforming into a black energy that flowed into his meridians. This seemed to signal something. More of his internal energy started to undergo this transformation, continuously turning into this black energy and entering his meridians. True Qi! A more advanced form of energy than internal energyjust a single strand of true qi could match the power of ten strands of internal energy. And Hans internal energy was already far more solid and abundant than most peoples at his level, so a single strand of his true qi wasnt about how many strands of internal energy it could replace. Instead, it was about how many strands of true qi from the same level it could rival! As the true qi flowed through his meridians, it continuously tempered them. The moment true qi was born, it marked Hans breakthrough into the Meridian Realm, reaching the second stage of martial arts! With Hans talent, foundation, and the Dragon Demon soul aiding his cultivation, failure was simply impossible. The transformation of internal energy to true qi concluded quickly, but not all his internal energy was converted. Turning all internal energy into true qi was part of training in the Meridian Realm. Many martial artists who reached the Meridian Realm only managed to convert one strand of true qi due to their shallow accumulation. But Han wasnt limited to just one strand. As the true qi filled his meridians and spread throughout his body, it marked the completion of the first stage of the Meridian Realm. "Sixteen days. Ive entered the Meridian Realm." Han couldnt help but smile. He was eager to return and show his big sister what he had achieved. Looking up at the sky, he realized it was already late at night. "Its time to wrap up here." In three days, Han had gathered a lot of information about the sect''s stronghold. Now that his cultivation had broken through, he didnt intend to waste any more time. Tomorrow was the day of the Tianmu Sects seven-day Heavenly Maiden Assembly, where all the sect members would be present. It was the perfect time to strike and wipe out the entire sect. After the incident with the Snake Fang Staff and Moonlight Stone during his tree chopping, Han had spent the last two days cutting down more trees. In these two days, he had harvested seven spirit plants, two soul plants, and four rare items: The Ghost Tree was intended for use with the Ghost Dwelling, so Han gave it to An Lang. The Netherfire had some use, though it didnt generate high heat, but it was still effective for battle. The Demon Attracting Stone was purely ornamental at this point. Han couldnt even deal with Qi Demons, let alone risk summoning higher-tier demons. As for the Plum Fragrance, while it had some use, Han had no intention of using it on his soul. He had already developed a natural fragrance after consuming the Nine Aperture Golden Dan, and adding more would only make him resemble a walking target for enemies. Not every item dropped from the celestial tree was useful to Han, especially now that the drops had increased, and Han had grown stronger. It was only natural for some items to be less relevant to him, particularly the rare ones. Additionally, Han had also acquired two semi-weapon-class items: Even though Han preferred using a sword, this cursed tree hadnt dropped a single sword for him. He also obtained four pills: one Wolf Power Pill (similar to the Tiger Power Pill), two daily body-enhancing pills for cultivation, and a special one. The celestial tree was becoming a bit questionable. Chapter 69: The Peak of Fragrance, Unrivaled in the World Upon seeing the pill, Han wore a puzzled expression. Previously, he had acquired three talismans: for X-ray vision, invisibility, and hypnosis. Now, he had also obtained the Heart Bewitchment Pill. Did the Daqian Immortal Tree have some sort of misunderstanding about him? Was he really the kind of person to need such things? Apart from these, Han had also harvested two Dao Seeds in the past few days while chopping trees. [Dao Seed: Food Summoning Spell] [Summon food with a chant, nourish spirits and ghosts, dispel disasters, and increase personal virtue.] [Dao Seed: Clothing Removal Spell] [Recite the chant to remove clothes, undress, leaving garments pristine and immaculate.] The Food Summoning Spell was useful to Han, after all, he had An Lang, who was always hungry. Though An Lang resided in the Ghost Dwelling and didnt need food, it felt a bit cruel not to feed her... Now, Han could easily nourish An Lang. An Lang could grow by absorbing moonlight, and eating only required Han to chant a simple spell, consuming little mental energy, with no real cost. Taking care of a ghost like An Lang was effortless for Han. It almost felt like he was freeloading off An Lang... But when the second Dao Seed fell, Han couldnt help but feel exasperated. Talismans were one thing, pills were another, but now this Dao technique? Hypnosis, X-ray vision, invisibility, Heart Bewitchment, and now the Clothing Removal Spellit was a complete set, wasn''t it? What kind of ridiculous Dao technique was this? What was the point of learning this? There was no use for it whatsoever! Was he supposed to chant this spell during a fight to strip his enemies? What a perverted fighting style... The Clothing Removal Spell had been promptly discarded by Han. He had no intention of using it. Well, the two Dao Seeds had been planted in the Soul Village, where they were growing robustly. Though he wasnt going to use them, there was no harm in learning a few more Dao techniques. These were Hans latest rewards from chopping treesgood stuff, all in all. Master, Ive learned how to make Calming Incense! Suddenly, An Langs cheerful voice rang out as she floated into the room, holding a freshly made incense stick. Han was taken aback. How did she learn so quickly? He took the incense from her and inspected it. It did resemble the Calming Incense from the crafting manual, though the quality was a bit lacking. But considering it was An Langs first attempt, it was understandable.The author''s narrative has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon. Still, how was she able to learn so fast? Didnt she say it would take half a month to even get the basics down when talking to Yun Duo? Was she really so talented in incense crafting? Could it be that my ghost, An Lang, has the potential to become the Emperor of Fragrance? Han wondered, but still nodded with satisfaction. Not bad, you didnt disappoint me after all. The Calming Incense was one of the most basic incenses in Daoist cultivation. Its ingredients werent difficult to find, and Han had already acquired them in Black Cloud Town. To make Calming Incense, you first select the ingredients, then refine and purify them. During this process, you have to control the temperature preciselyneither too high nor too low, but just right. Next, the refined materials are mixed in exact proportions. This step also requires precision, as any mistake could ruin the incense. It demands full concentration and control through mental energy. Finally, the incense is formed using the soul''s power, with the help of a special seal, in order to create a Daoist incense. Each step has strict requirements, and the attention to detail is no less than that of pill refining. I didnt expect making incense to be so easy, An Lang said, pride radiating from her as she floated around Han, rising and falling in the air. Youve only learned to make Calming Incense. Dont get too proud just yet. Hmph, when I reach the peak of fragrance, Ill be unmatched in the world! With me, An Lang, the heavens themselves will bow! Watch me, Master, Ill become a Master of Incense and with a single incense, Ill help you ascend to immortality! Thats what I said. Dont copy me. Im An Lang! Han sent An Lang back to the Ghost Dwelling, and it was already past midnight. It was time to chop trees again. He checked his status panel, and sure enough, his stamina was still at four points. His breakthrough into the Meridian Realm had not increased his stamina, which aligned with the stamina rules he had deduced. Even without a stamina boost, Han knew that breaking through in cultivation would increase the quality of the loot he obtained. He swung his axe, and to his surprise, only one item dropped. [Weaponry: Celestial Bow (with three arrows)] [A powerful weapon crafted from Celestial Meteorite Iron and the tendons of a Heavenly Serpent. The arrows have properties of long-range shots and immense power. With this bow, even the sky can be pierced!] A true weapon! Not a broken one, nor a semi-complete weapon, but a fully formed weapon! Han was elated. He hadn''t expected the Daqian Immortal Tree to drop something like this. Then, he felt a bit regretful. Why didnt it drop a sword weapon instead? He held the Celestial Bow and felt a warmth emanating from it. It was a five-foot bow, with irregular markings along its length, yet it had an undeniable charm. Three crimson arrows were affixed to the bow, matching perfectly with the Celestial Bow. These arrows, like the bow, were crafted from Celestial Meteorite Iron. Holding a complete weapon felt completely different from holding a semi-weapon. It was a whole new level. Long-range, immense power, two major properties, Han murmured. He was very pleased with the Celestial Bow. A true weapon, unlike a hundred-forged tool or a semi-weapon, wasnt just tougher or sharper. It carried inherent properties. He took a moment to admire the Celestial Bow. It was his first complete weapon, and it held great significance. [Martial Dao Seed: Flying Arrow Technique] [Invisible and undetectable, the arrow will always hit its target. Even ghosts and gods cant predict it, and neither dragons nor tigers can stop it.] [Rare Pill: True Qi Pill] [Can increase or restore True Qi.] The second stamina drop brought two items: the True Qi Pill, which Han had seen before and could now use, and a new Martial Dao Seed, a first for him. The Flying Arrow Technique! After receiving the Celestial Bow, now this. This arrow technique was something Han couldnt ignore. He planted the Martial Dao Seed in the Soul Village. In a few days, he would harvest it, and the Flying Arrow Technique would be his, no need for any extra effort on his part. [Rare Item: Calming Smoke] [Formed from the clouds and mist in the sky, it can be absorbed into the meridians to stabilize True Qi and prevent it from running wild.] [Rare Pill: Eye Cleansing Pill] [Can improve vision and enhance eyesight.] [Rare Pill: Cleansing Body Pill] [Can cleanse the body, making it lighter and more agile.] One rare item, two pillsvery direct effects. Han used them right away, absorbing them into his foundation. The final stamina drop yielded a surprising result: just one item. Could it be another weapon? [Special Item: Spatial Ring] [Crafted from a portion of space, it can store items (but not living beings). It is automatically bound to the user, Han, and can be unbound at will.] Good, good, good! Though not a weapon, this was something Han had desperately wanted for a long time. Spatial equipment! He held the ring and sensed its contents. It had a storage space of roughly 100 cubic meters. It was huge! The Taibai Bag that Bai Ruoyue gave Han only had about 15 cubic meters of space. Today, he had received both a weapon and a spatial ring. From a bird gun to a cannon! Chapter 70: Harnessing the Spirits for His Own Use After a nights rest, Han went to the Peng residence as usual to offer his prayers to the Goddess. With the strength of his soul, even though he was only at the Out-of-Body stage, he was powerful enough to conceal his true depth from Peng Liuming, a Night Wanderer-level cultivator. As for the other martial artists of the Celestial Mother Sect, they had no chance of seeing through Hans abilities. "Jia brother, remember to attend the Goddess Ceremony today," Wang Hao winked at Han, his grin lecherous. "Ill be there," Han glanced at him. "Such a grand event, it would be a shame to miss it." "Hahaha," Wang Hao laughed heartily. "You won''t be disappointed." Not staying long at the Peng residence, Han returned to his quarters, his mind calm, and resumed his martial training. The Goddess Ceremony wouldn''t start until evening, so Han was in no hurry. At the peak of the Meridian Realm, Han felt fearless within the borders of Qinghua County. In the afternoon, Han left his house and headed south through winding streets. After a while, Han arrived at a secluded location. The Spirit and Demon Bureau of Qinghua County. Han took a step forward, but the guards stopped him. "Hold, entry is forbidden here." Han didn''t argue; the two guards were merely following orders. He took out a token from his pocket, and the guards'' expressions immediately changed. "My apologies, Lord. Please, enter," they hastily greeted him. Han put the token away. "Take me to your chief." The guards exchanged glances, and one of them went to fetch the chief while Han followed behind. This token had been given to him by Lu Qingmo before he came to Qinghua Countyit was the Chief''s Order from the Spirit and Demon Bureau. The tokens of the Spirit and Demon Bureau were similar across the regions of the Great Qi; one side bore the Yin-Yang symbol, and the other side had the name of the jurisdiction. No matter the place, any Chiefs Order was recognized everywhere. After a while, the guard led Han to a door. "The Chief is inside." Han nodded and gave a command. "Wait outside. Dont leave." He pushed open the door. Inside, a middle-aged man was staring directly at him. "Who are you?" "Chief Zhao," Han took out the token and said, "I represent Chief Lu from Black Cloud Town. I need to handle a case and hope the Spirit and Demon Bureau of Qinghua County will cooperate." Chief Zhao''s expression shifted slightly. "Chief Lu of Black Cloud Town..." A hint of anger flashed across Zhao''s face. Even though the Spirit and Demon Bureau in Black Cloud Town was officially on the same level as the one in Qinghua County, Zhao felt this action was rather disrespectful.If you spot this narrative on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation. But when he thought of Lu Qingmo, his anger quickly deflated. Inferior in strength, lacking in connectionswhat could he do? "Please, speak. The Spirit and Demon Bureau of Qinghua County will fully cooperate." Hans gaze was sharp as he stared at Zhao. "Are you aware that someone in your Spirit and Demon Bureau has colluded with the Celestial Mother Sect?" Chief Zhaos face paled, and he couldnt sit still any longer. "Do you have evidence for this accusation?" "The Celestial Mother Sect is a serious matter. If you falsely accuse the Spirit and Demon Bureau of Qinghua County, I will go to the capital and demand justice." "Hmph, evidence?" Han scoffed. "I am the evidence!" "I witnessed one of your deputy chiefs meeting with emissaries of the Celestial Mother Sect." "Where did you see this?" "At one of their bases." "How could there be a Celestial Mother Sect base in Qinghua County?" Han smirked. "Why couldnt there be?" "Ive joined the Celestial Mother Sect myself!" "..." "Should I arrest you now?" "There are two deputy chiefs in your Spirit and Demon Bureau, one named Zhao and the other named Hong. Which one did you see colluding with the Celestial Mother Sect?" "Im not sure yet," Han shook his head. "Have your guards gather everyone from your Bureau outside. I''ll identify them when I see them." In recent days, Han had confirmed that both the Spirit and Demon Bureau and the Martial Bureau in Qinghua County had deputy-level officials working with the Celestial Mother Sect. But who exactly it was remained a mystery, as Wang Hao and his associates had kept quiet, only promising to introduce them during the Goddess Ceremony. However, Han had seen the two deputy chiefs from afar and was confident he could recognize them in person. The Celestial Mother Sect had many members, and Han intended to catch every one of them, which was why he came to the Spirit and Demon Bureau. Leveraging this power would ensure the Sects destruction. Chief Zhao''s expression flickered between hesitation and resolve. Eventually, he ordered his guards to do as Han instructed, ensuring discretion. Han was not worried about Zhao suddenly turning hostile. At this close distance, with his current strength, and considering it was still daytime, it wouldn''t be difficult for him to take down a Night Wanderer cultivator. Strength was his confidence in entering the Spirit and Demon Bureau. "Chief Zhao," Han stared at him, speaking coldly, "The Celestial Mother Sect has been in Qinghua County for ten years, secretly spreading their beliefs and poisoning the people. Their Goddess worship is now widespread across the county, and you didnt notice any of this?" "They claim to be the ''Goddess.''" "The Goddess?" Zhao sighed heavily. "You may not know, but in remote places like Qinghua County, the people are suffering. From time to time, strange beliefs arise." "Ive heard of this ''Goddess'' before. I even had my subordinates investigate it. The conclusion was that it was a popular belief formed spontaneously by the common folk, and we took care of it." "But I focused on my own cultivation afterward and didnt pay attention to it anymore. I didnt realize this ''Goddess'' was actually the Celestial Mother, let alone that she had grown this powerful." Based on the responses from his sources, Han believed Chief Zhao was telling the truth. "Prepare for the consequences when your superiors find out," Han said coldly. Zhao could only smile bitterly. Even though he wasnt involved with the Celestial Mother Sect, the fact that this had happened under his watch meant he would bear the blame. The fact that the Celestial Mother Sect had spread so far in Qinghua County was a major failure on his part. "What about the Chief of the Martial Bureau?" Han asked next. "Chief Qian is the only cultivator in Qinghua County at the Body Refinement stage, but... hes rarely here." Zhao continued, "He spends most of his time in the capital, pursuing greater martial skills. Local matters are handled by two deputy chiefs from the Martial Bureau." "What about the county magistrate?" "The magistrate... is a gentleman with refined tastes. He prefers music, chess, calligraphy, and painting." Han couldnt help but laugh coldly. No wonder the Celestial Mother Sect had been able to develop so easily in Qinghua County. A county magistrate who was indifferent to government affairs, lost in the arts. A Martial Bureau chief who was never in Qinghua County. A Spirit and Demon Bureau chief who didnt care about the events happening under his own roof. It was no surprise Qinghua County had ended up this way. If it hadnt been for the Celestial Mother Sects presence in Black Cloud Town, Qinghua County would probably have fallen under their control in a few years! "Tell me about the two deputy chiefs of the Martial Bureau, including their appearances." Zhao complied, but then asked a question. "Lord, how do you plan to deal with those who have colluded with the Celestial Mother Sect?" Han sneered but didnt respond. After a while, the guard returned to report that everyone had been summoned. Han strode forward, heading to the courtyard. He looked up at the sky. The scorching sun bathed the land, bringing hope. But it also brought despair to the spirits of the dead. In the Spirit and Demon Bureau of Qinghua County, there were more than ten individuals, with the two deputy chiefs standing at the front. Han glanced over them, recalling his earlier glimpse. His gaze quickly locked onto one of the deputy chiefsa man with a scar on his face. It was you, Scarface! Chapter 71: Kill! The scarred man furrowed his brow as he noticed Han staring at him intently. "Who are you?" he demanded. "Are you connected to the Goddess?" Han asked, his tone unwavering. The scarred man remained expressionless. "Who are you really? I don''t understand what you''re talking about." "You gathered us here..." Han pressed. Whoosh! Han unsheathed his sword and swung it. Boom! Blood splattered. At this distance, in these conditions, a cultivator facing a martial artist wouldnt stand a chance. The scarred man staggered backward with a scream, fury boiling in his eyes as he glared at Han. "Who are you? How dare you commit murder inside the Ghost and God Bureau?" "Are you connected to the Goddess?" Han asked again. "I don''t..." Another swift sword strike, and the scarred man was injured again, deep wounds visible. "You reckless fool!" The other members of the Ghost and God Bureau were both shocked and enraged. Who was this man, daring to harm the Deputy Chief within their very ranks? The Bureau had two powerful martial protectors at the Meridian Realm, and they rushed toward Han, intent on subduing him. "Who dares to move?!" Han shouted, his sword pointed at them, his gaze sharp and commanding. Both martial artists were immediately immobilized. "Stay where you are!" Zhao Du Guan ordered loudly. "This is an official envoy sent to Qinghua County to handle a major case!" Han lowered his sword and turned to face the two martial protectors. "Are you connected to the Goddess?" They both shook their heads in unison. It was the truth. "Watch everyone here. No one is to leave." Han approached the scarred man, his expression calm as he asked once more, "Can you answer my question now?" "I don''t know what you''re talking about," the scarred man replied fiercely. "I dont know the Goddess. Even if youre an envoy, you need evidence to proceed with your investigation!" His voice was full of defiance, but inside, he was seething with hatred. If Zhao hadnt called them into the sunlight so suddenly, he wouldnt be in such a passive position now. Whoosh! Hans sword cut through the air, severing the scarred mans head cleanly from his shoulders. Without looking back, Han ignored the gruesome sight as the mans soul flew out, confusion still evident on his face. But the next moment, an excruciating pain gripped him. The power of the sunlight tortured him, making him wish for death as he suffered endlessly. At his weakest moment, Han swiftly captured the mans soul, preventing his escape. It wasnt going to be that easy for him to die. "Sir..." Zhao Du Guan hesitated, his voice trailing off. "Are you certain Deputy Chief Hong is involved with the Goddesss cult? If something goes wrong..."Stolen content warning: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences. "I wont make a mistake," Han replied confidently. "...Alright. Youre in charge." Han had no time for further debate. If he showed any weakness, they would exploit it, dragging things out with excuses. Better to act decisively, eliminate those who dared oppose him, and make it clear that no one would interfere with his mission. Backed by the authority of the Xuandu Sect and the endorsement of the state religion, who could stop him? Han swiftly interrogated the remaining members of the Ghost and God Bureau. With his sharp intuition, he neutralized three more individuals in quick successionfollowers of Hong, also complicit in the cults conspiracy. The truth came to light, and no one with a guilty conscience could escape Hans detection. Each use of his truth-seeking token revealed more, allowing him to continue his work unhindered. The courtyard was covered in blood, and those still alive from the Ghost and God Bureau trembled in fear. The two martial protectors stood frozen, unsure of what to do. Han was like a death god among them. Too brutal. Zhao Du Guan, despite feeling helpless and humiliated, could only endure. He had been derelict in his duties, and now, fully cooperating with Han, he hoped to at least make some amends. Should he entertain any thoughts of resisting, he knew he would meet the same fate as the scarred man. "Send word to the two Deputy Chiefs of the Defense Bureau and have them come here," Han ordered, turning to Zhao Du Guan. The two bureaus had communication methods to exchange information. Zhao Du Guan nodded and immediately followed Hans command, as everyone else watched in stunned silence, wondering who this deadly figure was, and why Zhao Du Guan followed him without question. Soon enough, the two Deputy Chiefs of the Defense Bureau arrived, but when they saw the bloodied courtyard, their faces went pale. One of them, a burly man with a thick beard, immediately turned to leave. "Thats Deputy Chief Gao, a small but skilled cultivator at the Meridian Realm!" Zhao Du Guan quickly informed. He had already realized that Gao was involved in this mess. Before he could speak further, Han was already pursuing the man, his boots powered by martial skill, ensuring the burly man couldnt escape. Small Meridian Realm cultivator? Perfect. Time for a test run. Han swung his sword with a mighty force, the blade clashing with the burly man''s long sword. Clang! The bearded mans weapon snapped in half instantly. A forged blade couldnt hope to stand against a weapon of Hans caliber. Moreover, the man wielding it was no match either! "Youre connected to the Goddess, arent you?" Han asked calmly. "Zhao Du Guan, what is this?!" the bearded man shouted. "Zhao, help me!" "Zhao Guang, Gao Wen is colluding with the Goddess. Assist the envoy in apprehending him immediately!" Zhao Du Guan ordered. The other Deputy Chief of the Defense Bureau was stunned, unable to believe what had just happened. But after hearing Zhao Du Guans words, he didnt hesitate and prepared to act. However, Han wouldnt give him the chance. A sword strike shattered the bearded mans blade, and another came down swiftly. The bearded man couldnt dodge, and his blood sprayed everywhere as he cried out in agony. Before he could react, Han struck again. Whoosh! The mans head flew into the air before crashing back to the ground in a bloody mess. Boom! The body crumpled, creating a cloud of dust. Han slowly sheathed his sword, blood dripping off the blade as it glinted in the light, once again gleaming bright. A brutal killing spree, blood-soaked snow. The bearded mans body hit the ground with a resounding thud, and Han casually glanced at the others still standing. His expression remained unchanged. Thud! Before the others could fully process what had happened, they watched in shock as Han easily killed the Deputy Chief of the Defense Bureau with one stroke. How vicious. A small Meridian Realm cultivator, taken down with such ease. This death god must be at least at the Greater Meridian Realm, right? None of them realized that Han, the one slaying their Deputy Chief, had only just entered the Meridian Realm. Inferior techniques, weapons, and martial skill couldnt compete with him. The swordsharp. Han turned his gaze on the remaining Deputy Chief of the Defense Bureau, and the man instinctively took a step back. Zhao Du Guan quickly explained the situation. "Are you involved with the Goddess or the Goddesss cult?" Han asked. The man shook his head vigorously. "No, I have no connection with the Goddess or the cult, and I know nothing about Gao Wens actions." The truth. Zhao Du Guan quickly added, "Envoy, this is my nephew. I raised him. He wouldnt do such a thing." Han glanced at Zhao Du Guan. If he recalled correctly, another Deputy Chief of the Ghost and God Bureau also shared the Zhao surname. Perhaps family ties were at play here. But Han wasnt concerned with that right now. Looking at the setting sun, he knew the Goddesss gathering was about to begin. "Get all the Defense Bureaus martial artists to come here now," Han ordered Zhao Guang. "Anyone in Qinghua County, dont let a single one escape. And..." "Dont say anything you shouldnt." "If you try to run, Ill chase you to the ends of the earth." Zhao Guang nodded earnestly, no longer acting like a Deputy Chief, his authority stripped away in the face of Han''s power. Looking around the blood-soaked courtyard, he had already guessed Hans plan. Tonight, the rivers would run red with blood. Chapter 72: Bloodstained Moonlight Under the personal directive of Deputy Governor Zhao Guang, the soldiers of the Dingwu Division had no choice but to comply. No one could have anticipated what would transpire after the two deputy governors visited the Ghosts and Gods Division. To dare commit murder inside the Ghosts and Gods Division and openly execute someone from the prestigious Qiqi public familyhow bold must one be? Who would believe such a story? So, when the soldiers of the Dingwu Division saw the bloodstained Ghosts and Gods Division, their faces froze, filled with disbelief. Could it be that the Ghosts and Gods Division is staging a rebellion? "Brothers," Zhao Guang called out, "Deputy Governor Gao has colluded with the demonic Celestial Maiden and has already been executed by the superior official." "I hope none of you have been involved with Gao in this conspiracy!" Han watched coldly, noticing some of the soldiers'' faces turn pale as Zhao Guang spoke. Just as expected. Han stepped forward with a frosty expression, questioning the remaining soldiers of the Dingwu Division one by one. Most were unaffected, but after Han killed a rebellious martial artist in the Body Realm, a shout rang out: "Brothers, who cares about the superior official? Dont be fooled by that Zhao guy!" "I think they''re the ones in league with the demons, trying to stage a rebellion!" "Brothers, lets charge together and kill our way out!" Some were riled up, ready to fight, but others lost all courage, immediately surrendering and begging for mercy. "It was Gao who forced me to help the Celestial Maiden, I couldnt do anything about it, please spare me!" Several martial artists connected to the Celestial Maiden fled on the spot, but Han sneered. Body Realm martial artistshow far could they run? In moments, several heads flew into the air as they were executed. Only the martial artist who had begged for mercy was spared. Han merely crippled his arms and legs. Han collected the souls of those he killed. "Zhao Guang, Deputy Governor Zhao," Han called out. "Superior official." The two men appeared before Han, heads lowered, showing utmost respect. In this entire county, the two highest-ranking officials now had to bow their heads. "Should we eradicate the Heavenly Mother Sect?" "Yes!" Zhao Guang instantly understood Han''s meaning. "Rest assured, superior official, I will gather troops immediately and wipe out the Heavenly Mother Sect''s influence in Qinghua County!" "Just follow me," Han said, staring at them. "Tonight, the Heavenly Mother Sect will hold a meeting of their followers. They will gather to worship the Celestial Maiden and offer themselves." "You should know what happens at these kinds of gatherings."Reading on this site? This novel is published elsewhere. Support the author by seeking out the original. Zhao Guang''s expression changed. Of course, he knew! Han turned to face the cultivators and martial artists present and called out loudly: "While good and evil cannot be balanced, the only path left for you is to completely eradicate the demons." "Is there anyone who does not wish to participate in tonight''s operation?" No one dared refuse, fearing their heads might be next. Han nodded in satisfaction. They say cultivators are proud, and martial artists are hard to manage. Seems like thats all just a rumor. Everyones easy to communicate with. "This will concern your lives, your futures, and your families!" Han spoke sternly. "If anyone messes this up, you wont need me to act. The people closest to you will tear you apart!" "I will not share the sky with demons!" Suddenly, someone in the crowd shouted. Han''s gaze locked onto them, and an eerie silence fell over the room. "Good, this is the attitude we need." Seeing the time, Han led the way, and everyone else followed closely behind. "Once we arrive, surround the place. Not a single fly should escape!" Han instructed. The others nodded quietly, and an eerie calm took over. The Celestial Maidens gathering wasnt at the Peng family estate, but Han knew the location. Once they arrived, Zhao Guang immediately led their men to surround the area. This was a done deal. With the involvement of the Ghosts and Gods Division and Dingwu Division, no one would escape. They quickly dealt with the rabble and controlled the followers. Han entered the location where the Celestial Maiden''s gathering was taking place alone. A large number of followers had already gathered, all kneeling in prayer to the Celestial Maiden. Some even bowed their heads upon seeing Han. Han noticed some women exposing themselves in degrading acts. Ignoring them, Han went straight to find Peng Liuming, who greeted him with a smile. "Brother Jia, you''re finally here. I was about to send Wang Hao to fetch you." "The superior officials invitation is not to be refused," Han replied with a smile. Just then, a Heavenly Maiden bodyguard in the Meridian Realm approached Peng Liuming and said: "Superior official, the people from Dingwu Division and Ghosts and Gods Division have yet to arrive." Peng Liuming frowned, about to speak when Han interjected: "They wont be coming." "Huh?" "Shing!" A flash of sword light, and a chilling breeze filled the airPeng Liumings head was severed. The moonlight shone brightly, its soft glow casting a silvery veil over the earth. Yet, the decapitation added splashes of crimson, staining the moonlit night. Peng Liumings soul rose into the air, his eyes still wide with confusion. Was that... his body? But where was his head? Oh, it was on the ground. "Jia Ming, what are you doing?" Peng Liuming roared, unable to understand the change in circumstances. Han paid him no mind. He had already struck at the nearby Heavenly Maiden bodyguard. Another head flew. This bodyguard, a novice in the Meridian Realm, was no more than an easy target for Han. "What am I doing?" Han asked as he gazed at the soul in the air. "Taking your life!" "Kill him!" Peng Liuming shrieked in fury as two more Heavenly Maiden bodyguards charged in, moving with lightning speed. There were five bodyguards in total at this outpost, and with three already gone, only two remainedone in the small, one in the great stage of the Meridian Realm. "Good!" Hans battle spirit surged. He was not afraid; in fact, he moved first to attack. At the Meridian Realm, true energy flows naturally, and Han had begun to show the full force of his Taibai Sword Technique. An ordinary Meridian Realm small-stage cultivator was like a child in Han''s eyeshe could easily cut them down. Today, Han wanted to test his skill against a great-stage cultivator. At that moment, the sound of movement echoed, and the Ghosts and Gods Division and Dingwu Division forces broke through the walls, sweeping in to clean up the remaining members of the Heavenly Mother Sect and control the followers. "Are you from the Great Qi Court?" Peng Liuming asked, his face dark with hatred as he glared at Han before his soul began to flee toward the distance. But Zhao Guang was already outside, intercepting Peng Liumings soul. Unaware of what was happening elsewhere, Han focused solely on his opponents. The Heavenly Maiden bodyguards were formidable, but their weapons were mere refined tools. Before Han, they were like amateurs, struggling and awkward. Han moved effortlessly, slicing, thrusting, and cutting with precision. The bodyguards had no choice but to avoid his attacks. With a single thrust, the bodyguard in the small stage of the Meridian Realm was knocked away, coughing up blood. Weak, far too weak. Such martial artists were ordinary in their methods, their techniques uninspired, lacking any special talent. The gap between them and Han was simply enormous. Han was now aware of his true strength without relying on any special techniques. For ordinary Meridian Realm great-stage opponents, he could easily dispatch them. "Since that''s the case, youre no longer useful." Hans swordsmanship grew more fierce, delivering skills that were impossible to resist. True energy surged, blood boiled, and his physical strength reached its peak. "Shing!" A sword pierced through one of the bodyguards chests, and the other quickly followed suit. In the fearful gazes of the officials from the Great Qi Court, Han rushed towards Peng Liuming, who was still struggling against Zhao Guang. The Nightwalking Realmthough one level higher, it wasnt impossible to defeat. Chapter 73: The Celestial Maiden "Jia Ming, you''re despicable!" Peng Liu Ming''s voice seethed with resentment. "Against evil cults like yours, no means are too low." Han responded without anger. The enemys impotent fury is the greatest form of praise one can receive. Han''s gaze turned to the battle in the sky, where two souls clashed continuously, their power shifting the elements, mental waves colliding, and spells being cast. Souls only possess such overwhelming power when facing other souls. If it were a warrior, theyd be handicapped, many of their techniques rendered useless under the restraint of masculine energy. Most likely, they''d have to flee. Of course, this applies only to cultivators below the Sun-Soaring level. Once a cultivator reaches the Sun-Soaring stage, its a whole new story. They can face warriors head-on, for the Sun-Soaring represents a qualitative change. And that change comes with a high threshold. A cultivator at the Divine-Voyage stage, even with ten at the Night-Voyage stage, might still fail to break through to the Sun-Soaring. At this point, their cultivation speed would slow down significantly. Han observed the battle of souls. Zhao Duguan, although often negligent, was still powerful, and he hadn''t been suppressed by this Celestial Maiden''s envoy. However, defeating the Celestial Maiden''s envoy quickly was still impossible. In another clash of souls, Zhao Duguan forcefully struck Peng Liu Mings soul toward the ground. Hans eyes lit up. He exerted power in his legs, leaping into the air, his blood boiling with intense heat, and he slashed toward Peng Liu Mings soul with his sword. "Ah!" The Celestial Maidens envoy screamed in agony as Hans qi burned her. Han then sheathed his sword and smote with his palm, channeling the power of the Three Lights Fortuitous Realm. "Boom!" Peng Liu Ming was slammed to the ground, and Han followed, landing with ease. Looking at Peng Liu Ming, his soul was greatly weakened, deeply injured. Zhao Duguan, still hovering in the air, felt a chill run down his spine. He hadn''t expected Han, a mere warrior, to have means against souls. What a terrifying young man. Not only does he enjoy beheading, but his strength is also formidable. "Faith in the Celestial Maiden?" Han looked down at Peng Liu Ming. "Id say it''s the Celestial Mother Sect." Peng Liu Mings weakened soul shifted, and he glared at Han, "Did you capture Liang Hai and the others? They''ve been gone for so long..." "You came from Heiyun Town, didnt you?" "Guess," Han replied, not answering Peng Liu Ming directly. "Don''t get cocky. Even if you destroy this base, so what?" Peng Liu Ming''s eyes burned with malice. "Destroy one base, and a thousand more will rise in its place!" Han paid no mind to his insane words. "Zhao Duguan, leave it to your people to clean up here." With that, Han suppressed Peng Liu Ming''s soul. Zhao Duguan hesitated, wanting to ask if he could keep the Celestial Maidens envoy''s soul for himself, but he dared not voice it. This was a victory, yet it wasnt his. Han noticed his expression. "Do you have a method for interrogating souls?" "Yes," Zhao Duguan replied, though he shook his head. "But its useless against the Celestial Mother Sects followers." "Their souls are different; they dont fear torture or punishment. Unless they willingly confess, we cant extract any useful information." Han nodded, thinking of Liang Hai and the others. "Zhao Duguan, although the people from the Dibu and Ghosts and Gods Department have been cleansed, the county office is probably still corrupted." Han said, "You should know what to do." In fact, the county office was likely where the real corruption lay, as it was mostly populated by mortals, who were easier to tempt. This novel''s true home is a different platform. Support the author by finding it there.The Celestial Mother Sect spread its influence quietly, often through contacts with the county office personnel. Zhao Duguan nodded, his face cold. "Ill get to the bottom of this." This would likely bring him under scrutiny, but how severe the consequences were, there was still room for maneuver. So, he would leave no stone unturned. For Han, the matter in Qinghua County was nearly finished. The Celestial Mother Sect''s forces were wiped outeither dead, crippled, or captured. It was a thorough and efficient eradication. But Han hadn''t forgotten one important task. Looting the spoils of war. Peng Liu Ming provided a surprisehe had a spatial pouch! As expected from a Celestial Mother Sect envoy; their treatment was on a whole different level compared to those who joined halfway like Liang Hai. Han took the spatial pouch without hesitation. Zhao Duguan saw but chose to ignore it. As for the other Celestial Mother Sect members, they had nothing of value. The three Celestial Maiden Guardians wielded Hundred Refined Artifacts, though two had already been damaged in battle. Han took the one that was still intact. He searched the estate further but found nothing useful. Next, Han took Zhao Duguan to the Peng family estate to help him scout for anything of value for the cleanup. This was Peng Liu Mings base, so there might be something worth taking. After a thorough search, Han took both valuable items and precious, albeit useless, ones. "These are spoils of war. Ill turn them over to Lu Duguan for processing," Han said solemnly. Zhao Duguans eyelid twitched. The infamous head-chopping killer was also a greedy man. Turning it over to Lu Duguan? They probably share the same interests. In the end, these treasures would end up in Hans pocket, becoming theirs. Zhao Duguan should have been entitled to a cut, but now, with his own safety in question, he didnt dare make such a request. He even considered whether he should part with some of his own wealth to have Han speak a good word for him before Lu Qingmo. Finally, Han entered the room where the Celestial Maidens statue was kept. Zhao Duguan hesitated and asked, "Sir, are you taking this statue with you too?" Isnt this a bit too ruthless? "The statue has a mark inside," Han replied. Suddenly, a seductive, sweet voice echoed from the statue. "You''re quite perceptive, young master." A phantom appeared, dressed in white, her face identical to the Celestial Maiden''s statue. Her presence exuded an overwhelming allure, pulling the viewer into a trance. "Is this the Celestial Maiden of the Celestial Mother Sect?" "You may call me Suer," the phantom smiled, her gaze captivating, oozing charm. "My envoy is now in your hands, isn''t he? The fools of Qinghua County couldnt handle him." Suer continued, "I wonder, can you release him, for my sake?" "I will repay you well." "Who do you think you are, to ask for my favor?" Han sneered. "Show your true form!" Han spoke with calm but defiant words. Hmph, seductive fox. You wont corrupt my iron will! Suers smile slowly faded as she glared at Han. "Are you sure you want to make an enemy of me?" "Did you decide to become my enemy?" Han retorted, though they had already crossed that line. "If you release my envoy and let him take my statue, I will grant you a favor." "Ha." Han laughed, eyeing the statue. It seemed to have its own space within, mist swirling inside, pulling at his soul with intense attraction. "Youre really losing it." "Youre offering me what is rightfully mine as a favor?" Han punched forward, his masculine qi shattering the air. "Remember my nameJia Ming!" Chapter 74: Was it Intentional or Accidental? Facing Han''s punch, Su Tian N neither retreated nor dodged. Instead, a smile reappeared on her face. "Jia Ming, I remember you. We will meet again in the future..." Before she could finish her sentence, Han''s fist landed on her, and her form immediately exploded into nothingness. It was just a soul imprint, something that could only hide within the statue and perform some dark tricks. Now, facing Han, it had no means of resistance. Han stared at the statue for a while. After Su Tian N''s imprint dissipated, the statue no longer carried the subtle psychological influence, the power to tempt and manipulate people. Turning to Zhao Duguan, Han asked, "Do you know anything about Su Tian N?" "I learned about her back when I was studying in the county town. She is the spokesperson of the Heavenly Mother, second only to the leader of the Heavenly Mother Sect." "Each generation of the Heavenly Mother Sect has multiple Tian N. The next leader will be chosen from among them." "As for Su Tian N... I haven''t heard of her. She might be a recently born Tian N." It seemed she was a saint or an heir of sorts. Han nodded and then stored the statue into his Taibai Bag. "This is also a key piece of evidence. I will take it back to Lu Duguan." "..." Zhao Duguan didnt say much. With that, Han left without taking anything else from the room. The remaining items were all mundane, of little value. After handling these matters, Han returned to his residence, while Zhao Duguan hurried back to the Ghosts and Gods Department. Soon after, people from the Ghosts and Gods Department and the Dingwu Department were dispatched overnight, heading for various locations in Qinghua County. Search! Search fiercely! Investigate to the end! That night, Qinghua County became a flurry of activity. One after another, important figures were alarmed, and anyone with issues was immediately detained. The Great Qi dynasty had an established separation of politics, military, and the Dao. Normally, the latter two wouldnt meddle with politics. But with what had happened in Qinghua County, Zhao Duguan couldnt care less about that. Despite the turmoil in the county, it didnt affect Han. Though he was the instigator, it no longer concerned him. He left without a trace, never seeking fame or recognition. That night, as officers from the government department conducted their searches, they carefully avoided Hans residence. Whenever they passed by, they did so cautiously, showing a deep sense of respect. Now, everyone knew that an esteemed envoy had come to Qinghua Countya killing god, one who relished decapitating others with brutality. Several deputy department heads from the Ghosts and Gods Department and Dingwu Department had lost their heads without a wordjust a swift action, and off went the heads. It was terrifying.Support the author by searching for the original publication of this novel. Back in his residence, Han released Peng Liuming''s soul again for questioning. As expected, Peng was tight-lipped and refused to divulge anything. Although Han had ways to get him to talk, this matter involved the Heavenly Mother Sect, so it would be best to consult with Lu Qingmo once they returned. After taking out the spatial bag from Peng Liumings possession and exploring its contents, Han was pleasantly surprised. There were items related to incense cultivation, Daoist techniques, martial weapons, and other resources, which was expected from someone in charge of this outpost. Moreover, Han also acquired a magical artifact. In a good mood, Han took out three calming incense sticks from the spatial bag and handed them to An Lang. "Feel free to use them, no need to hold back!" "Thank you, young master!" An Lang happily took them. After organizing the spoils of the day, Han felt a sense of satisfaction. To get rich, one still had to engage in chivalrous deeds. And to get truly rich, it all came down to cheats. Han took out the Evil-Repelling Order and looked at it. A number on it represented his good deeds. However, due to Zhao Duguans actions, the number kept changing, meaning people linked to the Heavenly Mother Sects outpost were being rounded up one by one. Since that was the case, Han didnt rush to finalize it yet. Eliminating evil brought good deeds, and when Han chose to settle it, there would be an additional bonus. The cleaner the evil was eradicated, the higher the bonus. After the days events, it was already late, and Han meditated until after midnight. Master Zhou, having worked all day, transformed into a lumberjack and kept busy. Only those who are useless to society would sleep! With a sharp swing of his axe, three glowing orbs appeared in front of Han. Low-Grade Spirit Herb: Ginseng Strengthens vital energy, enhances Qi Low-Grade Spirit Herb: Ginseng Fruit Strengthens vital energy, enhances Qi, boosts spirit "..." Seeing the first two drops, Han felt speechless. The last time it was yellow plums and middle plums, and now again its ginseng and ginseng fruit. Why couldnt you combine them into a ginseng fruit drop? Han slapped the Big Thousand Immortal Tree again and ranted. Herbal Pill: Spirit Nourishing Pill Nourishes spirit, strengthens soul Magical Artifact: Clear Heart Jade Pendant (Fragment) Reduces mental distractions, calms the mind, protects against illusionary forces. A clear heart is like ice, unaffected by any chaos. Detected that the player already has a fragment of the Clear Heart Jade Pendant. It can be fused. Han was surprised. He hadnt expected the magical artifact fragments he received in the early days of chopping trees to appear again today. Fragments, fusion! Magical Artifact: Clear Heart Jade Pendant Calms the mind, resists illusions, clears the heart, unshaken even when the sky falls. After fusing the two fragments, Han was astonished to find a complete artifact. "Looks like the stronger the artifact, the more fragments it has, and the harder it is to complete," Han mused. The Water Avoiding Pearl was a prime example. Another artifact! Hans heart felt at ease. He chopped away three more times, and the orbs filled the space in front of Han. Three spirit herbs dropped, along with three useful herbal pills for cultivation. Even though Hans soul and martial arts had already reached the second realm, the drops were still low-grade spirit herbs and herbal pills. The tier of the items hadnt increased. However, the potency of the herbs and pills was noticeably stronger. Martial Art Seed: Chaotic Cloud Saber Technique No light in the heavens, black clouds press the ground, the wild saber dances, and the light returns. Martial Art Seed: Tyrant Spear Technique The king of spears, suppressing all directions. The final two drops were martial art seeds. But it left Han speechless. Are martial art seeds good? Yes, they are! They allow you to effortlessly learn a martial art, saving time and effort, and you can also directly master the basic techniques of a weapon. But why did you give me one for saber and one for spear? I use a sword! Han was about to lose his temper. Im a swordsman, and yet you dont drop a sword technique for me. You drop two other weapons instead. Was this intentional or accidental? Frustrated, Han planted the two martial art seeds in his Soul World and watered them. Sigh... I guess lifes just something to muddle through. Sometimes, Han envied other martial artists. They didnt have so many choices, and therefore, no such worries. Han sighed! The next morning, as Han stepped out of his house, he saw a group of people waiting at his doorstep. As soon as they saw him, they swarmed around him. "Young Master Jia, I am the magistrate of Qinghua County..." "Young Master Jia, I am..." One by one, they introduced themselves with flattering expressions, eager to please. These were the kinds of people whose stomps could shake the whole of Qinghua County, but before Han, they had no pride left. At this point, even though he was a fake envoy, he had truly become the ''Jia Shangs.'' Chapter 75: The Incense of Thought In the early morning, the prominent figures of Qinghua County arrived at Han''s door, showering him with praises. They eagerly expressed their desire to host him, hoping that he would honor them with his presence. It was no wonder they were bending over backward. In Da Qi, any evidence of collusion with the Heavenly Mother Sect was punishable by death. Given the recent events in Qinghua County, even if these individuals had no direct ties to the sect, they would still face severe repercussions once an investigation was launched. In this context, Han, who had contributed immensely to their survival, was crucial. Looking at the flattering faces around him, Han couldnt help but feel a surge of emotion. Who would have imagined that the person they now sought to please, a head-chopping official, was once an orphan facing life and death just over ten days ago? The wheel of fate had quietly turned that night, changing many lives, and more profound shifts were yet to come. Despite these thoughts, Han remained clear-headed, not allowing himself to become complacent. These people were not truly flattering himthey were flattering the position of "the official" who could help them, a position Han just happened to occupy at that moment. Han had not forgotten the cause of this sudden change, nor what had brought him the praise he now enjoyed. At that moment, his resolve became even firmer. The world was chaotic: people were complex, ghosts were vicious, demons were cunning, and beasts were brutal. Only power, true and unassailable, was real. When faced with the invitations of the influential figures in Qinghua County, Han politely refused. What did their hospitality truly entail? Wine, wealth, and women. Wine? He preferred tea. Wealth? Accepting that would only complicate matters. As for women... Hmph, they were nothing more than ordinary distractions. How could they ever disturb his heart? After politely escaping their awkward conversations, Han made his way to the Ghosts and Gods Bureau and sought out Zhao Duguan. Even as a night-walking cultivator, Zhao Duguan looked haggard. "Is the esteemed Lord Jia leaving already?" "Ive done what I needed to do. Its time for me to leave." Han was skilled at executing punishment, but when it came to soothing the citizens or quelling the faith of the followers, he was not the right person for the job. "Qinghua County is a mess. I wont keep you here, Lord Jia," Zhao Duguan hesitated before adding, "If possible, could you speak a few words in my favor to Lu Duguan?" Han had no intention of agreeing. The choices were his, and the mistakes made were his to face. Zhao Duguan sighed but didnt press further. He escorted Han out. "Zhao Duguan, there''s no need to see me off."This narrative has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. If you see it on Amazon, please report it. As Han walked out of Qinghua County, something suddenly felt off. Had he forgotten something? After a brief pause, Han had a realization. His horse! Not long after, a swift horse galloped out of Qinghua County, racing into the distance. A figure watched as the rider vanished from sight. Though the person had left, the name of the "head-chopping official" would remain forever in Qinghua County, becoming a legend that would be passed down for years. Hans sudden appearance had obliterated the Heavenly Mother Sects stronghold, shaking the entire county. He was feared, respected, and even hated. "Uncle, what should we do now?" "First, let Qinghua County stabilize, then..." "Follow me to the prefecture and confess." Black Cloud Peach Forest. "This is the situation." Han shrugged, looking directly at Lu Qingmo. After a brief pause, Lu Qingmo spoke thoughtfully, "Are you saying you infiltrated the Heavenly Mother Sect?" "I infiltrated. I would never join themevil and I are sworn enemies!" "Hmm. You infiltrated the Heavenly Mother Sect, killed two deputy officials in Qinghua County, eliminated three Heavenly Maiden guardians, and captured a Heavenly Maiden messenger alive?" "That''s exactly it." Lu Qingmos expression was mixed. Initially, she had only wanted Han to gather intelligence, then send reinforcements to Qinghua County to resolve the situation. But he had single-handedly handled it all. Youre quite capable, making me speechless." "Have you made a breakthrough in martial arts?" "Some minor progress. Ive just entered the Meridian Realm." "Very good," Lu Qingmo replied with a smile. "This is the third time Ive heard you say ''minor progress''is that all it ever is for you?" Han laughed awkwardly and took out a spatial pouch. "Aunt Mo, this is everything I seized from the Heavenly Mother Sects base." Inside the pouch were not only items from the sect but also a few things Han had taken from the Immortal Tree, hidden among the spoils. Lu Qingmo inspected the pouch, pulling out several items related to demonic forces, including a statue of the Heavenly Maiden, and returned the pouch to Han. "Your spoils, of course, belong to you." "Excellent," Han said, appreciating how Lu Qingmo had arranged the proper handling of these materials. "Aunt Mo, about this statue..." Han began, detailing the events regarding the Heavenly Maiden. "Su Tian Nu" Lu Qingmo thought for a moment, shaking her head. "I havent heard of her during my time in Black Cloud Town." "The mist inside the statue is actually incense created from thoughts and intentionsa special type of incense born from the ideas of living beings." With a wave of her hand, Lu Qingmo summoned the mist from the statue. "This incense is one of the foundations of deities, with many mystical usesit can be used in pill refinement, artifact crafting, and even for forming seals and formations." "However, this incense is too disordered and of low quality. Even deities dont dare absorb it directly. It needs to be purified multiple times." "Thought incense..." Han murmured. "Can cultivators absorb it?" "They can, but they must be prepared to sever their path, even losing their sense of self. Very few cultivators would directly refine thought incense. Most only use it for external purposes." "This is something gods need, part of their innate abilities." Lu Qingmo glanced at Han. "If you were to refine this incense, your soul would be tainted. The mildest consequence would be remaining forever in the out-of-body realm." "But this incense is useless," Han frowned. "Its something gods need, but Im no god." "I understand how the incense taints the soul," he added. One thousand people have one thousand thoughts, and the power birthed from their ideas naturally carries their will. This was completely different from incense made from natural materials, like calming incense. "Its not entirely useless," Lu Qingmo said, pulling out a jade cup. She poured the incense into the cup, and it miraculously transformed into liquid, filling the cup to the brim with grayish-white liquid. "This is an incense cup. Once thought incense is poured in, it turns into liquid. When the cup is full, it holds value." "You could sell it. Those backed by deities would pay a good price for it." Han smiled helplessly. "How would I find such a group?" "Aunt Mo, do you need it?" "I''m no god," Lu Qingmo shook her head. "I haven''t reached the level where I can utilize thought incense." No. You are my deity. Chapter 76: The Mystery of the Mountain God Han released the illusory soul, and as soon as Peng Liuming saw him, he burst into laughter. "Jia Ming, Jia Ming, you still haven''t given up?" "The great Mother of Heaven has made me fearless of any torment. There isnt a single traitor among the followers of the Mother of Heaven. Don''t think youll get any information from me!" Han turned to Lu Qingmo. "Aunt Mo, do you have any ideas?" "I have none," Lu Qingmo replied, shaking her head. "If I knew how to wield divine mind-controlling techniques, I could have made him spill the beans." "But that sort of magic is beyond me." She wasn''t omnipotent. Directly controlling someone''s soul or temporarily enslaving them was not a skill someone of her background would have learned. "Well then..." Han took out a pillan Item Spirit Pill, the Heart Confounding Pill. "Let me handle this. I got this from Qinghua County." He crushed the pill and sprinkled its powder onto Peng Liuming''s soul. "Since you''re not afraid of torment, then let me change things up. Become my dog." The Heart Confounding Pill forced those who ingested it to obey Han for a limited time, though it was ineffective for those stronger than the Night Wanderer stage. If it were permanent, Han would have to reconsider, but for now, a temporary command was just right for Peng Liuming. "Tell me, what was the purpose of setting up your base in Qinghua County? And how did you know about the earthquake in Black Cloud Town?" The earthquake in Black Cloud Town had just occurred, and Liang Hai and his group arrived that very night. The most troubling part was that the news came from the Mother of Heaven Cult itself. If there was no issue here, Han would perform his prayers in reverse. Peng Liumings eyes glazed over, and he immediately began to speak. "Its the closest place to Black Cloud Town." "Ten years ago, the Cult sent me to set up a base in Qinghua County and instructed me to monitor Black Cloud Town, regularly reporting on its situation and gathering the incense of thought." "At the same time, every so often, we would send cultivators to Black Cloud Town to cause harm, to see if they could survive." Han furrowed his brows. Monitoring Black Cloud Town? Sending people to cause harm? What did Black Cloud Town ever do to offend the Mother of Heaven Cult? "Why did they want you to focus on Black Cloud Town?" "I know its related to the Mountain God of Black Mountain, but Im not clear on the details." "The news of the earthquake in Black Cloud Town was delivered directly to me by Lady Su Tian, instructing me to take action." Lady Su Tian, who was far away, had somehow learned of the earthquake in advance?Unauthorized usage: this tale is on Amazon without the author''s consent. Report any sightings. Han looked at Lu Qingmo, and saw her eyes glimmering with realization. "Over the last ten years, how many people did you send to Black Cloud Town? What kind of harm did they cause, and what were their identities?" "Ten years ago..." Peng Liuming began recounting his actions, listing them one by one. "Where is the Mother of Heaven Cult''s stronghold?" "I dont know." "Where did you come from?" "I dont know. The Mother of Heaven Cult recruited me, and Ive been in a remote mountain base ever since. When I left, I was unconscious, and when I woke up, I was already outside Qinghua County." What a cautious person. "You wont get anything more from him," Lu Qingmo said. "The real secrets of the Mother of Heaven Cult are beyond the knowledge of someone at his level." "Even if you catch someone stronger in the future, someone who knows the true secrets of the Cult, their souls will be sealed with restrictions, preventing them from speaking." "What about what he said just now?" "Those were truths," Lu Qingmo said, shaking her head. "But they aren''t the real secrets of the Cult." "Yes," Peng Liuming added, "I know there are spies from other factions in Black Cloud Town, and their goals seem to be the same as ours." "Theres a Mountain Water Temple in Black Cloud Town, built by another faction, but we dont know who." "The Mountain Water Temple..." Han didnt expect to hear that familiar name. Han interrogated Peng Liuming fully, until the effects of the Heart Confounding Pill wore off, and then he locked his soul away once more. "Aunt Mo, do you think something has happened with the Black Mountain Mountain God?" Lu Qingmo nodded. "It seems something has happened." "Black Cloud Town has always been under the protection of the Mountain God. In the past, very few outsiders dared to commit evil here." "The Mountain God rarely shows divine power openly, but behind the scenes, his influence has been strong." "But in recent years, the evil deeds of outsiders have become frequent, which should be seen as a test of the Mountain Gods strength." "The masterminds behind all this must have gotten the answer they wantedsomething''s wrong with the Black Mountain Mountain God." "If the Mountain God remains silent, the peaceful days of Black Cloud Town will soon be over." If the Mountain God had only been silent for a day or two, that wouldnt be too troubling. But the fact that the Mother of Heaven Cult had been probing for over ten years had revealed many things. Han fell silent. Was peace about to slip away? "I''ve always been satisfied with my life," Han sighed. "I have friendly and kind fellow disciples, and caring mentors. Every day has been joyful." Since crossing over, Hans life hadnt been difficult. Though he''d encountered many evil people and deeds, his life had always been uplifting. He enjoyed such a life. But now... "Why is it so hard to live a peaceful life?" "Dont worry," Lu Qingmo reassured him. "This is ultimately the land of Da Qi, and no matter what tricks the evil forces try, they will still have to be cautious." A cold glint flashed across Lu Qingmos face. "If those evil experts or demonic cultivators dare to show up, the experts of Da Qi will make sure they return with nothing." Hans frustration was slightly eased. True, strength faces strength, and experts handle experts. "Aunt Mo, if these evil experts show up, do you think you can deal with them?" Han asked curiously. "What about the leader of the Mother of Heaven Cult?" "..." "Do you have a problem with me? Why are you rushing for me to reincarnate?" "Im just a cultivator of the Xuandu Sect stationed in Black Cloud Town, not the sect leader!" Han was unceremoniously kicked out by Lu Qingmo, and with that, he had his answer. After leaving the Peach Grove, Han hurried to the martial arts hall. "Sister, Im here! Hehehe!" But when he arrived at Taibai, Han realized there were outsiders present! Some had embroidered a battle-knife on their clothes, marking them as disciples of the Kuangdao Martial Arts Hall. Others had an embroidered character for "Gao" or "Lin," representing two of the major families of Black Cloud Town, on their garments. The local factions in Black Cloud Town consisted of the government, the three families, and the three martial arts halls. Originally, Black Cloud Town only had two martial arts halls, but after a day of wandering, Taibai Martial Arts Hall had been established and developed into one of the three largest factions. Han furrowed his brows. Could this be like Tenglong Martial Arts Hall, here to cause trouble? This was too muchdid they think that just because his master wasnt here, Taibai Martial Arts Hall was vulnerable? Just then, someone spotted Han and, after a careful look, shouted in surprise: "Its him! Its him!" "Hes back!" Everyone turned to look at Han in unison. Han froze. Something wasnt right. What was going on here? Chapter 77: The Sword Dominates the Field Are you Han? You look so small and frailhow could someone like you have such talent? Hearing this, Han immediately shot a glare at the speaker before quickly looking away. It turned out the person who had spoken was a muscular man, his calves as thick as someone else''s waist. Besides that impressive physique, I dont see any other qualities, the man remarked. How does he manage to have such good yet terrible judgment? Bai Ruoyue quickly walked over to Hans side, pulling him inside. Senior Sister, whats going on? Han asked quietly, Are these people here to cause trouble for the dojo? Bai Ruoyue glanced at Han with a helpless expression. You could say that, but you could also say theyre not. Because, to be precise, theyre here to cause trouble for you. To cause trouble for me? Han was taken aback. He considered himself kind-hearted, friendly, humble, and approachablenever once had he offended anyone. If anything, people had often come to him with hostility. Why would anyone be after him? Your reputation has spread. Hans face froze. Did my secrets get exposed? Now, everyone in Black Cloud Town knows that you, Han, are the unparalleled talent recently recruited by the Taibai Dojo, Bai Ruoyue said with a hint of joy. So many people want to learn from you. Now, more people are coming to the Taibai Dojo to sign up for martial arts than ever before. Its booming, it seems. Han let out a sigh of relief, glancing at the martial artists outside who were eyeing him. After a moment of thought, he understood what had happened. Did Tenglong Dojo spread the news? Its them, Bai Ruoyue confirmed. Han! I am Qian Feng from the Mad Blade Dojo, at the peak of the Flesh Realm! I seek your guidance! And I, Gao Lu from the Gao Family, also at the peak of the Flesh Realm. Do you dare to fight me? Lin Fan from the Lin Family! Han, face me in combat! One after another, warriors challenged Han, all claiming to be at the peak of the Flesh Realm. When the news spread from Tenglong Dojo that Han had trained for only a few days and already reached the minor peak of the Flesh Realm with the battle power of the major peak, Black Cloud Town was shaken. Everyones first reaction was disbelief. Minor peak of the Flesh Realm in just a dozen days? Is this some kind of martial arts story? Impossible. Absolutely impossible!Support creative writers by reading their stories on Royal Road, not stolen versions. Even Bai Ruoyues progress in a year and a half to reach the major peak was hard to accept. Now this ridiculous news is out there? Its simply absurd! When the news spread, many martial artists came to challenge Han. Unfortunately, Han had already left for Qinghua County, and they returned empty-handed. Afterward, more martial artists came every day, hoping to see if Han had returned. Today, they finally got their chance. The gazes of the martial artists on Han ranged from combative to proud, cold to disdainful. Its been the same throughout historyscholars look down on each other, and martial artists are no different. Looking at them, Hans thoughts stirred. Perhaps they werent just here to challenge himthey might be testing Taibai as well. After all, Bai Ruoyue had been gone for a while, which must have raised some suspicions. Senior Sister, have these people caused any trouble at the dojo in the past few days? Han asked. Bai Ruoyue shook her head. No, you''re the only disciple at the Flesh Realm in the dojo. There''s no one to fight. They usually just wait for you and then leave. Taibai has seven disciples, and the rest are apprentices. These challengers werent going to waste their time fighting with apprentices. Thats fine then. Theres no need for any conflict, Han said, shaking his head. He then addressed the challengers: Im the Han youre looking for, but you should go home. I dont want to fight. Youre not my match. Little junior brother is still the same sweet talker. You call this avoiding conflict? Sure enough, as soon as Han said this, the martial artists were displeased. What do you mean were not your match? Maybe youre talented, but youre still just a young man when it comes to martial arts, Gao Lu from the Gao family sneered. Young people shouldnt be too arrogant. How old are you? Han asked. Seventeen! Han nodded. Seventeen and still only at the peak of the Flesh Realm? No wonder youre not arrogant. Some martial artists might start training later due to family circumstances, but those from prominent families usually begin at twelve. Five years and still stuck at the Flesh Realm? Compared to Shen Yu, youre way behind. Shen Yu is only sixteen and already at the Meridian Realm. Arrogant! Gao Lu roared. Fight me! I dont believe youre as strong as the trash from Tenglong Dojo say! The last time someone from Tenglong Dojo asked me to make a move, they had to pay three spirit herbs. Han glanced at the group. If you really want me to show you a thing or two, Ill give you a discountjust pay one spirit herb each. How could someone expect to receive guidance from a Meridian Realm expert without paying some price? Youre scared, arent you? Gao Lu taunted. Chicken feed technique? Useless! Say whatever you want, but the fee of one spirit herb for guidance is non-negotiable, Han said indifferently. Without paying anything, they think they can just come here and fight him? Does he look like hes free? Brother Zhou seems confident, so you must be extraordinary, just as the rumors say, Lin Fan from the Lin family spoke up. If thats the case, I wont interfere. Lin Fan thought to himself: One spirit herb just to fight you? Whether I win or lose, Ill still lose one spirit herb. Whos dumb enough to agree to such terms? Fine, Ill give you a spirit herb! Gao Lu tossed a spirit herb to Han. Lin Fan was stunned. There really are people foolish enough to agree? Does Gao Lu not know that fighting me is a loss either way? Han took the spirit herb, surprised but also appreciative of Gao Lu. He liked this kind of passionate young man. He glanced at Gao Lus spatial pouch and figured his status in the Gao family must be significant. Han then turned his attention to the others, who all shook their heads, unwilling to pay for the spirit herb. Only Qian Feng from Mad Blade Dojo hesitated for a moment before gritting his teeth and saying: Ill give you a spirit herb as well. If the rumors are true, I want to experience firsthand how strong you are and how much of a gap there is between us! This persons personality is a bit like your second senior brother, Bai Ruoyue whispered to Han. Han nodded, understanding as soon as she mentioned second senior brother. However, Qian Feng didnt have a spirit herb or a spatial pouch. Instead, he wrote an IOU. Borrowing Shen Yus Hundred Refinements Sword for a fair fight? That would be taking advantage. You all can come at me together. Whoosh! The clash of swords and blades was deafening. With the speed of the peak of the Flesh Realm, they were upon Han in an instant, creating a sonic boom. A mediocre body and slightly lacking technique. Han commented as he swung a simple sword strike. Bang! The sword and blade collided with explosive force, sending Qian Feng and Gao Lu flying at high speed, crashing into the ground, their weapons flying from their hands. Han sheathed his sword, turned, and calmly walked away. Please leave. Chapter 78: A Rising Legend "Let me take a look!" "Let me feel it too!" "I''ll test it!" In the back courtyard, six senior disciples gathered around Han, eager to see the results. It didnt take long before they reached their conclusion. Meridian Realm! "As expected," Shen Long clapped his hands excitedly. "When you made your move earlier, I could tell something was different." "Meridian Realm already? How many days has it been?" Shen Long asked, his voice brimming with enthusiasm. "Four days," Han replied casually. Bai Ruoyue squeezed Hans shoulder, a mix of surprise and admiration in her eyes. "Thats quite... impressive," she commented with a touch of disbelief. "Ive just been overtaken by my little junior brother," Shen Yu said, stunned. It had happened too quickly for her to process. She had thought this day would come eventually, but not so soon. "Sister Six, our realms are still the same," Han remarked to Shen Yu, trying to ease her mood. "Your realm may be the same, but your power? Thats a different story," Shen Yu shook her head. "You''re a freak of nature. Im not sure even Fourth Brother or Fifth Brother could match you." Su Changan and He Feng were both at the Minor Meridian Realm, so Shen Yus words held some truth. As for their Third Brother, Zhang Yuantao, who had been at the Major Meridian Realm for months and was heading toward perfection, his strength was beyond comparison to most. He Feng laughed, "Looks like we dont have any more warriors at the Body Realm in the Taibai Sect." Everyone laughed, but soon, Zhang Yuantaos expression grew serious. "Little Junior Brothers breakthrough is a cause for celebration, but with his talent, other martial halls and families will likely take notice," Zhang Yuantao said, his tone grave. "They wouldnt dare!" Bai Ruoyue frowned. "Even if my father isnt around, Taibai Martial Hall isnt something they can easily control." "If they dare to show up, theyll regret it," she added, her voice laced with determination. "Ive been wanting to test my strength at the Bone Refining Realm," she muttered, but she seemed unbothered by the challenges from other martial halls. "Are the leaders of other forces all at the Bone Refining Realm?" Han asked, curious. "Yes," Bai Ruoyue nodded. "The leaders of both the Tenglong and Kuangdao Martial Halls, as well as the heads of the three major families, are all at the Bone Refining Realm." "This realm requires the refining of all 206 bones, a process that consumes a lot of time but makes the practitioner immensely powerful. Even in a county city, a Bone Refining Realm expert is considered a grandmaster." Han had heard of this before. In some areas, even the Internal Organs Realm was a rare sight, but Black Cloud Town boasted experts in the Bone Refining Realm, thanks to the blessings of Black Mountain and Cloud River.Stolen from its original source, this story is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings. "So Tenglong and Kuangdao both have Bone Refining Realm vice-hallmasters..." Han mused. "Why doesnt Taibai have any?" "The Tenglong and Kuangdao Martial Halls have been around for decades, and their scale is indeed much larger," Zhang Yuantao explained. "Although they are called martial halls, theyve essentially begun to shift into sect-like organizations." "Once someone joins their apprentice ranks, its hard to leave, and most are bound to the hall for life." Han now realized that the other two martial halls had different methods compared to Taibai. Their transformation into sect-like structures was something he hadnt expected. Bai Ruoyue snorted, "Whats so impressive about having more people? My father turned away Bone Refining experts who wanted to join Taibai Martial Hall." "Why?" Han asked. "My father just wanted to focus on training disciples. He didnt want to get involved in other matters. Those who came to him just wanted to leverage his strength to gain more benefits," Bai Ruoyue explained, her pride evident. She suddenly seemed a little smug, "With my fathers strength, no matter how many people the other halls recruit, it wont matter. Theres a fundamental difference!" Han silently nodded. Bai Ruoyue had mentioned before that her father, Bai Tian, was one of the strongest people in Black Cloud Town. It seemed that he was more powerful than the leaders of the other martial halls and family heads. However, Han couldnt help but feel that his master was quite mysterious. There was something different about his thinking compared to others in Black Cloud Town. He wondered what his master had experienced during his travels in his youth... "Little Junior Brother, tell me about what happened in Qinghua County," Bai Ruoyue asked with curiosity. Han cleared his throat. Now, he had a great story to tell. In an animated retelling, Han described his heroic featsinvestigating the Tiamu Sect in the slums and plotting an assault from behind enemy lines. As Han spoke, news of his return and the defeat of two Major Body Realm experts spread quickly. Martial artists from all over had witnessed his power, and now, Hans legendary status could no longer be hidden. His name echoed through Black Cloud Town. A Legend in the Making "A single sword strike to defeat two opponents, with no room for them to fight back..." Tenglongs Long Tianchongs eyes deepened. "If my guess is right, this Han should already have reached the Major Body Realm." "Master is insightful!" When the news reached the Kuangdao Halls Master, Xie Lei, he was stunned for a moment before sighing in admiration. "To defeat two opponents so easilyif he was only at the Minor Body Realm, Long Tianchong would probably be using his own head as a soccer ball." "Heroes emerge in youth. How is it that Bai Tians disciple is so lucky?" "Perhaps back then..." "Perhaps I shouldve left Black Cloud Town like Bai Tian did, instead of staying behind to inherit my fathers legacyKuangdao Martial Hall." The news of Hans abilities had spread far and wide, and even though he was still in the Body Realm, it had reached the ears of leaders from every faction. Upon learning the details, they all couldnt remain calm. Together, they whispered: "Terrifying!" ... By the time Han finished recounting his adventures in Qinghua County, with just a touch of embellishment, he was exhausted. "Little Junior Brother, you''re truly a hero of the young generation," someone exclaimed. "I dont deserve that," Han replied modestly. "Little Junior Brother, why dont you perform some secret martial arts for me? I want to see how youre progressing," Bai Ruoyue urged. "Sure." Han activated his transformative abilities, summoning the power of the Sea-covering Jiao Demon Soul, a technique that perfectly balanced both form and spirit. Bai Ruoyues eyes lit up. This technique, in Hans hands, had a unique flair. Even she hadnt been able to replicate the same effects. "Meridian Realm... strengthening the tendons and refining the true energy," Bai Ruoyue said thoughtfully. "In this realm, you need to refine your tendons to be as strong and resilient as possible, allowing for greater explosive power and speed." "You also need to expand and strengthen your meridians, ensuring the smooth flow of true energy, making your body stronger." "True energy is a mysterious force. Sometimes, when gravely wounded, a single breath of true energy can keep you alive." "When you reach the stage where your meridians resonate like strings, youll have achieved the Major Meridian Realm." "It took me two years to reach this stage, Little Junior Brother. You should..." "Be fast." "I wont disappoint your expectations, Senior Sister!" "..." As midnight passed, Han once again entered the secret realm. [Martial Path Seed: Fang Tian''s Halberd Technique] [With martial skills as the foundation, manifest the might of the Fang Tian Halberd, unmatched in battle] "..." "Hey, what are you doing?" Chapter 79: At This Moment, Just Like Back Then After the seed of archery, swordsmanship, and spear techniques, the great Immortal Tree once again dropped a seedthis time, a spear technique seed. Wait a minute, Im a swordsman, not a spearman! This cant be happening again. Though Han really wanted to punch the great Immortal Tree, he still decided to plant the seed in his Soul Realm. After all, why refuse something for free? First off, not only did the martial arts seed drop, but two spiritual herbs suitable for the Meridian Realm also appeared. Holding an axe, Han glared at the Immortal Tree. If youve got the guts, drop another martial arts seed for a different weapon! Three glowing orbs appeared. [Martial Arts Seed: The Three Axes of Felling the Sweet Osmanthus] [A martial technique created by watching a great master chopping osmanthus trees, with three variationseach one stronger than the last.] ." Brother Tree, Im sorry, I take it back. Lets make a deal, okay? Please take it back and give me another chance! The great Immortal Tree showed no response. Han, expressionless, took the seed, planted it, and then checked the next item that had dropped. [Rare Item: Moonlit Veil] [A veil made from the essence of moonlight. When draped over the shoulders, it gathers the moons rays, cooling the soul.] This item wasnt badit could help gather moonlight, which would be beneficial for cultivating the Night Wanderer level. Hans soul was progressing rapidly. He was already approaching the late stages of the Out-of-Body realm. It wouldnt be long before this item would prove useful. [Rune: Rune of Perception] [A Daoist rune that can pierce through disguises and directly reveal the true essence. Three uses available.] An auxiliary rune. It wasnt useful at the moment. Again, Han lifted his axe, thinking about the previous martial seed. Just wait, once the Three Axes of Felling the Sweet Osmanthus evolves, Ill use the technique you dropped to chop you down! [Quasi-Martial Weapon: Thorned Gauntlets] [Gauntlets forged from ancient thorny wood and rare materials. Originally meant to be a martial weapon, but due to the blacksmiths limited skill, the materials were not perfectly refined, making it a quasi-martial weapon.] [Quality Elixir: Essence Pill] [An elixir created by ancient royal alchemists using rare herbs and purified essence. It takes ten years to refine a batch. Each pill is precious, and taking one increases vitality.] [Quality Elixir: True Qi Pill] [Created by ancient royal alchemists taking it increases ones true qi.]If you discover this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation. The quasi-martial weapon, the thorned gauntlets, had sharp spikesthis kind of weapon had dropped before, but those were only at the Refined level. Still, they had their uses. In hand-to-hand combat, if someone else was barehanded, Han would be wearing the gauntlets. The moment they collided, the sight wouldnt be pretty. With invisible equipment and these thorned gauntlets, Han had mastered the art of the underhanded fight. Two elixirs were exactly what Han needed at his current stage. He recalled that Essence Pills and True Qi Pills had dropped before, but now he had a larger, more potent version. The effect was clearly stronger. It seemed even the great Immortal Tree understood: bigger is better, bigger is the way of things. The fourth axe drop had four glowing orbs, a new record for the day. [Special Item: Pure Soul Energy] [Rare Item: Earstone of Omniscience] [A rare treasure from the heavens. When melted with flame and applied to the ears, it enhances hearing and grants the chance to ignore sound transmission.] [Rare Item: Eyestone of Clarity] [A rare treasure from the heavens. When dissolved in boiling water and applied to the eyes, it enhances vision and gives the chance to see through illusions.] [Special Item: Pure Soul Energy] Two rare items and two pure soul energy orbsquite a harmonious drop. Han had absorbed plenty of Pure Soul Energy before, so he immediately used it. These two items grant abilities that are somewhat like talentsthough Id call them weaker talents, Han mused. Some peoples talents were so great they could dominate the world, while others talents only made their lives a little easier. Han left the secret realm, making a fire and searching for water to refine the items. He also released An Lang from the Ghost Realm to absorb the moonlight. However, An Lang, drawn by Hans presence, floated over curiously and asked, Master, are you hungry? If you are, I can try cooking for you. Although I cant cook, Ive seen how they do it. Ill give it a try. Forget it, Im not that lucky. Hans face darkened. And when have you seen anyone eating stones? Then why are you roasting and boiling stones? Shut up. Oh. After refining the items, Han immediately used them. A sharp clarity filled his senseshe could see and hear things with more precision. Especially his eyes; Han felt his Yin-Yang Eye ability had strengthened a bit. An Lang watched all of this in surprise. Master, what kind of technique is this? Did you roast the stones until they melted and cooked away? Mind your own business! An Lang immediately started to wail and ran off to a corner to enjoy her incense, hiding her face. Having made some profit from the Heavenly Mother Sect, An Lang had mastered the art of incense making. Now, she was practically free to indulge in incense as much as she liked. Han ignored her. Tch, fake crying ghost. What an actress. In the morning, Han sent An Lang back to the Ghost Realm for some sleep, then headed straight to the peach orchard. There was no sign of Lu Qingmo, so Han knocked on the door to her loft. Aunt Mo, may I come in? Sure. Han opened the door and was surprised to see Lu Qingmo wearing the official uniform of the Ghost Officials Bureaushe wasnt in her usual long skirt. But Lu Qingmo looked quite alluring in that uniform. Aunt Mo, whats going on? Youre just in time, Lu Qingmo said. I need to go to the county city today. Come with me. To the county city? Yeah, there have been continuous issues in Black Cloud Town, and now another Heavenly Mother Sect base has been destroyed. I need to head to the Ghost Officials Bureau to handle it. Youve earned quite a bit of credit for wiping out that Heavenly Mother Sect base on your own, so Im bringing you along. Of course, if you dont want to go, thats fine too. Ill go, Ill go! Aunt Mo, take me with you! Han immediately agreed. Hed been wanting to visit the county city for a while, especially to deal with some materials he had obtained for weapon refining. The county city was far from Qinghua County, and he couldnt travel alone. Now that he had the chance to go with Lu Qingmo, it was the perfect opportunity. Go prepare your things. Ill be waiting at the Taibai Martial Hall. Han turned and left. Back home, he moved some items from the Immortal Trees space into his spatial bag. He had returned the Taibai Bag to Bai Ruoyue, but it didnt matter nowhe had his own spatial bag and even a spatial ring. At the Taibai Martial Hall, he found Bai Ruoyue sulking as she clung to Lu Qingmos arm. I want to go to the county city too, she grumbled. Han chuckled. Senior Sister, you cant go. The martial hall still needs you. Bai Ruoyue glared at him. You said the same thing last time. But I was telling the truth. Bai Ruoyue only grew more frustrated. Alright, well be back soon, Lu Qingmo reassured her before leading Han away. Goodbye, Senior Sister! Ill bring you a gift! Han called out. Looking at their retreating figures, Bai Ruoyue felt the scene was oddly familiar. When she realized what had happened, a wave of frustration hit her. Last time, she had specifically sent the little junior brother off to do something. This time, they were both leaving together. But no matter how you looked at it, she had been here first! Damn it, Ive become the outsider. Chapter 80: Do You Even Have a Limit? As they left the town, Lu Qingmo took out a black carpet and tossed it into the air. The carpet expanded with the wind, floating and hovering above them. She stepped onto the carpet and gestured to Han. "Come up." Han followed her instructions, hopping onto the carpet. To his surprise, it was completely stable with no wobble at all. A magic carpet? Well, at least it''s not a broomstick. "Mo Aunt, can this thing fly for long distances?" Han asked curiously. "This is a special flying artifact designed for long journeys," Lu Qingmo explained. "It has a magic source inside to supply its energy, so it can travel for extended periods without needing rest. The journey to Tianyue County is long, and using a normal method would take too much time." As she spoke, the flying carpet already began heading west, picking up speed, and soon the ground below was nothing but a blur. However, Han didnt feel any turbulence or weightlessness. Magic techniques, truly amazing. Mo Aunt really knows her stuff. "Earlier on the road, you mentioned you had business in the county?" Lu Qingmo asked. "Yes," Han replied. "I found some interesting things at the Tianmu Sect''s base and also obtained some materials from the bottom of Yunjiang River. I was thinking of going to the county to ask some skilled craftsmen to forge them into weapons." He took out a handful of silver essence and a vial of Tianqing gold liquidboth shining brightly in the light. These materials werent all of Han''s possessions, just what he felt he could bring out without seeming too ridiculous. If he showed everything he had, it would be unbelievable. "Silver essence and Tianqing gold liquid?" Lu Qingmo''s eyes narrowed as she recognized the materials. "Either of these alone could be used to forge weapons, but together, their compatibility is perfecta match made in heaven." "You actually found these at the bottom of Yunjiang River?" she asked, eyes widening in surprise. "Thats quite a stroke of luck Wait, the bottom of Yunjiang River?" Lu Qingmo paused, realization dawning on her. "To find such materials, youd have to go to the deepest part of Yunjiang, and it wouldnt be easy. How did you manage to get to the bottom?" Han blinked. "I didnt tell you?" "I can move freely underwater, just like Im walking on land. I avoid the current and dive deep into Yunjiang every day, searching for treasures." When did you ever tell me that? Lu Qingmo almost felt like throwing Han off the carpet. "So, the last time you encountered those shrimp and crab soldiers was at the bottom of Yunjiang?" she asked, still trying to process this information. "Yep," Han replied casually.Stolen story; please report. He had told Lu Qingmo about the shrimp and crab soldiers before, but he hadn''t gone into much detail, just mentioning he''d met them while diving into the Yunjiang River. Lu Qingmo probably thought it was just a casual dive. "What kind of ability is this?" she asked, her tone serious. "It came about the night I entered the training state," Han said. "Water affinity, the ability to control water..." Lu Qingmo fell into deep thought. "This sounds like a kind of natural talent." So how many talents have you awakened by now? And how much more are you going to surprise me? Lu Qingmo pondered over this, racking her brain for an answer. She tried to recall the knowledge she''d learned at Xuandu Temple, but nothing seemed to fit. Could you be a reincarnated god, or a person blessed by the heavens? Could there really be someone whos so talented, so loved by the heavens, that they could awaken multiple talents with ease? Lu Qingmo thought, then thought some more, but eventually chose to give up. She just couldnt figure it out. "I can help you find a skilled craftsman to forge these materials into weapons," she said after a long pause. "Ah?" Han looked surprised. "No need to refuse," Lu Qingmo said with a smile. "Consider it an extra reward for your contribution to stabilizing Heiyun Town." Han accepted this offer in silence. Mo Aunt is truly something else. Im about to cry from how often she rewards me. "By the way, Mo Aunt, will the Tianmu Sects matter be reported to Xuandu Temple?" "I need to investigate things further in the county before deciding," Lu Qingmo replied. "And it''s not just about the Tianmu Sect. From my investigation, Ive found that there are still problems in Heiyun Town." "Problems in Heiyun Town?" Han asked, his curiosity piqued. "Yes," Lu Qingmo said gravely. "Someones been causing trouble, making connections with outsiders." "..." As their conversation continued, the flying carpet carried them further away. Beneath them, the mountains and rivers seemed vast yet small at the same time. Meanwhile, in Heiyun Town, several Meridian Realm martial artists arrived at Taibai Pavilion again, looking for Han, but they left empty-handed. When they relayed the news back to their faction, Li Longtian couldnt help but frown. "Hes left Heiyun Town again? This kid, a mere Flesh Realm martial artist, seems busier than I am?"
One hour later, a magnificent city came into view. Tianyue County Cityfinally here. "That was fast," Han remarked, impressed. He could sense the immense distance they had covered, and the speed of the flying artifact was truly astonishing. As they neared the city, Lu Qingmo landed the carpet and they walked in. At the city gates, soldiersmartial artistswere inspecting everyones entry, but when Lu Qingmo presented a plaque, they immediately stepped aside, allowing her to pass with a look of awe. If the Xuandu Temple''s outer disciples were stopped by a few gate guards, that would be embarrassing. As they passed through the gates, Han suddenly felt a strange sensation in his soul, as if a heavy weight had settled on his shoulders. "This is the protective array of Tianyue County," Lu Qingmo explained. "Its not dangerous, just a standard barrier." "...That''s really advanced," Han muttered, feeling impressed. Tianyue County truly is on a different level. Its protective arrays alone far exceed anything in Qinghua County. Once inside the city, the hustle and bustle hit Han like a wave. People were everywhere, the place was vibrant, and the atmosphere was vastly more prosperous than Heiyun Town. "The population of Tianyue County City is in the hundreds of thousands," Lu Qingmo continued. "During its construction, countless martial artists and cultivators were involved." "In the city, youre not allowed to use magic or martial skills unless you have permission, but our status exempts us from that rule." For instance, right now, their walking speed was much faster than the average persons. Hearing this, Han couldnt help but imagine a few strange scenarios in his mind. Since cultivators and martial artists helped build the city Could they have solved waste disposal and water management using magic? As they walked through the streets, pedestrians automatically stepped aside. Lu Qingmos imposing presence, combined with their superior appearance, made it clear they were not ordinary individuals. "Tianyue County has twenty-four districts, and one directly governed town, Heiyun Town," Lu Qingmo said. "So, even though Heiyun is just a town, all important matters have to be dealt with in the county city." Han nodded. With Heiyun Town''s strength, it could never be under the jurisdiction of another district. Soon, Lu Qingmo led Han down a rarely visited street, where unique buildings stood, guarded by sentries. The Ghost and Divine Affairs Department! Lu Qingmo took out her token, and the two guards at the entrance immediately stepped aside without saying a word. Han couldnt help but feel a bit regretful. Why is it that the guards I meet always seem so perceptive? Shouldnt you at least question whether Lu Qingmos token is fake? Chapter 81: The Ten Thousand Stars The Ghostly Deities Office wasnt particularly busy, and the few people who passed through seemed to be in a hurry. When they saw Han and his companion, they were surprised but didnt bother to question them. After walking for a while, they arrived at a courtyard where someone was already waiting. An elderly man in a white robe sat on a chair, with a young man standing respectfully beside him. "Old Ye." "Ah, it''s District Head Lu," the old man chuckled. Lu Qingmo smiled wryly, "Youre always joking around." "Why the hurry? You couldnt wait to discuss something face-to-face?" "It''s not urgent, but it''s important. Are you willing to listen?" "Of course! At my age, theres not much time left, so any matter I can hear is one less I have to deal with." The old man got up and gestured toward a young man beside him. "Xiao Fang, please entertain our guest." Lu Qingmo and Han stepped out of the room, as the matter to be discussed was rather confidential. The young man beside the old man smiled at Han and nodded. "Yuan Fang." "Nice name," Han nodded in respect. "Han," Han replied. "Are you from Black Cloud Town, Brother Zhou?" "Yes, Im affiliated with the Ghostly Deities'' Office there." Yuan Fang seemed thoughtful. "It seems Brother Zhou is quite strong." After all, the government didnt keep people who were of no use. Han felt that Yuan Fang had misunderstood something. He was only in the Ghostly Deities Office in Black Cloud Town because there were too few cultivators there, and also because of some backdoor connections with Lu Qingmo But thinking about it, it wasnt wrong to say that Han was indeed relatively strong in Black Cloud Town. "Since youre in the city, if you have time, it would be my honor to show you around," Yuan Fang offered with a smile. Han shook his head. "Im afraid I have matters to attend to, so I may have to disappoint you, Brother Yuan." Yuan Fangs face showed a hint of regret. "What a pity." At that moment, a servant entered with tea, offering it in a very polite manner. The two men chatted for a while, and their conversation seemed to flow quite smoothly. "Who is the elder you spoke of earlier?" Han asked, curious. "Thats my teacher, Old Ye. Hes also the District Head of the Ghostly Deities Office in Tianyue County." Hans eyes widened. "The three giants of Tianyue County, huh?" And according to Lu Qingmo, Old Ye was also from the State Taoist Temple. "Is Brother Zhou a disciple of Lu Qingmo?" Yuan Fang asked, evidently aware of Lu Qingmos reputation. "No, Im just learning under Aunt Mo," Han shook his head.This story originates from a different website. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there. Yuan Fang nodded, showing no sign of surprise or change in demeanor. After a while, Lu Qingmo returned, but Old Ye was no longer with him. "Senior Lu," Yuan Fang greeted with a bow. Lu Qingmo simply nodded, his demeanor cool and detached, and then addressed Han. "I have some things to take care of, you can walk around the city if you like, but be sure to return by evening." Han couldnt help but smirk internally. Where else would he go? After all, it was clear Lu Qingmo trusted him, but his words were as distant as ever. "The bustling world cant blind my eyes!" Han muttered to himself. Yuan Fang smiled and offered, "How about I show you around the city, Brother Zhou? Its your first time here, and you could use a guide." Han didnt refuse, and Lu Qingmo said nothing, as usual. Although Lu Qingmo treated Han well, he was still rather aloof. The bond between Han and Lu Qingmo had deepened after the events in the secret chamber, but when it came to public life, Lu Qingmo maintained a certain distance. Outside the Ghostly Deities Office, Han briefly shared his thoughts with Yuan Fang, and they soon set off in a specific direction. Along the way, they encountered a man who mocked Yuan Fang, indicating that their relationship wasnt exactly cordial. However, it was a small interruption, and they quickly moved on. Their destination was the Wanxing Commerce Guild! "Now, this is impressive!" Han marveled, his eyes widening at the sight. It was even grander than the Ghostly Deities Office. "Of course," Yuan Fang smiled. "This is the largest commerce guild in the entire Qi kingdom, with branches in every city from Yu Jing to all the counties. It even has affiliates in the Eastern Zhou and Southern Chu kingdoms." Han was stunned. "Its power is truly vast?" A commerce guild that spanned multiple kingdomsthis wasnt just wealth; it signified immense influence. Otherwise, it wouldve been broken apart long ago. The world today was dominated by three kingdoms: Eastern Zhou, Southern Jin, and Western Qi, where Han was from. And to the north, there was the vast grassland. These were facts Han had learned from his memories, though he had spent most of his life in Black Cloud Town and had never truly encountered matters beyond the Qi kingdom. At the entrance, a stunningly beautiful hostess greeted them with a graceful bow and a sweet voice. Once inside the guild, the scene became even more extravagant. More stunning women, with swaying hips and alluring smiles, approached to offer their services. "Truly, Wanxing Commerce Guild knows how to entertain." However, Yuan Fang waved his hand, signaling for them not to be bothered, and the hostess quickly retreated. "Brother Zhou," Yuan Fang lowered his voice, "Items related to Daoist arts are strictly prohibited from public sale within the Qi kingdom." Han frowned. "But what about you and me? Were from the Ghostly Deities Office." Yuan Fang nodded. "Indeed. The ban doesnt apply to us." The first floor of Wanxing Commerce Guild was vast, with various items displayed for sale. Just as Bai Ruoyue had told him, Han could see various martial arts techniques for sale, all available for exchange with gold and silver. One entry-level cultivation technique was priced at ten taels of silver, while the Taibai Martial Arts Academy charged fifteen taels for one technique, plus a four-month coaching period. Han suddenly realized how fortunate he was to have a teacher like Lu Qingmo. There were pills, martial arts techniques, weapons, valuable antiques, paintings, jade, and jewelry "Where are the spiritual herbs?" Han asked, noticing something missing. "Spiritual herbs are not like pills," Yuan Fang explained, "They''re harder to acquire and require a reservation at the Wanxing Commerce Guild." Yuan Fangs voice lowered further, "Wanxing Commerce Guild surely has them, but they dont display them for sale. Instead, they sell them through other methods to maximize their profit, such as through the occasional Wanxing Trading Fair." "The Wanxing Trading Fair is where youll find countless treasuresitems useful even to Bone Refining cultivators, and even higher-level items." This made Han reflect on the uniqueness of Black Cloud Town. Its warriors, once they entered Black Mountain, would often come into contact with spiritual herbs. But outside of places like Black Cloud Town, many ordinary cultivators might never get the chance to see one in their entire lives. On the second floor, most of the items were displayed in booths, but there was one room in the cornerthis was their target. "Second Young Master Yuan." The guards at the door of the room recognized Yuan Fang, but their faces turned awkward when they saw him. "This is my friend, a fellow of the Ghostly Deities Office," Yuan Fang explained. But the guards still blocked their way. Hans heart raced. Was the plotline he was familiar with about to unfold? "Why are you blocking us?" Yuan Fang frowned. "Someones inside" one of the guards whispered. "When did the rules change, allowing only one guest at a time?" Yuan Fangs face suddenly darkened, and his anger began to surface. "Yuan Hua, that brat!" Yuan Fang growled. "Yuan Hua, get out here!" Yuan Fang pushed past the guards and entered the room, leaving Han confused. Yuan Hua? "Who are these two?" one of the guards asked, but Yuan Fang didnt answer. Han, with his usual curiosity, couldnt help but wonder how these two were related. Chapter 82: The Yang-Boosting Marrow Pearl Items related to cultivation techniques are not generally sold to the public. But when it comes to the second son of the Yuan family, is he really just another member of the public? Thus, Hans entry was unimpeded. As he walked in, he saw Yuan Fang in the middle of beating up Yuan Hua. The young man, barely seventeen or eighteen and dressed in a sea-blue outfit, was ducking and dodging as Yuan Fang pummeled him. Despite being a martial artist himself, Yuan Hua dared not resist the punches and kicks from Yuan Fang, who was known as the "frail" cultivator. "Brother, they''re here! Stop, leave me some face!" Yuan Hua cried out when he saw Han, trying to salvage his dignity. Yuan Fang shot him an angry glare, but eventually, he stopped. Yuan Hua immediately bolted out of the room. "Apologies for the spectacle," Yuan Fang said, looking somewhat embarrassed. Han simply shook his head, not commenting. He had no idea why Yuan Fang was upset about his younger brother visiting the business, but he had no intention of getting involved in family matters. After all, it was none of his business. The room they entered had a small partition, behind which an elderly man sat. "Looks like Yuan Er Gongzi is here to check on the affairs of our business," the old man said with a smile. "Supervisor Lin, I brought a friend of mine who needs some items. I specifically brought him to take a look," Yuan Fang explained. "May I ask what this young friend is in need of?" Supervisor Lin turned his gaze to Han. "Incense for calming the mind, protecting the soul, and revitalizing the spirit... the ingredients," Han replied. Cultivators in Black Cloud Town were still few in number, so while incense ingredients were available, gathering them was somewhat troublesome. Supervisor Lin nodded, "We have everything you need, and the prices are not high." In this world, gold and silver had always been the main currency, and Han was somewhat wealthy by now. "I didn''t realize Brother Zhou also knows how to make incense," Yuan Hua chuckled. Han modestly replied, "I know a little." Han then explained the quantities he needed, and Supervisor Lin immediately sent someone to fetch them. An Lang practiced incense-making techniques and needed incense ingredients regularly. Han decided to buy a bit more than he usually would. Even if the ingredients didnt help An Lang directly improve her strength, different types of incense had various effects on spirits. An Lang, of course, would need a balanced diet... though it could also be said she just had a craving. Han wouldnt skimp on An Lang in this regard. The raw materials for basic incense were cheap, and once An Lang made the incense and sold it, he could even make a profit. "Is there anything else you need?" Supervisor Lin asked. "Not at the moment." "Then please wait. The items you requested will be delivered soon. Feel free to look around in the meantime. You may find something else that catches your interest," Supervisor Lin suggested. Han nodded and, now interested, walked out with Yuan Fang. Yuan Fang smiled, "Incense is very important to cultivators like us. Brother Zhou, your skill in incense-making will be appreciated wherever you go." "It''s just enough to get by," Han replied, a little embarrassed.Stolen content warning: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences. The second floor of the Wanxing Chamber of Commerce had much higher quality items. Even the lowest-tier martial arts practices here cost fifty taels of silver! That was an eye-watering price, far beyond what an average family could save without going hungry for a long time. And this was just for martial arts techniquesfighting methods, healing tonics, and so on would cost extra. Martial cultivation was never cheap. No wonder Yuan Fang hadnt paid much attention to the apprentices who had moved to other martial schools during the day. The apprentices were learning techniques that only cost ten taels of silver. "The first floor is open to all, but the second floor has certain requirements," Yuan Hua explained, leading Han to the third floor. "The third floor has even stricter entry standardsone must meet a certain level of strength, status, or wealth to gain access." The third floor had far fewer items, but their quality had skyrocketed. Han saw a few weapons on display for sale! However, the prices were so high that Han didnt even spare them a second glance. Not only did they require gold and silver, but there were also other conditions. "Just look, dont buy. The markup is outrageous," Yuan Fang said. "Does no one buy them?" Han asked. "Of course, there are buyers. People with wealth are always looking for rare treasures," Yuan Fang said. "But with Brother Zhou''s connections, you can simply go straight to the master blacksmith and request a weapon. No need to waste money here." Han nodded, realizing that Yuan Fang was a man with connections. Yuan Fang had a sharp eye. Han also compared the quality of the pills for sale here with the ones he had consumed from the immortal tree. The pills here were far inferior. Each pill had an exhibit, and Hans spirit could clearly sense the faint medicinal power inside. However, the potency was weak, and the pills were overpricedHan had absolutely no interest in them. Just as he was passing by a display case, Han suddenly felt a disturbance in his spatial ring. His spirit sense quickly examined the situation, and Han was shocked to find a stone vibrating inside the ring, emitting a low humming sound. Could it be... a Treasure Detection Stone? Han immediately turned around and walked toward the display he had just passed. The closer he got, the stronger the reaction from the Treasure Detection Stone. It was a soft, squishy, candy-like pearl with a golden color. "Yang-Boosting Marrow Pearl?" Han muttered. Yuan Fang followed his gaze and raised an eyebrow. "Are you interested in this, Brother Zhou?" Han nodded, his curiosity piqued. "According to Wanxing Chamber''s description, it can slightly boost the circulation of qi and blood and strengthen ones physique. That sounds pretty good, but shouldn''t it be on the second floor, not the third?" A slight boost to qi and blood seemed insignificant compared to the other items on the third floor. "This Yang-Boosting Marrow Pearl doesnt have much use for cultivation, but its here because it has remarkable effects in other areas," Yuan Fang said, pausing before continuing, "During... intimate moments, if you cut off a small piece of the pearl and swallow it, even an ordinary person can perform with the strength of a young stallion for an entire night, with no side effects. That''s why it''s so popular among the wealthy, and its price has been steadily rising, eventually making it to the third floor." "..." So its an aphrodisiac But even just a small piece of the pearl could give an ordinary person such stamina, without any side effects, and even improve their health in the process. From a certain perspective, it could be considered a miracle drug. With this pearl, not only would ones performance improve, but the body would get stronger too. Only in an extraordinary world like this could something like this exist. Han thought, amazed. "Brother Zhou, would you like to buy one?" Yuan Fang asked with a knowing look. Han hesitated, then answered, "I need it." Then, he immediately realized how strange that sounded. He quickly shook his head. "No, wait... I want to buy it, but I dont need it." Yuan Fangs face broke into a mysterious smile. "I understand, I understand." Han gritted his teeth. "You understand what, exactly?" He wasnt going to explain. It was one of those things you just didnt bother explaining. Looking at the price, Han realized he could afford it. Thank you, Heavenly Mothers gifts. Han called over a staff member and expressed his interest in buying it. "How many Yang-Boosting Marrow Pearls would you like, sir? We still have three in stock." Han thought for a moment. "I''ll take all three, including the one here." Yuan Fang''s eyes widened. "You want all of them?" The staff hesitated, glancing at Yuan Fang. After a brief moment, they agreed and went to retrieve the pearls. Suddenly, a mocking voice echoed from behind them. "Yuan Fang, I didnt expect you, the so-called gentleman, to be buying Yang-Boosting Marrow Pearls." "Looks like we all misjudged you, pretending to be virtuous but secretly indulging in debauchery." Is he taking a jab at me? "How surprising to see you here, Huang Mingnian," Yuan Fang said coldly. Han turned to look and saw it was the same person he had crossed paths with earlier, the one who had exchanged a few snide remarks with Yuan Fang. Han furrowed his brows. Could this guy, Huang Mingnian, be about to engage in some cheap trick to outbid him for the pearls? This was feeling suspiciously like a clich story. However, to his surprise, although Huang Mingnian noticed him, he didnt direct any hostility toward Han. Han was not accustomed to dealing with people who were actually... intelligent. Chapter 83: Pure Sunfire While Huang Mingnian was still exchanging sharp words with Yuan Fang, the staff at the Wanxing Trading Association had brought over the other three Zengyang Marrow Beads. The beads were identical in appearance, but Han could sense that the treasure-finding stone only reacted to the first one. However, Han chose to buy all four beads. It would be strange to single out the first one, and Han didn''t want to draw attention or stir unnecessary trouble. Huang Mingnian was somewhat surprised. He hadn''t expected Han to buy all four on his own. What surprised Han, though, was that after the transaction was completed, Huang Mingnian didn''t try to cause any trouble. "Youve got quite an eye for things, brother," Huang Mingnian said to Han. "I have a few Zengyang Marrow Beads at home too. If you ever need more, feel free to ask. Ill send you a few." Han felt a bit awkwardwhat exactly was he implying? "No need," Han replied quickly. Huang Mingnian glanced at Yuan Fang before turning and walking away. Han watched him leave, puzzled. "He just came to bicker with you and now leaves like this?" Yuan Fang shook his head and smiled. "The Yuan family and the Huang family have never gotten along. My feud with Huang Mingnian goes way back. His actions are nothing unusual." "I thought he might try to interfere," Han said. Yuan Fang chuckled. "Huang Mingnian is a smart man. Before he understands who you really are, he wont risk offending you." "And once a deal is made here at Wanxing Trading Association, its final. The transaction wont change unless you choose to cancel. Even if he offered ten or a hundred times the price, they wouldnt sell it to him." "Of course, if it were at the open bidding of the Wanxing Auction House, thatd be a different story." Han frowned. This wasnt the usual trope where the "villain" would meddle in the transaction. Putting Huang Mingnian out of his mind, Han continued to browse through the Wanxing Trading Association. He visited both the second and third floors but didnt find anything that triggered the treasure-finding stone again. It seemed that finding hidden treasures wasnt as common as he thought. Meanwhile, outside the trading association, Huang Mingnian was listening to a report from one of his subordinates. "He entered the city with Lu Duguan from Black Cloud Town and went to the Ghost and Spirit Department?" Huang Mingnians expression shifted. "So thats why Yuan Fang, that hypocrite, was so friendly with him. Turns out this man has a powerful background."Reading on Amazon or a pirate site? This novel is from Royal Road. Support the author by reading it there. After meeting Han, Huang Mingnian had immediately sent someone to investigate him. Anyone who could make Yuan Fang act so warmly must be someone significant. "As expected," Huang Mingnian muttered. "Ill need to tell my father about Black Cloud Town." After a moment of thought, he made his way back home. By the time Han and Yuan Fang finished the transaction for the incense ingredients, the two of them left Wanxing Trading Association. "If you ever need anything, Brother Zhou, you can go directly to Manager Lin," Yuan Fang said. "Wanxing Trading Association is just the tip of the iceberg. There are many things they dont display openly, but they can be acquired through private negotiations." The city of Tianyue was vast, and Yuan Fang showed Han around, even treating him to a meal. Han, however, declined Yuan Fangs invitation to visit the Yuan family and returned straight to the Ghost and Spirit Department. "Do you just eat the Zengyang Marrow Beads as they are, Yuan Fang?" Han asked. Yuan Fang nodded. "Thats what Ive heard, though I cant be sure." Yuan Fang accompanied Han to the Ghost and Spirit Department''s residence. Their rooms were next to each other, as Lu Qingmo had requested it. "Thanks for today, Yuan Fang," Han said as he bid him farewell. As soon as Han entered Lu Qingmos room, Yuan Fangs expression turned thoughtful. He wondered why Han was asking about the Marrow Beads and then rushed to Lu Qingmos room. What was going on here? Yuan Fang didnt dwell on it, though. The less he knew about personal matters, the better. "Mo Yi, Mo Yi!" Han called softly. The door opened immediately, and Lu Qingmo, sitting by the chair, looked at Han. "Youre back early." "Come on in." Once Han entered, he quickly shut the door behind him. "Mo Yi, I went to Wanxing Trading Association and found something interesting, but Im not quite sure what it is." "Oh?" Lu Qingmo was intrigued. To find something interesting at Wanxing Trading Association? That was rare. "Let me see." Han took out the four Zengyang Marrow Beads and handed her the one hed intended to display. Lu Qingmo frowned the moment she saw it. "This is what you found interesting?" Han realized how odd this must seem. Here he was, holding a potency-enhancing item, claiming it was a "treasure" in front of Lu Qingmo, a mature and wise woman. "Wait, Mo Yi, youve misunderstood," Han quickly clarified. "I was drawn to it when I first saw it. Something about it told me it was a valuable item." Lu Qingmo placed the bead on the table and set the other three aside. "Really, Mo Yi, the other three beads didnt interest me, but this one... I feel like its special." "Thats why I wanted you to check it." Lu Qingmos frown softened. Han''s instincts were often accuratemartial artists sometimes had sudden inspirations, and cultivators experienced moments of clarity. She picked up the Zengyang Marrow Bead and studied it closely. After a few moments, she shook her head. "I dont sense anything unusual about it. Its just a regular Zengyang Marrow Bead." "Wanxing Trading Associations appraisers are quite skilled. They wouldnt miss something valuable." "Could your instincts be wrong?" Han hadnt expected Lu Qingmo to miss the bead''s hidden secret, but the treasure-finding stone had never failed him before. Thinking it over, Han decided to use his Insight Talisman, which he had previously found, to examine the bead. Though he had hoped to save it for a later time, it seemed there was no choice. With the talisman activated, Han immediately saw something unexpected. Inside the Zengyang Marrow Bead, there was a golden-red flame! So, the treasure-finding stone had responded because of what was inside the bead? "Mo Yi, my eyes... I think I saw something. Theres a flame inside this Marrow Bead." "A flame?" Lu Qingmos eyes narrowed, but after inspecting it again, she couldnt find any trace of it. She looked back at Han, who had awakened a rare gift, and it was clear that his insight was sharp. "Should I cut the Marrow Bead open?" "Cut it!" With a swift motion, Han cracked open the bead. Immediately, a golden flame shot out, burning the bead to ash, leaving only a faint blue smoke that wafted into the air. But neither of them cared about the bead anymore. Lu Qingmo quickly contained the flame with her power. Her eyes widened in surprise. "Pure Sunfire?!" What about this fire that could destroy demons? Chapter 84: The Eighth-Ranked Ghostly "What kind of fire is this?" Han quickly asked. Lu Qingmo looked at Han with a complex expression. The intuition was spot on. "This is a rare fire from the heavens, extremely beneficial for martial cultivation beyond the Body Refining stage, even usable by those at the Day Traveler rank." "In the Xuandu Temple, there is a pure-quality Yang Flame that has been cultivated for many years. It''s very valuable, and only by paying a great price can one apply to use it." "However, this one is not as strong as the one in Xuandu Temple. Judging by its quality, it should only be effective for Bone Refining or Day Traveler cultivators." "An average Bone Refining martial artist could vastly improve their strength through the purification of this Yang Flame, surpassing most martial artists of the same rank." Han was delighted. Such power? As for the flame being weaker than the one at Xuandu Temple, Han wasnt disappointed. "Does this fire have any special effect against demon-slaying?" Lu Qingmo glanced at Han. What a question. "Aside from a few harmless odd flames, all fire can be used in battle. The Pure-Quality Yang Flame can naturally be used against enemies." "But how could such a flame be born from the Yang Bone Beads?" Lu Qingmo frowned, confused. The Yang Bone Beads came from the Red Sun Beast, a savage creature. Yet, the Pure-Quality Yang Flame was a celestial phenomenon, not something a beast could create. "Could it be that the Red Sun Beast accidentally consumed the Pure-Quality Yang Flame?" Han suggested. "If it had consumed it, the flame would have burned the beast to ashes immediately. It wouldn''t have been stored inside the bead," Lu Qingmo shook her head. "That Red Sun Beast is already dead, so what happened back then? No one will ever know." Han had a sudden realization. "Where did the Wanxing Merchant Association hunt for the Red Sun Beasts and collect the Yang Bone Beads?" "They should be from the Jiuyang Ruins in the neighboring Tianyang County." Jiuyang Ruins... Han memorized the name. "Mu Yi, how do we store this Pure-Quality Yang Flame?" he asked. "Theres a special artifact called a Fire Storage Jar, used to contain strange flames. Its often used during pill crafting or forging weapons," Lu Qingmo explained. "You can store it in a Fire Storage Jar. When you reach the Day Traveler stage or refine your body in martial cultivation, youll be able to use it." A good item, but I don''t have one. "You can find a Fire Storage Jar in the Ghostly Gods Department. I''ll get one for you." "This isn''t a gift for you. You discovered and eradicated the Tianmu Sect''s base. That''s an enormous contribution. One artifact is not enough to reward you." "Thank you for your trouble, Mu Yi," Han nodded. But just as he finished, Han suddenly felt something strange in his body. "Mu Yi, I... feel strangely... hot?" Han asked, his voice tinged with confusion. Hot was an understatement. Han felt a rising desire, especially with Lu Qingmo right in front of himher curves more alluring than his senior sisters, her mature presence making Hans heart race. "Hot?" Lu Qingmo was stunned. Then, noticing the fiery look in Hans eyes, she realized what was happening. "The Yang Bone Bead!" Han blurted out. "I... Ill leave now!" Without another word, Han bolted out of the room, not even bothering to shut the door. Lu Qingmo stood there, a strange expression crossing her face. She understood exactly what had happened. This was the second time Han had reacted like this. Lu Qingmo, too, was a bit lost for words, not knowing how to handle it. Back in his room, Han quickly activated his Heart Calming Jade Pendant, which helped him regain composure. Han couldnt help but laugh at the absurdity. What kind of situation was this? The first time was in the secret room, and now it was Lu Qingmo''s chamber. Every time they were alone in a confined space, something unexpected happened. Han summoned An Lang, telling her that he had bought enough incense-making materials, so she would need to practice at night and work extra during the day. An Lang quickly caught on, "Does that mean I wont get any sleep?" "Why sleep long before death when you can sleep forever after?" Han corrected her. "Technically, youve been sleeping forever," Han added. An Lang burst into tears again, covering her face with her hands but leaving a gap between her fingers. "Then you can sleep during the day," Han teased. An Lang dropped her hands and beamed with joy. "Just kidding," Han smirked. "Waah!" An Lang ran into the Ghostly Dwelling, covering her face. "Heh, ghost girl, your name should be ''Disguised.''" That evening, Lu Qingmo took Han to a banquet. It was just the two of them and the old man Ye Chong. Over dinner, Han learned a bit more about Lu Qingmos relationship with Ye Chong. Afterward, they walked back. "After leaving Yujing, I was first sent to Tianyue County to learn how to manage the Ghostly Gods Department and handle ghostly matters under Ye Chongs tutelage," Lu Qingmo explained. "Once I became proficient, I was sent to Heiyun Town."You could be reading stolen content. Head to Royal Road for the genuine story. Due to their connection, despite Lu Qingmos higher status from Xuandu Temple, she showed deep respect for Ye Chong. "Ive reported all the events from Heiyun to the higher-ups. We should be able to return there tomorrow," Lu Qingmo continued. "Ive also given your Silver Essence and Tianqing Gold Liquid to the blacksmiths, but crafting weapons isnt something that can be done in a day. It takes time." Lu Qingmo glanced at Han. "So, will you stay in the county until the weapons are forged, or will you come with me tomorrow?" Han hesitated. Should he go back or stay? Before he could respond, Lu Qingmo added, "If you choose to stay, Ill come back for you when the weapons are ready." "If you choose to leave with me tomorrow, we can retrieve the weapons together then." "..." So your two options are just a tease? This was getting a bit playful, wasnt it? Lu Qingmo, the playful one, huh? Since Lu Qingmo was willing to come back to the county again, Han naturally chose to leave with her tomorrow. Lu Qingmo smiled, then returned to her room, leaving Han with only one message. "Just focus on your cultivation. As for the Yuan Qi Demon, Ill keep it hidden for you." That night, Han devoted himself entirely to cultivating his soul. Even at midnight, he didnt enter the secret realm to cut trees. In someone elses domain, and with Lu Qingmo nearby, it was better to be cautious. The heavenly essence was continuously refined into his soul, and the Illusion Realm had no effect on Han. Under the power of the Golden Light Spell, the Yuan Qi Demon became nourishment for his souls progress. Thanks to the Yuan Qi Demons essence, Hans soul advanced rapidly towards the later stages of the Out-of-Body realm. Meanwhile, Lu Qingmo didnt rest. Using her own power, she covered up any signs of Hans cultivation, ensuring no one could see him. The fact that a Yuan Qi Demon could be attracted at the Out-of-Body stage was astonishing. If word got out, it would surely cause a stir. The night passed quietly. The next morning, Ye Chong appeared before Han and Lu Qingmo. He first handed a spatial pouch to Lu Qingmo, then turned to Han with a kind smile. "Indeed, heroes emerge young. When I was your age, I was still studying in a temple, but youve already eradicated a Tianmu Sect base." "Ye Chong is too kind," Han replied humbly. "Would you like to become a Ghostly Patrol?" "A Ghostly Patrol?" Han turned to Lu Qingmo. "A special rank in the Ghostly Gods Department," Lu Qingmo explained. "They dont need to stay in the department. They can travel freely and are less constrained. Its a much freer position than just having a name in the department." "The salary is much higher than a regular position, and they have real authoritythey can command members below their rank." "The patrol is not bound to any specific region. They have the same authority wherever they go in the Daqi realm." "Their duty is to travel far and wide, inspecting and handling ghostly matters." "The best part is, no countys government can force the Ghostly Patrol to obey their commands." Han was stunned. This position was too freemore so than just a nominal rank in the Ghostly Gods Department. If he became a Ghostly Patrol, even if Ye Chong assigned him a task, he could choose to ignore it. Han wondered, how did the Ghostly Gods Department come up with such a nearly uncontrollable position? Wasn''t this essentially a "parasitic" role? Lu Qingmo spoke again, "Generally speaking, the position of GhostlyѲ (Patrol) is only bestowed upon disciples of Xuandu Temple when they go out on field missions." "..." Han understood now. It was a position specifically for disciples of the Great Qi Kingdom''s state religion. No wonder the role was so free and carried such authority. No wonder the Ghostly Gods Department in various counties couldnt control them. Xuandu Temple, the state religion of Great Qiwhat was wrong with the privileges its disciples enjoyed? Nothing at all. Damn, connections really do make you want to roll your eyes. But thankfully, Im that connected person now. Han solemnly declared, "I am willing to become a GhostlyѲ and dedicate my strength to the Great Qi!" He felt truly honored to take on this glorious and significant position! "Very well. From this day forward, your name will be recorded in the Ghostly Register, officially recognized as a GhostlyѲ by Xuandu Temple." Lu Qingmo continued seriously: "GhostlyѲ is ranked in nine tiers. As a newcomer, you would usually be assigned to the ninth tier." "However, because of your great achievement in wiping out the Tianmu Sect base, you are promoted directly to the eighth tier. You now have the authority to command members from the eighth, ninth, and even the lower ranks of the Ghostly Gods Department." In the Great Qi''s government structure, positions ranged from the ninth rank with eighteen sub-tiers, and the Ghostly Gods Department was no different. But the GhostlyѲ was unique. It had no subordinate ranksonly the main rank. A promotion here meant a significant leap compared to other officials. The position of an eighth-tier GhostlyѲ was rare, and in most counties, Han would be one of the highest-ranking individuals. Han couldnt help but feel a sense of triumph. The ultimate end of the universe is status, and today, he had entered that universe''s realm! Compared to others, this promotion was as if he had ascended to the heavens in one step. Lu Qingmo handed Han a token, one side engraved with the Yin-Yang Taiji symbol, the other with the words "GhostlyѲ." Along with it was a set of robes, signifying his new identity. "Mu Yi, don''t we need to get approval from the higher-ups for this GhostlyѲ appointment?" Han asked, feeling a little unsure. "You dont need to worry about that. The Provincial Ghostly Gods Department has already given their approval," Lu Qingmo reassured him. "Besides your promotion, the destruction of the Tianmu Sect base and the discovery of their conspiracy has earned you further rewards," she added, glancing at Ye Chong. "You may go to the county''s Ghostly Gods Department treasury and pick three treasures," Lu Qingmo continued. "What you can choose from, Ye Chong will guide you on." "Come with me, Patrol Han," Ye Chong chuckled. "Ye Chong, you flatter me," Han replied. Han followed Ye Chong out, and on the way, the two conversed. "Patrol Han, you must be highly regarded by Lu Duguan (Supervisor Lu)," Ye Chong remarked, his tone full of admiration. "She actually recommended and vouched for you to become a GhostlyѲ." "Lets hope you dont disappoint her, or Xuandu Temple may punish her," he warned. "I will not let Mu Yi down," Han replied seriously. He could understand what Ye Chong meant. "Once we reach the treasury, you can choose three treasures freely," Ye Chong explained further. "I wont restrict you. The most valuable items in the treasury are at the Day Traveler level, such as Day Traveler-level Dao Techniques." "Thank you, Ye Chong." Han then asked Ye Chong if there were any specific categories of items he should focus on selecting. Ye Chong didnt hesitate to offer straightforward advice, making it clear there was no need to hide anything. With Ye Chongs guidance, Han easily entered the treasury and was left to choose on his own. The treasury was filled with a vast assortment of items: visual diagrams, magic tools, Dao techniques, spirit herbs, soul plants, elixirs, and various other strange and rare objects. Han first did a quick sweep to see if any treasures emitted a response from his Gemstone Detector, but unfortunately, nothing hummed. He immediately ruled out spirit herbs and elixirshe wouldnt choose those. These were the most common drops from the Great Thousand Immortal Tree. Hans first choice was a Day Traveler-level Dao technique. "The Vast Hand Seal" The Way is vast and boundless; the heavens are clear and the earth is bright. With one hand, it can change the world and lift the heavens. This was also a Dao technique Ye Chong had recommended to him, one that was considered top-tier even among Day Traveler-level techniques. Han still remembered when he first saw Lu Qingmo use a similar technique. The might it radiated was immense, and Han had been deeply impressed. Moreover, this was a powerful offensive technique, something Han had been lacking in his cultivation. He couldnt always rely on asking Lu Qingmo for techniques, nor could he act like a "vampire." Next, Han chose a technique for evasion: "Thousand Miles Shadow." A cultivator should not only be able to fight but also know how to flee when necessary. This was one of the finest evasion techniques in the region. With one attack and one escape technique, Han felt that was sufficient. As for defense, the Golden Light Spell would suffice. There were other equally powerful Dao techniques here, but Han chose these two because Ye Chong had specifically mentioned that both techniques had subsequent evolutions. These evolutions were incredibly rare and could only be obtained from the Provincial Ghostly Gods Department. In other words, by cultivating these two techniques, Han would have the opportunity to seamlessly integrate their future evolutions into his cultivation. For his third choice, Han didnt hesitate eitherhe chose the Incense Making Technique. This technique recorded a wide variety of incense formulas, from those used for meditation to those suitable for Day Traveler cultivators. An Lang would be able to benefit from this. Han wasnt far from entering the Soul Journey stage, and incense would play a crucial role in his cultivation in that realm. He needed to prepare in advance. It should be said that An Lang would need to prepare... In Hans daily cultivation, incense might seem insignificant, but it truly played a crucial role. Typically, cultivators could only make incense once they reached the corresponding realm, and making incense above ones rank was difficult. But An Lang, as a ghostly being, had her own unique advantages. She could directly tap into the power of the moon. So for her, there were no such restrictionsher innate talent made this process easier. After leaving the treasury, Ye Chong was slightly surprised when he saw Hans selections. "I thought youd go for spirit herbs or elixirs," he remarked. "I still lack techniques in the Dao field," Han replied. Then, with a serious expression, he added, "As for cultivation, I place more trust in the power gained through hard work." As for the Great Thousand Immortal Tree? That was his own innate talent! Chapter 85: The Light of Fusion Seeing Han''s determination and his calm demeanor even in the face of precious artifacts, Ye Zhong couldnt help but feel a sense of admiration. Your resolve is commendable, Ye Zhong remarked, but using treasures wisely to enhance your cultivation isnt necessarily bad, as long as you avoid relying on shortcuts that may harm your foundation. Han nodded, indicating his understanding. It seems I''ll have to make the most of my natural talents. Ye Zhong wouldnt lie about something like this, right?
At the Wnxng Merchant Guild, Han and L Qngm had arrived together. After gaining a more complete inheritance of incense-making techniques, Han was planning to collect the necessary ingredients for the incense, so that n Lng could begin her practice whenever possible. Such a capable assistant couldnt be left idle. As for Hans choices in the treasure vault, L Qngm didnt say much, offering only a few pointers. This Haoran Great Palm is actually a technique passed down from the Eastern Zhou Academy of Saints, a powerful force whose strength and influence rival that of the Xuandu Sect, L Qngm explained. Its one of their primary legacies. Han frowned in confusion. How did a technique from the Eastern Zhou Sect end up here? It was willingly passed down, L Qngm continued. The Haoran Great Palm is the foundation, but it has several subsequent variations. The highest forms are kept as secrets of the Eastern Zhou Academy. The State Ghost Command only has access to the second variation, and anything beyond that can only be obtained directly from the Academy itself. This was clearly a power move. This palm strike is majestic and righteous, very effective against evil spirits, ghosts, and demonic forces. When combined with Haoran Qi, it becomes invincible, providing immunity to all forms of evil, she added. Haoran Qi? Han asked, intrigued. Its a special force, quite extraordinary. The Eastern Zhou Academy is the place where it originates, but even there, few people are able to cultivate Haoran Qiit''s extremely difficult. L Qngm shook her head. But dont worry, even without Haoran Qi, this is still a top-tier technique. The Thousand-Mile Shadow has its second part as well, which is also available through the State Ghost Command. These are all excellent techniques, and theyll be more than sufficient for you at this stage. I knew Ye Zhong wasnt lying. On their way to the second floor of the merchant guild, Han had a sudden thought. Aunt Mo, do you think the Wnxng Merchant Guild would buy the three Yang Marrow Beads I have? The merchant guild in Tian Yue County wont take them, L Qngm said flatly. You should keep them. But what if Han began, but L Qngm suddenly fell silent, realizing her words might have been a mistake. She shouldnt concern herself with what Han might want to do with them in the future. I dont need those things, Han muttered. He didnt need the marrow beads to crush his enemies!
Manager Lin, Im here again. I need more incense materials. Manager Lin looked up, surprised upon seeing L Qngm, and immediately stood up. Greetings, Sect Leader L. A merchant guild that operates in isolation would eventually fail, but one like thiswell-connected and well-informedwould thrive. People like L Qngm, a disciple of Xuandu Sect, were well known in Tian Yue Countys various circles. She nodded slightly, offering no further words. Manager Lin quickly picked up on the cue and didnt disturb them further, but instead, turned to listen to Hans request. His attitude was noticeably warmer than last time. Yes, we have everything you need. Please wait a moment, Ill gather the materials right away. Han raised an eyebrow, surprised at the sudden shift in attitude. He missed the old, rebellious Manager Lin. It was much more fun when he acted with a bit more defiance. L Qngm, however, was unbothered by it, as she had grown accustomed to this behavior. Though there were other forces in the world that could rival the Xuandu Sect, within the boundaries of the Great Qi, the Xuandu Sect was unquestionably the most powerful. Except for a few evil factions, most forces in the Great Qi were careful to show respect to the Xuandu Sect. Next time, if you have the chance, you should visit the Wnxng Merchant Guild in Yu Jing. Its truly a place of wonders, filled with rare and exotic treasures, L Qngm suggested. Hans curiosity was piqued, and he sent a message through their spiritual connection, Do they sell Pure Yang Flames there? No, they dont. Okay, okay, I get it. My luck is incredible, I know. Yesterday, L Qngm had also been thinking about some things. Given Hans past experiences, she quickly deduced that Han wasnt just talented, but also incredibly fortunate. How else could he always stumble upon opportunities? Sometimes, luck is more important than talent. Because luck can change your destiny. Han is definitely someone with hidden potential, a dragon waiting to rise. L Qngm was pleased with his progress. After all, she had played a part in shaping his journey, even if it wasnt a huge role. Manager Lin quickly returned, efficiently gathering the requested materials. He even offered Han a significant discount. Manager Lin, isnt this against the rules? Han asked. Not at all, Manager Lin grinned. People like Sect Leader L always get the best discount at our guild. If I didnt give a discount, that would actually be against the rules. Han glanced at L Qngm, and seeing her nod, he didnt push the matter further.If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation. Thus, Han ended up purchasing a higher-grade batch of incense materials at a price almost identical to his previous purchase. Indeed, with greater status and power, you dont need to askothers will offer. Dont buy into the too pure to fish mentality. You dont have to take the offer, but its expected that its made. As they left, Manager Lin personally saw them off, his enthusiasm almost over the top. The incense you acquired, the Thought Incense, can be bought by our guild, L Qngm remarked as they exited. But dont expect anything extraordinary from this branch in Tian Yue County. Han nodded in agreement. Indeed, theres nothing really special here. L Qngm paused, thinking. Normally, there wouldnt be anything unusual about what Han said. But for someone in the second stage of cultivation, to dismiss all the treasures here as unimpressiveit was a little strange. In this merchant guild, even the items displayed were useful to someone at the Flesh Refining stage. But Han didnt see anything unusual. After all, he had been hacking away at the Great Thousand Immortal Tree daily, and the treasures he found were of a much higher grade than anything here. Once everything was settled, L Qngm casually summoned her familiar flying carpet and took the lead, while Han followed, albeit a little slower. As they were leaving, Han couldnt help but notice L Qngms figurea straight back, and below, her curves were enticingly graceful. He quickly averted his gaze. Aunt Mo, has there been any word from the County about how to handle the Black Mountain God? Ive reported it to the State Ghost Command. Whatever they decide, let them worry about it, L Qngm replied. The carpet soared into the sky, heading towards Heiyun Town. Given the strength of the Black Mountain God and the trouble he brings, this isnt something that can be handled by a single county or district, L Qngm added. Sit still, dont move around, she instructed. This isnt your first time flying, right? Han chuckled. Its just that I havent flown much Soon, Heiyun Town was in sight. With the space gear now at his disposal, Han had developed a new desirea flying artifact. Great Thousand Immortal Tree, are you listening? Im not subtly hintingIm being as direct as I can. L Qngm entered Heiyun Town directly, dropping Han off at the Taibai Martial Arts School. Continue studying in the Peach Forest, she reminded him, before leaving immediately. She didnt even stop by to see Bi Ruyu... Before long, Hans return was already spreading through Heiyun Town, and various factions immediately dispatched their men to Taibai Martial Arts School to probe into Hans true strength. This time, they sent disciples at the Meridian Realm, as Hans earlier feats were no longer seen as a mere breakthrough. However, when they arrived, they couldnt find Han. He was too busy to deal with them, so he had Bi Ruyu drive them away. While Han remained elusive, a certain influential figure did take notice of him. On a rooftop in the city, the head of the Gao family, Gao Zhenxiong, stood, his gaze profound. "Hes not at the peak of his physical strengthhes in the Meridian Realm," he mused. "Meridian Realm after just a few days of cultivation, and he''s still visiting Lu Qingmo. He might even be cultivating his soul alongside his body" "In this world, such a genius exists, and to top it off, he''s the disciple of Bai Tian" "With his cultivation speed, give him a few more yearsno, just a year or twoand hell be unstoppable" "Yet Bai Tian, youve been missing for so long" "Black Cloud Town cannot afford to have someone this extraordinary" With that, Gao Zhenxiong vanished from the rooftop, his speed too fast for the eye to follow. Once Hans news spread, almost all the cultivators became intrigued. Heads of various families and masters of martial arts halls were no exception. A genius of his caliber surpassed all their understanding and shattered their conventional wisdom. It was no surprise that some of them came personally to investigate. And the last person Han had defeated, Gao Lu, was none other than Gao Zhenxiongs son. Soon after, several letters arrived on the desks of family heads and martial arts masters. Tai Bai Han has reached the Meridian Realm and is suspected to be cultivating his soul as well! This news left some of them speechless, and others in disbelief. Achieving physical mastery in just a few days versus reaching the Meridian Realm in that time, and on top of that, possibly cultivating the soulit was an entirely different concept. The disciples they had sent to test Han were quickly recalled. These were only beginners in the Meridian Realm or at its early stages. "Test?" They were more like delivery boys than actual testers! Han quickly turned his attention to refining the more comprehensive incense-making technique and began gathering the necessary materials for An Lang to continue her practice. Such exceptional labor should never be left idle. An Lang, however, found herself overwhelmed by the sudden increase in workload. The pile of incense-making techniques she now had to study was much thicker than before. This was cutting into her precious sleep time! Meanwhile, Han focused on martial arts training. Traveling made it inconvenient for him to maintain his usual practice routines, but he kept at it whenever possible. During Hans training, Bai Ruoyue often observed himboth to offer guidance and to learn herself. Since Han had begun to cultivate the ability to transform his soul into various spirits, his martial techniques took on a unique quality. This was a domain Bai Ruoyue had never explored before. Observing him now had a profound impact on her. It wasnt that her martial arts lacked perfectionfar from it. Her techniques were flawless, refined to the highest degree. However, Hans method of cultivating martial arts by merging it with the souls of different creatures was an entirely new concept. It was a path no one had ever thought to take, and it produced some novel results. These insights were unique, and Bai Ruoyue had never encountered anything like them before. She couldnt resist asking Han for more of these pearls of wisdom. The quiet day soon turned to evening, and Han made his way into the Immortal Trees secret realm, marking the start of another round of intense training. His stamina was still intact, and once it refreshed, he would be able to perform his full eight strikes. Pure satisfaction. Four swift swings, and light orbs began to appear one after another. The typical spoils included three Spirit Plants and two Soul Plantsuseful for either enhancing cultivation or strengthening the body and soul. These were far superior to the plants Han had seen in the Ghost God Divisions vault. [Rare Item: Soul-Suppressing Stone] [Can be placed on the soul to suppress it, rendering it immobile.] [Rare Item: Dry-Blood Cotton] [Consumes all the blood in the body upon ingestion.] Two powerful attack-type items dropped. But the real despair came with the appearance of another Martial Dao Seed. [Martial Dao Seed: Subduing Demon Staff Technique] [Upright and righteous, this technique subdues demons and displays divine might. Its a true method for vanquishing evil.] Ah, the rebellious nature of this is as consistent as always Han sighed. Alongside that, another Daoist technique seed dropped, which lifted Hans spirits, helping to alleviate the despair caused by the staff technique. [Daoist Technique Seed: Purifying Heart Incantation] [A fundamental spell from the Eight Great Divine Spells of the Daoist Sect. It purifies the body and mind, eliminates distractions, and aids in spiritual clarity. It protects the soul and keeps it from wandering.] This technique, like the Golden Light Incantation Han had been using, was a key part of his spiritual practice. The Eight Great Divine Spells were interlinked, and practicing them together would lead to significant enhancements. Now, Han had three of the Eight Great Divine Spells. Perhaps, before his cheat ability refreshed, he would be able to collect them all. The next drop was a material called Yang Copper, a rare substance with light and scorching propertiesperfect for weapon crafting. Three pills useful for cultivation also dropped, along with an item that seemed unfamiliar and hadnt appeared before. [Special Item: Fusion Light] [Can perfectly merge various materials into a finished item. Single-use.] Han grasped the Fusion Light and quickly understood its purpose. For example, if he tossed a few herbs in, it would merge them into a pill, though its effects remained unknown unless following a specific recipe. If he used ores, they would be fused into a weapon. The quality would depend on the materials used, but the design could be freely chosen. Well, looks like Ive dropped into the realm of alchemy and weapon crafting Han scratched his head, a little stunned. Of course, this was just a tool dropped while he was in the Meridian Realm, so its abilities had limits. It wouldnt let him fuse Black Mountain and Cloud River together, for example. Had this dropped before Han went to the county city, he couldve easily fused Golden Liquid and Silver Essence into a weapon. But now, it wasnt too late. Han had already formulated a plan for how to use it. He pulled out the Seaheart Armor, a piece of Semi-Warrior Armor, and a raw ore, and tossed them into the Fusion Light. Semi-Warrior gear could be upgraded to full Warrior-level equipmentHan had seen this happen before with materials from the Great Immortal Tree. The Seaheart Armor had flaws, but the raw ore could fix them. Han had several pieces of Semi-Warrior gear, but the Seaheart Armor was undoubtedly the most important, so it took priority. [Warrior Gear: Seaheart Armor] [A piece of warrior-level armor forged perfectly. It offers extreme defense, resists energy corrosion, cleanses itself, and has three unique traits: ''Ocean Embrace'', ''Raging Wave'', and ''Assimilation''.] Success! The Seaheart Armor was upgraded beautifully, now imbued with three powerful traits. It was a truly formidable piece of equipment. But looking at the blue inner armor and its name, Han couldnt shake the feeling that it was oddly familiar Chapter 86: A Friend’s Plea to Stay The Sea Heart Armors Inclusion property was its defining trait: acceptance. It could harness the power of a martial weapons master, unrestricted by internal breath or true qi, and even accommodate other energies to fuel its might. Beyond that, it swallowed an enemys assault like a pebble dropped into the oceanbarely stirring a ripple. The frenzied waves property flipped defense into offense. In plain terms, it reflected damage back at the attacker, rebounding in relentless, cascading waves. Then there was the assimilation property, a gift from the primal stone within. It turned an enemys strength into Hans own, bending their power to his will. Of course, every martial weapons traits had their limits. The Skybow carried two properties, while the Sea Heart Armor boasted three. More didnt always mean better, but the armors qualities were undeniably elite, a clear mark of its superior craftsmanship. Han couldnt be happier with the Sea Heart Armor. He slipped it on at once, almost fancying he could smell the faint tang of the sea woven into it. Now Ive got two martial weapons, Han thought, grinning inwardly. A bow and armoroffense and defense, perfectly balanced. No one in Black Cloud Town at the Tendon Pulse Realm could rival Hans wealth of gear. Even in the three major martial schools and the three great families, martial weapons were typically reserved for disciples whod reached the Organ Realm, where their true potential could shine. Only the privilegedlike a family heads daughter or a school masters sonmight get one earlier. Rogue cultivators? Plenty trudged through the Organ Realm with nothing but Hundred-Forged gear. Robbing Han would make someone an overnight millionaire. Thanks to a timely stamina refresh, Han was back at full strength. Four axe swings later, his haul rolled in. Marvel: Pathfinder Grass A natural wonder. Plant a guiding leaf at any spot, and no matter the distance or direction, the grass will always point the way. A neat little trinketno more wandering lost. Marvel: Breath-Hiding Leaf A leaf from the Hidden Tree, a marvel of the wild. Masks your aura and conceals signs of life. A must-have for schemers and ambush artists. Straightforward and damn useful. Marvel: Ganges Water Drawn from the ancient Ganges, a river of endless mysteries where countless toxins mingle. Drink it, and its a coin toss: gain poison resistance or let venom rot your core, wrecking your foundation. What in the world? Is this that Ganges? Han eyed the murky yellow sludge, brow furrowed, and stashed it away. A curiosity, maybe, but drinking it? Not a chance. Artifact: Poison-Warding Bead (Fragment) A piece of a Poison-Warding Bead, retaining a sliver of its power. Offers mild resistance to toxins, effective against all poisons to some degree. Another warding fragmentsolid loot. Poison was a killer in this world, and this made Hans toolkit even tighter. Skill didnt matter if a single toxin could drop you. The Poison-Warding Bead fragment rounded him out nicely. Collecting enough to forge the full artifact, though? He wasnt holding his breath. The Water-Warding Bead from way back was still a ghost. Martial Seed: Star-Pointing Finger True qi flows, bursting forth. One point dims the stars, cloaking the world in shadow. A finger technique this timeno weapon skills. Han had to hand it to the Great Thousand Immortal Tree for switching things up. The starry hype in the description? He skimmed it with a smirk. A Tendon Pulse move snuffing out stars? Total scam vibes from the Tree. Taoist Charm: Spirit-Speaking Talisman Lets you talk to beasts and hear their tongue. Taoist Charm: Star-Drawing Talisman Calls down starlight to boost your strength. Elixir: Explosive Flame Pill An alchemists flop. Aimed for a spiritual elixir, ended up with a lethal bomb. Failures just success in disguise, right? Add two cultivation pills and four spiritual herbs, and that was the full take from eight chops. Stowing it all, Han felt a twinge of urgency. The Great Thousand Immortal Trees next refresh was days away. Whatever cheat came next was a mysterycould be gold, could be junk. Cheats varied wildly. The Tree was one, sure, but so was a pill, a skill, or even raw grit and guts. Even if next months drop was decent, it might not match the Trees league. Cultivation resources wouldnt rain down like nowhed have to scrounge for them. Thats how cultivation usually went, anyway. Heres hoping these last few days cough up something good, Han muttered, letting out a soft breath. The tale has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident. Better drops meant a higher realm. It all circled back to power. Keep pushing! Keep fighting! In the courtyard, An Lang basked in moonlight. Shed moved past instinctual lunar essence absorption, now practicing Moon-Absorbing Technique, a Taoist side-skill Han had snagged early on. Since their contract, hed drilled Taoist know-how into her, and this was the payoff. Lu Qingmos high-end Lunar Spirit Refinement wasnt off the tableLu had okayed sharing it; it wasnt some sacred Xuandu Temple secret. But An Lang wasnt ready for its depth yet. Bathed in the techniques glow, she looked like a lunar sprite, pure and ethereal. Han slid over, settling just outside the moonlights reach to cultivate. Morning came, and Lu Qingmo didnt just lectureshe coached Han through Grand Righteous Palm and Thousand-Mile Shadow Sweep. Before heading out, with Lus nod, he left An Lang there to dive into incense-making. The martial schools blood-hot warriors werent her scene. At the Yun River: Staring at the roaring current, Han dove in with a splash. He hadnt hit the water in days, not since leaving Black Cloud. Nimble as a fish, he rode the flow like it was his engine. With his current strength, this stretch was his to commandno beast could bar his way. The Yun River was the Yun River Dragon Lords domain, but Han claimed a piece of it too. The Water-Warding Beads water-sensing perk made hunting savage beasts and spiritual herbs a cinch. Spatial pouch and ring meant no time lost lugging spoils. Takeoff time! He nabbed three spiritual herbs fast. Of their guardians, he killed one and let two water beasts off the hook. Flesh from early Flesh Realm or low Tendon Pulse critters didnt do much for him or the Tai Bai crew anymore. No beef, no needHan didnt mind a little mercy. Beasts that dumb wouldnt circle back for payback. If they did, though, hed end them. Hed never sworn off hunting savage beasts to anyone. Wonder if the shrimp soldiers and crab generals are still kicking. Has the Yun River Dragon Lord hit a snag like the Black Mountain God? Han mused underwater. He still had their tokenuse it down here, and theyd show. He hadnt tested it yet. Then the water surged, blood hit his nose, and a shark-like savage beast barreled at him, maw wide. Red eyes, wicked teeth. Han blinked. A shark in a river? This wild world kept surprising himEarth logic didnt cut it here. Tendon Pulse Realm, huh? Big fella. I love smashing oversized punks like you. He charged in. The instant they collided, a colossal force slammed into him. Its bulk packed a punch humans couldnt match naturally. But Han wasnt weak, and he danced circles around it. He hammered it, painting the water red. Oddly, even as it faltered, it didnt boltits ferocity spiked, eyes glowing like bloody beacons. Whats with this thing? Han wondered. A berserk trait? Savage beasts were basicfight or flight. Instinct ruled them. This diehard fury was new. One last stab to the brain finished it. Freaky beast. He hacked it into chunks and bagged it. Mid-cut, his senses pinged something in its gut. Slitting it open, he found a black-red bead, scarred and eaten away. The second it surfaced, a chaotic, wild vibe hit himhe brushed it off quick. Ate something that flipped its switch? Han pondered, then headed up. Water-Warding Beads timer was done. Splash! He broke the surface and clocked two figures sprinting his way, like theyd been lying in wait. Eyes narrowing, he didnt hesitatebolted, cratering the dirt with every step. The gap didnt grow. It shrank, fast. Heart racing, skin prickling, dread crawled up his spine. That speed, that vibe Organ Realm! Friend, wait! Just need directionsno bad intentions! one yelled. Han wasnt biting. Trust them over believing he was royalty? Fat chance.
Two Organ Realm guys on him? No matter how slick he is, hes toast. Lu Qingmo? Ghost God Divisions got her out of Black Cloud. Half an hour minimum before shes backplenty of time to leave her picking up Hans corpse. She digs into it after? Ill tie up every loose end. No survivors, no trail. Taoist tricks arent magic. Were here for Han, not her. Plus, her sect ties are a mess anyway. Risky move. Name something that isnt. This is our shot. Blow it, and were done in Black Cloud. Even if he skips town someday, hes still Tai Bais rock. Blame him for being too good. Flesh Realm, I could deal. Tendon Pulse? Hes begging for it.
Same old spot, same old setup. Han never thought hed get dj vu like this. Was the Yun River his personal jinx? Senses flaredhe didnt need eyes to track the two Organ Realm fighters gaining ground. No escaping this. Tendon Pulse to Organ Realm was a chasm, and Organ Realm meant real muscle, even in a packed prefecture city. Sizing it up, Han chose. No running! He skidded to a stop, leg sweeping dust into a blinding haze. No lime powder, shame. Through the cloud, he lunged at them. Wind God Legs! Closing in, he bellowed. They braced for kicksthen air screamed as his fists flew at their skulls. Tai Bai Fist Technique! Thrown off, they blocked and swung back. Gah! Fists clashed. Han flew back, blood spraying, but they howled too. Their hands bled, peppered with tiny holes. Quasi-martial weapon: Thorn Gauntlets! They had rank; he had gear! Still, Organ Realm hit hard. The surprise jab cost himblood surged, hands throbbed, foreign true qi clung stubbornly. Theyd pulled punches, and he had quasi-martial armor cushioning it. Full-body martial-grade armor could guard all over, but the torso took priority. Organ Realm meant true qi projection! Han tapped the Sea Heart Armor to flush out the alien energy. A fresh Tendon Pulse fighter eating that hit wouldve lost their armsor worse. Whats on your hands?! Asshole, what Wind God Legs?! They raged, floored by fist-delivered legs. You buy everything I shout? Han sneered. Dumbasses! Big mouth, little life! They roared back in, aura crushing. Han popped a pill, triggered a talisman. Power flooded him, skin shimmering gold. Huo Family Fist! He roared again, no backing downstraight into the fray with two Organ Realm heavies. Anyone watching wouldve lost their jaw. They heard the name, saw his legs twitch, and smirked. Same play twice? Not today. In a blink, Hans fists blasted out, air popping. Prepped for kicks, they ate punches again. Boom! They stumbled back! Your strengthhowd it jump? No legs this time? Same trick twice? Im not that boring, pigs. I even gave you the name! Lowlife! Dirty snake! Han scoffed, pressing forward. You get nothing! Huo Family Fist isnt some stiff, by-the-book garbage. It bendsflows! Chapter 87: The Slayer, Taibai Han Once again, a head-to-head clash led to an astonishing scene. The two opponents couldn''t fathom how someone at the early stage of the Meridian Realm could achieve such feats. "This kids body is strange, his defense is too strong, and his strength is far beyond that of the Meridian Realm." "He can even neutralize our Qi!" They exchanged a look. One of them drew a sword, and the other twirled a staff, charging toward Han. Han''s gaze lingered on the staff for a moment. Is that... a Weapon Soul? Where did this warrior come from to possess such a weapon? The swordsman, on the other hand, wasnt wielding a Weapon Soul, though his blade was made from a blend of Weapon Soul materials, making it sharper and more durable than regular forged weapons. With a thought, Hans own Weapon Soul longsword appeared in his hand, and he silently activated a spell. His sword gleamed brilliantly, drawing all eyes. Once the radiance faded, the sword appeared even sharper than before. "Clang!" The sword met the staff with a resounding clash. With a swift palm strike, Han blocked the sword, the sound of iron against stone reverberating through the air. "Weapon Soul?!" The staff-wielder was taken aback. How could a regular weapon withstand his Weapon Soul staff? What kind of place is Taibai Martial Hall to provide Weapon Souls to Meridian Realm disciples? The staff-wielder had initially thought Hans body was merely peculiar, but now his weapon was just as formidable. Furthermore, Han seemed to absorb the blows, his body unscathed. Was this for real? "This sword is meant to take your life!" Han roared, unleashing a barrage of strikes. Taibai Swordplay, exquisite and unparalleled, was far beyond anything these two could match. "Slash!" The sword sliced across the chest of the swordsman, tearing through his robes. Beneath them, his Hundred Refinement Inner Armor was also cut open. The swordsmans blade met Hans, causing him to cough up blood, but the sound of iron clashing filled the air as their weapons met. "Weapon Soul Armor? How is this possible?" Both of them turned pale. No wonder this man could withstand their blows so easily! Blood staining his face, Hans smile looked a bit grim. "Impossible? You two poor fools!" The two warriors'' anger flared. Those words cut deeper than any strike theyd received. "How can two Weapon Souls help you?" the staff-wielder bellowed. "In the end, youre just in the Meridian Realm. How long can you hold out?" "Die!" Han activated another item, a surge of hot energy coursing through his body. The injuries from earlier rapidly healed as a new, more powerful strength erupted within him. This story has been unlawfully obtained without the author''s consent. Report any appearances on Amazon. A fighting spirit filled his heart, enabling him to unleash even greater power. The Nine Orifice Golden Dan began rapidly releasing its medicinal energy, healing his wounds, replenishing his vitality, and quickly converting it into Qi. How long can I last? I could fight you all day! The clash of sword and fist, exchanging injury for injury, caused the ground to erupt with craters as dust flew into the air. The flashing of swords, the howling winds from fists, and the shouts filled the air. Anyone witnessing this battle would be speechless. A Meridian Realm warrior, this powerful? It was something they had never heard of or seen before! By the end, even the two Vital Realm warriors began to feel fear. They were both severely wounded. The sight of two Vital Realm warriors being forced into such a state by a mere Meridian Realm fighter was unimaginable. They never anticipated this would be the outcome. "Freak! Freak! Youre not in the Meridian Realm! How can a Meridian Realm warrior have this kind of power?" "Even the most talented warrior couldnt have this kind of strength when first entering the Meridian Realm!" Han didnt respond. Sword shadows flashed as he struck, each move deadly. Do you think youre fighting just anyone? Youre facing me, someone whos used the Vajra Charm, Weapon Soul Charms, Berserk Pills, Combat Liquor, and the Nine Orifice Golden Dan! The Vajra Charm, granting me the power of a Vajra! Limitless strength! Unyielding like diamond! The Weapon Soul Charms, enhancing the sharpness and sturdiness of my weapon by another level! The Berserk Pills, boosting my strength! The Combat Liquor, restoring my health, enhancing my spirit, and fueling my combat intent! You cant even begin to imagine how much Ive boosted my defense, offense, endurance, and recovery... What level are you at? What level am I at? What kind of resources do you have? What do I have? Have you even activated your full potential? What kind of scum dares to ambush me? "Boom!" Han kicked the swordsman in the chest, sending him flying, blood gushing from his mouth in shock. "Stop! Stop! Ill tell you who sent us to kill you! If you stop now, we can make a deal!" Upon hearing this, Han paused, and the other two warriors exchanged a look of hope. "Solar Fist!" Suddenly, Han shouted. The two warriors were startled, instinctively going on the defensive. But they felt no strike from Hans fists or feetonly an overwhelming light filling their vision. They were blind! "What is this technique?!" With his vision unaffected, Han looked at the two panicked enemies, a cold smile on his face. Still so foolish. Did you really think I was attacking with my body just because I shouted? You never learn! Han charged toward them, and though the two could no longer see, their hearing and warrior instincts remained sharp. They could still sense Hans presence and prepare to defend. However, without sight, their defenses were full of openings. For stronger warriors, not being able to see has an increasingly significant impact. Illusion Dream Technique! A technique Han had mastered from the Mountain and Water Temple, it wasnt particularly effective against warriors, but now it made all the difference. In this moment of disorientation, life and death were decided. The fear that had already begun to take root in their hearts now became the nail in their coffins. One head pierced, one heart exploded. Two Vital Realm warriors, with respectable statuses, died on the banks of Cloud River. The Slayer, Taibai Han. Realm: Early Meridian Realm. With just a few tricks, formidable foes are turned to ash! After their deaths, Han collected their souls. Why should you tell me who was behind this? I can just take it from your memories. Upon death, a soul naturally dissipates unless it becomes a ghost or is taken by a cultivator. The blinding light faded, and the world returned to normal. The Vajra Charm and other items effects were about to expire. Even if the two Vital Realm warriors had delayed for a bit longer, they could never outlast Han. This wasnt even Hans full power. Han had used the Vajra Charm not just for strength, but to prevent them from escaping. After all, their Qi was deeper than his, and if they had focused on fleeing, that could have been troublesome. Looking around, the battlefield was a mess. Craters dotted the ground, and the area near the rivers edge had collapsed. Fighting at the Vital Realm level had caused significant destruction. After cleaning up the battlefield, Han hurried toward Black Cloud Town. Just as he took a few steps, the Vajra Charm and other effects wore off. "Hiss!" Han inhaled sharply, the pain from his injuries flaring up. Facing two Vital Realm warriors, Han certainly wasnt unscathed. In fact, he had taken quite a beating. Those items only gave him the strength to fight them, not make him invincible. He had been trading injuries for power, relying on his items to heal faster than his enemies. Courage is a warrior''s invisible "divine weapon," their "divine skill." Pushing through the pain, Han couldnt afford to linger outside. If more enemies showed up, things could get disastrous. "Li Granny, just wait until I find out who the mastermind is..." "Whoosh!" Suddenly, Han heard a sound like something breaking the air, and the sound was rapidly approaching him. Han''s heart sank. Could I have jinxed it? Are there more assassins? Turning around, Han quickly relaxed, slumping to the ground with a look of relief. Chapter 88: Junior Disciple Stays Silent, Senior Sister Claims Her Status Soft, fragrant, vast. These were the sensations Han was feeling at this moment. Bai Ruoyue was supporting Han, disregarding the dirt, letting Han lean against her. Her face showed both worry and anger as they made their way toward Heiyun Town. "Junior Brother, are you okay? Hold on, Junior Brother. You''re not in any danger." "Senior Sister..." "Speak, Junior Brother, I''m listening." "I''m fine, just slow down a bit. My feet are getting scraped from being dragged along." Bai Ruoyue was moving incredibly fast; the two warriors from the Zangfu realm earlier couldn''t compare to her speed. Han was completely being dragged along. "At a time like this, you still can''t be serious!" But Bai Ruoyue obediently slowed down. "I''m really fine, just a little injured." "Senior Sister, how did you know I was in trouble?" It was Bai Ruoyue who had rushed toward Han just moments ago. "Someone saw the disciples of Taibai Martial Academy being surrounded and reported it to the academy." Han nodded. Thankfully, his Taibai disciple attire had been maintained when he returned to Heiyun Town. "Junior Brother, do you know who attacked you?" Bai Ruoyue asked angrily. "How dare they harm you? This debt must be repaid!" Han shook his head. "It was two Zangfu realm warriors, but I don''t know them. They''re just pawns in someone else''s game. I don''t know who the mastermind is yet." "But I took their souls. Once we return, I''ll extract the truth from their memories." This development was something the mastermind would never have expected. Who could have imagined that two Zangfu warriors would be killed by Han, a mere practitioner at the Jingmai level? Strength trumps all cunning and schemes! "Good, that''s good," Bai Ruoyue said with determination, her voice full of murderous intent. "Once we find out who the mastermind is, I''ll go personally to settle the score!" "By the way, where are the two assassins?" Han blinked. Did Senior Sister run so fast that her mind left the martial academy? "Senior Sister, I took their souls," Han repeated. "I know, you took their souls..." Bai Ruoyue suddenly turned and stared at Han. "Souls?" "They''re dead?" "Yes, otherwise, how could their souls be here?" "How did they die?" "They were beaten to death." "By who?" "By me." "Slap!" Bai Ruoyue lightly slapped her own face, then pinched Han''s cheek. "Ouch, Senior Sister, what are you doing?" "Just checking if I''m dreaming," Bai Ruoyue muttered, a bit dazed. "You killed two Zangfu realm warriors?" Han immediately threw their bodies out as proof. "But you''re just a beginner in the Jingmai realm..." Bai Ruoyue suddenly grabbed Han''s face with both hands, shaking him left and right, then started checking Han''s injuries, feeling over his body. "You''re not on the brink of death..." "Junior Brother..." "Hmm?" "You''re not human, are you? You''re a demon in human skin, aren''t you?" "Speak properly, don''t curse." "How could you possibly kill two Zangfu realm warriors?" Bai Ruoyue was still in disbelief. "It was simple: a quick strike, one sword, and they were dead." Bai Ruoyue''s expression was full of incredulity. This was a shock too great to process. It felt like her very soul was about to fly out of her body. Han put the two bodies back away, and then tugged Bai Ruoyue, who had been standing still. "Senior Sister, let''s go back." "Oh." It was no big deal, yet such a big reaction. Looks like Senior Sisters resilience to shocks needs some improvement. Its not like I just killed two Zangfu realm warriors with my beginner Jingmai cultivation, after all. Look how calm I amI''m not even proud of it. Han strode ahead confidently, his gaze sharp. Bai Ruoyue followed behind, occasionally glancing at Han, then lowering her head. "Hehe." Suddenly, Bai Ruoyue burst into laughter, her laughter long and warm, giving Han a shock. "Senior Sister, what are you laughing at?" "I''m laughing because you''re amazing," Bai Ruoyue said brightly. "I can''t even imagine how much glory youll bring to Taibai Martial Academy in the future, Junior Brother." Han smiled. "Well be as successful as Xuan Du Temple!" "Taibai Martial Academy will become the national academy of Great Qi." Unauthorized usage: this narrative is on Amazon without the author''s consent. Report any sightings. "That would be perfect!" "But those hidden rats who dare to harm you must not be let off!" Bai Ruoyue came up to support Han again, rushing back to Heiyun Town. Meanwhile, Shen Long and the others were anxiously waiting at the academy. They would have gone to look for Han, but Bai Ruoyue told them to stay behind in case something went wrong. When they saw Han and Bai Ruoyue return, they finally sighed in relief. However, upon seeing Han''s injuries, they were furious, filled with righteous anger. This time, Bai Ruoyue directly took a pill left by her father at the academy and fed it to Han. Compared to the battle by the river, Han''s injuries this time were much more serious. Upon learning that Han had killed two Zangfu realm warriors, everyone reacted similarly to Bai Ruoyue, if not even more shocked. After all, now they had been completely surpassed by Han. "I got some things from the county city, and it took everything I had to kill them," Han said. "I''m still not a match for Zangfu realm warriors." Although Han had many techniques, there was still a significant gap between his power and the Zangfu realm. Without using those items, Han was still within the Jingmai realm. Han wasnt proud of this achievement. On the contrary, this battle gave him a clearer understanding of his own strength. "Thats still impressive," Zhang Yuantao praised. "Master told us that some super geniuses outside can also kill Zangfu realm warriors with their Jingmai strength, but thats only possible when they reach the peak or even perfection of the Jingmai realm." "Junior Brother, youve only just entered the Jingmai realm and already have this kind of power. The super geniuses outside cant compare to you." "Thats right, even Senior Sister cant match you." Shen Yu chimed in. "Senior Sister only became capable of battling Zangfu warriors after mastering the Jingmai realm." Bai Ruoyue shot a fierce glare at Shen Yu, scolding him for bringing up the wrong topic. "Senior Sister is also amazing." Han said sincerely, and it was from the bottom of his heart. There was no denying Bai Ruoyue''s talent and strength. Han had long realized that Senior Sister and the other talents from Heiyun Town werent on the same levelshe was in a league of her own. The Junior Disciple Remains Silent, While Senior Sister Claims Her Glory After using various healing pills, Han revealed the two bodies and took out their souls. "These two are... Chen Bo and Zhao Xie?" Zhang Yuantao recognized them. "They were free warriors, and theyve been in the Zangfu realm for two years. They usually lurk around Heishan, ambushing other warriors, gaining quite a notorious reputation." "They dared to attack Junior Brother? They deserved to die!" "Junior Brother, youve done the people a great service." Although there were many Zangfu realm warriors in Heiyun Town, they were all well-known. Chen Bo and Zhao Xie were rogue Zangfu warriors with a reputation for cruelty and evil deeds. Of course, although they had entered the Zangfu realm two years ago, they were still only at the beginning stages. Han then began to probe their souls, searching their memories. This wasnt a Daoist technique but a form of soul power, something Lu Qingmo had taught him. "Someone approached them yesterday, promising them each a weapon and a method for cultivating in the middle stages of the Zangfu realm, asking them to kill me." Han furrowed his brow. Is my worth only two weapon artifacts and a middle-tier practice manual? Is this some kind of joke?! Why are you focusing on such a strange point? Junior Brother, who hired them to kill you? I dont know. The person didnt reveal their identity. But Im sure that person is also a practitioner of the Zangfu Realm. Han shook his head and mentally sketched out the figure of the employer from the memories of the two assailants. Zhang Yuantao and the others carefully examined the image, but all of them shook their headsthey didnt recognize him. If he hasnt disguised himself, he must belong to one of the hidden forces, White Ruoyue said with a cold smile. To go so far as to plot my assassination Han muttered, and the others understood immediately. This weapon artifact has never appeared before, Zhang Yuantao remarked as he looked at the half-practice manual they had found on the corpses, shaking his head. Its not a well-known martial technique from any faction. Two weapon artifacts, a practice manualthis was the complete reward, but the mastermind had obviously not given it all at once. They only received part of the reward. Once the deed was done, they would be handed the rest. And if they had succeeded in killing Han, they wouldnt have gotten the second half. Theyre careful, Han mused. An unknown practitioner, new weapon artifacts, and martial techniqueseverythings unfamiliar. Who could want to kill Junior Brother White Ruoyue pondered, her face not looking very pleased. Things seemed to be at a standstill. Perhaps the mastermind hadnt considered the possibility of failure, but they had been cautious enough to leave no trace. After a moment of contemplation, White Ruoyues expression became serious. No matter what, attacking Junior Brother is unacceptable. Junior Brother, lets find Aunt Mu and see if she can help us trace the mastermind! Han had no objections, but first, he needed to wash up and change clothes. His ceremonial robes had been damaged. While not completely destroyed, they required some time to recover, so he couldnt wear them for now. At the Peach Grove, Lu Qingmo wasnt there initially. The two of them waited a while before she returned. Aunt Mu, heres what happened, White Ruoyue said, fuming with anger. These people have no shamethey dared to hire assassins to kill Junior Brother! Aunt Mu, you have to help us! Lu Qingmo glanced at Han and quickly assessed the extent of his injuries. Practitioners had a distinct advantage over martial artists in some ways. This is truly audacious, Lu Qingmo said coldly. Daring to murder a Ghostly Wanderer Who dares harm my people? Take their souls out and grab a hair from their bodies, she instructed. Han followed her orders, handing over the items. Lu Qingmo then took out a wooden object... a frog? She fed the two souls into the wooden frog and inserted the two hairs into its eyes. The scene was certainly bizarre. Reciting an incomprehensible incantation, Lu Qingmo knocked on the frogs head three times. Ribbit! The wooden frog actually croaked. You carry it, and the direction its tongue points to will show you where the people these two interacted with recently are. Is it really that powerful? Han thought to himself. No wonder this is such a mysterious martial art technique. Wow, thats amazing, White Ruoyue exclaimed, reaching out to take the frog. But Lu Qingmo simultaneously handed it to Han instead. White Ruoyue paused and looked at Lu Qingmo. After a moment of hesitation, Lu Qingmo casually switched hands and handed the frog to White Ruoyue. White Ruoyue took the frog, eyeing Lu Qingmo suspiciously. Why was Aunt Mu thinking about Junior Brother in everything now? Wasnt I supposed to be her most precious treasure? Senior Sister, look at the tongue, Han said, teasing. White Ruoyue instinctively stuck out her own soft tongue, but immediately realized what she had done and quickly retracted it, her face turning red. Han chuckled, and White Ruoyue shot him a death glare. Just blame yourself! They both looked at the frogs tongue and noticed it was pointing directly at Han. It was surprisingly accurate, though not very intelligent. If the target isnt the person youre looking for, knock on its head three times and it will point to an earlier person, Lu Qingmo explained. White Ruoyue knocked three times on the frogs head, and sure enough, its tongue changed direction. It was strange how the frogs tongue could bend at such odd angles. Exiting the Peach Grove, the two of them followed the frogs tongue and soon arrived at a house. But after Han used his mental power to probe, he realized that this was the residence of Chen Bo and the other assassin. The frogs tongue pointed to a servant in the house. Another target was ruled out. Next, the frog pointed to a tavern owner and some freelance martial artists, but all of them were ruled out as well. Seems like these two have interacted with quite a few people from yesterday to today, Han murmured. This is the life of a freelance martial artist, White Ruoyue said. Theyre always on the move and need to keep an eye on all kinds of news. Finally, the frog led them to a house on the outskirts of town. Han expanded his mental energy secretly and noticed a few people in the yard. They were all martial artists, and one of them was a practitioner of the Zangfu Realm. But his appearance and figure didnt match the description of Chen Bo and the others. Han quickly sketched out the figure of this Zangfu Realm practitioner for White Ruoyue. The man was strong, and Han dared only glance from a distance, not wanting to risk being detected. White Ruoyue thought for a moment and then shook her head. I dont recognize this Zangfu Realm practitioner. But for now, hes the most suspicious. Han nodded. Its possible that the mastermind altered his appearance when he met with Chen Bo and the others. Han suddenly felt a bit of awe. This was so cautiouslayer upon layer of precautions. Why was this mastermind so different from the villains he was used to? You should go back to the martial arts hall and have Third Senior Brother take a look. If he doesnt recognize this person either, then we can be sure its him. Zhang Yuantao took care of the martial arts halls daily matters, so he knew all the Zangfu Realm practitioners in Black Cloud Town. Han returned quickly. Third Senior Brother doesnt recognize this person either. Then its him! White Ruoyue sneered. He thinks he can escape by changing his face? Take action! As soon as White Ruoyue finished speaking, she rushed forward and broke through the door. Han opened his mouth to say something but couldnt get the words out. She was so eager! With White Ruoyues strength, dealing with the few people inside the courtyard was effortless, and Han had no concerns. By the time Han slowly entered, they had already been subdued. Doesnt anyone realize the worth of Black Cloud Towns top genius? Before Han had advanced to the Zangfu Realm, there was no one in Black Cloud Town who could overpower White Ruoyue. Chapter 89: The Dawn of Clarity "Their souls have been restricted; I can''t peer into them." Lu Qingmo shook her head. "If I try, they''ll be instantly destroyedit''s a cruel and extreme limit, a situation where both sides would perish." "Ah, Aunt Mo, you can''t do anything about it?" Bai Ruoyue''s frustration was evident. "No, I can''t," Lu Qingmo replied. "There are infinite ways of doing things in the world of Taoism, and this is not my area of expertise." No cultivator is all-powerful. Combat, alchemy, formations, talismans, and fate manipulation are all different realms of expertise. Lu Qingmo continued, "In Black Cloud Town, there''s no one on the surface who specializes in this kind of technique." Bai Ruoyue deflated at her words. "Which faction in Black Cloud Town could have the ability to set such a restriction?" Lu Qingmo answered, "On the surface, none. The Yun family has many cultivators, but they don''t specialize in this." "The Gao and Lin families are martial artist-oriented, with only a few cultivators among them. The Yun family, on the other hand, is mostly composed of cultivators." "Yun family...?" Han murmured, thinking of Yun Duo. Staring at the unconscious martial artist on the floor, Han pondered. The Yun family... Han couldn''t shake the feeling that a faction operating so covertly would never leave such an obvious clue behind. "Ill question him," Han said. "I have a way to tell if he''s lying or not." As soon as the man regained consciousness, he began shouting in anger and confusion. "What do you want? Why have you captured me?" "You hired someone to kill me and you ask why youre being captured?" Han kicked him lightly. "Calm down." The man grew even angrier but showed no signs of panic. "When did I hire anyone to kill you?" Liar. He was definitely involved. "You are breaking the laws of the Great Qi! Martial artists fighting privately is forbidden by the law!" the man continued, trying to defend himself. "Let me go, my friends will come looking for me. If they find out I''m missing, theyll bring in the officials from the Martial Bureau, and youll regret it!" Han couldnt help but laugh. When you were paying for an assassination, you didnt care about the law, but now you use it as a threat. "So, you''re a government official?" Han asked, his amusement evident. "..." "Which family do you belong to?" Han pressed. "Yun family?" The mans eyes flickered with visible panic, which Han, Bai Ruoyue, and Lu Qingmo immediately caught. "I have nothing to do with the Yun family." That was the truth. Han kicked him again. "You''re quite the actor." "Then are you from the Tenglong Martial Hall?" "I dont understand what you mean." "Yes or no?" Han delivered a punch. "No!" The man answered quickly. That was the truth too. Hans mind raced. Not from the Yun family, and not from the Tenglong Martial Hall either, the two groups he suspected most. "So, it must be the Gao family who wants me dead." "What are you really trying to ask? I have no connection with the Gao family either." Another lie! So it was you. The man was well-hidden, but his skills werent enough to outsmart Hans methods! Han then asked about the Lin family and the Kuangdao Martial Hall, only to receive the same "no connection" answers. Again, all were truthful. Truth and lies werent as straightforward as the Mind-Confounding Pill, but they were still accurate. Han didnt know the exact mechanics, much like how he couldnt explain the principle behind the falling objects from the Great Thousand Immortal Tree. He used his methods to make the man lose consciousness again and then told Bai Ruoyue and Lu Qingmo: "Its the Gao family." "The cultivator who set this restriction," Lu Qingmos eyes narrowed. "Theyve hidden themselves very well..." "Lets go to the Gao family!" Bai Ruoyue immediately decided. "But Senior Sister, Master isnt here, and we dont have direct evidence." "Whether my father is here or not, Im going to get justice for you!" "As a disciple of Taibai, I won''t suffer in vain!" "Junior Brother, even if it costs my life, I wont let you be wronged!" Bai Ruoyue stepped out of the Peach Grove, and Han watched her back, his gaze softening. "Go ahead. I''ll find a way to gather evidence against the Gao family." "As for safety, don''t worry about it." Once Bai Ruoyue and Lu Qingmo left, Lu Qingmo took out an object, gazed at it for a moment, and sighed softly before activating it. "Fifteen years..."
The Gao Family. A grand estate with wide courtyards, pavilions, and towers covering a vast area. As one of the three major families in Black Cloud Town, the Gao family had always been at the peak of power. Their influence extended to the county city and surrounding areas. This book is hosted on another platform. Read the official version and support the author''s work. The families and martial halls in Black Cloud Town were formidable even by the standards of the county city. If they wished, they could easily expand to other regions. And because of Black Cloud Town''s unique position, even the large forces in the county city were willing to show deference to them. After all, this was a stable resource channel. But today, even though the Gao family was renowned throughout Tian Yue County and had dominated Black Cloud Town for years, someone had come knocking on their door. Boom! The gate of the Gao family estate exploded open, and the guards were sent flying from the outside in. "Gao Zhenxiong! Come out!" A voice, loud and furious, echoed throughout the Gao family and the nearby streets. Some experienced onlookers froze in disbelief. Gao Zhenxiong? Wasn''t that the current head of the Gao family? Who dared to call the head of the Gao family by name and demand he come out? This was going to be interesting! A crowd quickly gathered, eager to see what was happening. Curiosity was in everyone''s nature. Han and his group of seven were blocking the entrance to the Gao family estate, looking imposing. Taibai disciples always moved togethernone would back down in situations like this. "Is that... the six disciples of Taibai Martial Hall? Whos the extra one?" "Youre behind the times. There are seven disciples now, and the seventh is the most talented." "More talented than Bai Ruoyue?" "Its night and day. That ones only been practicing martial arts for ten days and already achieved mastery of the body." Hiss! "I thought Bai Ruoyue was terrifying enough. I didnt expect there was someone even more exceptional." "Why are Taibai Martial Halls disciples looking for trouble with the Gao family? Are they going to start a war?" "Didnt Taibais Hall Master die in Black Mountain?" "Who said that? Nonsense! Anyone who curses Taibais Hall Master will regret it for the rest of their life!" "You told me that last time over drinks." "..." The crowd chattered excitedly, their eyes gleaming with excitement. The Gao family reacted swiftly. A group of martial artists rushed out to block Han and the others. A tall, handsome young man led them, his voice full of anger as he shouted: "Bai Ruoyue! How dare you cause trouble at my Gao familys doorstep!" "Do you want to go to war with us?" "Gao Yuan, what your Gao family has done, you know it well enough," Bai Ruoyue stepped forward. "You dared to hire someone to kill my junior brother. If we dont get an explanation today, we will declare war!" The crowd gasped in astonishment. No one had expected the Gao family to be involved in such things. Even more shocking was that it had been discovered. "Slander!" Gao Yuan denied vehemently. "My Gao family is upright. How could we do such a thing?" "On the contrary, its Taibai Martial Hall that has offended us and spread such dirty lies." "If you dont clarify this today, no one here will leave!" Shen Long sneered, "Looks like weve come for trouble. Lets see how the Gao family plans to keep us here." "Youre the ones who are here for trouble!" Gao Yuan, the Gao family''s eldest son, was enraged. "Surround them!" "Their souls are restricted, unable to be probed." Lu Qingmo shook her head. "If we force it, they''ll immediately disintegrate. It''s a harsh and brutal limitationa no-win scenario." "Ah, Aunt Mo, you can''t do anything about it?" Bai Ruoyue''s voice was filled with frustration. "No, there''s nothing I can do. The Dao is vast, and this particular one isn''t my expertise." No cultivator could be proficient in every fieldcombat, pills, weapons, formations, and restrictions all belong to different domains. Lu Qingmo added, "In Heiyun Town, there isn''t anyone on the surface who excels in this." Bai Ruoyue''s expression dropped as she heard this. "What about the factions in Heiyun Town? Which one could have set up such a restriction?" Lu Qingmo answered, "On the surface, none. The Yun family has many cultivators, but they don''t specialize in this." "The Gao and Lin families focus mainly on martial artists, with only a few cultivators. The Yun family, however, is the opposite." "Is the Yun family the largest?" Han murmured, thinking of Yun Duo. As they glanced at the unconscious martial artist on the ground, Han was deep in thought. The Yun family Han couldn''t shake the feeling that such a secretive force couldn''t have left such an obvious opening. "I''ll ask him," Han said, "I have a way to tell if he''s lying." The martial artist had just regained consciousness and immediately started shouting. "What are you doing? Why am I being held?" "You hired someone to kill me. Why are you asking why you''re being captured?" Han kicked him lightly. "Behave yourself." The man grew angrier and showed no signs of fear. "When did I hire someone to kill you?" Lying. As expected. "You are violating the laws of the Daqi Kingdom! Private fights between martial artists are forbidden!" "Let me go. If my friends find out I''m missing, they''ll definitely bring in people from the Martial Bureau. If that happens, you won''t get away with this!" Han almost laughed. He hadn''t cared about Daqi laws when he hired someone to kill him, but now he wanted to use the law to pressure him. "Actually, I am a member of the Daqi government." "..." "Which family are you from?" Han asked, "The Yun family?" The man''s eyes betrayed a flash of panic, which Han and his companions caught immediately. "I have nothing to do with the Yun family." Truth. Han kicked him again. "You''re quite the actor, aren''t you?" "Then you''re from the Tenglong Martial Hall?" "I don''t know what you''re talking about." "Yes or no?" Han punched him directly. "No!" Also true. Han''s thoughts raced. It''s not the Yun family, and not the Tenglong Martial Hall, which he had suspected the most. "So, it''s the Gao family who wants me dead?" "What exactly are you trying to ask? I have nothing to do with the Gao family either." Lying again! So it''s you. You hid it well, but you''re skilled. Han also asked about the Lin family and the Kuangdao Martial Hall, getting the same answersunrelated. These were also truths. The truth-detecting method wasnt as direct as the Heart Confusion Pill, but it was still accurate. Han didnt know the principle behind it, much like he couldnt understand the falling objects from the Daqian Immortal Tree. He used a technique to knock the man unconscious again and turned to Bai Ruoyue and Lu Qingmo. "Its the Gao family." "Only a cultivator from the Gao family could set up such a restriction." Lu Qingmos eyes narrowed. "Theyre well hidden." "Let''s go to the Gao family!" Bai Ruoyue declared decisively. "But Senior Sister, Master isn''t here, and we have no direct evidence." "Whether my father is here or not, I will seek justice for you!" "I am a Taibai disciple. I will not suffer in vain!" "Little Junior Brother, even if it costs me my life, I wont let you suffer!" Bai Ruoyue led the way out of the peach forest. Han watched her retreating figure, his gaze softening. "Go ahead. Ill find a way to get the evidence against the Gao family." "As for your safety, don''t worry." After they left, Lu Qingmo took out an item, gazing at it for a moment before sighing and activating it. "Fifteen years..."
The Gao Family A vast estate with pavilions and towers, occupying a massive area. As one of the three great families in Heiyun Town, the Gao family had always been at the pinnacle of power. Their influence extended even to the prefectural city and surrounding counties. The families and martial halls in Heiyun Town were strong enough to rival the forces in the prefectural city, and if they wished, they could easily expand into other regions. Moreover, due to the special nature of Heiyun Town, even the major powers in the prefectural city would show deference to the Gao familys influence. After all, this place was a stable resource channel. But today, the Gao family, which dominated Heiyun Town and was famous throughout Tianyue County, found themselves under attack. Bang! The Gao familys gate was blasted open, and the guards at the door were sent flying inside. "Gao Zhenxiong, get out here!" The beautiful yet furious voice echoed throughout the Gao family estate and the surrounding streets. Some people with knowledge were stunned. Gao Zhenxiong? Wasnt that the current head of the Gao family? Who would be so bold as to call out the Gao family heads name and demand he come out? A crowd of onlookers rushed to the Gao family, eager to see what would happen. Curiosity got the better of them. Han and his group of seven blocked the entrance to the Gao family estate, their intent clear. The Taibai disciples stood togethernone of them hesitated. "Is that... the six disciples of the Taibai Martial Hall? Whos the extra one?" "You''re behind the times. The Taibai Martial Hall now has seven disciples. The seventh is the most talented." "Is he more talented than Bai Ruoyue?" "A world apart. He only practiced martial arts for a little over ten days and already reached the pinnacle of physical cultivation." "Hiss!" "I thought Bai Ruoyue was already terrifying enough, but it turns out theres an even more outstanding talent." "Why are the Taibai Martial Hall disciples causing trouble for the Gao family? Are they about to go to war?" "Didnt the Taibai Hall master die in Black Mountain?" "Who said that? Nonsense! Anyone who dares curse the Taibai master deserves to be cursed themselves!" "Thats what you said to me last time when we were drinking." "..." The onlookers were buzzing with excitement, their eyes gleaming with thrill. The Gao family reacted quickly. A large group of martial artists charged out to stop Han and his group. A tall, handsome young man led the charge, shouting angrily: "Bai Ruoyue, you have a lot of nerve, causing trouble in my Gao family!" "Does Taibai Martial Hall want to go to war with my Gao family?" "Gao Yuan, you know exactly what your Gao family has done," Bai Ruoyue stepped forward. "Dare to hire someone to kill my Junior Brother? If I dont get an explanation today, we will start a war!" The crowd gasped. No one had expected the Gao family to be involved in such matters. Even more shocking was that they had been caught red-handed. "Ridiculous!" Gao Yuan denied fiercely. "My Gao family is righteous! How could we do such a thing?" "On the contrary, its you Taibai Martial Hall that has offended us and smeared our name." "If you dont explain yourself today, none of you will leave!" Shen Long sneered, "They dont seem friendly. Lets see how the Gao family tries to keep us here." "Youre the ones who should leave!" Gao Yuan, the Gao familys eldest son, was livid. "Surround them!" Chapter 90: Pressing with Authority, Blood Spills Three Feet Cold. Piercing. Rigid... These are the sensations High Zhenxiong is experiencing right now. He dares not move. The person who challenged the dignity of the Gao family is right in front of him. He only needs to make a slight motion, and with the power of the Bone Refining Realm, he could defeat them all. But that small distance... it is an insurmountable chasm. Zhenxiong cannot cross it, and he never will. Just like how, since the beginning of his martial arts practice, he could never catch up to that person. He was a genius, but that person was even more of a genius, ultimately reigning supreme in the younger generation of Black Cloud Town. Zhenxiong looked at the person holding the sword. His voice was hoarse. "Youre still alive..." The one who stopped him at such a critical moment, preventing him from advancing further, must possess a cultivation far superior to his own. Bai Ruoyue and Gao Dingtian had just clashed but stopped at this moment, both looking over in this direction. Gao Dingtian''s expression was stiff, while Bai Ruoyue wore a face of joy. "Father!" "Master!" Han and the others were surprised to see Bai Tian, who had been missing for about half a month, suddenly reappear. Holding a treasured sword, Bai Tian placed it on Gao Zhenxiong''s hand, his gaze indifferent. "Gao Zhenxiong, can your name... not be said?" Zhenxiong clenched his teeth, his other hand behind his back, veins bulging. "Yes..." It seemed like he had drained all his strength just to say that. "So, what price do you want my disciple to pay?" "They came to cause trouble, its not my Gao family''s fault." Gao Zhenxiong tried to pull back his hand, but the biting coldness made him hesitate to move recklessly. "The reputation of my Gao family has been tarnished." "Since my disciple came, its your Gao family''s fault." Bai Tian spoke without hesitation. "Bai Tian, dont go too far..." Gao Zhenxiong was filled with frustration. Is there still any law? Is there any justice? Arent you being too overbearing? Forget the facts for nowdidn''t your disciple bring trouble here, without any fault? "Father, its their fault! They hired people to kill Junior Brother!" Bai Ruoyue cried out. "We have evidence!" Bai Tian nodded slightly and then looked up at the sky. "Lord Lu, please reveal yourself." Everyone was stunned. Where? Suddenly, Lu Qingmo appeared in the sky, seemingly separated from his physical form, his soul floating down. Before Bai Tian had spoken, no one had noticed anyone in the sky. However, Han and Bai Ruoyue hadnt seen him either, but they knew. She had always been here. Since Lu Qingmo allowed Han and the others to seek justice, he couldnt just ignore them. Han also keenly noticed that Lu Qingmos complexion seemed a bit pale. After appearing, Lu Qingmo didnt even glance at Bai Tian, instead focusing on Gao Zhenxiong. "Did the head of the Gao family just suspect that I fabricated evidence and colluded with the Taibai Martial Arts Hall to frame the Gao family?" "I did not mean that, I just feared that Lord Lu might be deceived." "Oh." Lu Qingmo nodded, "So, are you implying that I am ignorant and lacking in judgment?" "..." Gao Zhenxiong was both furious and helpless. Can we at least be reasonable? Putting the facts aside, arent you the foolish one for trusting this young man? Had Han known what Zhenxiong was thinking, he would have laughed out loud. Laugh? You might as well try explaining things to my master, or Aunt Mo... At this moment, more figures appeared on the rooftops. Leaders of other families and martial arts halls had gathered. Such a big commotion, they couldn''t possibly have been unaware, they just didnt want to interfere earlier. But now that Bai Tian had appeared with overwhelming force, the situation had taken a new turn, and they had to come see for themselves. Even important figures enjoy watching a good spectacle. "Since everyone is here, lets see if I have wronged the Gao family." Lu Qingmo took out a soul fragmentthe one from the Gao familys undercover agent. He then performed a chant and placed a yellow talisman on the soul fragment. A faint light appeared, and part of the souls memory unfolded in the air. Han was shocked. The restrictions on the Gao family''s undercover agent''s soul had been broken by Lu Qingmo? Wasnt it said that she couldnt do this? As Han noticed Lu Qingmos pale complexion, he wondered about something. The memory showed a young man in luxurious robes speaking to the Gao family''s agent. "The seventh disciple of the Taibai Martial Arts Hall is an unparalleled genius, one rarely seen in this world." "Such a person should not exist in Black Cloud Town, it will cause too much of a stir. Go and find two people to eliminate him!" If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation. "Second young master, which level of martial artist should we send?" "Internal Organ Realm!" "That will be quite a cost." "Two martial weapons, and a middle-grade internal organ refining method. Dont worry about it. In Black Cloud Town, its not just our family that doesnt want Han to keep living." The scene then shifted to the Gao family agent meeting with Chen Bo, discussing the plan to eliminate Han. The area fell silent. The Gao family members could no longer speak. Lu Qingmo glanced at Gao Zhenxiong, "Luckily, Lord Yun is also here. If Gao Zhenxiong doesnt believe me, he can ask Lord Yun if I fabricated these images." "All of this is true." The gentlemanly Lord Yun immediately replied, without hesitation. Bai Tian then asked, "Who was wrong?" "The Gao family was wrong." Bai Tian retracted his sword. "The law of Great Qi forbids martial artists from fighting privately, and it is illegal to hire someone to kill. Even more so, killing a member of the Ghosts and Gods Division." Lu Qingmo added, "Attempting to harm a Ghosts and Gods Division member is one of the gravest crimes." If Han were killed, he would have been under the protection of national laws, and the reasoning that the opponent colluded with the Heavenly Mother Sect made it worse for the Gao family. Bai Tian nodded. "Multiple crimes committed. Gao Zhenxiong, as the head of the family, you should know the consequences." "My son was just confused for a moment..." "If I were to kill you now, would you say you were just confused?" Bai Tian interrupted Gao Zhenxiong. "Say the word, and I will not pursue this matter any further." Gao Zhenxiong dared not speak, fearing Bai Tian would actually kill him. He couldn''t defeat Bai Tian, or else he wouldnt have been pressed down to this point after Bai Tian arrived. If Han hadnt been too abnormal, if Bai Tian hadnt been away for so long, if not for all the preparations... They wouldnt have attacked Taibai Martial Arts Hall. But who could have known that despite all these preconditions, the plan would still be exposed? Of course, the most crucial thing that led to this outcome was that two Internal Organ Realm experts failed to kill Han. This was something Gao Zhenxiong couldnt comprehendtwo against one, even with a large gap in cultivation, and they still couldnt succeed. Were they even skilled? Had Han been killed, Zhenxiong would be dealing with all the survivors, but how did it come to this? "Where is Gao Hong?" Gao Zhenxiong whispered. Someone timidly answered, "Second young master is outside drinking with friends." "Tell him to get back here!" "No need. Ive already sent the Dingwu Division to find him. Hes outside now." Lu Qingmo said. As he finished speaking, two Dingwu Division martial artists escorted a pale, delicate-looking young man into the room. Gao Zhenxiong''s second son, Gao Hong. Gao Zhenxiong had four sonsGao Yuan and Gao Hong were both in the Internal Organ Realm, the third son was a cultivator training in the county city, and the fourth son was Gao Lu, who had been defeated by Han in one strike, the least talented. "Father, save me, save me!" Gao Hong shouted as soon as he entered. He knew the situation had reached a critical point. "Unfilial son! Who gave you the courage to do such things?" Gao Zhenxiong scolded. "Apologize immediately!" "Forget it, its not worth it," Han said. Bai Tian nodded. "Handle it as it should be. No need for an apology." A dark look flashed in Gao Zhenxiongs eyes. "Bai Tian, do you really want to do this?" "This Is My Own Flesh and Blood!" "This is also my disciple!" Bai Tian declared. "Your Gao family started this, not following the rules!" "According to the laws of Da Qi, disputes between martial artists can be handled by the authorities or resolved privately," Lu Qingmo said, turning to Han. "What do you intend to do?" "Father, help me!" Gao Zhenxiong glared at his second son and signaled him with a look. Gao Hong immediately understood and shouted, "I want to settle this grudge with Han myself!" Breaking bones and severing veins... You wont die, but youll be seriously injured! "You dont get to decide that!" Bai Ruoyue scoffed. Han thought for a moment before saying, "Then lets fulfill his wish." Everyone was taken aback. Wasnt targeting the meridians and organs a surefire way to die? "Master, can you seal his cultivation?" someone asked. "You think Id fight you fairly in a situation like this?" Han thought, silently mocking them. The crowd, realizing what was going on, couldn''t help but look at Han with newfound respect. "This kid... he knows exactly what he''s doing." Gao Hongs expression darkened. "This is cheating!" Bai Tian nodded, "Its fine, were following Hans instructions." Without saying more, he kicked a stone at Gao Hong, piercing his forehead. He collapsed instantly, breath gone. That felt good. You wanted to hire someone to kill me? Now look at you. No matter what Han chose, a deadly feud with the Gao family was unavoidable. It was better to act personally, at least for the satisfaction. Gao Zhenxiong turned to Lu Qingmo, "Lu, this isnt following the rules!" "According to the rules, it is," Lu Qingmo replied seriously, as Bai Tian also fixed Gao Zhenxiong with a piercing gaze. The law, the strong, and the judgeeverything was on our side! "Not following the rules? Ridiculous!" Lu Qingmo stood firm. "Since Lu agrees, then its settled," Gao Dingtian said coldly. "Bai, do you agree?" "In that case, send ten spiritual herbs and a weapon to the Taibai Martial Academy within the day." "Good, that''s what I should do," Gao Dingtian immediately agreed. Gao Zhenxiong remained silent, leaving everything to Gao Dingtian. Bai Ruoyue then whispered something to Bai Tian. Bai Tian turned to Long Tianchong, who immediately had a bad feeling. "Long, my disciple owes me three spiritual herbs and three forged weapons. How about instead of three, you give six spiritual herbs and one weapon for good luck?" Long Tianchongs eyelid twitched. What was this "good luck" nonsense? But, gritting his teeth, he agreed. "Fine!" Bai Tian turned to Lu Qingmo and said, "Thanks for your help, Lu." Lu Qingmo simply nodded distantly before turning to Han. "When this is all over, come find me." With that, he flew off, barely sparing Bai Tian another glance. "Congratulations, Bai. We will visit again soon," Yun, the head of the Yun family, cupped his hands to Bai Tian before soaring into the sky. His soul-based expertise made travel by body far too fragile. For him, traveling by soul was far safer. The others also exchanged pleasantries with Bai Tian before departing. Bai Tian glanced at Gao Zhenxiong one last time, then turned and left. Once the group from Taibai was far enough away, loud rumblings and vengeful growls echoed from the Gao family estate. On the way back, Bai Tians face returned to its usual calm. He asked Han, "Han, do you hold it against me that I didnt deal with Gao Zhenxiong?" "Master, you avenged me, so how could I possibly hold anything against you?" Han shook his head. "Then, the memories from the Gao family''s hidden son only link to Gao Hong. The evidence ends there. Gao Hongs death is the best possible outcome." The facts were clear: Gao Hong hired the assassin, not anyone else. Attempting to take down the entire Gao family would be unrealistic. As for torturing Gao Hong for more information... That was impossible. At this point, Gao Hong had to die. Most of the Gao family wanted him gone anyway. The Gao family certainly had some responsibility, but with the main culprit dead, all they owed was compensation. Of course, this was assuming Han had a powerful enough background to overpower the Gao family. Had the situation been more evenly matched, Gao Hong would never have died. The Gao family would have only been required to compensate. Had Han been weaker today, there would have been no compensationperhaps even Han and his group would have ended up compensating the Gao family. Earlier, Bai Tian spoke of Da Qi''s laws, but for those in privileged positions, the law was just a piece of paper. It was merely an excuse to cover up their actions. This wasnt a world of laws, it was a world of power and background! Han was grateful to have joined the Taibai Martial Academy, where he wouldn''t be oppressed by others'' power. But he had to admit, wielding power to suppress others... it really was satisfying. If Han hadnt joined Taibai and had trained alone, it was easy to imagine the challenges hed face as his reputation spread. A practitioner with no background but rapid cultivation would quickly find himself surrounded by enemies. A person without a background but growing stronger faster than normal would face countless dangers. "You understand now," Bai Tian nodded. "But after today, Taibai and the Gao family will be completely at odds." "Things will be fine here in Black Cloud Town, but be careful when you meet people from the Gao family outside." "And the people from Tenglong Martial Academy too. This likely isn''t just the Gao family targeting you." Bai Tian paused, then a look of satisfaction appeared on his face. "I''m glad to see you all helping each other, with no complaints, no giving up, even when facing danger. Youve chosen to face it together." "Your loyalty has proven I didnt pick the wrong people. Im proud of you all." "Joining Taibai Martial Academy was one of the best things Ive done in my life," Han said with a smile. The atmosphere here, the people here, it all felt so comfortable. Harmony and friendship were much more enjoyable than scheming and competition. "True," Bai Ruoyue agreed, nodding. "Not everyone is lucky enough to have a big sister like me." Han nodded, "Youre right. Whatever you say is true." Bai Tian smiled and then looked at Han, unable to resist asking: "So, Han, whats going on with your cultivation?" This was a question Bai Tian had wanted to ask the moment he saw Han for the first time on the way back, but back then, he had to maintain the dominant image of a master, so he couldnt ask. At the time, Bai Tian even wondered if his eyes were playing tricks on him. What was this "Meridian Realm" nonsense? My disciple just started his martial path, didnt he? Yet, after being away for barely a month, guess what? Hes already broken through. This doesnt make sense! This isnt how martial arts work! "My cultivation is fine, right? Meridian Realm is normal, right? Did I mess something up?" "...No, its not a mistake." But, is it really "normal"? "How did you cultivate?" "Just normal training. Eat, practice martial arts, sleep early, then keep training until I broke through. It was pretty easy." "My big sister and the others were watching the whole time." Han, being the honest person he was, didnt hold anything back. Bai Ruoyues gaze shifted toward Han, and her eyes now held an unmistakable desire. A desire to devour Han. Chapter 91: Among the Mountains and Rivers, Within the World’s Mortal Souls, the Strongest in Heaven Han''s cultivation level made Bai Tian''s mind stir with a thought. Could it be that I''ve already been in Black Mountain for several years? Is it an illusion? Before Han could respond to Bai Tian''s question, Bai Ruoyue eagerly spoke up. "Father, you don''t know, little martial brother is a genius! You barely went to Black Mountain, and little martial brother had already broken through..." Bai Ruoyue vividly described what had happened over the past few days. In just over twenty days, he had advanced in martial arts, his soul leaving his body, punishing the wicked, and upholding justice. He single-handedly infiltrated a Devils Sky Mother sect stronghold, defeating two warriors at the Zangfu stage, and showcasing various miraculous talents... On the surface, Bai Tian remained calm, but deep down, he was deeply shocked, his old thoughts resurfacing. Could this really be the disciple I''ve taken in? What kind of merit or ability do I have to deserve this? Bai Tian began to reflect, comparing the unparalleled geniuses he''d encountered during his travels to Han''s growth. As for himself when he was young, compared to Han... Bai Tian knew himself wellhe couldn''t even come close. However, after comparison, Bai Tian realized that he''d never heard of a genius who hadn''t received resources, yet was able to reach the meridian stage in less than a month just through normal cultivation. To think that after returning to my hometown, I could receive such a disciple. Could this be fate? Is it the heavens that favor me so? Others watched Bai Tian, occasionally adding their thoughts. It couldnt just be them who were stunnedhis master should be as amazed as they were. The master and disciple must share the same heart! "Han..." Bai Tian spoke slowly, "You''re exceptional." "More than I ever expected." "As your master, I feel like I''ve somewhat held back your potential." Han shook his head. Bai Tian''s words were too self-deprecating. Putting everything aside, without him, how could Han have learned the secret martial arts? His strength had been weak before, unable to even wield martial arts, let alone secret techniques. Hans current strength was built on the foundation of secret martial arts. What is secret martial arts? It refers to the hidden martial arts of major schools and millennium-old families, passed down only to direct descendants or those of noble bloodlines. Han didn''t know where Bai Tian had acquired such techniques, but there was no doubt that they had given him an advantage in his cultivation, making him no less capable than anyone else. "I will do everything I can to teach you, help you grow," Bai Tian said, patting Hans shoulder. The Taibai Martial Academy was already within sight. To Han and the others surprise, the two outsiders who had entered Black Mountain with Bai Tian were also present at the martial academy. When Han and the others entered, the elderly Mu Bo, who had been meditating, immediately opened his eyes and locked onto Han, his gaze intense. After a deep look at Han, Mu Bo closed his eyes again. "Uncle Bai, is everything settled?" The young man Meng Hao asked warmly. They had gone to Black Mountain together, and when they entered, Bai Tian was the academy master, but now he was referred to as ''Uncle Bai.'' "Apologies for making you laugh," Bai Tian nodded. "This is Meng Hao from Zixiao City, Master Meng; this is Senior Mu," Bai Tian introduced Han and the others to the two. "You''re too kind, Uncle Bai. Just call me Xiao Hao," Meng Hao said cheerfully, pulling out several spirit herbs from thin air. "White Sister, a little gift for you." "Shen Brother..." Meng Hao accurately named everyone and handed them a spirit herb, while Bai Tian motioned to accept them. When it came to Hans turn, Meng Haos smile widened even more. "Zhou Brother, its a pleasure to finally meet you! We almost met earlier, you know." Han looked at the enthusiastic, handsome young man in front of him, somewhat puzzled. "What do you mean by that?" "When Mu Bo and I first arrived in Heiyun Town, we sensed the presence of ghostly energy at night. We thought someone was causing trouble, so we rushed over, but when we arrived, the ghostly presence had already disappeared." Meng Hao explained, "The next day, we learned that the person who encountered the ghosts was none other than Uncle Bais new disciple. Isnt that fate?" Han was stunned. He hadn''t realized that something like that had happened that night. "Well, I suppose it is fate..." Han thought for a moment. This Meng Hao likely had an extraordinary background. But when observing his physique, there was no indication of martial arts cultivation. Could he be a cultivator? Meng Hao, despite being young, was very eloquent. After chatting for a while, he expressed his intention to leave. "Uncle Bai, Im planning to leave Heiyun Town now. Thank you for taking care of me all these days in Black Mountain." "And to everyone else, if you ever leave Heiyun Town, make sure to visit Zixiao City. Ill personally host you all then." "Definitely, well visit when the opportunity arises." The narrative has been taken without permission. Report any sightings. After their farewells, Meng Hao and his companions left the Taibai Martial Academy. "Young Master, that Han has already reached the meridian stage," Mu Bo said to Meng Hao. "And he likely also cultivated his soul, and his soul cultivation isnt weak." Meng Hao froze for a moment, recalling his previous encounter with Han. He said incredulously, "When I last saw him, wasnt he just starting to learn martial arts?" "Yes, last time he was a commoner, just with a strong physique and robust vitality, even better than most martial artists," Mu Bo affirmed. "Just over twenty days..." Meng Hao fell into silence, not doubting Mu Bos judgment. "Mu Bo, did you detect any signs of secret techniques or demonic practices on him?" "No, his foundation is solid, his vitality burning strong like a furnacepure and righteous. His power is significant," Mu Bo shook his head. "His strength is surely the result of painstaking cultivation. He didnt take any shortcuts." "Whether martial arts or weaponry, just based on his physical body, his foundation is so deep that it''s rare to find anyone on par with him in the same stage. The techniques he''s learning are undoubtedly high-level." Hearing this, Meng Hao turned back to look at Taibai Martial Academy. "Although Heiyun Town is backed by Black Mountain, how much can a disciple at a martial academy here truly gain? The real treasures of Black Mountain are under the Mountain Gods control." "If he were in Yujing or Zixiao City, I wouldn''t be surprised by his achievements, but here, in Heiyun Town..." "Which means, hes entirely relying on his own efforts, with only a few spirit herbs, to cultivate to the meridian stage in just over twenty days..." In the more prosperous places, with the most powerful forces and unimaginable resources, Meng Hao could understand why such a person could be cultivated. But usually, no force would invest so much into one personwhat they sought was inheritance, not just a few years. But here, in Heiyun Town, from Bai Tians and Meng Haos perspectives, Han had access to no resources. To them, Hans progress was all thanks to his innate talent... Thats what made it terrifying. "Yes, Young Master." "Mu Bo, have you heard of anything like this before?" Mu Bo hesitated before replying, "There are legends of world-shattering beings who, after reincarnating, can reclaim the power of their past lives and soar forward in their cultivation without any resources." "Or perhaps he has awakened some powerful bloodline, though theres no sign of itmaybe I just cant detect it." Meng Hao thought for a moment, then suddenly smiled. "This Zhou Brother is truly interesting." "Mu Bo, lets stay in Heiyun Town a few more days." "Understood, Young Master." Mu Bo followed Meng Haos lead. "Master, who is Meng Hao? And what is Zixiao City?" Han asked curiously. "Zixiao City..." Bai Tians expression turned respectful at the mention of the name. "Its a great city located at the junction of the Three Kingdoms. All three kingdoms respect it, and countless cultivators look up to it." "The ruler of Zixiao City is the Meng family, and Meng Hao is the youngest son of the current head of the Meng family." "The Meng family... are they very powerful?" Han asked. Bai Tian nodded without hesitation, "Of course." "They are one of the strongest families in the world today, if not the strongest." "The royal families of the Three Kingdoms arent even as strong as the Meng family?" Han was astonished. What kind of family was this? "In many ways, they fall short," Bai Tian added, meaning there were still some areas where they could be compared. "Ah," Bai Ruoyue seemed to have thought of something. "That Zixiao Tianjun... he must be from the Meng family, right?" "Zixiao Tianjun is indeed Meng Hao''s father, the current head of the Meng family," Bai Tian said with awe. Han grew even more curious. "What kind of person is this Zixiao Tianjun?" "Theres a well-known list of world-class experts called the Shanhe Cangsheng Ranking," Bai Tian said solemnly. "Among the mountains and rivers, within the mortal souls, in heaven and on earth, the strongest in the world!" Han felt a powerful aura stir within him as the words settled. The Shanhe Cangsheng ListThe World''s Strongest! No wonder Bai Tian referred to the Meng family as the most powerful clan. "Who decides this Shanhe Cangsheng List? Isn''t anyone questioning it?" Han thought, a bit skeptical. After all, who wouldnt want to claim the title of the worlds strongest? And if theres a ranking of the strongest, doesnt that risk offending others? Whos to say Im any weaker than anyone else? This isnt just Han being petty; whoever made this list was clearly stirring up trouble. "Its a list created by the three nations of the Great Qi, who joined forces to rank the top ten strongest individuals. Its credibility is unquestionable," Bai Tian explained. "Over the generations, the Shanhe Cangsheng List has earned universal recognition." "As for the rankings, they are determined solely by one''s achievements in battle." It made sense now that the three nations had been involved in creating the list. "So, is there only space for ten individuals on the Shanhe Cangsheng List?" "No, the list has only ten because, at present, only ten individuals have reached such a level," Bai Tian said, his tone filled with admiration. "The true immortals of Dao and gods of martial arts, there is no one higher." "Legend has it, most of those on the Shanhe Cangsheng List have mastered both the soul and martial arts, but only the Zi Xiao Tian Jun has cultivated both to an unbelievable level." Han nodded seriously. "I will strive to reach that level." Bai Tian paused for a moment, as if in disbelief at Hans determination. I didn''t mean for you to push yourself so hard... but Han is exactly like thissetting small goals to aim for the Shanhe Cangsheng List, which records the worlds ten strongest! Everyone around them couldn''t help but fantasize about one day being among those ten, though deep down, they knew it would be beyond their reach. Aside from Bai Ruoyue, none of them had even considered such an aspiration. "Master, besides the Zi Xiao Tian Jun, who else is on the Shanhe Cangsheng List?" Han asked curiously. "The Head of Xuandu Temple, the current Sage of the Dongzhou Sacred Academy, the leader of the Tianmu Sect you encountered earlier, and the head of the Wanxing Chamber of Commerce. All of them are on the list," Bai Tian answered. "The Tianmu Sect leader" Han mused. No wonder this troublesome sect had been relentlessly hunted by the Great Qi for years but was still alive and well. Suddenly, Han recalled a question hed asked Lu Qingmo earlier. Could she defeat the leader of the Tianmu Sect? Looks like Aunt Mo still has room to improve. "Do you think the Tianmu Sect leader will come to Heiyun Town?" Han asked, somewhat worried. Bai Tian glanced at him with a strange look. "Someone like him probably wouldnt come after you just because of a destroyed base," Bai Tian said. "And as for Heishan, it holds no appeal for him." Then, Bai Tian suddenly shook his head. "Things are about to change in Heiyun Town." "Father, what happened in Heishan while you were away for so long?" Bai Ruoyue asked anxiously. "We were really worried." "We didnt encounter any real danger," Bai Tian replied with a shake of his head. "That Mu Bo is very strong, and the Mountain God wont provoke the Meng family. We went straight into the depths of Heishan." "And we met the Mountain God." "The Mountain God is dying," Bai Tian added with a touch of sorrow. Han had known something was wrong with the Mountain God, but he didnt realize it was this serious. "The Mountain God tried to defy the heavens and push his cultivation further, hoping to transcend and become an immortal," Bai Tian continued. "But in the end, he failed." "The consequences of failure are death, and the Mountain God wont last much longer." "If the Mountain God falls, Heiyun Town will never be the same." "Heishan is a treasure trove, and many forces covet it. Without the protection of the Mountain God, outsiders will no longer have any reservations." "At that point, experts from all over will likely flood in." "I also heard from Mu Bo that the Mountain God himself was the target of many powerful individuals," Bai Tian said with a shake of his head. "Im just telling you all this for awareness; you dont need to worry too much." "Ive made some progress in Heishan, so Taibai will be unaffected." As he spoke, Bai Tian took out some spiritual herbs and precious treasures from his space ring. "These are for all of you. Share them as needed." When Taibai Martial Arts Hall receives such treasures, Bai Tian distributes them equally among everyone based on their needs. The other two martial arts halls, however, store these resources and distribute them according to each disciple''s performance and talent. For those who show exceptional talent, they receive a spiritual herb every month or so. For those whose talent is less impressive, they might only get basic medicinal tonics or baths. While the other martial halls operate in a more structured way, Han prefers the more open-handed approach of Taibai. However, if Taibai continues to grow, theyll likely need to adopt a more systematic approach as well. "You all stay here at the martial hall, I need to go to the Ghost and Divine Bureau and report to Lu Duguan about the situation in Heishan." "Master, Ill go with you!" Han immediately volunteered. "Alright." "Little junior brother, Ive picked out the spiritual herbs for you!" Bai Ruoyue announced enthusiastically. "Theyre all in my hands now!" As they made their way to the peach grove, Bai Tian turned to Han. "Have you met Lu Duguan yet?" "Ive been learning Dao techniques with Aunt Mo for these past few days." Bai Tian paused, then nodded slightly. "Thats best. Lu Duguan is from Xuandu Temple, so she can teach you a lot." "Ive certainly learned a lot." "Master, are you not familiar with Aunt Mo?" Han asked, puzzled. "Not really," Bai Tian answered evasively, and Han didnt press further. When they reached the peach grove, Bai Tian surprisingly announced their arrival and waited for Lu Qingmos permission to enter. Han raised an eyebrow in confusion, and Bai Tian quickly explained. "Other than Ruoyue and the little girl from the Yun family, anyone else who comes here must announce themselves first. No one can enter without permission." "Is it that strict?" Han thought to himself. But I can just go straight into Aunt Mos place! Chapter 92: The Might of the First! Lu Qingmo instructed Han to enter the loft and help himself to some tea while she stayed outside. Han followed her request. When the master himself didnt even ask for a cup of tea and stood outside to discuss matters, it clearly showed the nature of their relationship. It wasn''t exactly warm. Han could vaguely hear their conversation, and it seemed to be entirely about Black Mountain with no small talk, only business. The soundproofing in the loft wasnt great, which made him wonder if there was some kind of sealing technique in placeafter all, last time in the secret chamber... After a while, Lu Qingmo entered, her expression serious. Bai Tian was nowhere to be seen, so it seemed he''d left already. Aunt Mo, have you heard about the Mountain God? Han asked. Lu Qingmo nodded, her face grave. "I didnt expect the situation to be this bad." "If the Mountain God is really dying, then its going to be a problem." Lu Qingmo paused for a moment, thinking, before shaking her head. Lets see how they handle it." Aunt Mo, how did you break the restriction on the soul? Han asked curiously. "Im not very good at dealing with soul restrictions," Lu Qingmo admitted. "But one of my juniors specializes in this. I contacted him for guidance and broke the restriction with his help." At first, she had said it was impossible, but then it seemed she had no choice but to reach out to her junior... Hans mind stirred. Aunt Mo, have you been staying in Black Cloud Town since you left the Xuandu Sect? Lu Qingmo nodded. Its been fifteen years, Ive been here ever since." Han was silent. Fifteen years without returning to Xuandu Sect? That didnt seem right. She was stationed here, not exiled. The fact that she hadnt gone back only meant one thingLu Qingmo didnt want to. If she had been expelled or punished, how could she have allowed Han to become a roaming spirit messenger? Thinking about Lu Qingmos somewhat pale face earlier, Han couldnt help but sigh. Aunt Mo, you''ve been so kind to me, how can I ever repay you? Such a great favorbeing a servant in the next life may not be enough to repay it. Perhaps I can do so in this life... "Aunt Mo, I really appreciate it." "You, always overthinking." Lu Qingmo smiled. "Dont worry about Black Mountain." She paused, her tone shifting. "I could feel something strange in Bai Tians breath today. Hes probably made a significant gain in Black Mountain. After all, he went in with the Meng family, so he wouldnt return empty-handed." "His strength is far beyond those Bone Refining masters. Protecting the Taibai Martial Arts Hall will be no problem." "Also, when you leave Black Cloud Town in the future, be cautious of the Gao family. Dont let them trap you." Lu Qingmo warned him, "At least one of them is a Sun Wanderer. And theyre likely in cahoots with outside forces." Lu Qingmo had mentioned this when Han went to the county city last timesomeone in Black Cloud Town was plotting something. The Gao family? Interesting. Looks like theyre courting death. I understand. Han took out the red-black bead he had found in the sharks stomach in the river and explained what had happened. This is a Blood Curse Bead. If consumed, it sends murderous energy into the brain, causing a violent, irrational state. This bead couldnt have originated from the Yunjiang Riverit must have come from somewhere else." "Could someone have fed it to that water beast on purpose?" "It could have been intentional, or it could have swallowed it by accident. It''s hard to say," Lu Qingmo mused. "If you encounter anything unusual in Yunjiang again, just notify the Shrimp Soldiers." I was planning to do that. Lu Qingmo then handed Han the "cooling-off" package she had been holding. "Young Master, I heard you were attacked? We were worried about you," said An Lang, visibly concerned. Hans eyelid twitched. If only youd gotten rid of the lingering incense smoke on you while saying that, itd be more convincing. So, youre worried about me because youve inhaled more incense, right? After returning to the martial arts hall with An Lang, Bai Tian called Han over. Let me see how youre progressing with your martial arts. Though this disciple had shown great promise, it seemed Bai Tian was unsure if he could fully guide him. Nevertheless, he would still fulfill his role as a master and teach him whatever he could to lay a solid foundation. If you come across this story on Amazon, it''s taken without permission from the author. Report it. "Senior Sister already taught me the Sea-ħ True Strength," Han said, demonstrating. Bai Tian nodded slightly. "Your method is fine, but when you practiced this secret martial art..." "It seems a little special. You seem to possess... an essence?" "One night, I had an epiphany, and after that, my training in this secret art changed," Han explained. "Impressive. You truly are a genius, having an epiphany like that." Bai Tian checked Hans physique and exclaimed in surprise. "Perfect! Your flesh has been tempered to a level Ive never heard of before. This must be due to your naturally strong body and exceptional origins." "Youve reached an extreme in this aspect, no one is better." Han then demonstrated the Taibai ultimate techniques. Bai Tian had more authority here and could point out Hans shortcomings with accuracy. The swordplay, fist techniques, and footworkBai Tian gave Han detailed advice, and Han learned a lot. He wasn''t born knowing everything, after all. Seeing how quickly Han learned, Bai Tian smiled with satisfaction but also sighed. "Unfortunately, these three techniques are just at the marrow-cleansing level. With your talent, if you entered a major martial school, not only could you learn unparalleled divine arts, but you could also master all martial arts under heaven." "Marrow cleansing? Is that a realm after Bone Refining?" "Yes. Bone Refining, Marrow Cleansing, transcendence, and reaching the peak. It''s a pity," Bai Tian sighed. "I dont have a corresponding fighting style for secret martial arts. I can only teach you the Taibai ultimate techniques." Han smiled. "Im still at the Meridian Realm. The Taibai ultimate techniques are more than enough for me." "Divine arts of heaven and earth, unparalleled skills... Im confident that my sword wont fall short of them." As long as Bai Tian helped Han build a perfect foundation, he was content. As for protective martial arts, Han wasnt too concerned. The Taibai Sword Technique may not be the pinnacle of martial arts in the world, but for Bai Tian, it is the best martial art he knows. After a moment''s hesitation, Bai Tian spoke: "In the Taibai Sword Technique, theres a final move. I had planned to wait until you reached the internal organ realm before teaching it to you." "However, your strength is already considerable, and your comprehension is excellent, so Ill teach it to you now." "But remember, you must never use this move unless it''s your last resort." Han, who had already overcome two opponents in the internal organ realm, had shocked Bai Tian. "What is this move?" Han asked, intrigued. "The sword strikes without me," Bai Tian replied cryptically. Han instantly understood the nature of this move. Should he learn it? Of course, he would! As Han trained with Bai Tian on the new sword technique, news about Han and the events involving the Gao family spread rapidly throughout Heiyun Town, leaving many people astounded. In just over twenty days, Han reached the Meridian Realm? He withstood an attack from two internal organ realm experts? Witnesses reported seeing Han surrounded by enemies, but no one saw him kill them, so most believed he survived only until Bai Ruoyue arrived. Otherwise, it would have been too fantastical to believe... Even so, when the news first spread, no one believed it. But as more details came to light, silence enveloped everyone. "Its like a fantasy novel!" The entire Heiyun Town had been rocked by the news, and Han, already famous, became even more renowned. Gradually, the title of "Heiyun Towns Greatest Talent" shifted to Han, earning widespread recognition. Though Han had only recently started on his martial path, unlike other Taibai disciples who had years of practice and reputation, very few people had actually seen Han in action. This made him appear even more mysterious. That evening, as Han left the martial arts hall, he noticed a small crowd gathered at the entrance. When they saw him, they began pointing and whispering. "Is that Han?" "It must be, he looks a lot like the picture." "He doesnt seem that impressive, though. Just looks handsome." "Well, he is quite handsome..." At first, Han was puzzledwhat was going on? Then, it hit himhe was famous now. Realizing this, Han straightened up, waved at the crowd, and walked away with his head held high. Some people called out, wanting to challenge him, but Han ignored them. "If you want to fight me, you better first check the price," he thought. When Han returned home, he began focusing on training his soul and sensing his surroundings. No one had come to block his way. Martial artists, when enraged, are truly capable of spilling blood. Han released An Lang and, with a stern face, asked, "Did you work hard today?" "I worked really hard!" An Lang responded, flying around in the sky. Since becoming a ghost, she hadnt touched the ground. She could walk, but why bother? "I''ve been learning to make Moonlight Incense, the kind used by Night Roamers," she continued. "Senior Lu also teaches me Daoist arts when shes free." At these words, Hans face darkened. "I call her Mo Yi, and you call her ''Sister''? Does that make me younger than you?" he muttered under his breath. "Lets start training. Dont slack off." Han moved closer to An Lang but not too close, as her consumption of Moonlight Essence could affect his soul. Yet An Lang floated around his soul, sniffing the air. "Are you a dog?" "Young master, Ive been meaning to askwhy does your soul smell so nice?" An Lang asked with envy. "What did you use?" "Can you make me smell like that too? The more the better." Han shook his head. "Its just something natural in me. I can''t spray it on you." Ignoring her, Han began his meditation, focusing on visualization. An Lang, noticing his focus, began to practice her own cultivation without any hesitation. By midnight, Han entered the secret realm. "Brother Tree, Im here!" he called out, eagerly making his way to the Great Celestial Tree. To express his longing for the Tree Brother, Han offered up a few spiritual plants. Four low-grade spirit plants, one low-grade soul plant. Together with what Bai Tian had brought back from Black Mountain, Hans spirit plant stock was growing steadily. Bai Tian had brought back higher-grade plants as well, which would be shared with Bai Ruoyue and Shen Long due to their higher cultivation levels, a decision everyone supported. One of the items Han found in the secret realm was the "Dao Seed: Qi Perception Technique." This solidified Hans innate talent for Qi perception. Even if the Qi Perception Talisman disappeared, his ability remained unchanged. Next was the "Martial Seed: Thirty-Six Hammer Strike." Nice, the Great Celestial Tree had not disappointed him. When Han saw the Martial Seed, he remained calm, numb to the excitement that usually followed such discoveries. As a swordsman, more weapons wouldnt hurt, right? There was also a "Moral Pill: Qi Dissolution Pill" and a "Military Ration Pill"two intriguing pills with specific effects, one that dissolves an opponent''s Qi and one that allows a person to go without food for a month. Then came the more regular martial cultivation pills. The most fascinating of the items was a "Soul-Warding Trumpet Flower." A celestial item that emitted a sound capable of shaking souls, purifying those with weak souls but possibly destroying those with fragile foundations. Following that was the "Chicken Nest," an item brimming with abundant Qi and vitality. Han never expected such a thing to be hidden within the strange "Chicken Blood Stone" items hed previously encountered. Finally, the most precious item: the "Golden Thread Robe." A soul-protecting artifact, capable of defending against Daoist attacks and safeguarding the soul. This, aside from the fragmentary artifacts hed collected, marked Hans second complete magical item. Seeing the luxurious Golden Thread Robe, Han finally realized. No wonder when his soul left his body, he always felt a chillit was because hed been wandering around without proper attire. Chapter 93: The Descendants of the Mountain God "Let me take a look." "How is it, Aunt Mo? Should be fine, right?" "Mm, not bad. Strong and solid. Few can compare to you." This was a conversation about Han''s soul. What else could it be? Lu Qingmo carefully observed Han''s soul and nodded. "You should be close to feeling the pull of the moonlight. You''re not far from being able to roam the world with your spirit." "In fact, your progress in two and a half years is almost catching up to Yun Duos." "Just luck," Han humbly replied. Lu Qingmo fell silent for a moment, then spoke again. "Never say that again." "Okay." "And never say ''just a little progress'' either." "Alright." Curious, Han asked, "How does Yun Duo''s talent compare to other cultivators?" Two and a half yearswhat level was that? "Very good," Lu Qingmo answered. "Among several districts, Yun Duo can be considered a prodigy." "But the next stage, the Day Roaming realm, wont be so simple." "Some spend years trying to reach it but never succeed." The suns power is a natural restraint on the soul, and the Day Roaming stage requires the soul to absorb the sun''s energyit''s akin to swallowing dynamite, incredibly dangerous. Most cultivators are injured by the sun''s rays during this transition. And once the soul is harmed, recovery isn''t simple. There''s a real risk of it affecting the very foundation of ones cultivation. This hurdle blocks most cultivators. The Day Roaming realm represents a qualitative changea watershed moment. Just then, Yun Duo walked in calmly, greeted Lu Qingmo, and happily waved at Han. "Uh, Aunt Mo, is there another mission from the Ghostly Gods Division?" Han asked, surprised. It was rare for Yun Duo to be here at this hour. The previous two times had been for assignments. "No," Lu Qingmo shook her head. "Actually, Han, I''m here to invite you," Yun Duo said. "Invite me?" "Yes! My father wants to invite you to our house." "Your father wants to invite me? But I dont know him." Yun Duo answered earnestly, "Yesterday, my father asked about you and said young people should interact more. He said he''d like to invite you to our house when possible." "..." Han was silent. So, if Im not mistaken, isnt this just a polite way of saying "maybe sometime"? Why are you taking it so seriously? Looking at Yun Duo, Han suddenly understood. If it were Yun Daidai, she would have believed this without question, which actually seemed normal? "Go ahead," Lu Qingmo suddenly said. Han was taken aback. Since Lu Qingmo had said it, he agreed to go along with Yun Duo, but he needed to head back to the martial hall first. Yun Duo, looking pleased, left early to prepare, telling Han to just head to the Yun household later. "If you refuse her today, shell keep inviting you," Lu Qingmo said. "Its better to just satisfy her." "Yun Duo... she really is quite cute." "And the relationship between the Taibai Martial Hall and the Yun family is good. Building a good relationship with them would benefit you." "Is the Yun family more powerful than you, Aunt Mo?" Lu Qingmo smiled and asked, "Do you know the origins of the Yun family?" Han shook his head. "The Black Mountain Mountain Gods surname is Yun." "The Yun family is the bloodline of the Mountain God before he ascended to divinity, which is why such a cultivator family exists here in this remote place." Lu Qingmo spoke with solemnity. "On the surface, the Yun family may seem no different from other factions in Black Cloud Town, but you should be able to sense something more." On the surface, it might seem the same, meaning the Yun family likely has hidden strength. But with the Mountain Gods bloodline, Han now found this completely understandable. Impressive. Respect, respect. As Hans figure faded into the peach forest, Lu Qingmos gaze lingered, her thoughts cloudy. The fragrance of plum blossoms drifting from the soul... what does that mean? The body and soul both emitting a fragrance thats almost intoxicatingwhat state is that? This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report. Or is it just my imagination? But how could I have such an illusion? Lu Qingmo gently touched her forehead. I must be sick. Back at the martial hall, Bai Ruoyue immediately called Han over. "Junior Brother, the compensation from Tenglong Martial Hall arrived this morning." "Together with the compensation from the Gao family yesterday, weve received sixteen plants of spiritual herbs. Though theyre all the most common ones." "Well give you the herbs that might be useful. The others, well give to Xiao Yuer. What do you think?" "What about Senior Brother San?" "These herbs wont help him advance to the Zangfu stage. Senior Brother Si and Senior Brother Wu both said to give them to you, but I thought of giving some to Xiao Yuer too." "Thats not right." Han shook his head. "Everyone risked their lives to help me, so naturally, they should get a share." "Even if Senior Brother San cant use them, Senior Brother Si and Senior Brother Wu should get some. Senior Sister Lius share is also rightfully hers." "We''re all fellow disciples. After just fighting the Gao family together, it wouldn''t be right for me to take everything for myself." Besides, the spiritual herbs Im getting daily are rare even among the low-tier ones. One is worth several, so Im not lacking these common herbs. Bai Ruoyue patted Hans shoulder, saying nothing. The trust was understood. Good Junior Brother, I knew I hadnt been wrong about you. Youre truly someone I can rely on. At first, I even thought about trying to persuade you to leave. Its something Ill never want to remember in my life. "Theres also the weapon compensationa hammer and an axe," Bai Ruoyue said, shaking her head. "They intentionally gave us two weapons no one here will use." Not every disciple of Taibai uses swords; take Shen Long, for example, who specializes in the blade. He has a natural talent with it. However, hammers and axes are relatively uncommon. "I''ve got a staff weapon here, one I confiscated from a killer," Han said. "That''s your trophy, but even a staff is something none of us here would use," Bai Ruoyue sighed. "How about thisI''ll hand it over to my father, and he can work his connections in the city to trade it for a weapon you can actually use." It''s not that no one could use it. Bai Ruoyue continued, "You probably won''t believe it, but I have some basic skills in using axes, hammers, and staves myself..." "That''s fine," Bai Tian, their master, chimed in. "I was planning on waiting until you all reached the Organ Realm before providing you with weapons, but Han, given your current strength..." "I''ll be heading to the county city soon to prepare one for you," Bai Tian added. "Master, Ive already gathered two materials and even went to the county city with Mo Yi to commission a sword from a blacksmith, though its not ready yet," Han explained. "Oh? You found some materials? Youre in luck. In that case, I''ll prepare you some inner armor as well; its extremely important and even more precious." "Master, I already have inner armor," Han revealed, showing off his Haixin Armor. Bai Tian paused, clearly noticing that this armor was likely one of Han''s key advantages in battles beyond his level. "Where did you get this inner armor from?" Bai Tian asked. "I found it." "Found it?" Bai Tian was taken aback. "I also found a weapon-grade bow and arrows." "... Found them?" Bai Tian was starting to feel a little jealous. With a sword, a bow, armor, and a spatial bagall of which Han had foundhe couldn''t help but feel that he, as a teacher, might not be needed here after all. Bai Ruoyue was clearly envious. "Junior Brother, take me with you next time. I want to go find treasures too!" Han hesitated and replied awkwardly, "Senior Sister, it''s a matter of talent." "Besides, finding things like that also depends on luck." Bai Tian went silent for a moment, pondering what to give Han. "Ive thought of something. How about you swap that staff for a hammer?" "A sword is sharp, but it lacks the brute force. A hammer might suit you better." "Swords are sharp weapons, but hammers are heavy hitters!" Han thought. Sometimes, after getting tired of using a sword, it would feel nice to pull out a hammer and smash things instead. "One close-range weapon should be enough," Bai Ruoyue said. "No need to trade, just take it with you." Just then, Shen Long and the others arrived. "There''s something I forgot to mention to you yesterday," Bai Tian said. "The Black Mountain will shift again, and there will be more earthquakes to come." "After the next earthquake, Ruoyue, you should lead them into the Black Mountain." "Why?" Ruoyue asked. Bai Tian sighed. "Although the Mountain God failed to defy the heavens, it still had a positive impact on the Black Mountain. Many rare treasures will appear there, and various spiritual plants will grow much fastersome may even mature overnight, undergoing a transformation." "Entering the Black Mountain will yield great rewards and be beneficial for cultivation." "This is the final gift the Mountain God left for Black Mountain before his fall." Han and the others felt a surge of reverence upon hearing this. "The next earthquake will come soon, so be prepared," Bai Tian reminded them. "However, Chang''an, Xiao Feng, and Xiao Yu can stay outit''s too dangerous for them right now." "Han... you should go with Ruoyue and the others." This disciple of his had grown freely, and Bai Tian feared that any interference from him might steer Han down the wrong path. With the strength to kill two in the Organ Realm, who knew what Han would be capable of in the future? He didnt dare to imagine. When Han reached the Bone Refining Realm, he might even be strong enough to defeat him. "This information is known only by me and Lu Dugong for now, and Meng Hao and the others know as well. Keep it to yourselves," Bai Tian added. He paused before continuing, "The Yun family might know, but they certainly wont share it with anyone else." This was still exclusive information, but Han understood that it couldnt be kept secret forever. Even after the previous earthquake, some people still took the risk to venture into the Black Mountain, although the numbers were fewer now. Han thought to himself that he needed to train hard and aim for a breakthrough before the next earthquake. If he could reach the small completion of the Tendon Realm, he would no longer be afraid of any challenges within it. However, he could clearly feel that the difficulty of training in the Tendon Realm was much greater than in the Flesh Realm. "If the news leaks after the earthquake, there might be a lot of people heading into the Black Mountain." "It doesn''t matter. Everyone will be competing fairly," Bai Tian replied. "Master, won''t you go into the Black Mountain?" Han asked. Bai Tian shook his head. "I cant go in. Not just me, but anyone in the Organ Realm or higher, including Night Walkers, is forbidden from entering. Its a rule set by the Mountain God." "Wait, even cultivators from Black Cloud Town are restricted?" Han was surprised. "Yes," Bai Tian nodded. "Because after the second earthquake, the Black Mountain will be open to cultivators outside of Black Cloud Town, but the condition is that those with too high a cultivation level cannot enter." "Who did the Mountain God make this agreement with?" Han asked. "I dont know. Its what the Mountain God said. He made some compromises with certain beings," Bai Tian explained. The Mountain God was dead, but others feared him. At the same time, the Mountain God also had his own concernsafter all, he had things he cared about, including his descendants. In light of these mutual concerns, the current situation had come to be. For Han and the others, though, this was good news.
As Han left the martial hall to meet Yun Duo, he was surprised to encounter Meng Hao and Mu Bo. "Big Brother Zhou, it''s good to see you again!" Meng Hao greeted him warmly. "I thought you had left Black Cloud Town?" Han asked. "Hehe, I changed my mind. Where are you headed, Big Brother Zhou?" Meng Hao asked. "To the Yun family." Meng Hao seemed a bit disappointed. He had hoped to accompany Han and chat more. "This Meng Hao really doesn''t put on airs. Hes so friendly, despite coming from a big family," Han thought as he made his way to the Yun family. On the way there, Han thought about Meng Hao. Despite having a father who ranked in the top ten in the world, Meng Hao was still very kind. "Just goes to show, a persons nature isn''t defined by their background," Han thought, recalling the old saying. At the Yun family, Han received a warm welcome and met more members of the family. The family head, Yun Yuan Nan, also made an appearance. After meeting Han, he praised him profusely, especially for taking care of Yun Duo during their mission. Hans first impression of him was very positive. Yun Duo led Han around the Yun family estate. As they passed through a plum orchard, they ran into a graceful woman in her twenties with a stunning appearance. Her demeanor was calm and refined, her figure graceful and commanding, but still gentlesecond only to their Senior Sister. "Senior Sister!" Yun Duo called out. The woman looked up with a serene smile. "Who is this?" "This is my friend Hanthe famous Han," Yun Duo introduced him. "Ah, Han," the woman acknowledged him with a warm smile. "Wait, Yun... what?" Han thought, suddenly recalling something. Chapter 94: A Cheese Sandwich Between Two Loafs When Han heard the name, he finally understood why he felt so familiar with Hai Xin Jia. Sister Yun Duo seemed to dislike talking too much; she spoke only a few words before leaving. "Your sister''s name is Yun Yun? As in, the character for ''grace''?" Han asked. "Yes," Yun Duo replied. Well, it made sense for a family with the surname Yun to have a sister named Yun Yun. Nothing strange about that. The strange part was that Han knew too much. Yun Duo said, "My older sister is very talented. Like you, she cultivates both soul and martial arts, but her talent isn''t as good as yours." "Oh, she practices both?" Han became interested. This was the first time he encountered someone who practiced both disciplines besides himself. Although Bai Tian had mentioned before that many people practiced both, that was based on Bai Tians extensive travels and worldly knowledge. In the area Han frequented, this was his first encounter with someone who also trained in both. "Yes, my sister has been practicing for thirteen years now. Her soul cultivation has reached the level of Night Traveler, and her martial arts have reached the Meridians Stage," Yun Duo continued. Uh, is it okay to say that? But honestly, this seemed quite far from Hans expectations for someone practicing both soul and martial arts. As a member of the Yun family, she surely had ample resources, but her cultivation speed was... Han couldnt help but think of something Bai Tian and Lu Qingmo had both said. A person''s energy and time are limited. While cultivating both soul and martial arts may seem promising, with a bright future ahead, it often leads to a delay in soul cultivation, and martial arts progress can slow as well. Han didnt mean to look down on Yun Yun, but from her, he truly felt the difficulty of cultivating both paths. Before, when Lu Qingmo said that cultivating both paths was difficult, Han had no real understanding. After all, just a few days of breakthroughs didnt seem so hard. Han stayed for a meal at the Yun family home, where Yun Duos older sister Yun Yun and her third brother Yun Feng were present. Yun Duo also had a second brother, but he was not in Black Cloud Town, reportedly studying the Dao elsewhere. Though Black Cloud was nice, it was still too remote. By the way, her second brother was named Yun Shan, and his situation had caused quite a stir... Yun Feng was a martial artist at the Organs Stage, and he was quite curious about Han, marveling at his talent and speed of cultivation. During the visit to the Yun family, Han wasn''t troubled, and there were no awkward or unpleasant moments. After bidding farewell to Yun Duo and returning to the martial hall, Han was surprised to see Meng Hao. Han was suspiciouswas this guy specifically waiting to confront me? No, something was off with his mind. This time, it was only Meng Hao; Mu Bo was not present. When he saw Han, Meng Hao waved. "Brother Meng, what brings you here?" "I dont know many people in Black Cloud Town, so I had no choice but to come here and bother you," Meng Hao explained, then pulled out a spiritual herb and handed it to Han. "I hope Brother Zhou won''t mind." Hans eyes flickered with suspicionwas this an attempt to corrupt me? His instincts were spot on. He secretly observed the other disciples, noticing that they too seemed off. It seemed they had all received gifts from Meng Hao. "Brother Meng, I cant accept this. I really cant," Han politely declined, but Meng Hao insisted, and Han reluctantly accepted. After that, Meng Hao stayed at the Taibai Martial Hall, but he knew his boundaries. When Han and the others practiced martial arts, he never intruded, only engaging with them during breaks. Han especially noticed that Meng Hao was most enthusiastic about talking to him. This... When Han was about to leave for Yunjiang, Meng Hao followed him and asked if he could join. Han politely declined, saying it was a personal matter. Then, Han quickly ran toward the Peach Grove. "Aunt Mo..." When Han entered, Lu Qingmo was bending over, watering the flowers. Her alluring curves and the perfect fullness of her figure were right in Hans line of sight. Thankfully, only the senior sister and Yun Duo could enter here, and there would be no sudden intrusions. Otherwise, someone with ulterior motives might see this scene! As for Han, a gentleman of impeccable character, he had no such thoughts. "Whats the matter?" Lu Qingmo straightened up and looked at Han. "About Meng Hao..." Han explained the situation. "Hes probably interested in you," Lu Qingmo said. "After all, he knows about your achievements. His curiosity is normal." "I suspected as much, but doesn''t he have other intentions?" Han asked. "Don''t worry," Lu Qingmo reassured him with a smile. "He''ll only try to befriend you and win you over. He won''t do anything harmful." "Why?" "Because of the Meng familys honor." Han felt a little more at ease. Whenever honor and spirit were involved, people often had an unexplainable level of persistence. "Dont worry about anything," Lu Qingmo smiled again. "As the son of the Purple Sky Monarch, hes seen all kinds of talents." "The Purple Sky Monarch himself is a legend." After Han left the Peach Grove, Lu Qingmo returned to her flower-watering duties, but unlike before, she didnt bend over this time. Hans destination was Yunjiang, which was his purpose all along. Bai Tian had returned, and now Han felt safeno one in this area would dare harm him. Stolen content warning: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences. Todays underwater excursion hadnt revealed any strange beasts, but Han did find a few spiritual plants. He also discovered a human skeleton, but there was nothing else around. Yunjiang... who knows how many bodies had sunk here. Back at the martial hall, Meng Hao was still there, and Han felt free to converse with him about the legendary Purple Sky Monarch. "My father? He''s not anything special, just like any other person," Meng Hao chuckled. "Even in Purple Sky City, I rarely see him." "Is it because the Purple Sky Monarch is always in seclusion?" Han asked. Already on the Mountain and River Sage List, and still working hard to cultivatehow admirable. "No, its because hes always off traveling with my mother, so I dont get to see him." "..." Only a true legend could be so free-spirited. "Brother Zhou, you have great talent. Your future wont be limited here," Meng Hao said. "If you ever get the chance, you must visit Purple Sky City. Ill treat you well." "I admire and envy cultivation geniuses like you." Meng Haos admiration was plain to see. "Brother Meng, youre just envious of yourself," Han joked. Meng Hao shook his head. "No, Im serious." "As for me..." Meng Hao sighed. "I dont have any hope in this life." "Huh?" Han asked, confused. "I noticed you haven''t practiced martial arts. Shouldnt you be a cultivator?" "Exactly. Ive never trained in martial arts, nor in soul cultivation." "Im just an ordinary person, though I did consume some treasures that made my body stronger." "Ah?" Han was stunned. How was this possible? "Its not a secret. Many people know," Meng Hao said, looking unusually unfazed. "When I was twelve, doctors found a problem with my body. I couldnt cultivate, and my father couldnt do anything about it." "Hes not all-powerful." Meng Hao had been born with everything everyone else could only dream of, but there was one thing he had lost. The potential for cultivation. The gains and losses were hard to weigh. Han didnt know what to say. Offer comfort? With his background, Han had no place to offer sympathy. "Sorry for bringing this up." Meng Hao, though young, was very open-minded. "Its nothing." "From another perspective, not being able to cultivate actually has its advantages. At least no one dares to provoke me." "If I went to the Heavenly Mother Sects headquarters, I doubt anyone would dare make a move on me." Han was speechless. Among martial artists, fighting was normal, and if the descendants of the Purple Sky Monarch died in a martial conflict, it wouldnt be a surprise. Of course, the Sky Monarch had the right to disregard reason. "However, if anyone kills Meng Hao, it would be a massacre of mortals by cultivators, and that would be a serious problem." Such a mortal holds no real threat, though. Nightfall "An Lang, which would you choose: the most prestigious background and cultivation talent, or something else?" Han asked as he gazed at An Lang under the moonlight. An Lang thought for a moment before answering: "I choose to stay by your side, my Lord." Han chuckled to himself, feeling both flattered and a little troubled by such sweet words. "Take it, take it," Han said, handing An Lang some incense sticks, fully aware that An Lang had him figured out. An Lang happily accepted the incense and found a corner to enjoy it. Humph, let them think Ill fall for this. Just because they ask doesnt mean Ill get what I want. The incident with Meng Hao had stirred Hans thoughts. The powerful offspring of a great lineage had lost some of its luster. Han was grateful for his cultivation talent. If he couldnt have it all, hed definitely choose cultivation over noble birth and status. As long as he became strong enough, wherever he went would become the most prestigious place. So, the chopping begins! Fifteen light orbs fell, and Han examined the spoils. There were five spirit herbs, one soul plant, three cultivation pills, and a special pill. Character Elixir: Turtle Breath Pill Taking it will induce a false death state, lasting for three days While this pill wasnt useful on a regular day, it could prove invaluable in certain situations. The other five items included: Rare Item: Heart of Ice Ice essence that doesnt need refinement, can be directly embedded into weapons to grant them ice powers, or into the heart of certain special beings, granting them extraordinary abilities (this effect is only available for ice-affinity physiques and races) Rare Item: Flame Core Flame core that doesnt require refinement, can be directly embedded into weapons to grant them flame powers, or into the heart Dao Seed: Spirit Rain Technique Gathers the water essence from the heavens and earth, transforming it into rain that promotes plant growth Material: Thunderstrike Jade A precious jade struck by lightning yet unharmed, can be used to refine magical tools or weapons with lightning attributes Magical Tool: Qi Gathering Spirit Vessel Passively absorbs the vital energy of the heavens, moon energy, and other forces, and can enhance spiritual power once filled The materials werent particularly noteworthy, but the Dao Seed was planted directly into the Soul Field. "It''s a pity Im not a disciple of the Immortal Sects spiritual garden starting out. Otherwise, with this Dao technique, Id do quite well," Han thought. If an Immortal Sect disciple started with something like this, Han wouldnt even have to say anything. This magical tool, however, was quite useful. It would accelerate Hans cultivation by gathering and refining energy. But Han was most interested in the two rare items. The Heart of Ice and Flame Core could be embedded into weapons. Wasn''t this basically the equivalent of magical enchantment stones? Three Days Later Han found himself in a dilemma. Lu Qingmo''s flying carpet hovered in the air, with her seated on the left and Bai Ruoyue on the right. And Han was stuck in the middle. It was a classic "sandwich." This situation had started earlier that morning, when Han visited Lu Qingmo. She had informed him that the weapons were ready and that the County Ghost God Division needed his help with something. Additionally, there was a grand event about to take place in the county, so they were all heading there. However, when Han went to the martial arts hall to notify Bai Ruoyue of his departure, the problem arose. Bai Ruoyue wanted to come along too. This time, she didnt want to just wave him off; she wanted to join in, making it a trio! She had expressed her displeasure earlier while following Han into the peach grove. "Mo Yi, you used to always take me to the county, but now you''re always taking Junior Brother!" she complained. "We have business to attend to" Lu Qingmo explained. But after seeing Bai Ruoyues sulking face, Lu Qingmo had reluctantly agreed to bring her along. And that was how the "sandwich" situation came to be. Thankfully, the flying carpet was large enough to allow some space between the three of them. Otherwise, if they were all squished together, it would have been uncomfortable. It was a relief or was it? Han wasnt sure. County Ghost God Division Han ran into two familiar faces here. Zhao Duguan from the Qinghua County Ghost God Division, and Zhao Guang, the Deputy Duguan of the Qinghua County Martial Division. Alongside them was another middle-aged man of average looks, standing with the two Zhaos. A martial artist at the Flesh Realm. Ye Chong and another large man sat at the main seats. Upon seeing the group arrive, Ye Chongs stern expression softened slightly. "Lu Duguan, Zhou Xunyou," he greeted them. "This is Wu Duguan from the County Martial Division," Ye Chong introduced the large man beside him. "We still need your cooperation with the Tianmu Sect matter in Qinghua County." "Of course," Han nodded. So, standing with the two Zhaos, was none other than the rarely seen Duguan from the Martial Division of Qinghua County. Lu Qingmo had notified Ye Chong ahead of time that she had arrived, which is why he had called for the three from Qinghua County. With the three of them now in the county, the Qinghua County issue should soon be resolved. The time to settle up was drawing near... Next, Han recounted the entire matter, with the three from Qinghua County adding their details, ensuring nothing was left out. It was all the truth, of courseHan wouldnt bias the report in their favor. In the corner, someone was quietly taking notes on everything they said. "Negligence! The Tianmu Sect''s stronghold has grown to this extent, and you are to blame!" Ye Chong slammed his fist on the table. This was directed at the three from Qinghua County. "Fortunately, Lu Duguan and Zhou Xunyou were involved, or things could have taken a turn for the worse." The three from Qinghua County nodded, and while they may have had thoughts, they werent going to speak up at this moment. Ye Chong continued to scold them, and Wu Duguan joined in, his tone even harsher and angrier. "You may leave now. Stay in the county for the investigation. As for Qinghua Countys affairs, well send others to handle them." "Once the investigation concludes, your punishment will be decided." The three of them left, and the note-taker quietly left as well. "Thank you both for your time," Ye Chong said politely. Lu Qingmo shook her head. "No problem." Then, Wu Duguan spoke: "Zhou Xunyou, you really are an impressive young man." "Im not worthy," Han responded humbly. But then Wu Duguan turned his words, saying, "However, Zhou Xunyou, sometimes your methods are too extreme." "Destroying the Tianmu Sect stronghold was a great achievement, but without evidence, directly executing the two deputy Duguans was improper." "I hope that in the future, youll think things through more carefully. If everyone acted like this, what would become of the law and the court?" "Even disciples of the Xuan Du Sect must abide by the rules." Han frowned, about to speak when Lu Qingmo intervened. "Everything he did was permitted by me. Do you have any objections?" "Even if Lu Duguan allowed it, Zhou Xunyous actions were not in line with the rules. If everyone acted this way, where would the law and the court stand?" "Disciples of the Xuan Du Sect must follow the rules too." Han spoke up, "Wu Duguan is right, but the situation was urgent. The people from the Tianmu Sect were about to hold a meeting with their followers, planning to harm the people." "If I had followed the rules, it would have been too late." "It was a special situation, so it deserved special handling," Ye Chong interjected with a smile. "Zhou Xunyou was only thinking of the people of Qinghua, and we can understand that." Wu Duguans expression softened slightly. "Im not trying to hold Zhou Xunyou accountable. I know his achievements." "I misspoke." Wu Duguan shook his head and left without saying more. Han looked at Ye Chong and asked, "Who is he?" Ye Chong smiled bitterly. "Thats just Wu Duguans style. Dont take it to heart, Zhou Xunyou." Han wasnt upset; he knew whether his actions were in line with the rules or not. What surprised him, though, was how direct Wu Duguan was. He couldnt decide if Wu Duguan was truly straightforward or just playing the part. Chapter 95: Lord Zhous Small Mind After the raid on the Tianmu Sects stronghold, Han likely wouldnt have to deal with such matters again. Whatever reward he was due had already been given. The local officials in Qinghua County and the county magistrate''s punishment decisions were not for Han to worry about. Once everything was wrapped up, Han and Bai Ruoyue met up with Lu Qingmo, who led them to a particular direction within the city. "That Wu Duguan probably didnt target you on purpose," Lu Qingmo remarked on their way. "I got to know him during my time in the capital. Back then, he was still the deputy Duguan." "Hes a man of strict principles, deeply committed to maintaining order, and he despises people who disregard the law and act recklessly." "Because of this, hes made quite a few enemies." "The Ghost and Spirit Division is closely connected with the Xuandu Sect, but the Dingwu Division is different. The Duguan appointments are made to avoid any conflicts, so the Xuandu Sect usually refrains from interfering." Han thought for a moment. It made sense now why Wu Duguan would say that Xuandu Sect disciples also needed to follow the rules. He was both principled and distant from Xuandu Sects direct control over the Dingwu Division. Logically, given that the Xuandu Sect was the national religion, even without its authority over the Dingwu Division, most warriors within the division would still fear it to some extent. But some people, it seemed, were as stubborn as an ox. "With such a personality, how did he get promoted to Duguan?" Bai Ruoyue asked, curiosity in her tone. "His father was the Duguan of the states Dingwu Division." Lu Qingmo casually mentioned, causing Han to fall silent. How naive I was. Even if he were a stubborn ox, he was still an ox with a powerful background. Soon, the trio arrived at their destination. Qianbing Workshop! "This is the best place for weapon smithing in the entire county," Lu Qingmo explained. "Your silver essence and Tianqing gold liquid will be refined here." A servant courteously led them to the guest room, offering tea. Before long, the heavy sound of footsteps approached. The door to the room opened, and the temperature in the space seemed to rise slightly. A white-haired man entered, his hair in disarray and his skin slightly flushed. "Master Yuan," Lu Qingmo greeted. "Lord Lu, your presence is truly an honor," Master Yuan responded, bowing respectfully. Behind him were two attendants holding a wooden box. "I have not failed my mission, and I have not wasted those precious materials. Lord Lu, please take a look and see if it meets your expectations." He handed over the wooden box, which Han quickly accepted, opening it under Lu Qingmos guidance. Inside the box was a sword, approximately three feet and seven inches long, glistening with a cold light. A straight golden line ran down the center of the blade. Just by looking at it, one could feel its sharpness. "Excellent sword!" Bai Ruoyue exclaimed. As Han picked up the sword, he saw that the other side had a silver line running through it. This was the result of using both gold liquid and silver essence. The interplay of gold and silver made the blade shine with a brilliance that spoke of its unbreakable nature. "Because of the fine materials used in forging, this sword is considered top-tier among weapons," Master Yuan explained. "In the future, if we find more suitable materials, it could reach even greater heights." "Thank you, Master Yuan," Han expressed his gratitude sincerely. "No need for such formalities. Its just a transaction," Master Yuan waved dismissively. "You can give it a name. It will accompany you for a long time." A name... Han pondered for a moment. He intended to inlay the two gemstones he had obtained earlierone representing ice and the other fire. Together, they would traverse the world. If you encounter this story on Amazon, note that it''s taken without permission from the author. Report it. Enchanted gemstones were fascinating; ice and fire could merge perfectly. Should he call it the Sword of Joy and Sorrow? No, that didnt feel right. Han turned to Bai Ruoyue, deciding to give her the honor of naming the sword. After all, the weapons materials were his choice, the blacksmith was arranged by Mo Yi, and now Bai Ruoyue was here as well. This was their shared story, and he wanted to involve her more. It had absolutely nothing to do with the fact that he was bad at naming things. "Do you want me to name it?" Bai Ruoyue asked, slightly surprised but clearly excited. After a moment, she said, "Lets call it Taibai!" "Uh, Masters sword?" Han questioned. "His sword has another name. This ones yours, Junior Brother." "Alright, then. Taibai it is." Han didnt refuse. It was a fine name, and he wasnt picky. The three of them didnt linger at Qianbing Workshop and soon left. Afterward, Lu Qingmo returned alone to the Ghost and Spirit Division, as he had some matters to attend to. "Come on, Junior Brother. Im taking you somewhere!" Bai Ruoyue said enthusiastically, leading Han through a maze of streets until they reached a bustling area. "Whats this place?" Han asked. "Its where warriors and cultivators freely trade," Bai Ruoyue replied excitedly. "You can buy treasures here at lower prices than at any of the merchant guilds, and sometimes, even better items. But, of course, you might also get scammed." Han understood. This was a typical "Bazaar" from the extraordinary world. Though it was a prime example of such a place, it was also an inevitable result of the growing material needs of cultivators and the lagging production capabilities of society. Bazaar markets like this one helped meet the increasing material demands of practitioners and also served to handle the stolen goods from killings and robberies. "Senior Sister, arent you worried about getting scammed here?" Han asked. "Or do you have some special skill to distinguish treasures?" Bai Ruoyue shook her head. "I dont have such skills, but you do!" "Last time you came to the county, didnt you use your intuition to find a treasure at the Wansheng Merchant Guild?" "Maybe itll work here too!" "Intuition doesnt always work," Han replied, slightly frustrated. "Were already here," Bai Ruoyue insisted. "Fine, fine, Ill follow you." Han suspected Bai Ruoyues "heroine complex" had resurfaced. Unfortunately, after visiting every stall, no reaction from the treasure-seeking gem occurred. Even when some of the stall owners exaggerated their goods, claiming them to be one-of-a-kind, Bai Ruoyue was tempted, but the treasure gem remained silent. As expected, in places like this, apart from legitimate sellers, nine out of ten were scammers, and the other one was preparing to scam. No wonder Yuan Fang hadnt brought Han here last time. "Junior Brother, are you sure youre not missing something?" Bai Ruoyue asked, disappointed. "Its not that Im not good enough; its just that there arent any real treasures here. Senior Sister, you should avoid this place in the future." Han had figured out some of the mechanics of the treasure-seeking gem. It didnt seem to react to openly displayed treasures. Bai Ruoyue sulked, clearly upset. The two of them then headed back to Wansheng Merchant Guild. She had come to the county for business, needing to purchase healing elixirs in preparation for their journey to the Black Mountain. While Han was helping Bai Ruoyue choose medicines, someone approached them and greeted Han. "Hey there, brother. What a coincidence, we meet again." Han recognized him immediatelyhe was Huang Mingnian, the man he had met previously at Wansheng Merchant Guild, who had a strained relationship with Yuan Fang. Han nodded, but he noticed that Huang Mingnians companion kept glancing at Bai Ruoyue. Bai Ruoyue noticed too and shot him a glare. Hans anger flared up, blocking the mans line of sight. The man frowned and seemed about to speak, but Huang Mingnian stopped him. "Apologies on behalf of my younger brother," Huang Mingnian said. "Brother, why apologize? I didnt do anything," the man said arrogantly, looking down on everyone. "Even if I did something, you dont need to apologize." "If your mouth isnt needed, you could always get it melted at Qianbing Workshop," Han said coldly. "You" The man was furious, but before he could respond, Huang Mingnian dragged him away with a dark expression. "Brother, I truly apologize. Next time we meet, Ill make it up to you. Ill make sure to discipline him properly." Han paid no attention to Huang Mingnian. He had no good feelings for either of them. "How do you know them?" Bai Ruoyue asked, eyes fixed on their retreating figures. "If it werent for the no-fighting rule here, I wouldve slapped him already." "Theyre irrelevant," Han answered, dismissing them. "I met the older one, Huang Mingnian, last time I was in the county. The other guy... who knows what he is." "Huang, you say? Must be from the Huang family, my father mentioned them. A prominent family in the county." "Who cares about that? Theyre just fools," Han muttered, irritated. Huang Mingnian seemed reasonable enough, but his younger brother... Hans mood soured. It turned out both of them were from the same mud. Neither of them was worth dealing with. Han extended his spiritual power, following them from a safe distance, catching snippets of their conversation. "Brother, why stop me? Who does that wild brat think he is, defying me? Im going to teach him a lesson today!" "Normally, I dont care about how you behave, but cant you rein in your temper at critical moments?" "Theyre not simple people. Theyre different from the women youve toyed with or the ones youve bullied before!" "In this Tianyue County, who in the Huang family should we fear?" "Idiot, you want to drive me crazy? If it werent for Mom saying you should follow me, I wouldnt even bother!" "You wouldnt care about me? Well, I..." As they walked further from the merchant guild, Han retracted his spiritual power, sneering coldly. What fools. Now it made senseboth of them were trouble. Han called over a member of Wansheng Merchant Guild. "Who were those two just now?" "Theyre from the Huang family. Huang Mingnian and Huang Mingri," the merchant answered. Han remembered the latter name. Lord Zhou is petty and bears grudges. If they meet again elsewhere, things wont be so easily settled. Bai Ruoyue needed some rare medicinal pills, so they went up to the second floor to make the purchase. When she was paying, Lin, the manager from the private section, suddenly appeared, offering a discount. "Young Master Zhou, we meet again," Lin smiled kindly at Han. "Manager Lin, youre putting me in a difficult position," Han chuckled helplessly. "Its all done according to the rules. Dont worry, theres no problemjust a small gesture," Lin waved. "Manager Lin, youre truly considerate." After leaving the merchant guild, Bai Ruoyue was surprised. "Junior Brother, youve got quite a reputation here. The discount you got is even better than my fathers!" "Its not my reputation. Its Mo Yis. Last time I came with her, Manager Lin remembered me." "Does Master also get discounts here?" "Of course. Anyone with the status of my father or someone like a Duguan from the Ghost and Spirit Division would be treated the same." "A small discount wont sway a powerful figure, but at least it prevents any hard feelings." Clearly, Wansheng Merchant Guilds success wasnt without reason. But the most significant reason was likely their connection to a formidable figure from the Mountain and River list. The worlds mightiest, every word and action wielding heavens authority. A true hero acts like this! Chapter 96: Breakthrough and the Three-Day Tree Cutting Reward In the evening, at the Tianyue Tavern. Lu Qingmo declined Ye Chong''s invitation to dinner, opting instead for the three of them to handle it themselves. Although Tianyue Tavern had ties to the government and the costs would eventually be billed, it was still a choice they made. The Huang family, indeed, is one of the prominent families in Tianyue County, with significant influence. After Han inquired about the Huang family, Lu Qingmo gave him an explanation. This family has powerful warriors at the Xisui realm and masters at the Xiansheng realm, making them one of the dominant forces in Tianyue County. The Huang family and the Yuan family are the two most powerful families in the region. Apart from them, there are four martial arts schools, one Buddhist temple, and two Taoist temples in Tianyue County, not to mention the countys own Taoist temple. By the way, the Buddhist temple used to be the Great Thunder Temple in Heiyun Town. The name rang a bell for Han. The situation here is much more complicated than in Heiyun Town, with more powerful individuals. When it comes to soul cultivation, after the Riyou stage, one enters the Xiansheng stage. If the soul at the Riyou stage can initially resist and fight against martial artists, effectively repelling yang-based energy, then the Xiansheng cultivator can face a martial artist directly without much difference. At this stage, soul cultivation becomes substantial, almost as if one has gained another body. The Huang family, besides their own strength, has another unique skill thats famous in all surrounding countiesghost control. They are the most proficient family in the region when it comes to controlling and raising ghosts. Hans expression stiffened. The Huang familyghost control? This sounded so familiar. Hey, Junior Brother, wasnt the person who harmed you before also surnamed Huang? Doesnt he practice ghost control? Han nodded. Yes, Huang Shiren also practiced ghost control. Whether hes from the Huang family, we dont know, Lu Qingmo shook his head. His soul couldnt be preserved. Afterward, the Ghost God Bureau investigated Huang Shiren, but they couldnt find any information about him before he settled in Heiyun Town. They did find that, during his time in Heiyun Town, he secretly amassed wealth by any means. He was a greedy person. Youre not the only one who fell victim to him. Others also had their wealth, properties, and land taken by him. Hans house, while not large, was in a great location and quite valuable. Given the houses value, Han could be considered the most knowledgeable, especially since in his previous life... Huang Shiren was just a cultivator at the Guanxiang realm, and an old man at that. His greed and lust were perfectly normal. The house in the prosperous area wasnt a hut, and Han, being alone and vulnerable, was truly unlucky to have caught this persons eye. If Han hadnt transmigrated here, Huang Shiren might still have been using all sorts of means to accumulate wealth. Do you think Huang Shiren could be related to the Huang family? Bai Ruoyue mumbled. Lets hope not. Han said this aloud, but his mind was racing. The same surname, ghost control, soul materials... Could it really be just a coincidence? After dinner, the three of them returned to the Ghost God Bureau to rest. However, a small incident occurred during this time. Ruoyue, youve gone the wrong way. Thats your room over there, Lu Qingmo called out to Bai Ruoyue, who was about to enter the room next to hers, pointing instead to a room far from hers. There was only one shared hallway with two rooms connected. Huh? Bai Ruoyue froze. Arent I supposed to stay with Aunt Mo? Junior Brother should be in that room. Ahem. Han spoke up. This is actually my room. Ill be staying next to Aunt Mo. Its you who should be leaving, Bai Ruoyue! Thats right. Lu Qingmo nodded. He cant stay over there. I need to help him with something tonight... Bai Ruoyue looked at Han, then at Lu Qingmo. Her cheeks puffed up, and before Lu Qingmo could finish speaking, she huffed off in anger. I shouldnt have come! Zhou, I misjudged you. I shouldnt have introduced you to Aunt Mo! Bang! Bai Ruoyue slammed the door to express her frustration. Lu Qingmo glanced at Han, who gave an innocent look in return. Youre the one who needs to explain to her, Lu Qingmo said, then entered her room. Han knocked on Bai Ruoyues door. Senior Sister, open up! Its me, Junior Brother! Go away. If you dont open, Ill just come in! Dont! If you say dont, that means do. Han simply broke down the door. It wasnt a big deal; Han was staying next door only because Lu Qingmo needed to cover up any sounds during his cultivation. You might be reading a stolen copy. Visit Royal Road for the authentic version. Hans soul left his body, absorbing vital energy, and his good friend, the Vital Energy Demon, arrived as promised, bringing warmth with him. Han reciprocated the kindness, and the Vital Energy Demon was so happy that he didnt want to leave. When it was time to go, he insisted on giving Han a gift. After Han repeatedly declined, he finally had to accept the gift with tears in his eyes. The gift was a split bodysuch a gesture made Han feel deeply moved. Indeed, even for demons, if you offer them true sincerity, they will return it in kind. Han asked his good friend to come again next time. The good friend agreed, but added that it would bring along other smaller companions. If he did that, he wouldnt come back due to physical weakness. It was just too enjoyable here. Once was enough; he couldnt handle more. Han couldnt help but sigh againtrue feelings exist even in the demon world! After refining the gift from his good friend, Han felt his soul tremble, as if some change had occurred. Looking out through the window, the faint moonlight actually had an alluring pull on him, making him feel an urge to step out into it. Though, this feeling wasnt very strong yet. A weak urge to embrace the moonlightHan had entered the later stages of soul departure! Han was overjoyed. Having reached this stage, he was very close to achieving the Night Travel realm. Aunt Mo, are you watching? ... Lu Qingmo was silent. Asking such questions only made it seem like she was some kind of voyeur. Aunt Mo, Ive reached the later stages of soul departure! Han excitedly shared his progress with Lu Qingmo. Thats great, Lu Qingmo finally responded. Given your speed, in a few days, youll be able to try refining moonlight and begin your spiritual travel. Lu Qingmo recalled Hans advancement to the soul departure realm, falling into silence again. In less than twenty days, he was about to break through to another major realm. Such news, if it got out, would be embarrassing for countless cultivators. But Han was cultivating so quickly without any soul resources. Could there be a problem? Especially since Han had even brought the Vital Energy Demonwould there be any hidden dangers? As these thoughts crossed her mind, Lu Qingmo couldnt help but feel concerned. Come over here. Let me check your condition. Oh, okay. Hans soul returned, and he walked into Lu Qingmos room. Unbeknownst to them, everything had been seen by a pair of bright eyes from the third room. The teeth were grinding in anger. Damn it! Lu Qingmo gave Han a thorough check-up, even using Taoist techniques from Xuandu Temple. The conclusion was: This body, this soul, was perfectthere was absolutely no problem. The vitality was strong, and the soul power was thriving. Late evening, at Tianyue Restaurant. Lu Qingmo declined Ye Chong''s invitation to a feast, choosing instead to have a quiet meal with Han and the others. Although Tianyue Restaurant has ties to the local government, the arrangement is simplethey settle the bill by account. "Ah, the Huang family? They are indeed one of the major families in Tianyue County, with significant influence," Lu Qingmo explained to Han after he inquired about the Huang family. "This family has powerful martial artists at the Bone Cleansing stage and Daoists at the Manifestation stage, making them one of the county''s overlords." "The Huang and Yuan families are the strongest in Tianyue County, and aside from them, there are four martial arts schools, one Buddhist temple, and two Taoist templesthis doesn''t even include the county''s own temple." "By the way, the Buddhist temple used to be the Great Thunderstorm Temple in Black Cloud Town." Han recognized the name immediately. "This place is much more complicated than Black Cloud Town, and there are more powerful individuals here," Lu Qingmo continued. "The Soul Path, after reaching the Sun Walk stage, leads into the Manifestation stage. If a soul cultivator at the Sun Walk stage can resist the force of masculine Qi and blood, then those at the Manifestation stage can stand on equal footing with martial artists in direct confrontation." "At this level, the soul is as tangible as a second physical body, almost as though they possess another ''flesh''." "The Huang family, aside from their strength, also has a special techniqueGhost Taming." "They are the most skilled in taming and raising spirits among the nearby counties." Han froze. Ghost Taming? This sounded eerily familiar. "Wait, Senior Brother, the person who harmed you before, didn''t they also have the surname Huang and practice Ghost Taming?" Han nodded, "Yes, Huang Shiren also knew Ghost Taming." "We can''t confirm whether he''s related to the Huang family," Lu Qingmo shook his head. "After all, his soul was never preserved." "Ghost and Spirit Division did investigate Huang Shiren, but they found no prior records of him before he settled in Black Cloud Town." "They only discovered that, during his time in Black Cloud Town, he accumulated wealth through various unscrupulous methods. He was quite greedy." "You weren''t the only one he targeted. Many others also lost their wealthland, houses, and property all taken from them." Han''s house may not have been large, but its location was valuable. He could certainly speak to its worth, considering his past life... Huang Shiren was a cultivator at the Visualization stage, and his greed and lust for wealth were quite normal for someone of his age. In a prosperous area, his house wasn''t a hut, so Han, being alone and vulnerable, was an easy target. If Han hadn''t transmigrated, Huang Shiren would probably still be continuing his shady dealings. "Do you think Huang Shiren could be related to this Huang family?" Bai Ruoyue muttered. "I hope not." Han said this aloud, but his mind was racing. The same surname, Ghost Taming, soul materials... Could this really just be a coincidence? After the meal, the three returned to the Ghost and Spirit Division to rest, though a small incident occurred along the way. "Ruoyue, you''ve gone the wrong way. Your room is the other one," Lu Qingmo stopped Bai Ruoyue, pointing to a room quite a distance from her own. There were only two rooms connected in this area. "Ah?" Bai Ruoyue looked confused. "Aren''t I supposed to stay with Aunt Mo? Senior Brother should stay there, right?" "Cough, cough." Han intervened, "Actually, this is my room. I''m staying next door to Aunt Mo." "You''re the one who should leave, Ruoyue!" "That''s right," Lu Qingmo nodded. "He can''t stay there, I have to help him with his..." Bai Ruoyue looked between Han and Lu Qingmo, her face puffed up, and before Lu Qingmo could finish, she stormed off. "I shouldn''t have come!" "Zhou, I misjudged you, I shouldn''t have introduced you to Aunt Mo!" "Bang!" Bai Ruoyue slammed the door shut to express her frustration. Lu Qingmo gave Han a look, and Han returned with an innocent expression. "You explain things to Ruoyue," Lu Qingmo said, entering her room. Han knocked on Bai Ruoyue''s door, "Senior Sister, open the door, it''s your little brother!" "Go away!" "If you don''t open it, I''ll come in myself!" "Don''t!" If she says no, that means yes. Han just "broke the door" and entered. It wasnt a big deal. Han was just staying next door because Lu Qingmo needed to cover up any noise from his cultivation. Han''s soul left his body, absorbing Qi. The Qi Demon, his good buddy, arrived on time to deliver warmth. Han treated his buddy generously, and the Qi Demon was reluctant to leave. Before leaving, it insisted on giving Han a gift. Han repeatedly declined but finally had to accept it, tears in his eyes. "Body splitting as a gift," he thought, overwhelmed. Indeed, even the demons of the world would return "true feelings" if you gave them sincerity. He told the Qi Demon to come again next time, but it promised only if it didnt bring its little friends, as its body was too weak. "This place is too enjoyable, one visit is enough, anymore and I cant handle it." Han couldnt help but reflect again, "True feelings exist even between demons!" After refining the Qi Demon''s gift, Han felt his soul vibrate. Something seemed to have changed. Looking through the window at the faint moonlight, he felt a strange pull. He almost had the impulse to step out under the moon, though it wasnt overwhelming yet. Feeling the urge to be under the moonlightthis was the late stage of Soul Separation! Han was elated. Having reached this stage, he was very close to the Night Walk stage. "Aunt Mo, are you watching?" "..." Lu Qingmo was silent. Asking such a question made her seem like a voyeur. "Aunt Mo, I''m at the late stage of Soul Separation!" Han shared his joy with her. "Good," Lu Qingmo finally responded. "With your speed of cultivation, you''ll be able to try refining moonlight and start astral travel in a few days." Lu Qingmo paused and recalled how quickly Han had progressed since his advancement to the Soul Separation stage. Less than twenty days to break through a major stagenews like that would shame countless cultivators. But Han was cultivating so fast without any soul resources. Could this be a problem? Especially since Han had even attracted the Qi Demon, wasnt there a hidden risk? Thinking of this, Lu Qingmo felt some concern. "Come here, let me check on you." "Okay." Han''s soul returned to his body, and he headed to Lu Qingmos room. Meanwhile, neither of them realized that all of this had been witnessed by a pair of bright eyes in the third room. Grinding teeth. Damn it! Lu Qingmo performed a thorough check on Han, even using Taoist techniques, and the conclusion was clear: "This body and soul are excellent! No problems at allstrong Qi and vibrant soul power." Chapter 97: The Unconventional Auction Early in the morning, the moment Han met Bai Ruoyue, she shot him a knowing glance. "You''ve been inside for quite a while!" Han was confused. What was this about? That same morning, people from the Wanxing Merchant Guild arrived with three invitations, inviting Han and his companions to attend the Wanxing Trade Fair. Han remembered Yuan Fang mentioning this event before, though he hadnt been able to attend the last one. This had also been something Lu Qingmo had spoken enthusiastically about before arriving at the county. The Wanxing Trade Fair was an occasional grand event hosted by the Wanxing Merchant Guild. Every item displayed at the fair was of extremely high value. Items from the Bone Refining Realm, and even from the Bone Cleansing Realm, could appear. Not only did the Wanxing Merchant Guild present numerous treasures, but attendees could also trade items among themselves. Yuan Fang had mentioned that the last Wanxing Trade Fair was held over a year ago. Such events were so prestigious that people from other counties would arrive in advance. Similarly, if the Wanxing Merchant Guild held a trade fair in another county, people from Tianyue County would rush to attend. "Are you interested?" Lu Qingmo asked Han and Bai Ruoyue. Along with the invitations came a list of items that would be presented by the Wanxing Merchant Guild. Bai Ruoyue glanced at the list and exclaimed with excitement. "Huh, there''s even a Divine Heart Fruit!" "This is one of the best items to strengthen the heart, very rare. Ive only heard my father mention it." "Master Sister, do you need it?" "Yes." Bai Ruoyue nodded. "Ive already refined my six viscera and am currently working on my five organs. A Divine Heart Fruit would save me a lot of time in refining my heart." The Visceral Realm involves refining one''s internal organs. Reaching a small success requires perfecting the six viscera, and achieving a great success requires perfecting the five organs, step by step, organ by organ. At the age of 18, Bai Ruoyue was already near the completion of the Visceral Realm and had the strength to spar with those in the Bone Refining Realm. Of course, someone like Gao Dingtian, at his age, still remained in the Bone Refining Realm. His talent was undoubtedly not high, and with his deteriorating vitality, his strength couldnt compare to that of ordinary Bone Refining warriors. As with all martial artists and cultivators, when they reach old age without special opportunities, the decline of their physical bodys vitality is an inevitable challenge. Even cultivators, when their bodies age, find it hard to endure their own powerful souls. "The Divine Heart Fruit is indeed rare." Lu Qingmo nodded. "Although it only works for the Visceral Realm, it''s incredibly hard to find. Its birth conditions are extremely stringent. Even in Yujing, it would be fought over." This type of item belongs to the spiritual plants category, but it is much rarer than most, with a lucky chance needed to acquire it. Most spiritual plants are those that enhance vital energy or strengthen the body. After martial artists refine them, they need to spend some time converting the plant''s benefits to various parts of their bodies. Vital energy and physical strength are the foundation of martial arts, and enhancing them is beneficial, but it isnt as targeted as specific enhancements. A Divine Heart Fruit, on the other hand, is a spiritual plant that specifically targets the heart. The plants Han received from the Immortal Tree were more focused on enhancing the overall physical foundation, with some enhancing particular body parts, providing balanced development. "Junior Brother, this Dragon Vein Grass is an excellent spiritual plant for refining tendons. Legend has it that if you consume a large quantity of it, your tendons can be transformed into dragon tendons and dragon veins." "The Dragon Vein Grass is indeed a good match for you." Lu Qingmo affirmed. "How much is ''a large quantity''?" "I dont know, but its probably a few hundred plants." "" Although Han didnt lack a single Dragon Vein Grass, if he had the chance to buy some, he might as well take it. After all, it was the Heavenly Mother Sects money. "There''s also this Bone Shock Pill. It can shake the bones, expel impurities, and help in bone refinement, making the process more effective." "You shouldnt take these kinds of pills," Lu Qingmo interjected. "The Bone Shock Pill is too aggressive. Although it can aid bone refining, it can also cause harm to the bones, making them weaker than those of others at the same level." "Really? So, these pills can be sold?" Han was surprised. "For those with insufficient talent, if it helps them progress, then its acceptable, even if their bones become weaker compared to others of the same level." "Well, then lets attend," Han said, looking at the list. Since Master Sister wanted it, he was happy to accommodate her. "But can we afford anything at this trade fair?" "Dont worry," Lu Qingmo reassured Han. "While the exchange is mostly item-based, the Wanxing Merchant Guild also accepts transactions in gold and silver at any time." The trade fair would be held in the morning, but not at the Wanxing Merchant Guild. It was to be hosted at a different location, a part of the Guild''s holdings, called Yibao Pavilion. Once they entered the Yibao Pavilion, someone asked Han and his companions if they needed to conceal their identities. After receiving a negative response, they were led to their designated area. Han observed the surroundings and noticed that some people had come in openly, while others were concealing their identities. To his surprise, all the rooms were private suites. He had expected a grand hall. In the center, there was a round platform, where Supervisor Lin was already standing, smiling at everyone. It felt a bit like an auction, but why wasn''t there a fiery-hot beauty hosting? The first item for trade was the Bone Shock Pill that Bai Ruoyue had mentioned. In Tianyue County, Bone Refining-level treasures were already considered highly valuable. This tale has been unlawfully lifted without the author''s consent. Report any appearances on Amazon. "Why is no one bidding?" Han wondered aloud. There were service staff in the suites, but Lu Qingmo had asked them to leave. "You dont need to shout. Just write your bid on the jade plaque," Bai Ruoyue pointed to the jade plaque hanging on the wall of the suite. "Your bid will be displayed above Supervisor Lins head, and it will be ranked. The highest bid wins." "If your initial bid gets outbid, but youre unwilling to let go, you can bid again." "Master Sister, you know so much about this?" "Heh," Bai Ruoyue said proudly, "Ive attended trade fairs with my father before." Lu Qingmo remained unfazed. Oh, I see. Im the only one here from the countryside. Han fiddled with the jade plaque, amazed. By simply writing his bid on it, the information was automatically relayed to the central jade platform. This method was reminiscent of the technological advancements from his past life. The Taoist arts were truly wondrousthere was nothing that couldn''t be achieved, even surpassing the technology of his previous life. After all, his previous life was rooted in a world of technology, not a sci-fi world. The lower-class beings in this world lived in poverty, with a single drought capable of displacing an entire county and causing devastation. But those with status were so comfortable, enjoying the conveniences of Taoist arts. "Also, Junior Brother, the sound inside our suites cannot be heard outside. The only way to show our presence is through the bid plaques." Bai Ruoyue continued. "Only Supervisor Lins voice can reach all the suites. Before the trade fair ends, youre allowed to leave quietly, but you cannot show yourself publicly." "Huh?" Han was taken aback. This Wanxing Trade Fair was different from any auction he had imagined. In Hans understanding of an auction: Common people sit in the hall, while the nobles sit in the suites. During bidding, voices clash, and people argue fiercely, sometimes even throwing deadly glares. At its peak, some even declare their identity, "My father is so-and-so," or "Im the Saint Son of a certain sect, please show some respect." Not respecting? After school, you better not run away! But at the Wanxing Merchant Guilds event, there were no bids shouted, and the rooms were soundproof. How was he supposed to pressure others with his influence? Han silently declared that this Wanxing Trade Fair was a diluted version. "Bid plaques, soundproof rooms Wanxing Merchant Guild is just adding unnecessary costs for themselves." Lu Qingmo spoke, "It wasnt always like this." "Many years ago, the Wanxing Trade Fair was an open shouting affair, and people could reveal themselves freely during the transactions. It only changed later." "Why the change?" "Because something happened. A young man once participated in the Wanxing Trade Fair and was bullied by a disciple of a large sect. The humiliation led to a series of grievances." "In the end, the young man grew stronger, made it onto the List of Heroes, and wiped out that sect." "" Such a classic story. But it feels like this is something I, as a transmigrator, should be doing. "Although the young man didnt seek revenge, after that incident, the Wanxing Merchant Guild changed the format of the trade fair." "When we entered, they asked if we needed to hide our identities, which is part of the change." "When we leave, well exit through different channels to ensure that no one is oppressed at the fair." Han was speechless. The Wanxing Merchant Guild had such an unconventional approach. "However, things change, and the Wanxing Merchant Guilds approach has only earned them more trust, making their business more prosperous." As Han and his companions conversed, one item after another was traded. There were magical weapons and martial soldiers, various spiritual plants, vision diagrams, and martial arts techniques. There was even the opportunity to trade for a slot to commission a martial soldier from Master Yuan. When the Dragon Vein Grass appeared, more bids were made, and the central jade platform flickered with activity. Han placed a bid, but it was quickly outbid by others. "The spiritual plants are rare, but those that specialize in enhancing a particular part of the body are even rarer," Lu Qingmo said. "But don''t worry," he reassured. "I''ll take care of it." Han shook his head. "I have some savings here; it should be enough." The Tianmu Sect''s base had been developing for ten years. While they might not have many cultivation treasures, yellow and white items were plentiful. The ability of this cult to amass wealth was terrifying, and Han hadnt emptied their base, but he certainly took the most valuable items. All of it was tainted, needing to be handled by the Lu Du Guan! Lu Du Guan had taken care of that for him. Bai Ruoyue watched Han calmly filling in the prices and couldn''t help but feel envious. It was so carefree. The value of the Divine Heart Fruit was far greater than the Dragon Pulse Herb. She certainly couldnt afford it, so she would have to rely on Lu Qingmo to buy it for her. But no doubt, Bai Ruoyue also wanted to experience the feeling of throwing money around without hesitation. As Lu Qingmo said, the Dragon Pulse Herb wasnt lostit was safely in Hans hands. Tch, he wasnt the type to make Aunt Mo pay for things. Soft meals? No thanksI have a good digestive system, so Ill pass. "There''s even a beast egg for sale." "In the world, there is the art of taming beasts, so naturally, there are beast eggs and young beasts being traded." When the Divine Heart Fruit was being traded, Lu Qingmo took the jade token and filled in his bid. Then, the auction ended, and the Divine Heart Fruit was directly awarded to Lu Qingmo. The Wansheng Trading Association had direct rights to choose. If they were satisfied with a bid, they could finalize the deal immediately. Han glanced at Lu Qingmos bidit was a form of Daoist technique. "A Daoist technique I obtained by chanceworth some value." "Using Daoist techniques for trade, you only need to provide a copy, as long as the Wansheng Trading Association doesnt already have it." Han secretly complained. If they only needed a copy, wasnt that like getting the Divine Heart Fruit for free? "This Daoist technique is worth more than enough for a Divine Heart Fruit. Your Dragon Pulse Herb can be included in the deal as well. You wont need to pay for it later." "..." Han suddenly felt that his stomach was indeed having some issues. Looks like hed only be able to eat soft food today. Aunt Mo, this smells amazing. After making their purchases, the rest of the time was spent as spectators. Lu Qingmo, of course, didnt need anything; he had only brought the two of them to see. While there were plenty of useful spiritual plants at this trading event, the majority of them were geared toward common people. There was no shortage of such spiritual plants in the Black Mountain; they had already brought some back earlier and didnt need to spend a fortune here. Bai Ruoyue, however, made another purchaseseveral healing pills. The last item in the auction was a martial arts manual at the Washing Marrow level. The dominant force in Tianyue County was at the Washing Marrow realm, so martial arts at this level were highly valued by any faction in the county. The competition for this manual was fierce, and the bidders were all the powerful leaders of Tianyue County. Han and the others were just spectators. Once the Wansheng Trading Association''s auction was over, the event moved into free trading. Much like the previous format, participants handed over items they wanted to sell to the Wansheng Trading Association for display. "The items prepared by the Wansheng Trading Association are guaranteed to be of good quality and have been authenticated," Lu Qingmo said. "But with the free trading, we cant guarantee the quality of the items." At Lu Qingmos suggestion, various items were displayed on the stage, a wide varietyanything you could think of. "What are those?" Hans attention was drawn to a pile of stones in the corner. Compared to the other treasures, they looked quite ordinary. Then, Hans body trembled slightly, drawing a curious look from Bai Ruoyue. "Little junior, why are you shaking?" "Im not shakingits the thing on me thats shaking." "Aunt Mo, Ive got it!" Han said with excitement. "That feeling is back!" "Its back?" Lu Qingmo realized what Han meant and responded, "That''s great!" "Which one?" he asked. "That pile of stonesthe third one from the left, the bowl-shaped one." "Your intuition... Ah, are you saying that stone is a treasure?" Bai Ruoyue said, getting excited too. "Those are treasure stones," Lu Qingmo explained. "These stones only form in mysterious, ancient places. As I mentioned before, the Jiuyang Ruins or places within Yujing specialize in treasure stones." "But these stones are very strange. They can block soul searches and the detection of various artifacts, making them almost impossible to detect with normal Daoist techniques or martial arts. Only those who specialize in studying treasure stones can deduce whats inside based on subtle clues." "Are you saying these experts are called Master Yuan?" Han asked. "Then, Aunt Mo, can experts on the List of Mountains and Rivers also not detect them?" Bai Ruoyue asked curiously. Immediately, the two looked at her with strange expressions. "Are you sure your intuition reacted to that stone?" Lu Qingmo asked. "Im sure!" The buzzing sound from the treasure stone continued, vibrating so much that it was making Han feel dizzy. "What about the other stones?" "Nothing feels off about them." "Then lets buy it," Lu Qingmo immediately placed a bid. It wasnt just Han and his group interested in the treasure stone. Others also started bidding. This was a gamble, hoping for a stroke of luckevery bidder thought, "This time, the fortune is mine!" In the end, the stone was purchased by Han and his companions. They waited until the trading event ended, took their items, and left through the channel arranged by the Wansheng Trading Association. Interestingly, as they walked a bit further, they encountered two people, who were obviously communicating through sound transmission. "Qingquan, youre right. Theres definitely something inside that treasure stone we bought." "That stone has sharp lines, a balanced color, and sharp edgesit must be a Stone King!" "That one next to it, the bowl-shaped one, looks so ordinary. If I brought it home, Id be too ashamed to use it for eating. I dont know what the person who bought it was thinking." "Good insight, Kaishen!" As Han passed by, he overheard this conversation. He paused for a moment, glanced around, and realized that the two hadnt spoken aloud but had used sound transmission, yet he had still heard them. It must be the Ears of Wonder, a mystical item that allowed the user to overhear others sound transmissions. Reflecting on their conversation, Hans expression turned strange. It seemed these two were also participants in the trading event. Their analysis was sharp, and they even mentioned the Stone King... how come Han hadnt heard of it before? Well, he wished them good luck. Chapter 98: Hey, Monster! "There''s nothing particularly special about it." Bai Ruoyue held the bowl-shaped stone in her hand, inspecting it from different angles and even holding it up to the sun. But nothing stood out. "Let''s cut it open and see." "Why don''t you do it, little junior?" "...Im not cutting it." After all, he had no intention of becoming a royal martial artist, so why bother cutting it? At that moment, they were sitting on a magic carpet, making their way toward Black Cloud Town. Stone dust drifted in the wind, and the crack in the treasure stone widened. Eventually, a gleam of light flickered within the stone, prompting Lu Qingmo to halt. She glanced at Han with a complex expression in her eyes. "Very accurate." Her intuition was spot on. But she wondered whether it was just this instance or if it applied to everything. "There''s indeed a treasure inside, and its quite valuable." "What is it?" A surge of spiritual energy flowed, and a drop of liquid flew out from the stone''s crack, landing on her fingertip. On her finger, a drop of milky white liquid clung, emitting a fragrant aroma that was both soothing and refreshing to the mind. At the sight, Hans heart stirred. Such a delicate jade-like finger... Wait, nowhat a treasure! "This is Earth Core Soul Milk," Lu Qingmo introduced. "A rare item that can enhance one''s soul power and heal soul injuries. But that''s just the most basic effect." "The real power of this treasure is that it strengthens the soul to be as solid and vast as the earth itself. Whether for cultivation or combat, its highly beneficial." "It improves the soul''s endurance, allowing you to take more damage in battle without faltering. A treasure like this is rare to come by." Having a soul as solid as the earth was clearly an exaggeration, but it truly made the soul tougher and more expansive. For example, if one were to refine moonlight, a typical practitioner could only refine a single unit of it, but after consuming Earth Core Soul Milk, they could refine three units. "I see, so it''s such a treasure." Han nodded, his expression calm. Though he might seem aloof, this kind of treasure wasnt new to him. Han had used plenty of similar treasures beforethose that purified, strengthened, and enhanced the soul... The Great Thousand Immortal Tree had dropped similar treasures before, and given his own extraordinary soul, Han wasnt overly impressed by its enhancement effects. If it could raise one''s soul rank, then that was certainly an added bonus. "By the way, Lu Qingmo, would this be useful to you?" Lu Qingmo shook her head. "No, Ive already consumed a dose of Earth Core Soul Milk before." "Ruoyue could benefit from it, though. While martial artists dont cultivate their souls, strengthening the soul would still help in martial arts cultivation." As she spoke, the milky liquid in her hand flew directly into Bai Ruoyues mouth. Han sighed inwardly. Senior Sister should have waited for her own share. "Is one drop enough? Should I get more?" "Ruoyue isn''t a cultivator, so she can only take up to three drops. More would be useless." "Then lets give Senior Sister some more." Han wasnt shy, casually offering up three drops of the Earth Core Soul Milkwhats a few more drops? After taking the three drops, Bai Ruoyue licked her lips to make sure there wasn''t any milky residue left. "Its a bit salty, with a faint fishy taste. It doesnt taste as fragrant as it smells," Bai Ruoyue commented. Lu Qingmo then poured the remaining Earth Core Soul Milk into a jade vial and handed it to Han. "This batch has quite a bit. After you consume it, there should be some left." "Martial artists should consume it through the soul, not the body." If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it. "Little Junior, you''re really lucky," Bai Ruoyue said enviously. "How come I never run into things like this?" "What''s yours is naturally Senior Sisters." Han chuckled. "Why are you making such a distinction, Senior Sister?" Bai Ruoyue smiled but immediately turned her head with a fierce glare at Han. "Lu Qingmo, have there been any updates from the County Ghost God Bureau regarding the Black Mountain God?" "The County Ghost God Bureau cant handle this. Its been reported to the Provincial Ghost God Bureau, and the Xuandu Temple is already aware," Lu Qingmo replied calmly. "As for how theyll deal with it, well have to wait and see. The Black Mountain God is no ordinary deity." "Do we have any tasks related to it?" "The County Ghost God Bureau is preparing to inspect the counties to prevent another incident like Qinghua, but this doesnt concern us." Lu Qingmos expression remained indifferent. "Stabilizing Black Cloud Town is our primary responsibility." "After the next earthquake, martial artists and cultivators from outside Black Cloud Town will likely flock to Black Mountain." "The days when foreign cultivators wouldnt dare step a foot into the Thunder Pool are over..." Lu Qingmo didnt continue, but both Han and Bai Ruoyue understood what she meant. Not long after returning to the martial arts hall, Meng Hao appeared before Han again. "Your information really is impressive." "All thanks to Uncle Mu," Meng Hao smiled. Han understood; Uncle Mu was a powerful cultivator who dared venture deep into Black Mountain during the day due to his presence. Lu Qingmo also acknowledged Uncle Mus strength, calling him a true masterone capable of traversing the entire world. Since Meng Hao stayed in Black Cloud Town because of Han, he had been visiting the Taibai Martial Arts Hall every day, chatting with Han. Meng Hao was a personable man, wise in the ways of the world, and over the course of just a few days, Han and this non-cultivator from a noble family had become quite close. Sometimes, it really doesnt take long for two people to become friends; a single moment of resonance can make all the difference, while a decade of shallow interaction can feel like nothing. Most importantly, Han could feel Meng Haos sincerity. Sincerity was a lethal weapontreat others with sincerity, and it would always be returned in kind. "I wont disturb your training, Qingge. Lets talk after youre done." "Alright." "Success is earned through diligence, while idleness leads to ruin." Despite Hans extraordinary talent and the advantage of his cheat code, he has always been diligent, never slacking off. After finishing his martial arts practice for the day, Han set off once again toward the Yunjiang River. This place, which was essentially his personal treasure trove, needed to be thoroughly explored. Though the wild beasts in Yunjiang werent particularly powerful, it didnt mean there werent exceptional spiritual plants hidden within. This time, Meng Hao decided to accompany Han. "Do you have the ability to control water?" Meng Hao asked, somewhat surprised. "Yes," Han confirmed. At first, he had no way of explaining where the fragment of the Water Avoidance Pearl came from, so he attributed it to his natural talentafter all, the equipment was untraceable. Now, there was no turning back. "You wouldnt happen to be the reincarnation of some Dragon King, would you?" Meng Hao joked. Water manipulation often made people think of dragons. "Have you ever heard of a Dragon King who was almost killed by a mere ghost?" Han shook his head. "Thats truly remarkable," Meng Hao said with admiration. "Even with a mortal body and a soul wounded by ghosts, you still grow stronger at an astonishing rate, your foundation so solid that you can fight beyond your level. And on top of that, you''ve awakened various talents." "Brother Qing, the whole world will be your stage in the futureroyalty and wealth, all at your fingertips." The more he learned, the more impressed Meng Hao became. He had seen many geniuses before, but never one who was so talented without any resources to nurture them. This was unheard of. The ordinary spiritual plants they had brought back from Black Mountain didnt even count as resources in Meng Haos eyes. He was envious of Han, for while Han had incredible cultivation talents, Meng Hao had the power and position that Han could only dream of in the short term. But if he could, Meng Hao would trade all of that for Hans talent. No, hed even settle for less talent than Hans. "Forget about royalty and wealth." Han shook his head and, with a splash, jumped into the water, beginning his reign as the underwater bully. Meng Haos safety didnt worry Han at all. In fact, Han felt even safer with Meng Hao around... In the water, Han floated beside the severed body of a strange fish, holding a blood-red bead in his hand. Another Blood Calamity Pearl. Hans expression turned serious as he surfaced, carrying the fishs body with him. Meng Hao noticed something was off and asked, "Whats going on?" "Somethings strange," Han replied without hesitation, immediately activating the token given to him by the Crab Soldier and Crab General, tossing it into Yunjiang and waiting patiently. The Crab Soldier and Crab General had told him that after activating the token, he should wait a moment for them to appear. Han didnt fully understand, but he figured it was likely a method from the Dragon Palace. After a short time, the water began to churn, and the two figures of the Crab Soldier and Crab General emerged. "Human boy, why have you summoned us?" The shrimp soldier spoke, glancing at Meng Hao before dismissing him as just an ordinary mortal. "I found two Blood Calamity Pearls at the bottom of Yunjiang" Han explained, recounting his encounter. The Crab Soldier and Crab General exchanged a glance, and one of the beads flew into their claws. "Hmph, so bold to cause trouble in Yunjiang," the Crab General snorted. "Human boy, youve done well." The shrimp soldier tossed the token back to Han. "If you come across something like this again, inform us immediately." "As a reward, we will tell you about three places where spiritual plants grow. For someone at your level" "Huh? How have you reached the Meridian Realm?" The shrimp soldier was taken aback, and the tone of its voice changed. The last time they met, Han was just a mere Flesh Realm cultivator. How much time had passed? The Crab General, too, was shocked and curious. They hadnt been asleep, so how had Han made such progress so quickly? "Its just luck," Han replied humbly. Though Lu Qingmo had advised against using this phrase, it didnt matter since she wasnt around at the moment. Before the shrimp soldier or crab general could say more, Meng Hao spoke up. "Are you two the soldiers of Yunjiangs Dragon Palace?" "Who are you, kid?" Meng Hao smiled. "A few years ago, the Dragon King of Yunjiang held a Dragon Kings Feast, and my father and I attended the event at Yunjiangs Dragon Palace." The shrimp soldier and crab general froze. When they spoke again, their tone had shifted, becoming far more respectful. "May I ask, who is your father?" "My father is Lord Zixiao Tianjun." With a splash, the shrimp soldier and crab general immediately sank back into the water, creating waves. When they resurfaced, they hurriedly bowed and saluted. "We meet Lord Mengs son. We failed to recognize you earlier, please forgive us." "During the Dragon Kings Feast, we were not in the Dragon Palace and couldnt see your father." "Its no problem," Meng Hao waved his hand, then introduced Han. "This is my good friend, Han, whom I met in Heiyun Town. I consider him a brother." Hans heart stirred. So, Meng Hao was publicly supporting him. "Young Master Zhou." The shrimp soldier and crab general immediately bowed to Han. "..." Where had their pride gone? Where was their Dragon Kings honor? Monsters could be so changeable too. Chapter 99: The Masters Grudge The shrimp soldier and crab general no longer bothered to question Han about how his cultivation had advanced so rapidly. So what if someone breaks through faster? The young master of the Meng family recognizes him as an older brotherit makes perfect sense. To express our gratitude to Young Master Zhou, the shrimp soldier said, we will share the locations of seven more places where spiritual plants grow. Please, Young Master Zhou, continue to keep an eye out for us in the future. Of course, Han agreed without hesitation. Just like that, the number of resource points expanded from three to seven. The power of the second generation truly was terrifying. After that, the shrimp soldier and crab general took the bloodthirsty pearls and the beast carcass and left. That was quite impressive, Han said, smiling at Meng Hao. The impressive one is my father, Meng Hao responded modestly, Im just riding his coattails You were about to say riding on the back of power, werent you? Meng Hao seemed a bit embarrassed, but he quickly changed the subject to Han. With your talent, Brother Qing, you wont need anyones help in the future. Youll be able to command the world, and no one will dare to take you lightly. Relying on the heavens or the earth is nothing compared to relying on yourself. Because of that, Meng Hao couldnt help but admire Han in his heart. The demeanor of a true powerhouse! Han felt a twinge of emotion. There was indeed a huge difference between the second generations. Just look at Meng Hao, then compare it to the Huang family members he met in the county city. It was like comparing the heavens to the earth. Brother Qing, I plan to leave soon. Arent you going to stay a little longer? Ive been in Black Cloud Town for almost a month. My mothers been nagging at me, Meng Hao said. Im going to visit Zixiao City, and then Ill travel around a bit more. In the future, you must come to Zixiao City, and Ill give you a proper reception. Saying this, Meng Hao took a wooden plaque engraved with the words Zixiao from his space ring. When you have this, you can come directly to my home. Han didnt refuse. Dont worry, if the opportunity arises, Ill definitely visit Zixiao City. He wanted to see the Mountains and Rivers Rankings for himself. Then Ill be waiting for you, Meng Hao smiled. I have an older sister. Ill introduce her to you when you come. Thats not necessary, Han said quickly. Youre just being polite, right? Please do introduce her to me. Its fine. My sister loves to challenge talented people. Im sure shell be very interested in you. Really, its not necessary. I wasnt being polite! Please dont misunderstand. I really dont want to meet her. Please keep your sister away from me. Since the Water Avoiding Pearl had entered its cooldown state today, the resource points mentioned by the shrimp soldier and crab general would have to wait for another time to explore. Back at the martial arts hall, Meng Hao once again gifted some spiritual plantsso generous. Before leaving, Meng Hao deliberately spoke to Han alone. Brother Qing, when you travel in the future, be careful of the Li family of Yujing and the Dong family of Jiangnan, especially the latter. Meng Hao said solemnly, Be sure to keep your relationship with Uncle Bai hidden, until youve fully grown. But dont worry. The average person wont figure out who Uncle Bai is. Hans mind stirred as he recalled what his master had said when he was learning the secret martial arts techniques. Does my master have a grudge with these two families? The situation with Uncle Bai and the Li family is more complicated, but with the Dong family, its purely a grudge with no previous favor. So be careful. These two families are prestigious, and their clans have many powerful members. As for the specifics, Uncle Bai hasnt explained everything to you, and there are his reasons. I wont overstep my bounds. Han silently nodded and watched as Meng Hao left. The Li family of Yujing, the Dong family of Jiangnanworld-renowned clans. Master, what on earth did you do out there? Unauthorized duplication: this narrative has been taken without consent. Report sightings. Junior Brother, what did Meng Hao say to you? Bai Ruoyue asked as she approached. He said he wanted to introduce me to his sister. Bai Ruoyue raised an eyebrow. Thats the daughter of Zixiao Tianjun. So what? His son is also my friend, Han replied. When I make it onto the Mountains and Rivers Rankings, youll be my Senior Sister, Han Tianjuns Senior Sister! Hmph, dont get ahead of yourself. I plan to be the woman of a Tianjun myself. Alright, Ill fulfill your wish in the future. Han nodded. Becoming a Tianjun is tough, but making you the Tianjuns woman? Thats easy enough. I just need to become Zhou Tianjun first. Really? You can help me become a Tianjun? Sleep early tonight, so you can have a better chance at dreaming. ? Bai Ruoyue glared at Han, punched him lightly, then turned and walked off. Han smiled and, as he turned, saw Bai Tian watching from a distance. Master, let me explain.
That night, Han returned home and took out the Evil Punishment Token. It showed that he had 499 good deeds. The token sent him a messageif he settled now, with his current evil deeds, he would receive a 99% bonus? A 100% bonus was the maximum, and there would be an extra reward for a perfect settlement. Han was puzzled. What about the last 1%? After some thought, Han had a guess. Was it because he didnt finish off Su Tians true form? No, that couldnt be it. If it involved someone as important as Su Tian, it wouldnt only be worth 1%. Could it be because the officials who neglected their duties in Qinghua County still hadnt been punished? Their neglect was certainly part of the evil. If they hadnt been punished yet, that would explain why the bonus wasnt perfect. Han scratched his head. Either give me a 90% bonus and stop making me hope for extra rewards, or just give me a perfect bonuswhy leave this last bit? This is driving my perfectionism crazy! Putting away the Evil Punishment Token, he grumbled and then decided to take action. In the secret realm, Han stared fiercely at the immortal tree. The culprit, prepare to die! But first, Han checked his stats panelstill only four points of stamina. His breakthrough to the late stage of the Out-of-Body realm didnt increase it. I guess Ill only get more stamina once I reach the perfect Out-of-Body stage. It was the same as when he visualized in the past. Boom! [Martial Arts Seed: Tiger Subduing Palm] [Strengthen courage and awaken the mind, the palm holds great power, subduing the divine tiger.] "Connecting Heaven and Earth, ten thousand golden yuan, forging the self, legs like diamonds." "Personal Elixir: Essence Pills" "Ancient royal alchemists gather rare herbs and mix them with the essence of blood and origin, spending twenty years to refine each batcheach pill is a priceless treasure." "Personal Elixir: True Qi Pills" "Ancient royal..."
Looking at the four items that dropped with the first point of stamina, Han fell into silence. Two martial seedsno problem there, everythings fine. In addition to various weapons and martial arts, Han now also possessed skills in finger techniques, palm techniques, and leg techniques. The more skills, the better, as Han had already accepted the fact that his sword seed wouldn''t drop. Learning more martial arts wasn''t a bad thingafter all, the fruits automatically helped him start, and they didn''t take up his energy. But these Essence Pills and True Qi Pills... are you serious? Essence Pills, refined by ancient royal alchemists. Now, this? Alright, alright. You want to be cheeky, huh? I wonder if there are even more powerful Essence Pills from the primordial or mythological royal alchemists. Now that I think about it, these giant pills are even bigger than regular onestruly massive.
"Magical Artifact: Water-Repelling Pearl (Fragment)" The second stamina point dropped a familiar item, along with a spirit plant and a soul plant. This was the fourth fragment of the Water-Repelling Pearl. Han wasnt hopeful about merging the fragments into a complete Water-Repelling Pearl. "Magical Artifact: Water-Repelling Pearl (Fragment)" "With four fragments merged, the artifact''s abilities have greatly increased. It can now control common water and resist certain mystical and spiritual waters." As expected, the Water-Repelling Pearl was still in fragment form, but with the four fragments merged, its capabilities had reached a new level. It went from only affecting common water to now being able to resist mystical and spiritual watersa true transformation.
The next two cuts dropped eight items. Two spirit plants and two soul plants. "Rare Item: Soul-Nourishing Jade" "Can nourish souls and spirits, increasing their vitality and spiritual energy." This item worked for both souls and spirits, so Han immediately used it on himself. Once the Soul-Nourishing Jade became ineffective for him, he planned to pass it to An Lang. Han also had other reusable rare items, which he could lend to friends once they were no longer useful to him. As for selling themHan didnt have that idea. Selling such items, which can permanently enhance souls or bodies and can be used multiple times, would be easy to do, but buying them? Thats another story. "Rare Item: Illusory Leaf" "Placing this leaf on your waist can transform your appearance into that of a tree. Its purely illusionary, not possessing the true essence of a tree. Those in the Daylight Realm may occasionally see through the illusion, while those in the Divine Radiance Realm will always detect it." An interesting item, which might prove useful in the right circumstances. "Personal Elixir: Soul-Ascension Pill" "Increases soul power, strengthens the soul, and has the added effect of refining it." "Weapon Fragment: Eagle''s Beak Spear (Fragment)" The final drop caught Han off guard. The spear shaft, which had been quite helpful to him early on, had been discarded for a long time. Now, the spearhead had dropped. With that, the weapon was now complete. Looks like Han would have to find another weapon in Yunjiang tomorrow...
After using up his four stamina points, Han exited the secret realm and let An Lang begin her cultivation. The Soul-Ascension Pill, soul plants, and Earth Core Soul MilkHan used them all. The heavenly and earthly vital energies continuously gathered, and the Vitality Demon generously left some essence behind to assist Han in his cultivation. With all these treasures supporting him, Hans soul rapidly improved, and a faint wave spread out. This time, Hans cultivation caused a bit of a disturbance, affecting even An Lang. She stopped drawing the moonlight and instead came closer to Han. The Earth Core Soul Milk was indeed an excellent treasure, packed with significant soul power. Combined with soul plants and elixirs, Han had a premonition. At a certain moment, Hans soul edge suddenly darkened. The gathered energies stopped flowing into his body. At the same time, the moonlight that couldnt reach Han seemed to warp, as though something was drawing it in. "This is..." An Lang said, surprised. "Whoosh!" Hans soul opened its eyes and exhaled softly. The vital energies of heaven and earth began to ripple. "Out of Body Completion!" Han exclaimed in joy. He had reached the peak of the Out of Body Realm. When Han focused on the moonlight, he felt an intense pull, as though he wanted to rush toward the moonlight and experience it fully. But Han immediately brought his soul back into his body, and the impulse faded away. "Congratulations, Young Master, congratulations. Youve made another breakthrough, getting closer to transcending into immortality," An Lang said, repeatedly offering her congratulations. Transcending into immortalityevery cultivators ultimate goal. And for martial artists, their aim is the immortality of their physical body, to live forever. "Good, good, good. Youre quite the smooth talker. Youll get a heavy reward." "Ill reward you tonight by making some fresh Moonlight Incense," Han said, handing An Lang a large handful of incense materials. An Langs face dropped. She knew she was being teased. Han then tossed his remaining Earth Core Soul Milk to An Lang. Even spirits could use it. An Langs face lit up with joy. "Young Master is truly kindwhat a quick change of face." This ghost truly had a talent for it! Chapter 100: The Breaking of the Moon and the Dual Demons Devour Achieving the completion of the Out-of-Body stage meant that Han was now ready to attempt the refinement of the Moonlight, advancing into the realm of the Night Wanderer. With Hans profound soul foundation, breaking through in refining the Moonlight was not expected to face any bottlenecks. This milestone also signified that in less than a month of soul cultivation, Han was about to step into the third stage of soul development. "My lord, are you planning to continue cultivating and begin the Night Wanderer path?" Anlang asked. "My shadowy energy domain should be of help to you." One of the abilities of Anlangs shadowy energy domain was to transform nearby forces into a more subtle, yin essence, making them easier to absorbsomething that would indeed aid Han. However, Han shook his head. "Tonight, I plan to attempt the breakthrough, but not here." "Go into the Ghost Residence first, and Ill take you somewhere." After Anlang entered, Han didnt leave immediately. Instead, he ventured into the Immortal Trees secret realm. [Player: Han] [] [Energy: 1/5] [] As expected, Hans energy increased slightly, bringing his total to five. Without hesitation, Han used this energy. [Magical Artifact: Five Fire Beads] [Contains five types of flames: Wood Fire, Yin Fire, Yang Fire, Thunder Fire, and Law Fire] [Quality Pill: Strengthening Kidney Pill] [Enhances the kidneys, boosts vitality, and strengthens bones] The Five Fire Beads appeared to be a useful item. After only a short time, Han could already imagine how they could be useful in both combat and alchemy. As for the quality pill... Han quietly stored it away, taking it very seriously. After all, the next step in martial arts was to refine internal organs, and this pill would be valuable for cultivation. As for other uses, Han wasnt too concerned. With the Golden Cicada Technique in place, this pill was more of a luxury. Afterward, Han took Anlang and, guided by the moonlight, left his home. Earlier, Lu Qingmo had specifically instructed Han that once he reached completion in the Out-of-Body stage, he should never attempt the breakthrough alone. Instead, he was to go to her for protection. Lu Qingmo wasnt worried about Hans foundation failing during the breakthrough, but she was concerned about Han encountering the Moon Demon while refining the Moonlight... There was no denying that Han had a history of attracting magical entitiesencountering the Moon Demon during the Night Wanderer stage wasnt out of the question. Han knew, however, that even if the Moon Demon came, it wouldnt be able to harm him, especially if the Golden Light Charm was ineffective. Worst case, he could simply transform into a Moon Demon himself. But Lu Qingmo had warned him multiple times with good intentions, and Han didnt want to let her down. So now, Han was heading to Lu Qingmos place. Arriving at the peach grove, Han walked straight in. "Announce yourself?" he thought. "Outsiders need to announce themselves. But Im her close one!" Once inside, Han found Lu Qingmo standing outside the pavilion, gazing at the moon. The silver glow bathed her, draping her in a thin veil, making her beauty even more stunning. "Its so late, what brings you here?" "Mu Yi, Ive reached the completion of the Out-of-Body stage." Lu Qingmo looked at him. "Did you use the Earth Heart Soul Milk?" "Yes." Though Han had just recently advanced to the late Out-of-Body stage, reaching completion so quickly was still somewhat unexpected. However, with the help of the Earth Heart Soul Milk, Lu Qingmo could somewhat accept it. It was much better than the previous situation, where Han lacked soul resources but rapidly ascended through realms. But, one question lingered: Was the Earth Heart Soul Milk really enough for a breakthrough this quickly? Lu Qingmo pondered, recalling when she had consumed the same treasure. Even for her, after using it, she had to diligently cultivate for some time before breaking through. "Youre preparing for the breakthrough now?" Lu Qingmo asked. "Youve only just reached completion; perhaps you should stabilize for a few more days." "I feel steady right now." Han replied as his soul left his body, showing Lu Qingmo the stable and solid soul he had just achieved. "Indeed, its perfect," Lu Qingmo nodded, pulling out an incense stick and lighting it. "This is the Moon Stabilizing Incense. It can stabilize the moonlight and reduce the chaotic forces within it, making it easier for you to refine the Moonlight." "The first time you refine the Moonlight, you may experience pain. This is normal. However, if the pain becomes unbearable, you must stop immediately." "The full moon is vast, its power boundless. When your soul is exposed to the moonlight, while refining the Moonlight, your soul may feel a sense of intoxication, drawn to the moonlight, and you might even have the urge to merge with the moon, ascending and becoming one with it." "But remember, you must suppress this urge. This is the danger of the Night Wanderer path. If you let this impulse guide you and attempt to ascend and merge with the moon, your soul will scatter." "When the urge to ascend becomes overwhelming, it means your soul has reached its limit for now. At that point, you must immediately return your soul to your body." Soul cultivation is fraught with peril, and one must be vigilant at every stage. "You are especially unique," Lu Qingmo added, with concern in her voice. "In addition to the urge to merge with the moon, you must also beware of the Moon Demon." "If you do encounter the Moon Demon, dont forget the incantation I taught youthe True Resolve to Dissolve Misfortune." "Now, begin your breakthrough." For the advancement into the Night Wanderer realm, there was no need for a secret chamber. A case of theft: this story is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation. Han nodded and, gazing at the moon, let his soul float freely beneath its glow. It felt amazing. So soothing, as if submerged in a hot spring, with countless delicate hands massaging himthere was no pain whatsoever. He visualized the Immortal Tree and used the Yin Moon Refining Technique, absorbing and refining the moonlight in vast quantities. His soul felt nourished like a parched land receiving rain. As for the pain Lu Qingmo mentioned, Han felt none of itonly an unparalleled bliss, floating as though he were ascending. Suddenly, Han snapped awake. Was this the beginning of a disaster? However, when he sensed the Moonlight again and looked up at the moon, he felt no urge to merge with it. It seemed that once again, he was in an abnormal state Lu Qingmo, observing from the side, saw Hans peaceful expression and nodded approvingly. "His soul is already as strong as that of a normal Night Wanderer cultivator at the Out-of-Body stage. Now, with the Moonlight refining, there will be no difficulty in his breakthrough." The power within the Moonlight was the force of the Yin Moon, a force completely different from Yuan Qi. As the Yin Moon force was absorbed into his soul, Han felt his soul change, evolving to a new level. His soul underwent a transformation, evolving toward a specific direction. The forces of Yuan Qi, Yin Moon, and Solar Power not only strengthened the soul but also induced a transformation at the very core of its being. If one hadnt absorbed enough of these forces for a complete soul transformation, even if their soul could rival the next stage, they should never attempt to absorb the energies required for the next stage. To do so prematurely would result in an incomplete transformation, leaving fatal flaws. While Han was lost in the beauty of the Moonlight, an unexpected change suddenly occurred. The surroundings darkened, and the once gentle, warm moonlight turned ominous and evil. Countless tiny, sharp-toothed mouths appeared within the light, rushing toward Han. Once they entered his body, the feeling was no longer one of comfort but of searing, tearing pain. Suddenly, Hans soul was covered in bulging bumps, as if some unknown creature was thrashing beneath the surface. His once clear spiritual sense became muddled, thoughts scrambling, desires risinghe could no longer concentrate. The Moon Demon had arrived! "No way You actually came, without even a courtesy." Han sighed. A magical entity from the Out-of-Body realm, a Moon Demon in the Night Wanderer pathhe guessed that when he reached the Day Wanderer stage, hed also face the Sun Demon. What a cursed physique that attracts demons. Han quickly recited the incantation Lu Qingmo had taught him, the True Resolve to Dissolve Misfortune. It had some effect but wasnt enough. He could suppress the Moon Demon slightly, but not drive it away entirely. Achieving the perfect Out-of-Body realm meant Han was ready to begin refining the Moonlight and advance to the Night Voyager realm. With Hans soul foundation, breaking through the Moonlight barrier posed no challenge whatsoever. This also meant that within less than a month of refining his soul, Han was about to enter the third realm of the soul! "My lord, are you planning to continue training and begin your journey into the Night Voyager realm?" An Lang asked. "My domain of Yin energy should be able to assist you." One of the abilities of An Langs Yin energy domain was its power to transform nearby forces into a more Yin and softer form, making them easier to absorbtruly a useful aid to Han. However, Han shook his head. "Tonight, I will attempt a breakthrough, but not here." "Go ahead and enter the Ghost Residence. Ill take you somewhere else." After An Lang entered, Han didnt immediately follow. Instead, he entered the Immortal Tree Secret Realm. Player: Han ... Stamina: 1/5 ... Sure enough, his stamina had increased slightly, bringing his total to five. Han didnt hesitate and immediately used up the stamina. Artifact: Five Flames Pearl Contains five kinds of flames: Wood Fire, Yin Fire, Yang Fire, Thunder Fire, and Law Fire Elixir: Renal Strengthening Pill Can strengthen the kidneys, generate essence, and strengthen bones The Five Flames Pearl appeared to be a fine item. Han quickly realized it could be useful in both battle and alchemy or artifact forging. As for the Renal Strengthening Pill... Han stored it away without showing any emotion, taking it seriously. After all, his next step in martial arts would involve refining the internal organs, so the pill was useful for his cultivation. As for other aspects, Han didnt care much. With the Golden Cicada Skill at his disposal, the pill was more of an enhancement. (Confident) Han then left his home with An Lang under the moonlight. Previously, Lu Qingmo had specifically instructed Han to wait until he reached the Out-of-Body realm before attempting a breakthrough on his own. Instead, he was to go to her so she could protect him during the process. Lu Qingmo wasnt worried that Hans foundation would fail, but she was concerned that Han might encounter the Moon Demon while attempting to refine the Moonlight... After all, Han had a history of attracting trouble. From the Out-of-Body realm''s encounter with the Yuan Qi Demon to the Moon Demon in the Night Voyager realmit wasnt impossible. Han knew that even if the Moon Demon appeared, it wouldnt pose a threat to him. If necessary, he could transform into a Moon Demon himself. But since Lu Qingmo had repeatedly warned him with good intentions, Han didnt want to disappoint her. Thus, he was on his way to Lu Qingmos location. Arriving at the Peach Grove, Han walked right in. An announcement? That was for outsidershe was her inner circle! Once inside, Han saw Lu Qingmo standing by the pavilion, gazing at the moon. The silver light bathed her in a thin veil, making her look breathtakingly beautiful. "So late, what brings you here?" she asked. "Mu Aunt, Ive perfected the Out-of-Body realm," Han replied. Lu Qingmo turned to look at him. "Did you use the Earth Heart Soul Milk?" "Yes." Although Han had only recently reached the late Out-of-Body realm, the sudden perfection was still a bit surprising. However, Lu Qingmo could accept it, given the Earth Heart Soul Milks presence. It was certainly better than the earlier days, where Han had no soul resources and his realm surged ahead without any stability... But could a single dose of Earth Heart Soul Milk really push one to perfection so quickly? Lu Qingmo thought back to when she had used this treasure herself. Even with it, she had to undergo intense training before her breakthrough. "Are you planning to break through now?" Lu Qingmo asked. "You''re still freshly perfected. It might be wise to stabilize for a few days." "I feel steady enough now," Han said, his soul leaving his body and showing Lu Qingmo his solidified soul. "Indeed, perfect," Lu Qingmo nodded, taking out an incense and lighting it. "This is the Stabilizing Moon Incense. It can stabilize the moonlight and soften its violent power, making it easier for you to refine the Moonlight." "The first attempt to refine the Moonlight might be painful, which is normal. If the pain becomes unbearable, stop immediately." "The moon is vast, its power infinite. When the moonlight touches you and you refine the Moonlight, your soul will be intoxicated by it. You may feel drawn to merge with the moon and experience the urge to ascend into it." "But remember, you must resist that impulse. This is the trial of the Night Voyager realm. If you give in to the urge to merge with the moon, you will scatter your soul." "When the urge to ascend becomes overwhelming, that means your soul has reached its limit for now. You must immediately return it to your body." Soul cultivation is fraught with danger. Each step can lead to a calamity, and one must be vigilant. "You are especially unique. In addition to the urge to merge with the moon, you must also be wary of the Moon Demon," Lu Qingmo said, her voice laced with concern. "If you do encounter the Moon Demon, dont forget to recite the True Exorcism Sutra." "Now, begin your breakthrough." Advancing to the Night Voyager realm meant Han could no longer remain in a secret chamber. Han nodded and, under the moonlight, let his soul float freely into its light. It felt incrediblelike soaking in a warm spring, with countless delicate hands massaging his soul, all without a hint of pain. He visualized the Immortal Tree while using the Lunar Soul Refining Method. The moonlight flooded into his soul, and he felt deeply nourished. As for the pain Lu Qingmo mentioned? Han felt nothing but supreme pleasure, floating in bliss. Suddenly, Han snapped back to his senses. Could this be a calamity? But as he sensed the Moonlight and gazed at the moon, he felt no urge to ascend. Seems like I''m experiencing something abnormal again... Lu Qingmos soul watched over him, and upon seeing his serene expression, she nodded in approval. "His soul is on par with a typical Night Voyager cultivator. With the moonlight refining his soul, hell have no trouble breaking through." The power hidden within the moonlight was of the Yin nature, distinct from Yuan Qi. As the Yin power merged into Hans soul, he felt it shift to a higher level, undergoing a transformation, evolving into a new form. Yuan Qi, Yin, and Yang powers were not just tools to strengthen the soulthey facilitated a profound, foundational metamorphosis. Without enough energy to trigger a soul''s evolution, even if one''s soul was capable of matching the next realm, attempting to refine the energy needed for it would lead to an incomplete transformationa fatal flaw. While Han reveled in the wonder of the Moonlight, something unexpected occurred. Suddenly, the surroundings darkened. The once warm, soft moonlight turned ominous and twisted. A myriad of small mouths, each lined with jagged teeth, appeared and lunged at Han. Once they entered his body, instead of comfort, they brought excruciating pain. Bumps erupted across his soul, as if some unknown creature was battering from within. His previously clear spiritual consciousness became muddled, filled with chaotic thoughts, overwhelming desires, and a loss of calm. The Moon Demon had arrived! Wait, you demons really came? How rude. Han sighed. With the Yuan Qi Demon in his past and now the Moon Demon, it seemed that when he reached the Day Voyager realm, he would face the Sun Demon too. What an attraction for demons he was. Han immediately began chanting the True Exorcism Sutra that Lu Qingmo had taught him. It helped a little, but not much. The Moon Demons presence was somewhat suppressed, but not completely banished. Chapter 101: Gazing Beyond—Above the Moon! A mystical expanse stretched out before him, bathed in a soft, glowing mist that drifted through the air. Just a single glance, and an inexplicable yearning surged in Hans heart. "Where is this?" He had appeared here without warning, a sense of confusion washing over him. Glancing down at himself, Han realized he wasnt physically presentonly a spectral projection of his soul had arrived. "How did I get here? What state am I in right now?" Surveying his surroundings, he soon noticed an irregular, shadowy sphere in the distance. After a brief hesitation, he began moving toward it. Standing still wouldnt provide any answershe had no idea what this place was or if he could even return. As he drew closer and finally saw what lay within the darkness, Han froze. It was a person. A woman, curled up, completely unclothed. She appeared around eighteen, her flawless skin as pure as the finest jade ever crafted by the heavens. Her long, slender legs and graceful curves exuded a natural elegance, her figure both soft and powerful. Though her chest was partially obscured, the glimpses visible at the edges hinted at an undeniable grandeur. Her facial features were simply divinedelicate brows, long lashes, and a symmetry so perfect it seemed sculpted by the gods themselves. But what stunned Han the most wasnt her beauty. It was her eyes. They were wide open. Clear and untainted, devoid of any emotion. Their gazes met. A tense silence. Then, Han snapped out of his daze, quickly turning his back to her and apologizing profusely. "My lady, I meant no offense! I dont even know why Im here!" "You are here because I brought you," she said. Her voice was serene, distantlike moonlight cascading from the heavens. Han was dumbfounded. She brought me here? In this setting? In this situation? "And why would you do that?" he asked cautiously. "Every Lunar Demon is connected to this place. But you are not." Han''s heart pounded. Lunar Demons are connected to this place? Then that would mean "Where exactly is this?" "In your terms this is the Moon. And this placethis is the Lunar Core." Hans breath caught. So it really was the Moon. His head snapped back toward the woman, eyes filled with shock. "You pulled my soul from Earth to the Moon?" "Only a fragment of your soul. Because you are a Lunar Demon." But this was still the Moon! What kind of absurd, fantasy novel logic was this? Oh, right. This was a supernatural world. That made things somewhat reasonable. Hans past-life knowledge told him that if the Sun and Moon werent divine beasts, then they were likely celestial bodies. And now, here he wason the Moon. Han remained silent, steadying his thoughts. Landing on the Moon wasnt actually that shocking, was it? His past life had seen technology achieve it, so why couldnt this worlds mystical powers do the same? But to be randomly dragged here like this wasnt that a bit too reckless? Still, from what she had said, it seemed to be because of his transformation into a Lunar Demon. "Senior can you send me back?" Han asked carefully, adjusting his tone. This wasnt fearthis was respect. "I can," she replied. The woman stretched, unfolding herself from her curled-up position to stand tall. That movement alone was enough to make Hans breath hitch. Perfection unveiled. Every curve, every delicate line of her body exuded an ethereal allure beyond mortal comprehension. Han spun around instantly, averting his gaze. "You are not a Lunar Demon," she suddenly said. "You merely transformed into one. Am I right?" Han hesitated. He wasnt sure how to respond. "Can you transform into something like me?" she asked. "Uh well, Senior my transformation ability requires physical contact, and this is only a fragment of my soul. I dont even know if it would work." Besides, turning into something like her wouldnt that mean Id become a woman? Before he could process his thoughts further, she appeared directly in front of him, extending a hand. "Your souls ability is intact. Transform." "" Han turned his head slightly, trying to remain respectful, and hesitantly placed his hand in hers. Her palm was warm, her skin flawless. But Han had no time for distractionshe activated his metamorphic trait. And then It stopped. The ability deactivated the moment it began. Stolen novel; please report. Han frowned and tried again. Nothing. He made several more attempts, but the result was the same. He let out a quiet sigh of relief. No forced transformation. No female Han. "Seems it doesnt work," the woman observed, stating the obvious. "Senior, as far as I know, I can only transform into other races. Whether I can mimic specific individuals I have no idea." "I am not human," she said. "I am a god." I should have guessed. So shes the Moon God. Well, that explains a lot. "Senior can you send me back now?" Han asked again. "Why do you keep looking away?" she asked, seemingly curious. "Because it would be disrespectful to stare directly at you," Han replied. The Moon God studied him for a moment before realization dawned. "Humans must wear clothing?" "Most species in my world do." A brief pause. "I have clothed myself," she stated. Han turned. A breathtaking sight awaited him. She now wore a flowing, moon-white gown, its fabric seemingly woven from light itself. "I once saw a human woman who came here wearing this," she explained. Han blinked. Waitsomeone else had been here before? "Senior does that mean others have visited this place before me?" "There have been beings from Earth who came to the Moon. But none have reached the Lunar Core." "You are the first to speak with me since my creation." Han fell silent. If she had been here since the beginning of time, then this world truly did have individuals capable of physically or spiritually traveling to the Moon. Were they the legendary figures ranked among the greatest of all time? "Senior do you have any more questions?" The Moon God shook her head. "I will send you back now." "What is your name?" he asked. "Han." "Han," she repeated, as if etching it into memory. "When I wake again if you are still alive, I will find you." Han stiffened. Was that a blessing? Or a curse? A sudden thought struck him. "Senior, may I ask you one last question?" "You may." "Does the Sun have a god like you?" The Moon Gods expression remained unchanged. "No. Since my creation, I have never encountered another like me." Han exhaled in relief. Good. The last thing he needed was to be abducted to the Sun next time he went out during the day. "Then, Senior please send me back." The Moon God raised a hand and lightly pressed her finger to Hans forehead. Darkness. As his consciousness returned, Han found himself staring at the familiar sight of the peach grove. He exhaled deeply. He was back. Nothing was more unsettling than being trapped in an unfamiliar placeespecially when that place was the Moon. But as he gathered his thoughts, Han suddenly realized something was off. Why did it feel like someone was in his arms? Han looked downand immediately froze. Oh no. Why was Lu Qingmo still in his arms? Hadn''t she let go already? Yet there she was, collapsed against his chest, her body radiating an ominous aura of possession. There was no need to guessHan was, once again, the culprit. A sudden tremor ran through his soul, an indescribable sensation rising from deep within. Because of his previous journey to the Moon, his soul had been left in a state of partial detachment. As a result, his instincts had taken over, and in that brief moment, he had unknowingly absorbed a portion of Lu Qingmos soul energy. "Mo Yi! Mo Yi!" Han suppressed the strange sensation surging within him and called out to her repeatedly. At the same time, he quickly returned the soul energy that wasnt his, creating a peculiar cycle between them. Moments later, Lu Qingmo stirred, regaining consciousness. The first thing she noticed was their rather compromising position. Han''s hands were still on her. He immediately let go, but she had already broken free, putting distance between them. Lu Qingmo stared at Han, her expression coldbut beneath that, a hint of embarrassment flickered in her gaze. "What what exactly happened just now? Why did I completely lose control?" She trailed off, unwilling to finish the sentence. Because she knew. She had felt it. She had thought herself better prepared this time, certain she wouldnt fall victim again. Yet somehow, Hans influence had been far stronger than beforeso overwhelming that she hadnt even been able to resist. Han frowned slightly, a theory forming in his mind. Could his time on the Moon have caused some kind of transformation? "Im sorry, Mo Yi. I didnt mean for this to happen," Han apologized repeatedly, internally groaning. Thats it. No more daytime excursions for me. "Enough. Just go back," Lu Qingmo said, her soul returning fully to her body. "Do not speak of what happened todayto anyone. Especially Ruoyue." "And dont come tomorrow either." With that, she turned and entered the pavilion, shutting Han out completely. Han opened his mouth, then closed it again. What the hell was going on? This hadnt even happened in some secluded chamberthis was out in the open! Damn that demonic influence. Damn that Moon God too! Han stood there for a moment, staring at the closed pavilion doors before sighing and turning to leave. But just as he was about to exit the peach grove, Lu Qingmos voice echoed in his ears. "Come again tomorrow." Hans expression lit up instantly. "Mo Yi, Ill be here first thing in the morning!" With a bright smile, he waved toward the grove and walked away, his earlier worries vanishing. Yeah Ill definitely be back. Inside the pavilion, Lu Qingmo leaned against the door, having caught every shift in Hans expression. She let out a quiet sigh. Forget it. This wasnt his fault. He had told me to let gotechnically, it was my own doing. But as she recalled all the entanglements shed had with Han lately, her thoughts became a tangled mess. A Night of Surprising Gains By the time Han returned home, it was already past midnight. He entered the secret realm within the Immortal Tree and summoned his status panel. Most of the information remained unchangedexcept for two things. [Soul Realm: Night Wanderer] [Stamina: 6/6] "Yes!" Six stamina points! Han surveyed the secret realm with newfound confidence, feeling as though he had reached the pinnacle of existence. The only downside? This boost had come a little too late. Everything was already nearing its conclusion. But his fortune wasnt done yet. A new item had appeared. [Mid-Grade Soul Herb: Revival Grass] Effect: When consumed, stabilizes the soul, delaying complete disintegration. Can also be used to heal soul injuries. Mid-grade! Hans spirits soared. After nearly a month of relentless tree-cutting, he had finally broken throughfrom low-grade herbs to mid-grade! And this Revival Grass certainly lived up to its classification. It could literally prevent a soul from being utterly obliterated. Sure, it only delayed the inevitablebut that alone was invaluable. True resurrection would require divine pills, but this? This was already heaven-defying. Then, his next stamina point brought forth something even stranger. [Special Item: Half-Cup of Fortune (Temporary)] Effect: Can be used in three separate doses or all at once. Temporarily increases personal luck. Three doses last three days each, or a full dose lasts ten days. (Does not affect the Immortal Tree.) Han blinked. Luck? That could drop as loot?! The Immortal Tree was hiding some serious secrets. A jade cup materialized in front of him, containing a swirling, ethereal liquidprecisely half a cups worth. Han hadnt expected this at all. But was it useful? Absolutely. After studying it for a moment, he carefully stored it away. If it had worked on the Immortal Tree, he would have used it immediately. But since it didnt, hed save it for a truly critical moment. Wasting it just to "see how it feels" would be beyond idiotic. This was a fantastic startHans excitement grew. Tonight was going to be incredible. His second stamina point only brought a single itembut once he saw its description, he knew it was worth it. [Special Item: Longevity Spirit Gu] Effect: A specially refined spirit gu. Grants ten additional years of lifespan with no side effects. (Cannot be consumed by mortals.) Unbelievable. Every drop tonight had been better than the last. Han had hit the jackpot, while the Immortal Tree was hemorrhaging losses. In a world like this, where power reigned supreme, few things were more valuable than lifespan. Ten extra years meant ten more years to cultivateten more years to break through bottlenecks. The spirit gu looked like a small black tortoise, completely motionless. Han poked its head experimentally. No reaction. He carefully stowed it away. There was no rush to use it. If news of this spread, countless people would go to war over it. Sure, there were other longevity-extending treasures in this world. But that didnt make his "little tortoise" any less precious. Then came another drop: [Human-Tier Pill: Heart-Liver Pill] Effect: Strengthens the heart and liver, enhancing vitality. [Rare Item: Communication Snail (Mother)] Effect: Can produce up to three child snails. Mother and child snails can transmit messages across great distances. As the mother snail grows in rank, it can create more child snails and increase transmission range. [Artifact: Dragon-Tiger Cauldron] Effect: Emits a roar that shakes all beings. The fusion of dragon and tiger, an infinite power. Three more gains. A battle cauldronlikely a combat artifact rather than an alchemy tool. Though, theoretically he could still try using it for alchemy. After all, even a regular iron pot could be used for pill refinement, right? The Heart-Liver Pill? Not the best name, but a solid effect. And the Communication Snail Why did that feel so familiar? It was nagging at his memory. The mother snail was the size of a palm, and when Han split off three child snails, they appeared in red, yellow, and blue, each about the size of a fist. Cute. Not slimy at all. Han had already decided who would receive them. But firsthe had to head to Yunjiang and "pick them up." More loot followed. [Rare Item: Explosive Dust] Effect: Fuses with weapons, adding explosive properties to attacks. Oh, so an enchantment. Hed seen similar things before. Then [Rare Item: Sword Comprehension Stele] Effect: Ancient swordsmen once left their marks upon this stele. Their sword intents remain etched within, allowing others to study and refine their own techniques. Nice. First the Grinding Stone, now this? The Immortal Tree was finally dropping some real sword-related treasures. Maybe hed go easier on it next time. Maybe. Then came the last reward of the night. [Weapon: Royal Battle Armor] Effect: Crafted by ancient imperial artisans for royal heirs. Extremely durable, possessing the "Unbreakable" trait. Han sighed. Ancient royal whateveragain? Seriously, how many relics did these people leave behind?! Chapter 102: The Mark of the Moon God The Royal Battle Armor was entirely black, its surface sleek and polished, exuding an aura of cold authority and lethal precision. There were no extravagant embellishments, no unnecessary flourishesjust one defining trait: absolute durability. It was designed purely for defense. Even better, Han could wear it over his inner armor. Since the two pieces didnt overlap, they complemented each other perfectly. Armor on the outside, reinforced protection on the insidesecurity at its finest. Who could possibly kill me now? As expected, with each breakthrough, the quality of the dropped items had significantly improved. A Collection of Unusual Artifacts [Cursed Item: Mud of Misfortune] Effect: Shape the mud into the likeness of your intended target, carve their name onto it, and they will be plagued by misfortune for three days. The greater the difference in strength between the user and the target, the weaker the curses effect. To activate the curse, encircle the name and recite the incantation: "I draw a circle to curse you." [Talisman: Cloud-Summoning Rain Charm] Effect: When activated, summons rain clouds and sustains rainfall for an hour. Single-use talisman. [Rare Item: Azure Sky Essence (One Drop)] Effect: Accelerates the growth of medicinal herbs, instantly maturing them by a century. Limited to certain thresholds. Han quickly sorted through the latest drops. The Rain Charm was simple enoughunlikely to be of much use to him, but still worth keeping. The Azure Sky Essence, on the other hand, was truly remarkable. A single drop could cut down a hundred years of waiting time for herbs. Too bad he only had one drop. If he could obtain a larger quantity, his cultivation resources would skyrocket. And then there was the Mud of Misfortune "I draw a circle to curse you"what kind of ridiculous incantation was this? Still, it was worth testing. Han decided to start with Gao Zhenxiong, giving him a three-day trial package. If the results werent obvious, hed extend the curse to his sons. Oh, and there was also that person from the Huang family in the county. People always said Master Zhou was pettymight as well let him have his revenge. More Fortunes and Ghostly Joy? [Talisman: Wound-Substitution Charm] Effect: Absorbs non-lethal injuries. Can be used three times. [Artifact: Incense Amplifying Censer] Effect: Enhances the potency of incense burned within it. [Rare Item: Ghosts Elixir of Joy] Effect: A single drop fills a soul with happiness and boundless energy for an entire day, making them immune to exhaustion or negative emotions. No side effects. Hans final stamina point yielded three more items. The Wound-Substitution Charmnot quite as impressive as a Substitution Death Talisman, but still useful. The Incense Amplifying Censernow that was a treasure. More incense potency meant greater effects. Twice the results with the same amount of offerings. Then the Ghosts Elixir of Joy. Han stared at the strange liquid inside its vialabout thirty drops in total. It was dark, bubbling slightly, and looked unsettling. Hold on. He was a transmigrator, after all. Could the Immortal Tree be straight-up lying to him? Was this so-called "Ghosts Elixir of Joy" actually known by another, much more infamous name? Regardless, its effects were undeniable. With it, Han could keep An Lang working tirelessly all day, in a state of perpetual happiness. Wouldnt that turn incense-making into an endless production spree? After categorizing and storing all his newfound treasures, Han left the secret realm and immediately let his soul detach from his body. Basking in the MoonlightA Change in His Soul Before, Han had to be cautious under the moons glow. Now? Now he swam in it. Moonlight wrapped around him like water, and a faint, silvery radiance began to emanate from the edges of his soul. "Normally, cultivators who reach the Night Wanderer Realm must refine moon essence over time, slowly transforming their souls before they can move freely beneath the moon without discomfort. Its a gradual process." "But prolonged exposure to moonlighttrue unhindered movementis a hallmark of the mid-stage Night Wanderer Realm." "I only just broke through. Ive barely refined any moon essence at all, yet moonlight doesnt affect me in the slightest." "This means my refinement process will take significantly longer than others at my level." Han contemplated this for a moment. The reason for this anomaly? It had to be due to the sheer strength of his soul foundation. Compared to ordinary cultivators, he could be considered mid-stage Night Wandererbut technically, he wasnt. The refinement process, the transformationthese couldnt be skipped. In the eyes of others, he might seem like he had reached the next stage, but he knew better. This story originates from a different website. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there. The Mark of the Moon God Han turned and summoned An Lang. "Young Master, were the same now!" An Lang said excitedly, looking at Han, who was also bathed in moonlight. Then, he tilted his head in surprise. "WaitYoung Master, why do you have a moon on your forehead?" Han froze. "What?" He focused inward, extending his spiritual sense And sure enough, there it was. A small, luminous crescent moon had appeared at the center of his souls forehead. He hadnt even noticed it. Han quickly retraced his memories. "When the Moon God sent me back she touched my forehead." That must have been it. Han looked up at the sky. The full moon hung above, vast and unchanging, casting its eternal glow. An Lang followed his gaze. "What are you looking at, Young Master?" "The goddess on the moon." An Lang burst into laughter. "Young Master, thats just a myth! Theres no one on the moon, let alone a goddess!" "You wouldnt understand," Han muttered. What did this ghost know? The Moon God The Mountain God Han felt that these two deities were not the same kind. The Mountain God had ascended from humanity. But the Moon Godshe had been born from the moon itself. And then there were those who had reached the moon before him Han shook his head. These matters were far beyond his reach. If the Moon God hadnt taken him there, who knew how long it would have been before he even learned about these things? Her true reason for bringing him wasnt just because he had become a Lunar Demon. It was because of his souls unique traits. To the Moon God, a mere Lunar Demon was insignificant. A Sudden Surge in Moonlight Han retrieved the Incense Amplifying Censer and had An Lang light a Lunar Guidance Incense. Together, they began their cultivation. With An Langs Yin Qi Domain, protective incense wasnt necessary, saving valuable resources. But then, something unexpected happened. As Han absorbed the moon essence, he suddenly felt the flow of lunar energy multiplytenfold. His eyes snapped open. The moonlight around him had grown so dense it was almost blinding. But when he extended his spiritual sense beyond his home, he found that the rest of the worlds moonlight remained unchanged. It was as if the moon itself was focusing its radiance directly onto him. "Young Master, is the Lunar Guidance Incense this powerful?!" An Lang gasped in awe. Then, puffing out his chest, he added proudly, "Looks like my incense-making skills have reached divine levels!" Han calmly snuffed out the incense. The moonlight didnt change. An Langs smile vanished. And immediately reappeared on Hans face. He finally understood. This wasn''t just moon essence anymore. The Moon Gods mark had changed everything. As Han began his cultivation, he barely had to exert any effortmoon essence and spiritual energy flooded into him on their own, as if his soul were their natural home. Even Lunar Demons emerged, but instead of attacking or trying to devour his soul, they behaved strangely. Rather than resisting, they willingly sacrificed portions of their bodiesthe parts imbued with pure lunar essencefor Han to refine. Then, with what remained of their forms, they simply faded into nothingness. Han stared in disbelief. Wait Were these demons seriously offering themselves to him as gifts? Then came the Vital Energy Demons, yet the Lunar Demons completely ignored them, refusing to cooperate. A single Vital Energy Demon wasnt much of a threat, and just like that, what should have been a major crisis for a Night Wanderer Realm cultivator was effortlessly neutralized. Han touched the moon-shaped mark at the center of his forehead and let out a quiet sigh. As expected of the Moon God. There was no other possible explanation for what was happeningthis strange phenomenon had to be caused by the Moon God''s imprint. Han hadnt expected to gain so much just from meeting her once. From now on, alongside the Great Qi Dynasty and Heavenly Mother Sect, he was officially a Moon God devotee! Was his faith sincere? Didnt matter. Faith wasnt about sincerityit was about having the right connections. As Han felt his soul undergoing an astonishing transformation, his heart filled with delight. No Night Wanderer Realm cultivator in history had ever experienced something like this! An Langs Awakening "Young Master I think Im absorbing and refining moon essence faster than before," An Lang said uncertainly. "Youre benefitting from my presence," Han said smugly. "After all, Im the Moon Gods chosen representative." "Bullshit." An Lang scoffed, refusing to believe him. "Keep working hard. The sooner you reach the level where you can withstand sunlight, the sooner Ill give you something special." "What kind of special thing?" "Something thatll make you feel great all day long." An Lang could only start learning alchemy and artifact refinement after reaching a level where sunlight no longer harmed her. Otherwise, she wouldnt be able to control alchemy fire or forging flames. Once Han finished refining his soul, he shifted focus to strengthening his physical body. And the effects were explosive. The Vital Essence and True Qi Giant Fruits certainly lived up to their name. At this point, Hans True Qi surged through his meridians, endlessly circulating. With his exceptional talent, relentless cultivation, and a little cheat system assistance, his Qi was now on the verge of filling his entire body. A Morning with Lu Qingmo At dawn, Han walked to Lu Qingmos residence, greeting her with enthusiasm. But Lu Qingmo remained indifferent, offering only a slight nod. Han didnt mindhe understood. After all, last nights events had made their relationship even more complicated. Lu Qingmo had always maintained the role of a senior, but now, after what had happened of course she felt awkward. Han, on the other hand, was completely unbothered. After all, Mo Yi was stunning, and he had no complaints. He hadnt traveled through time just to become a monkor worse, a eunuch! A fair lady, a gentlemans pursuit. A mature beauty? Even better. "Mo Yi, last night after I got home" Han began, sharing some of his unusual experiences with Lu Qingmo. "Your soul has never been normal for a Night Wanderer Realm cultivator," she replied. "That the moonlight cant harm you is only natural." She glanced at the moon mark on his forehead and added, "I noticed that imprint last night." She hadnt mentioned it then because her thoughts had been too chaotic. Now, Lu Qingmo fell into deep contemplation. "A moon imprint that banishes demons and enhances cultivation It sounds like a Daoist technique, but something like this shouldnt appear on you" From Lu Qingmos perspective, Han had done nothing specialhe had merely broken through a realm, and suddenly, his soul manifested a divine lunar mark with mysterious powers. It was impossible not to overthink. This brat Could he actually be a reincarnated celestial being? Was his past lifes divine knowledge gradually resurfacing? If that was the case Then, between the two of them, who was actually older? No. Lu Qingmo, stop that. What nonsense are you thinking?!
(Author''s Note: Chapter Release & Announcements) First Subscription Count: 3,100! This is all thanks to you guys! I deeply appreciate the support. ?? So, first subscription bonus chapters: 21 extra chapters. Monthly ticket bonus: +1 chapter per 500 tickets. Weve hit 500, so that makes it 22 total extra chapters. If you guys keep pushing, I wont stop yougo ahead and burn through those monthly tickets! ?? As for the average subscription milestone bonus (1 extra chapter per 100 average subs), Ill calculate that after I clear these 22 chapters first. Because well the first sub count and the ongoing numbers have a huge gapabout half of the initial. A lot of readers just bought the first chapter and dipped ?? Today, besides the guaranteed chapters, Ive posted two extra chapters, totaling 10,000 wordsa small token of my appreciation. Now Im 20 chapters in debt. Thats it for todayjust three chapters. I need rest. Stayed up all night yesterday, my eyes are killing me, and my head feels like its about to explode. Gotta protect this dog life. Chapter 103: The Dragon Kings Banquet in the Wild Lu Qingmo was lost in thought, searching through historical records in her mind. Had there ever been a supreme cultivator who mastered both the Dao of Water Manipulation and Lunar Techniques? Meanwhile, Han voiced a more pressing concern. "Mo Yi, my cultivation is starting to draw too much attention. Is there a way to conceal it?" Every night, the moonlight gathering around him turned his house as bright as day. If this continued, someone was bound to notice. That wasnt exactly in line with Hans plan of growing strong in secrecy before making a grand entrance. Lu Qingmo pondered for a moment before giving Han a rather peculiar look. Whats with that expression? "You should cultivate your soul here at night," she said. "That should help cover things up." Han nodded eagerly. "Alright, Ill trouble you then, Mo Yi." Then, a thought struck him. "Mo Yi, since soul cultivation requires absorbing lunar essence, wouldnt it be best if we just went directly to the moon? That way, we could bathe in its purest, most concentrated yin energy." Lu Qingmo shook her head. "The environment on the moon is hostile. Low-level cultivators wouldnt survive there." "Moreover, the yin force there is far too intense. A Night Wanderer Realm soul would be instantly corroded upon contactits more harmful than beneficial." The yin energy on Earth was already diluted, yet even that was powerful enough to refine souls. The raw, unfiltered lunar energy? That wasnt medicinethat was poison. Han nodded in understanding, then casually asked, "Mo Yi, how do you know so much about the moon?" "There are records in the Xuandu Temple." "Has anyone ever lived on the moon?" "Desolate. No signs of life have ever been found." So the Moon Gods existence had remained hidden all this time. It made sensewhen Han first saw her, she wasnt even wearing clothes Suddenly, he felt a strange sense of relief. Thankfully, he had been the first to reach the Lunar Core. If some other scoundrel had seen the Moon God''s flawless form before him just imagining it made his heart ache. The Dragon King''s Invitation After a while, Han left the peach grove. At this point, his daily lessons with Lu Qingmo had no set scheduleshe never forced him to leave anymore. But he still had to show up at the martial academy. Upon arriving, he immediately noticed Bai Ruoyues unusually cheerful expressionshe practically radiated happiness. "Senior Sister, whats got you so excited?" "I used that Divine Heart Fruit, and my progress has been remarkable!" Bai Ruoyue announced proudly. "Soon, our Taibai Martial Academy will have a second Bone Refinement Realm warrior!" "Oh?" Han was genuinely surprised. Could a single Divine Heart Fruit really have that much of an effect? "Senior Sister, how many more days until you break through? Three?" Bai Ruoyues expression stiffened. She glared at Han. "Im not as fast as you, alright?!" Han immediately understood. By "soon," Bai Ruoyue didnt mean in a matter of days, like him. Ah, so she was still a small fry. Afterward, Han went to train with Bai Tian, continuing to study the final technique of the Taibai Sword Artits complexity was truly profound. Once his training was done for the day, Han set off for Yunjiang. There were still seven resource points controlled by his shrimp and crab demon contacts that he hadnt explored yet. But as soon as he submerged into Yunjiangs waters, he unexpectedly ran into those two demons again. "Young Master Zhou, at last, youre here!" The two demons swam toward him eagerly. Han raised an eyebrow. He wasnt exactly close to them. "And what do you need from me?" "We have two matters to discuss," the shrimp demon said. "The firstgreat news! A joyous occasion!" "The Dragon Kings Banquet is about to be held! By the Dragon Kings decree, we have come to deliver your invitation." "Dragon Kings Banquet?" Han asked, puzzled. "It is a grand gathering hosted by the Dragon King, inviting talented individuals from all walks of liferighteous or wicked, human or ghost, demon or spirit. As long as one is invited, they may attend." "And everyone who participates receives a gift from the Dragon King." "The last Dragon Kings Banquet was held ten years ago." Han quickly grasped the significance. "A rare event indeed. Ill definitely attend." He accepted the invitation, then asked, "But given Yunjiangs current unrest, why is the Dragon King suddenly holding a banquet after all these years?" There was clear turmoil in Yunjiang. Someone was scheming in the shadows, yet instead of dealing with the threat, the Dragon King was hosting a feast. It was odd. The crab demon snorted. "A bunch of petty schemershardly worth mentioning." "Precisely because there are troublemakers lurking about, the Dragon King has chosen to reopen the banquet!" "Hmph! Not just anyone can challenge the Dragon Kings authority!" Han nodded thoughtfully. "And the second matter?" The shrimp demon''s tone became even more eager. "Young Master Zhou, we need your help with something." If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it. "Yesterday, while tracking the Blood Fiend Pearl, we located two thievesbut unfortunately, they managed to escape." "We were hoping you could help capture them." Han frowned slightly. "If they escaped from you two, then I might not be their match either." "They were only Night Wanderer Realm cultivators," the shrimp demon explained. "But they possessed a treasure specifically designed to counter us water demons, which is how they barely managed to flee." "As a human, that treasure wont affect you at all. If you agree to help, regardless of success or failure, we will reward you handsomely!" The offer sounded generous, but Han knew the reward would differ greatly depending on whether he succeeded or not. "Are you sure theyre only Night Wanderer Realm?" The shrimp demon nodded repeatedlybut hesitated before adding, "I didnt see if they had any bodyguards so I cant say for certain." Han considered for a moment before ultimately agreeing. The shrimp and crab demons enthusiastically thanked him before using their water-controlling abilities to depart. Han put away the invitation and set off to explore the resource points they had told him about. As expected from the lords of Yunjiang, the resources they uncovered were exceptional, filled with precious treasures. The guardian beasts at these locations were no match for Hans current strengthhe dispatched them effortlessly. At the third resource point, however, Han made an unexpected discovery. A human skeleton lay among the riverbed. Even more intriguingbeside it rested a long blade and a brocade pouch. A spatial pouch. Han swiftly gathered the items and surfaced. His Water-Avoidance Pearls time was up. Since the resource points were spread far apart, he wouldnt be able to finish searching them all in one day. Back on land, Han examined his findings. The blade was a martial-grade weapon. The pouch contained several spiritual herbs, a few cultivation manuals, and miscellaneous items. He didnt inspect them in detail yet. Instead, Han buried the skeleton, ensuring it received proper rest, before hurrying back to Black Cloud Town. It wasnt safe to check valuables out in the opensomeone might rob him at any moment. Before returning home, Han stopped by the peach grove to discuss the shrimp and crab demons request with Lu Qingmo. "So the Dragon Kings Banquet is happening again" Lu Qingmo murmured thoughtfully. "It seems that Black Mountains Mountain God truly doesnt have much time left but the Dragon King appears to be fine." "If hes hosting the banquet now, its clearly a public declarationa warning to remind the world that he remains the ruler of Yunjiang." Han nodded. After analyzing the situation, he had reached the same conclusion. The movements of the Blood Fiend Pearl, along with the shrimp and crab demons various errands, were all clear testsjust as some forces had sent agents to Black Cloud Town to gauge the Black Mountain Mountain God''s strength. If the Mountain God had failed his breakthrough and was on the verge of death, then what about the Dragon King of Yunjiang? Was he still in power? The difference, however, was clearthe Mountain God truly was dying, while the Dragon King seemed as formidable as ever. "The Dragon King of Yunjiang and the Mountain God of Black Mountain are sworn friends," Lu Qingmo said. "If the Dragon King remains unscathed, that is undoubtedly good news." "You should attend the Dragon Kings Banquet." "Youre not going, Mo Yi?" Han asked. "I attended ten years ago. This time, Ill pass," Lu Qingmo replied. "The banquet is meant for the younger generation." "Ruoyue and the others should be going as wellyou can travel together." "My senior sister and the others?" Seeing Hans confusion, Lu Qingmo explained, "Every time the Dragon Kings Banquet is held, Black Cloud Towns major forces are each given a set number of invitations. Additionally, independent cultivators from Black Cloud Town who arrive early enough may also be invited on the spot." "This is the Dragon King''s way of extending favor to Black Cloud Townbecause of his friendship with the Mountain God." Han sighed. "Their bond must be deep." "Of course," Lu Qingmo nodded. "Long ago, neither the Dragon King nor the Mountain God held their current titlesthey knew each other long before that. They were brothers in arms, bound by life and death." "They''ve both lived for a long time, havent they?" "Yes. Gods and dragons are naturally long-lived. Their origins trace back to the previous dynasty." "The Black Mountain God, before ascending to godhood, was once a general in the old empire." Han''s eyes widened. He knew that the Great Qi Dynasty had ruled for over four hundred years. That meant these two had existed for at least that long. But if the Black Mountain God had been a general of the previous dynasty, then to Great Qi, wouldnt the Yun family be considered remnants of the old empire? Lu Qingmo then shifted the conversation. "As for the thieves linked to the Blood Fiend Pearl that the shrimp and crab demons mentionedyouve already agreed to help, so go ahead and track them down." "The Dragon King is one of the strongest figures of this era, with many connections. If hes still at full strength, forging ties with Yunjiangs Dragon Palace will benefit you in the future." "How does the Dragon King compare to Lord Zixiao or the Master of Xuandu Temple?" Han asked curiously. Lu Qingmo gave him a look. "If the Dragon King were ranked on the Mountains and Rivers List, do you think anyone would dare to target his closest friends?" Understood. "Do you want me to bring Yunduo along?" she asked. Han shook his head. "No need. This is my matterbetter not trouble her." A Fortune from the Depths Back at the martial academy, Han shared the days events with everyone. As expected, the Taibai Martial Academy had also been granted seats at the Dragon Kings Banquet. Han then took out the spatial pouch he had found at the bottom of Yunjiang. Among the martial manuals inside, Zhang Yuantao recognized the original owner of the pouch. It had belonged to a Visceral Refinement Realm warrior who had once been active in Black Cloud Town five years agoonly to mysteriously vanish. Now, his remains had been found at the bottom of Yunjiang. For most of the Taibai disciples, the items in the pouch were ordinaryexcept for one object that caught Bai Tians eye. "A treasure, Master?" Han asked. "This is a Blood Pearl," Bai Tian explained. "It comes from a species of savage beast known as a Blood Beast. Only Bone Refinement Realm Blood Beasts can produce them. Refining a Blood Pearl enhances one''s vital energy, increasing its potency by around ten percent." "Only Bone Refinement Realm warriors can refine a Blood Pearl." Han was delighted. A treasure was still a treasure. For martial artists, vital energy was one of the most fundamental aspects of cultivationany resource that could enhance it was highly valuable. Such an item would be a prized commodity at the Wanxing Trade Fair. However, Han also realizedthis Blood Pearl was likely the reason that warrior had died in Yunjiang. "Master, Ill leave the Blood Pearl to you," Han said. Bai Tian shook his head. "A Blood Pearl from a Bone Refinement Realm beast is useless to me." He handed it back. The others couldnt help but marvel at Hans luck. It was as if their junior brother randomly stumbled upon treasure wherever he went. Bai Tian, too, felt more anticipation for his disciples future. Exceptional talent, unwavering determination, and absurdly good fortune. "My disciple, Hanhe has the makings of a true powerhouse!"
The Hunt in the Mountains Outside Black Cloud Town, Han held a mysterious tentacle in his hand, using it as a tracking guide. By his side, Bai Ruoyue scanned their surroundings, her expression bright and eager. Their current mission: to track down the two thieves who had released the Blood Fiend Pearl into Yunjiang. The tentacle was a tracking tool given to Han by the shrimp and crab demons. And as for Bai Ruoyue Well, she couldnt miss out on an opportunity for heroic adventure! "Don''t worry, Junior Brother," Bai Ruoyue said confidently, puffing out her chest. "With me here, nothing will go wrong!" Han''s eyelid twitched. Senior Sister please stop doing that. Its distracting. "Youve gone out with Yunduo twice already," Bai Ruoyue huffed. "This time, Ill prove that Im better than her!" "I guarantee youll be completely satisfied!" "Senior Sister, we agreed youd stay back and hold the linenot fight." Han reminded her. "I know, I know." Han had brought Bai Ruoyue along as insurance. The shrimp and crab demons had said their targets were only Night Wanderer Realm cultivatorsbut who knew if they had hidden allies? What if they had a strong bodyguard? If that happened, things could get dangerous. But with Bai Ruoyue here, it was different. With her strength, she could hold her own even against Bone Refinement warriors and Day Wanderer cultivators. And if things went south? She could still call for reinforcements. Following the tentacles guidance, Han and Bai Ruoyue arrived at a dense, secluded forest. "They should be in there." "Then lets go," Bai Ruoyue said eagerly. The towering trees blocked out the sun, casting the forest into dim shadowsan excellent hiding spot. Han extended his spiritual sense, scanning the area. Then A subtle disturbance. Han smirked. Found them. "Whos lurking in the shadows?!" A shout erupted through the forest, startling birds and beasts alike. "I am not lurkingI am watching openly!" Han charged forward, closing the distance in an instant. Before him, three figures came into view. One was a Visceral Refinement Realm warrior. The other two had souls detached from their bodies, revealing them as Night Wanderer Realm cultivators. As expectedthey had a bodyguard. Good thing I planned ahead. Seeing Han and Bai Ruoyue, their expressions shifted. One of them spoke. "Taibai Han? Bai Tians disciple?" At this point, Hans name in Black Cloud Town needed no introduction. A town-level celebrity. (Tactical lean-back.) "Junior Brother, that Visceral Refinement guy is mine, right?" Bai Ruoyue cracked her knuckles, itching for a fight. She really wanted to hit someone. "No," Han shook his head. "Senior Sister, just hold the linedont let them escape." "All three are mine." Chapter 104: Eternal Amidst the Flames Bai Ruoyue stared at Han. The other three also stared at Han. Did those words really just come out of his mouth? Bai Ruoyue had just started getting fired up, only for Han to douse her enthusiasm entirely. "Youre getting ahead of yourself, Han!" one of the opposing cultivators snapped. "Even if youre exceptionally gifted, youre still just a Meridian Realm martial artist!" "Even if you practice soul cultivation, how long have you been at it? Youre probably still stuck in the Visualization Realm, arent you?" "If we decide to leave, what exactly can you do to stop us?" They acknowledged that Han was an incredible martial talent, but martial arts and soul cultivation were two entirely different paths! No one could master both at the same time, especially not at such an absurd speed. It was impossible. Hans expression remained cold. Idiots. His soul left his body, rising into the air. A faint lunar glow shimmered along its edgesthe unmistakable mark of a Night Wanderer Realm cultivator. Visualization Realm? I left that behind long ago. "Night Wanderer Realm?!" "Thats impossibleabsolutely impossible!" "How long have you even been cultivating?!" The two soul cultivators were in utter disbelief. A complete novice who had barely been on the path for a monthhow could he possibly have reached this level?! It shattered their understanding of cultivation itself. Even Bai Ruoyue was momentarily stunned. She had just now realized that Han had broken through againreaching the third realm of soul cultivation. Absolute freak. "Impossible?" Hans soul surged forward, launching a direct attack. "I thrive on making the impossible possible." A flying sword sliced through the air, whistling as it carried a surge of spiritual energy. Han had exchanged for this weapon with Lu Qingmo long ago The Violet Thunder Peachwood Sword. "Seeking death!" The Visceral Refinement Realm warrior snapped out of his shock, his killing intent erupting. A mere shadowy soul dared to approach hima Visceral Refinement martial artist? Did Han not even know what death was? "Junior Brother, dont be reckless!" Bai Ruoyues face changed instantly. She rushed forward, alarmed. You fool! The two Night Wanderer cultivators also sneered. So what if he had talent? He was still too young. Too arrogant. "Senior Sister, dont interferejust protect my body. And dont let them escape!" Hans voice boomed as he ignored their thoughts. The Violet Thunder Peachwood Sword swept past the Visceral Refinement warrior, heading straight for the two Night Wanderer cultivators. Meanwhile, Han himself confronted the martial artist head-on. A wave of scorching heat rushed toward him as violent blood energy surged forward. Hans expression didnt waver. Visceral Refinement Realm? Thats exactly what I came here to crush. His hands glowed with a lustrous jade radiance, slicing through the blood energy as he clashed fists with the warrior. The impact shook the air. The force sent Hans soul flying backward several meters. Wisps of white mist evaporated from his form, but they quickly restabilized. His soul remained intactbarely even weakened by the powerful yang energy. The damage was minimal, and his form rapidly regenerated. He had withstood the attack. The other four were left speechless. For a Night Wanderer Realm soul to directly face a Visceral Refinement warriors blood energy was equivalent to a living person stepping into a raging furnace. No soul should have been able to survive that. A yin soul standing before pure yang energy should be like a mortal walking into flamesreduced to nothing in an instant. Yet here Han was, standing untouched in the inferno. Their understanding of reality had just been shattered. The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation. Han had not only survived, but he wasnt even significantly weakened. None of them had ever seen anything like this. From the moment they had laid eyes on Han, the words "impossible" had never left their lips. "Youre a Day Wanderer Realm cultivator, arent you?! No no, wait youre still surrounded by lunar energy Youre only a Night Wanderer HOW?!" The Visceral Refinement warrior couldnt accept it. Then, his shame turned to rage. This was humiliating. If outsiders saw this, theyd think he was a fake martial artist! Furious, he charged forward again. Han smirked and met his attack head-on. A sudden mental shockwave erupted Phantom Dream Art. At the same time, his hands radiated an even brighter jade light, summoning the power of heaven and earth. Grand Might Palm. They clashed again And just like before, the Visceral Refinement warriors blood energy had no effect on Hans soul. "You you MONSTER!" The warrior roared in frustration. He could not comprehend what was happening. Han glanced at him oncethen turned toward the two soul cultivators, who were still fending off the Violet Thunder Peachwood Sword. Except their focus wasnt on the sword anymore. They had been too busy watching him. "You seem awfully interested in me." Han smirked. "Let me take care of you first." He soared upward, completely bypassing the Visceral Refinement warrior, charging straight toward the other two. His previous clashes had only been a testa way to gauge his souls true limits. Otherwise, why would he let a mere Visceral Refinement warrior even touch him? Now, he had his answer. And he was very pleased. His soul had completely surpassed the ordinary Night Wanderer Realm. Unlike other cultivators, whose souls would shatter upon exposure to martial energy, Han could now engage in direct combatsomething unheard of for a soul cultivator of his level. A Night Wanderer should never be able to withstand a Visceral Refinement warriors aura. But who said he had to follow those rules? There were no absolutes in this world. Not even Lu Qingmo had ever told him that yin souls were guaranteed to disintegrate against martial blood energyonly that it was "typically" the case. But Han? Han was not "typical." How many treasures had he absorbed? How many rare artifacts had he used? How many ancient techniques had he cultivated? With all his advantages, if he still couldnt stand against a mere Visceral Refinement warrior, he might as well retire to the mountains and become a hermit. Watching Han charge toward them, the two soul cultivators felt an intense wave of fear. They had no idea what kind of monstrosity they were facing. But one thing was clear They had no chance of stopping him. They tried to run But how could they possibly escape? A colossal handprint formed in the sky, radiating a righteous and unstoppable force, gathering the power of the world itself. Grand Might Palmfully unleashed! At the same time, the Violet Thunder Peachwood Sword streaked forward, crackling with arcs of purple lightning. Though made of wood, it was no ordinary swordit had been forged from peachwood that had survived a direct lightning strike, not only unscathed but revitalized by the heavenly punishment. It was an elite-grade artifact in its own right. Boom! A palm and a swordthe impact was devastating. The earth trembled, trees snapped like twigs, and the surrounding landscape was left in ruins. The two Night Wanderer Realm souls were crushed within the massive handprint, dragged forcibly toward Han. Against him, they were pathetically weakcompletely powerless to resist. Compared to the Visceral Refinement warrior, these soul cultivators were far easier to deal with. At least the former had an innate advantage due to the nature of martial energy. But then something strange happened. The two human-shaped souls suddenly began to morph. One transformed into a snake, the other into a fish. "Demons?" Han raised an eyebrow. "You two where are you from?" The captured demons glared at Han with pure malice, but they refused to speak. They didnt beg for mercy. They didnt even reveal their affiliations. After all, they had been conducting shady businesswhy would they expose their identities and give Han leverage? Han wasnt bothered. They could stay silent. Soon, he would hand them over to the shrimp and crab demons anyway. Still Two aquatic demons spying on Yunjiang? Was this a power struggle among water-dwelling clans? Han turned away, shifting his gaze to Bai Ruoyueand the Visceral Refinement warrior now collapsed on the ground. Bai Ruoyue stood beside him, her eyes flickeringoccasionally glancing at Han, then looking away. Seeing Han staring, her face flushed slightly. "Junior Brother, I swear I didnt steal your fight on purpose!" she said hurriedly. "Its just that he was too weak. Couldnt even put up a decent struggle." The warrior on the ground coughed up blood, unable to speak Too weak?! You were the one who beat me half to death! You didnt even give me a chance to surrender! Han couldnt help but chuckle. Senior Sister was as violent as ever. She had an addiction to combat. With the two water demons secured, Han returned to his body and glanced down at the battered warrior. His brows furrowed. "Hes too heavily injured." Bai Ruoyue thought Han was criticizing her for going too hard, so she opened her mouth to explain But before she could, Han continued, "Better if I just end his suffering now. No need for him to endure unnecessary pain in his final moments." "?" Junior Brother, are you actually the King of Hell? Even in this world, people feared the legends of Yama, the ruler of the underworld. With a benevolent expression, Han mercifully finished off the warrior. Sigh Master Zhou is just too kind-hearted. He cant bear to see people suffer. Before the mans soul dissipated, Han casually collected it. Whether the body lived or not didnt matteras long as the soul was intact. Of course, Han also took the three corpses, intending to deliver them fully intact to the shrimp and crab demons. Then, extending his spiritual sense, he swept through the forest, ensuring nothing was overlooked. Satisfied, he left. Only to have his soul return thirty minutes later to double-check. After another thorough scan, he nodded in approval. "Alright. No hidden tricks. Jobs done." After all, these were demons. He hadnt dealt with their kind much beforebetter to be extra careful. No harm in being cautious. "Junior Brother, youre way too paranoid." Bai Ruoyue raised an eyebrow. "Senior Sister," Han said earnestly, "being careful is never a bad thing." "If you ever venture out into the world, you must be cautious. Never let your guard downdont give anyone the opportunity to strike first." "Yeah, yeah, I get it," Bai Ruoyue grumbled. "You sound just like my father." "" Han blinked. She wasnt the first person to say that. Did he give off fatherly vibes? "Junior Brother, why doesnt your soul fear martial energy?" Bai Ruoyues curiosity got the better of her. "Its not that I dont fear it," Han corrected. "I just have the foundation to withstand it." "My soul is far more refined than others of my realm, so I can resist a martial artists blood energy better than most. But the natural counter still exists." "I see" Bai Ruoyue nodded. Then, a playful glint flashed in her eyes. "Then why dont we test it, Junior Brother?" Han narrowed his eyes. "Senior Sister, what would I gain from dying here?" There was no comparison between Bai Ruoyues blood energy and that of an ordinary Visceral Refinement warrior. The way she trained her martial body was on an entirely different level. Han had also trained in secret martial artshe understood the difference. Bai Ruoyue smirked, twitching her nose. "Hmph, as long as you know Im stronger." "Youre strong. Way too strong." Han laughed, reaching out to pat her headhis expression filled with fatherly amusement. A gentle pat on the puppys head. Bai Ruoyue froze. Then, realization struck And her face turned crimson. "Han!" she shrieked. "Im your Senior Sister!" Junior Brother, how could youhow could you just pat me like that?! A fist came flying at Hans face. Chapter 105: Innate Talent—Master of Weapons Han was dragged back by Bai Ruoyue. "How dare you touch my head!" Senior Sister was utterly displeased with her junior''s audacity. Defying hierarchy? Disrespecting his elders? This was unacceptable. If he dared to pat her head now, who knew what he might dare to do in the future? Upon reaching Heiyun Town, Bai Ruoyue left in a hurry, heading straight for the martial arts school, while Han made his way to Yunjiang alone. As he arrived at the waters edge, Han tossed three corpses and three lingering souls to the shrimp and crab spirits that had surfaced. "Gentlemen, Ive completed the task you entrusted to me." "Young Master Zhou, your efficiency is impressive." "However, those two cultivators werent humanthey were demons. And they even had a Zangfu Realm martial artist as their bodyguard." "Demons?" The shrimp and crab spirits'' expressions turned serious upon seeing the demon souls. However, upon learning about the additional martial artist, they looked slightly embarrassed. They had assured Han that there were only two cultivators. Incomplete intelligence was not a good look. "It was our mistake, making you take on more risk than expected," the shrimp spirit admitted. "Rest assured, the Dragon Palace of Yunjiang will ensure you are properly rewarded." Han waved a hand dismissively. Risk or not, it didnt matter. As long as the rewards were sufficient. The shrimp and crab spirits promptly presented three spiritual herbs and two healing pills as a token of appreciation. Then the crab spirit added with a smile, "This is just a small gift from the two of us." "A certain Dragon Maiden from the palace has taken an interest in this matter and has expressed her wish to personally thank you for your assistance." "Well report your experience to hershe will surely provide further compensation." Hans eyes lit up. A Dragon Maiden Now that was something to look forward to. By any measure, a Dragon Maiden was far more valuable than a couple of shrimp and crab spirits. The only regret was that the two demons and the martial artist he had taken down didnt have spatial pouchesonly some silver and a weapon specifically designed to counter aquatic creatures. "No wonder they had such an artifact. Turns out they were from the water tribe themselves," the shrimp spirit sneered. Bidding Han farewell, the two spirits took their captives and vanished into the river. When Han returned to the martial arts school, Bai Ruoyue immediately shot him a glare. In response, Han grinned, raised his hand, and mimicked the motion of patting her headbefore bolting away to find Bai Tian for sword practice. "Master, you seem much busier since returning from Heishan," Han noted. These days, Bai Tian was only visible during Hans sword training. The rest of the time, he was nowhere to be foundnot even at meals. Bai Tian responded, "My trip to Heishan gave me hope for a breakthrough in the near future. Ive been focusing on that these past few days." "A breakthrough?" Hans eyes gleamed with excitement. This was great news. The stronger Bai Tian was, the better it was for Han. "Master, you should focus on your cultivation. You dont need to take time out every day to teach me." Bai Tian chuckled and shook his head. "This isn''t something that can be achieved in just a few days of seclusion. Im still in the exploratory phase, so it doesnt interfere with anything." "When Im truly confident, then Ill need to enter full seclusionbut not yet." "Heishan is truly a treasure trove," Han mused. "As a divine land, its blessings are exceptional," Bai Tian nodded. "The cultivators of Heiyun Town have only ever explored its outer and middle layers. The deeper regions remain largely untouched." "If the heads of the other two martial schools knew about your experience, theyd probably regret not agreeing to Meng Haos request," Han said with a grin. Back then, he had been nervous, thinking his master might not make it out alive. "Its understandable that they refused. No one would willingly venture deep into Heishan with a strangerits too risky," Bai Tian replied. "But Meng Hao is of the Meng family. They didnt understand what that meant."
That Night, Peach Grove Han left the martial school and headed straight to the Peach Grove. From now on, this was where he would cultivate his soul. As Han began his moonlight absorption technique in front of Lu Qingmo, her lips parted slightly in astonishment. Thats an insane amount Something isnt right with you. "Lu-jie, isnt it amazing?" An Liang flitted around in the sky. "Ever since Young Master developed that crescent mark on his forehead, this started happening. But even he doesnt know why. I was the one who pointed it out to him." The genuine version of this novel can be found on another site. Support the author by reading it there. "You should be cultivating," Lu Qingmo said. "Alright." Looking dejected, An Liang floated down next to Han and started absorbing the excess moonlight. With this level of moonlight, even an extra person wouldnt make a dent in the supply. Lu Qingmo observed Han closely. She could sense the immense moon essence and even the presence of moon demons. As she watched his soul transform at an unimaginable rate, she couldnt help but sigh internally. This boy is practically the moons chosen one. The moon is literally shoving its power down his throat. If a Moon God truly existed, Lu Qingmo had every reason to suspect that Han shared some sort of secret connection with it. When the session ended, Han asked, "Aunt Mo, do you see any problems with me?" Lu Qingmo shook her head. "No issues." "With such a phenomenon and your continuous refinement of moon demon essence, even without external soul resources, youll progress at an alarming rate." "The lunar energy carried by moon demons surpasses countless soul-nourishing plants." In other words, even if the Grand Celestial Tree refreshed its offerings, and Han couldnt obtain abundant resources daily, his soul cultivation in the Night Roaming Realm would still remain rapid. Han was very satisfied. Estimating the time, he said, "Aunt Mo, I should head back now." Lu Qingmo nodded. You think youre spending the night here? Han wouldnt have minded, but unfortunately, he had trees to chop.
Back Home There was still time before dawn, so Han decided to play with some clay. A lump of black clay was molded in his hands, gradually taking on a humanoid shapethough quite abstract. Shaping a figure out of clay required a certain level of craftsmanship. Before long, the figure was complete, bearing a vague resemblance to Gao Zhenxiong. It didnt need to be perfectwhat mattered was that Han focused on him while casting the spell. Han inscribed "Gao Zhenxiong" on the figures back, glanced around to ensure he was alone, and then "Damn, this is embarrassing." He started drawing circles around the clay figure while chanting a curse under his breath. Thankfully, no one was around to see this. He hadnt even let An Liang out. After three repetitions of the incantation, the Misfortune Clay emitted wisps of black smoke. The smoke gathered above the clay figures head, but a significant portion of it was mysteriously evaporated, leaving only a faint haze behind. Han observed this and nodded thoughtfully. The curse had taken effect, but its potency was limited. The gap between his power and Gao Zhenxiongs was too vast, allowing only a small amount of misfortune to latch onto him. But Han wasnt disappointed. As long as it worked, that was enough. If Han couldn''t curse Gao Zhenxiong, a martial artist at the Bone Refining Realm, then surely he could at least target the younger generation, right? Besides, Gao Zhenxiong wasnt entirely unaffected. Let the pain sink in, wont you?
Gao Family Residence In the rear courtyard of the Gao estate, Gao Zhenxiong was engaged in a rather "intimate" sparring session with his sixth concubine. Smack! Suddenly, the bed beneath them gave way, collapsing entirely. Both Gao Zhenxiong and his concubine crashed to the floor, their enthusiasm vanishing instantly. Well, that killed the mood. "Dammit, what a bad omen," Gao Zhenxiong cursed under his breath. Still, he didnt dwell on it. He simply assumed his poor mood had caused him to misjudge his strength. Its all that brats fault from earlier today!
Midnight: Entering the Mystic Tree Realm Just past midnight, Han eagerly entered the Grand Celestial Trees secret realm. With an axe in hand, he executed the Three Strikes of the Cassia Wood, delivering three solid blows to the mighty celestial tree. Bet you didnt see this coming! The very martial arts you gifted me are now being used to cut you down! The tree trembled, showering Han with an overwhelming cascade of glowing orbsso many that he couldnt possibly use them all at once. Among the loot:

[Dao Seed: Primal Qi Barrier]

"Command the world''s primal energy, restructure it, and form an indestructible shield." A purely defensive techniquesomething Han lacked. Although he had defensive measures, he had never acquired a proper defense-focused Dao technique before.

[Dao Seed: Purging Art]

"Cleanse malevolent forces, eliminate karmic corruption, and ward off curses, miasma, and other inauspicious energies." This was another incredibly practical skillperfect for countering those who used curses and other "totally legitimate" backstabbing techniques.

[Innate Talent Seed: Master of Weapons]

"Planting this seed will bear the Fruit of Weapon Mastery. Consuming it grants mastery over eighteen common weapons, including swords, spears, sabers, and more." Han was stunned. This was new. It wasnt just another Dao Seedit was an innate talent. Previously, he had obtained various martial seeds, each one teaching him a specific weapon''s techniques. But given the sheer number of weapon types in the world, Han had only learned a handful. Now, with this Master of Weapons talent, his weapon proficiency would skyrocket to eighteen different types. Was mastering multiple weapons that impressive? Not necessarilymost martial artists only specialized in one or two due to time constraints. Just knowing how to wield a weapon didn''t compare to true mastery. But come on, it just sounds badass, doesnt it? Who wouldnt give him some extra respect after hearing that?

[Dao Seed: Golden Light Incantation]

"Player has already learned Golden Light Incantation. Consuming another will enhance its level." Though it was a duplicate, this drop brought Han an unexpected revelationhe could enhance his existing Dao techniques by consuming more of the same seed. "Maybe I can push my Golden Light Incantation beyond the entry-level stage" Han thought with excitement.
Rare Treasures

[Mystic Item: Tempest Nest]

"When true qi is released into this nest, it undergoes relentless tempering by gale-force winds before being reabsorbed, refining it to a state of perfection." An excellent cultivation tool, though Han couldnt use it yetonly Organ Refinement cultivators could externalize their qi. Maybe he could lend it to Senior Sister Bai or Second Senior Brother.

[Mystic Item: Soul-Forging Threads]

"Placed within the Soul Realm, these threads wrap around the spirit, tempering and fortifying the soul." An item that strengthened one''s foundationperhaps one of the most valuable types of treasures.

[Mystic Item: Dexterous Hands]

"Enhances finger dexterity, resilience, and precision, allowing for intricate and nimble movements." "Huh." Han had no idea what to do with this one.
Martial Seeds & Oddities

[Martial Seed: Vigorous Essence Cultivation Technique]

"Enhances vital energy, fortifies yang qi, and grants boundless stamina." Han frowned. Damn it, Celestial Tree, why do you keep dropping things I dont need?! But, I mean, since I already got it, might as well cultivate it. Without hesitation, he planted the seed, channeling as much energy into it as possible.
A Peculiar Item

[Special Item: Heart and Wings]

"This item consists of two partsHeart and Wings. The holder of the Heart can distribute multiple Heart Wings to others. Those who fuse with a Heart Wing will share a telepathic bond with the Hearts wielder, sensing their life-or-death situations. If the Hearts wielder is female, only males can merge with the Wings, and vice versa." Han rolled his eyes. Ive been using you for days, Celestial Tree. Cant you tell whether Im male or female by now?! That said, the item was a mixed bag. It wasnt particularly useful, but it wasnt useless either. If the bonded person was in grave danger, Han would sense itbut if they were too far away, he wouldnt be able to help anyway. It would essentially just serve as an early obituary notice. Also the way it was structured So all of you are supposed to be my wings now, huh? Chapter 106: Qi Surging Through the Body—Reaching the Minor Accomplishment Stage! Han attempted to manifest a pair of Heart Wingsminiature, translucent wings no larger than the palm of his hand. Still purple, exuding a mysterious charm. While he could control their color, their shape and size were beyond his influence. Ill find a chance to send these along with the... wait, not a Den Den MushiTransmission Snail! Yes, thats the plan. And where else but Yunjiangthe mystical land where treasures are scattered everywhere! At dawn, Han traveled alone to Yunjiang, and after completing his errand, he promptly returned to Taolin. Aunt Mo! My dear Aunt Mo! Han called out, holding a Transmission Snail in one hand and the Heart Wings in the other. Lu Qingmo, hearing his exaggerated enthusiasm, felt something was off but couldnt pinpoint exactly what. What is this? she asked. Something great, Han replied, brimming with excitement as he eagerly explained. "So, it works like this... and this..." Lu Qingmos expression changed subtly as she carefully examined the two items, finally determining that they were harmless. If thats the case, this is indeed quite extraordinary. It resembles some Daoist artifacts. Where did you find it? In this wondrous world, techniques for long-distance communication and sensing life or death naturally existed. Picked it up in Yunjiang. She wanted to say something but didnt know what. As absurd as it sounded, there really wasnt any other plausible explanation. If this snail allows instant communication, then its quite a valuable treasure, Lu Qingmo remarked. Most similar Daoist artifacts have various restrictions and delays. For example, if I wanted to communicate with the county city, Id need to perform a ritual and chant incantations. Even then, the message would take time to be delivered, and the farther the distance, the harder it becomes. Even Daoist techniques werent omnipotentat least, no practitioner could claim to be all-powerful. The Transmission Snail allows instant communication, Han confirmed, though he added, But it does have a range limit. Aunt Mo, Im giving you one of these snails. We can use it to stay in touch from afar. And this pair of wings is for you too. Lu Qingmo accepted the snail, but when she looked at the wings, she hesitated. Aunt Mo, you wouldnt want me to meet an untimely end out there without anyone knowing, would you? Dont speak such ill-omened words, she scolded, frowning. Still, recalling the various incidents from the past month, she ultimately took the wings. Han always seemed to attract trouble. If these wings really worked as he claimed, then they could be useful. And thenthe moment she touched the Heart Wings, they vanished, turning into shimmering specks of light that drifted into her body. And... that was it. Nothing changed. No newfound sense of closeness. No mental connection. It was as if the Heart Wings werent even there. Well, as expected, they only activate in life-threatening situationsnot some overpowered divine artifact. Naturally, Han wouldnt forget his dear senior sister. Aunt Mo, Aunt Mo, do you copy? Before heading to the martial arts hall, Han tested the Transmission Snail with Lu Qingmo. Hm. Receiving an immediate response, Han nodded in satisfaction. Not bad. The Great Thousand Immortal Tree delivers quality goods. His senior sister was quite fond of these items, even giving her snail a nameLittle Snail. After Han left for training, she snuck back to her room and examined her body carefully. Strange, I dont see any wings. Is this really as miraculous as my junior brother claimed? Bai Ruoyue was immensely curious but ultimately found herself hoping the wings would never need to activate. Rather than experiencing their effects firsthand, she would much prefer for everyone to simply stay safe.
One Night Later Under the vast Great Thousand Immortal Tree, Han stood in silence, gazing at its ancient, boundless form. Ever since he started visualizing the tree, a faint connection had formed between them. As his cultivation deepened, the connection grew stronger. But up until now, Han had found no tangible benefit from it. The tree certainly wasnt handing out extra stamina. It wasnt even midnight yet, but Han still had six stamina points left from yesterday, as he had chosen not to spend them last night. Did you know this text is from a different site? Read the official version to support the creator. After a while, he sighed. Its almost over. Today and tomorrowthose were the final days he could use his cheat ability. Han picked up his axe and sighed again. Tree Bro, Im really going to miss you. Thud! He struck the tree, and clusters of glowing orbs rained down. Tree Bro, how will I survive without you? Thud! Tree Bro, I dont know if well ever meet again, but you must remember me! Thud! Tree Bro, Ill miss you. Youll miss me too, right? Thud! Tree Bro, you have to live happily even after Im gone! Thud! Tree Bro... drop some gold coins, will ya? Thud! Looking at the pile of glowing orbs surrounding him, Han nodded in satisfaction. Tree Bro, even when youre gone, your legacy will remain. At least, whatever I dont use up will. Among the spoils were various spirit plants, soul herbs, and cultivation elixirs, along with three particularly special pills: Dragon-Tiger Aura Pill: Grants a majestic presence akin to a dragon and a tiger. Dream Elixir: Induces ones most profound desires into a vivid dream, restoring mental clarity and dispelling negative conditions upon awakening. Limb Regeneration Pill: Can reattach severed limbs within three days of injury. Other treasures included: Faceless Mask: Conceals life aura, making the wearer appear dead. Earth Escape Shuttle: Allows the soul to burrow underground. Demon Subjugation Banner: Captures demon souls and commands up to nine of them, provided they are not stronger than the user. Sword-Nurturing Sheath: Enhances any sheathed sword over time, sharpening its edge. Cloud-Piercing Hairpin: A peculiar weapon with armor-piercing properties. Vital Energy Source: A condensed reservoir of world energy that enhances inner strength and draws external qi into the body. Soul Mirror Water: Reveals weaknesses in ones soul. Heavenly Frost Essence: A rare elemental energy useful for certain Daoist techniques and special constitutions. Han pondered. With all these treasures, his journey ahead would be much smoother. But first, he had one last night with Tree Bro. [Mystic Relic: Indomitable Plasma] [Upon consumption, it tempers the body while enhancing the quality of true qione strand surpassing six.] Among the four relics, the Frost Chill was currently of no use to Han, while the Source of Vital Energy was meant to aid in cultivation. As for the Indomitable Plasmait was undoubtedly a treasure, though its description... So, this is the otherworldly version of a high-capacity battery, huh? The Soul-Mirroring Water, however, was quite useful for identifying one''s flaws. Han examined himself with it, only to find his soul was already flawless, devoid of any apparent weaknesses. If there was a flaw, it was simply that his cultivation level wasnt high enough. "It seems this water has its limits. Not just for meeven high-level cultivators might find that their souls deficiencies remain undetected." Han wasnt surprised. After all, it was something he had obtained in his Night Wandering realm, outside of any bonus rewards. [Talisman: Guardian of Spirits] [Protects spirits from attacks by forces one level higher than themselves, even refining invading energy for their own use.] [Talisman: Guardian of Disciples] [Aids martial artists when they encounter setbacks in their training, shielding them from harm and ensuring a smooth breakthrough.] Two protective talismansone for spirits, the other for disciples. Han had no use for the spirit talisman, nor did he need the disciple talisman. But he already knew who would receive the spirit-protecting one. Tomorrow, An Lang would finally touch sunlight. The final drop was a special artifact. [Special Item: Oath of the Heavens] [Heaven bears witness to unbreakable vowsunyielding as stone, eternal as the sea.] It was an artifact specifically designed for sworn oaths, binding promises with an unseen force. Once spoken, words must be honored. For now, Han had no immediate use for it. Unlike contracts with spirit entities, he wasnt sure about its limitations. After securing his gains, Han left the secret realm, gripping the Source of Vital Energy as he began refining it. A surge of pure, dense qi filled the air! As the essence was gradually absorbed, Hans true qi grew in both quantity and quality, propelling him toward the minor completion stage of the Meridian Realm. Seeing this progress, he brought out spiritual herbs and elixirs to aid his cultivation. The herbs were one thing, but the elixirsdropped by the Grand Immortal Treewere far purer than anything found in the outside world. The power of the Immortal Tree contained no impurities. "Whoosh!" Faint waves of qi surged within Hans body, rolling endlessly like a tide. Once the Source of Vital Energy was fully refined, he began practicing the Ocean-Subduing Flood Dragon True Force. The rampant true qi coursed through his body, fortifying his meridians, strengthening his flesh. The human body was a unified whole; it was impossible to temper only one part while leaving the rest unchanged. Each strengthened part subtly elevated the others, raising the bodys limits and unlocking endless potential. High-quality qi accumulated bit by bit, gathering like rivers into a vast ocean. With each form of his secret martial techniques, everything advanced in an orderly manner, surging forward... "Boom!" True qi roared like a tsunami, steaming tendrils of heat rising from Hans body as his temperature spiked. A powerful aura spread outward, stirring the wind into a whistling dance. Beneath him, shimmering light flowed like rivers, while the external worlds energy continuously poured into his body, nourishing him. His true qi reached every corner of his form. Meridian RealmMinor Completion! A master of the Flesh Perfection stage could already take on a hundred men, resisting blades and weapons for a short period. At the Minor Completion of the Meridian Realm, one could dominate an ordinary battlefield, carving through ranks of soldiers with ease. "Huff!" Han exhaled lightly, yet his breath transformed into a sword of air, shooting forward and shattering his houses newly repaired front gate. Breath as a blade! Seeing this, Han nodded in satisfactiononly to freeze when he noticed the scattered debris. Wait... wasnt that the gate I just repaired last month? He suddenly wished he could smack An Lang for not reminding him! In the ghostly dwelling, An Lang, deep in slumber, suddenly felt a chill and curled up instinctively. "The higher the realm, the longer it takes to break through," Han murmured. It had already been some time since he reached the Meridian Realm, yet only now had he advanced a minor stage. Back in the Flesh Realm, he had ascended from an ordinary mortal to the peak of Flesh Perfection in the same span of time. But now, at the second realm, he had merely broken through a small stage. And soon, he would lose the Grand Immortal Trees assistance. "Still, with my current strength, no one in Black Cloud Towns Meridian Realm can stand against me." Whether they were martial artists backed by powerful sects or lone wanderers, as long as they relied on their own strength in battle, Han had absolute confidence in his victory. And if they used external aids? Well, that was even better. I wanted a fair fight, but since you refuse, you leave me no choice. As time ticked away, Han adapted to his newfound strength, awaiting the moment to act. Finally, midnight arrived. Han entered the Immortal Trees secret realm. [Player: Han] [Life: Acquired Stage] [Soul Realm: Night Wandering Stage] [Body Realm: Meridian Stage (Minor Completion)] [Stamina: 6/6 (Final login for the monthbonus rewards activated)] [Items: Three-Lights Blessed Mirror] The last day! The third reward boost! Tree bro, dont let me down! Chapter 107: The Grand Celestial Tree—The Final Day! Why do my eyes well up with tears? Because my love runs deep. Brother Tree, every time I strike you with my axe, it''s not just you that suffersthe pain cuts deep into my heart as well. Han raised his axe and swung it down with force, his heart aching with every blow. The first strike yielded only a single item. Rather than feeling disappointed, Han was actually pleased. At this stage, if only one item dropped, it likely meant that the quality was beyond ordinary expectations. [Exotic Artifact: True Dragon Blood Soulstone] [When the celestial dragon perished, its blood scattered across the land. This essence-infused dragon blood, merging with a sacred soulstone, formed the True Dragon Blood Soulstone. Placing it in the Soul Sanctum subtly enhances both the soul and physical potential, granting the bearer the aura of a true dragon.] What a treasure! This was the kind of artifact that could transform an ordinary person into a geniusor make a genius even more formidable. One could say it was a fate-altering treasure. With the True Dragon Blood Soulstone, Hans foundation would be strengthened even further, benefiting him for a long time to come. It was a treasure on par with the Nine-Orifice Golden Core, and Han already knew firsthand the immense value of the golden core. His cultivation speed far surpassed that of ordinary people. While spiritual herbs served as support, it was the golden core that made a real difference. Even more valuable was that this stone directly strengthened the soulan advantage that even the Nine-Orifice Golden Core couldn''t entirely match. A truly magnificent treasure. Han chuckled. Brother Tree, suddenly, my heart doesnt hurt anymore. Im sure you can feel my joy too. The enhanced drop rate during the final days bonus period truly lived up to its reputation, offering treasures far beyond Hans current level. Without hesitation, Han absorbed the True Dragon Blood Soulstone, placing it in his Soul Sanctum. At that moment, a faint dragons roar echoed in his ears, and a vision of a celestial dragon soaring through the skies unfolded before him. Majestic. Powerful. Unfettered. When Han snapped back to reality, he noticed red wisps of energy emanating from the stone, fusing with his soul and integrating into his body. At first, it felt cool, then searing hota sensation akin to experiencing both ice and fire simultaneously. Throughout this process, Hans soul and spirit underwent an inexplicable strengthening, a slow but fundamental transformation. To put it in more mystical termshis mortal form was beginning to evolve into something beyond ordinary. I wonder how long this artifact will last Like the Nine-Orifice Golden Core, once Han completely absorbed its power, the True Dragon Blood Soulstone would disappear. [Exotic Artifact: Source Stone] [A mysterious stone containing faint traces of primal energy, its applications are limitless.] [Exotic Artifact: Nether Bloom] [A rare flower from the underworld. When it blooms, death follows, illuminating the path to the netherworld.] [Exotic Artifact: Celestial Bloom] [A divine flower from the heavens. When it blossoms, ascension follows, revealing the celestial realm.] The second drop contained three more artifacts, all equally strange. The Nether Bloom and Celestial Bloomone leading to the underworld, the other to the heavens. Han had no immediate plans to visit the realm of the dead or ascend to the celestial plane, nor did he believe a mere flower could actually grant immortality. As for the Source Stone "It claims to have limitless applications, but would it hurt to be a little more specific?" Could this thing help him ascend to the rank of battle emperor? Han had obtained similar materials beforeraw Source Stonesbut this one seemed different. [Earth-Tier Elixir: Five Viscera Divine Pill] [Temporarily connects with the divine spirits of the five viscera, granting extraordinary enhancements. Those with supreme talent have an infinitesimally small chance of permanently awakening their inner spirit.] [Earth-Tier Elixir: Six Bowels Divine Pill] [Temporarily connects with the divine spirits of the six bowels] An Earth-tier elixir! During the final days enhanced drop period, he had finally obtained something beyond the norman elixir that interacted with the divine spirits of the five viscera and six bowels, which would be immensely useful once he reached the Viscera Stage. The divine spirits of the internal organs Even the name sounded extraordinary. [Daoist Art Seed: Breath of the Immortal] [Allows the absorption of various natural energies to strengthen both body and spirit, sustaining life. Can be stacked with other auxiliary cultivation techniques.] A Daoist Art Seedon the surface, it didnt seem that powerful, merely another breathing technique. The narrative has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident. But its true value lay in its ability to be stacked with other techniques. Ordinary cultivators in the Night Roaming Realm could only rely on visualization and absorbing moonlight for cultivation. Han, on the other hand, could now add Breath of the Immortal to his arsenal. A technique that fundamentally accelerated his cultivation speedpriceless. Moreover, this technique seemed applicable across all realms, capable of refining spiritual energy, moonlight, and sunlight alike. A technique for eternity. Breath of the Immortalthe path of the celestial. [Martial Art Seed: Total Annihilation] [A burst-type combat technique with no progression tiersonce learned, it is mastered. Upon activation, it temporarily enhances the users power by one minor realm and instantly restores all true energy and stamina. The downside: three days of overall physical weakness, though training remains unaffected.] The fifth dropa martial art seed. At first glance, the name had startled Han. Total Annihilation? For a second, he thought using it might actually obliterate him. After reading the details, though, he had to admitthis was ingenious. But then, Han frowned as he noticed the last part of the description. All parts of the body will feel weak for three days Does that include that part? He wouldn''t say it. You wouldn''t say it. Still, compared to other burst-type techniques, this downside was laughably mild. Han had heard from Bai Tian about techniques that required burning ones own blood essence, pushing the body to its absolute limitssome left warriors bedridden for weeks, while others permanently crippled them. Three days of weakness? That was nothing. Especially since it didnt hinder cultivationthough his training might look a bit off for a while. Han was quite satisfied with this technique. Anything that directly boosted combat power was a treasure worth having. The first five drops had already exceeded Hans expectations, but he had one last attempt left. "Grand Celestial Tree, my unwavering faithexplode with all your might!" [Special Item: Seven-Orifice Exquisite Heart (Initial Stage)] [A heart born with seven apertures, crystalline and flawless. It grants boundless wisdom, complete understanding of all principles, and an innate mastery of all techniques (upon reaching perfection).] [The Seven-Orifice Exquisite Heart evolves as the players strength increases. The player can also actively cultivate it to accelerate its progression.] [This is the final special drop from tree-cutting.] Wait it really exploded? The Seven-Orifice Exquisite HeartHan had heard of this before. In legends, those who possessed such a heart were often hunted by demons and spirits eager to devour it. Judging from its description, it seemed to be a treasure that enhanced comprehension. Then Hans gaze landed on the last line. "This is the final special drop from tree-cutting." That phrase sounded eerily familiar Right, he had seen it once beforethe first time he ever cut the Grand Celestial Tree, when he obtained the Source of Life Essence. "The reward boost appeared for three days in total, but only the first and last instances of tree-cutting had special annotations..." "So, does that mean these special drops are even more valuable than those obtained during the general reward boost period?" A reward within a reward? Han pondered this and felt an even greater sense of value for these two unique items. Could that essence of life have an unknown use that he had yet to discover? While contemplating, he carefully planted the Dao Seed and Martial Seed. In his hand, he held the Seven-Orifice Exquisite Heart. It looked like a real heartcomplete with seven orificesbut it wasnt gory. Instead, it radiated an air of sacred solemnity. Legend had it that those born with the Seven-Orifice Exquisite Heart were destined for greatness, much like those born with dual pupilsan extraordinary sign of fate. Han placed the heart against his chest, and it silently fused into him, merging seamlessly with his own heart. "Boom!" A powerful heartbeat resounded, audible even from the outside. A surge of immense, deep-rooted vitality erupted from the Seven-Orifice Exquisite Heart, washing over Han''s entire body. Yet, this was nothing compared to the transformation happening in his mind. The world suddenly became clearer, as if a thin veil had been liftedrevealing the truth of reality. As he recalled the Dao techniques and martial arts he had studied, the once perplexing aspects now unraveled effortlessly before him, as if divine insight had descended upon him. Han had been rightthe greatest benefit of this heart at his current stage was its ability to enhance comprehension. Feeling its miraculous effects, Han nodded in satisfaction. "This is indeed a treasure." The importance of comprehension couldnt be overstatedit only grew more crucial as one advanced further on the path of cultivation. At this point, Han had exhausted all six points of stamina. Once today ended, the cheat ability would reset. After that, he would no longer be able to return here to chop down trees. He reached out and touched the Grand Immortal Tree one last time. "Tree Bro, this is truly goodbye." But if we meet again Ill still chop you down. After lingering in the secret realm for a while, Han finally departed. All good things must come to an end. The Grand Immortal Tree no longer held any benefits for himnot even a second of his time was worth wasting on it. A useless cheat should be discarded without hesitation. (Cold-blooded.)
"Young Master, your vitality has surged tremendously!" An Lang exclaimed in surprise when Han released her. As a ghost with a unique talent, she was highly sensitive to yin and yang energies. "A slight breakthrough," Han replied. "Huh? A breakthrough?" An Lang twirled a strand of her long hair and muttered, "Youre way too fast, Young Master. I only took a short nap, and youre already done. I didnt even feel anything." "" Damn ghost, are you being suggestive? "Less talk, more cultivation." Han flicked her forehead before stepping out of his physical body himself. The immense lunar energy he had absorbed from Lu Qingmo still hadnt been fully refined. Before he could cultivate by absorbing moonlight, he needed to process what was already within him. Both the soul and the body had limits to how much they could endure. However, thanks to the Moon Gods Mark, moonlight naturally gathered around him even without active cultivationalbeit in small amounts. Still, it was more than enough to assist An Lang in her training. "You coming or not?" Han glanced at An Lang, who was hesitating in the distance. "Young Master, your soul feels strange," she said with a distressed expression. "You''re suppressing me." Han focused on himself and realized that his soul was indeed radiating a faint but imposing pressure. Vast, ancient, noble, domineering Could this be dragon might? Testing it out, Han found that he could control and restrain this aura at will. As soon as the pressure disappeared, An Lang immediately flew to his side, curiously observing him. Young Master is truly incredible. I only slept for a short while, yet hes changed so much. She was certain that something significant had happened to Han between their return from the peach grove and the moment she was released. He harbored great secrets. But she was smart enough not to pry. She might not have belonged to Han in life, but in death, she was already his ghost. There was no leaving him now. That night, Han carefully observed the changes in himself. A breakthrough in martial arts, the acquisition of a mystical treasurehis power had soared once again, and his future looked brighter than ever.
The next morning, Han, brimming with confidence, appeared before Lu Qingmo. She glanced at him once and immediately couldnt look away. "You" "Thats right, Aunt Mo. I broke through again!" Han declared proudly. Lu Qingmo was speechless. You always do things so suddenlydo you ever consider whether others can keep up? Besides, this isnt just a simple breakthrough "You reached the Meridian Stage? Thats not just body refinement anymore. Its only been a dozen dayshow did you advance again?" "I had a bit of" Han started but quickly changed his words under Lu Qingmos gaze. "good luck." Thats no different from saying it was just a fluke. Final revelation: The last days reward boost > the first day > the seventh day. But those two special drops? Both were invaluable. Chapter 108: The Banquet of Cloud Dragon City What do you do when your hands itch for a fight? Lu Qingmo carefully examined Hans physique, her expression tinged with surprise. This breakthrough of yours the enhancement to your bodys vitality is immense. It doesnt seem like the usual improvement from a minor advancement. Moreover, within your blood and qi, I sense a peculiar forceone that bears a resemblance to dragon power. Lu Qingmo was astonished. First, he had an innate affinity for water, and now, dragon might? Could he be connected to some ancient Dragon Sovereign? Aunt Mo, you know me. This is just how I amgaining a little extra with each breakthrough is completely normal. As for this so-called special power I have no idea. I was just cultivating like usual. Normal? Well, for him, perhaps it was. Lu Qingmo had already grown accustomed to Hans absurd progress. No matter what miracles he pulled off, she no longer found it shocking. He was simply someone who constantly defied expectations. Progressing with such vigor is a good thingjust be sure your body can handle it. Young people were meant to be bold and relentless, though Han was certainly taking it to an extreme. Lu Qingmo had examined his body multiple timescompletely healthy. His rapid growth wasnt a reckless trade of future potential for immediate gains. On the contrary, it was stable, solid. Your soul cultivation is advancing at an incredible pace, yet your martial path isnt falling behind, she mused. With both advancing in tandem, they arent hindering each other; instead, theyre reinforcing one another, accelerating your growth. Han continued to astound her throughout the day. After just one night, your comprehension of various Dao techniques has improved significantly. I had a moment of enlightenment while breaking through last night, Han admitted. Of course. Another enlightenment. An irrefutable excusegenius was simply this unruly. Dont forget, the Dragon Sovereigns Banquet is today, Lu Qingmo reminded him. I remember, Han nodded. Ill go with Senior Sister and the others. After days of anticipation, the banquet would finally begin that evening. As she watched Han leave, Lu Qingmo found herself deep in thought. There was something she hadnt mentionedsomething too embarrassing to say. For some reason, todays Han felt closer. More connected to everything. His presence exuded a warmth that made people instinctively want to be near him. She couldnt understand it. How could this change happen in a single night? Yet, she couldnt just ask Han about it. What was she supposed to say? "Han, I suddenly want to get closer to you?" What on earth was going on? The Martial Hall Han immediately sought out Bai Ruoyue, who was practicing her martial arts. As soon as she finished, he walked up to her and waved a hand in front of her face. What are you doing? Touch it. Come on, just touch it, Han said with a smile. What do you mean, touch it? Ive been checking every day. Its only been one night. Bai Ruoyue raised an eyebrow. Dont tell me you broke through agai The moment her hand touched Hans shoulder, she fell silent. Her eyes widened. He really did break through again? Seeing her stunned expression, Han felt utterly satisfied. Yes. This was the reaction he wanted. Senior Sister always delivered. Junior Brother whats going on? Its only been a little over ten days since you reached the Meridian Stage. I just had some insight. Pure luck. Finally, Han got to say it. Luck? You sure have a lot of that, Bai Ruoyue muttered before dashing off. Moments later, she returnedwith a crowd. Han was instantly surrounded. Then came the inevitable gasps of disbeliefcontributing to the warming of the already dark clouds. Its over. Hes completely surpassed me. Shen Yus expression turned melancholic. Last time, Han had surpassed her in raw strength, but at least they had still been in the same realm. But now, after just one nights sleep, he had completely left her behind. She had worked hard, but no amount of effort seemed enough to catch up. Su Changan and He Feng, though happy for Han, couldnt ignore the looming sense of urgency. Han was now in the same realm as them. Impressive. Very impressive. Bai Tian praised Han. He had finally experienced firsthand just how absurd Hans growth was. He had traveled across the land, encountering countless martial artists. He had seen all kinds of prodigies. But this? This was a first. Beyond compliments, he had no idea what else to say. Guidance? He didnt feel qualified to give any. You could be reading stolen content. Head to Royal Road for the genuine story. And soon, Bai Tian found himself sharing the same realization as Lu Qingmo. How was Hans understanding of martial arts also improving at such a ridiculous pace? It had only been one nighthow could he achieve so much? He asked, and Han gave the same answer. Just a moment of enlightenment. Nothing much. Preparation for the Banquet Later that day, Han retrieved the remaining resources mentioned by the Shrimp and Crab Soldiers. This time, he didnt find the remains of any powerful figuresonly spiritual plants. But every single one was a rare treasure. If those two sea creatures had bothered to remember them, they couldnt be ordinary. In the afternoon, six fine steeds burst out of Black Cloud Town, galloping along the Cloud River. Riding them were the seven disciples of Taibai. Shen Yu and Bai Ruoyue shared a horse, Shen Yu in front, Bai Ruoyue behind. The sight of them riding through the splashing waves filled Han with envy. He wanted that too The dominant forces of Black Cloud Town all had fixed invitations to the Dragon Sovereigns Banquet, thanks to the blessings of the Mountain God. Each faction could send up to ten people. The Yun Clan, however, was an exceptionno one knew exactly how many invitations they had. As for Taibai, with only seven disciples, they still had empty spots to spare. Had Han taken the conventional route, he wouldnt even have gotten a spot. Other sects and families had too many disciples. For them, an invitation to the banquet was something worth fighting forsometimes even to the death. Some spots were reserved for the well-connected. Others went to the most talented. The remaining one or two? Those had to be earned through competition. Only the strongest got the chance to attend. And that was still better than those who never even had a chance. Some sects quotas were filled the moment they were announcedby people with neither talent nor strength but simply the right lineage. Being born into the right family was worth more than most fortunes. Good thing Im with Taibai. No need to fight. No need to struggle. While other sects were tearing each other apart over invitations, Taibais disciples simply watched in amusement. "Invitations to the Dragon Sovereigns Banquet? We have more than we can use." After riding for over three hundred miles, the sky darkened. Ahead, a lively gathering came into view. A vast lake stretched before them, where the Cloud River split, forming a tranquil expanse of water. At its center lay a sizable island, adorned with grand pavilions and ornate buildings, exuding a sense of opulence. The lakeshore bustled with activitystalls lined the streets, towering shops stood tall, and countless cultivators moved about, trading, buying, and selling. This is Cloud Dragon Market, the very place where the Dragon Sovereigns Banquet is held, Bai Ruoyue explained as the seven dismounted. Years ago, the banquet was a frequent event, drawing cultivators from far and wide hoping to test their luck. Over time, this gathering evolved into a permanent marketa place where people exchange rare goods and information. Cultivators from Tianyue Prefecture and even neighboring regions are active here. However, this place is a melting pot of all kindsrighteous and wicked, human and demon alike. The laws of Great Qi dont extend here, so we must remain vigilant. Unlike the well-regulated trade guilds and markets of the prefectural city, Cloud Dragon Market thrived in the wilderness, operating in the shadows of legality. Some preferred it that way. For figures like Lu Qingmo and Bai Tian, if they needed something, they would go through major trading channels like the Wanxing Merchant Guild. They rarely set foot in places like this. Han and the others nodded in understanding. However, their arrival together did not go unnoticed. Is that the disciples of Taibai Martial Hall from Black Cloud Town? What are they doing here in Cloud Dragon Market? This place has been unusually lively these past few days. Even the disciples of major forces have shown up. They say the Dragon Sovereigns Banquet is being held again after a ten-year hiatus. I bet theyre here for that. The Dragon Sovereigns Banquet even just attending and sipping a cup of wine is an opportunity of a lifetime. Do you think I have a chance to get an invitation this year? You? At the Flesh and Skin Stage? No chance. Stop dreaming. Oh? And what great stage have you reached? Im at the Flesh and Skin Stage too, which is how I know you dont stand a chance. Despite the attention, Han and his companions had no trouble settling in. No one tried to rob them, nor did anyone cause trouble. Truly, the folk of Cloud Dragon Market were honest and kind. Once they were settled, Bai Ruoyue eagerly grabbed Han and dragged him off. Junior Brother, treasure-hunting mode! Time to unleash your skills! Han sighed helplessly. His senior sister had an addiction to searching for hidden treasures. Sure, he had gotten lucky twice before, but rare finds werent just lying around waiting to be picked up. The rest of the Taibai disciples split into groups, wandering through the market. With their strengthranging from the Viscera Refining Stage to the Meridian Stagethey werent considered weak here and had little to fear. A Market Unlike Any Other As Han roamed the market, he widened his horizons. Strange and exotic creatures were everywherehumanoid beasts, beast-headed humans, eerie cultivators exuding a chilling aura, and even ghosts openly drifting through the streets. There were stiff-moving paper effigies with red-painted faces, tree spirits covered in leaves, and all manner of bizarre entities. If someone strolled through a prefectural city with a ghost companion, panic would erupt. Here? No one even spared them a second glance. Beyond the borders of civilization, the world was truly a strange and chaotic place. Senior Sister, with so many demons and ghosts around, doesnt Great Qi do anything about it? Han asked through a voice transmission. Bai Ruoyue shook her head. How could they? The world is vast, filled with demons and spirits beyond count. The empire cant possibly control them all. Some beings are so terrifying that even the imperial court avoids provoking theminstead, they choose to show respect. As long as theres general stability, thats enough. Han fell silent. This was the reality of a world where the extraordinary existed. A single individual could command enough power to make a kingdom wary. Strength could allow one to break through social hierarchy with ease, yet it also created the ultimate hierarchy. Han had nothing to complain about. Strictly speaking, he was a beneficiary of this system. If this were just an ordinary feudal world without supernatural powers, there was no way he could live as freely as he did now. A Disappointing Hunt After circling the entire market, Bai Ruoyue was visibly disappointed. The intuition she relied on from Han hadnt kicked in. It wasnt that there were no treasuresthere were plenty. For instance, someone was auctioning a vial of spiritual water capable of enhancing specific Dao techniques or healing soul injuries. Many cultivators were bidding fiercely for it. But as for hidden bargains? None. At least, not tonight. The people here had sharper eyes than those in the markets of the prefectural city. If they werent sure about an items worth, they wouldnt even put it up for sale. Without genuine expertise, one wouldnt dare to do business in Cloud Dragon Market. During their stroll, Han also encountered several young cultivators with an air of distinctionlikely members of prominent sects, also here for the Dragon Sovereigns Banquet. The banquets return after a decade, especially at such a critical time, had naturally drawn widespread attention. What was the true state of the Cloud River Dragon Sovereign? Was he as powerful as ever, hosting the banquet to showcase his might? Or was he weakened, using this event to maintain appearances and hide his vulnerabilities? In the market, now and then, aquatic creatures from the river would stop cultivators for a brief conversation. The chosen individuals would soon break into barely contained joy. Once the aquatic beings left, shouts of excitement would echo through the market. I got in! I got invited! It was an invitation to the Dragon Sovereigns Banquet. The Dragon Sovereign was generoushe didnt just invite powerful factions but also extended opportunities to unaffiliated cultivators. The Invitation to the Upper Floor As night deepened, the seven Taibai disciples regrouped. Judging by the looks on some of their faces, a few had made worthwhile discoveries. The banquet is about to begin. Lets go. At a secluded lakeside, small boats awaited. No stalls, no buildingsonly aquatic demons serving as ferrymen. Some had human forms, while others remained in their natural, bizarre appearances. People boarded the boats one after another, heading toward the island at the lakes center. Honored guests of Taibai Martial Hall, this way, please. A massive fish greeted Hans group. Watching the creature row the boat despite lacking hands, Han found it amusing. Upon reaching the island, they found the pavilions already filling with guests. Beings of all kinds engaged in lively conversation, creating a vibrant atmosphere. Senior Sister, where do we sit? Han asked. Bai Ruoyue pointed to a grand three-story building in the islands center. Temporary invitees sit in the outer pavilions. As for us, well be seated on the first floor of Cloud Dragon Pavilion. The second floor is reserved for the Cloud River Dragon Palaceits essentially their family banquet. With that, Bai Ruoyue strode forward, presenting an invitation to the welcoming clam maiden at the entrance. Many in the outer pavilion looked on with envy. Being seated in Cloud Dragon Pavilion was a mark of status, a sign of either distinguished background or extraordinary talent. As Han stepped forward, however, he was suddenly stopped. The crowd immediately perked up. A spectacle? Was he an imposter? Had he offended the Cloud River Dragon Clan? Some recognized Han and secretly hoped hed be thrown outor better yet, executed on the spot. Bai Ruoyue turned back, frowning. Pardon me, the clam maiden spoke gently. Are you Han of Taibai? I am, Han replied. The esteemed Dragon Princess has personally instructed usMaster Han is an honored guest of the Cloud River Dragon Palace. Please surrender your invitation, and we will escort you to the second floor. Your fellow disciples are welcome to join you as well. Bai Ruoyue halted mid-step. A hush fell over the crowd. The second floor? And the Dragon Princess? A pretty boy living off a womans favor? Tch! Envy. Nodisdain. Somewhere in the back of his mind, Han chuckled. So Ive become a live-in son-in-law of the Dragon Clan? Chapter 109: The Cheat Refreshes! Under the watchful eyes of the crowd, the seven disciples of Taibai followed the clam maiden up to the second floor. The excitement of those who had gathered to watch the spectacle faded. For some, their frustration was enough to make them grind their teeth. Those from the Gao and Tenglong families, who had already taken their seats, were particularly resentful. Why should the disciples of Taibai Martial Hall receive such an honor? What was so special about that pretty-faced brat? Dragon Princess, look at me instead! Among them, Huang Mingri of the Huang family clenched his fists, his desire to stand up and demand an explanation barely contained. However, he was quickly held back by Huang Mingnian. This is the Dragon Sovereigns Banquet. What do you think youre doing? Use your brain! Dont drag the Huang family into trouble. We cant afford to offend the Cloud River Dragon Sovereign. Huang Mingnian was furious at his younger brothers stupidity. In Tianyue Prefecture, playing with women, killing rivals, and ruining families were mere trifles. But here? What idiocy was this? If not for the fact that they were brothers, if not for their mother constantly indulging him, Huang Mingnian would have beaten him half to death himself. While the crowd whispered and speculated, Han and his companions paid them no mind. The Second Floor of Cloud Dragon Pavilion The moment they stepped onto the second floor, it was clear this was no ordinary gathering. The hall was filled with young men and women, all strikingly attractive. Yet most carried a distinct aura of the aquatic racesubtle but undeniable. Those seated here were the elite descendants of the Cloud River Dragon Palace. There were a few exceptions, howeverHan spotted Yun Duo among them. Their arrival drew immediate attention. Some recognized them, while others whispered among themselves, seeking information about their identities. The Taibai group was seated at a table near the Yun family. Han! I didnt expect to see you here! Yun Duo greeted him enthusiastically. Neither did I. The Yun family had arrived with nine members. Han exchanged friendly words with those he knew, including Yun Duos elder sister, Yun Yun, while simply nodding in acknowledgment to the others. As time passed, the tables filled. Suddenly, elegant maidens in palace attire emerged from seemingly nowhere, carrying trays laden with fresh fruits, exquisite vegetables, and delicacies. Han could sense faint energy fluctuations from the foodnot as potent as true spiritual plants, but with their sheer quantity, the effects wouldnt be far off. Every guest was essentially receiving the equivalent of a free spiritual plant. No wonder cultivators in Cloud Dragon Market desperately sought invitations. The dragon clan was truly rich. These are all cultivated within the Cloud River Dragon Palace, Yun Duo explained in a hushed tone. A single piece might not seem impressive, but when taken in large amounts, their value becomes substantial. After the dishes were served, a series of small cups was distributed. However, the cups contained no winejust a thin layer of crimson liquid at the bottom, its nature unknown. This is dragons blood, Yun Duo whispered. In past Dragon Sovereigns Banquets, it was rarely offered. Its even more valuable than the entire feast. Im guessing its only being served this time because the banquet hasnt been held in ten years. The Dragon Sovereign must be feeling particularly generous. This is actual dragon blood? Han raised an eyebrow. No idea. Thats just what everyone calls it. Han nodded, once again marveling at the wealth of the dragon clan. Despite being only fifteen, Yun Duo was surprisingly knowledgeable. The Moon Descends Outside, the crescent moon hung high in the sky, its glow breathtakingly radiant. Cloud Dragon Pavilion had an open central courtyard, allowing the moonlight to pour directly onto the first floor, forming what resembled a well of pure lunar brilliance. The moonlight here was far denser than outsidelikely enhanced by some mystical method of drawing it in. Historically, the Dragon Sovereigns Banquet had always been held at night, a choice that benefitted certain beings, such as ghosts, who could not withstand sunlight. Moreover, this banquet was primarily for the younger generationa gesture of the Dragon Sovereigns favor. Had the guest list consisted of individuals on the Dragon Sovereigns level, the venue would have been the Cloud River Dragon Palace itself. At that moment, a young woman in a flowing moonlit gown descended gracefully from the third floor. Bathed in silver radiance, she looked like a celestial maiden. To the astonishment of the crowd, as she reached the second floor, her figure split into two more identical formsone drifting toward the first floor, the other floating toward the outer pavilions. Honored guests, we welcome you to the banquet. Her voice, warm and soothing, resonated simultaneously in all three locations. The Dragon Sovereign is pleased to host this gathering after a decade. Tonight, drink to your hearts content. Let the Dragon Sovereign grant us wine. As her words fell, a massive hand suddenly extended from the third floor. It was enormous, vast enough to seemingly grasp the entire moon. As the palm tilted slightly, the crescent moon itself seemed to shift. Whoosh! The heavens split open. A torrent of moonlight cascaded down like a celestial river, pouring into Cloud Dragon Pavilion. The shimmering, liquefied lunar essence carried an almost sentient flow, finding its way into each and every guests cup, filling them perfectly. No one was left out. No more, no less. And still, the moonlight river continued to descend, undisturbed. The floating maiden smiled. The Dragon Sovereigns Banquet has begun. Enjoy the night. For a long moment, silence filled the pavilion. Only when her voice echoed again did people finally snap out of their daze. Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon. Han was shaken. To seize the moon with a single hand, to turn it into a vessel, to pour its essence as winewas this the might of the Cloud River Dragon Sovereign? But then Han frowned slightly. No the Dragon Sovereign hadnt truly grabbed the moon. Rather, he must have used some divine technique to directly extract its lunar energy. After all, Han knew something that most others didnt. There was a Moon God up there. Even so, the feat remained astonishing. Han glanced at his own cup. The liquid within was divided into two distinct halvesone white, one red. He looked around and noticed that his companions cups were primarily red, with only traces of white. Yun Duos cup, however, was the opposite. As for her elder sister, Yun Yun, her cup was the same as his. This wine is crafted by the Dragon Sovereign himself, tailored for each guest, Yun Duo whispered. For martial artists, dragons blood is dominant. For cultivators, moon essence is primary. For those who train in both paths, like you and my sister, the balance is equal. She added, Dont worryno one else can see whats inside your cup. Han glanced around and confirmed this was true. All he could see were people drinking their wine, their expressions filled with bliss. Taibais disciples listened intently, fascinated by Yun Duos explanation. Han raised his cup and drank it in one go. A surge of warmth roared through his body, while a cool, refreshing sensation coursed through his soul. Both his physical and spiritual forms felt subtly strengthened. Han quickly realized that the so-called moon essence was simply an incredibly refined and concentrated form of lunar energyfar purer than ordinary moonlight and significantly easier to absorb. Normally, cultivators wouldnt even dare to come into contact with something this potent, as their souls couldnt withstand its raw yin energy. But the Dragon Sovereign had compressed and refined it, making it gentle enough for even martial artists to benefit from. As for the dragons blood, Han compared it to the True Dragon Blood Soul Stone within his soul domain. It had the scent of dragon blood, but it was certainly not freshly drawn from a real dragon. Still, it was beneficial for tempering the body. Yet, as it entered Hans system, the True Dragon Blood Soul Stone easily suppressed and assimilated it. Soon, each guest began focusing on refining the energy they had just consumed. For many of them, this was already the greatest opportunity they would ever encounter. And then, something strange happened. Above each guest, wisps of mist began rising, forming ethereal visionsmanifestations of their inner potential. And Hans vision? It wouldnt stop changing. As the crowd murmured in hushed discussions, all eyes were on the rising clouds of fate. While most were still entangled on the third floor of Cloud Dragon Pavilion, a single wisp had already vanished beyond the heavens. That wisp belonged to Han. Han felt a bit awkward. He had lost track of his own cloud. He had planned to see how he measured up against the others, but it seemed his fate cloud had a will of its own. After a moments thought, he simply shrugged it off and returned to drinking, focusing on refining the power within the wine. The Dragon Sovereign was indeed generous, but with his Moon Gods Mark and True Dragon Blood Soul Stone, Han had little difficulty absorbing either moon essence or dragons blood. Likewise, while these substances were incredibly beneficial to others, their effects on Han were relatively minor. After all, he had consumed far greater treasures before. Looking around, Han noticed something surprisinghe was the only one still awake. Wait. These people were supposed to be prodigies from all over. And yet, they couldnt even handle this? Even compared to me, a guy from a backwater town? Just as he was pondering this, he felt a gaze on him. It was the moon-clad maiden. Han met her eyes, and she gave him a slight nod. A moment later, a thin stream split off from the lunar river, pouring another dose of pure moon essence into Hans cup. At the same time, fresh dragons blood inexplicably surfaced in the bottom of the cup once more. So thats what she meant by drink to your hearts content. A refillable dragon palace buffet, huh? Han raised his cup, offering a distant toast to the maiden in thanks, before downing it in one gulp. Ah the Grand Immortal Tree is gone. Even the landlords grain reserves are running low. Opportunities to get free resources like this were rarebest to make the most of it. Besides, with the Dragon Sovereigns four-hundred-year accumulation, this was nothing to him. A second cup. A third cup By the time Han had completely refined the energy from his third drink, the second person finally stirred awake and reached for a refill. Too slow. How did these people even get this far in their cultivation? Meanwhile, the moon-clad maiden watching from the side seemed a bit stunned. Too fast. She stared in disbelief as Han reached for his fourth cup. Just how much can you drink? Can you even taste the wine at this point? Senior Sister, youre awake? Have another drink, Han said, offering Bai Ruoyue a cup. Still slightly flushed from the alcohol, Bai Ruoyue glared at Han. Junior Brother, how many have you had? This is my fourth. Tastes pretty good. Dont drink too much, Bai Ruoyue warned, taking another cup for herself. Relax, Senior Sister. I never get drunk. Han waved off her concerns. Though this wine contained real alcohol, it was primarily composed of moon essence and dragons blood. Senior Sister, drink to your hearts content. If you get drunk, Ill make sure you get back safely, Han assured her. You can count on me. Bai Ruoyue gave him a skeptical look but said nothing. Why do I feel like I cant trust you By now, Hans endless drinking had drawn the attention of others. Shock spread across the room. Is he drinking water? Throughout the hall, many had already passed outnot just humans, but demons as well. Some had even transformed back into their original forms from overindulging. Nearby, Yun Yun observed the scene with a bitter expression. They both pursued dual cultivationyet the gap between them was like heaven and earth. Since the rumors about Han had spread from Black Cloud Town, she had experienced defeat after defeat. Though they barely knew each other, it was impossible not to compare herself to him. And unfortunately The difference was overwhelming. A Dragons Gaze On the third floor, a tall, regal-looking middle-aged man, dressed in magnificent robes, watched Han with interest. The small town of Black Cloud has produced such an intriguing young man No wonder the heir of the Meng family sought his friendship, even calling him a brother. He truly is extraordinary. He carries hidden dragon power, yet has not slain a dragon nor refined one. It seems to have manifested naturally and he possesses control over water. Could he be connected to my dragon clan? And that fate cloud of his The Dragon Sovereign gazed upward. Truth be told He couldnt find it either. Not that it mattered. It was merely a temporary illusory phenomenon. The Last Man Standing As Han continued drinking, everyone else on the second floor had passed outleaving him the last man standing. He remained completely sober and full of energy. On the first floor and in the outer pavilions, most guests were already unconscious after just one cup. A rare few managed two. On the second floor, the minimum seemed to be two cups, but reaching the fifth or sixth was rare. A mere handful had reached their seventhBai Ruoyue among them. Besides her, the others who had managed seven were all from the aquatic race. It was a testament to Bai Ruoyues talent and strengthreaching the Viscera Refinement Stage at just sixteen was an unprecedented feat, even in the prefectural capital. Han couldnt help but feel a bit amused. Master must be incredibly proudhaving such an amazing daughter, and also having me as a disciple. In a way, the number of cups one could handle reflected ones current strength and ability. One could either power through with sheer strength or skillfully refine the drinks energy. Han fell into the latter category. Just as he was about to reach for another cup, the moon river flowing down from the sky suddenly vanished. The moon-clad maiden giggled. Young Master Han, fine wine is wonderful, but be careful not to overindulge. Han chuckled, briefly assessing his internal condition before nodding. He had already absorbed so much that the wines effects had almost completely diminished for him. It was clear this drink had its limitsit couldnt endlessly enhance ones power. You know me? Han asked. We must thank Young Master Han for aiding Cloud River Dragon Palace in capturing criminals, she said with a smile. Han immediately understood. So this was the Dragon Princess that the Shrimp and Crab Soldiers had spoken of. A minor matter, not worth mentioning. You have stood above all at the Dragon Sovereigns Banquet and rendered a great service to Cloud River, the Dragon Princess continued. If Young Master Han would be so kind, I would like to invite you elsewhere for a private conversation. Please do not worry about your fellow disciples. My father is herenothing will happen to them. An invitation for a private chat? Han was slightly disappointed. With all his achievements tonight, he had expected to meet the Dragon Sovereign himself. Wasnt this supposed to be an event where the Dragon Sovereign personally noticed outstanding talents? Then why was the Dragon Princess here instead? Just as Han took a few steps forward to follow her, a stream of information suddenly flooded his mind. You have gained one Cheat Refresh attempt. Refreshing now Previous Months Cheat: Grand Immortal Tree Refreshing Refresh Complete This Months Cheat: Gods Perspective Important Notice: Due to your unbreakable bond with the Grand Immortal Tree, you have unlocked the Cheat Revival Feature. Revival Feature: Once youve possessed a certain number of cheats, you can use Fate Points to randomly draw from your past cheats upon each monthly refresh. You may choose to replace the newly refreshed cheat with the revived one. (Limit: One replacement per month.) Revival Costs: You gain 1 Fate Point for every major cultivation breakthrough while possessing an active cheat. One revival attempt costs 1 Fate Point. Current Fate Points: 5 As Han processed this revelation, his heart surged with excitement. Good newsthe cheat has refreshed! Even better newsit can be revived! I can get my old cheats back! Especially the Grand Immortal Tree Tree Bro, we might meet again! Tree Bro, keep your axe sharpenedIll be back to repay you properly! Chapter 110: The Dragon Princess’s Heart—Fixed on Han The revival feature was an incredible addition, but unfortunately, Han couldn''t use it just yet. He hadnt owned enough cheats for it to be activated. Otherwise, he wouldve immediately drawn a past cheatbringing back Tree Bro to accompany him for another month. The only problem was what counted as a sufficient number of past cheats? The system didnt specify. Wait. What was this months cheat again? Oh right, Gods Perspective. What even was that? Just as Han pondered this, an expansive map suddenly appeared in his mind. The map displayed his immediate surroundings in great detail, including buildings, terrain, and even treasures on market stallseach labeled with descriptions. The living beings in his range were represented by avatars, with colored borders and accompanying text. His own avatar sat at the maps center, surrounded by numerous others. The border colors were green, white, or red, with brief information attached. For example, Bai Ruoyues border was dark green, with the tag: Taibai Martial Hall Disciple - Bai Ruoyue - Viscera Refinement Stage Gao Yuan from the Gao family had a red border, clearly an enemy. Meanwhile, an unfamiliar white-bordered avatar belonged to a cultivator at the Minor Meridian Stage, with a much more detailed description. Han quickly grasped the functionality of Gods Perspective. It was essentially a real-time map with identification features. No way green could represent enemiesthere was no world in which Senior Sister would be Hans foe! Damn. Guys, Ive got wallhacks. However, after a brief assessment, Han realized that this cheat wouldnt directly enhance his cultivation. Unlike the Grand Immortal Tree, which provided him with resources, this only granted him a broader, higher-level view of his surroundings. It could mark valuable resources, but Han wasnt about to rob the Cloud Dragon Market vendors just because their goods were highlighted. Ill need to think carefully about how to make use of this one. A Private Conversation "Young Master Han?" The Dragon Princess turned, softly calling out to Han, who had momentarily frozen. "Apologies," Han said with a polite nod. The Dragon Princess smiled. "Theres no need to be so formal, Young Master." Han glanced at her avatar on the mapher border was light green, marked as: Daughter of the Cloud River Dragon Sovereign Above his own avatar, another presence loomeda middle-aged man with the same light green border. Cloud River Dragon Sovereign So the Dragon Sovereign had been watching him all along. Yet neither the Dragon Princess nor the Dragon Sovereign seemed to notice Gods Perspective. The Dragon Princess led Han into a private chamber, where the air was filled with the soft fragrance of incense. Tea had already been prepared in advance. Once they were seated, she smiled gracefully. I had heard that Black Cloud Town had produced a peerless genius, but after meeting you in person, I realize the rumors understated your talent. You flatter me, Han replied modestly. Reputation was just thatan illusion, nothing more. This is a bottle of Dragon Spirit Nectar, a small aid for martial cultivation. Its a token of gratitude for your assistanceplease dont refuse. The Dragon Princess wasted no time, directly handing Han a jade bottle. This must be the gift that the Shrimp and Crab Soldiers had mentioned. Its not a particularly rare treasurejust the refined essence of a spiritual plant. Han took a closer look Wait. Isnt this just the "Dragon Blood" from earlier? According to Yun Duo, this was incredibly rare, barely appearing in past banquets. Unauthorized content usage: if you discover this narrative on Amazon, report the violation. His Gods Perspective also labeled the jade bottle: Dragon Spirit NectarEnhances Martial Cultivation Han noted another discovery: items inside storage bags did not appear on the map. Because they exist in a separate dimension? You neednt refuse, Young Master Han, the Dragon Princess said with a light smile. This nectar is produced in large quantities each year within the Dragon Palace. Its not particularly valuable. Hearing this, Han grinned and accepted it without hesitation. No need for false modesty. He had done the Cloud River Dragon Palace a favor, and they were rewarding him in returna fair exchange. Had he refused, they mightve thought he was an easy mark. As for whether this would seal their friendship True relationships were built on strength and talent, not token gifts. An Invitation Your master is Hall Master Bai, the Dragon Princess continued. I assume youre aware of the situation within Black Mountain? Han nodded. I know a bit. The changes within Black Mountain have unsettled Black Cloud Town. But let me be clearsomeone like you, Young Master Han, will always be welcome at Cloud River Dragon Palace. If you ever need assistance, my father is more than capable of solving most problems for you. Han chuckled internally. Was she trying to recruit him? But Dragon Princess, if you want to persuade someone, shouldnt you at least offer something tempting? This invitation felt insincere. Where were the true incentives? If youre trying to win someone over, shouldnt there be "Lets leave future matters for the future," Han said with a polite smile, declining her offer. Unlike when he first arrived in this world, he no longer felt the need to attach himself to a faction. He now had options. Interestingly, the Dragon Princesss avatar did not change color after his refusal. She held his gaze, understanding his stance, then placed a dragon-shaped jade token on the table. No matter what, if you ever require assistance, bring this token to Cloud Dragon Market, and I will help you. A single tokensurely you wont refuse? Han took it without hesitation. Accepting a lifeline came with no downside. They exchanged a few more words, but there wasnt much common ground between them. By now, Han fully understood The Dragon Princess wasnt recruiting him for his connections. She was trying to poach him from his master. Trying to lure him in. She was interested in him personally. Hah! Lusting after my body? Disgraceful! A short while later, the Dragon Princess glanced at the night sky and spoke: Its getting late. Young Master Han, why not stay at Cloud River Dragon Palace and rest for the night? My master is expecting us back. I wouldnt want to impose. Next time, for sure. If I go to the Dragon Palace now, its like a sheep walking into a wolfs den. Who knows what might happen? What if things escalate into imprisonment or binding scenarios? The Dragon Princess sighed in disappointment but didnt press further. Instead, she excused herself and left. Using Gods Perspective, Han noticed that she was meeting with othersYun family members, Bai Ruoyue, and the rest of Taibais disciplesoffering them gifts as well. So this is a reward for those who performed well at the banquet? When all was said and done, the Dragon Princess arranged for aquatic escorts to ferry the Taibai and Yun family disciples back to Black Cloud Town. A Conversation with the Dragon Sovereign On the third floor of Cloud Dragon Pavilion, the Dragon Princess stood beside the towering figure of the Cloud River Dragon Sovereign. Father, I thought you would meet him personally. If he were a slightly lesser talent, I would have, the Dragon Sovereign replied with a smile. But he is too extraordinary. Even if I had spoken to him, it would have made no difference. Would I win him over with a few treasures? A promise? Nosomeone like him will not waver so easily. The truly exceptional cannot be bought with simple gifts. Han: You say that, but you didnt even try! Send me gifts! Corrupt me! How do you know I wouldnt accept?! The Dragon Princess clenched her fists. But his talent is undeniable! In a month, he has already reached the Meridian Stage, and his soul cultivation is just as impressive. With the right backing, he could become a legend. I know, the Dragon Sovereign said. But we cant force him. Youre too impatient. And if you truly want to recruit someone, at least offer them something worthwhile. Junior Brother! What are you three doing out here? Bai Ruoyue suddenly popped her head out, staring at them. Han glanced left and right. No way to explain this, huh? Senior Sister, just come out and join us. Then youll understand. Returning to Black Cloud Town As the treasure ship glided downriver, Hans Gods Perspective continued updating, revealing the changing landscape. Cloud Dragon Market soon disappeared from the map. It seemed this cheat had a limited rangeit didnt encompass the entire world. With the aquatic escorts guiding the ship, they arrived in Black Cloud Town in no time. Han followed the group back to Taibai Martial Hall first. When Bai Tian appeared, Han took a quick lookgood, dark green border. Taibai Hall Master - Bai Tian After hearing about Hans performance at the banquet, Bai Tian was momentarily stunnedbefore breaking into hearty laughter. A fine disciple! An outstanding disciple! A Late-Night Decision After leaving the martial hall, Han hesitated. Should he go home? Or head to Lu Qingmos place? After all, it was already late at night Then again Wouldnt that make it even better? With that thought, Han immediately headed for the peach grove. Lu Qingmo hadnt retired for the nightor perhaps, at her level, she no longer needed sleep. Aunt Mo, Im back! Still dark greengood. Xuandu Sect Disciple - Lu Qingmo Han noticed an interesting pattern in Gods Perspective. Some people had detailed information displayed. For instance, Shen Yus profile included her full title as Taibais Sixth Disciple, along with her exact cultivation level. But for others, like Bai Tian and Lu Qingmo, the system only displayed a name and an affiliation. So the level of detail depends on my own strength? Thinking back to his past cheats, this made sense. When he first got the Heavenly Bank, he was incredibly weak, so it only gave him small amounts of copper and silver coins. But as his strength grew, the same cheat became more powerful. Likewise, Gods Perspective probably had room for expansion as he advanced. Of course There was also the possibility of pulling a completely useless cheat in the future. For example, imagine that one day Han became invincible, only to unlock a cheat that allowed him to sleep only three hours a night while feeling fully rested. Would that count as a cheat? Yes, technically. But would it be useful to an all-powerful cultivator? Not really. I already dont need sleep, and now youre forcing me to sleep three hours a day? This was precisely why the cheat revival system was so important. It would prevent him from getting stuck with useless abilities. Lu Qingmos Suspicion Up ahead, Lu Qingmo watched Han, who was staring at her intensely without blinking. A strange feeling crept up on her. She subconsciously glanced down at herselfher black robes were neat, her appearance unchanged, nothing was amiss. There was no problem with her. Which meant The problem was with him. Chapter 111: No More Talking—Let’s Get Started! "You keep staring. What are you looking at?" "Looking at your ident" Han snapped out of it. I was checking your profile information, but can I actually tell you that? "Nothing much. Just surprised by the Dragon Sovereigns power." He quickly recounted what had happened at the banquet. Lu Qingmo raised an eyebrow. You really cant say a single honest sentence, can you? "It seems the Dragon Sovereign is indeed unscathed," she nodded. "His display wasnt just about gathering lunar essenceit was also a message for those watching in the shadows." "There were people spying?" "Of course. Word of the banquet had long since spread. Anyone with a vested interest would be observing, trying to gauge the Dragon Sovereigns condition," Lu Qingmo explained. "Ten years ago, he did not personally take action during the banquet. But this time, he did. Those who matter will understand exactly what that meanshe wouldnt have done so if he were unsure of his own strength." She then pointed to the Dragon Spirit Nectar Han had received. "This will significantly aid your martial cultivation." "As for the Dragon Princesss invitation thats up to you." Han nodded, clear-headed about his own choices. Lu Qingmo continued, "Ive received word that Jade Capital is aware of whats happening in Black Mountain. The imperial court is currently discussing the matter, and a decision will be made soon." "My guess? Theyll send someone to take full control over Black Cloud Town and its affairs." Hans eyes narrowed. "Will they send someone from Xuandu Sect?" "Not necessarily," Lu Qingmo shook her head. "It could be someone from Xuandu Sect, someone from the imperial court, or both." "Xuandu Sect may be the state religion of Great Qi, but" She didnt finish the sentence, but Han understood. Xuandu Sect might enjoy immense prestige, but it was still just a sectdistinct from the imperial government. If representatives from Jade Capital were coming That meant someone from one of the most powerful places in the world. Late-Night Cultivation "You should cultivate. Even with your foundation, the wine from the banquet should still benefit you," Lu Qingmo advised. Han nodded and left his body, drawing in lunar energy to refine his soul. By the time he was finished, the night was nearly over. A New Day at the Martial Hall When Han arrived at the martial hall, he found his senior brothers and sisters in high spirits. "Whats with all the excitement?" Han asked. "Junior Brother, there you are!" Zhang Yuantao laughed. "No wonder so many people flock to the Dragon Sovereigns Banquetthe benefits are incredible!" Han chuckled. "Congratulations, Third Senior Brother, you''re one step closer to the Viscera Refinement Stage." The banquets wine was indeed more effective than regular spiritual herbs and far easier to absorb. Cloud River Dragon Palace had centuries of accumulationthey might not possess legendary divine artifacts, but when it came to high-quality treasures, they had an endless supply. Ghosts Under the Sun At midday, Han returned home and summoned An Lang in a shaded corner. "Step into the sunlight. Start absorbing it." "Huh?" An Lang blinked in confusion. "Young Master, I haven''t reached that level of cultivation yet" Are you trying to get rid of me? "I have a method. You wont be harmed." Han pulled out a protective talisman and examined it carefully before slapping it onto An Langs forehead. Now it felt right. "Youre enhanced. Go!" An Lang hesitantly touched her forehead, then glanced at the sunlight. The fear she had instinctively felt disappeared. This talisman actually works? She cautiously extended a single finger into the sunlight. The solar energy instantly surged into her body. Startled, she pulled her hand back. But then, she realized She wasnt burning. The energy, which should have been searing and deadly, felt instead gentle. "Young Master it doesnt hurt?" Han gave her a look of pure disbelief. "Did you seriously think I was lying to you?" An Lang lit up with joy and jumped straight into the sunlight, basking in it. After five years of being a ghost, she was finally feeling warmth again. At the same time, her ghostly body instinctively absorbed the harmless solar energy, strengthening itself. If only cultivators'' souls worked the same way Han mused. If they did, this talisman would be priceless. The First Step Toward Daywalking An hour later, Han noticed the talisman flickering, so he called An Lang back. She looked differenther ghostly form was more solid, more lifelike. "Young Master! Am I as strong as a Daywalking Ghost now?" An Lang asked excitedly. Han rolled his eyes. "In your dreams." "Even after absorbing sunlight, do you really think you could beat me?" An Lang immediately shook her head in defeat. "This talisman has three uses. Each session lasts one hour," Han explained. "Use the next three days to gradually adapt. Eventually, youll need to stand in the sun without the talisman." Stolen story; please report. Talisman stocks were limited, but An Lang was not. As long as she underwent enough exposure and refinement, she would naturally gain the ability to withstand the sun. Ghosts and humans walk different cultivation pathsat least in the early stages. A ghost that absorbed only lunar energy for a thousand years could become a peerless Ghost King, nearly unstoppable. But a cultivator who only absorbed moonlight would never progress past the Night Roaming Stage. Some ghosts even thrived in daylightSunlit Ghosts, for whom moonlight was deadly poison. Unlike humans, ghosts didnt need to balance energies. A ghost that could absorb both sun and moon energy would far surpass those that only absorbed one. Han wanted An Lang to be a ghost of both worlds. If she couldnt appear in daylight, her usefulness would be far too limited. "Dont worry, Young Master!" An Lang pounded her chest. "I can feel that absorbing sunlight has changed me. Ill master this soon!" "Good." Han nodded, wondering if An Lang had unlocked a new ability. He checked her profile using Gods Perspective. An Lang Her profile was the most detailed Han had seen so farlikely because she belonged to him completely. Even Gods Perspective acknowledged her limitless potential. And God wouldnt lie right? But the "future hardship" warning? Han made a mental note of it. The Earth TremblesBlack Mountain Awakens! Three days later. The protective talisman burned to ashes, its purpose fulfilled. An Lang cautiously extended her hand into the sunlight. She winced at firstbut then slowly stepped in completely, her expression shifting to relief. "Young Master! I did it!" Han nodded in satisfaction. After three days of exposure, her body had adapted. Many things in life followed this principlezero times or infinite times. Once you crossed a certain threshold, the rest became easy. An Lang, now absorbing both lunar and solar energy, seemed to radiate harmony. Suddenly, she closed her eyesthen opened them again. "Young Master, I think Ive awakened a new ability." "What kind?" "I can make the sunlight feel cold and the moonlight feel hot. But their nature stays the same." Hans eyes narrowed. Yin Sun? Yang Moon? This was likely a manifestation of her Yin-Yang Soul Reversal. An interesting ability. Perhaps it could help cultivators break through to the Daywalking Stage? "Train hardboth in lunar and solar refinement," Han instructed. "Yes, Young Master! Ill become a Ghost King and make the world bow before you!" "You dont have to aim that high." Also Who taught you to laugh like that?! Bai Tian frowned. Shen Yu and the others arent strong enough. If they enter with you, it could be dangerous. Master, trust me, Han assured him confidently. Im certain I can bring everyone back safely. Bai Tian fell silent. Your confidence is great and all, but youre only at the Minor Meridian Stage Master, really, Han said seriously. I would never deceive you or put anyone in harms way. This is a rare opportunity to hone our martial skills. It would be a shame if Fourth Senior Brother and the others missed it. I stake my talent on this. I stake my cheat on this. Bai Tians eyes flickered. This kid is he hinting at something? Ill think about it, Bai Tian finally said. He knew his disciple was exceptional, and he wanted to trust Hanbut this was still a risky endeavor. Preparing for Black Mountain Han left the martial hall and went straight to Lu Qingmo in the peach grove to discuss his plan. Some things were too complicated to explain through messenger snailsbetter to talk in person. Black Mountain right now is indeed a treasure trove, Lu Qingmo acknowledged. Theres a good chance some rare, priceless treasures will emerge. With your strength and luck, your harvest should be significant. But be carefulnever let greed blind you. How rare are we talking? Han asked, intrigued. So far, the treasures he had encountered in this world had been powerful, but none truly fit the title of a once-in-a-lifetime divine artifact. Even his Pure Yang Flame couldnt compare to the one cultivated by Xuandu Sect for countless years. A treasure capable of turning an ordinary person into a genius. A weakling into a powerhouse. A single item that grants lifelong benefitsone that defies fate itself. Black Mountain was already a sacred land for cultivation. But after the Mountain God failed to ascend, his shattered divine energy may have created such relics. Hans heart stirred. This actually sounds a lot like the treasures I obtained from the Grand Immortal Tree. Even the first and last special drops during the tree-felling buff period seemed to fit this description. But even if such treasures appear, they will be deep within the mountainfar beyond your reach, Lu Qingmo cautioned. In Black Mountain, greed is the greatest danger. She then handed Han a formation disk, explaining that it could conceal the aura of his moon-refining cultivation. Even inside Black Mountain, he would need to train. There would always be downtime. More Storage, More Fortune Aunt Mo, can I ask you for something? Lu Qingmo raised an eyebrow. What now? What do you need? Do you have extra storage bags? I do, she replied, puzzled. But why? Im worried that I might collect too much loot and run out of space. Lu Qingmo was speechless. Youre going on an expedition, not robbing a bank! She gave him a serious look. Black Mountain is dangerous. Viscera Refinement and Bone Refinement-level beasts are everywhere. Its not a place where you can just pick up treasures off the ground. If you return empty-handed, that would be completely normal. Your mindset is all wrong. Han felt awkward. How do I even explain my situation? Seeing his expression, Lu Qingmo sighed and shook her head. Fine. Since youre asking, Ill give you some. She handed him a ring and two bracelets, all with storage capabilities. Han beamed. Thank you, Aunt Mo! Youre the bestI like you the most! And before she could respond, he had already dashed off. Lu Qingmo shook her head with a smile. This kid and his silver tongue Master Approved! Time for More Bags! Back at the martial hall, Bai Tian finally agreed to Hans request. Everyone could go. Shen Yu and the others were ecstaticit seemed they had also been pleading their case earlier. But Han wasnt done. Master, I have one more request. What now? Storage bags. Lots of them. Bai Tian laughed. You really think youll be collecting that many treasures? Despite his amusement, he still handed Han a few extra storage bags. Young people had dreamswhy crush them? Once they entered Black Mountain, they would soon realize the realitytreasures werent just lying around. Yes, there would be more treasures after the earthquake, but there would also be far more fierce beasts. The danger had multiplied. Entering Black Mountain At dawn, after the earthquake subsided, Han and his six senior disciples crossed Cloud River and entered Black Mountain. The mountain range stretched vast and endless, its towering peaks shrouded in mist. At its core stood a single colossal peakthe true Black Mountain, once the Mountain Gods domain. Ever since arriving in this world, Han had heard countless stories about Black Mountain. By all rights, he should have entered long agohis senior siblings had all undergone training here. For the people of Black Cloud Town, this was a place every cultivator had to visit at least once in their life. But due to various events, Han had never stepped foot inside. Until today. Now, he was finally here. The Aftermath of the Earthquake As they ventured deeper, the destruction was cleartrees uprooted, cliffs collapsed, the land scarred by the quake. The towering trees formed a dense canopy, blocking out the sun. Bai Ruoyue and Shen Long positioned themselves at the front and rear, guarding the group. Senior Sister, which way should we go? Shen Yu asked. Theres no fixed path through Black Mountain, Bai Ruoyue explained. Too many martial artists have explored this place before. Well move toward the deeper regions, but we wont go all the way in. As she spoke, she noticed Han standing still, an odd expression on his face. Junior Brother? she called out softly. Dont worry. I know this is your first time in Black Mountain, but with your strength, youll be fine. Were here to protect you. Han shook his headthen noddedhis lips curling into an uncontrollable smile. If not for the people around him, he would have burst into laughter. Bai Ruoyue frowned. Whats so funny? Im laughing at No, actually. Never mind. Han waved his hand. Senior Sister, you all follow me. Ill lead the way! Everyone stared at him in confusion. Youve never even been here before. And now you want to lead the way? Han had just promised their master he would ensure everyones safetywas he about to lead them straight to their doom?! Senior Sister, you know me. Hans expression was dead serious. You know how accurate my intuition is. Bai Ruoyues eyes widened. Your intuition is acting up again? Its going crazy right now. Han stared at the map in his mind, where Gods Perspective revealed everything Everything was laid out before him. Tell me, is my intuition accurate or not? Tell me, can I guide you all safely or not? No more talking. Im leading. Follow if you want! Chapter112:When a person gains fame, they inevitably attract both admirers and enemies—even from peo But for those whose red borders never changed, day after day Han made sure to remember every single one of them. Never underestimate a cultivators memory! The ability to distinguish friend from foe alone made this cheat incredibly valuable. Countless people throughout history had fallen because they misjudged those around them. And if Han had time and resources, turning enemies into allies wouldnt be difficult. During his observations, Han even discovered the Gao Clans secret tunnel and spotted spies from different factionslike a man living in the Lin Clan, yet marked as a Gao Clan informant. Interesting. He carefully memorized all these details. None of these factions could have imagined that, without even making a move, all their secrets were already exposed. Maximizing the Cheat''s Potential But this wasnt enough. In this world, Han needed to fully utilize every cheat to maximize his growth. And for Gods Perspective, he had already figured out the best way to do it. Over the past few days, Han had scanned all the treasure vaults of the major factions in Black Cloud Town. He knew exactly where they were and what was inside them. However, knowing wasnt the same as takinghe couldnt just walk in and rob them. But this limitation gave him an idea. If he wanted to get the most out of this cheat with his current abilities, the best way was Treasure hunting. And where else could be a better treasure trove than Black Mountain? Its not like he could waltz into Cloud River Dragon Palace and demand, "Hey, Dragon King, open up your vaultI want to explore!" Plus, Bai Tian had already hinted that Black Mountain after the earthquake would be a gold mine. Han had been waiting for this exact moment. And now, standing within Black Mountain, Gods Perspective activatedeverything was laid bare before him! "I have walked the Cloud River with the Dragon Kingtoday, I shall walk Black Mountain with the Mountain God!" Skepticism from His Companions After Bai Ruoyue explained Hans "intuition", the group remained skeptical but ultimately decided to follow his lead. This story has been stolen from Royal Road. If you read it on Amazon, please report it They had confidence in their own strength, after all. Han simply smiled in response. You dont understand the power of cheats yet, so I wont blame you. Han carefully studied the resources revealed by Gods Perspective, planning the most efficient route through the mountain. Finally, he set their first destinationa cliffside. Follow me! His sudden confidence startled everyone. Standing still, thinking for a moment, and suddenly knowing exactly where the treasures are? Wait, is that even possible? That doesnt sound logical at all Bai Ruoyue stayed close by his side. Junior Brother, Ive told you beforeBlack Mountain is strange. A cultivators soul sense doesnt work like it does elsewhere. There are many restrictionsyou must be careful. Han nodded. He remembered. In Black Mountain, a cultivators spiritual power couldnt extend too farany attempt to do so would be instantly suppressed. Even worse, certain beasts would become enraged if they sensed soul energy scanning them. This was a built-in limitation of Black Mountain. But Han wasnt worried. I dont need spiritual sense to navigateI have a built-in radar. You can restrict cultivators, but can you restrict my cheat? As they moved forward, everyone remained highly alertexpecting beasts to ambush them at any moment. Everyone except Han, who seemed completely at ease. The Group Begins to Notice Something Strange After some time, the group realized something wasnt right. Huh? Werent the beasts supposed to be chaotic after the earthquake? Brother, what do you think? Honestly, weve encountered far fewer beasts than expected. Not only thatits even calmer than usual. And then, the discoveries began Thats Blood Spirit Grass! It strengthens vitality! Toughhide Leafexcellent for Body Refinement cultivators! Wait thats a Heartguard Fruit! It protects internal organs during the Viscera Refinement breakthrough! Senior Sister, to the lefttheres a Crimson Rock Tiger at the Viscera Refinement Stage! The group was stunned. Everyone here had been inside Black Mountain beforethey knew how difficult it was to find resources. Shen Long had even spent time roaming the most chaotic parts of Black Mountain. But this time The number of beasts was shockingly low, while the treasures they found were beyond expectations. In just a short while, they had already gathered eleven spirit plants. Normally, finding treasures in Black Mountain was secondarytheir main goal was combat training. Spirit plants were far rarer than beasts. But this time, it was completely reversed. Was Black Mountain really this bountiful after the second earthquake? But Bai Tians warning still echoed in their mindshe wouldnt have lied to them. So, there was only one possible explanation As they watched Han confidently leading the way, the shock in their eyes continued to grow. "Just how accurate is this intuition of his?!" They couldnt understand how Han was doing this. Treasure After Treasure Han avoided every unnecessary battle, only engaging when it was unavoidable. His overall direction led deeper into the mountain, but he planned his route efficientlymaximizing treasure collection while minimizing encounters with beasts. Collecting loot is more important. Fighting is just a waste of time. By the time they reached the cliffside, Han was feeling extremely satisfied. They didnt even need to fighthe just pointed out the treasures, and the team rushed in, killed the beasts, and took everything. The feeling of chopping trees was back. And this was just the beginning. Conclusion: The Hunt Had Only Just Begun As the group split into two teamsone led by Han, the other by Shen Longtreasures continued to pile up. They had never experienced a Black Mountain expedition like this. And at this point, they no longer cared how Han was doing it. They just knewthis was the best expedition of their lives. Chapter 113: Earth Shattering, The Blessing of the Mountain God, Ascending to Immortality, Fate Desc "Boom!" A hammer the size of a human head smashed into the side of a striped tiger, whose roar echoed through the air. The beast, comparable to a peak-level martial artist, collapsed limply to the ground. "It''s the Tiger Spirit Fruit! A mystical plant that can enhance one''s true energy!" Shen Yu shouted, emerging from the tiger''s lair and waving the fruit triumphantly. Meanwhile, Han was already busy carving up the tiger. There were parts of its body that were worth a lot. Tiger bones were beneficial for strengthening bones, and its pelt could be used to forge weapons... "Junior Brother, that hammer... you''re really good with it." Bai Ruoyue commented, her expression unreadable. "Senior Sister, this thing works way better than a sword against certain beasts," Han said with a radiant smile. "And it feels great to use." Each swing of the hammer was fueled by pure adrenaline. "I still think the sword is better," Bai Ruoyue shook her head. "At least it''s more stylish." "Black Mountain has really changed a lot," Bai Ruoyue mused, gazing into the distance. "Before, in this region, it was rare to see beasts at the peak of martial arts, let alone those at the Organ Realm." "But on our way here, weve already encountered three beasts at the Organ Realm. It seems like the deeper areas are starting to release their wild creatures." "Black Mountain now doesnt leave any room for lower-tier warriors to move around." "As for the beasts and the warriors... that''s not something we can concern ourselves with." Han packed up his gear and stood up. "All we can do is gather as many resources as we can and grow stronger." "Let''s go. We''re almost there, and Second Senior Brother and the others are already waiting." The three of them continued through the dense forest, where towering ancient trees blocked out the sky, making them seem insignificant in comparison. Since they split into two teams, they hadnt encountered any serious danger. Both groups had experts at the Organ Realm, which was enough to deal with most threats. After traveling a little further, they came upon a small, lush green meadow. The mountain range stretched out before them, its terrain as diverse as ever. Shen Long and the others were waiting in a nearby corner. "Junior Brother, Im really impressed," Shen Long said with genuine admiration. "Your intuition is spot on. Weve gathered nine more mystical plants, one of which is a treasure from the Organ Realm. I never thought spiritual plants could be so easy to find." "Its as if the treasures are growing right beneath our feet." They were skeptical of Han, then came to recognize his brilliance, and now, they were beginning to revere him. Junior Brother, youre our god! Han smiled. While the mystical plants were hidden in various secret places that others would never have found, he, with his "Gods perspective," had mapped out the route and figured out the answers. It was easy for him. It felt like picking up money from a sack. He was genuinely worried the storage bags might not be big enough. "Get ready, theres something good here," Han said. "But there are a few big guys too." With his divine view, the beasts hiding in the meadow were completely exposed. Three massive serpents at the Organ Realm, one of which was nearly at the peak of the Organ Realm, stood before them. Among the group, only Bai Ruoyue had the strength to deal with them. This was why they worked togetherTian Bai''s six other members werent just gatherers or storage handlers; when the time came, they could contribute significantly. If Han had entered Black Mountain alone, facing this situation would have been a real problem. There were few treasures as unguarded as the Mountain Dragon Branch. As Han and the others stepped into the grass, they noticed the plants moving without any wind, swaying like waves. If you encounter this story on Amazon, note that it''s taken without permission from the author. Report it. "One ahead, Organ Realm peak. Second Senior Brother, two to your left, entry-level Organ Realm!" Han shouted, and everyone immediately shifted positions. "Hissss!" A green serpent, over ten meters long, reared up and charged toward them. "Boom!" Upon impact, large swathes of grass were flattened, and the ground cracked into deep pits. Three Organ Realm beasts? Seven people could totally handle that! Humans were smart, and now, there were enough of them! The martial artists at the Meridian Realm surrounded the last beast, their swords flashing and hammers smashing, while the snakes tail whipped around. The battle was intense, and the terrain was soon destroyed. During the fight, the Nine Aperture Golden Pill and True Dragon Blood Soul Stone were releasing energy at an accelerated rate, which Han absorbed more thoroughly, making him stronger and more formidable with each passing moment. His performance even surpassed that of Zhang Yuantao, who had been at the Meridian Realm peak for half a year! When Bai Ruoyue finished her fight, she saw Han standing on top of the serpents head, delivering a final hammer strike. Bai Ruoyue couldn''t help but stare in disbelief. Junior Brother, youre going about this the wrong way! "Senior Sister Yu, go inside and collect the treasures. Senior Sister, help Second Senior Brother. Quickly dismember the beasts and take everything valuable!" Han ordered. "The nearby beasts are coming!" With his divine view, Han could already see many beasts rushing toward them. After issuing the command, Han put more strength into his hammer strikes, coordinating with the others to end the battle faster. "Boom!" Two serpent corpses collapsed to the ground, and everyone immediately gathered their spoils. Under Han''s guidance, they quickly made their escape. Moments later, loud roars filled the air as more beasts appeared, clawing at the remains of the serpents, fighting among themselves. The serpents were so massive, over thirty meters long, that Han and his group couldnt possibly carry all of them. They could only take the most valuable parts. After reaching a safe location, Shen Yu took out the treasure she had collected, and Bai Ruoyue gasped. "Dragon Vein Grass! So much of it!" At the Wanjing Trading Conference, one single Dragon Vein Grass had sparked a bidding war. Now, they had nearly twenty of them. A treasure that was nearly impossible to find in the capital city was now almost as common as weeds. This is the power of intuition! There was also a bright red fruit that seemed to be dripping with blood, but Bai Ruoyue and the others couldnt recognize it. Han, however, knew exactly what it was. The Serpent Soul Fruit! A treasure that could help with bone refining and purging impurities from the skeleton! Unfortunately, this fruit hadnt matured yet. The Serpent Soul Fruit would start turning green when it began to ripen, and when it turned fully green, it would be completely ready. This fruit was still bright red, meaning it was far from maturity. "How could there be so much Dragon Vein Grass..." Bai Ruoyue was stunned. "This must be the result of a blessed land, combined with the power of ascension," Han mused. At this moment, everyone finally began to understand the level of Black Mountain and the power of the Mountain God. No wonder it had drawn the attention of the Xuandu Sect, and no wonder the Heavenly Mother Sect had invested ten years into it. "Just thinking about such an opportunity... I feel so sorry for Tian Bai not being able to keep it all to himself." Bai Ruoyue suddenly remarked. Han laughed. "Senior Sister, youre really too greedy." "Junior Brother, does your intuition tell you if there are any Bone Refining Realm beasts in this area?" Shen Long asked. "No, the strongest ones are peak Organ Realm," Han replied. "Then how about we split into three teams? I''ll go on my own and take one route," Shen Long suggested, his gaze sharp. Han paused, considering the proposal while looking at the map. Shen Longs suggestion wasnt unreasonable. As someone at the Organ Realm, even alone, he would be safe. Even if a powerful beast appeared, it wouldnt kill him instantly, and there would be enough time for a rescue. Plus, with a smaller target, the mission was more manageable. "I think it might be too risky," Shen Yu said, concerned. "To gain more rewards, sometimes taking a little risk is worth it," Shen Long said without fear. He wasnt the type to say, "I want more resources, so you all go risk your lives." Instead, he would say, "If there''s a risk, let me take it." The most important thing was that after everything they had gone through, Shen Long had complete faith in Han now. The kind of trust where he could safely entrust Shen Yu to Hans care! "What do you all think?" Han asked, deciding to discuss this matter with the group. "Be careful, don''t break my little snail," Bai Ruoyue said, handing over her communication snail to Shen Long. In the end, everyone agreed to Shen Longs suggestion. Three paths: one for each team, all advancing together! However, splitting into three teams was already pushing it. The remaining members weren''t suited for solo travel, and they were also out of communication snails. Bai Ruoyue was capable of going solo, but she would never let Han go alone. Han quickly re-planned the route, and the three teams set off. "I feel like my cultivation is improving faster in battle," Shen Yu said cheerfully. Along the way, when they encountered weaker beasts, she was tasked with handling them. Gathering treasures was important, but honing ones skills couldnt be neglected either. Besides, it didnt take much time. "That''s only natural," Bai Ruoyue replied. "For martial artists, fighting is sometimes even more beneficial than spiritual plants." "If a martial artist can survive long battles, their strength and cultivation will surely surpass ordinary limits." Talented warriors from Black Cloud Town could reach peak physical condition in three to five years, advancing to the Meridian Realm. But if they spent three to five years in Black Mountain without dying, their power would grow exponentially. Of course, this possibility was nearly nonexistent. Han nodded in agreement, knowing this best. With the support of several treasures in his body, he became stronger the more he fought. After sweeping through their respective paths, the three teams finally reunited, each one brimming with spoils. Han had specifically chosen a location with powerful beasts guarding it as a gathering point, so they could team up to deal with them. He also noticed that Shen Long had taken out all the treasures he had found, showing no signs of keeping anything hidden. With his divine perspective, Han knew exactly what Shen Long had encountered and gathered, every detail clear to him. This made Han feel a bit guilty. He had been too quick to judge Shen Long. Han also noticed some martial artists who had been lurking in Black Mountain since the second tremor, surviving without leaving or dying. But he avoided them, choosing not to confront them. If he could quietly reap the rewards, why stir up unnecessary trouble? Plus, engaging with these martial artists would only waste their precious time. Chapter 114: "If Taibai Gets the Treasure, Then I’ll Drink Dry the Waters of Yunjiang" The sky was lightening as the sun was about to rise. Han was practicing martial arts, while the others were busy with their tasks. Bai Ruoyue, He Feng, and Shen Yu were on guard duty. Even though they had entered Black Mountain, they didn''t neglect their rest and trainingthough their training time was much shorter compared to usual. Combat was one way to grow stronger, but so was meditation and training. The two together made for even greater efficiency. This was already the third day since Han and his group entered the mountain. Bang! Suddenly, a sharp, cutting sound rang out, followed by a massive tree, thick enough for several people to hug, crashing to the ground, sending flocks of birds scattering into the air. The sound drew everyones attention. They all turned to look in the direction it came from. In the distance, they saw Zhang Yuantao, surrounded by swirling red energy, strike the ancient tree with an invisible force. True Qi breaking the body! Third junior brother, youve broken through? Bai Ruoyue exclaimed with joy. Zhang Yuantao slowly withdrew his energy, exhaled lightly, and smiled. Ive finally broken through after half a year of mastering the Meridian Realm. I must thank you, junior brother. Without the spiritual herbs you found for us, it would have taken me much longer to reach this step. A few days earlier, while searching the mountain, they had found a rare spiritual herb that was highly beneficial to Zhang Yuantaos current situation. They had taken it and shared it with him right then. Zhang Yuantao looked at Han with immense gratitude. Han waved his hand. Its your efforts that brought you here. Ive only played a small supporting role. Zhang Yuantao didnt speak further. His eyes said it allhe would never forget this kindness. Willing to walk through fire for you, junior brother! Good, good, good! Bai Ruoyue said, pleased. Now Taibai Martial Hall has three warriors in the Zangfu Realm! The prosperity of Taibai Martial Hall brought her joy. Expanding its influence was her dream. Fourth junior brother, fifth junior brother, you two must work hard too! Su Changan and He Feng smiled. They certainly wouldnt slack off. Both had been in the small stages of the Meridian Realm for quite some time. With the gains theyd made in Black Mountain, they were confident they could break through quickly. As for Shen Yuunless they came across an extraordinary treasurethere was little hope for her immediate breakthrough. As for Han... Everyone tacitly avoided comparing themselves to him. Through their days together, they had all noticed Hans strange abilities. Su and He were in the same realm as Han, each refining a Dragon Pulse Grass. After they finished refining, they compared their progress. If the herb boosted the latter two by one fraction, Han seemed to have gained three or even five times that amount. His growth speed was astonishingly fast. This was just from refining one herb. If they extended the time, the gap in their progress would only widen. Upon seeing these results, everyone was speechless. No wonder Hans training speed was so fast. But the resources they had used were identical, so in the end, they could only attribute this to... Talent. It was all talent. Junior brothers natural gifts were unparalleled, and with his secret techniques, he was just that strong. The facts were clear. Besides talent, there was no other explanation! There was no point in comparing themselves to such a freak. They should just focus on their own training. Over the last few days, Han had noticed his training speed increasing again, after initially slowing down due to the loss of the Great Celestial Tree. Celestial plants and the earthly spiritual herbs were no different; the latter could fill the gap left by the former. Moreover, since the changes in Black Mountain, Han was now gathering far more spiritual herbs than before. Today marks the third day since the earthquake. The cultivators in Black Cloud Town must have noticed something unusual, Han said. We must push ourselves even harder. Besides the Yun family, everyone else will probably just eat our dust, Shen Long laughed. They dont have a junior brother like ours. The Yun family was unique, after all, being descendants of the Mountain God. Still, we must not underestimate them, Zhang Yuantao shook his head. Taibai Martial Hall has only been established for a few years, and our foundation doesnt compare to other forces. There are far more Zangfu Realm cultivators than we have. If they form a group of nothing but Zangfu cultivators, its possible they could catch up to us if they just focus on pressing forward, without worrying about treasure hunting. Let them come! Bai Ruoyue said boldly, They cant possibly send all their top experts into Black Mountain. As for the Zangfu Realm warriors of Black Cloud Town, Bai Ruoyue wasnt afraid of any of them. The nearby beasts are getting stronger, Han, in his gods-eye view, spoke calmly. We still see Pimian Realm beasts at the edges, but Meridian Realm beasts have become rare. Deeper inside, the Zangfu beasts will be dominant. At that point, splitting into three groups might not work well. Shen Long glanced around, remembering the paths theyd taken over the past few days. Further inside, we would have mostly encountered Meridian Realm beasts before, with a few Zangfu beasts. The changes in Black Mountain are truly vast. Black Mountain, in the past, had Pimian beasts mainly at the outer edges, with a few Meridian beasts. The middle area had Zangfu beasts in abundance. Deeper within, Bone Refining beasts would dominate, and only the leaders of various factions or sects would venture there with some safety. But those at such high ranks rarely came to Black Mountain, as the risks were too great. However, the situation had shifted. The high-level beasts were now pushing out the weaker ones, and the overall strength of Black Mountain had increased dramatically. Pimian beasts had been driven to the outermost regions and were now barely surviving in the cracks. The beasts Han and his group had fought were far fewer than the ones slain by the beasts themselves in internal battles. Hans group wasnt traveling fast; after all, this trip to Black Mountain wasnt a race to see who could reach the finish line first, but rather a search for opportunities. With the influence of the "Ascension of the Celestial," there were indeed valuable things on the outskirts as well. And considering the current state of Black Mountain, their group wouldnt be able to venture too deep. So, they made sure to gather as many resources as they could along the way. I was hoping to take this opportunity to find the Bone Grinding Flower, but with the current situation, it seems unlikely, Shen Long shook his head. Where is that Bone Grinding Flower? Further into the middle section. There were a few Bone Refining beasts in that area before, but now There were probably Bone Refining beasts everywhere. This narrative has been purloined without the author''s approval. Report any appearances on Amazon. Han considered this for a moment. The Bone Grinding Flower wasnt completely out of reach, but they would have to go deeper to know for sure. The group continued forward, with Zhang Yuantaos breakthrough allowing Han to plan their route with greater freedom. One by one, spiritual herbs and treasures were being stored in their bags. In Shen Longs words, he had found more spiritual herbs in these few days than he had in several years of roaming Black Mountain. In Black Cloud Town, after yesterdays news spread, many cultivators rushed into Black Mountain, bringing back even more information. More active and ferocious beasts, a forest in chaos... Many cultivators were forced to turn back. Their strength wasnt enough to deal with the current dangers. They could barely survive near the outer edge, let alone venture deeper. The world had changed. For the cultivators, the earlier disadvantages meant they could only watch from the sidelines unless a martial team agreed to protect them into Black Mountain. But even then, there were still lucky martial artists who had brought back treasures from within. Black Mountain was vast. Hans gods-eye view couldnt cover all of it, and to avoid wasting time, he focused on grabbing the best treasures first. There would always be those with extraordinary luck, and Han never doubted that. The powerful factions moved in, their entire teams of Zangfu Realm cultivators directly slaughtering their way in, gauging their limits by the strength of the nearby beasts. The teams made up of Pimian and Meridian cultivators stuck to the edges, looking for scraps. This made Black Mountain even more chaotic. Ah! The screams rang out. A Meridian Realm team was torn apart by two Zangfu Realm tigers, their flesh and organs flying everywhere. Elsewhere, two Zangfu Realm cultivators eagerly entered Black Mountain, pushing deeper, only to be surrounded by a pack of wolves. The wolves tore at them relentlessly. By the time the pack moved on, only bloodstains and tattered clothing remained. A mixed Zangfu and Meridian team was harvesting a precious flower when suddenly, a rustling sound came from nearby bushes. A massive swarm of colorful poisonous snakes surged out, engulfing them like a tide. When the snakes retreated, only blackened, swollen corpses remained, their eyes wide open in death. This was just a small part of the chaos in Black Mountain. As large numbers of martial artists poured in, death became an ordinary occurrence. Unexpected encounters with beasts, spiritual herbs guarded by ferocious beasts, or other martial artists lying in wait No one could predict whether surprise or terror would come first. The treasure hunt? It felt more like a battlefield of slaughter! After so many lives were lost in Black Mountain, Black Cloud Town finally began to wake up. The Black Mountain was now a land teeming with ferocious, free-roaming beasts. A moment of carelessness, a stroke of bad luck, and death could come in an instant. The head of the Lin family had made a public appearance, advising all martial artists who had entered the mountain. In Black Mountain, everything is uncertain, and everything is dangerous, he warned. This is not our backyard. It is a forbidden zone where death lurks at every corner. If you enter Black Mountain with thoughts of easy treasure and wealth, death will be your only reward. No one can predict the future within Black Mountain, no one! Both Lu Qingmo and Bai Tianxin were deeply concerned, fearing that Han and the others might fall into danger as well. They agreed with the Lin family heads words. No one can foresee what will happen there, no one! It didnt matter whether they found treasure or not; the most important thing was for them to return safely. Ruoyue and the others they wouldnt act recklessly, would they? They needed to be cautious, always staying hidden and avoiding unnecessary confrontations. While some met their end, others were fortunate enough to come across treasure. Zhenyuan Fruit, this is a rare find. It can enhance true Qi and is also beneficial for those in the Zangfu realm, Gao Yuan said, holding up a purple fruit with great joy. He carefully placed it into an ornate box to preserve it. His companions, seeing his happiness, laughed and cheered. Though Black Mountain is dangerous, it''s still rich in treasures, one of them said with a grin. The Zhenyuan Fruit is an incredibly rare treasure. Were so lucky to have found it. Despite a few minor injuries, weve gained something so valuable. Fate is on our side, Gao Yuan laughed, his chest swelling with pride. Just a few hours after entering, and we already find a Zhenyuan Fruit. Theres no denying itmy luck is unmatched! "This treasure is truly invaluable!" So what if the people from the Taibai Martial Hall came in a few days earlier? If their luck had been any worse, they wouldnt have found any treasure at all they''d probably be nursing severe injuries or even worse, lying dead somewhere. Given their strength, I bet the Taibai Martial Hall people are probably hiding somewhere, trembling in fear right now.
"Another Zhenyuan Fruit?" Shen Yus voice was tinged with disappointment. She casually plucked the fruit and tossed it into her spatial pouch. "What''s that supposed to mean? Are you saying Zhenyuan Fruits aren''t good things?" Bai Ruoyue gave Shen Yu a light smack on the head. Shen Yu rubbed her head. "We just picked one when we entered the Black Mountain, and now we already have ten. Im getting sick of seeing them." "The Senior Sister''s standards are getting higher and higher," Han chuckled. "Heh heh," Shen Yu laughed awkwardly. "It''s all because my little junior brother is so amazing." Any treasures that exist along the route he planned naturally aren''t low-grade. Zhenyuan Fruits had already become among the more common items theyd found, the kind they just picked up because it was along the way. The trio walked leisurely through the Black Mountain, chatting and laughing with ease, like they were strolling in a garden completely unfazed by any danger. Occasionally, when they saw a butterfly, Shen Yu would chase after it with a smile, only after Hans approval. It was as if they were on an outing, sightseeing, and enjoying the mountains. Danger? Dont talk nonsense. Black Mountain has no danger. Its perfectly safe, alright? If you keep spreading rumors about it, Ill get mad! Picking up treasure like this isnt dangerous at all. Are you worried about straining your back or something? Ahead, Shen Long and Zhang Yuantao had already gathered with their group, waiting for Han and the others. Their target this time was a rare treasure guarded by four beasts at the Zangfu stagethe Vitality Tree and its associated treasures. The Vitality Tree itself could be used to craft magic weapons, and its fruits could benefit those at the Skin and Flesh stage all the way to Bone Refinement. If ten fruits were collected, they could even help those at the Washing Marrow stage greatly. The tree''s leaves, when brewed as tea, could enhance vitality and even extend one''s lifespan though the effects werent very strong. A genuine treasure, one that would trigger fierce competition in the county city, with various factions ready to fight for it, as it could serve as a foundation for power. Comparing the Zhenyuan Fruit to the Vitality Tree... Whats a Zhenyuan Fruit worth? Even facing the Vitality Tree, Han remained calm. Sorry, but treasures of this level? They''ve already collected more than one. Once youve seen enough, its nothing special.
At Tianyue County City, Ye Zhong turned to Yuan Fang and said, "You must have received the news from Heiyun Town, right?" Yuan Fang nodded. "The family has already sent experts to Heiyun Town. Other factions have done the same." Sigh Ye Zhong sighed. "Its a troublesome time. Who knows how many of our fellow cultivators will get trapped in Black Mountain." "Master, life and death are fated. Its no ones fault," Yuan Fang shook his head. "All the forces in the county and even higher-ups have coveted Black Mountain for years. Now that the opportunity is here, no one is going to miss it." "True," Ye Zhong nodded. "The mountain god is in trouble. Im surprised that the factions have restrained themselves and not sent overly powerful experts in, as a final respect for the mountain god." When news spread that Black Mountain was allowing outsiders to enter, many guessed that the mountain god had probably compromised. A dying mountain god was worth fearing, but it would soon perish. The affairs of the afterlife had to be considered. News of Black Mountain reached Heiyun Town just the day before, and within a night, the forces from Tianyue County had already sent their people. This wasnt the end, and it wasnt even the limit. As Yuan Fang said, these factions had coveted Black Mountain for too long. There were many places in the world that could be considered blessed lands, and some were even better than Black Mountain but most of them already had masters. Who would dare covet a blessed land with an owner? But Black Mountain was about to become unclaimed. And with it, a chance for the immortal realm to be discovered, even if it wasnt the full path to immortality that was still incredibly enticing. That morning, the forces from the county city started arriving in Heiyun Town. The two major families, the Courts Dao and Martial Divisions, four major martial halls, and various rogue cultivators all made their appearances. The majority of them were at the Muscle Meridian or Zangfu stages, with a few Bone Refinement cultivators mixed in. As for those at the Flesh and Bone stages, they might as well not have come. Everyones gaze was burning with anticipation as they stared at Black Mountain. One Bone Refinement cultivator from the county city went as far as to ignore the rules and entered Black Mountain to plunder treasures. But without a fight, he was swallowed by the cracks in the earth. This sight left everyone stunned. The mountain god had shown its power. After that, no one above the Zangfu stage dared to act recklessly, even the Bone Refinement cultivators from outside kept a very low profile in Heiyun Town, not daring to make trouble. The mountain god was dying, but it wasnt worried about them. They were only able to enter Black Mountain because of the god''s tolerance. Before the gods downfall, outsiders let alone Bone Refinement cultivators couldnt even enter Heiyun Town. The mountain god even further restricted access to outsiders, limiting the size of the groups allowed in after a certain number had already entered. If not for this, the factions from the county city could have joined forces and overwhelmed Heiyun Town. This was the mountain gods protection of its homeland. As for those who were truly capable of communicating with the mountain god directly? They didnt care about such trivial details let the mountain god handle it. Born in Heiyun and ascending to godhood at Black Mountain, the mountain god had protected the land for centuries. Even as it approached its death, it still considered its home something truly deserving of respect. That day, word spread that a warrior close to the peak of the Zangfu stage from the Guanding Martial Division had obtained a rare herb that could help him reach Bone Refinement. Other factions also had positive news to report, though none of their finds were as precious as the Guanding Martial Divisions. This news greatly encouraged everyone. As for the dangers? They had already mentally prepared themselves. By evening, there were occasional reports of good finds, but they werent particularly rare treasures. Some with lofty backgrounds began to grow suspicious. The people who went into Heiyun Town yesterday had collected more treasure than those who entered today, yet the truly valuable items were so few it didnt match the rumors of treasures everywhere and picking up money in bags. Where had things gone wrong? Some pondered, and others had their suspicions confirmed. It must be Taibai and the Yun familys doing! However, after looking at the Yun family and Taibai Martial Halls directions, they soon gave up. Neither of them was a faction they could afford to provoke. The Yun family was the mountain gods descendant. Who would dare make a move before the gods true death? As for Taibai Martial Hall, they only had one top-tier expert during the day, but even in the county city, this expert was considered elite, and there was no way to deal with him. Heh, lets just hope we dont run into any of their people in Black Mountain. Otherwise, well teach them a lesson! The talents of the county city were not to be underestimated. As for Han, the so-called "Heiyuns first genius" who reached the Muscle Meridian stage in a month? And Bai Ruoyue, who supposedly reached the Zangfu stage at sixteen? Hah, they talk big. If they have the guts, let them show themselves. Ill even say my disciple is the reincarnation of an immortal! Anyone can boast! But upon further investigation, the people from the county city began to feel something was off. Of the seven from Taibai Martial Hall, only two were at the Zangfu stage. The rest were all at the Muscle Meridian stage. This... What kind of rubbish lineup is this? Theyd probably have to hide and be extra cautious. They wouldnt even be able to get into the core parts of Black Mountain, let alone find treasures. If they could find anything valuable, then the waters of Yunjiang would dry up! Chapter 115: Bodhisattva Among Us On the evening of the sixth day since Han and his team entered Black Mountain, they found themselves in the middle section of the mountain range. This area was supposed to be the domain of Zangfu Realm beasts, but now, this level had become the minority. Savage and terrifying Bone Refining Realm beasts roamed freely here. Some guarded treasures, while others wandered aimlessly. Bone Refining Realm beasts were no joke. Each one controlled a vast territory, and as a result, the number of beasts in this area had actually decreased. At this moment, Han and his team were hiding in a dense forest. In the distance was a tigers den. This was the same place where Shen Long had previously discovered the Bone Grinding Peanuts growing. They had made their way deeper into the mountain, and eventually, Han and his team had arrived here. Theres a change, Han whispered. Bai Ruoyues expression changed. Has a stronger beast taken over this area? No, Han shook his head. There are indeed two Bone Refining Realm beasts here, but the more powerful one seems to be gravely injured, near death. ? Bai Ruoyue was momentarily stunned before her gaze turned into one of anger, glaring at Han. Isnt that a good thing? It seems that beasts from deeper in the mountain fought with the two tigers when they moved outward, Han continued. Shen Long was excited. This is our chance! No, Han immediately disagreed, his voice clear. A cornered beast will still fight; its too risky. If we were all in the Zangfu Realm, taking on these two beasts wouldnt be a problem. But the gap is too wide now. We need to come up with a plan. Everyone fell silent, thinking of ways to handle the situation. At this point, none of them dared to split up. If one of them encountered a Bone Refining Realm beast alone, it would be a disasterespecially for Su Chang''an, He Feng, and Shen Yu. Of course, no one minded them slowing down, as they had contributed immensely during the previous days when they split into three groups and brought back valuable treasures. Dealing with one Bone Refining Realm beast is manageable, but the other one, the heavily injured one Bai Ruoyue shook her head. The strength comparison between human cultivators and beasts was complex. Ordinary cultivators feared beasts, talented cultivators could suppress them, and those with powerful bloodlines could handle even reverse-heaven beasts. For Bai Ruoyue, controlling one Bone Refining Realm beast was much simpler than dealing with a human cultivator of the same realm. In the past days, whenever they encountered a treasure guarded by a Bone Refining Realm beast, they would often have Bai Ruoyue step forward to hold the beast back while they snuck in to claim the treasure. At that moment, Hans expression shifted as he looked through the divine perspective and said: I have an idea. What is it? Lead the wolves to devour the tigers. Awoo! Several strong wild wolves, led by the alpha wolf in the Bone Refining Realm, charged fiercely toward Bai Ruoyue. Her expression remained calm, without a hint of panic. She immediately began leading the wolves toward the tigers den. This was exactly what Han meant by leading the wolves to devour the tigers. With cultivators abilities being restricted, only Han, with his godlike foresight, could anticipate everything around them and make timely adjustments. Without this advantage, this plan could easily backfire. Bai Ruoyue dashed past the tigers den, and then, her presence instantly disappeared, as though she had vanished from existence. Han had also obtained some concealment treasures in the past month, and Bai Ruoyue herself had such techniquesdisappearing without a trace. However, the fierce tiger had been alarmed and immediately charged out of the den to face the pack of wolves. Bai Ruoyue circled back stealthily and asked eagerly, Has the fight started? Not yet, but it will soon, Han replied with a smile. These wolves will definitely catch the scent of the treasure, and the injured tiger inside the den wont escape their notice. Wolves are like that. They wont give up. If they were wolf demons, theyd realize this was a human scheme, but unfortunately, theyre just wild beasts. Sure enough, not long after, the wolf pack couldnt resist any longer and launched an attack. The injured tiger emerged, stumbling but still ready to fight. Even cornered beasts will struggle, and the dying tiger was incredibly fierce. Han, watching from the divine perspective, was startled. They had retreated far enough to avoid being caught up in the chaos. This wasnt just any tigerit could easily destroy mountains and forests. But with more enemies and the tiger already wounded, the two fierce tigers eventually met their end. However, the wolves werent unscathed. They suffered heavy losses. The alpha wolf in the Bone Refining Realm was drenched in blood, having been bitten by the tiger. Opportunity! Opportunity! Han whispered urgently, immediately leading the team toward the tigers den. Bai Ruoyue was the first to arrive and went straight for the alpha wolf. The wounded alpha wolf was just what she needed! Shen Yu, go into the tigers den and get the treasure! A few remaining injured wolves were left for the five of them to handle together. Shen Yus main role was to sneak in and steal the treasures. Without hesitation, Shen Yu agreed. Over the past six days, Han had proven his instincts to be reliable. If he said it was safe, it meant it was. Now, whatever Han said, Shen Yu trusted completely. Not long later, Shen Yu returned, but Hans expression suddenly changed. Senior Sister, stop fighting! Run! Han whispered urgently. Something big is coming, run, run, hurry! Another tiger-like beast had entered Hans divine perspective. It was in the Bone Refining Realmgreat success! This was beyond what Bai Ruoyue could handle. Before Han even finished speaking, the group quickly made their escape. Even Bai Ruoyue, usually so eager for battle, didnt hesitate. Trusting Junior Brother was never wrong. Phew The seven of them ran full speed until Han spoke again, signaling them to stop. They exchanged glances, all flushed, their energy and true Qi running high, but each to different extents. Hahaha, Shen Long suddenly laughed. That was exhilarating, truly exhilarating. This is so much better than being stuck in Black Cloud Town training all the time. A warrior should live like this. The excitement, the rush, the blood surging, and the heightened concentrationall of it made their martial artist instincts roar with life. In this vast wilderness, under the stars and moon, facing savage beasts, the essence of a warrior was fully unleashed. A warrior, blood surging, lawless and free, this was the perfect place for them. Han, still watching through the divine perspective, couldnt help but laugh as well. These six days had been a complete change of pace for him. The long chases, the constant battles, being the hunter and the hunted, the endless wildnessit had all begun to change Han as well. If you spot this tale on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation. In these six days, Han had fought countless battles, big and small, against beasts from the Muscle Meridian Realm to the Zangfu Realm. He was confident that within this month, he would reach the peak of the Muscle Meridian Realm. Indeed, fighting was the best nourishment for a martial artist. Lets recover for now, Bai Ruoyue said, pulling out some pills and dried meat. Everyone took their share, and Shen Yu also brought out the treasures she had obtained from the tigers den. This Bone Grinding Flower why does it look like this? Bai Ruoyue asked in confusion. Before her was a pair of twin flowers, their petals pure white like jade, with Qi flowing around them. They bore four jade-like fruits, translucent and gleaming, making ones mouth water. About a month ago, Second Senior Brother found it, but it must have mutated in the past month, Han laughed. After all, Black Mountain has undergone a lot of changes recently. The divine perspective clearly showed the information on the Bone Grinding Flower. [Twin Bone Grinding FlowerA rare treasure found only after searching through hundreds of Bone Grinding Flowers. A supreme treasure for refining bones.] Under the blessing of the Mountain God, this Bone Grinding Flower had evolved to a higher level. And since the fruit of the Bone Grinding Flower was already one of the best herbs for refining muscles, its mutated form must be even more powerful. It was only after realizing this mutation that Han decided to risk taking it. Otherwise, with the many Bone Refining treasures they had already gathered, there was no need to venture into danger. A mutation is a good thing, Bai Ruoyue said happily, putting the Bone Grinding Flower away. She wasnt keeping it for herself, but since she was the strongest here, it was safer for her to keep many of the treasures. Most of the treasures were held by Han, Bai Ruoyue, and Shen Long, while Zhang Yu and the others were mainly responsible for storing the valuable parts of the beasts they hunted. Bone Cleansing Juice, Jade Bone Frost, Vitality Tree, Rainbow Grass Bone Grinding Flower, Mountain Dragon Branch, Bone Stone, Sky Blue Fangs Bai Ruoyue gazed at her space pouch, grinning like a fool, her mouth practically watering. Han couldnt take it anymore. He poked her and said, Senior Sister, be a little more reserved. He hadnt realized before, but Senior Sister had a bit of a treasure obsession. Junior Brother, I cant help it. The treasures weve gathered these past few days have been too much. My heart is pounding so fast every day. Am I about to finish my Heart Cultivation? Bai Ruoyue put her hand on Hans shoulder, clutching her chest, swaying back and forth. "Without a heartbeat, wouldn''t that mean death?" "Hahaha." Laughter filled the air, full of joy. Everyone was pleased with their recent discoveries. Even in the county city, rare treasures like bone-refining and marrow-washing items were hardly seen, yet they had gathered quite a few over the past few days. As for the lower-level items, they were so abundant now that they were numb to it, no longer moved in the slightest. "It''s a pity we couldn''t find anything beyond marrow-washing treasures," Han remarked with some regret. With his Gods-eye view, he had gathered as many rare items as possible, but he had reached the limit with marrow-washing treasures, and he hadnt encountered anything more advanced. He had also spotted some marrow-washing treasures, but they were guarded by fierce beasts. Han wouldnt even dare to take a second look at them. The Gods-eye view wasnt omnipotence. Unless a powerful outsider came in, there was no way they could get close to those items. "Those kinds of treasures, unless they''re like the Mountain Dragon Branch and have no beast guardians, we could never get them," Bai Ruoyue said, shaking her head. "Junior Brother, you''ve done well." "In the past, treasures like those would only be found deep in the Black Mountain," Zhang Yuantao suddenly said, "It seems we haven''t met anyone from the Yun family, have we?" The Yun family must have entered Black Mountain by now, maybe even earlier, yet they hadn''t encountered them. Han, with his Gods-eye view, hadnt spotted any of them either. "The Yun family is descended from the Mountain God, maybe they were greeted by the Mountain God as soon as they entered," Han laughed. "It''s normal not to encounter them." For them, this treasure hunt was an adventure, but for the Yun family, it was more like coming home. Han and the others weren''t envious of the Yun family''s treatment; in fact, they felt relieved. It was better they didnt run into themafter all, they couldn''t go deeper into the Black Mountain, and avoiding the Yun family would ensure they didnt interfere with each other. "They''ll see their ancestors; well keep gathering our treasures. Everyone will have a bright future." After a brief rest, Han and the others continued their treasure hunt, but not long after, Han motioned for everyone to stop. "I see... My intuition tells me that people from the Furious Blade Martial Arts Academy are nearby." The Furious Blade Academy was just a signal. Soon after, people from other powerful factionslike the Gao family and the Tenglong Martial Arts Academyappeared. Six days into their treasure hunt, after spending more time looking for treasures, these later arrivals finally reached the same area. ... "Weve only been in the Black Mountain for a few days, yet weve already found four spiritual plants of the Zangfu level and two rare treasures. This mountain really is filled with riches," Long Yun and the three Zangfu realm martial artists from the Tenglong Martial Arts Academy whispered to each other, their voices full of excitement. Zangfu level spiritual plantsthese used to be impossible to obtain without spending days or even weeks in the depths of Black Mountain. But now, after just a few days, they had such great results. If the environment were different, Long Yun might have thrown his head back and yelled, "Who else is there?" "I wonder where Tai Bais group is now?" one of the martial artists, whose face looked old and worn, asked as he gazed around. Long Tianfu, the elder brother of Tenglong Martial Arts Academy''s head, had limited talent compared to his younger brother. Even in his old age, he was still stuck at the Zangfu realm, nearing its peak. They had come to Black Mountain hoping to seize an opportunity for another breakthrough into the Bone Refining realm. Cultivation was harshsome people could achieve in a few years what others took a lifetime to complete. It made no sense at all. "I think Bai Tian has gone senile. Of his seven disciples, five are in the Meridian realm, and he sent them all here. He might as well have sent them to die." Long Yun sneered. "Im afraid, by now, there arent many of Tai Bais seven still alive." The Black Mountain was no place for the weak. Even four Zangfu realm warriors had to tread carefully, fearing they might encounter unexpected dangers. Along the way, they''d had numerous close calls, and the most thrilling moment had been when they were chased by Bone Refining beasts for miles. Tai Bais seven disciples? A joke. "Bai Ruoyue is strong; they should have found some good things by now, maybe even Bone Refining treasures." Long Tianfu''s eyes were sharp. "I hope I encounter them. I cant wait any longer..." "The number of people is increasing," Han said, shaking his head. "If this continues, it''ll be hard to avoid them." Since discovering other factions groups, Han had been constantly adjusting their direction, trying to avoid any encounters. The teams that made it this far into the Black Mountain were all from the Zangfu realm. If they clashed, their team would be at a serious disadvantage. Most importantly, if Han wasn''t mistaken, everyone must have known by now that they had entered the Black Mountain early. Being the first movers, they had become a targetthere was a real chance they''d be surrounded and beaten up. "Ive slowed everyone down," Shen Yu said with self-reproach. Being newly at the Meridian realm, she was too fragile for the harsh environment here, but no one blamed her. It had been a unanimous decision to bring her along. This was a journey for self-improvement; they didnt want Shen Yu to fall behind. Han thought for a moment and then said, "Let me make a call... Ill contact the messenger snail first." He quickly reached out to the snail with the message he had left with Lu Qingmo. "Hello, can you hear me, Aunt Mo?" "Are you all in danger?" Lu Qingmos voice came through, a mix of relief and sudden concern. "Were fine, all seven of us are okay," Han assured her. "Were now in the middle part of Black Mountain, where Bone Refining beasts are rampant, and other factions have entered the area as well." "I wanted to ask, hows the situation outside?" After a brief pause, Lu Qingmos voice became sharper. Two Zangfu realm warriors, and five in the Meridian realm, had ventured into such a dangerous place? And how had they gotten there? Did the beasts give them a free pass? Lu Qingmo briefly explained the situation outside. Not only Tianyue County, but also neighboring Tianyang County and Tianhai County had sent people to Black Cloud Town, making the situation very complex. However, thanks to the Mountain Gods presence, things were still under control. After Han hung up, Lu Qingmo suddenly realized something. Wait This snail can be used inside and outside Black Mountain? She was stunned. Black Mountain restricted many powers, including basic spiritual sense and communication methods, but this snail was unaffected. What kind of treasure was this snail? Han considered his options and made a decision. "Heres the plan: Well leave for now, return to the martial arts academy, and then decide whether to go back depending on the situation." "Wait, were leaving already?" "We cant go deeper, and my intuition tells me weve gathered all the treasures we can. Staying here longer doesnt serve any purpose." Han shook his head. "Lets head out." "Lets trust Junior Brothers judgment," Bai Ruoyue decided. Since Junior Brother was so reliable, whatever he said went! The group immediately set off towards the exit. Though it had taken them a while to enter, leaving was much faster. Han deliberately chose a route that didnt overlap much with their entrance, and on the way out, they harvested another round of spiritual plants. Previously, they''d mostly gathered high-end treasures, but now they took everything in sightwhether rare or common, they took it all. With the Gods-eye view, the other martial artists never saw them. Everyone played by a different set of rules. "Youre in hell; Im in heaven." "Youre in a fog; Im a god." It wasn''t until they reached the outer area of the Black Mountain on the seventh morning that they encountered other people. Only a few factions could reach the middle of the mountain, so it was still possible to avoid them. But the outer area was too crowded, and avoiding anyone was impossible. Still, that was fineeveryone here was in the Meridian realm or lower, so Hans group wasnt worried. They''d been careful in the middle; now they''d strike with full force in the outer area! "Is that the Tai Bai Martial Arts Academy?" "Theyve been in for so many days, and this is the first time anyones spotted them?" "They all look fine, which is strange." "They probably didnt go deeper, just searched the outer area. Ive heard the deeper parts are terrifying." "They entered two or three days earlier, occupying Black Mountain. Even if they only searched the outer areas, they must have gotten a lot. Maybe they found one or two Bone Refining spiritual plants." "Jealous..." As they neared the edge of the mountain, Han ran into a familiar faceLin Fan, who had once wanted to challenge him but had backed out due to his unwillingness to pay for guidance. "Zhou, are you leaving Black Mountain?" Lin Fan asked curiously. "Looks like youve had a good haul." "We were planning to leave, but don''t mention itno treasures to be found," Han nodded and then let out a long sigh. "The Black Mountain is getting too dangerous. You wouldnt believe itevery five steps, there''s a Bone Refining beast; every ten steps, a marrow-washing beast." "We tried to go deeper, but it was impossible. We were chased by beasts, and the deeper we went, the more dangerous it got. We couldnt go on." "We thought entering early would get us some treasure, but we didnt realize the beasts were in a violent rampage. We couldnt get any rewards, and some of our senior brothers got injured. Weve been resting for several days." "Sigh... were leaving now. Never coming back." "Let me give you a piece of advicego back. Its dangerous inside, and there really arent any treasures. Dont risk it." Hans tone was sincere, with the heart of a bodhisattva. He couldnt bear to see fellow cultivators risking their lives over something that didnt even exist. Treasures? There were no treasures! Dont be fooled, really, for your safetyjust leave. Such kindness. Old Zhou was too kind. Zhang Yuantao and the others shared his sorrow, nodding in agreement. Bai Ruoyue and Shen Yu covered their faces, sighing repeatedly, their lips twitching. Shen Long wore a cold expression, making him look even more intimidating. And so, without much to show for it, the seven disciples of Tai Bai Martial Arts Academy left Black Mountain, having only circled the outer areas. As for stopping them, who would dare? The others were left in silence. Some believed a part of what Han said, but also doubted part of it. It was true they couldnt get into the deeper areas, and theyd caught the worst of the beast rampages. But to say they didnt get anything? No one believed that. But it was certain that their haul wasnt as big as it shouldve been. "Hahaha, Tai Bai Martial Arts Academy tried to get a head start, but ended up losing big. What a huge mistake," someone laughed. "Did they think they were the Yun family?" Hearing the laughter, Hans group quickened their pace, too embarrassed to stay any longer. Yes, youre right. Youve figured it all out. We lost big, we lost terribly. Weve bled enough to fill the entire Yun River. The Dragon Maiden is already well-fed on my blood. Chapter 116: It’s All the Mountain God’s Doing! During the day, Bai Tian was deep in thought, practicing in the backyard when he suddenly heard a commotion outside. His brows furrowed, then relaxed. Dad! It was the energetic voice of Bai Ruoyue. Youre back? he asked, seeing the seven of them, all in one piece and visibly stronger, their spirits lifted. Bai Tian nodded with satisfaction. Zhang Yuantao had broken through in cultivation, which he had already sensed. But what pleased him the most was that everyone had returned safely. Very good, well done, youve all grown stronger, Bai Tian praised sincerely. It was only right to praise his disciples for their accomplishments. He was one of the few, apart from the Yun family, who knew about the situation at Black Mountain. The fact that the seven had made it back safely was the greatest surprise of all. As for the treasures they had gainedif they hadnt found anything valuable, it didnt matter. Bai Tian didnt place too much importance on that. Bai Tian was already thinking about how to comfort Han and the others. No treasures? Well, its still possible to reach greater heights through hard work. Maybe it takes longer, but its not about rushingits about lasting in the long run. However, Bai Tian needed to clarify that this didnt include his little disciple. Dad, you have to reward us properly this time, Bai Ruoyue said with her head held high, looking extremely proud. Well, a reward is deserved. What would you like? Just tell me, Bai Tian responded gently. Hmph! Your stuff? I wouldnt even want it, Bai Ruoyue said, her arrogance evident, while the others just laughed and said nothing. Bai Tian was momentarily stunned, then guessed what had happened. Youve all brought back something good from the mountain, havent you? You could say its pretty impressive, Han smiled. Master, is it safe here? Of course its safe. No one from Black Cloud Town can spy on us here. Heh, then let us show you what we got today. Bai Ruoyue felt as though she were floating in the air, almost forgetting who was the father and who was the daughter. Oh? Bai Tian smiled, Well, Ill certainly be interested to see. Though he had some guesses, Bai Tian didnt believe that his disciples could have obtained a large amount of precious items. Perhaps a few medicinal plants or a bone-refining treasure? But what he saw next was beyond belief. Bai Ruoyue pulled out spirit plants and treasures from her storage tools, one by one. Han and the others did the same, pulling out parts from fierce beasts that could be used to forge weapons or aid cultivation. For many martial artists who ventured into the mountains, failing to find spirit plants could be forgiven, as long as they hunted some wild beasts. The materials from the beasts were considered a rare treasure. Some of the more unique beasts had essence parts that could be as valuable for cultivation as spirit plants. Spatial bags were incredibly convenient, allowing one to pull out everything with just a thought. But Han and the others insisted on taking things out one by one. Bai Tian first smiled, but then his smile faded, his expression gradually turning blank, then stiff, and finally, an incredulous look appeared on his face. As Han and the others displayed their haul, filled with spirit plants, treasures, and beast corpses, it was truly a spectacular sight. I You all This Bai Tian stammered, finally falling silent. With his experience, he could recognize most of the treasures. For the ones he didnt recognize, he could still feel the immense medicinal power emanating from them. But how could this be possible? Was I making a mistake in my cultivation? Did I fail to break through and instead began to lose control? Could it be that when I went into Black Mountain last time, I fell under an illusion? That everything after I left Black Mountain is just a dream? His little disciple had broken through his meridians in less than a month, and in just ten more days, had made significant progress. It was hard to explainunless it was all an illusion. The progress in his cultivation, all of it, was a mirage. So, had he succeeded in his practice, or not? Slap! Bai Ruoyue punched him on the arm. Dad, why are you daydreaming? Bai Tian took a deep breath, trying to calm himself, and looked at Han, his expression complicated. He had seen all sorts of situations, but this one was unlike anything hed ever encountered. Did did you do all of this? Bai Tian asked. He didnt need to think long to know that this couldnt be anything but the work of his incredibly extraordinary disciple. No one else could pull off such an impossible feat. It certainly couldnt have been his daughterfiery, combative, and full of bloodlustcould it? Impossible, absolutely impossible! Bai Tian not only knew himself well, but he also knew his daughters capabilities all too well Han raised two fingers, gesturing modestly. I did a little bit, but it was mainly everyones effort. Its all of our success. Modesty was a virtue, and Han was overflowing with it. Dad, dont listen to the little junior brother. Hes just being humble, Bai Ruoyue immediately interrupted. Im telling you, little junior brother is amazing! You cant even imagine how powerful he is! Bai Tian silently nodded, agreeing with her words. Yes, he really couldnt imagine it. After all, he was just a country bumpkin who had never seen much of the world. How did you manage to do it? Bai Tian asked. Well tell you later, Bai Ruoyue shook her head. Huh? Bai Tian was taken aback. Arent you going to tell me now? Weve informed Aunt Mo. Well wait for her to come over and explain everything together, Han replied. There are some other matters we need to discuss with you as well. You could be reading stolen content. Head to Royal Road for the genuine story. Im here. The voice of Lu Qingmo rang out as she entered the backyard, nodding toward Han and Bai Tian. After the others greeted her, she acknowledged them in return. As for Bai Tian, he simply acted like he wasnt there. After the greetings, Lu Qingmos eyes were immediately drawn to the pile of treasures. Her expression changed in a similar way to Bai Tians earlier, but with more restraint, as was fitting for a mature woman. Once she grasped the value of these items, her beautiful eyes turned to Han, glimmering with intrigue. Did you do all this? I played a small part, Han replied humbly. Once again, a virtuous young man overflowing with humility. Lu Qingmo gave Han a long, deep look. What else are you hiding? She felt sure there would be even more surprises waiting for her. It was strange, though. When her father immediately believed it was Hans doing, Bai Ruoyue was actually happy. There was a sense of pride as she explained Hans modesty. But when Lu Qingmo had the same reaction, Bai Ruoyue suddenly felt a little jealous. Hey, Ive been by your side since you were young! How come you always think of little junior brother first?! Even though junior brother had countless merits, aside from his tendency to make others mad with his words, he had no flaws. But still, she couldnt help but feel a little annoyed! How did you do it? Lu Qingmo asked. To obtain all of these, not to mention the fierce beasts guarding them, just finding their location isnt something anyone could easily do. Hans face remained calm as he answered, Its my intuition again. Lu Qingmo and Bai Tian both froze. You found all of this just by following your intuition? So many items, all found through intuition? That intuition must be unbroken, right? No, wait, what kind of intuition is this? Yes, exactly, Han nodded. Maybe its a bit frequent, but when it comes, I just cant help it. You guys arent seriously thinking Im cheating, are you? I, Han, am not cheating! Its true. We can vouch for it, Bai Ruoyue supported Han enthusiastically. Little junior brother just stood still for a moment, and he could accurately sense where the treasures were, where the beasts were, and how strong they were. Thanks to his premonitions, we never encountered any danger. We just picked up treasures as we went along, until we reached the Black Mountains heart. The group shared their experiences, making it sound like a vivid and exciting story. To Lu Qingmo and Bai Tian, however, it seemed like a dream. This wasnt what they had expected, nor was it what other martial artists going to Black Mountain experienced. After other cultivators entered the Black Mountain, it didnt take long before they encountered wild beasts, constantly pursued by these creatures. Hardly had they found a treasure when they were ambushed by guardian beasts, forced into bloody battles to seize their spoils. The seven of Taibai entered the Black Mountain, already predicting the location of treasures, charting the safest route with the least number of wild beasts. They leisurely walked along, effortlessly claiming treasures as they went. Their battles were calm, their knowledge of the guardian beasts movements giving them an advantage. They launched coordinated strikes, sometimes driving away wolves to catch tigers, casually collecting rare gems, and leaving without a care in the world. The first group was venturing into dangerous territory, where life and death hung in the balance, while the second group felt more like they were strolling through their own backyard. Bai Tian was envious. Had he known that his junior disciple had such an intuitive sense, he would have taken Han into the mountain much sooner to search for treasures. But now, it was too late for that. No, not just thatif he had known, he would have waited outside Hans door, eager to take Han in as a disciple the moment he turned twelve. If Han had been cultivating since then, ten years would have passed by now. Wouldnt that have meant Han would have soared to unimaginable heights? Lu Qingmo, on the other hand, was pondering Hans intuition. The first two premonitions had been surprising but acceptable. But this was different. Han had been receiving these premonitions far too often, and she couldnt quite wrap her head around it. Black Mountain... premonitions... mountain gods... Han... a genius... A light bulb went off in Lu Qingmos mind. Could it be...? Perhaps its the mountain god guiding you, subtly offering you hints that allow you to sense treasures and dangers in Black Mountain with your innate intuition, she said thoughtfully. Everyone was taken aback. It seemed to make sense. No, Aunt Mo, youre wrong, Han said, shaking his head with a grin. Its not the mountain god helping meits God. He gave me His perspective. But Lu Qingmos reasoning was compelling enough that Han couldn''t help but appreciate it. Why would the mountain god help me, though? Shen Yu asked curiously. I dont even have the surname Yun. Well, thats something only the mountain god knows. Considering Hans talent, a being of such caliber would have easily noticed his abilities, Lu Qingmo said, shaking her head. But this is just a guess. Its not definite. If it wasnt the mountain god, then it must have been something unique about Han himself. Lu Qingmo leaned toward the former explanation, but she didnt rule out the possibility of the latter. After all, Han had repeatedly proven his extraordinary nature. Who knows? Han said, shaking his head. When I have premonitions, I dont sense any external power. I use a cheat code, but how to turn the anomalies in me into something rationalthats up to Aunt Mo and my master. Its an old tradition. But the mountain god... Han realized that he had another potential way of communicating with the mountain god. One of the Eight Great Divine Incantations of the Dao Sect was the Land God Incantation, which allowed communication with mountain and land spirits. Han knew this incantation. However, just because he attempted to make contact didnt mean the spirits would respond. The mountain god is too far-reaching, and not something we should overthink, Lu Qingmo said, shaking her head. What are your plans once you leave the mountain? Well send Sister Yu and the others out first, then head back in to continue treasure hunting! Han said confidently. Master and I, along with Senior Sister, will be able to cover a wider range of space. Even if we encounter other teams from the Zangfu Realm, we can retreat if we cant win. This was too good an opportunity for Han to waste, a chance to use his divine perspective to its full potential. Though many treasures had already been taken, there were still some less valuable spiritual plants to collect. Brother Shu had left temporarily, so no wild spiritual plants should go to waste. Whats mine is mine. Bai Tian was dumbfounded. Youve already taken most of the good stuff. If other people find out, theyll probably come after you. Lucky for you, others didnt run into you in the middle of the mountain, or you wouldnt have made it out alive. Maybe the treasures will grow back, Bai Ruoyue said with a sly grin. After all, this is a huge opportunity. And when we go back into the Black Mountain, we can do so openly, which will prove that we didnt really gain much before. Bai Ruoyue proudly lifted her chin. Pretty clever, right? The mountain gods blessings cant work miracles every time. Its not like rare treasures just grow overnight, Bai Tian said, shaking his head. Theres a special event that causes the ground to shake, which makes spiritual plants mature overnight. Other times, theres some acceleration, but its not instantaneous. However, the three of you are in the Zangfu realm, and Hans strength is not to be underestimated. Even if its not for resources, you can still continue to hone your martial arts and improve yourself. Bai Tian didnt oppose them going back in. After all, with Hans exceptional abilities, he would be able to help them handle most crises. Rest first, then head back in. Lu Qingmo spoke up. Thats our plan too, Han nodded. But we have one question: If we meet other cultivators in Black Mountain, whats the best course of action? Dont pick fights, but dont let anyone harm you either, Bai Tian said without hesitation. If they show malice, dont hold back. Do what you need to do. I can handle the pressure. That was clear enough for Han. Tonight, come to the peach orchard. Ill see if youve been slacking in your cultivation, Lu Qingmo added. Yes, Aunt Mo. Looks like Aunt Mo was going to personally guide him, offering advice and pushing him forward! Afterward, Lu Qingmo left. Han and the others had important business to attend todividing up the treasures! Master, is there anything here you could use? Han asked, offering up the spoils. If Bai Tian could make use of anything, it would be even more meaningful. Bai Tian shook his head. If this were a few years ago, some of these treasures would have been useful for me, but now theyre of no use. You should take them. Han was disappointed but shared the treasures with the others. Most of the rare items like Bone Cleansing and Spirit Purification were not yet useful to anyone, as they needed specialized cultivation methods to maximize their effects. Without those techniques, they would only provide partial benefits. The focus was on treasures for the Meridian and Zangfu realms. Without a doubt, Han had earned the most from this treasure hunt, and he was taking the lions share, so the others prioritized his needs. The highest-quality treasures went to Han. Although Han hesitated a little, everyone agreed that this was the right choice. These treasures would be enough for Han to enjoy a steady supply of spiritual plants for a long time. They divided the spoils into three groups, and within a few days, each team had covered a route and collected at least seven or eight spiritual plants. There were even several bounties of Dragon Vein Grass! The life of freely collecting spiritual plants had returned. The remaining Meridian realm treasures were claimed by Su, He, and Shen, all of them in high spirits. As for the Zangfu treasures, they couldnt all go to Bai Ruoyue and the othersespecially not to Han. Without you, and without all of you, we wouldnt have been able to get these things. If you dont want them, we dont want them either, Bai Ruoyue said firmly. Right, Shen Long and Zhang Yuantao echoed. Bai Tian watched on, pleased to see that no arguments arose over the treasures, and the group remained united. He couldnt help but feel satisfied. He had made the right choice when taking Han as a disciple. Though it had been a swift decision, he hadnt taken it lightly. Others like Zhang Yuantao had come from humble beginnings, but Bai Tian had observed and ensured they were worthy before bringing them into his fold. So, Taibai disciplesgood character was guaranteed. After the treasure distribution, everyone went off to rest and continue their cultivation, brimming with energy. Especially Su Changan and He Feng, both filled with ambition and ready to push themselves to the limit in their training. Though they didnt possess Hans talent, the two of them had been building up their cultivation for a while and were now on the brink of a breakthrough. At that moment, Taibai presented a thriving, vibrant scene. The future was bright! Soon, the news of the Taibai Seven leaving the mountain spread through the Black Cloud Town. Hans words at the Black Mountains edge, spoken to Lin Fan, were also quickly shared among the people. There were those who didnt believe, those who mocked, those who celebrated, and those who remained indifferent. Some even felt a surge of excitement in their hearts. Help me upI can do this! Chapter 117: Black Cloud’s First Mentor of Heroes ect. "Don''t worry, I wont ask anything inappropriate. I just want to understand whats inside." "Yuan Fang always stops me, saying that people die all over the place inside. I had to ask my mother to allow me to come out." Han looked at the golden-white object Yuan Hua handed over, a bit puzzled. But this second-generation kid wasnt as capable as Meng Hao. "You dont need to do this," Han said, feeling a bit awkward. "I can share some information, but if my words mislead you and you end up in danger, it would be my fault." Han didnt want the Yuan family to blame him if something happened to Yuan Hua. After all, Yuan Hua was just at the Meridian realm. "Dont worry, Ive brought a few guards from the Dirty Organs realm, and my mother allowed me to go into the mountain." Well, if thats the case... Since Yuan Hua was so thoughtful, Han didnt mind telling him a few less important things. "Black Mountain is indeed very dangerous right now. Many martial artists have died..." Han shared some of the reality of the situation, more brutal and truthful than the rumors. From his perspective, he had seen too many martial artists fall in the corners of Black Mountain, unnoticed. "Yuan Hua, you really dont need to take unnecessary risks by entering Black Mountain," Han warned. Yuan Hua smiled. "Dont worry, I wont go too deep." Han didnt continue the conversation. "How about joining us in the mountain?" Yuan Hua asked, an invitation in his tone. "Don''t worry, if there''s any gain, you''ll share in it." Han refused politely. "You have no boundaries, Yuan Hua. Weve just met." "I wouldnt even accept your brothers invitation, let alone yours. What if you''re planning to trick me into going in and then take my kidneys?" "Well then, Ill not keep you any longer," Yuan Hua said, bidding Han farewell. "Whenever you visit the county town, come to the Yuan family. Well treat you well!" "There are so many fun things to do in the county town. I guarantee youll have a blast," he added with a sly grin. Han immediately understood Yuan Huas implications, and his expression became somewhat subtle. Damn, I envy these rich young masters. I want to live a life of luxury too! After Yuan Hua left, Han returned to the martial arts hall. Not long after, someone else came to find him, someone from the county town that Shen Yu didnt recognize. Han wondered when he had so many friends in the county town. As he approached the door, Han ran into a familiar faceLi Wu, the young man who entered the hall with him before. The girl who had entered with him wasn''t by his side. "Brother Zhou!" Li Wu shouted excitedly. "Do you remember me?" "Li Wu, son of Li Shu, right?" Han smiled and nodded. Of course, he remembered. Over a month ago, Li Wu was rebellious, and Han preferred the way he was back then. But no need to go back to that. Noticing the sword at Li Wu''s waist, Han asked, "Hows your cultivation going? Planning to learn swordsmanship?" Li Wu nodded excitedly. "I completed the Nourishing Realm a few days ago. Now Im working towards the Flesh Realm. After that, Im going to learn the Taibai Sword Technique." "Ill definitely break through in four months." Han had some doubts. Nourishing Realm? Did it take you around a month to finish? I dont think I ever went through that? Oh, it must be that I naturally went through that transition stage. Well, no matter. Ambitious, but Taibai Sword Technique? You might not have the chance. Zhang Yuantao and the others entered their realms within a month, even within ten days, and started drawing their first internal breath. For geniuses, it wasnt difficult. Though Han thought this, he didnt want to discourage Li Wu. "Thats a good goal. You should be able to enter the realm in four months. But there are other martial arts in Taibai. You should choose the one that fits you best, step by step, no need to rush." He didnt give Li Wu unrealistic expectations but offered practical encouragement. Sometimes, setting unrealistic goals only delays people. The author''s content has been appropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon. Li Wu nodded vigorously, his expression full of admiration. Young man, your personality is ever-changing. After talking to Li Wu, Han stepped out and saw a man he didnt recognize. "Taibai Han?" The man scrutinized Han. "I heard you went from being an ordinary person to reaching the Meridian realm in just twenty days. Youre said to be Black Cloud Towns greatest prodigy?" "I dont believe it. Fight me!" Han sighed inwardly. Seriously, who cares if you believe it? So, this was a challenger. People never seem to get over fame and fortune, unlike him, calm and indifferent. Hes gotten so many treasures from Black Mountain, but has he boasted about it? "Leave. Im not accepting your challenge." Where do these random people come from, thinking they can challenge him? Han turned to walk away, but the man rushed forward. "Dont walk away. Are you afraid?" "Yeah, yeah, totally." Seeing Han remain unfazed, the man, frustrated, quickly took a few steps forward to follow him. Han didnt turn around but moved toward Li Wu and borrowed his sword. "Let me borrow this." "Whoosh!" With a swing, the challenger didn''t even finish introducing himself before being knocked flying, crashing into the ground, his robe torn and blood seeping out. Han had shown mercy, leaving him with just a light injury. "The Martial Arts Academy follows the laws of Great Qi. No one is allowed to enter without an invitation or formal entry notice." Han didnt even look back, walking into the academy and leaving the fallen challenger behind, along with a crowd of stunned onlookers. Li Wu, still in a daze, quickly ran to catch up with Han. "Big Brother Zhou..." "Nice sword, keep practicing. Thanks." Han said with a smile, leaving only his back to Li Wu, looking carefree. Of course, he hadnt damaged Li Wus swordsuch a disgraceful thing was something Han would never do. Li Wu stood frozen for a while, finally snapping out of it. He looked at the sword in his hand, waved it a few times, then cradled it in his arms like a treasure. Heh, Big Brother Zhou used my sword, and it defeated a martial artist at the Meridian Realm. He even praised it as a good sword... Li Wu decided he would treat this sword as his family heirloom and would never trade it for any weapon, even a refined one! Even if it were a weapon of war... Well, he might consider it... Being young and impulsive, Li Wu quickly went to boast about this to the apprentices, garnering a wave of envy. On Hans first day at the martial arts school, he met Bai Tian, which made some people feel uneasy, jealous, and provocative. As Hans cultivation grew stronger, these thoughts naturally vanished. How could mere mortals envy the suns radiance? Soon after, Han ran into trouble. The challenges kept coming, all from people who heard of his fame and sought him out. In the past few days, martial artists from other places had learned about the situation in Black Cloud Town and realized it wasnt as weak as it seemed. Being called the first genius here, the rumors surrounding Han were quite extraordinary, and they thought there must be some truth to themthough perhaps not much. But it was still worth a try. If they won, theyd gain fame far and wide. The lure of fame was too great. Throughout history, how many people could truly see through fame, and how many could ignore profit? This was what frustrated Han. After attempts to dissuade the challengers failed, in a fit of anger, Han made a sign and placed it at the door of the martial arts school: The Taibai Martial Arts School is not accepting visitors for now. Those who intrude will be dealt with by the Great Qi Dynasty. However, the first genius of Black Cloud Town, moved by your sincere desire for the path, is willing to guide the heroes from all corners. Any challenger must provide a spirit plant corresponding to their realm or an item of equal value. After defeating my six Taibai disciples, they may receive one teaching session from the first genius of Black Cloud Town. The first person to visit will receive special treatment and be directly guided by the first genius of Black Cloud Town! Payment before combat, no credit offered! Taibai, Han Was this arrogant? Of course it was, to the extreme. Fighting with you was a senior teaching a junior; it was a way to guide you. Fighting was also a form of cultivation. Battling a person was quite different from fighting beasts. If someone was willing to offer a spirit plant, Han would be happy to oblige. Once the sign went up, visitors were immediately enraged. "How arrogant! Who does he think he is? One spirit plant for guidance from a Meridian Realm martial artist? And we have to fight his six disciples first?" "Does he think he''s a martial arts grandmaster?!" "Who even are these Taibai disciples?" "A sixteen-year-old girl who just broke through to the Meridian Realm a couple of months ago." "Ugh, what a greedy worm. Hes gone mad for spirit plants!" "We came here to find treasure, and now he wants to take ours? What kind of world is this!" Many cursed under their breath, eager to beat Han up, but they didnt dare to. Because outside the Taibai Martial Arts School, two guards from the Great Qis Second Division stood watch. Though their cultivation wasnt highjust in the Flesh RealmHan had invited them, including Lu Qingmo, to stand guard. Despite their low cultivation, no one dared to act against them in public. If you ignore the court privately or even attack the court, they can turn a blind eye. But if you dare interfere with court officials doing their duty in public? That was a different matter. The private property of the Great Qis citizens was sacred and inviolable! Many challengers left angrily. When something comes with a cost, people are no longer so willing to act on impulse. The Taibai Martial Arts School became peaceful, and no one visited for quite some time. However, there were still some rich, rational people, as well as passionate young individuals. One day, a figure in a Daoist robe, holding a long spear, arrived at the entrance of the Taibai School and threw a spirit plant on the ground. "I am Chen Xiao from the Fengming Daoist Temple in Tianyue County, here to seek guidance!" The Fengming Daoist Temple was one of the two major temples in the county city and the dominant power in Tianyue County. The temples master taught Daoist techniques, but also trained warriors to protect the Daoists, as cultivators in the early stages were fragile and needed bodyguards. "Chen Xiao? Ive heard of him. Hes a rising star from the Fengming Temple, a famous genius, and a disciple of a Washing Marrow Realm expert!" "Heh, lets see how Han reacts now. Hes probably just a soft-shelled shrimp!" "..." People discussed, and one mentioned Chen Xiaos backgrounda disciple of a Washing Marrow Realm martial artist! Han appeared, took a glance at Chen Xiao, and saw that he was in the Meridian Realm. "Youre the first to ask for guidance. You can challenge me directly." "No need to change locations, we can fight right here." It would be over soon anyway. Chen Xiao charged with his spear, and Han immediately saw his cultivationjust entering the Meridian Realm. Han couldnt help but smile. It had always been him defeating stronger opponents, but now he had the chance to fight a weaker one. Han didnt dodge. The Taibai sword remained in its scabbard. "Wham!" Hans sword moved first, striking Chen Xiaos hand with unmatched power. The spear slipped from his grasp. "Clang!" The weapon fell to the ground, and Chen Xiao froze. The onlookers fell silent. No words were neededthe difference was clear. Strength and speed, both were inferior. As a martial artist, if you were inferior in these aspects, what was there to fight for? Could you possibly cheat? Han looked at Chen Xiao for a moment, then turned and returned to the martial arts school. He was puzzled. Anyone accepted as a disciple by a Washing Marrow Realm expert must have some talent. But why did he feel so... weak? How could a genius from the county city be outdone by a small-town guy like him? Was this really it? But he had to admit, the feeling of defeating someone weaker was quite satisfying. "Good weapon, good spirit plant." All these were good, except... The person was wrong. Chapter 118: A Silent Victory The news spread quickly through Black Cloud Town: an exceptional disciple from Windy Path Dao Temple had been defeated in a single strike, unable to even block the sword, not even the unsheathed one. As one of the regional powerhouses, the reputation of this Dao Temple was well-known, and its prestige was respected across neighboring counties. However, this disciple, a practitioner in the Bone Cleansing Realm, couldnt even withstand the blow of their opponent. Naturally, people were left in shock. Didnt the news get reversed? Shouldnt it be Windy Path Dao Temples disciple defeating the so-called "Taibai Han" with a single sword? Whos really the country bumpkin here? In an unseen corner, Chen Xiaos resentment brewed. Who spread the rumor that Taibai Han was just a novice in the Meridian Realm? Thats pure slander! He was clearly at the small completion stage of the Meridian Realm! Chen Xiao was furious. If it werent for everyone saying Han was merely a beginner in the Meridian Realm, why would he challenge him, using precious spiritual herbs? He had no intention of picking a fight with someone above his level! He didnt want to fight weak against strong. He wasnt crazy! Fighting martial arts wasnt about throwing money away! Chen Xiao fumed. The rumors had misled himhe just wanted to know who started them. But, being cunning, he chose to keep this fact hidden. The more he thought about it, the angrier he became. He couldnt let himself be the only one to suffer. And the real experts? They wouldnt just sit at the Taibai Martial Hall, waiting for others to challenge Han. Elite martial artists at the Bone Refining Realm in Black Cloud Town were discreet, and those at the Organs Realm had retreated to Black Mountain. So, the bystanders who witnessed Chen Xiaos defeat failed to recognize Hans true strength. Thus, Chen Xiaos "scheme" worked. "Falling Rain Martial Hall, Ni Zhengang, here to challenge!" "Who is this?" "An outstanding disciple from one of the four great martial halls of the county city, in the small completion stage of the Meridian Realm!" "Hiss, no wonder he dared to challenge after Chen Xiao''s defeat, his realm is higher." Instead of spiritual herbs, Ni Zhengang presented two valuable healing pillsrare currency in Black Cloud Town. Seeing the treasures, Shen Yu stepped forward to fight. Though Han said she could sit this one out, since Ni''s realm was higher, Shen Yu still wanted to try. Her requirement was that anyone challenging Han would first need to defeat her. She was no slouch! So, Han indulged his senior sisters wish. After all, Bai Tian was observing in secret, so there was no chance of anything going wrong. Predictably, Shen Yu was defeated, but she wasnt discouraged. Ni Zhengangs martial arts and techniques were just as good as hers, and his realm suppressed her. Losing was expected. As long as she learned something from it, that was enough. After all, Bai Ruo Yue from Taibai Martial Hall was already a monstrous talent. Not every disciple could break through realms in battle. They were exceptional within their own rank, but when facing independent cultivators, they could still hold their own even against those a small stage above them. But the disciples challenging Taibai this time came from a stronger sect. If every Taibai disciple was expected to fight above their rank in any situation, then Bai Tian would have to be replaced by Taibai Jinxing as the hall master "Ni Zhengang?" "Indeed." Han nodded, sheathed his sword, and turned away. "Come again next time." Why accept the challenge? Apart from the appearance fee, it was quick and easyjust a minute or two at most. Shen Yu followed Han, joyfully skipping behind. "Little Junior Brother is amazing!" Silence reigned at the Taibai gate. A small completion of the Meridian Realm couldnt defeat a beginner? Could it be that Black Cloud Town was the true capital of Tianyue County, and Tianyue City was actually a rural backwater? Ni Zhengang was furious. "Chen Xiao, you hid the truth!" If you didnt say it, then I wont either! "Lets keep our secrets." However, Ni Zhengang was still deeply shocked. He had lost to someone of the same realm in a single strike. Truly terrifying. When word spread that another outstanding disciple from Falling Rain Martial Hall had followed in Chen Xiaos footsteps and been defeated, some people finally took interest. They gathered at the Taibai gate to observe in secret. Could this "Black Cloud''s number one genius" really be that extraordinary? "The Great Thunderstorm Temple, Zhen Fao, comes to challenge!" A monk, slightly higher in realm but not yet at the grand completion of the Meridian Realm, arrived, offering Buddhist medicinal secrets in exchange for Hans guidance. Han, with a heart as kind as a Bodhisattva, couldnt bear to disappoint him. But alongside this compassion, Han also possessed the "methods of the Buddha." "They are a bit stronger than those two, but not by much." This referred to the three of them being at the same realm. Another swift comment, another graceful figure leaving, and once more, a silent gate. As Zhen Faos words fell, Hans figure began to fade. "Youre not just a beginner in the Meridian Realm, youre at small completion?!" The honest man finally spoke. Han stopped, looked back at the rare Buddhist medicine, and answered the question. Unauthorized tale usage: if you spot this story on Amazon, report the violation. "When did I ever say I was just a beginner in the Meridian Realm?" "Thats what everyone says." "Who am I?" "Han." "You know my name, not what others call me." Han disappeared, leaving behind increasingly silent onlookers. Small completion of the Meridian Realm? Beginner? Who spread this rumor? Pfft, laughable. How dare they view me with the same eyes they did over ten days ago? Do they even understand the value of Black Clouds number one genius? "Impressive. Truly impressive," sighed a Bone Refining master in the shadows. "Did he really only start training over a month ago?" another expert doubted. "Could there really be such a genius in the world?" "Go investigate if you want, Hans info is easy to find." "Black Cloud Town, even as it nears its decline, produces such an unbelievable genius..." The experts in the shadows fell silent, their hearts conflicted. Some were envious, some with murderous intent, others resigned. Black Cloud reigns, and everyone who sees Taibais purity can only whisper in awe: "Terrifying indeed." The news spread like wildfire, faster than anyone could react. Black Cloud trembled, then fell silent once more. But none of this affected Han, who was still working up a sweat in the Taibai Martial Hall''s backyard. And soon, more challengers came. Such a genius could not go unnoticed. People were eager to test his true strength. Is he really that amazing? Ill go try him myself. Rich folks everywhere, theyre willing to spend on spiritual herbs for training, but for non-training treasures of equal value, they dont mind parting with them. Just to witness Black Clouds number ones style! Defeated. Defeated. Defeated. No challenger could defeat Han. However, Bai Tian later asked Han to be more restrained, not to show off too much. He suddenly realized, if this kept up, with how remarkable Han was as his disciple, he might not be able to control him. He had miscalculated by speaking too soon. As for Lu Qingmo, the disciple from Xuandu Temple? Hmph, Bai Tians disciple didnt need the reputation of outsiders! Unless forced. So Han began to restrain himself, not showcasing his full potential. He would only fight until the Meridian Realms grand completion without anyone daring to speak. Families, martial halls, Dao temples, Buddhist temples. Various forces. Tianyue County, Tianyang County, Tianhai County. The surrounding three counties. All had sent warriors, but all, without exception, had been defeated, barely lasting a few exchanges against Han. After Han defeated yet another challenger, he stood at the gate, looking down on all directions. "Anyone else?" The surrounding crowd remained silent. No one dared to respond, let alone step forward to challenge. The weight of his victories silenced them and bound their feet. "Not fighting, not retreatingwhats the meaning of this?" Hans sharp shout made someone involuntarily step back, pressured by his overwhelming aura. Seeing this, Han smiled faintly and turned to enter the Martial Hall. Outsiders may claim to be geniuses, but they didnt measure up. "Black Clouds number one, truly worthy of the title." Someone sighed softly. "How could he be so strong? Is there really no Meridian Realm cultivator who can rival him?!" "Weve all been deceived, the Black Cloud cultivators deliberately spread false rumors about Han to trick us into offering him our treasures." This kind of strength could never have appeared out of nowhere. The people of Black Cloud Town must have known, but intentionally withheld the truth. Black Clouds cultivators were despicable! No one else came to challenge. It was obvious to any discerning eye that Hans strength had reached the peak of the Meridian Realm, and no practitioner of that realm could defeat him. Perhaps they could match him, but it wouldnt make a difference. Weak fighting strong, not losing was already victory. There were a few who wanted to give the "Organ Realm" a try, but they were too embarrassed to even show their faces. Han didnt even need to meet them face to face; they were turned away right away. As for the cultivators They dared to bring treasures, but Han didnt even dare to accept them. Cultivators challenging martial artists in broad daylight? It seemed like they were just looking for trouble. With a soul leaving their body, they would be lying on the ground in no time. Ah, looks like Han would be paying a visit to Lu Qingmo for some government food soon. By the time everything had wrapped up, the sky had darkened. When Han left the martial arts hall after dinner, there were still people loitering outside, waiting. As soon as they saw Han, the lively atmosphere suddenly fell silent. Han smiled, Everyone, its getting dark now. I dont think anyone else will come. Even if they do, Ill be heading home. No more challenges accepted. You all should go back. These people were mostly there just to watch. They were drawn in by the rumors of Black Mountain but lacked the strength to stay, so they just gathered together to chat and boast. And Han''s actions, no doubt, were the hottest topic. As they watched Hans retreating figure, the bystanders began discussing amongst themselves. This Black Clouds top genius seems pretty easy-going, no arrogance at all. Hah, you dont know yet. Wait until you see someone challenge him, then youll understand. By then, hell be as proud as can be. If hes got the talent, whats wrong with being proud? True, a genius like him is bound to be arrogant. In a world like this, the strong and high-ranking will always have admirers, while the weak and lowly will see their virtues overlooked. Han didnt go home but headed for the peach orchard. Mo Yi was probably thinking of him. As Han entered the orchard, the first thing that caught his eye was another perfectly round and plump peach, its curve flawless. Ah, Mo Yi was watering the flowers again. Good thing Im the one coming in. Mo Yi, let me water the flowers for you, Han offered, eager to help. Lu Qingmo shook her head. No need, just leave it. Im fine. She set the watering can down and looked at Han, a gentle smile forming on her face. You sure made a big splash today. Seeing this once clueless person, who didnt even understand cultivation, grow to this point made Lu Qingmo feel both joy and pride, even though she hadnt contributed much. But isnt this a result of her guidance? Han smiled shyly. It was all forced upon me. Lu Qingmo stepped into the pavilion. After today, your name wont just be known in this small Black Cloud Town. Youre becoming a young hero with a rising reputation in the martial world. However, with fame comes trouble. You need to be prepared for that. Han followed Lu Qingmo, nodding. I know. But dont worry too much. In this world, every genius who makes their debut is bound to stir up a storm. In such a world, unless someone hides away in the mountains for solitary cultivation, if youre good enough, its impossible to stay hidden. Fame, after all, is something that will eventually come out. Besides, the world is so vast; a few counties in a single nation dont amount to much. Forget about making waves across the world. Even making waves in one province is still a far cry. Mo Yi, theres something I dont know if I should say Say it. I feel like the so-called geniuses in these county cities arent all that impressive. In the past, I could easily beat Black Cloud Towns disciples from other martial halls. Of course, its just a small town. Despite having resource advantages, the inheritance here isnt as strong as in more prosperous places. But now, Ive easily beaten the so-called geniuses from the county cities... So, does that mean my achievements could go from Black Cloud Towns limited edition to Tianyue Countys limited edition? As for bigger places, lets keep it low-key for now. No need to speak too soon. Lu Qingmo didnt expect Han to say something like this. Perhaps I should have told him not to. Your strength is indeed impressive. Its rare to find a worthy opponent in most counties, Lu Qingmo said, initially praising him, but then her tone turned more serious. But remember not to get too arrogant. I went outside when I was younger and saw a bit of the world. You can ask someone about it. Some geniuses are simply on a level that ordinary cultivators cant match. Now, let me see how your cultivation has been going these days. Have you been slacking? Lu Qingmo smiled at Han. If all youve been doing is focusing on martial arts and neglecting your soul cultivation, Ill punish you. Seeing Han extend his hand, Lu Qingmo paused for a moment. No need to focus on the body. Lets see your soul. Hans soul left his body, and Lu Qingmo carefully examined it, nodding with satisfaction. As always, Han was relentless and diligent. The moonlight surrounding the edges of Hans soul was already glowing quite intensely. Very good. Even though youre in Black Mountain, it seems you havent been slacking off. That moon imprint you have is quite effective, Han said with a sigh. Without it, my cultivation would definitely be affected. Thank you, Moon God. The abundant moonlight, offerings from the moon demons, as well as incense and magical artifacts, made it hard for Han not to improve. In addition, Black Mountain also had soul plants and other soul-related treasures. Among the Taibai disciples, Han was the only one cultivating, so most of these treasures were given to him. A few items that could also be used by martial artists were shared with Bai Ruoyue and the others. If you go back into Black Mountain, youre bound to have conflicts with others. Your safety should be your top priority, Lu Qingmo reminded him. Unless you have a grudge, dont start trouble. But dont be afraid of trouble either. Han understood. Without grudges or any vested interests, seeking out trouble would be foolish, wouldnt it? Lu Qingmo said many more things to Han, all words of concern. Then, she began guiding him in his cultivation of the various Taoist arts she had mastered. While his realm of cultivation couldnt help Han too much, mastering Taoist arts would certainly assist him in his endeavors. Later, Han stayed in the peach orchard, cultivating his soul. The vast moonlight poured down from the heavens, making the area around the pavilion as bright as daylight. As Hans cultivation grew deeper, the effects of the Moon Gods imprint became more pronounced. More and more moon demons came to offer their tributes, and some of them seemed to have a deep affection for Han, leaving him truly touched. Demons, you are the dearest of friends to me! After tonights training session wrapped up, Han looked at the sky and was about to take his leave. But suddenly, an idea struck him. He turned to Lu Qingmo and said: Mo Yi, after what happened today, do you think anyone will be spying on me at my house? Lu Qingmo looked at him in confusion. Whats on your mind? Ive been improving so quickly, someones bound to be curious if Im hiding any secrets Han rambled on a bit before finally revealing his purpose. Do you think I could stay here tonight? The truth came out. Arent you worried Ill be the one keeping an eye on you? Chapter 119: Old Pig Dog! Han''s eyes were filled with anticipation, clearly showing that tonight, he was eager to stay the night in the Peach Grove. In the past, when he had to chop wood, he had no choice but to return home. Now that the "Tree Brother" was gone, there was no reason he had to go home anymore. Lu Qingmo had thought a lot about it, and in the end, agreed. It was all for Han''s safety after all; he had been trained and mentored by her, and if anything were to happen to him, it would be a great loss. Since he called her "Aunt," it seemed only natural that she would protect him and let him stay the night. That was what Lu Qingmo told herself as she thought about it. The attic contained more than just one room, with even a secret chamber. According to Lu Qingmo, Bai Ruoyue and Yun Duo had also stayed here before. Han was the third person. After one night, Han left the Peach Grove feeling refreshed. To be honest, with Lu Qingmos Taoist techniques in place, resting here was far more comfortable than at his own home. Even if it was just a simple rest, it was much more relaxing than being at home. At the martial arts hall, Bai Ruoyue greeted Han with a smile but quickly sniffed the air, noticing something. You went to Aunt Mos place again? I stayed there last night. Bai Ruoyue was surprised. How could you sleep at Aunt Mos place? Han was puzzled. She allowed it. Bai Ruoyue didnt respond. She could do the same, of course. But if she stayed there, would it be the same as Han staying there? Her chest tightened. Today, someone else came to challenge them. Lately, there had been visitors coming to Black Cloud Town almost every day, each one causing a stir. Yesterdays silence was shattered, and todays silence too was broken by a new commotion. As long as they offered treasures, Han agreed to fulfill their request for a defeatprovided the treasure wasn''t something too obscure. The rest of the time, Han was busy cultivating, digesting the spirit plants he had obtained from Black Mountain. Meanwhile, he kept an eye on the external situation, as the state of affairs seemed to change every day. Yesterday, a powerful figure from a certain faction had brought their disciples to Black Cloud Town. Today, it was a renowned genius from a nearby county who had ventured into Black Mountain. News about certain factions and individuals obtaining treasures from Black Mountain had become frequent. Some people had both the strength and luck to obtain rare treasures within the Black Mountain, though Han and his team had still not managed to sweep it clean. The appearance of a rare bone-refining elixir caused a stir; such treasures were so rare in Tianyue County that they hadnt been heard of in years, sometimes even decades. A single elixir with side effects was enough to cause a scramblelet alone the much rarer heavenly treasures. But the casualties were unavoidable. People perished in the bellies of wild beasts, or were killed in the scramble for treasures. The number of deaths was staggering. Yet, none of that seemed to dampen the excitement of treasure hunters. What surprised him, however, was that there had been no news of any Cloud Clan practitioners. The Cloud Clan in town had always kept a low profile, and no one from the clan had shown up. There were no reports from Black Mountain either. Han had also heard that many of the outstanding geniuses from various factions had pulled back from Black Mountain, with some leaders of the next generation never even setting foot inside. This made Han a little disappointed. It seemed that the person he had hoped to meet wouldn''t be showing up after all. Tonight, late at night... Han looked at Lu Qingmo. Aunt Mo, may I Tonight is fine, she replied. Later that night... Aunt Mo, I want Sure. When Han arrived at the martial arts hall, Bai Ruoyues eyes lingered on him. The scent of Aunt Mo was stronger than before. Junior Brother, youve been coming to the martial arts hall later and later these past three days. The soul cultivation task has been heavy, Han casually offered an excuse. Weve already rested for three days. Han nodded. Its about time. Bai Ruoyue had called for Shen Long and Zhang Yantao, and then went to meet Bai Tian. Three days of rest had passed. Today, they were heading into the mountains! Be careful, Bai Tian reminded them as the four of them left the martial arts hall and joined the flow of people heading toward the mountain. The Mountain God restricted many of the faction leaders from sending large numbers of people into the mountain, but for martial artists in the flesh and bone realm, there was no issue. However, they were the ones who suffered the most casualties. When the three warriors from Taibai Martial Hall, along with the number one genius, formed a team to enter the mountain again, it sparked much discussion. The purpose of such a team was obvious. But to Han, it seemed like a weak setup. The difference between the extreme power of the Meridian Realm and the Bone and Flesh Realm wasnt just a small gapit was an entire level. Wasnt this basically assigning three caretakers to Han, like feeding him milk? One had to admire how Han really was the prince of Taibai. The author''s content has been appropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon. Along the way, many martial artists tried to strike up conversations with Hans groupsome were gathering intelligence, others were hoping for a free ridebut all were rejected. With a gods-eye view, Han surveyed the outskirts of Black Mountain. The spirit plants he hadnt picked earlier were gone, but in some hidden corners, new plants had appeared. Junior Brother, do you sense anything? Bai Ruoyue asked. Nothing valuable. Too many people have come through the outer areas these past few days, Han shook his head. The four chose a different route this time. Though there were no extraordinary treasures, Han chose to focus on areas where there were still valuable items. This time, their goal was twofold: to refine their martial arts and collect more common spirit plants. Trying to remain hidden was difficult now, but no one dared to take action against Han and his team in this area. They could only watch as Hans group occasionally found treasures and continued their journey deeper into the mountain. With their strength, the four moved quickly, no longer hindered by caution. As they approached the middle of Black Mountain, Hans spirits lifted. Ive found something good! What is it? A three-colored deer at the Bone and Flesh Realm. Through the gods-eye view, a three-colored deer was heading quickly toward their position. A three-colored deer? Bai Ruoyue and the others exclaimed. It really is a good find. This rare beast carried a special essence that greatly aided cultivation in the Bone and Flesh Realm. Just one piece of its essence was more valuable than seven or eight regular spirit plants. Apart from its essence, every part of the deer was valuable for cultivationit was a treasure beast. The four immediately decided to capture it. Wait, someone else has found the deer. Someone is chasing it! Hans expression darkened. When he saw the identity of the pursuers, he sneered. Those chasing itthough I dont know who they aresomething about them feels off. Theyre probably enemies, not friends. In truth, Han knew who they were, but he couldnt be too clear. Officially, he claimed it was just a gut feeling. It would be too unbelievable if he could even sense their identities. Those marked with deep red borders on their portraits were from the Gao family. Three in the Bone and Flesh Realm, two in the Meridian Realm! Such strength ensured their safety in this area. Enemies, not friends? Zhang Yantao said. Junior Brother, you barely have any enemies, its mostly just those few factions. Indeed, Lord Zhou had always been friendly with others. Right, lets do it! Bai Ruoyue made the call. Han took the lead, charging toward the three-colored deer. They quickly covered the distance, and soon they could see the deer ahead. Senior Sister, you and Third Senior Brother hide in the shadows, Second Senior Brother and I will make our move, Han instructed. Bai Ruoyue and the others followed his orders. Han drew his Sky Bow, nocked an arrow, and aimed at the swiftly running three-colored deer. With his enhanced vision, archery skills, and various innate talents, Han was a master of the bow. Whoosh! The sound of the arrow cutting through the air was sharp, and it flew far, directly into the three-colored deers eye, causing it to stop abruptly and stumble backward. Then the arrow exploded with a burst of fiery sparks. The Sky Bows special abilitieslong-range shots and immense power! Enchanted with explosive powder! The three-colored deer let out a mournful cry as the sound of an explosion reverberated through the air. Just as Han loosed his arrow, Shen Long had already dashed forward and was now closing in on the deer. He wasnt surprised by the power of the shothe had seen Hans archery before. Shen Long gripped his weapon, a battle blade, and swung it with devastating force. A shockwave erupted, tearing through the ancient trees around him. The beast, though bleeding profusely, managed to avoid a fatal blow, though it wasnt unscathed. "Impressive agility," Shen Long muttered with a grin, continuing his pursuit. But then, he heard the familiar sound of an arrow cutting through the airthis one came dangerously close, sending a chill down his spine. The arrow hit the very wound he had just inflicted on the three-colored deer. "Accurate!" Shen Long shouted, seizing the opportunity to end the deers life. Han, from a distance, smiled and nocked another arrow, releasing it with explosive speed. In this moment, Han was no longer just a warriorhe was a master archer, a true "mage" of the bow. Close combat? That was for brutish warriors. As for archers being called mages... well, let''s just say the explosive powder on his arrows might count. "Tai Bai Shen Long? And Han?!" A voice suddenly shouted from afar. "Stop!" Ignoring the command, Shen Long cleaved the deers life away with a single stroke. In the distance, five figures were rapidly approaching, their expressions darkening as they saw the deers corpse. "Gao Feng, Gao Mu, Gao Huo?" Shen Long called out, recognizing three of them as middle-aged warriors from the Gao family. "Shen Long, whats the meaning of this?" Gao Feng shouted, anger rising in his voice. "Thats our prey." "Call out to it and see if it responds," Han replied casually, walking over to retrieve his arrows. These arrows, crafted for the Sky Bow, were reusable until they brokean invaluable resource. "Han, you dare show yourself before the Gao family!" Gao Mu glared at Han. "These three are Gao Hong''s uncles," Shen Long whispered, explaining the situation. "Why shouldnt I?" Han retorted. "Is this Black Mountain the Gao family''s property?" As he spoke, Han maintained his divine perspective, unaware that there were any other members of the Gao family nearby. Meanwhile, the expressions of Gao Feng and the others were growing more and more hostile. The five Gao family members seethed with fury. Gao Mu suppressed his rage and said, "Hand over our prey, and well let you go." Han didnt even look their way, casually storing the deers corpse in his spatial bag. "When we fought it, there wasnt a single wound on it. Your ''prey''?" Han scoffed. "Ridiculous!" It seemed the Gao family had noticed the deer and had been chasing it ever since, though they had yet to catch up. The beast, though fierce, feared death, and five people pursuing it was enough to make it flee. If simply spotting it meant claiming ownership, then this Black Mountain belonged to Han. Gao Mu and Gao Feng exchanged a few quick words via spiritual communication, debating whether to take action. They werent afraid of Han and Shen Long, but they feared Tai Bai might still be nearbyespecially Bai Ruo Yue. However, if they left now, they wouldnt be able to stomach it. The three-colored deer was a rare opportunity. Five people had been scared off by just two? That was unacceptable. "Shen Long is still a novice, I can easily deal with him," Gao Feng sneered. "Hans archery looks impressive, but at this distance, he wont have a chance. Well rush him together, and hell fall in an instant." "Then lets move!" With a decision made, the three advanced explosively, the other two warriors from the Gao family following closely behind. The majority of the Gao family had long been itching to kill Han. "We gave you a chance, and you failed to take it," Gao Mu shouted. "Now, youll pay the price!" As the five lunged forward, Han and Shen Long couldnt help but smile. "Hey, Gao, do you know who I am?" Bai Ruo Yues voice rang out, and she, along with Zhang Yuan Tao, appeared from the shadows. The five Gao family members froze, their faces going pale. "Despicable Tai Bai warriors!" Gao Mu spat. In an instant, the five retreated at a speed faster than when they had advanced, realizing that it was too late to escape now. "Hehe, leave them to me!" Hans voice rang out, his bow already drawn, while Shen Long charged forward alongside him. "Whoosh!" An arrow shot through the heart! One of the Gao familys warriors from the Meridian Realm was pierced through the chest by Hans Sky Bow, falling dead to the ground. Hans expression remained cold and unaffected, no trace of remorse on his face. Back at the encirclement near Yunjiang, he never believed that Gao Hong was the only one behind the ambush. At the time, he couldnt take on the entire Gao family, as they were one of the Black Cloud overlords, with far-reaching connections. Even Lu Qingmo and Bai Tian couldnt openly take action against them. But now, here, he had a chance to reclaim something of value. Taking out three of the Gao familys key fighters was a blow they couldnt easily recover from. Killing wasnt about justiceHan wasnt interested in morals. "You tried to kill me, but failed. Now Ill finish you off," Han muttered coldly. Two more arrows flew, tearing through the air with razor-sharp precision. As they flew, Han vanished from his position, reappearing somewhere else. "Third Brother, help Second Brother!" Han called out. "That old man is mine!" Zhang Yuan Tao smiled and struck Gao Huo with a palm, stopping him in his tracks, and then joined Shen Long in confronting Gao Feng. Gao Mu and Gao Huo had just entered the Flesh and Bone Realm, while Gao Feng had reached a small level of mastery. The gap between the initial stages and the small mastery stage was immense. In the Flesh and Bone Realm, the strength, endurance, and explosive power were incomparable to the initial stages. "Old pig dog, where do you think youre going?" The Tai Bai sword flashed through the air, its countless sword shadows shimmering with overwhelming power. Gao Huos expression darkened as he raised his blade to counter. "You little bastard, I couldnt kill you before, but now youve come right to me." "A mere Meridian Realm warrior thinking of challenging the Flesh and Bone Realm? Youre clueless!" Gao Huo sneered. "If I can take you down, even dying will be worth it." Clang! The sword and blade collided, and Han retreated a few steps, but there was no injuryhis fighting spirit only grew fiercer. The Flesh and Bone Realmthis was a fight Han was eager for. The swords brilliance illuminated the area, and the forest seemed to tremble as the battle raged on. Their moves were swift and powerful, with every strike shaking the earth and shattering ancient trees. For days in the Black Mountain, Han had fought many beasts in the Flesh and Bone Realm, but fighting a human was entirely different. He gave his all, fiercely clashing with Gao Huo. Boom! In one exchange, Gao Huo was sent flying, shocked beyond belief. "Meridian Realm small mastery?! Fighting at Flesh and Bone Realm level?!!" The words slipped out before he could stop himself. "How is that possible?!" Han sneered coldly, giving chase. Since he began cultivating, the most common phrase hed heard was, how is that possible? "Go ask the King of Hell about it!" he spat. Tai Bai flashed with a cold, icy gleam, reflecting Hans chilling gaze. Chapter 120: The Return of the Celestial Mother! Five bodies of Gao Clan warriors lay sprawled across the ground. Their deaths were neither gruesome nor drawn-outswift and peaceful. For Han and his team, dealing with these five was a foregone conclusion. Failure was simply not an optiononly the scale of their victory varied. Looking at the corpses, Han realized that this was their first time taking down warriors in the Black Mountain, even though they had been the earliest ones to enter. Compared to other ruthless hands in the shadows, they were practically merciful. Seeing Hans silence, Zhang Yuantao patted him on the shoulder. No need to dwell on it. The grudge between Taibai and the Gao Clan runs deeptheres no room for compromise. If they didnt die, we would have. Han shook his head, knowing Zhang Yuantao had misunderstood. He wasnt sympathizing with the Gao Clan. When the Gao Clan sent people to kill him, they certainly felt no pity. Ever since Gao Hong hired assassins and lost his life, the conflict had become irreconcilable. In Black Mountain, this is nothing unusual, Shen Long added. Our Taibai Sect is young, and our disciples are few, but over the years, countless members of other factions have mysteriously perished in these mountains. On the surface, everyone is cordial, but behind the scenes, animosities have long been piling up. No need to say more. Junior Brother knows what hes doing, Bai Ruoyue interrupted, having just collected their spoilsthree spatial pouches. A good haul. Lets go deeper. If one didnt have omniscient foresight, this method of acquiring wealth was undoubtedly the fastest. No wonder so many warriors lurked in the shadows, doing exactly this. The temptation was simply too great. As they moved forward, Han and his group occasionally witnessed others chasing wild beasts. If the hunter was still far from the prey, they had no qualms about intercepting it and swiftly vanishing afterward. If the chase was already in its final moments, and the prey was practically in someone elses hands, they refrained from stealing and instead passed by quietly. Taibai was not a sect of saints, but they had their own code of conduct. Upon reaching the midsection of Black Mountain again, Hans face suddenly changed, surprise flashing in his eyes. Whats wrong? Bai Ruoyue immediately asked. She was extremely perceptiveany shift in Hans expression never escaped her notice. I sense a large gathering of warriors in that direction. Han pointed north. Thats strange Could it be the emergence of a treasure? Bai Ruoyues eyes gleamed with excitement. We were only away for three days, and something big already happened? My father lied to me! Your master didnt, though. Hans expression turned odd. Stolen content warning: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences. I dont sense any treasure there, yet for some reason, many people have gathered. From an overhead perspective, there were about twenty warriors in that locationall at the Visceral Tempering stagebut strangely, no treasure in sight. Only a Tempered Marrow-stage wild beast and A painting? Han was baffled as he examined its details: [Serpents of Longevity: A mystical painting by Xuan Kongzi, so lifelike it creates an immersive illusion.] Han had never heard of Xuan Kongzi. But there was no way a painting could be a naturally occurring treasure in Black Mountain, and it wasnt a magical artifact either. After relaying this to his companions, Bai Ruoyue and the others were equally puzzled. The paintings details were vaguemerely hinting that something was there. Might as well put on an act and play along. Could it be a heavily wounded Tempered Marrow beast? Shen Long speculated. Thats suicide, Bai Ruoyue remarked. Even if its on the brink of death, a single swipe could obliterate an entire group of Visceral Tempering warriors. No treasure is worth that risk. Han remained silent. His cultivation level prevented him from seeing more details about the beast, so he wasnt sure if it was truly weakened. Should we take a look? Shen Long asked. Lets observe from a distance first and see if my instincts pick up anything, Han replied. This situation was too bizarre. Charging in blindly would be reckless. Besides, those high-tier wild beasts were terrifying. The last time they entered Black Mountain, they had avoided them at all costs. If one even appeared at the edge of his omniscient vision, they had steered clear immediately. As they continued treasure hunting and encountering beasts, Han noticed the number of warriors in that mysterious location risingit had already reached thirty. At one point, a three-person team from Tianyang County left that area, heading outward. Hans mind stirredhe led his group to coincidentally bump into them. An elderly man and a middle-aged couple, all on guard when they met. You three just came from that place? Zhou asked, pointing in the direction. Hmm? The old man, his vitality already declining, studied them before nodding. Yes. We didnt want to get involved in the mess, so we left early. You planning to join the fun? Were considering it, Han responded. But were unsure whats really going on. There are too many peoplemostly Visceral Tempering warriors, the middle-aged man shook his head. And those two Bone Refinement-stage wild beasts theyre not to be trifled with. Even if there really is a Hundred-Year Longevity Herb, seizing it wont be easy. Hundred-Year Longevity Herb? Two Bone Refinement-stage beasts? Han was completely baffledwhere was all this coming from? How many beasts are actually there? Han asked. Some say three Bone Refinement, others claim its a Tempered Marrow beast. No one seems sure. The man chuckled. If there really were a Tempered Marrow-stage beast, forget the Longevity Herbeven if there were treasures ten times more valuable, no one would dare approach. Han wanted to continue questioning, but the middle-aged woman beside the man subtly pulled him away, and their group quickly departed. Ive heard of the Hundred-Year Longevity Herb, Bai Ruoyue said. Consuming it grants an additional twenty years of life, restoring ones vitality to its peak state. Hans eyes widenedif true, this was even more potent than his Life Extension Gu. He immediately contacted Lu Qingmo for confirmation. Yes, such a treasure exists, she admitted. But whether it would appear in Black Mountain right now, Im not certain. By the way, have you ever heard of a painting that makes you feel as though youre physically inside it, like its real? Han asked. Lu Qingmo sounded surprised. Why do you ask? Just thought I looked dashing in Black Mountain and wanted to immortalize my heroic moments. Lu Qingmo paused, while the others stared at him in disbelief. Shameless! There are indeed such paintings. Some artists reach a level where their skills, combined with Daoist techniques, can make painted figures seem real. But usually, they are mere illusions. So they do exist Han was intrigued. One day, Ill commission a master to paint me. Are you serious?! Setting that thought aside, Han continued his investigations. The more he listened to warriors heading toward the so-called Longevity Herb, the clearer the truth became. Everything pointed to an elaborate setup. As dawn broke, they heard a thunderous roar from the direction of the supposed treasure. Han turned his omniscient gaze there. Six Visceral Tempering warriors vanished in an instant. The Tempered Marrow-stage beast had moved. Dozens of warriors were slaughtered like grass. Only a handful managed to flee, but the beast pursued them relentlessly. Han remained silent. This was Black Mountain. And then, something else caught his attention. A lone figure was sprinting toward the massacre siteunnaturally fast. More importantly, the name floating above them made Hans eyes narrow in shock. Celestial Mother Cult Follower: Lian Cheng. Soul Wandering Technique. Visceral Tempering-stage warrior. A painting A massacre And now, the Celestial Mother Cult? Hans mind raced. What the hell is going on? Chapter 121: The Painting of Heaven and Earth A towering ancient tree with pale bark and lush green leaves stood majestically, its canopy casting a vast shadow over the land. A few meters away, Shen Long and Zhang Yuantao sat in silence, quietly recovering their strength. Their breaths were weak and sluggish, as if they had just endured a severe ordeal. Yet, Han and Bai Ruoyue were nowhere to be seen. Time trickled by. Suddenly, a disturbance from the distance put Shen Long and Zhang Yuantao on high alert. "Whos there?" Shen Long demanded. A young man in green robes, wearing a bright smile, stepped into their line of sight. "Do you gentlemen need assistance?" he asked while scanning the surroundings, his expression calm as he found nothing unusual. "This has nothing to do with you," Zhang Yuantao replied coldly. "Please leave." With that, the two of them stood up and slowly backed away, keeping their distance as they moved past the ancient tree. Theres no need to be so wary, the young man in green chuckled. I mean no harm. I was simply passing by. If you dont need help, Ill take my leave. He strode past them, making his way closer to the ancient tree. Swish! Suddenly, the air split with a sharp whistle. A streak of dazzling light cut through space. The young man''s expression changed instantly. His instincts caught the trajectory of an arrow, and without hesitation, he moved to take cover behind the ancient tree, using its trunk as a shield. An archer was hidden in the shadows! His gaze darted around, searching for threats while keeping an eye on Shen Long and Zhang Yuantao. Yet, a bone-chilling sensation suddenly overtook him. His vision twisted A round object flew high into the air, then crashed heavily onto the ground. For a brief moment, the young mans soul left his body. He stared down in bewilderment. That thats my head? Sunlight streamed down in relentless waves. The moment his spirit left his body, wisps of smoke rose from it, and a piercing wail tore through the air. The tree that had once provided shade was now gone. In its place stood a young woman, sword in hand, exuding an imposing aura. The tree had turned into a person? "You set me up?!" The sudden turn of events left the young man in green utterly dumbfounded. No matter how he looked at it, he had never expected such a bizarre outcome. His spirit, scorched by the blazing sun, attempted to flee, seeking refuge in the shadows. But it was too late. A majestic handprint descended from above, enveloping his spirit entirely. It grasped him tightly and pulled him back. Han had appeared in the distance at some point, sealing the green-robed mans soul with ease. A smile spread across his face. "All done!" Bai Ruoyue and the others approached, dragging the lifeless corpse of the young man in green behind them, clearly in high spirits. "So, this is a disciple of one of the worlds most notorious cults?" Bai Ruoyue tilted her chin slightly. "Not much of a challenge. I took him down with a single strike." "Mighty as always, Senior Sister," Han said with a grin. Bai Ruoyue chuckled sheepishly. "It was mostly thanks to you, Junior Brother." With that, she handed Han a leaf she had taken from her waist. "This thing is amazingit actually turned me into a tree." "It only altered your appearance, nothing more," Han replied with a shake of his head. The Leaf of Illusory Transformationwhen worn at the waist, it could disguise its bearer as a tree. Only cultivators at the Sun-Walker Realm had a chance of seeing through the illusion. And due to the influence of the Mountain God, no Sun-Walker cultivator could enter Black Mountain. In other words, practically no one could see through the transformation. The green-robed man had thought he was taking cover behind a tree, shielding himself from Hans arrows. In reality, he had unknowingly thrust his own neck right in front of Bai Ruoyue. At such close range, there was no way a Visceral Realm cultivator could react in time. A single, clean kill. And as expected, this green-robed man was Lian Cheng, the cultist from the Heavenly Mother Sect that Han had identified earlier. Everything that had just happened was part of their plan. The moment they decided to take down this heretic, Han and his companions devised a strategy. Bai Ruoyue had suggested charging in directlyfour against one, how could they possibly lose? But Han wasnt convinced. This cultist practiced both martial arts and soul cultivation, having reached the third realm in both. His techniques were clearly advanced, and his cultivation level even surpassed Hans. Support creative writers by reading their stories on Royal Road, not stolen versions. Moreover, the location was the nest of a Bone-Washing Realm beastcharging in recklessly was far too risky. What if this cultist had the ability to control beasts? Thus, Han opted for an ambush. With his vast arsenal of peculiar artifactsand the benefit of an omniscient perspectivesetting a perfect trap in this environment was ridiculously easy. There was no need for a fair fight when dealing with heretics and deviants. Overwhelming force was the best approach. After waiting patiently, they finally caught the green-robed man leaving his hideout. Using his movement patterns, they set up the perfect kill zone right here. And it worked flawlessly. Not a single drop of effort wasted. A dual-path Heavenly Mother cultist? A man who had single-handedly slaughtered dozens of Visceral Realm warriors? Against Han and his team, he didnt even make a splash. Thank you, omniscient perspective. "The longer I spend with Junior Brother, the more I find him incredible," Shen Long murmured. "Hes nothing like any warrior or cultivator Ive ever met before." "In the past, setting up an ambush like this would have been an enormous challenge." Han simply smiled. He knew what Shen Long meant. From Shen Longs perspective, Hans entire approach felt surreal. And it was true. Han''s thinking process differed vastly from the people of this world. Normally, situations like these required lengthy investigations, intricate tracking, and countless battles of wits before finally uncovering the mastermind. Then, after even more struggles, they would barely manage to take down their targetoften encountering unexpected twists along the way. But Han? He didnt bother with any of that nonsense. There was no need to overcomplicate things when you had an advantage. He simply sprang the trap and closed the case. Zhang Yuantao handed Han the green-robed mans spatial pouch. Its owner was dead, but a spiritual imprint still lingered on it. And it wasnt just one pouchthis cultist had looted many treasures from the warriors he had slain. Han led the group to a safer location and began erasing the spiritual imprint. Over the past month, Lu Qingmo had already taught him plenty of Daoist tricks. "Whoa this space is huge." As his spiritual sense entered the pouch, Hans expression darkened. There were many items inside, but some were particularly disturbing. Organs. A gruesome collection of fresh human organs, packed inside the spatial pouch, blood dripping from them. A cauldron, filled to the brim with scarlet liquid. Han recognized it at a glance It was blood. In a dimly lit corner of the space, a pile of withered corpses lay lifeless, their skin stretched tightly over brittle bones. Among the sinister artifacts, a soul-refining banner stood outits inner chamber teeming with more than a hundred tormented spirits. Some of these souls had been recently captured, their essence still potent, unmistakably belonging to warriors or cultivators. It was clearthose who had fallen at the hands of the marrow-washing beast had found no peace even in death. The Tianmu Culttruly a nest of depravity! Han reached into the storage pouch and retrieved a peculiar objectan aged scroll. Unrolling it revealed an astonishing sight: two massive serpents with wings lay coiled atop a pile of stones, their menacing eyes fixed on something beyond the frame. Behind them, a cave entrance was faintly visible, and within that cave, a lone stalk of verdant grass stood resilient. This was the rumored Habitat of the Hundred-Life Grassor at least, thats what it was meant to depict. But in reality, it was merely a painting. What an incredibly lifelike piece of art, Shen Long marveled, running his fingers over the scroll. "I can almost feel the oppressive aura of the beasts." "This must be how so many warriors were deceived," Han mused, his eyes narrowing. It was too real. The beastly presence, the vibrant energy radiating from the grassit all felt tangible, as if the very essence of these elements had been sealed within the painting itself. Han quickly sent a message to Lu Qingmo, detailing his discovery. A painting like that? Lu Qingmos voice carried a hint of surprise. Youve actually found one? If you channel your spiritual energy into it, youll see something even more remarkable, she advised. This is a rare branch of Daoist techniquesone that intertwines the art of painting with mystical arts. That question you asked me beforethis is your answer. Intrigued, Han followed her instructions. As his energy seeped into the scroll, the painting suddenly began to shift. Without a single sound, it expanded outward, stretching across reality itself. And thenit became real. The monstrous beasts, the stone piles, the cave, the vibrant green grassall materialized before them, as if the landscape had truly emerged from within the parchment. The once-faint oppressive aura of the creatures and the essence of the grass intensified exponentially, becoming nearly indistinguishable from the real thing. Even probing it with spiritual senses yielded no flawsit was seamless. Any small object tossed toward the scene would appear to land within it, further adding to the illusion. Yet, Han knew its limitations. If one were to attack with actual energy or force, the illusion would shatter in an instant, collapsing back into a simple painting. "This is... astonishing," Bai Ruoyue breathed, unable to tear her eyes away. Now, everything made sense. Back at the marrow-washing beasts lair, dozens of warriorsconvinced that the legendary Hundred-Life Grass had ripenedhad likely launched a coordinated assault on what they believed to be mere guardian beasts. Instead, they had unknowingly provoked a fully matured marrow-washing beasta massacre was inevitable. Han handed the storage pouch to Shen Long and Zhang Yuantao, letting them inspect its contents. Shen Long took one glance before erupting in curses. "These bastards are beyond salvation!" Had it merely been an ambush for treasure, it could have been dismissed as ruthless pragmatism. But the contents of the pouchthey revealed something far more sinister. Zhang Yuantao frowned deeply. The chaos of Black Mountain has given these cultists an opportunity. "The real question iswas he the only one? Or have more of these heretics infiltrated the area?" A single Tianmu Cult disciple was far more dangerous than any beast. Ill try another foresight, Han said. See if I can pick up on any other threats. Should we send him out first? Zhang Yuantao gestured toward the captured soul of Lian Cheng, the cultist they had taken down. No need, Lu Qingmos voice came through the transmission. A disciple like him wont hold a high status. Even if we capture him, he wont have much valuable information. No rush. Understood. Han proceeded with the interrogation. Lian Cheng remained stubbornly silent, refusing to reveal anything substantial. At first, he mistook Han and the others for banditsmercenaries who made their living by ambushing and selling warriors for ransom. He even tried to negotiate for his freedom, promising vast riches in exchange. When that failed, he resorted to cursing them relentlessly, his spectral form writhing in frustration. Damn the Black Cloud Town cultivators! Despicable cowards! For days, Han and his companions roamed Black Mountain, sharpening their skills, seeking treasure, and keeping watch for signs of other cultists. But despite their efforts, Han found no further traces of the Tianmu Cult or any other notorious sects. Instead, he stumbled upon another familiar groupThe Huang Clan. Though he scouted them from a distance, neither of the Huang brothersHuang Mingnian nor his siblingwere among them. A slight disappointment. But fate had another surprise in store. One day, while traveling through the mountain, Han spotted an unexpected group of people. The Yun Clan. "Han?" From afar, Yun Duos eyes lit up as she waved excitedly. Beside her stood Yun Yun, Yun Feng, and a few other Yun Clan cultivators. Han took a quick scan. Good. All had green or white borders. However, one thing stood outYun Yun had already stepped into the Visceral Realm. Didnt expect to see you all here, Yun Duo said, clearly delighted. Of course you didnt. I deliberately maneuvered into your path. Neither did I, Han responded, feigning surprise. Are you all heading out? Yeah, Yun Duo nodded. The second earthquake was half a month ago. Black Mountain will return to normal soon. You all dont need to stick around much longer. Then, she leaned in slightly and lowered her voice. "By the way, the opportunity in Black Mountain is over." Hans expression remained neutral, but internally, he was impressed. The descendants of the Mountain God sure had a way of avoiding the struggle while reaping the benefits. Theyd remained unseen the entire timeonly emerging after everything had settled. Smart. Very smart. Chapter 122: Charging Into Battle with Relentless Fury After watching the Yun family leave, Han and his companions had a brief discussion and quickly came to a decision. It was time to leave. Since the divine blessing of the Mountain God had run its course, there was no longer any reason to stay. Without the Mountain Gods favor, treasures would no longer emerge in abundance, and their quality would return to ordinary levels. This meant the competition for resources would only intensify, while the rewards would diminish. Staying any longer would be a losing game. It was far wiser to return to Black Cloud Town and focus on cultivation in peace. Having a birds-eye view of everything was useful, but only if there were treasures to find. One couldnt conjure them out of thin air. The half-month opportunity had lasted twelve full days for them, and their goal of honing their martial skills had already been met. The Shifting Winds in Black Cloud Town News of the Yun family and the Taibai Martial Hall withdrawing from Black Mountain spread quickly, sparking various speculations. At the same time, reports of valuable finds within the mountain dwindled, yet this did little to deter adventurers from venturing in. At its core, the reason was simplepoverty. For Black Cloud Towns people, Black Mountain had always been open. They could enter at any time to hunt beasts and seek treasures. But for those from other counties, such opportunities were scarce. Take Qinghua County, for exampleits surroundings were nothing more than barren hills and wilderness. Spirit plants were rare, and even wild beasts were few and far between. Martial artists there had to rely solely on slow, arduous cultivation. Some couldnt even afford beast meat, let alone find places to temper themselves in real battle. With the Mountain Gods blessing gone, Black Mountain might lose its appeal to the locals of Black Cloud Town. After all, it was dangerous, and competition for resources had become fiercer than everfar more difficult than before. But for outsiders, who had never even had the chance to set foot in such a resource-rich battleground, none of that mattered. To them, just having a place to fight and grow stronger was already a blessing. Regardless of the Mountain Gods favor, Black Mountain remained a promised land for desperate outsiders. Over the past half-month, some of the original residents of Black Cloud Town had even begun to look down on these foreign opportunists. "Hmph, a bunch of beggars from out of town, crawling to our Black Cloud Town for scraps." "So much for being from the county or even the prefecture city. Guess they werent as high and mighty as they thought." Severing Ties with the Dead In a secluded peach grove, Han handed over Lian Chengs soul and his storage pouch to Lu Qingmo. The corpses had already been laid to rest in Black Mountain, and the vengeful spirits had been pacified and purified by Han himself. No useful information, Han reported. These Heaven Mother Cultists truly have no fear of torture. Lu Qingmo nodded, unsurprised. For the Heaven Mother Cult to survive despite being hunted on all fronts, their strength isnt the only reason. Their secrecy is what truly keeps them standing. Even if you manage to break the soul-binding restraints on a cultist, youll gain little meaningful intelligence. In a normal sect, even low-ranking disciples had some knowledge of their factions workings. But a sinister cult like this? They thrived on secrecy. Lu Qingmo examined some of the dark artifacts within the storage pouch before returning the rest to Han. This had long been their understandingHan could take anything useful, except for objects that could lead one astray. Of course, White Ruoyue and the others would also get a share this time. Lian Cheng had been wealthy. His collection included spiritual herbs, alchemical pills, weapons, martial arts manuals, and even Daoist techniques. However, a significant portion clearly belonged to others. Just within Black Mountain, Lian Cheng had ambushed and killed at least dozens of people. A predator like him would have been nearly impossible to catch without Hans special insight. But reality had given him no such luck. Now, everything he had stolen belonged to Han and his companions. A major windfall. The Ranks of the Heaven Mother Cult Aunt Mo, what rank would someone like him hold in the Heaven Mother Cult? Han asked. A martial artist and soul cultivator, both at the third stage, in his twentieshed be considered a disciple of some standing, but still an ordinary one, Lu Qingmo replied. This is just an ordinary disciple? Han was taken aback. Ordinary doesnt mean weak. It means his talent isnt remarkable. Lu Qingmo shook her head. Having aptitude in both soul cultivation and martial arts doesnt automatically make one a prodigy. Believe it or not, his talent is actually quite poor. She continued, Their cultivation methods differ from the normmost rely on rapid, unnatural progress, riddled with hidden dangers. The Heaven Mother Cult nurtures its disciples like venomous insects, throwing them into a blood-soaked survival race. If they make it through to the Bone Refinement Realm, they earn a chance to switch to higher-tier techniques and receive greater support. As for their Heavenly Maidens, they train directly in supreme demonic arts that lead straight to the path of their dark god. They would never waste time on lowly techniques like his. But dont underestimate those who survive this process. Anyone who emerges from the Heaven Mother Cults brutal system is never simple. You could be reading stolen content. Head to Royal Road for the genuine story. Han understood. These were disposable pawnspoisoned blades meant to be thrown away. Demonic techniques grant rapid progress but are also ruthless, often at the cost of ones own future, Lu Qingmo warned seriously. If you ever encounter such practices, do not fall for them. Youd only be ruining yourself. Han grinned. Dont worry, Aunt Mo. If anything, these techniques seem even slower than my own progress. Why would I bother with them? Lu Qingmo fell silent. He wasnt wrong. For most people, these forbidden arts were shortcuts. But for Han? They might actually be a hindrance. A ridiculous thought crossed her mind. For others, demonic arts accelerated progress. For Han, they might slow him down. There was no evil technique greater than Han himself. A Time for Rest and Training If were not returning to Black Mountain, then lets focus on cultivation for a while, Lu Qingmo suggested. Training requires a balance of exertion and rest. Dont push yourself too hard. Han nodded in agreement. Ill come by tonight for some peaceful meditation. After all, what better way to ease ones worries than the warmth of Aunt Mos guidance? . A Martial Breakthrough Returning to the martial hall, Han found the place filled with excitement. Whats the good news? he asked. Zhang Yuantao grinned. Changan has broken throughhes now at the peak of the Meridian Stage. A solid foundation, coupled with precious resources, had finally pushed him past this critical barrier. Congratulations, Fourth Senior Brother! Han offered his heartfelt congratulations. Su Changan smiled. Its all thanks to you, Junior Brother. If I didnt make my breakthrough soon, youd surpass me before I even noticed. Everyone had been keeping track of Hans meteoric progress. Having him as a junior brother was stressful. Shen Yu had already resigned herself to being left behind. But the others? They still had some fight left in them. At the very least, they wanted to delay the inevitable for a few more days. Han waved his hands. No need to flatter me. Wheres Master? The Yun family sent someone to invite him over, Bai Ruoyue answered. They have something important to discuss. Unfinished Business Later that night, after his meditation, Han found Lu Qingmo walking in the peach grove. Aunt Mo, I have a question. What is it? Has the investigation into the Heaven Mother Cults stronghold in Qinghua County been completely wrapped up? Han could no longer wait. His reward was stuck at 99% completion. It had been ages. That last 1% refused to budge. What was taking so long? Were they conducting an investigation or writing a novel? "How long will it take to resolve this matter completely?" "It should be soon," Lu Qingmo replied. "Most of those associated with the Tianmu Sect have been captured. Only one county remains unsettledthough Ive heard its particularly troublesome." "Which county?" "Yin Hua County." "It feels like these counties are as porous as a sieve," Han remarked sarcastically. Lu Qingmo sighed slightly. "With so many mystical Daoist techniques and martial arts in this world, and an endless stream of evildoers, such things are inevitable." "And besides, the Great Qi has stood for four hundred years..." Han fell silent, understanding the deeper implication. Four centuries is a long time for a dynasty. If it were an ordinary mortal kingdom, surviving beyond that would be nearly impossible. A newly established empire is full of vigor, but as time passes, it grows stale, weighed down by mounting problems. Time corrodes all things, turning brilliance into decay. How much of the Great Qis founding ideals still remained after four hundred years? Most of it had likely been swallowed by the pursuit of power. Back at the pavilion, Lu Qingmo resumed instructing Han in Daoist techniques. Hao Ran Palm, Thousand-Mile Shadow Step... Though she couldnt perform them herself, her superior cultivation and studies at Xuandu Temple allowed her to offer valuable guidance. During their sessions, Han would occasionally slip in questions about the techniques he had learned from the Grand Immortal Tree, subtly seeking her insights. "Aunt Mo, how exactly does one cultivate Hao Ran Qi?" Han asked curiously. Hao Ran Palm was already a formidable day-level Daoist art, but if infused with Hao Ran Qi, its power would increase exponentially, granting it extraordinary effects. "There are two well-established methods," Lu Qingmo replied. "One is to travel to the Eastern Zhou and enroll in the Academy of the Sages." "The other... is to read extensively." "However, those who can attain Hao Ran Qi purely through vast knowledge are exceedingly rare." "Legends speak of born sages, reincarnations of ancient philosophers who naturally possess Hao Ran Qibut in the end, those are just myths." That night, Han remained in the Peachwood Grove. Going home was too riskyif some lunatic was lurking in the shadows, trying to uncover his secrets, it could spell disaster. At least here, under Aunt Mos watchful eye, no outsiders could spy on him. Han had made up his mind: as long as Heiyun Town remained unstable, he wouldnt return home. Instead, hed treat this place as his temporary sanctuary. This was purely for safety reasonsnothing else. Don''t overthink it. Three Days Later Lu Qingmo brought Han some troubling news. "Theres been a complication in Yin Hua County." "The Constable of Dingwu Division there was colluding with the Tianmu Sect. They tried to arrest him, but he escaped." "Then just capture him again," Han said, puzzled. "How is this a major issue?" "They cant find him," Lu Qingmo shook her head. "That traitor possesses a mystical artifact that allows him to alter his appearance and suppress his aura, making him almost impossible to track." "A search is underway in Yin Hua County, but it may take timetheres even a chance he might slip away entirely." "And now, the Constables from Qinghua County are caught up in this mess too." "..." Damn it, those Zhao family members never fail to amaze. An hour later, Han rode out of Heiyun Town. Relying on others was pointless. He needed that last 1% of progressand he was determined to claim it himself. A disguise-altering artifact, huh? Let''s see how well it holds up before the heavens! Han resolved to personally assess the situation in Yin Hua County. Staying in Heiyun Town only invited more troublehe might as well go out and take action. Lu Qingmo, after some thought, agreed with his decision. If he could continue to rack up achievements as a Ghostly Patroller, it would benefit both of them in the long run. For the sake of a brighter future for himself and Aunt Motime to go! As a Ghostly Patroller, his unwavering dedication to the Great Qi was undeniable, as clear as the sun and moon! Yin Hua County lay far from Heiyun Town. Even with a steed infused with beast blood, night had fallen by the time Han arrived. Compared to Qinghua, Yin Hua was more prosperous. Han led his horse into the city, heading straight for the local branch of the Ghost Division. This time, there was no need for discretion or undercover work. Dressed in his official Ghostly Patroller uniform and wielding his patrol token, Han walked through the gates unimpeded, soon facing the person in charge. A lean, scholarly-looking middle-aged man. "Deputy Constable Yuan," Han greeted with a respectful bow. Yuan Yihan, Deputy Constable of the County Ghost Division, was a member of the Yuan family in the county seat and the overseer of this operation against the Tianmu Sect. In most counties, the Deputy Constable was a local powerhouse, unlike the Constable, who was appointed from above. It was a balanceboth an act of imperial control and a concession to local influence. The Yuan family, a dominant force in the region, had deep roots in every government sector. "I have long heard of Patroller Zhous reputation," Yuan Yihan said with a cordial smile. "My nephew Fang has spoken of you more than onceyour talent is truly outstanding." "Not as much as Brother Yuan Fangs," Han replied with a polite smile. Yuan Yihan''s authority in this operation was one of the reasons Han had come here. This man was Yuan Fangs second uncle and held him in high regard. Han and Lu Qingmo had looked into the matter beforehand. If the Huang family were in charge here instead, Han wouldnt have come within a hundred miles of this place. After brief pleasantries, Han got to the point. Yuan Yihan explained the situation in detail. Over the past month, the citys effort to purge the counties had gone relatively smoothly. The counties were far weaker than the provincial capital, making it nearly impossible for those linked to the Tianmu Sect to resist the citys power. Yin Hua County, however, had become a problem when its Dingwu Division Constable, Zhu Zhangting, betrayed them. Under the guise of following a lead, Zhu took a small team, including the Qinghua Constable, to investigate. Then News broke that Zhu had turned traitor, ambushing and slaughtering his own men. By the time Yuan Yihans forces arrived, only one survivor remainedthe Qinghua Constable. The rest, all cultivators, had perished instantly under Zhus sudden onslaught. Given the circumstances, the Qinghua Constable appeared to be a victim, but the situation raised suspicions. Both he and Zhu were at the same visceral cultivation level. How had he failed to stall Zhu, even briefly? His defense was that Zhus power was far beyond a normal visceral cultivators, leaving him unable to resist. But that excuse wasnt convincing enough to clear his name. Since then, the city had been hunting Zhu Zhangtingbut he remained elusive. As for the Qinghua Constable, he was under constant surveillance. Unless something unexpected happened, his career was over. He would be spending the rest of his days in prison, eating cold fish and rice. Chapter 123: The Manifestation Realm! The previous investigation had yet to conclude, and now, with this new development, things had gotten even more complicated. Han was speechless. You guys really outdid yourselves this time. "Any leads on Zhu Zhangting?" Han asked. "What if he''s already left the Yin Hua region?" Yuan Yihan shook his head. "One of my men practices a Daoist technique that allows him to track someones location through their blood or hair. However, this technique fails beyond a certain distance. Since he can still use it, that means Zhu Zhangting hasn''t left the area yet." "But something is off about him. We can''t pinpoint his exact location, though he should still be within Yin Hua." "The county and nearby villages have already been searchedno trace of him." Upon entering the city, Han also scanned the area using his Omniscient Vision, but he, too, found no sign of the traitor. He even spotted the Qing Hua Commandant, and based on the identity markers, there were no indications that he was secretly affiliated with the Tianmu Sect. Soon, Yuan Yihan introduced Han to his fellow officersmembers of both the Divine Sentinels and the Martial Command Bureau whom he had brought from the provincial capital. "This is an Eighth-Rank Ghost Sentinel, a special position distinct from regular personnel. Hes been sent here specifically to assist us," Yuan Yihan said, omitting any further details. The gathered officials exchanged glances, offering slight nods of acknowledgment. Han discreetly checked their identity markers in Omniscient Visionall normal. No hidden affiliations. "The Tianmu Sects base in Qing Hua County was discovered and destroyed thanks to this Ghost Sentinels efforts. A major achievement," Yuan Yihan continued. But just as Han thought everything was going smoothly, something unexpected happened. As soon as Yuan Yihan mentioned the Qing Hua operation, two mens identity borders turned red! Luo Hui, Martial Command Bureau of the provincial capital. Sun Tong, Divine Sentinels of the provincial capital. Han''s heart skipped a beat. He subtly glanced at the two men. Why would they harbor hostility toward me just because I took down a Tianmu Sect base? This is the first time weve metyou dont even know my name. Could it be jealousy over credit? But if that were the case, their hostility should have shown up earlier, the moment Yuan Yihan introduced menot after the Qing Hua operation was mentioned. Unless... Theyre pissed because I made their jobs harder? Yeah, right. Not buying it. Han kept his suspicions to himself but made a mental note to be wary of these two. Even the weakest red border signified at least some level of hostility. He had to stay on guard. The Hidden Threat After the welcome banquet, Han privately asked Yuan Yihan about his subordinates. Thats when he learned something interesting. "Sun Tong is skilled and highly regarded, even by Director Ye," Yuan Yihan explained. "During this operation, he and Luo Hui worked together multiple times to capture Tianmu Sect operatives. They''ve been instrumental in the crackdown." So they''re elites, huh? Even if they had to work overtime because of me, they still reaped a lot of credit from the operation. Why would they be hostile toward me? Something wasnt adding up. That night, Han wandered the streets of Yin Hua County, using Omniscient Vision to observe his surroundings. The provincial authorities had done a thorough jobthere were no remnants of the Tianmu Sect hiding in the city. Zhu Zhangting was nowhere to be found either. But Han did see Luo Hui and Sun Tong meet in secret. He had no idea what they talked about. Their identity borders remained redunchanged, still inexplicably hostile toward him. Taking Matters into His Own Hands The next morning, the search for Zhu Zhangting resumed. Yuan Yihan remained in the county seat, coordinating operations, but each search team had a way to contact him. Given his cultivation level, if they found Zhu Zhangting, he could fly to the location instantly. To hold a vice-director position in a provincial capital, he had to be at least in the Sunwalker Realm. "Vice Director Yuan, Ill head out as well," Han said. Yuan Yihan hesitated. "Why trouble yourself, Ghost Sentinel? Just wait for the results. If Zhu Zhangting is still in Yin Hua, well find him sooner or later. No need for you to exhaust yourself." Han didnt respond. He had come all this way to help, yet Yuan Yihan was telling him to just sit back and wait for the credit. The underlying message was clear: You dont need to put in the effort. When we catch him, youll get a share of the glory anyway. Enjoying the story? Show your support by reading it on the official site. But Han politely declined. He wasnt here to collect free merithe wanted to wrap this up quickly and cash in his accumulated virtuous deeds. Relying on the provincial forces alone? Who knew how long this would drag on? If more unexpected delays popped up, it would only frustrate him further. Besides, the fact that Zhu Zhangting had been exposed yet still hadnt left Yin Hua was suspicious enough. Who knew when he might decide to run? As Han rode away, Yuan Yihan watched him go, letting out a small sigh. "Hes got some real drive." Initially, when he received Director Yes message about Han, Yuan Yihan had assumed he was just another young officer looking to piggyback on the operation for prestige. Not that he minded. The Yuan Clan was one of the dominant powers in Tianyue Province, and they had arranged plenty of merit-sharing opportunities for their own people. After all, why fight tooth and nail to climb the ranks, only for your descendants to start from scratch? That would make all his success meaningless. The Real Target With a Divine Steed beneath him and Omniscient Vision fully activated, Hans search efficiency far outstripped the others. Regular search teams had to comb through locations carefully, scanning for energy signatures to avoid missing anything. Han? He swept past areas like a gust of wind, glancing only briefly before moving on. If Yuan Yihan saw him searching like this, hed probably be dumbfounded. "This is your idea of searching?! I thought you were driven, but youre just another smooth talker who avoids real work!" Despite his speed, Yin Huas territory was vast. By the time he finished checking most of it, night had already fallen. As Han galloped past a snow-capped mountain, something made him pull back on the reins. He turned, gazing back at the peak with a serious expression. That mountain... Somethings off. According to Omniscient Vision, the place was called Little Snow Mountain, known for its perpetual snowfall and an abandoned shrine near its summit. The shrine had no deity... but someone was inside. Han had found Zhu Zhangting. That was inevitable. With such a powerful ability, as long as Zhu Zhangting was still in Yin Hua, there was no way he could escape detection. But something was very wrong. The identity marker next to Zhu Zhangtings portrait read: [Zhu Zhangting, Commandant of Yin Hua Martial Command Bureau, Visceral Realm (Possessed)] Possessed? And above his portrait, another identity was displayed: [Soul Demon Master, Tianmu Sect Protector] Hans pupils contracted slightly. If Im understanding this right Zhu Zhangting isnt just hidinghes been possessed by this Soul Demon Master. For someone to possess a Visceral Realm martial artist, their strength had to be terrifying. Han exhaled slowly. Yeah this just got a lot more complicated. If he hadnt found out ahead of time, the provincial forces wouldve walked straight into a nightmare. Thats why he hadnt stopped at Little Snow Mountainhe couldnt risk alerting the entity inside. He didnt know the full nature of this possession, so blindly charging in was out of the question. He needed backup. The so-called "Soul Demon Master" would never have expected that his presence had already been exposedthanks to a power beyond comprehension: the omniscient perspective. Whether it was searching for treasure in Black Mountain or tracking someone down now, this ability was nothing short of an overwhelming advantage. Han took out his communication snail. Hello, Aunt Mo? Hm? Ive run into a situation. What happened? Its a practitioner from the Mother Celestial Sectone capable of possessing a Visceral Realm martial artist. "Clang!" A loud noise came from the other side of the snail, as if a kettle had been knocked over. A practitioner capable of possession? Soul Demon Master? Blood Ghoul? Shadowed Sky Minor Lord? Lu Qingmos voice was no longer calm; she instantly rattled off several names. You ran into this alone? Yes. A deep inhale came from the other end. Pass the snail to himIll talk to him myself. Dont worry, Ill make sure youre safe. Uh that wont work. Han stroked the mane of his prized steed and said, I dont even know who he is. And besides, Ive already put quite some distance between us. I found Zhu Zhangting, but my instincts tell me theres another soul inside him, controlling his body. Han quickly explained his findings. For a long moment, there was nothing but silence on the other enduntil the call was abruptly cut off. But the next second, Lu Qingmo called back. A practitioner capable of possessing a Visceral Realm warriorthats an ability exclusive to those in the Manifestation Realm. The names I mentioned earlier? Theyre the three known Manifestation Realm powerhouses of the Mother Celestial Sect active in this region. But you dont have to worryno matter which one it is, the spirit attached to Zhu Zhangting is only a fragment of their soul. Yuan Yihan should be able to handle it. Notify him immediately. Let him take care of it. If he asks for your help, you can agreethere wont be any danger. She paused for a moment, then continued with a slightly gritted tone. And next time say everything in one go! Wait until you get backthen youll Before finishing her sentence, Lu Qingmo cut the call once again. Han stared at the communication snail, a smirk playing on his lips. "Ah, womenI get it now." In the Peach Grove, Lu Qingmo pressed a hand against her chest. Her heart was still racing from shock, but she was also so frustrated that her chest ached. Staring at the snail in her hand, she had the rare urge to smash it into pieces. Meanwhile, Han took out a talisman and burned ita message for Yuan Yihan. Compared to the communication snail, this method was undoubtedly cruder and had limited range, but it remained the standard mode of long-distance communication. Before long, a whirl of energy swept through the airYuan Yihan had arrived. Or rather, his soul had. Where is Zhu Zhangting? he asked. Han pointed over his shoulder. Theres a snow-covered mountain back there, with a shrine at its peak. Hes inside. I have a special artifact from Director Lu. I didnt go up the mountain, but I sensed his presence, so I called you immediately. Han knew he couldnt just tell Yuan Yihan that he figured this out instinctively. He gave a slightly altered explanation instead. Theres something off about his auraits unstable, chaotic. It feels as though his own soul is gone, and someone else is controlling his body. Another person controlling his body Yuan Yihans expression turned serious. He had already suspected something, and he didnt doubt Hans words. AѲ envoy lying to me? A disciple of the Grand Dao Monastery misinterpreting an artifacts readings? Impossible. If thats the case, I suspect Zhu Zhangting has been possessed by a Taoist master skilled in soul arts. Ill summon reinforcements. Well take the mountain together. If I go alone, hell sense me coming, and the possessing soul might escape. "Aunt Mo really does think ahead." I can take you up the mountain, Han said. Yuan Yihan hesitated. I can handle the spirit, but Zhu Zhangting is still Visceral Realm. Dont worry, I have my own means of survival. You just need to deal with the soulthat shouldnt take long, right? No. It wont. Then I can hold out just fine. If they waited for backup, too much time would be wastedand time meant uncertainty. After a moment of thought, Yuan Yihan finally agreed. But first, he handed Han a protective talisman. Then, he took out a wooden plaqueand to Hans surprise, his entire soul vanished into it. This is a Spirit Vessel Plaque. It can house a soul without harming it and provides concealment. Yuan Yihans voice resonated from within the plaque. With your warriors aura masking me, we wont be detected. Han nodded. "Alright, then. Lets get this done." Chapter 124: The Snowy Mountain Shrine and the Hunt for the Possessed Having made all the necessary preparations, Han rode straight back to the snowy mountain. Upon arrival, he dismounted and hastened up the mountain, keeping his omniscient perspective active, carefully observing the surroundings. Suddenly, two red markers appeared within his field of vision. Upon closer inspection, Han was slightly surprisedit was Luo Hui and Sun Tong. Their pace wasnt particularly fast, indicating that they were carefully searching every direction. However, given their current trajectory, it was inevitable that they would also end up at the snowy mountain. In other words, had Han not appeared here, the ones to discover Zhu Zhangting would have been them. Was this simply good luck on their part, or was there more to it? The mountain was blanketed in perpetual snow. As the wind howled, flurries danced through the air, dusting Hans clothes in white. Before long, the shrine came into view. Han walked in without hesitation. Inside, a fire crackled, casting flickering light around the ancient temple. A middle-aged man stood near the flames. His features were identical to the portrait of Zhu Zhangting drawn by Yuan Yihan and the others. However, his eyes were differentdeep and abyssal, radiating an eerie chill that altered his entire demeanor. "You passed by earlier but didn''t stop," the man spoke, his voice frigid. "What made you come back?" Han smiled slightly. "Traveling at night is inconvenient, so I figured Id rest here for a bit." "I didnt expect to run into a friend here." "Ghost Division asked me to deliver a message to you." "Tell me, how does it feel to use someone elses body?" Before Hans words even fully landed, Yuan Yihans spirit shot out of the Soul-Hosting Talisman and launched a deadly strike. At the same time, Han swiftly backed away, distancing himself from the battle. "Demon! Prepare to die!" A dark shadow burst out from Zhu Zhangtings head, intercepting Yuan Yihans attack. It was an elderly figure, frail and withered, as if a gust of wind could knock him over. "Ghost Division Yuan Yihan?" "So, its youSoulfiend Elder!" Boom! The surrounding spiritual energy surged violently, and in an instant, the entire shrine exploded, unable to withstand the power of two battling spirits. Han had retreated far away, yet he still heard the sharp whistle of something rushing toward him. It was Zhu Zhangting. And yet, it wasnt. The mans lifeless eyes were void of consciousness. His flesh was already breaking apart, turning unrecognizable in an instant. Through Hans omniscient perspective, Zhu Zhangtings marker had turned grayhe was already dead. This was a corpse, attacking in a final act of violence! "Watch out! This is a corpse-puppet techniquehe has only one strike in him!" Yuan Yihan warned urgently. Han remained calm. The fragment of the Soulfiend Elder''s spirit might be beyond his ability to handle, but a mere Zangfu Realm corpse-puppet? That was hardly a problem. Lifting his treasured warhammer, Han swung it forward. Snow exploded into the air, blotting out the sky as a deafening shockwave reverberated through the valley. When the snow finally settled, Zhu Zhangtings broken corpse lay motionless on the ground. A single hammer strikekilling a Zangfu Realm cultivator! Seeing Han unharmed, Yuan Yihan focused entirely on subduing the Soulfiend Elders lingering spirit. Just as Lu Qingmo had predicted, Yuan Yihan was more than capable of handling this battle. Now that the Soulfiend Elder was caught in a fight, he wouldnt be able to escape. The narrative has been illicitly obtained; should you discover it on Amazon, report the violation. The sky flashed with brilliant lights as spiritual energy raged. This was no ordinary battleit had long surpassed the realm of mortals, reaching the domain of mystical arts and divine techniques. Had ordinary people witnessed this, they would have undoubtedly mistaken it for the work of gods. "Yuan Yihan! We will meet again!" A venomous voice echoed through the mountains. "And you, boy with the hammerI wont forget you!" The Soulfiend Elder''s lingering spirit suddenly erupted with an unnatural surge of power before dissipating into the wind. Han scoffed. Him? A hammer-wielding warrior? What nonsense. That had nothing to do with himhe was a swordsman! Meanwhile, the massive commotion had attracted Luo Hui and Sun Tong. Han could see through his omniscient perspective that they were now rushing toward the shrine at full speed. Upon reaching the mountain, their expressions darkened at the sight before them. "That traitor was really hiding here!" Luo Hui growled, his voice laced with anger. "You two arrived as well?" Yuan Yihans spirit emerged from the swirling snow, eyeing them with mild surprise. The two immediately bowed. "Vice Chief." Sun Tong quickly explained, "We were searching the nearby area when we sensed a battle breaking out here, so we rushed over." Yuan Yihan nodded. "You two are lucky. If you had encountered the Soulfiend Elder before we did" "You should be thanking Patrolman Han. If not for him spotting the Soulfiend Elder ahead of time, Luo Hui might have escaped, but Sun Tongyou would have died here today." Luo Hui and Sun Tong exchanged glances before giving Han a curt nod of gratitude. Han responded with a smile, though inwardly, he felt nothing but indifference. Not only had their hostility toward him not diminished, but it had intensified. What was wrong with these two? Were they working with Tianmu Sect? That thought struck Han like a lightning bolt. If someone wasnt officially part of Tianmu Sect, yet cooperated with them for personal gain while still belonging to Ghost Division, what would their status be? Han pondered for a moment before reaching a conclusion. They would still be labeled as Ghost Division members. He had seen individuals acting as double agents for factions before, but omniscient perspective had never explicitly labeled anyone as a traitor. And yet, such people undoubtedly existed. Han had never hesitated to assume the worst in others. Now, Luo Hui and Sun Tong had officially earned his suspicion. If they were colluding with Tianmu Sect, then their sudden appearance here made perfect sense. And what would be the outcome for them? Rather than facing danger, they would likely take credit for uncovering the enemy and walk away with honor. It wouldnt be the first time these two had conveniently found the right targets. Yuan Yihan proceeded to clean up the battlefield, collecting Zhu Zhangtings remains. With a shake of his head, he muttered, "This man was probably not a member of Tianmu Sect. He was likely a victim." "If he had truly been a part of Tianmu Sect, the Soulfiend Elder wouldnt have needed to kill him first before taking over his body." "All the officials of Yinhua County had already been thoroughly investigated. No one suspected him until he suddenly turned on his colleagues." A county magistrate betraying his people was a grave affair. Before discovering the possession, Yuan Yihan and the others had been furious, believing Zhu Zhangting had deliberately defected. But now that the truth was laid bare, all the inconsistencies became apparent. "What would have happened if the Soulfiend Elder had escaped?" Han asked. "Zhu Zhangtings entire family would have been executed. The officials of Yinhua County, and even those of Qinghua County, would have been sent to the state capital for interrogation." Hearing this, Han let out a silent sigh of relief. Had Luo Hui and Sun Tong reached the shrine first and been slain by the Soulfiend Elder, his Punishment Decree mission would have been indefinitely delayed. Now, with the situation stabilized, Qinghua Countys magistrate wouldnt be dragged into the mess. Though Han had acted for his own benefit, he had inadvertently saved several lives. In the dead of night, Han unexpectedly sought out Yuan Yihan to bid his farewell. Yuan Yihan was taken aback. Why the sudden decision to leave? Why not rest until dawn before setting out? Han smiled and shook his head. There are urgent matters in Heiyun Town that require my immediate attention. I cant afford to delay. A sudden departure was exactly what he wanted. If duty calls, I wont insist on keeping you, Yuan Yihan said warmly. If you ever have time, feel free to visit the Yuan family. You and Fanger are both youngI''m sure youll have much to talk about. Next time, for sure. Under normal circumstances, having participated in such an event, Han should have returned to the prefectural city with the others for further arrangements. However, as a Ghost God Patroller, he was not bound by conventional rules. Yuan Yihan watched Han leave, his gaze thoughtful. He held Han in high regardan individual with exceptional talent, solid strength, and a strong background. If all the Yuan familys friends were like him, how could their lineage not prosper? Yesterday, he had witnessed Hans hammer strike against Zhu Zhangtings corpse. That display of power was nothing to scoff at. Han went to the stables of the Ghost God Division, retrieved his horse, and just before exiting the premises, he turned back for a final glance. As expected, Luo Hui and Sun Tong crossed paths once again at this late hour. Han sneered. Instead of heading straight back, he took a deliberately circuitous route, zigzagging east and west before finally approaching the small snow-covered mountaina path that was the very definition of roundabout. Riding swiftly, Han abruptly pulled the reins as he neared the mountain. He then turned back a few steps, hesitated, and finally pressed forward again. Stopping by a small stream, he let his horse drink while taking out a handful of special feed, offering it to his steed. Gently running his hand through the horses mane, Hans concealed expression turned grave. My friend, youll need to give it your all later, he murmured. If I falter, you must carry me safely back to Heiyun Town. The horse neighed, as if it understood, its cry a solemn response to Hans words. After ensuring the horse had eaten and rested, Han gave it a moment to digest. Then, with a resolute breath, he swung onto the saddle. A chilling aura surrounded himlike a warrior about to charge into battle. And in truth, that was exactly what he was about to do. From his omniscient vision, he could see two figures hiding within the snow-covered mountain. When he had momentarily turned back, they had shifted slightly. When he resumed his approach, they fell still once more. Mother God Cultist: Tie Yi, Viscera Refinement Realm. Mother God Cultist: Wei San, Viscera Refinement Realm. Something was definitely off. The wind howled, stirring the snow atop the mountain. As Han and his horse pressed forward, the falling snow veiled them in whitedusting his hair, cloaking his robes. Chapter 125: Vanishing in the Blizzard—Body and Soul! The wind howled through the mountains, tearing massive sheets of snow from the slopes and hurling them into the air. As Han neared the foothills of Snow Mountain, the Skybow suddenly appeared in his hands. He drew the bowstring taut, loosing an arrow that roared through the storm. Boom! The ground erupted in a spray of snow and soil. Two figures burst forth from the ambush, closing the distance to Han in an instant. They were warriors of the Viscera Realmbreathing deep and steady, bodies as fierce as wild beasts. Their tempered organs allowed them to endure explosive bursts of power, granting them speed and strength far beyond the ordinary. Even the finest steeds in the world paled in comparison to the acceleration of a Viscera Realm cultivator. No matter how fast one fled on horseback, they would be caught in mere moments. Against enemies of this caliber, escape was no longer an option. Blades and axes gleamed as true energy crackled in the air. Han slapped the flank of his steed, sending it bolting forward while he remained behind. Taibai gleamed under the moonlight, its surface rippling like water. Slash! The air tore apart as Hans sword clashed against the incoming weapons. The impact sent snow and dust flying in all directions. Han staggered back, his feet carving deep furrows into the earth as the ground sank beneath him. His attackers exchanged glances, their eyes flashing with disbelief. How did you spot us? one of them demanded. No ordinary cultivator could have seen through our concealment. Youre stronger than we expected, the other admitted. My brother and I, fighting together, can unleash an attack rivaling the peak of the Viscera Realm. Yet you, still in the Meridian Realm, took our strike head-on and survived. No wonder they call you the Ghostly Wanderer. They wasted no more words and lunged at him once more. Two Viscera Realm warriors at the minor mastery stage So, the Celestial Mother Sect really thinks highly of me. Han muttered as he raised his sword to parry, his strikes swift and fierce. Clang! Blades clashed, slicing through the wind and scattering snow in all directions, creating a vacuum in the midst of the blizzard. The force of the blows sent shockwaves rippling through the ground, carving deep craters into the earth. Han was driven back again. His blood surged violently, a metallic taste rising in his throat. His opponents were an entire major realm above him! Their organs had been fully refined, granting them a transformation far beyond the reach of someone newly stepping into their realm. In the Viscera Realm, every organ refined marked a significant leap in power. These two moved with seamless coordination, their synergy bordering on the uncanny. If they claimed they could challenge a peak-stage Viscera Realm warrior together, they were likely not exaggerating. Moreover, their weapons and techniques were clearly superior to those of the two Black Cloud Town warriors Han had previously slain. Even as mere pawns of the Celestial Mother Sectexpendable foot soldiersthey had access to skills no ordinary rogue cultivator could hope to match. And more importantly, to survive the blood-soaked trials of the Celestial Mother Sect and climb to the Viscera Realm they were anything but ordinary. Against such opponents, the items Han had scavenged last month when he first entered the Flesh Refinement Realm were nearly useless now. Still, "nearly useless" wasnt the same as completely worthless. Han had already activated a Vajra Talisman in secret. "Impressive strength," one of the men sneered. "No wonder the elders sent both of us to kill you. Youre worth the trouble." Hans gaze darkened. "I left Yin Hua County on a whim. No one knew my exact route. How did you manage to intercept me ahead of time?" He had left abruptly precisely to avoid spies and informants, yet here they were, waiting for him. "The reach of the Celestial Mother Sect is beyond your imagination," one of them laughed. "Your every move is under our watch. The faithful of the Celestial Mother are spread across the entire world!" "From the moment you disrupted our plans, your fate was sealed." "Even if you had left through Snow Mountain instead of returning to Yin Hua County, my brother and I would still have found you." "As for how we intercepted you" Iron One grinned maliciously. "Take that question to your grave!" The two continued their assault, their words flowing as naturally as their strikes, neither hindering their attacks nor slowing their pace. Blades and axes crashed down like an unstoppable tide. Han was clearly at a disadvantage. The five viscera and six bowelsthe foundation of life itself. From the minor mastery stage onward, a Viscera Realm cultivators endurance, resistance, energy, and vitality all reached superhuman levels. In the bureaucratic hierarchy of the Great Qi Empire, warriors of this level were strong enough to oversee an entire county. Amid the swirling snow, Taibai shone brilliantly. Its blade remained pristine, unmarred even against the brutal assault of his opponents weapons. Han moved fluidlystepping, thrusting, bending, flippinghis motions as swift as a dragon in flight. His fists struck like thunder, his body clashing against weapons with the resilience of steel. Clang! In a desperate move, Han took a strike to the back, using the impact to fuel his counterattack. Taibai shimmered as frost bloomed across its blade, freezing Iron One mid-motion. Unauthorized reproduction: this story has been taken without approval. Report sightings. Then, with a sudden explosion, flames erupted alongside the ice. Rather than canceling each other out, the opposing elements combined in perfect harmony, amplifying their destructive force. Boom! Fire and ice detonated together. Iron Ones body was half-frozen, half-charred, wracked with agony. Han spat blood as he was flung backward, agony tearing through his back as warm liquid dripped down his skin. Iron One staggered, his face coated in frost, his scalp seared raw. His gaze locked onto Hans weapon. "A fine sword!" he muttered. "And an excellent inner armor," he added, eyes narrowing. "Naturally," Han said coldly, raising Taibai once more. "A sword meant to slay evil must be exceptional." The battle resumed. At one critical moment, Han flicked a hairpin from his sleeve, sending it piercing through Wei Sans flesh. Yet Wei San barely reacted. If anything, he looked more intrigued than pained. "Youre quite wealthy, arent you? A fine sword, quality armor, and even exotic hidden weapons" He chuckled. "No wonder the elders sent us after you. This is turning out to be quite the lucrative assignment." Han sneered. "Lucrative? More like your last job before reincarnation." Wei San smirked. "My brother and I have fought side by side for over a decade. We move as one. Even peak Viscera Realm warriors struggle against our teamwork. You think you can change your fate?" The battle raged on, words exchanged as naturally as the flurry of attacks. Snow melted into steam. Rocks shattered into dust. Rivers were severed. The battlefield became a land of ruin. Blood splattered the ground. Flesh split open. True energy coiled through wounds like maggots in rotting flesh. Hair whipped wildly in the storm. Faces blurred beneath the chaos. Then, in a decisive moment, Han lifted his leg and brought it crashing down. The power of his Vajra-strengthened kick exploded, and the Wind-Chasing Thunder Boots activated. A burst of violet lightning surged forth, striking Wei San square in the chest. The acrid scent of burnt flesh filled the air. "A weaponized boot?!" Wei San gasped. "Hah! Youre full of surprises!" Boom! The impact sent Han flying across the battlefield once more. Han stood, bloodstained and battered, wounds crisscrossing his body. Yet, despite his injuries, his eyes burned with an unprecedented brilliance. Taibai remained dazzlingly sharp, its edge as unstoppable as ever. Iron One and his brother were in no better shape. Their bodies were riddled with wounds, their flesh charred and torn. Some of their sword injuries ran deep enough to expose bone. Though Han was still in the Meridian Realm, both his physical strength and true energy were nearly on par with a Viscera Realm cultivator. With his arsenal of treasures and diverse techniques, it was impossible for Iron One and his brother to emerge unscathed. They could fight a peak Viscera Realm warrior together, but in the end, they were still two separate individuals. Their combined strength applied to Han was only at the minor mastery level. "Youre strong." Iron One''s expression darkened. The situation had developed beyond his expectations. "Weve fought disciples from prestigious sects, yet few were as formidable as you." "If we had only just stepped into the Viscera Realm, even if we managed to kill you today, wed have perished alongside you." They had reached a grim conclusionthis enemy possessed true Viscera Realm combat power, and his abilities were far from ordinary. No newly ascended Viscera cultivator could have matched him. "But no matter how strong you are, youre still just in the Meridian Realm!" Iron One roared, charging forward. "How much true energy do you have left? How many more strikes can you swing?" "Youre at your limit, arent you?" Han raised his sword, the corner of his lips twitching. His blood boiled like an inferno, his true energy surged like crashing waves. Wisps of flame-like energy rose from his body, scorching the ice and igniting the frozen grass beneath his feet. Boom. Boom. Boom. His heartbeat thundered through the battlefield, loud enough to be heard by all. An unseen pressure spread outward, oppressive and suffocating. A surge of scorching heat erupted from Hans heart, coursing through his soul and flooding every fiber of his being. His wounds began to mend, his strength surged anew. A limit? He saw no limit! The regenerative abilities of a Viscera Realm cultivator were formidablebut his own exceeded even that. In this battle, Han would endure longer than his enemies could ever imagine. And he would grow even stronger than they dared to believe. With every clash, his power was forged anew, burning brighter in the flames of battle, ascending in a crimson haze of rebirth. They were growing weaker with every strike. But hehe was only getting stronger. The battle raged on, fresh wounds marking both sides. Iron One and his brothers expressions shifted, uncertainty creeping into their eyes. Why wasnt their opponent wearing down? They exchanged a glance, then, without hesitation, each retrieved a blood-red pill from their storage pouches. The metallic scent of iron filled the air as they swallowed them whole. Their blood began to boil. Their skin flushed crimson. Their aura swelled with newfound power. "Brat, you made us waste two Bloodburning Pillsnow youll pay with your life!" The Bloodburning Pill granted a 20% boost in strength for fifteen minutes. The price? A massive depletion of blood and life force, leaving the user weakened for half a month after its effects wore off. A precious pill. Seeing them resort to such drastic measures, Han smirked. Instead of clashing head-on, he began pulling away, adopting a more evasive approach. A moment later, as they brushed past each other in a flash of steel and crimson, blood spurted into the air. Hans body swayed, seeming unstable. Iron One and his brother exhaled in reliefonly for their eyes to widen in shock and terror a heartbeat later. Hans aura surged once more, even stronger than before. A low, ancient sound echoed in the airlike the distant roar of a dragon, shaking the soul. Iron One and his brother suddenly felt as though they were no longer facing a man, but a beasta primordial dragon reborn in blood and battle. Han straightened, his posture as unyielding as a spear. Feeling his strength restored to its peak, his true energy replenished, and his wounds temporarily suppressed, Han laugheda cold, bloodstained grin revealing sharp white teeth. "Gentlemen, it''s time for you to depart this world." This would be his final gift from Brother Shu. My turn has come. Shape and Spirit AnnihilationActivate! This forbidden technique elevated all aspects of his strength by an entire sub-realm. His stamina and true energy instantly returned to their peak. For a brief time, he could completely ignore the negative effects of his injuries. At this moment, Han had stepped into the Great Mastery stage of the Meridian Realmhis Meridian Realm, honed through countless battles. What was a mere Bloodburning Pill compared to Shape and Spirit Annihilation? When Han declared that he would send them to reincarnation, he meant it. He never once believed he would perish here. In fact, he had never felt so alive. It was as if he had been reborn. "You had a technique like this" Iron Ones voice was dry, filled with disbelief. "Why didnt you use it from the start?" Hans gaze was cold. "If I didnt wear you down first, how could I be sure to finish you off?" "How long do you think your Bloodburning Pills effects will last?" He moved. Faster than their eyes could track. Stronger than their bodies could withstand. From the start, Han had fought with one goalto take their lives. Had he activated Shape and Spirit Annihilation immediately, they might have fled, and once the technique''s duration ended, he would have been the one on the run. A technique that instantly restored all stamina and true energyit was a second life. Such a trump card could only be played at the decisive moment. Slash! Hans sword pierced through Wei Sans arm, blood spraying into the wind. Fear overtook the two brothers. Without hesitation, they turned and fledsplitting up to maximize their chances. Han let out a cold laugh. The Wind-Chasing Thunder Boots activated, enhancing his footwork as he pursued. At the same time, he unleashed a massive palm imprint, infused with the energy of heaven and earth, crashing toward the second target. A spiritual technique followeda formless pressure that distorted the soul, accompanied by the chilling echo of a dragons roar. Iron Ones mind reeled. Han sneered inwardly. Had they forgotten? He wasnt just a martial artist. He was a cultivator. He had deliberately refrained from using his spiritual techniques earlier to avoid alerting them. Used prematurely, it would have only made them more cautious. But now? Now, it was fatal. "You despicable bastard!" Iron One roared, realizing too late just how deep Hans deception ran. Han didnt reply. He had already caught up. His sword flashed, cleaving through the wind, parting the snow. Iron One countered, summoning a barrier of true energy. Hans gaze sharpened. His Illusory Dream Technique struck in an instant, dazing Iron One for just a split second But a split second was all Han needed. Slash! Iron Ones arm flew into the air. Han pressed forward, relentless, unstoppable. Iron Ones defenses crumbled. He was finished. "I refuse to accept this!" His final cry was swallowed by the blizzard. His severed head hit the ground with a heavy thud. Han didnt even spare him a glance as he turned toward Wei San. Knowing escape was impossible, Wei San let out a furious roar and charged. But he was already wounded. Against a fully rejuvenated Han, he had no hope. Hans sword pierced Wei Sans forehead. The light in his eyes faded. The battle was over. The Meridian Realm warrior had slain two Viscera Realm elites. Han emerged victorious. Chapter 126: Conquering Aunt Yun Han rested his head against Lu Qingmos shoulder, sinking into an indescribable sensation of warmth and softness. What a divine opportunity. A shift in position, the fragrance in the air, the delicate touchwords failed to capture the moment. The faint floral scent teased his senses, filling his lungs. His face remained impassive, but deep inside, he sighed. If Senior Sister wanted to compete with Aunt Yun, she would need a few more years to mature. He was genuinely concerned for her. Leaning against Lu Qingmo, Han let her support him as they entered the peach grove. Their closeness rendered his injuries irrelevant. And yet, at this moment, his body was utterly weak and powerless. Perhaps, that was a blessing in disguise. "What happened to you?" Lu Qingmo asked, her voice laced with concern and irritation. Not at Han, but at Yuan Yihan. She had been holding back a simmering anger over Hans little stunt with the snail earlier, planning to teach him a lesson upon his return. But she hadnt expected him to return in this state. The moment she sensed his presence outside the grove, her heart clenched, and without hesitation, she rushed to meet him. "The possessed one was the Soulfiend Elder," Han explained. "Vice Governor Yuan successfully dealt with himthere were no complications." "But on my way back, I was ambushed by warriors from the Celestial Mother Secttwo Viscera Realm fighters attacked me together. Thats how I ended up like this." "Aunt Yun, I suspect someone within the Wudang Division or the Ghost Division in the provincial capital is colluding with the Celestial Mother Sect." His sudden decision to return, his deliberate detournone of it had thrown them off. According to the Iron Brothers, even if he had skipped Snow Mountain and returned to Black Cloud Town directly, they would have intercepted him all the same. Such confidence. Han refused to believe it was mere coincidence. They hadnt even known his name. Even if they had deduced he was from Black Cloud Town, they shouldn''t have been able to pinpoint his exact route. Either the Celestial Mother Sect had some terrifying means of tracking targets without any clues, which would be utterly monstrous Or someone had secretly marked him, feeding his location to them in real-time. Han strongly suspected the latter. Perhaps the Iron Brothers'' souls would reveal something useful. Lu Qingmo paused for a moment before responding, "Ill discuss this with Elder Ye." Then, her gaze sharpened. "And why didnt you contact me the moment you realized you were ambushed?" Hadn''t she just scolded him for his recklessness with the Soulfiend Elder? Yet when real trouble came, he still faced it alone. "I didnt want you to worry." Lu Qingmos chest rose and fell as she let out a long sigh. Youre too considerate for your own good. So considerate that it made her heart ache. She helped him into his room and pulled out a handful of pills. "Take these." Han obediently opened his mouth. Lu Qingmo hesitated. I meant take them yourself! Han simply stared at her, unmoving. She had no choice but to feed him. Then, she retrieved a few talismans and pressed them onto his body. A warm energy seeped into his wounds, soothing his battered frame. Her eyes fell upon his more severe injuriesthough the bleeding had stopped for now, they remained dangerously unstable. She hesitated. Then sighed. I really owe you one. She placed a talisman beside him. "This is a Cleansing Talisman. Use it." Damn it. Han despised the existence of talismans at this moment. If there were no Cleansing Talismans, Lu Qingmo would have to prepare a basin of warm water and help clean him up. These damn Daoist arts werent making his life easierthey were ruining his opportunities. "Aunt Yun, I think I cant move. I have no strength left." "Oh?" Lu Qingmo arched a brow, eyeing him with suspicion. "You really cant move?" Han blinked. And suddenly, he realized something. With Lu Qingmos cultivation, if she truly focused on sensing his condition, shed quickly discover the extent of his injuries. And his injuries, while severe, werent bad enough to leave him completely paralyzed. If not for the Nine-Orifice Golden Pill and the True Dragon Blood Soulstone, he would have been unconscious. Shape and Spirit Annihilation left him drained, yesbut picking up a piece of talisman paper should have been well within his abilities. Unauthorized reproduction: this story has been taken without approval. Report sightings. Which meant She had already seen through his act when she carried him inside. "Actually, I think I can move now," Han immediately corrected himself. "Ill do it myself." Lu Qingmo shot him a pointed look before turning away. The moment she left the room, Han attempted to flip himself upright And failed. Yep. No strength at all. He had no choice but to obediently lie still and cleanse himself. Outside, Lu Qingmo couldnt help but chuckle at the muffled sounds inside. Han had guessed correctly. At first, she had been too worried to notice the details. The moment he collapsed, she instinctively caught him. But soon after, she realized His injuries, while serious, shouldnt have left him unable to walk. And that realization left her both amused and exasperated. Such a crafty little fox. But seeing him so battered, she hadnt had the heart to call him out on it. She had already carried him this far. What was a little more? When she reentered the room, she carried a cup of water and fresh bandages. She wrapped his deeper wounds first. The cooling sensation of the bandages suggested they carried a trace of healing energy. Throughout the process, their faces were mere inches apart. Their breath intermingled. The scent of Lu Qingmos fragrance filled Hans lungs. She paused. Why is he inhaling so deeply? Han, meanwhile, gazed at her serene, breathtakingly beautiful face. A warm sense of peace settled over him. Aunt Yun is so kind. I really like Aunt Yun. Once the bandaging was complete, Lu Qingmo handed him the water. Han took itonly for his fingers to tremble. The cup nearly slipped from his grasp. A faint sense of embarrassment crept over him. I cant move, sure. But I cant be this weak! Lu Qingmo caught the cup and frowned. "Whats going on with you?" "The ones who ambushed me were two minor mastery Viscera Realm warriors. They also took Bloodburning Pills," Han explained. "I had to use some techniques with side effects." Lu Qingmos heart shook. That level of strength? And yet they still failed to kill you? They should have been the victors. Yet here he was. Lu Qingmo struggled for words. Finally, she helped him sit up and fed him water. This was only the second time she had ever done something like this. The first time had been when Bai Ruoyue was little. She still remembered how, back then, she had accidentally poured too much and ended up spilling water all over the little girls face. Bai Ruoyue had burst into loud sobs. This time, she was much more careful. Senior Sister planted the tree. Junior Brother sat in the shade. "Now," she said, "tell me everything that happened." "I" "Wait," she interrupted, eyes narrowing. "Did you just say you killed the ones who ambushed you?" Han nodded. "Yeah. Otherwise, how else would I be here?" "I thought I mentioned that earlier?" He casually took out the Iron Brothers souls and handed them over. Lu Qingmos lips parted slightly. When did you tell me that?! With the strength they had displayed, she wouldnt have been surprised if Han had died. Yet not only had he survived He had killed them. Before she learned the details, she had thought Han was lucky just to make it out alive. Now that she knew the full story She didnt know what to think. Han should have been more injured. Seriously, he should have been dead. "Aunt Yun, whats wrong? Why arent you saying anything?" Lu Qingmo remained silent. She needed a moment. Just let me think. Her gaze on Han was complicatedfilled with curiosity, disbelief, and something close to frustration. No supreme martial arts. No legendary weapon. How did you accomplish this? You shouldnt have been able to accomplish this. The further one progressed in cultivation, the harder it became to kill an opponent of a higher realmespecially from the Viscera Realm onward, and especially when the opponent was a trained warrior of the Celestial Mother Sect rather than some wandering rogue. Could someone kill across such a vast gap in power? Yes. Had she seen it before? Also yes. In the Xuandu Monastery, there were prodigies capable of such feats. They were the future of the sect, true embodiments of the Dao. But their circumstances were entirely different. They were born into greatnessflawless in every way, even beyond what most could consider perfection. And Han? What was his situation? She knew about his forbidden techniques, of course. But while those were important, they were only one factor in a warriors strength. In real combat, strategy often mattered more than technique. Those peerless geniuses built their power upon secret arts, wielded divine martial skills, and were fortified by heavenly treasures. They had lineage, talent, insight, luck, and destiny. Everything was in their favor. But Han? What the hell did he have? Lu Qingmo knew exactly how strong Hans true energy and physical body were. Nearly comparable to a Viscera Realm warrior. That alone was enough to explain why he could fight above his level. But he lacked the most critical factor in such battlesa supreme martial art. So how did he not only kill across one major realm but then do it again? Lu Qingmo racked her brain. And came up empty. Which, in hindsight, made sensebecause without gambling his life away, Hans combat ability should have only been around the early Viscera Realm at best. The two artifacts within his heart and soul gave him the endurance to sustain long battles. For Lu Qingmo, killing across realms was shocking, but still somewhat understandable. What she couldnt accept was that Han had done it while being practically broke. She was very curious now. Just what are you hiding, Han? What kind of secrets do you have? She really wanted to take a peek. But unfortunately She couldnt. "Aunt Yun? Aunt Yun?" Hans voice pulled her from her daze. He waved a hand in front of her face. Stop staring, Aunt Yun. There will be plenty of time for that later. Lu Qingmo shook herself out of her thoughts and refocused. "If what youre saying is true, then their presence was highly suspicious," she said at last. "Someone in the provincial capital is likely colluding with the Celestial Mother Sect." "And that Warden Zhu his entire background is dubious. The Celestial Mother Sects presence in Tianyue Province runs far deeper than we thought." She fell into contemplation. What exactly is their goal? "Ill speak with Elder Ye about your encounter," she continued. "If someone really betrayed you" A cold glint flashed in her eyes. "Then I wont let them go unpunished." They dared to ambush someone I raised? Had Han been anyone else, he would be dead right now. She didnt even want to imagine that possibility. "Hopefully, this whole mess will be over soon," Han sighed. If he had known things would get this complicated, he never would have accepted that damn Punish Evil Token in the first place. Damn you, Brother Shu. Lu Qingmo gave Han a long, thoughtful look. "Aunt Yun." "Hm?" "Im hungry." He knew she could cook. "" At first, all I had to do was give you a chair. Then, you wanted a bed. And now, you want food too? Just how much more are you going to ask for? She didnt even want to think about what his next request would be. But then she saw the way he was looking at hereyes full of quiet expectation. And, in the end, she softened. Fine. Youre an injured man. Ill take care of you. Han watched her graceful silhouette disappear into the kitchen, a small smile tugging at his lips. Then he closed his eyes, resting. When dealing with an aloof, older woman, you had to break her defenses. You couldnt go along with her, couldnt put her on a pedestal. That would only make her more distant and unreachable. Instead, you had to bring her into the real world. Make her experience things she never had before. Let her be one way in front of othersbut a different way in front of you. Do that enough times, and youd become irreplaceable. Of course, this wasnt something to try on just anyone. But then The door slammed open. A powerful gust of wind rushed in. And before Han could react, someone grabbed him by the shoulders and shook him violently. "Junior Brother! Junior Brother, are you okay?! You cant die!" "Wake up, Junior Brother!" Han rolled his eyes. There was only one person who could be this dramatic. Senior Sister, please shake me a little less. At this rate, my bed is going to collapse before I do. I survived Snow Mountain only to be shaken to death right here. Chapter 127: Let’s Finish Before Senior Sister Gets Back Bai Ruoyue had been summoned by Lu Qingmo. Since Han had been injured, the martial hall needed to be informed. He couldn''t just stay hidden away with her forever. By the time Han and Bai Ruoyue had reassured her that he was fineHan had even started pulling at his robes, half-jokingly offering to show herLu Qingmo walked in, setting a tray of food beside him with a clack. Han glanced at the meal. It was simple yet refined, imbued with spiritual energynot something made from ordinary ingredients. Leafy greens, red beans "Whoa, Aunt Yun, you actually cooked for Junior Brother?" Bai Ruoyue exclaimed in surprise. "I havent had your cooking in so long!" "I hadnt eaten all night, then got caught up in a brutal fight," Han explained. "My stomach was completely empty. I had no choice but to trouble Aunt Yun." "Looking at how weak you are, you do need to eat well," Bai Ruoyue nodded in agreement. For a martial artist, food wasnt just for sustenanceit was essential for cultivating energy and healing injuries. What mortals ate after falling ill was important; for warriors, whose bodies burned through energy at an accelerated rate, it was even more crucial. "Junior Brother, wait here! Ill go grab something good from my dad!" Before she even finished speaking, Bai Ruoyue was already dashing out the door. Han exchanged glances with Lu Qingmo, reading the helplessness in her eyes. "Senior Sister always so direct," he muttered. Then, he turned his gaze to the meal in front of him and subtly gestured toward his hands. "Aunt Yun, you see this situation here" Wealthy lady, Im starving. Feed me. Lu Qingmo hesitated. She was fairly certain Hans injuries werent severe enough to render him unable to eat by himself. But knowing he had used techniques with serious side effects, she wasnt entirely sure there was no impact. "Wait for Ruoyue to come back and have her feed you," she decided. After all, feeding Han herselfwhat kind of situation would that be? If Bai Ruoyue walked in on that, how was she supposed to maintain her dignity as an elder? "Aunt Yun, lets just hurry and finish before Senior Sister returns," Han urged. "As long as she doesnt see, theres no issue, right?" "Otherwise, the food will get cold." "Shes probably bringing me more food anyway. I should finish this first so I can digest properly." "Dont hesitate, Aunt Yun. I cant wait to taste your cooking." Being fed while recovering from injurieswhat better way to deepen their relationship? "" "Youre impossible." "Open your mouth." "Eat slower. Youre biting the red beans too fast." In the end, Lu Qingmo relented. She convinced herself that she was just taking care of a junior, nothing more. She was already at this agethere was nothing strange about it. Nothing strange at all. Yet, despite her reasoning, ripples stirred in her heart. Lu Qingmo, are you possessed? Did this little devil cast a spell on you? She shot Han a glance. Yes. This little devil. Just as they were finishing up, a gasp came from the doorway. "Ah!" "Aunt Yun! Junior Brother! You!" Bai Ruoyue stood at the entrance, utterly bewildered. Lu Qingmo was seated at Hans bedside, leaning toward him, her figure partially obscuring him. From Bai Ruoyues angle, the two appeared overlapping, far too close. Lu Qingmo froze. Damn. She had been carefully listening for Bai Ruoyues return. But she had been so distracted that she had forgotten all about it. And now, Bai Ruoyue had walked right in on them. Why did you have to come back so fast, girl?! A thought surfaced in Lu Qingmos mindfrom now on, Ruoyue needs to knock before entering. She stood up smoothly, her face unreadable, and set the bowl aside. "Senior Sister, youre just in time," Han said with a smile. "Aunt Yun and I were just talking about you." What the hell do you need to think about me for while doing something like that?! "Aunt Yun was just saying how I was too weak to take care of myself right now," Han continued. "She was going to have you help me, but then you ran off." Bai Ruoyue was even more confused. Waitso now this is my fault?! "The food was getting cold, so I had to step in," Lu Qingmo said, voice calm as she walked past Bai Ruoyue. "Now that youre back, Ill leave the rest to you." "Just be careful. Dont let him overexert himself." "O-okay" Bai Ruoyue nodded blankly as she watched Lu Qingmo leave. But something about this felt off. With your cultivation, would food even have the chance to get cold? She walked over to the bedside, eyeing the unfinished meal. "Senior Sister, now that Aunt Yun is gone, Ill have to trouble you to take her place," Han said, blinking innocently. Bai Ruoyue fell into deep thought. It made sense for her to take over Aunt Yuns duties. It made sense for her to take care of Junior Brother. But somehow, something about this did not make sense. How did things turn out like this? How had Aunt Yun ended up in her role? Or rather Had she ended up in Aunt Yuns role? And if sowhat role was Junior Brother playing here?! Pushing the thought aside, she retrieved the supplements she had broughtnourishments that would help restore his energy and heal his wounds. "Junior Brother, time to take your medicine." Unauthorized use: this story is on Amazon without permission from the author. Report any sightings. Hans heart tensed. Was Senior Sister about to turn dark and poison him? No, obviously not. Between Lu Qingmo and Bai Ruoyues double attack, Han finally felt full. Too full. His stomach was bloated. By morning, Han was ready to leave for the martial hall with Bai Ruoyue. His master and fellow disciples must have been worried. But after leaving the peach grove, Han suddenly stopped, gasping for breath. Weak. "Senior Sister, I have no strength left I cant move." Bai Ruoyue narrowed her eyes at him. Then sighed. Still, she helped him up. She had already heard what happened last night. If Junior Brother cant move, then Ill move for him. Back at the martial hall, Bai Tian and the others had been waiting. The moment Han returned, they surrounded him, their concern palpable. And when they heard the details of the ambushhow Han had been hunted by two Viscera Realm warriors, both using power-enhancing pillsonly to slay them both Their shock was immeasurable. This was defying the heavens. "Celestial Mother Sect again," Bai Tian muttered, eyes cold. They had already slaughtered countless warriors in Heishan. And now, they were repeatedly targeting his disciple. There was not a shred of goodwill left for that cultonly hostility. "If I ever encounter someone from the Celestial Mother Sect," Bai Ruoyue huffed, "I wont let them walk away alive." But Han shook his head. "Senior Sister, the Celestial Mother Sect is vast. If you ever truly encounter them, you must be cautious. Your safety comes first." "The same goes for all of you. Never be reckless." Any force capable of standing against Great Qi for so many years, still surviving despite being hunted was not to be underestimated. If the Great Qi Dynasty truly had the power to eradicate them, they would have done so long ago. This was an organization strong enough to stand against an empire. Even within the neighboring kingdoms, the Celestial Mother Sect had influence. They were among the most terrifying forces in the world. "Han is right," Bai Tian agreed. "They deserve death, but we must not be rash." "This sect is truly terrifying." "Master," Han asked, "have you ever encountered them before?" Bai Tian fell silent for a moment. Then, slowly, he nodded. "I have." "When I was young, I met a Celestial Maiden from their sect. If not for" "I would have died at her hands." Everyone was stunned. None of them had expected Bai Tian to have such an encounter in his past. "When I first left Black Cloud Town, I had only just reached the Viscera Realm," Bai Tian recalled. "I wandered for a time, eventually leaving Tianzhou and traveling to Qingzhou. There, I stumbled into an ancient ruin and was drawn into a conflict." His voice grew distant as he continued. "It was there that I met Celestial Maiden Chi Yao of the Celestial Mother Sect." At this point, Bai Tian let out a self-deprecating chuckle. "Back in Black Cloud Town, I had reached the Viscera Realm at the age of nineteen, far ahead of my peers. But in front of Chi Yao, I was as weak as an insect. She could have crushed me with a mere flick of her handI had no power to resist." "Now, nearly twenty years have passed. That same Celestial Maiden has become a legendary figure, a peerless force that commands fear from both righteous sects and demonic cults alike." A trace of emotion flickered across Bai Tians facesomething between nostalgia and resignation. Time had changed everything. That once invincible opponent had only grown stronger. He knew, without a doubt, that in this lifetime, he could never hope to defeat her. "Hmph! Give me twenty years, and Ill personally test how strong that Chi Yao really is!" Bai Ruoyue declared. If her father couldnt beat someone, then she would! Bai Tian merely shook his head. He didnt criticize her ambition, but he didnt hold high expectations either. With the resources his daughter had now, challenging a fully grown Celestial Maiden of the Celestial Mother Sect was a fools dream. Unless While Han was resting at the martial hall, strange rumors began spreading through Black Cloud Town. His injuries had not gone unnoticedwhether it was him slumped over his horse upon returning, or Bai Ruoyue supporting him back to the martial hall, many had seen it. And so, the rumors began. At first, people simply said that Tai Bai Han had been severely wounded. Then, they claimed his foundation had been ruined. Then, that he had lost all his cultivation. By the end of the day, someone had even sworn that Han was already on his deathbed. Lying peacefully in the martial hall, Han remained blissfully unaware that, according to local gossip, his seven-day funeral had already passed. Of course, while some spread lies, others came to check on him personally. Little Yunduo arrived at the martial hall, worry written all over her face. Seeing Han very much alive, she finally breathed a sigh of relief. What surprised Han the most was that Yun Yun had also come with her. The two werent particularly closethey had only exchanged a few words on the way back from the Dragon Sovereign Banquet. Still, Han remembered her kindness. That night, Bai Ruoyue escorted Han back to the peach grove once again. At first, she had planned to keep him at the martial hallit would be more convenient to care for him there. But Han insisted that he needed to continue his soul cultivation and refused. He even told her not to pick him up tomorrowhe would be staying in the peach grove for a few days. Constantly traveling back and forth between the martial hall and the peach grove would only exhaust him further. "Isnt this troubling Aunt Yun too much?" Bai Ruoyue frowned. Han turned to Lu Qingmo, looking at her expectantly. "Aunt Yun, is it convenient for me to stay?" Lu Qingmo hesitated for a moment. Considering Hans limited mobility, his need for soul cultivation, and the importance of his safety "Let him stay." After all, it wasnt the first time. And it was just normal injury recovery. Nothing strange about it. Bai Ruoyue pursed her lips. "Aunt Yun, youre spoiling him too much." "Youre going to turn Junior Brother into a little brat." Han shot her a glare, urging her to hurry up and leave. Bai Ruoyue clenched her fist and gave Han a silent warningbefore finally turning and walking away. Once she was gone, Lu Qingmo spoke. "I examined the souls of those two Viscera Realm warriors." "I found some information." Han raised a brow. "Wait, werent Celestial Mother Sect members immune to soul-searching?" "Because the Celestial Mother Sects presence in Tianyue Province has been increasing, I specifically learned a special Daoist art from my junior martial brother to deal with this exact issue." Her junior martial brotherthe same expert who had previously helped her break the soul seal on the Gao familys hidden agent. From her tone, it was clear that this junior brother was extremely skilled in soul restrictions. "However," Lu Qingmo continued, "according to him, the restrictions placed on the souls of Celestial Mother Sect members at this level are at least set by Manifestation Realm experts, using the power of the Celestial Mother. Theyre incredibly difficult to break." "And since Ive only just started learning this technique, the information I retrieved was incomplete. I could only access surface-level memoriesanything truly confidential remained locked away." "What did you find?" "When you and Yuan Yihan went to deal with the Soulfiend Elder, those two were actually waiting outside Yinhua County, prepared to retrieve his split soul." "When that split soul was destroyed, they immediately received orders from the real Soulfiend Elder." "So thats why they were so confident they could intercept me no matter where I went" Han murmured. "Do they know who the traitor in the provincial capital is?" "They have no idea," Lu Qingmo shook her head. "Before being sent here, they had been stationed at the Tianyue-Tianhai border. The Soulfiend Elder had only recently assigned them to this task." "Then how did they track my exact location?" "Take out their storage pouches." Han did as instructed. Lu Qingmo rummaged through them and pulled out a compass-like artifact. "This is how," she said. "With just a strand of hair or a single drop of blood, this artifact can track someone within a certain range." "But they werent tracking youthey were tracking your horse." "This is a paired artifactthis one is the master device, but theres another sub-device held by someone else." "As soon as one side locks onto the target, the other person can also see the location." Hans eyes narrowed. "They started tracking me as soon as I left Yinhua County?" "Yes. However, the other side has already erased the tracking history." Han fell into deep thought. "My horse a strand of hair or a drop of blood" "My horse was kept in the Ghost Divisions stables in Yinhua County. There were people assigned to feed it, meaning there were plenty of chances for someone to take some hair." "And" "The base of Snow Mountain." After dealing with the Soulfiend Elders split soul, Sun Tong had personally brought Hans horse over to him. That was another opportunity to take some hair. And Sun Tong, according to Yuan Yihan, was skilled in a Daoist art that tracked enemies through blood and hair. Yuan Yihan wasnt the type to mistake a technique for an artifactwhich meant Sun Tong might also possess an item like this. Han immediately relayed his thoughts to Lu Qingmo. She nodded. "If thats the case, then they are highly suspicious." "While the provincial capitals forces were investigating the surrounding counties, the Iron Brothers stayed just outside Yuan Yihans sensing range, always following from a distance." "What were they doing?" "Before Yuan Yihans group even arrived, the Iron Brothers had already gone ahead to contact certain individuals in each county. They didnt do anything specificjust re-established contact." "Yinhua County was their final stop. Their task was to retrieve the Soulfiend Elders split soul." Hans expression darkened. "Re-establishing contact before an investigation arrives?" "That only increases their chances of being exposed." "Exactly," Lu Qingmo agreed. "This alone proves one thing" Hans gaze turned cold. "There is definitely a traitor." The court had rats. "Aunt Yun, Im thirsty." "" Lu Qingmo stared at him. Did you seriously just change the subject like that?! Chapter 128: The Seeds of Virtue, The Fruits of Fate In this world, what happens once may happen twiceand what happens twice will surely happen thrice. By now, Lu Qingmo had completely lost the ability to refuse Hans requests. After tending to him, she checked his condition. "Youre recovering surprisingly fast," she said, a trace of astonishment in her voice. "Ordinarily, even with those medicines, this level of healing shouldnt be possible." "Your body really is quite unique." Of course, the medicine alone wouldnt be enough. But I have a golden core in my heart and a divine stone in my mind. The sheer energy, the rapid restorationunstoppable. The golden core and divine stone were among Hans greatest hidden cards, the foundation that allowed him to fight with reckless abandon, to trade wounds for wounds, to gamble life for life. Without them, had he fought the Iron Brothers in such a brutal exchange, he wouldve been long dead. Lu Qingmo asked him to move his limbs to test his strength, then suddenly chuckled. "Aunt Yun, youre laughing at me?" Hans face darkened. Just you wait. Within three days, Ill rise again. A body of ironunbreakable! "Its nothing to worry about," Lu Qingmo reassured him, though the amusement in her expression never faded. "Theres nothing wrong with being a little soft sometimes." Her smile only widened. Han had always been fierce and full of energyseeing him so weak and helpless now was unexpectedly amusing. The aftereffects of Shape and Spirit Annihilation didnt prevent Han from cultivating. Even if he practiced martial arts, he could still move. Its just that his strikes would land soft as cotton. However, his injuries were a different matterhis body needed time. At least his soul remained unharmed. When Hans spirit left his body, the moonlight still gathered to him as before. Even An Langhis ghostly companionwas released, and she immediately sensed something was wrong. "Young Master, what happened?" An Lang floated in front of Han, her eyes wide with concern. "Youre injured! Who did this?!" "Tell me their name! I wont let them get away with it!" Han smiled. "Good. I appreciate your loyalty," he said solemnly. "In that case, I have a task for you." "Go eliminate the leader of the Celestial Mother Sect for me." "Huh? Me?" An Lang froze. After a long moment, she hesitantly said, "Young Master, I do think my current form still has some value Perhaps we could postpone that task for now?" "Wuwuwu, I just want to stay by your side forever" She covered her face in theatrical grief, though she deliberately left gaps between her fingers. Classic ghostly deception tactics. Han rolled his eyes. Useless ghost. What good are you? Nothing but talk. Still, he never expected An Lang to be a warriorso it didnt really bother him. Meanwhile, An Lang felt deeply wronged. What kind of battle-hardened ghost could possibly kill someone ranked on the Heaven and Earth Mortal Ranking?! Lu Qingmo observed the scene with amusement. Hans ghostly companion was quite interestingher temperament was far from ordinary. Han stayed in the peach grove for three full days, all under Lu Qingmos care. Technically, An Lang could have helped as wellshe had even offered. But Han had ignored her completely. "I fear ghosts. I cant handle ghostly assistance." "Little An, you must understandthe paths of man and ghost must never intertwine." "Lets not contact each other for a few days. I wouldnt want Aunt Yun to misunderstand." And so, for three days, he rested. At last, the aftereffects of Shape and Spirit Annihilation completely vanished. Han stood up. His strength returned. Not only had he fully recovered from the aftereffects, but even his injuries had mostly healed. Lu Qingmo studied him with admiration. "Your ability to recover is terrifying," she remarked. The story has been taken without consent; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident. "You radiate pure vitality." "In a fight, your endurance and regeneration alone would drive your enemies to despair." Han chuckled. "Thats why I keep surviving these deadly encounters." That being said, he didnt entirely agree with Lu Qingmos assessment. Would his endurance and stamina always drive his opponents to despair? That depended on the battlefield. In certain special battlefields Despair? Quite the opposite. Lu Qingmo seemed to be contemplating something. "You havent consumed any divine elixirs or trained in any specialized techniques," she mused. "And yet, your vitality surpasses that of an ordinary person by an astonishing degree. Theres only one explanation" "Your life essence is inherently far more robust than that of ordinary peopleto the point that your body itself has undergone some degree of transformation." Unintentionally, she was exactly right. Hans life essence was indeed exceptionally deepthanks to his special medicine. "And this is you after having part of your life essence eroded by ghosts," Lu Qingmo added in amazement. "If you had never suffered that misfortune, your potential would be even greater." "" Why are we bringing that up again? My past was NOT my peak, alright?! "Aunt Yun, Im thirsty," Han suddenly said. Without thinking, Lu Qingmo naturally picked up the cup of water on the table and lifted it to his lips. But just as Han started drinking, both of them froze. They looked at each other. And then "Heh." Han let out an awkward chuckle, taking the cup from her and drinking on his own. Right. He was already fully recovered. Lu Qingmo lowered her gaze, feeling a little strange herself. Three days. It had become a habit. She hadnt even realized what she was doing. Hes recovered. But I might not recover so easily. Han left the peach grove and returned to Black Cloud Town. When people saw him, they were stunned. "Wait isnt that Tai Bai Han?" "Didnt they say he had lost all his cultivation?" "No, no, I heard that his arms and legs were broken and he was a cripple!" "Waitwasnt he already dead? I swear, someone said he was buried days ago!" "Could it be a corpse that came back to life? We should call the Ghost Division to investigate!" "You idiot, he literally just walked out of the Ghost Divisions governors house!" "" Hans face darkened. WHO THE HELL had been spreading these ridiculous rumors?! When I get back, I swear Im going to curse the Gao family with misfortune for a month. With Hans safe return, everyone felt relieved. Even though Bai Ruoyue had been sulking about something for the past three days, she still couldnt help but feel glad. When Han was finally alone, he took out his Punish Evil Token and checked its status. The moment he saw the numbers, his heart leapt with satisfaction. If he settled his rewards now, his merit multiplier was at 100%! Previously, his virtue points had been stuck at 499. Now, they had increased to 500. Perfect completion. It seemed the investigation and punishment of the corrupt officials in Qinghua County had concluded. Han had not made the trip in vain. Now that he had reached the maximum threshold, there was no reason to wait. He cashed in. His 500 virtue points instantly doubled to 1,000. And because of the perfect completion, he received an additional reward. A new message from the Punish Evil Token surfaced in his mind. Perfect Punishment Reward: "Good deeds beget good fortune." The reward was specialif Han ever faced a life-threatening crisis, he could use it to miraculously survive through a reasonable means. The seeds of virtue he had sown Would one day bear fruit. The difference was huge. Han took a deep breath and scratched his head. This so-called Good Deeds Beget Good Fortune had no clear limits, making it difficult to judge its effectiveness. If he miscalculated and relied on it to take risks, only to encounter a crisis beyond the scope of reason, then wouldn''t he be completely doomed? And unlike his Punish Evil Token, this ability hadn''t been acquired during a bonus periodit was merely a Level One Token. Brother Shu had no limits, but Han did. Still, having an ability like this was a good thing. At the very least, it provided another layer of security. Even if the extra reward wasnt immediately useful, he still had his virtue points to spend. [Special Item: Level One Punish Evil Token] [Eliminate evil, accumulate virtue. Virtue can grant enlightenment, repel demonic forces, and increase fortune. Its uses are endless. (One-time-use item)] The real benefit of the token wasnt the bonus rewardit was the virtue points earned through acts of justice. Enlightenment, demon suppression, fortune enhancementany one of these was already an incredible ability. But even though 1,000 virtue points sounded like a lot, they could disappear fast. For example, increasing fortune required a flat 500 points per useHan could use it twice, and it would be gone. And while the effect was permanent, it wasnt like it would instantly turn him into a Child of Destiny. The description was clearit would slightly enhance his luck. As for enlightenment, that was adjustable. The lowest tier required 100 points, and each additional 100 would increase the depth and duration of the enlightenment. Demon suppression, on the other hand, depended entirely on the strength of the demon. For a minor demon, a few points might be enough. For a true demon lord, even if Han burned all 1,000 points, he might not survive. So, when it came down to it 1,000 virtue points werent much at all. Han needed to plan carefully to make the most of them. How should I use them? "Junior Brother, why are you just sitting there? Why arent you training?" Bai Ruoyue strode into the room, arms crossed, her expression stern. "What, is the martial hall too small for you now? You dont feel challenged anymore?" "Should I ask my father to give you special permission so you never have to come back? You can just wander off and train wherever you like?" "Hmph. I guess my little martial hall just isnt big enough compared to Aunt Yuns place. No wonder you like it better there." "" This Yin-Yang Senior Sister Hans mouth twitched. All because he had told her not to visit the peach grove too often and interrupt his time with Aunt Yun, she was still holding a grudge?! Senior Sister, I swear, I was only thinking of you! I just didnt want you to wear yourself out. I didnt want to trouble you! But alas, my kindness was misplaced. My good intentions wasted. A deep sigh escaped him. Then "Master!" Han suddenly shouted at the top of his lungs. "Senior Sister wants to kick me out! She says she doesnt want to see me at the martial hall anymore!" Bai Ruoyues expression changed instantly. She rushed forward in a panic, slapping a hand over his mouth. "Han, youre a grown man! How can you still be tattling?! Youre shameless!" "Mmph! Mmph!" "What do you mean ''mmph''?" Bai Ruoyue glared daggers at him. "If you keep running your mouth, Ill sew it shut. Do you hear me?" Han nodded obediently, signaling that he understood. Only then did Bai Ruoyue let go. It was only then that she realized Her hand was wet. "Master!" Han immediately shouted again. "Senior Sister just said as long as shes in the martial hall, Im not allowed to talk! She wont even let me eat!" "She even threatened to sew my mouth shut and make me her personal servant!" "AHHHH!" Bai Ruoyue screamed in frustration, grabbing Han and shoving him backward, her hands once again clamping down over his mouth. "You still want to talk?! You STILL want to talk?!" Hans chair tilted backward, nearly toppling over. Fortunately, his waist was strong. "Youre driving me crazy!" Bai Ruoyue raised a fist and gave Han two solid punches to the arm. Her face was right in front of his, her breath warm against his skin. Her large, bright eyes locked onto him as she put on her fiercest expression. "If you keep talking nonsense, Ill beat you to death!" Ah. Im dead. Chapter 129: Breakthrough—The Dragonborn "Mmph! Mmph!" "Shut up! Why are you making noise?" "Mm sss gohhnngg" Senior Sister was fierce. Overbearing. She had Han pinned down, giving him no room to resist. But Han started strugglingbecause their current position was far too questionable. Bai Ruoyue had one arm locked around his neck and the other clamped over his mouth, while he was tilted backward, with her leaning over his face. What the hell is this? Yet, the more Han struggled, the more excited Bai Ruoyue became. Instead of letting him go, she pressed down even harder, pinning him in place. In the end, Han gave up. He was just a small-time Meridian Realm martial artist. His arms and legs werent strong enough to fight back against Senior Sister. What else could he do? Nothing. Absolutely nothing. Tired. Might as well accept my fate. "Hmph!" Bai Ruoyue smirked victoriously, standing tall like a conqueror. "No matter how fast you progress, youre still not my match." "I can crush you effortlessly!" "Ahem." A sudden cough echoed behind her. Bai Ruoyues expression froze. She turned her head. "AH! Father!" She jumped in shock. At some point, Bai Tian had arrived. "And what, exactly are you two doing?" Bai Tian asked, his voice calm, but heavy. Bai Ruoyue glanced at her weak and helpless Junior Brother in her arms. Her face immediately turned bright redlike a ripe apple. She sprang to her feet so fast that Han nearly fell over. Luckily, his core strength was excellent, and he managed to stay upright. But his expression was one of pure despair. Damn it. Caught by Master. "Ruoyue. Come with me." Bai Tian said seriously before turning to leave. "You just HAD to yell, didnt you?" Bai Ruoyue shot Han a murderous glare. ThenBAM, BAM! She landed two solid punches on him before storming after her father without another word. This time, she really used force. Han winced in pain. What do you mean, why did I yell?! You were the one doing that to me! Im the victim here! I struggled. You got excited. Thats why things turned out like this! Just as Bai Ruoyue was about to leave the room, she suddenly stopped, turned back, and glared at Han. Her voice was deadly serious. "What happened today not. A. Word." "If you say anythingIll kill you!" Han sighed dramatically. "Ive been bullied" "YOU STILL DARE TO SPEAK?!" Bai Ruoyues face burned even redder. She fled the room immediately. Han let out another deep sigh. Whose fault was this? No one''s. Actually Lets just blame Brother Shu for everything. Yes. All Brother Shus fault. One day, he was definitely going to chop that tree down. Still, being told to keep quiet about what happened Han frowned in thought. That phrase sounded familiar. Someone else had told him something very similar before. Han thought for a momentthen realization struck. Oh no. Not again. Three Days Later He Feng was beaming with joy, surrounded by fellow disciples. After days of relentless training, his efforts had finally paid offhe had broken through to the Greater Meridian Realm, catching up to Su Changan. For any martial artist, a breakthrough was a momentous occasiona milestone in their lifes journey. Bai Tian, as his teacher, was proud. One by one, his disciples were proving themselves. His greatest regret in life was fading. As long as he could guide them all to a level where they could stand on their own, he would have no more regrets. And in the world of martial arts, the standard for "graduation" was reaching the Bone Refinement Realma universally recognized milestone. Even in the great sects, disciples who reached Bone Refinement were considered full-fledged warriors. They could either take on leadership roles within the sect or be sent out into the world to carry out important duties. A Bone Refinement warrior held status wherever they went. Of course, in smaller towns and sects, where the strongest fighters were merely Viscera Realm warriors, expecting them to reach Bone Refinement was unrealistic. The atmosphere was warm, livelyuntil Bai Tian noticed Han was missing. "Wheres your Junior Brother?" Bai Tian asked. Unauthorized use: this story is on Amazon without permission from the author. Report any sightings. Bai Ruoyues eyes flickeredbut for once, she said nothing. "Junior Brother is probably still training," Shen Yu answered. Bai Tian nodded and focused his senses. Martial artists didnt cultivate their souls, but through martial training, their spirit and will naturally grew stronger. At higher levels, their spiritual energy could be harnessed just like a cultivators mental force. Some martial techniques even required spiritual power to be fully mastered. Bai Tians expression suddenly changedhis eyes filled with joy. "Today is truly a day of double celebration." "What do you mean?" Bai Ruoyue asked. "Come," Bai Tian said, leading the way. Han was alone, training in a secluded corner. He moved like a serpentine beast, flexible yet unyielding. With each punch and kick, powerful gusts of air erupted around him. Upon closer inspection, beneath his skin, something stirredas if dragons were writhing within his flesh and bones. Their forms glowed faintly blue, tough and powerfulhis very tendons had transformed. Tendons like dragon sinews. Within his body, his meridians expanded. His qi surged like a raging river, roaring with unstoppable momentum. The sound of crashing waves filled the air, as if his energy itself could be heard. To Bai Tian and the others, a phantom image appeared behind Han. A towering black mist churned like an endless sea. Two glowing eyes pierced through the darkness. A sea-overturning demonic dragon loomed within the haze, radiating terrifying, ancient power. Aside from Bai Tian and Bai Ruoyue, the others felt an overwhelming pressure settle over them. Suddenly Hans body coiledthen snapped like a bowstring. "TWANG!" A piercing sound rang through the air, shaking the ground. Even the leaves of a nearby tree trembled before falling in waves, while several branches snapped clean off. Then came a low, guttural dragons roara sound that struck deep into the soul. For a brief moment, it felt as if they had been transported back to the ancient world, where demonic beasts ruled the earth. Tendons like bowstrings. Meridians like rivers. Greater Meridian Realmachieved! Han stood still for a long moment before exhaling slowly and turning to face them. "Congratulations to Senior Brother He Feng on his breakthrough." He Fengs physical strength had clearly improved significantly overnight. Even though he hadnt been told, he immediately realized that He Feng had broken through. He Feng smiled wryly. "Compared to you, my little breakthrough is nothing" The excitement of his own achievement suddenly felt less important. "Impressive, impressive," Su Changan sighed. "Junior Brother is now on par with us." "Only Senior Sister and Second Brother are still ahead of him." Shen Long forced a bitter laugh. "Dont include me. I dont deserve that title." "The only one who can hold Junior Brother down now is Senior Sister." Bai Ruoyue''s eyes twitched. Especially at the words "hold him down." "Who wants to suppress him?" Bai Ruoyue scoffed, though the events of three days ago were still fresh in her mind, lingering like an unresolved grievance. Han, however, simply flashed her a smileand just like that, a faint blush crept up her face. Oh? Blushing, are we? Bai Tian noticed everything and immediately spoke. "Youve reached the Greater Meridian Realm. Once you refine your strength to its peak, youll be ready to begin training for the Viscera Realm." "The Viscera Realm requires tempering the five internal organs with martial techniques and qi. This process is extremely delicateyou must proceed with utmost caution." "The viscera are nothing like the skin, muscles, or tendonsthey are fragile. If you are careless during refinement, you could permanently damage them, severely depleting your vitality." "In the worst case, it could cripple your martial path or even cut your life short." "At this stage, do not rushfocus on stability above all else." Bai Tians tone was serious, addressing not only Han but everyone else as well. Han would be the first to reach the Viscera Realm, but the others werent far behind. Han noddedhe fully understood the gravity of this step. His knowledge from his previous life made him well aware of just how crucial the five viscera were. Compared to injuries to the skin or tendons, internal organ damage was on an entirely different level. These organs were simply too vital. "This stage of cultivation must be approached carefully," Bai Ruoyue agreed. "Even under normal circumstances, I wouldnt expect to fully refine my viscera until Im twenty." Bai Ruoyue had reached the Viscera Realm at sixteen. It had taken her four years to complete two realms of training. But now, she expected it would take another four years to fully refine her viscera. Even with her talent, the difficulty of this stage was undeniable. Of course, that was before. Now, with the treasures they had obtained from Black Mountain, Bai Ruoyues progress would definitely accelerateshe wouldnt have to wait until twenty anymore. But still, her talent was unparalleled in Black Cloud Town. Han thought to himself: Master Bai reached the Visceral Realm at nineteen, making him one of the top geniuses in town. But that was still within the realm of normal genius. Bai Ruoyue, though? She was on a whole different levelabsolute domination. Han sighed internally. At eighteen, he was nowhere near as strong as Bai Ruoyue had been at eighteen. But he had already thought this throughone day, when his name was carved into the Heaven and Earth Mortal Ranking, Bai Ruoyue''s status would skyrocket just because she was connected to him. One day, people would say: "Zhou Tianjun? Meh, nothing special. If we all went back to when we were eighteen, I could crush him with just one finger." And it would sound incredibly badass. Han had been staring at Bai Ruoyue for a while now. She suddenly glared at him and turned away sharply. "Junior Brother," He Feng laughed, "with your current level, you could start teaching the apprentices now." "You mustve heardthey worship you." Han shook his head. "Ive only been training in martial arts for two months. Id rather not mislead them." In these two months, Han had absorbed all the foundational knowledge he needed. He could train himself just fine. But teaching others? Absolutely not. He Feng and the others had been studying martial arts for yearsthey were highly skilled in the techniques taught to the apprentices. Teaching came naturally to them. But being talented didn''t automatically make someone a good teacher. Bai Tian, however, offered a different perspective. "If you have time, you should give it a try." "Guiding others is also a form of martial cultivation. It will force you to view the path from a different perspectiveand you may uncover insights you hadnt considered before." "But for now, focus primarily on your own training." Han nodded. Maybe, one day, when he unlocked a Martial Arts Grandmaster cheat ability, hed start teaching others. But if that didnt happen Forget it. That night, when Lu Qingmo heard about Hans breakthrough, she merely nodded and offered a few words of praisenothing more. By now, she had been shocked so many times that a mere breakthrough barely registered. Thinking about it carefully, it had already been almost a month since his last breakthrough. This was completely reasonable. If she kept getting surprised every time, wouldnt that make her, a disciple of Xuandu Temple, seem like she lacked experience? Instead, she changed the topic. "Regarding the ambush you encountered, Elder Ye has sent his response." "So far, no definitive leads. But after reviewing the details, Elder Ye agrees that something is offsomeone is clearly betraying us from within." "He will continue investigating the team that was responsible for inspecting the counties." "He also wanted me to pass on his apologiesthis may take time, but he will find the traitor." Han frowned slightly, then shook his head. "Elder Ye is too kind. This isnt his fault." This outcome wasnt unexpected. It was obvious that someone had colluded with the Celestial Mother Sectbut the Iron Brothers memories hadnt contained any direct evidence of the traitors identity. Even they hadnt known. Their only clue had been the paired tracking artifact. But magical tools like that were easy to destroy. Anyone who had survived for this long as an infiltrator would know how to cover their tracks. Tracking down the traitor wouldnt be easy. Han, of course, suspected Sun Tong and his accomplice. He was almost certain it was them. But his suspicions alone werent enough. He couldnt just go to Elder Ye and say: "I think those two are shady, and they touched my horse. Thats enough reason to kill them and search their souls." That wasnt how things worked. The Next Day While Han was still in the martial hall, he suddenly sensed a fluctuation from within his spatial pouch. His spiritual awareness extended insideand to his surprise, it was the token given to him by the Shrimp and Crab Generals. "Theyre trying to contact me?" Han raised an eyebrow. He hadnt expected this thing to be capable of two-way communication. He immediately headed toward Cloud River, activating his omniscient perspective to locate the Shrimp and Crab Generals. But to his surprise He also saw the Dragon Maidens profile appear. Oh. So she was the one looking for him. When Han arrived, the Dragon Maiden greeted him with a radiant smile. "Sir Zhou, we meet again." Han returned her greeting before asking: "What brings you to me today?" "I just came from Black Mountain and happened to pass by Black Cloud Townso I thought Id stop by to see you," she said with a smile. "Also, tonight, there will be a Water Origin Gathering. Would you be interested in attending?" Water Origin Gathering? Han frowned slightly and asked what it was. "Every so often, the water essence from Cloud River and the surrounding lakes converges, forming a mystical domain where Water Origin Treasures are born." "During this time, countless aquatic races gather, each competing for these treasures with their own methods." "Additionally, its a grand occasion where creatures from all over the Five Lakes and Four Seas come together to trade and exchange goods." "If youre interested, Id be happy to take you there." Han pondered for a moment. A gathering filled with rare treasures? He was very tempted. Especially since one of the items was the Holy Water of Lifewhich could protect the viscera during refinement. Not to mention, his cheat ability refreshed tomorrow. This might be the perfect chance to use it. But first Better call Aunt Yun and ask. Chapter 130: A Journey Begins When Lu Qingmo received Hans snail communicator, a sense of unease crept into her heart. Could it be trouble again? Every time the snail rang, she never knew what awaited her on the other end. After listening to Hans explanation, Lu Qingmo finally let out a sigh of relief. Ive heard of the Shuiyuan Grand Gathering. Its indeed a grand event. Recalling the relevant knowledge, she added, Lord Long of Yunjiang is one of the most powerful figures among the aquatic clans. He holds significant influence over many waterways within the Great Qi territory. If youre interested, accepting the Dragon Maidens invitation to attend might be worthwhile. At the very least, its safe. Han pondered for a moment before making his decision. With such an invitation, I wouldnt dare refuse. Han chuckled. By the way, where is this Shuiyuan Grand Gathering being held? Ill come to pick you up in the evening, the Dragon Maiden said with a smile. You only need to wait here. Then Ill be counting on you, Dragon Maiden. With that, the Dragon Maiden and her aquatic guards disappeared into the water, vanishing from sight. This Shuiyuan Mystic Realm is it another world? Han asked, now seated across from Lu Qingmo. Lu Qingmo shook her head. Not exactly. Its simply a region where an immense concentration of water essence has altered the spatial fabric, making it distinct from normal areas. All things in this world contain elemental essence, and for rivers, lakes, and seas, water essence is naturally dominant and highly concentrated. The Shuiyuan Mystic Realm is, in essence, a unique domain of power. Han understood nowit was akin to a space enveloped by a specialized field of energy. Regardless of what its called, the rivers, lakes, and seas are ultimately the territories of the aquatic clans. So, all Shuiyuan Mystic Realms are under their control. With the birth of each mystic realm, aquatic beings are drawn to it, and among its treasures, the Shuiyuan Treasures stand out as particularly valuable. The competition for these treasures follows established rules, which the powerful aquatic figures set according to the realms unique properties. Youll see for yourself when the time comes. Lu Qingmo continued, The Shuiyuan Grand Gathering isnt exclusive to the aquatic clans. Other races and entities often make an appearance as well. Doesnt that mean the aquatic clans are just handing over their treasures to outsiders? Han asked, puzzled. Would they really be so generous? The Shuiyuan Treasures are indeed precious, but they arent the most valuable thing within the mystic realm for the aquatic clans, Lu Qingmo explained. For them, the true prize is the core essence of the realm itselfit refines their bloodlines and aids their evolution. To secure that essence, they are willing to forgo the treasures. Thus, weaker aquatic clans often seek external allies to help them compete against stronger ones. Over time, this practice became tradition. Han was speechless. Now he understood. At its core, this was just another arms race. If I cant beat you, Ill find reinforcements. Seeing this, other aquatic clans naturally follow suit, each enlisting their own allies. What started as an internal affair of the aquatic clans soon expanded to involve all kinds of factions. As for the realms core essence, you dont need to concern yourself with that, Lu Qingmo stated. By accepting an invitation to assist, its an unspoken rule that even if you claim victory, the core essence belongs to the aquatic clans. Besides, it isnt particularly useful to humans. Han nodded. It was a matter of mutual interests, after all. For you, attending the Shuiyuan Grand Gathering should primarily be a learning experience, Lu Qingmo advised. I cant speak for other regions, but within Tianzhou, many aquatic clans from various waterways are likely to appear. As for the Shuiyuan Treasures take things as they come. Han grinned. I understandtheres always someone stronger out there. Im just going to observe. I wont stir up any trouble. Lu Qingmo remained silent. That statement Not a word of it was convincing. Han later shared the news with Bai Tian and the others. Bai Tian wasnt particularly knowledgeable about the Shuiyuan Grand Gathering, but since Lu Qingmo had already approved, he had no objections. The others, however, couldnt help but feel a little envious. Junior Brother, the Dragon Maiden personally came to invite you. Thats quite the honor, Shen Long teased. Could it be that our Taibai Martial Hall is about to gain a dragon-related son-in-law? Second Senior Brother, she and I are just acquaintances. Dont talk nonsense. Han was exasperated. They werent even close enough to be considered friends yet. The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation. As for becoming a son-in-law of the dragon clan Hmph. Han stood tall and proudhe would never be a live-in son-in-law! Unless, of course, there was significant compensation. That evening, Han stood by the Yunjiang River, watching martial artists come and go from Heishan. Over the past month, Heiyun Town had become increasingly prosperous. The population had surged, and many outsiders had taken up residence. Inns were packed to capacity daily, and even ordinary households had begun renting out rooms. It wasnt just martial artists pouring into Heiyun Town; many commoners had also journeyed from afar, seeking business opportunities and a means to support their families. After all, martial artists still needed food and daily necessities, and most of them were well-off, spending money generously. For many, this town was a gold mine. If they seized the opportunity, they could rise to fortune. Heiyun Town had become a new frontier, a land of opportunity. The opening of Heishan didnt just impact martial artistsit also affected the livelihoods of commoners, the towns economy, and even its tax revenues. Heiyun Town was thriving, full of life and energy. Of course, with prosperity came problems. Security, for instance, had become a major concern. Due to Lu Qingmos influence, Han had some insight into these matters. Both the Ghost Division and the Martial Enforcement Division had been overwhelmed, dealing with an influx of cases and disputes. Even Taibai Martial Hall had received multiple requests from the Martial Enforcement Division for assistance. Other martial halls and influential families were in a similar position. Meanwhile, the town governor was experiencing mixed feelingsboth pain and joy. The pain? Managing the town had become far more challenging. The joy? The booming economy had led to a massive increase in tax revenue, which was an undeniable achievement in his political career. The position of Heiyun Towns governor had long been a thankless one, lacking any real influence. Due to the towns unique nature, both major divisions wielded immense power. Even though the head of the Martial Enforcement Division didnt have Lu Qingmos deep connections, his own background was formidable. This left the governor in an awkward position, constantly deferring to the division heads. In most counties, the three giants of governance held true power. But in Heiyun Town With imperial authority far away, the two division heads reigned supreme, their strength dictating all. Han stood in silence, contemplating the future. With Heiyun Towns rapid development and Heishans newfound accessibility, there was no way the imperial court would turn a blind eye. A delegation from Yujing was inevitablethe only question was when. When that day came, who knew what changes would unfold in Heiyun Town? Han sighed. Truly, turbulent times lay ahead. If not for the Mountain God still being alive, Black Cloud Town would have already descended into chaos. After all, those Bone Refining martial artists and the dominant forces from other regions were far from being virtuous. The only reason they remained subdued was their fear of the Mountain God. The current peace was fragile at best. All I wanted was to cultivate quietly, tease my senior sister, spend time with Aunt Mo, and one day witness the grandeur of immortals. But in this world As Han pondered, a treasure ship drifted down from the upper reaches of Cloud River, stopping right before him. Standing at the bow, dressed in elegant palace robes, the Dragon Maiden smiled at him. I hope I didnt keep you waiting, Young Master. Please, come aboard. I just arrived as well, Han replied with a smile as he stepped onto the ship. With that, the vessel began its return journey. This scene did not go unnoticed. Wait isnt that Taibai Han? And the one picking him up that looks like the Dragon Maiden of Cloud River Palace! What?! The Dragon Maiden? Why is Han boarding her ship in the middle of the night? I have a friend who was lucky enough to attend the last Dragon Lords banquet. He said the Dragon Maiden seemed quite fond of Han, maybe even considering him as a potential consort. Hiss a Dragon Son-in-Law? You illiterate fool, its Riding the Dragons Fortune! Does it matter? Either way, hes sitting on top of the Dragon Maiden. You are truly an idiot with an unusual level of intelligence. Are you calling me an idiot?! Damn it, that kid is really lucky. Is it just because hes handsome? The rumor of the Dragon Maiden seeking a consort was already widespread, with countless variations of the tale. Now that Han was seen leaving with her, it was bound to spark even more speculation. By dawn, yet another legendary story about Han would surely spread. Aboard the Treasure Ship Han wasnt the only guest on board. There were also young elites from the Cloud River Dragon Palace. This is Jiao Gu, the Dragon Maiden introduced, gesturing towards a young man with sharp features and two small horns on his forehead. His expression was cold as he merely glanced at Han before looking away. This is Li Lingxiu, she continued, introducing a lively young girl with a hint of baby fat. She smiled softly at Han. And this is Gui Mian, a descendant of the Turtle Minister. Gui Mian was a plump young man with a round face and drowsy eyes, looking as though he hadnt had enough sleep. Finally, the Dragon Maiden turned to Han, This is Han from Taibai Martial Hall. Young Master Han, you may already be acquainted with them. Han nodded and exchanged polite greetings. The Dragon Maiden then explained the arrangements for the Water Yuan Gathering, confirming what Lu Qingmo had told him earlierany Water Yuan Treasures they obtained would belong to Han, while the source of the Mystic Realm would go to the Dragon Palace. Of course, that was assuming they managed to claim any treasures at all. Jiao Gu let out a disdainful snort. Your Highness, does our Cloud River Dragon Palace really need outsiders to Jiao Gu. The Dragon Maidens gaze turned sharp, and Jiao Gu immediately fell silent, though his unwillingness was evident. Han maintained a calm smile, but inwardly, he had already categorized them. From an omniscient perspective: Jiao Gu was marked red (hostile). Li Lingxiu was a mix of green and white (neutral with a hint of friendliness). Gui Mian was pure white (harmless). Still, Han had to admit, the Dragon Maiden wielded considerable authority over these water clans. Just one look from her was enough to silence Jiao Gu. StrangeHan had always thought she was rather gentle. Your Highness, Ill go rest first. Ill come out when we arrive, Gui Mian suddenly yawned. The Dragon Maiden sighed but granted him permission. Jiao Gu also left shortly after, leaving only Li Lingxiu behind. Dont mind Gui Mian, the Dragon Maiden explained. Turtles are naturally drowsy creatures. Han nodded thoughtfully. So hes from the turtle clan. Where exactly is the Water Yuan Gathering being held this time? Han asked. The Dragon Maiden replied, In the territory of Fenghua County, at Nine Cavern Lake. Thats quite far from Black Cloud Town. Han was a little surprised. Fenghua County was almost on the opposite end of the region, bordering Tianhai County. Before being transferred here, his brother Tie Yi had been active around Fenghua. The Water Yuan Mystic Realm doesnt have a fixed location. It can appear anywhere with a significant confluence of water. This time, it just happens to be farther away. The Dragon Maiden reassured him, But dont worry, Young Master Han. Although the journey is long, we will arrive quickly. Han soon discovered what she meant by quickly. The ship was moving at an incredible speedfaster than Lu Qingmos flying carpet, almost like teleportation. It felt as though Cloud River itself was propelling them forward. Ah, the perks of being the Dragon Maiden of Cloud River! After chatting with the Dragon Maiden and Li Lingxiu for a while, Han retired to his room. Elder Sister, you seem to value Han quite a lot, Li Lingxiu commented in a hushed voice. He is a true genius, the Dragon Maiden acknowledged with a nod. Then why not take him as your consort? Li Lingxiu teased, her eyes sparkling with mischief. Enough nonsense. The Dragon Maiden glanced toward Hans room. A consort Arrival at Nine Cavern Lake Mountains stretched endlessly in the distance, swallowing the horizon. The mighty river surged forward, boundless and majestic, shifting from golden brilliance under the sun to an eerie silver sheen beneath the moon. At the call of the Dragon Maiden, Han stepped out of his room Nine Cavern Lake. They had arrived. Chapter 131: The Third Prince Night had fallen, yet Nine Caverns Lake shimmered with dazzling lights, illuminating the vast waters as if it were daytime. Elegant and uniquely crafted treasure ships dotted the lakes surface, their multicolored lanterns reflecting off the water, casting a dreamlike glow through the mist. The scene was surreal, like something out of an illusion. "The eastern winds stir ripples in the night, Silver blossoms bloom upon jade palaces bright. The moon''s reflection shimmers upon the tide, A pearl upon the river, a sight of pure delight." Despite the many vessels present, the sheer expanse of Nine Caverns Lake ensured there was no sense of overcrowding. It remained vast and open, as if effortlessly accommodating all who had gathered. Standing at the bow of their treasure ship, Han and his companions watched as the vessel steadily drifted toward the lakes center. In the heart of the lake, an enormous area was veiled in a silken mist, shimmering under the moonlight, obscuring what lay within. That is the Water Origin Mystic Realm, the Dragon Maiden explained. Treasure ships from various regions sailed in steadily, each carrying guests of different backgrounds. Many who recognized the Dragon Maiden either observed her with curiosity or greeted her with smiles. Her status among the aquatic clans was undeniably prominent. Because of this, their ship was allowed to approach closer to the mystic realm than most. Han, with his omniscient perspective, scanned the attendees of this grand gathering. There were people from different counties and districts, aquatic beings from all directions, and even government officials stationed at the lakes edge to maintain order. Barriers had been set up to keep ordinary folk away. A world as mysterious and supernatural as this was far beyond the reach of common mortals. By dawn, who knew how many new legends would emerge from this night? A Familiar Presence Hm? Theyre here too, Han mused, spotting several red-bordered figures among the crowd. In a sea of white-bordered avatars, the red ones stood out conspicuously. The Huang family from Tianyue County! Han recalled the Dragon Maiden mentioning a Water Origin treasurethe Nether Spring Yin Dewan artifact known for its potent effects on spirits and the undead. The Huang family was the most renowned ghost-taming clan across the surrounding counties, making it highly likely that this treasure was their target. However, Han found himself in a peculiar predicament. Unauthorized usage: this narrative is on Amazon without the author''s consent. Report any sightings. He had never directly wronged the Huang family, aside from a minor verbal spat with Huang Mingri. And yet, here they wereall marked in red on his interface. Was the Huang family really so united that a mere quarrel with one young master meant becoming an enemy of their entire lineage? The thought made Han chuckle. As their treasure ship came to a stop near the Water Origin Mystic Realm, the Dragon Maiden pointed toward the veiled area. The gathering has yet to officially begin, she said. But on the other side of the mystic realm, many creatures have gatheredits quite lively. If youre interested, we can take a look. From his omniscient perspective, Han could already see that the other side of the mystic realm was indeed bustling. Rare treasures littered the area, constantly being claimed and stored away into spatial pouches. It was a temporary trade hub. Aquatic beings, who rarely left their native waters, had brought exotic items from their regions. Such gatherings were a rare opportunity for exchangewhat was scarce in one lake might be abundant in another. Han found this quite fascinating. He had already spotted a few valuable items. Before he could voice his thoughts, Jiao Gu spoke up. Your Highness, the Dragon King instructed that upon our arrival, we must first pay our respects to the Nine Caverns Dragon Lord. A lake as vast as this naturally had its ruler. Though not as powerful as the Cloud River Dragon Lord, the Nine Caverns Dragon Lord was still a dominant force across Tianyues counties, his strength exceeding that of Enlightened Saints and Bone Refinement warriors alike. The Dragon Maiden hesitated for a moment before turning to Li Lingxiu. XiuXiu, you dont need to accompany us to the Dragon Palace. Stay with Young Master Han. Alright! Li Lingxiu readily agreed, looking delighted. Gui Mian, the plump and perpetually drowsy youth, sighed enviously. Your Highness, why dont I accompany Young Master Han instead? Let XiuXiu go with you. Youre coming with us, the Dragon Maiden refused immediately. She knew if Gui Mian were left alone, hed probably find a quiet corner and fall asleep. With a sigh of resignation, Gui Mian lamented his tough life as a turtle. The Dragon Maiden and the others dove into the water, heading toward the Nine Caverns Dragon Palace. Lets go, Young Master Han, Li Lingxiu said, hopping off the ship and landing lightly on the waters surface. You can step down directlythe Nine Caverns Dragon Lord has cast a great spell, allowing even land-dwellers to walk on water. You can just call me Han, he replied, stepping off the ship. He was surprisedthe spell extended across the vast expanse of Nine Caverns Lake, which stretched over three thousand miles in diameter. With his Water-Rejecting Pearl, Han could also walk on water effortlessly, but the scale of the Dragon Lords spell was on an entirely different level. Looking around, he saw others similarly treading upon the water, all making their way toward the trade hub. The Floating Lotus Bazaar As they approached, the scene before them unfolded in a mesmerizing display. Countless lotus leaves surfaced beneath each step taken by those entering the marketplace, forming a natural path across the water. Clusters of lotus flowers bloomed among the leaves, each cradling a rare treasure, with traders positioned behind them. The more people arrived, the more lotus leaves appeared; as individuals left, the leaves would gradually vanish. A sea of floating lotuses, carrying thousands of beings, each engaged in barter and tradea magnificent and mystical sight. This was the marvel of Daoist arts, an unfathomable spectacle of the mystical world. Compared to cultivators, martial artists in their early stages were no different from primitive beings. So many people! Li Lingxiu tiptoed excitedly, scanning the crowd. Theres the aquatic clan from Tianhai and those are from Lingyang Lake She listed off various aquatic territories. Among the water domains of Tianyues counties, the four ruling regions were Cloud River, Tianhai, Lingyang Lake, and Nine Caverns Lakeeach presided over by a Dragon Lord. Smaller lakes and waterways, in comparison, were far less influential. Tonight, all these forces had gathered in one place. And the real event had yet to begin. Chapter 132: A Duel of Celestial Artifacts Laughter erupted from all around. Anyone with a bit of knowledge about Lingyang Lake knew that its climate was unlike any ordinary body of water. No one had thought much about it before, but as soon as Han pointed it out, many suddenly found it made sense. Being submerged in scalding water all the timewas it really that surprising if ones brain got boiled? Yang Tengs expression darkened instantly as he glared at Han. "Human, you''re finished. You''ve angered me." "Kneel down now, admit your mistake, and Ill grant you a dignified death." Han looked at Yang Teng as if he were an idiot. "Are you serious right now?" "Hahaha!" The laughter grew louder. While most didnt understand Hans exact words, his tone and expression made his meaning crystal clear. Yang Teng''s fury skyrocketed, his dragon tattoo pulsing violently on his neck, causing the surrounding temperature to rise. Hans sharp eyesight caught an interesting detailthe tattoo wasnt even complete, only a third of the way done. So, it was an incomplete dragon mark. "I don''t care who you are. No matter where you run, I will hunt you down!" "Oh, please." Han smirked. "Are you dumb? Youre already planning to come after me, and youre asking who I am? Do you think Ill just tell you?" "You ever consider going outside and asking around instead of just demanding answers?" "And whats this ''no matter where you run nonsense? If youre so capable, fly up into the sky right now. Go ahead, find me there!" "Pfft!" Li Lingxiu couldn''t hold back anymore. She burst into laughter, doubling over and clutching her stomach. From an overhead perspective, her once-white aura had completely turned green with amusement. Yang Tengs rage reached its breaking point, his eyes burning red as a crimson glow flickered around his hands. "Argh! Im going to kill you!" Han, unfazed, remained rooted in place. "Go on then, dumbass, hit me!" "Third Prince, calm down! Please!" Several figures rushed in from behind, grabbing Yang Teng by the shoulders and trying to restrain him. Breathing heavily, Yang Teng forcefully suppressed his anger. "Fine. Fine. Very well." He spoke coldly. "The Shuiyuan Gathering forbids private fights on Jiudong Lake. I cant do anything to you now, but if I ever see you again, Ill make sure you experience the true wrath of Lingyang Lake!" Han sighed in disappointment. What a coward. He had been hoping Yang Teng would attack him right here. On the way to Jiudong Lake, the Dragon Maiden had explained many details about the Shuiyuan Gathering to him. One of its most unshakable rules was that no one could start a fight privatelythis applied not just to this event but to every Shuiyuan Gathering in history. This was a law upheld by all aquatic tribes, enforced by the immense power of the Jiudong Lake Dragon Lord. If Yang Teng dared to make a move, hed be thrown out before he even got close to Han. "You want that spirit mud, dont you?" Yang Teng sneered. "Whatever you offer, Ill bid higher. That spirit mud is mine." "One celestial artifact." Hans voice was light. "I bid one celestial artifact. If you want it, bid two." Yang Teng scoffed. "As if you even have one celestial artifact." "Thats none of your concern," Han replied lazily. "Didnt you say youd outbid me no matter what? Well, Ive bid one celestial artifact. If youre serious, put down two." Yang Teng glared at him. "Are you just messing with me?" "No, youre the one messing around." Han shot him a sidelong glance. "If you cant afford it, step aside." "Some Third Prince you are. Is this all youve got?" Yang Teng''s anger flared up again as the crowd erupted into laughter once more. "Fine! I bid two celestial artifacts!" he declared with a cold smirk. Talk was cheapanyone could bluff. "Great! Then the spirit mud is yours." Hans voice rang out, loud and clear. "Everyone heard that, right? The Third Prince of Lingyang Lake has bid two celestial artifacts for a piece of spirit mud! Lets all bear witness." "Surely, a prince of such noble status would never go back on his word. Once he bids, he follows through!" "Such generosity! Such wealth! The Third Prince is truly a rare benefactor of the world!" Hans booming voice carried far and wide, reaching many ears. The declaration left many stunned. Two celestial artifacts for a piece of spirit mud? What kind of mud was this? Waitdid Lingyang Lake even have two celestial artifacts to spare? Han pointed at the spirit mud, his smile widening. "Alright, Third Prince, lets see those two celestial artifacts. No problem, right? One hand for the goods, one for the payment." This tale has been unlawfully obtained from Royal Road. If you discover it on Amazon, kindly report it. "Wow, what a day! I never thought Id get to witness real celestial artifacts. Thanks, Third Prince!" "Come on, Third Prince, were all waiting. Whats the hold-up?" "Wait a second The Third Prince wouldnt be trying to back out, would he? Was he just bluffing?" Gasps rippled through the crowd. "Hold ondid Lingyang Lakes Third Prince actually try to swindle everyone?" "You you I!" Yang Teng pointed at Han, trembling with rage but unable to form a coherent sentence. "You what? I what?" Han cut him off. "Can you pay up or not? Everyone''s waiting." Yang Tengs fists clenched tight, his attendants struggling to restrain him. Han muttered under his breath, "Broke-ass prince, acting like a big spender." "Seriously, whats so impressive about being the Third Prince?" "Youre shameless!" Yang Teng finally managed to spit out. Han grinned, flashing his teeth. "Thanks, but Im fully aware." Li Lingxiu was now rolling on the lotus leaves, laughing until she could barely breathe. At that moment, the crowd suddenly parted, and the Dragon Maiden stepped forward. She shot Yang Teng a cold look. "Yang Teng, you dare cause trouble again?" "Gu Xuanwei, it was your Yunjiang Dragon Palace that started this!" Yang Teng roared. "Correction," Han interrupted, "you were the one who spoke out of turn first." "Youre the instigator here." "Third Prince, lets go. Theres no need to waste time with them," someone urged from Yang Tengs side. Yang Teng shot Han a murderous glare before finally turning away. He couldnt stand another second in this place. Han had completely humiliated him, and now he felt the eyes of the entire crowd mocking him. Spirit mud? Who cared about some lousy spirit mud? He never even wanted ithe had only jumped in because he saw Li Lingxiu. And now, his interference had completely backfired. "Hey, did you hear? The Third Prince of Lingyang Lake bid two celestial artifacts for a piece of spirit mud!" "Whoa, what kind of spirit mud is that? Worth two celestial artifacts?" "Actually, it''s just ordinary spirit mud, nothing special." "Huh? Then why did he bid for it? Wait did he actually pay?" "Nah, he was bluffing. Backed out afterward." "" Even after leaving, Yang Teng kept overhearing whispers like these. His expression grew darker by the second. That damn human! Why was everyone talking about him and not the one who started the bid? Damn him! Han: "How did I frame you?" Yang Teng: "You repeated exactly what I did out loud!" "Find out who that human is," Yang Teng ordered his men. "Before the Shuiyuan Gathering starts, I want every detail on him." "This is bad!" Yang Teng suddenly halted in his tracks. Under the puzzled gazes of his followers, he clenched his fist and swung it fiercely. "My Spirit Sunflower!" Blinded by anger, he had stormed off without a second thoughtonly to realize he had forgotten his soul plant! Earlier, in a show of dominance, he had tossed the plant straight at that loach spirit. Now, his face turned an ugly shade of blue. Instead of causing trouble for the Yunjiang Dragon Palace, he had ended up frustrating himself. He had suffered both emotionally and materiallywhat a loss! "Third Prince, should we turn back and retrieve the Spirit Sunflower?" "Go back and get laughed at again?" Yang Teng felt like coughing up blood. He had been completely outplayed. At the Sacred Spirit Lotus Pond, Han handed the Soul Fruit to the loach spirit in exchange for "Spirit Mud." The loach spirit had originally been willing to trade with Han, and now that Yang Teng was no longer causing trouble, he saw no reason to refuse. Upon seeing the Yunjiang Dragon Princess appear, the others hesitated to compete any further. Storing the Spirit Mud in his spatial pouch, Han toyed with the Spirit Sunflower in his hand, a knowing smile on his lips. This soul plant was far more valuable than the Soul Fruit. In this back-and-forth exchange, he had essentially given up nothing yet obtained the Sacred Spirit Essence for free. What a deal! "Young Master Zhou, I must apologize for involving you in the dispute between Yunjiang Dragon Palace and Lingyang Lake," the dragon princess, Ao Xuanwei, said apologetically. "Rest assured, I will not allow Yang Teng to harm you in the slightest." She didn''t even need to think to understand why Yang Teng had interferedhe had simply been swept up in the ongoing feud between the two sides. Han waved his hand dismissively. "No worries." "Young Master Zhou, you truly have a way with words," Li Lingxiu said gleefully. "Yang Teng was practically foaming at the mouth with anger." "I only spoke the truth." Han then turned to Ao Xuanwei. "Is there a long-standing grudge between Lingyang Lake and Yunjiang Dragon Palace?" "Yes, and it runs deep," the dragon princess nodded. "Is the Dragon Lord of Lingyang Lake strong? How does he compare to your father?" "Far inferiorlike night and day," she replied coldly. "But the old dragon of Lingyang Lake has backing from other aquatic clans, specifically to oppose Yunjiang Dragon Palace. If he didn''t have a powerful benefactor, my father would have crushed him long ago." So that was the case. Han had wondered how Lingyang Lake, despite its size, could possibly contend with Yunjiang. Generally, the size of a domain directly reflected its rulers strength and status. Turns out, Lingyang Lake had a hidden supportersomeone feeding it scraps so it could keep barking at Yunjiang Dragon Palace. Disgusting. Clearly, Yunjiang Dragon Palace had no shortage of enemies, and the situation was far from simple. But Han understood. After all, a towering tree catches the wind. Han and his companions continued browsing the impromptu market. As expected, with aquatic beings gathered from all corners of the world, the variety of rare and peculiar items was staggering. Beyond the Sacred Spirit Essence, Han uncovered several hidden treasures using his "Gods Eye" ability. He found two soul-related artifactsone at the Sun Roaming level and another at the Manifested Saint levelas well as a martial cultivation relic, a Marrow Cleansing Treasure. This was exactly the kind of place where "Gods Eye" shined. Just a few discoveries like these were enough to sustain him for years. However, Han noticed something curioushis "Treasure-Seeking Resonance Stone" had not reacted to the Sacred Spirit Essence, though it had buzzed for the other finds. This suggested that the stone had an upper limit. After all, it was merely a secondary item derived from his cheat ability, nowhere near as potent as "Gods Eye" itself. Aside from these lucky finds, Han also conducted several regular trades, exchanging treasures suited for humans rather than aquatic beings. Many treasures had different effects on different races. Some were mediocre for beasts but highly beneficial for humans, and vice versa. Since most of the traders here were aquatic creatures, there was no shortage of such items. Back in Black Mountain, Han had obtained a few treasures specifically for demon beasts. Selling them here had yielded excellent returns. This Water Elemental Grand Assembly was proving to be incredibly worthwhile. As time passed, the dragon princess and Li Lingxiu returned to the ship, leaving Han to continue browsing alone. On the way back, Li Lingxiu curiously asked, "Sister, what do you think Young Master Zhou is planning to do with those seemingly ordinary items he bought?" She wanted to ask Han directly but feared it would be too abrupt. Ao Xuanwei hesitated. "Those items are likely treasures." "Huh? No way!" Li Lingxiu was astonished. "Did you notice something special about them?" "No," the dragon princess shook her head. "But he wouldnt buy something useless. Perhaps he has his own method of identifying hidden treasures." Li Lingxiu was baffled. Dragons were naturally attuned to sensing treasures, yet a human had managed to discern something she couldnt. How unreal did that sound? "This Young Master Zhou is quite intriguing." Ao Xuanwei remained silent, but her desire to recruit Han into Yunjiang Dragon Palace grew even stronger. As the princess of Yunjiang Dragon Palace, she had been pampered since birthcherished by her parents, indulged by her brothers, and revered by other aquatic clans. She had never known rejection. She always got what she wanted. But Han had rejected her. And he had done so outright, without hesitation. The more unattainable something was, the more she wanted it. And Han was only growing stronger. She had observed his progress since the Dragon Kings banquet a month ago and found his rapid growth astonishing. Her father had placed high expectations on Han, and he had exceeded them at a frightening pace. Ao Xuanwei was always straightforwardif she needed to apologize, she would. If she wanted something, she would express it openly. And she had made up her mind. Han, you will be mine. Midnight arrived, marking Hans final day with his "Gods Eye" ability. Unlike when he had lost "Tree Brother," he remained composed. The foundation laid by "Tree Brother" and the treasures obtained through "Gods Eye" meant that even if his next cheat ability was weak, it wouldnt hinder his rapid progress. Of course, if possible, he still hoped for a powerful cheat ability. The sooner he soared, the better. Just then, Ao Xuanwei contacted him. "The Water Elemental Grand Assembly is about to begin." Han immediately returned to the treasure ship and rejoined the group. As they waited, the heart of the lake began to glow. Ethereal jade ribbons extended from the light, drifting toward the ships like bridges. "The Nine Caverns Lake Water Elemental Grand Assembly begins!" A deep, commanding voice echoed through the night. Led by the dragon princess, Han and his companions stepped onto the jade paths, walking across the sky. Under the dreamy moonlight, the vast lake shimmered. Beams of light stretched across the heavens, where all manner of mystical beings tread. If mortals witnessed such a scene, countless myths and legends would surely be born, passed down through the ages. The starlit sky over Nine Caverns Lake shimmered like a celestial river, as spirits and sages crossed into the mystical realm beyond. Chapter 133: The Radiant Sun, Shadows in Its Wake The Water Elemental Realm was a world of its owna paradise hidden beyond the ordinary. A single step inside, and the world seemed to shift and transform. A fine drizzle descended from the sky, veiling the surroundings in misty splendor. Yet, rather than soaking clothes, the droplets merged into energy upon contact, strengthening the body and nourishing the soul. One by one, beings crossed the bridge of light, entering this mystical land. As they beheld this "immortal sanctuary," gasps of awe and admiration echoed among them. The moment everyone had arrived, a pair of colossal eyes suddenly emerged in the sky. They were dragon eyes, emerald green and exuding an overwhelming sense of majesty. The number of water-dwelling beings attending this time surpasses that of the last Heavenly Sea Water Gathering. It seems that our kind is thriving more than ever. A voice resonated across the sky, shaking the very clouds. Good. I am pleased. You shall be rewarded. The champion of this Water Gathering Trial shall not only receive the Source of the Mystic Realm and the Water Elemental Treasure but may also choose one of three artifacts I have prepared. At that moment, three objects materialized in the sky, radiating intense spiritual energy. A pearl, a fruit, and a stone. From a divine perspective, the details of these artifactsas well as the identity of the eyesappeared before Han. [Nine Caverns Lake Dragon Lord] [Flood Dragon Pearl] - The essence of a young flood dragon. Humans who consume it will enhance their physique, while water-dwelling beings may experience bloodline evolution, with a slight chance of direct transformation or the acquisition of flood dragon magic. [Phantom Dragon Fruit] - A treasure of the soul, imbued with dreamlike properties. Consuming it grants a soul infused with dragon energy, enhances illusion-based abilities, and empowers illusionary magic. Water-dwelling beings may also experience bloodline evolution, with an extremely rare chance of transformation. [Ape King Stone] - Formed from the remains of a Yuanhou, a rare demonic beast that perished under unique circumstances. Absorbing it fortifies the body, greatly increases strength, and has remarkable benefits for internal organs. As soon as Han processed this information, others also began to recognize the artifacts, causing the atmosphere to heat up with excitement and greed. However, Han barely spared a glance at the Flood Dragon Pearl and Phantom Dragon Fruit, his gaze locked onto the Ape King Stone. After all, the secret martial art White Tian had given himthe Ape King Demon Suppression Manualwas centered around the power of the Yuanhou. And now, standing before him, was a stone formed from the remains of one. The Dragon Princess, unaware that Han had already deciphered the nature of the treasures, began explaining, concluding with: These three artifacts are all immensely valuable, especially for young warriors who have yet to reach their peak. The Nine Caverns Lake Dragon Lord has his reasons for offering these particular treasures. If a water-dweller wins the championship, the Flood Dragon Pearl is the best choice. If not, then the Phantom Dragon Fruit or Ape King Stone would be preferable. Han nodded, understanding her implication. To humans, the Flood Dragon Pearl merely strengthened the body. But to water-dwellers, it was an unparalleled artifact of evolution, far more valuable than the other two. The Phantom Dragon Fruit was more balancedsuitable for both humans and water-dwellers alike. As for the Ape King Stone, it was practically tailored for humans. Unless under special circumstances, no self-respecting water-dweller would choose itafter all, bloodline evolution was infinitely more important to them than minor physical enhancements. The Nine Caverns Lake Dragon Lord had indeed planned this well. That Flood Dragon PearlI must have it, a voice suddenly declared. It was Jiao Gu, eyes burning with desire. Han glanced at him but remained silent. In the end, this would be settled by strength. If Jiao Gu was powerful enough to claim the treasure, then it would rightfully be his. But in life, things rarely go as one wishes. Your Highness, what exactly is a Yuanhou? Han asked the Dragon Princess. A type of demon beast. Extremely rare. Few have ever seen oneit exists only in ancient myths, she replied. This Ape King Stone, the Nine Caverns Lake Dragon Lord found it in a ruin. Han raised an eyebrow. A relic from an ancient ruin? Fascinating. At that moment, the Nine Caverns Lake Dragon Lord spoke again. Those who wish to participate in the Water Gathering Trial, take your token. From the sky, countless tiny fish descendedeach composed entirely of energy. The fish drifted down, stopping before every individual. If you wish to compete, take the token. If not, you may simply observe, the Dragon Princess explained. Unauthorized use: this story is on Amazon without permission from the author. Report any sightings. Han nodded and reached out, grasping the fish before him. The others, including Li Lingxiu, did the sameexcept for the Dragon Princess, who remained still. She explained with a smile, The Source of the Mystic Realm is of no use to me, so I wont be participating. Han understood. Given how readily she had invited him here, it was clear she had no interest in the Water Elemental Treasures either. Looking around, he spotted the Third Prince of Lingyang Lake, who had also taken a token, his face filled with excitement. So, he was just a low-ranking dragon after all. Han also noticed someone watching him. Turning, he saw Huang Mingnian, who smiled and nodded at him. Beside Huang Mingnian stood several other water-dwellersthough Han couldnt tell what kind of creatures they were. He returned Huang Mingnians smile. Red-Edged Boy, huh? Lets see if I decide to deal with you later. Moments later, the fish tokens vanished, and the mist in the depths of the realm began to part, revealing a breathtaking scene. The sound of rushing water filled the air. Before them stood a waterfall, nearly ten meters high. The water cascaded down violently, transforming into mist upon impact and blending into the realms atmosphere. At the peak of the waterfall, a rainbow shimmered softly. And at either end of the rainbow, a white dragon and a black dragon coiled, their mouths forming the very source of the arc. This Water Gathering Trialis a Leap Through the Dragon Gate. The Nine Caverns Lake Dragon Lord declared: To shed the ordinary and rise as a dragonthat is the ultimate dream of all beings. This time, five Water Elemental Treasures are at stake. The first to cross the Dragon Gate shall receive the Source of the Mystic Realm, choose three Water Elemental Treasures, and receive my personal reward. The second and third to cross shall each claim one Water Elemental Treasure. For those who fail to reach the top, fear notthe trial itself will refine your bodies and increase your vitality. An elegant way of saying, "Heres your consolation prize." The Water Gathering Trial begins in fifteen minutes. And with that, the Nine Caverns Lake Dragon Lord fell silent. A Leap Through the Dragon Gate, huh? Li Lingxiu mused. Han raised an eyebrow. This has happened before? The Dragon Princess nodded. Many times. Transformation and ascension are desires etched deep into the very blood of all creatures. The Leap Through the Dragon Gate is one of the most ancient and prestigious methods of evolution. Han glanced at the three-zhang waterfall ahead. Wait. Thats only ten meters high. Thats way too easy. The Dragon Princess chuckled. What you see is an illusion. When you reach the base, youll realize its at least a thousand zhang high. Han sighed. I really need to stop underestimating this place. As Han glanced around, he noticed countless koi fish of varying colors but similar size emerging from the water alongside him. He wasnt panicked. The Dragon Maiden had already explainedthis transformation was a natural part of the Dragon Gate Trial. To ascend against the current as a mere fish, breach the legendary gate, and soar into the heavens. Still, watching the swarm of vibrant koireds, greens, and goldsHan found the perspective rather fascinating. So many fish one pot wouldn''t be enough. Before anyone could react, the lake beneath them suddenly darkened, turning murky and scalding hot. The fish, sensing danger, leaped out of the water, riding the cascading waterfall, pushing against the relentless flow. A sea of suffering. A hell of hardship. To escape the abyss, one must rise beyond the heavens. The Dragon Gate Trial had begun! A Leap Beyond Expectations Dozens of koi surged upward, yet the disparity was clear from the start. Some barely managed a few feet, while others soared ten or twenty. A handful reached over thirty. But one black koi shattered all expectationsvaulting straight up a hundred feet! The rest? None even crossed fifty. A staggering lead! The spectators, those who had not entered the trial, erupted in shock. "One hundred feet?! Impossible!" "Whose bloodline is this?" "No idea. Theyve all turned into fishcan''t tell them apart." "A hundred-foot leap this is the mark of a true dragon!" "Incredible. Has another powerhouse emerged in the Water Clan?" The Dragon Maiden fixed her gaze on the black koi, her expression shifting. Even in this transformed state, she recognized Han at a glance. She had not misjudged him. Then she recalled his words from before the trial. "I just hope I dont get eliminated too quickly..." Well, he certainly didnt get eliminated first. He eliminated everyone else first! Even the distant Nine Caves Lake Dragon Lord was taken aback. "Thats the human boy who came with Xuanwei? To have such overwhelming potential?" "A hundred-foot leap on the first try If he were Water Clan, this would be a true dragon''s awakening. Another unparalleled prodigy among humans" "If he had been born twenty years earlier, Yunjiang Dragon Palace..." The Dragon Gate Trial had existed for countless ages. Through generations of observation, the Water Clan had established clear thresholds: A first leap under three feetmediocre. A life of obscurity. Three to ten feetsome talent, potential for minor achievements. Over ten feettrue genius, destined for greatness. Every additional ten feet raised the threshold. Close to a hundred feet? A rarity among rarities. A hundred feet? A candidate for true dragon ascension. In the Water Clan, dragons reigned supreme. Nearly all beings revered them as divine. Even the Third Prince of Lingyang Lake, though of dragon blood, was a far cry from a true dragon. A mere reptile. To be named a True Dragon Seed was to possess a talent beyond comprehension. "This trial is already over," the Nine Caves Lake Dragon Lord muttered, shaking his head. He had expected a fierce competitionJiao Gu of Yunjiang, Yang Teng of Lingyang. Instead, it wasnt a battle at all. It was a coronation. A true dragon had emerged. The rest were mere pretenders. Breaking Through the Dragon Gate Han surged forward, continuing his ascent. The path to the heavens was far from smooth. The cascading waterfall exerted tremendous force, threatening to push him back. But more than that, an invisible pressureancient and relentlesspressed down upon him, as if the heavens themselves rejected his ascent. Yet, within the torrents of water, a different power coiledthe essence of water, nourishing yet deceptive. At first, it strengthened his body. But soon, he realized the truthit sapped his strength, dulled his senses, and whispered insidious thoughts. "Give up give up..." The road to transformation was fraught with trials. Endless obstacles. Unyielding resistance. But Han remained undeterred. With unwavering focus, he severed all distractions and surged forward, defying every force that sought to drag him down. With each hundred-foot mark he crossed, his form shifted further. First, whiskers sprouted from his mouth. Then, with every additional hundred feet, more dragon-like features emerged. The cascading energy from the Dragon Gatea blend of ancient dragon aura and primal water forcerained down upon all challengers. But Han, far ahead of the others, absorbed the lions share. Only mere scraps were left for those behind him. On the path of cultivation, the strong devour all! Though he had no idea how he had transformed into a fish, Han could still sense the True Dragon Blood Soul Stone within him. This artifact, born from the fusion of a true dragons essence and a sacred soul stone, now pulsed with life, releasing a flood of dragon soul energy into Hans body. Every barrier in his path crumbled. Every challenge became meaningless. Han swam faster, his ascent defying all reason. From the shadows, the Nine Caves Lake Dragon Lord watched, his astonishment growing. "Why does it feel like this boy is actually becoming a dragon?" The Dragon Gate Trial was supposed to be symbolican illusory test, not a literal transformation. No matter how high one leaped, no one truly became a dragon. Yet, as Han climbed higher, a thought crept into the Dragon Lords mind. "Am I witnessing a legend unfold? A real dragons awakening?" "Maybe Im just sleep-deprived I should rest for three months after this event." Below, the rest of the fish trailed further and further behind, watching helplessly as Han neared the Dragon Gate. Among them, Yunlongs three demon generals, Yang Teng, and Huang Mingnian were all at the forefront, considered elite. Yet their excellence was meaningless. No one even spared them a glance. The world is vast, filled with countless souls seeking greatness. But the world is also smallsmall enough for only one true ruler. I am the chosen one. The only one. Chapter 134: Han’s Grand Breakthrough! Fifty zhang, one hundred zhang The gap wasn''t closingit was widening. The fish behind Han were so far away that they couldn''t even catch the turbulence left in his wake. Damn it, damn it, damn it! Yang Teng roared in his heart. How could this filthy human be so fast?! I am the Third Prince of Lingyang Lake, a dragon-blooded noble with limitless potential, destined to ascend beyond mortality. This secret realm was supposed to be the starting point of my transformation, the foundation for my rise. For this trial, I have prepared meticulouslyno one should be able to stop me! So how the hell did this intruder appear?! How could he possibly surpass me by such a wide margin?!! It must be the Nine Caves Lake Dragon Lord! Jiao Gu''s expression was dark. He never imagined the trial would unfold like this. He had set his sights on the secret realms core and the precious Jiao Pearl. In fact, the pearl was something he had deliberately brought up when they visited the Nine Caves Lake Dragon Lord. Jiao Gu had been utterly confident that he would take first place. The Dragon Maiden had no need for the secret realms core, but he did. If he could seize first place, not only would he earn rewards upon returning to the Dragon Palace, but with multiple gains from this trial, he could transform his bloodline and draw even closer to the Dragon Maiden. But nowhis plans, his ambitionseverything had been shattered! The gap between him and Han was simply impossible to close. And worst of all, with Hans incredible performance, the Dragon Maiden was bound to value him even more. They would become closer than ever. Jiao Gu was consumed by jealousy. Sure, Han was fighting for the honor of the Yunjiang Dragon Palace. The palace would still claim victory. But relying on an outsider to win? That was completely different from taking first place himself. Damn it! This should have been mine! If not for Han, I would be standing in that position right now! The Dragon Maiden would be looking at me! He stole everything that rightfully belonged to me! Jiao Gu seethed with envy, failing to notice that even Gui Mian and Li Lingxiu had begun to surpass him. All the spectators, all the competing fishevery eye was locked onto Han. At this moment, Han was the absolute center of the secret realm, the goal every challenger was chasing. Yet, Han himself never spared even a glance backward. Before the trial began, he had considered causing some trouble for Huang Mingnian and Yang Teng. But now? Looking at the overwhelming difference between them, Han lost all interest in such petty concerns. They are not even worthy of competing against me. For a true dragon soaring through the heavens, sparing a fleeting glance at the insects on the ground was already a mercy. And once the dragon withdrew its gaze, those insects became irrelevant. As for whatever preparations or tricks they had planned What does it have to do with me? What does it matter when I can crush them effortlessly? Then A dragons roar tore through the heavens. A magnificent black dragon, its form perfect and imposing, ascended into the sky. Under the despairing gazes of the strange, dragon-blooded creatures behind him, Han pierced straight through the Dragon Gate and disappeared. Hanfirst to cross the Dragon Gate. First to ascend! A grand breakthrough! Meanwhile, the highest among the other challengers had barely reached two-thirds of the waterfalls height. The Dragon Gate was still far, far beyond their reach. The disparity was so great that the spectators were left speechless. Had they known it would end like this, they might as well have declared Han the winner from the start. Of course, the rules of the trial wouldnt allow that. As for Han, who had disappeared from their sight, he found himself in a place filled with radiant, multicolored clouds and drifting divine mist. "This is the core of the Water Origin Secret Realm," the voice of the Nine Caves Lake Dragon Lord echoed. "The Secret Realms Core and the Water Origin Treasures reside here." Hans gaze shifted to the center of the area, where a pure white cloud hovered, standing out vividly against the colorful surroundings. Beside the cloud, five treasures gleamed. A system-like interface displayed their information: [Water Origin Secret Realms Core] C Enhances water-elemental cultivation, martial arts, and allows water-blooded beings to evolve their bloodline. [Yellow Springs Essence] C A ghostly treasure containing the power of the Yellow Springs, aiding spirits in evolution and enlightenment. [Sacred Life Water] C A healing elixir overflowing with life force, nourishing the body and protecting internal organs. [Jade Bone Elixir] C A rare refinement treasure that strengthens bones, transforming them into indestructible jade. [Soul-Calming Water] C A divine remedy that heals soul-related injuries. [Water Dragon Sap] C A powerful potion that rapidly heals physical wounds. Six treasures in total, but Han could only take three. Without hesitation, he carefully stored away the Yellow Springs Essence, Sacred Life Water, and Jade Bone Elixir. The Soul-Calming Water and Water Dragon Sap were valuable as well, but they were primarily used for healingfar less important to him than the other three. Han smirked. Anlang, my dear follower, I just gave up a top-tier healing treasure for you. You better work hard and make yourself useful. If you disappoint me well, you can imagine the consequences. Heh Then, Han reached for the Secret Realms Core. It had some use for humans, mainly in Daoist cultivation. You might be reading a pirated copy. Look for the official release to support the author. According to their prior agreement, if Han secured victory, he would keep the treasures while the core would go to the Dragon Maiden. However, she clearly didnt care much about it. Most likely, she would distribute it to Li Lingxiu and the others. But how would three people divide it? A thought crossed Hans mind. "Dragon Lord, may I ask a question?" "You may." "If the Secret Realms Core is divided, will it still be effective?" "It will," the Dragon Lord replied. "This core can be shared by three beings without diminishing its effects." "I see. Thank you for the clarification, Dragon Lord." No wonder the Yunjiang Dragon Palace had sent exactly three participants alongside the Dragon Maiden. Without further words, the Dragon Lord sent Han out of the realm. By the time Han reappeared, the second and third-place challengers had already emerged. Gui Mian of the Yunjiang Dragon Palace. Huang Mingnian of the Tianyue County Huang Clan. Li Lingxiu had been on track for third place, but Yang Teng, seemingly consumed by madness, deliberately sabotaged her at the last moment, causing her to miss the top three. Han had been so far ahead that he never had to worry about interference. But for the others, the competition had been cutthroat. Han returned to the Dragon Maidens side, where Li Lingxiu and Jiao Gu were already waiting. Li Lingxiu was fuming, quietly cursing Yang Teng under her breath. Jiao Gu, on the other hand, looked utterly humiliated. He had been the biggest loser. "Congratulations, Lord Zhou, on claiming first place," the Dragon Maiden said with a smile. Han returned the smile. "I was simply lucky." "I am honored to have met your expectations, Your Highness." "I have the Secret Rea" Before Han could finish, Jiao Gu suddenly interjected, his tone cold and domineering. "You. When you choose your reward from the Dragon Lord, take the Jiao Pearlunderstood?" "If you dare pick anything else" "Jiao Gu, shut your mouth!" the Dragon Maiden snapped, her gaze icy. "Say another word, and youll be banned from leaving the Dragon Palace for ten years!" Faced with the Dragon Maidens authority, Jiao Gu had no choice but to fall silent. The smile on Hans face faded. So thats what this is about. You want me to take the Jiao Pearl, only to hand it over to you later? Heh. You think too highly of yourself. You just lost your share of the core. Fifty zhang, one hundred zhang... The gap wasnt closingit was widening. The fish trailing behind couldnt even catch a whiff of Hans wake. Damn it! Damn it! Damn it! Raging thoughts stormed through Yang Tengs mind. How could this human insect be so fast?! He was the third prince of Lingyang Lake, carrying the noble bloodline of the dragon race. His potential was boundlesshis future, destined for ascension. This Mystic Source was meant to be the catalyst for refining his bloodline and soaring to new heights. He had meticulously prepared for the Water Trialno one should have been able to stop him. Yet, this interloper had appeared out of nowhere! How was he outpacing him by such a ridiculous margin?! It must be the Dragon Lord of Nine Caverns Lake! Jiao Gus heart was heavy with resentment. Never, in all his calculations before the trial began, had he foreseen such an outcome. He had set his sights on the Mystic Source and that Jiao Pearl, a treasure he had personally requested when they visited the Dragon Lord. Jiao Gu had been utterly confidentcertain of his inevitable victory. The Dragon Princess didnt need the Mystic Source, but he did. If he took first place, the rewards upon returning to the Dragon Palace would be immense. Multiple treasures meant multiple opportunitiesopportunities that could push his bloodline to new heights and bring him closer to the Dragon Princess. But now, every plan, every ambition, every dreamshattered! The distance between him and Han was simply unbridgeable. And worst of all, with Hans outstanding performance, the Dragon Princess would undoubtedly value him even more, drawing even closer to him. Jiao Gus jealousy burned uncontrollably. Sure, Hans victory meant the Mystic Source still belonged to the Cloudriver Dragon Palacebut there was a difference between winning on one''s own and relying on an outsider. Damn it! This should have been mine! If not for Han, I would be the one standing in that spot! I would be the one capturing the Dragon Princesss attention! He stole everything that should have been mine! Blinded by jealousy, Jiao Gu failed to notice that even Gui Mian and Li Lingxiu had now surpassed him. Every spectator, every ascending fishall eyes were on Han. Right now, he was the undisputed center of the Mystic Realmthe one they all chased, the one they all watched. Yet, Han himself never once looked back. Before the trial began, he had entertained the idea of making things difficult for Huang Mingnian and Yang Teng. But now? Now, they werent even worth his attention. A true dragon soaring through the heavens doesnt concern itself with insects on the ground. Even sparing them a glance was already a gift. And once the dragon withdrew its gazewhat became of them no longer mattered. As for whatever preparations or hidden schemes they had What do your tricks have to do with me? If I crush you effortlessly, what does it matter? "AOOOHHH!" A thunderous dragons roar shook the heavens. A powerful, majestic black dragon shot into the sky. As countless creatures with draconic traits gazed upon him in despair, he soared past the Dragon Gatevanishing beyond sight. Hanfirst to cross the Dragon Gate. First to ascend. His first triumph! And the others? At best, they had reached only two-thirds of the waterfalls heightstill far from the Dragon Gate. The gap was staggering. The spectators fell into stunned silence. Had they known it would be like this, there wouldnt have even been a need to compete. They could have just declared Han the winner from the start. Of course, the rules of the Mystic Realm wouldnt allow that. Meanwhile, Han had already left their sight, returning to his human form within a space bathed in radiant seven-colored light and drifting auspicious clouds. This is the core of the Water Mystic Realm, the Dragon Lord of Nine Caverns Lake spoke. Here lies the Mystic Source and the treasures of the Water Element. You may take the Mystic Source and choose three Water Element treasures. Hans gaze landed on the center of this mystical space. There, floating prominently, was a cluster of white cloudsstanding out starkly against the colorful surroundings. Beside it, five treasures glimmered in the light. From an omniscient perspective, their details were laid bare: [Water Mystic Source]: Enhances water-element Dao techniques and martial arts; stimulates aquatic bloodlines for evolutionary transformation. [Yellow Springs Dew]: A divine treasure of ghosts and spirits, imbued with the power of the Yellow Springsfacilitates transformation and enlightenment. [Sacred Life Water]: A potent elixir brimming with gentle vitalitynourishes the body, strengthens the organs, and protects against most injuries. [Jade Bone Elixir]: A supreme bone-forging treasuretransforms bones into jade-like structures, enhancing resilience. [Soul-Calming Water]: Heals wounds of the soul. [Water Dragon Sap]: Restores physical injuries. One Mystic Source, five treasures. Han barely needed a second to decide. He carefully secured the Yellow Springs Dew, Sacred Life Water, and Jade Bone Elixirtaking extra care to prevent any loss before stowing them away in his storage pouch. The Soul-Calming Water and Water Dragon Sap were also valuable, but they were primarily for healing. For Han, the first three were far more useful. "Anlang, you better work hard for me after this," Han mused. "I gave up a precious healing treasure for youyou owe me big time." "If you let me down" "...you know whatll happen." Han then reached for the Mystic Source. While it had some use for humans, it was mainly suited for cultivating Dao techniques. According to their prior agreement, if Han helped them win, he would keep the Water Element treasures, while the Mystic Source would go to the Dragon Princess. But she clearly didnt care much for it. It would probably end up being divided among Li Lingxiu and the others. Speaking of which "Dragon Princess, may I ask a question?" Han suddenly inquired. "You may." "If the Mystic Source is divided, does it still work?" "Yes," the Dragon Lord confirmed. This cluster can sustain three Water Clan members without diminishing its effects. "Thank you for clarifying, Dragon Lord." Ah, so thats why three people had accompanied the Dragon Princess here. Without further words, Han was ejected from the core space. By the time he emerged, the second and third dragons had also crossed the Dragon Gate. Gui Mian of Cloudriver Dragon Palace. Huang Mingnian of the Huang Clan, Tianyue County. Li Lingxiu had almost secured third place, but at the last moment, Yang Teng went berserkdeliberately interfering with her and costing her the spot. Han had no rivals, but the others? They couldand didsabotage each other. Yet in such an intense environment, to actively disrupt someone else meant taking a hit yourselfa truly foolish move. Returning to the Dragon Princesss side, Han found Li Lingxiu muttering curses under her breath, while Jiao Gus expression was as dark as storm clouds. He was the biggest loser. "Congratulations, Young Master Zhou, on your victory," the Dragon Princess greeted him with a smile. Han returned the gesture. It was mere luck. "Fortunate that I did not fail Your Highnesss expectations." "This is the Mystic Just as Han was about to hand over the Mystic Source, Jiao Gu cut in sharply, his voice cold and domineering. Youwhen its time to pick from the Dragon Lords treasures, you will choose the Jiao Pearl. Understood? If you dare pick anything else "Jiao Gu, shut your mouth!" The Dragon Princesss icy gaze silenced him instantly. "Say another word, and youll be confined to the palace for ten years!" Jiao Gu was forced to shut up. Hans smile faded slightly. So thats what he was after, huh? Trying to use him to claim the Jiao Pearl, only to demand it afterward? Nice plan. But the way you asked? Han didnt like it. And so Youre not getting it. Chapter 135: A Young Man Must Protect Himself When Traveling The moment Han touched the stone, his internal energy stirred briefly before settling down. That confirmed his choice was the right one. This is it. Even without having cultivated the Divine Ape Exorcism Technique, he already felt a faint reaction. If he were to train in it first and then interact with this stone, the results would be unimaginable. The voice of the Nine Caverns Lake Dragon Lord echoed through the air. "This Water Essence Gathering has been truly spectacular, far exceeding my expectations." "I look forward to the day when your names shake the world." "Now, disperse." As the words fell, the dragons eyes in the sky faded, and the surrounding mist gradually dissipated. With the Mystic Source of the Realm taken, the unique phenomenon of this place naturally vanished as well. Even without intervention, the Mystic Realm itself wouldnt have lasted much longer. This wasnt an independent dimension but a peculiar domain that temporarily distorted the natural laws of the world. As the stars and moon returned to view, the glow of lanterns flickered, and gentle ripples spread across the lake. The familiar sight of Nine Caverns Lake reemerged before everyones eyes. No one knew how long it had taken for the water essence to accumulate and form this Water Essence Mystic Realm. And the next one wouldn''t appear in Nine Caverns Lake again. It could manifest in Yunjiang, Tianhai, Lingyang Lake, or even some unknown small river or lake. Now that they had returned to reality, murmurs of excitement filled the air as most gazes turned toward Han. Han had stood above all others, leading the charge through the Dragon Gate. Guimian placed second, and even Li Lingxiu had nearly secured third place. Although the rewards for second and third combined couldnt compare to first place, Yunjiang Dragon Palace was, without a doubt, the greatest victor of this event. Jealousy flickered in many eyes. There were even those harboring dark thoughts, but upon seeing the proud and imposing Dragon Princess standing beside Han, those notions were quickly suppressed. This place was dominated by aquatic clans, and even the few non-aquatic participants had close ties to them. Who would dare lay a finger on the direct daughter of the Yunjiang Dragon Lord? The Dragon Lord wasnt some dying mountain spirit. Yet, one person was especially unwilling to accept this outcomeYang Teng. The humiliation Han had inflicted upon him was still fresh. How could he possibly forget? And then there was the Spirit Mud incident, which had already spread like wildfire throughout the gathering. The Third Prince of Lingyang Lake had flaunted his high prices, only to back out in the end. It was a joke too good to keep quiet. Bad news travels fast, after all. Now, Yang Teng felt as if everyone was looking at him strangely, as if they were all mocking him. For someone of his status to become the laughingstock of the eventunacceptable! A turtle might endure such disgrace, but a dragon would not! "Ao Xuanwei!" Yang Teng suddenly shouted. The crowd perked up. Was Lingyang Lake about to challenge the Yunjiang Dragon Princess? "Hand over that human beside you!" Yang Teng demanded, glaring at Han. "Oh? The Celestial Artifact Prince is still here?" Han feigned surprise as if he had only just noticed Yang Teng. Laughter rippled through the crowd at the mocking title. "Yang Teng, have you lost your mind?" Ao Xuanwei shot him a cold look. "Get lost!" "Everyone, disperse. Do not linger." The voice of the Nine Caverns Lake Dragon Lord resounded again, a clear order to avoid further conflict. Deep beneath the waters, where his enormous dragon body coiled, his gaze remained steady. The grudge between Lingyang Lake and Yunjiang had existed for ages, but he bore no enmity toward either side. He had no interest in watching a battle unfold in his domain. If anything, he would rather go back to sleep. The Dragon Lords authority was unquestionable, and Yang Teng dared not disobey. Though he shot Han and his group one last venomous glare, he ultimately turned and left. With no further spectacle to witness, the others also began to disperse. Even if they hadnt obtained the Mystic Source or a treasured Water Essence artifact, the pre-event marketplace and the universal benefits from the trials had provided plenty of rewards. This story is posted elsewhere by the author. Help them out by reading the authentic version. No one was leaving empty-handed. As Han and his companions prepared to depart, a voice called out from behind. "Brother Zhou, wait a moment." Han turned his head, raising an eyebrow. It was Huang Mingnian. "Brother Zhous prowess is truly admirable," Huang Mingnian said with a polite smile. "Just a stroke of luck. What can I do for you, Brother Huang?" "Well, as you may know, I come from the Huang Clan, and we practice spirit arts related to ghosts and deities. Naturally, I have great interest in treasures that aid in their cultivation." Huang Mingnian continued, "The Nether Spring Dew is especially effective for such purposes. I wonder if Brother Zhou would be willing to part with it?" "Of course, I wouldnt let you suffer a loss. I can offer Water Dragon Essence along with other valuable items in exchange." So, he had chosen the Water Dragon Essence, which meant Guimian had likely picked the Soul-Calming Elixir. Han replied casually, "The Huang Clans mastery of ghostly arts is renowned throughout Tianyue. Ive always been quite fascinated by it." "This Nether Spring Dew, to be honest, I have no use for it myself, since I dont cultivate spirits." Huang Mingnians smile deepened upon hearing this. But in the next instant, it froze. "Apologies, but I wont be trading it." "Ive already promised to gift it to a senior. I cant go back on my word now. I hope you understand, Brother Huang." Huang Mingnians expression quickly returned to normal, and he nodded with a courteous smile. "If thats the case, I certainly wouldnt ask you to break your promise. It was presumptuous of me. My apologies, Brother Zhou." After exchanging a few more pleasantries, he turned and left. Han watched his departing figure, his face unreadable. Trying to take my treasure? Id rather feed it to a stray dog than give it to you. "He seemed quite polite," Li Lingxiu remarked. Han shook his head. "People arent always what they seem." "As the saying goes, you may know a persons face, but not their heart." "The person beside him was from Yin Kong River," Guimian suddenly interjected. "Its a significant waterway, ruled by the Yin Kong Water Lord, who has reached the Manifestation Realm." "Oh, so hes from Yin Kong River," Li Lingxiu mused. "No wonder he gave off such an eerie vibe. Definitely not someone good." Guimian then provided Han with a detailed account of Yin Kong Rivers influence, demonstrating his impressive knowledge. Han nodded in appreciation. This turtle really knew his stuff. The group returned to their treasure ship, letting the current carry them back toward Yunjiang. Jiao Gu remained unable to speak, still under restriction. The ship drifted along Yunjiang at a leisurely pace. Unlike their rushed arrival, there was no need to hurry back. Han wasnt at all worried about Yang Teng or Huang Mingnian attempting an ambush. After all, they were now in Yunjiang. Who would dare attack the Yunjiang Dragon Princesss ship here? When they had first set out for the gathering, Ao Xuanwei had assured Han that his safety was her responsibility. Standing at the bow of the ship under the moonlight, Han gazed at the rolling waves. Footsteps approached from behind. Ao Xuanwei stepped up beside him. "About Jiao GuI apologize on his behalf," she said, her tone steady, showing neither blame nor distance. "I will see to it that youre properly compensated." So direct. I like it. Han smiled. "It had nothing to do with Your Highness. Theres no need to apologize." "As for the Mystic Source" Before he could finish, Ao Xuanwei interrupted with a knowing smile. "Yes, its unfortunate. Who would have thought the Mystic Source could only be divided into two portions? Even the Nine Caverns Lake Dragon Lord misjudged." Han blinked, then chuckled. "Your Highness truly has no need for it?" "Its useless to my bloodline," she replied. "Besides, where is this supposed extra portion you speak of?" Han had originally intended to give the remaining Mystic Source to Ao Xuanwei. Now, it seemed, he wouldnt have to. A compensation gift? Well, hed gladly accept. Han spoke in a calm, measured tone, Sometimes, I can vaguely sense a person''s goodwill or ill intentions. He paused for a moment before adding, Its not always accurate, and it doesnt work all the time. Jiao Gu At that moment, the Dragon Princess understood what he meant. "While not uncommon, it''s still a very useful ability," she remarked before continuing, "Jiao Gu''s father is a distinguished general of the Yunjiang Dragon Palace, holding considerable status. Jiao Gu himself is also quite talented." Though, compared to you, his brilliance is like a firefly''s glow against the full moon. "With his fathers influence and his own talents, hes grown rather arrogant," she said. "He has always looked down on other races. His hostility toward you might stem from the Dragon Lords banquet or perhaps, because of me." It doesnt matter, Han dismissed the thought casually. He had already figured it outJiao Gu was nothing more than a sycophant. No, more accurately, a sycophantic dragon. "One dwells beneath the water, the other on landlet him be." That said, if they ever crossed paths again and Jiao Gu insisted on making trouble, Han wouldnt hesitate to deal with him accordingly. "I should thank you, Your Highness, for inviting me. I''ve gained a great deal from this trip." Han expressed his gratitude sincerely. Indeed, his rewards this time were substantial. Had the Yunjiang Dragon Princess not invited him, he wouldnt have had the opportunity to obtain these treasures. Though he had earned them through his own abilities, the chance itself was thanks to her. Han was not someone who forgot kindness. "If you''re truly grateful, then why not visit Yunjiang Dragon Palace for a while?" "" Why does she keep trying to bring me to Yunjiang Dragon Palace? Just what exactly has she prepared theresleeping incense, secret chambers, ropes, candles? Next time, for sure. The Dragon Princess chuckled, unsurprised by his response. From now on, dont call me Your Highness. Just use my name. Then Your Highness should do the same for me. Alright. Ao Xuanwei. Han repeated the name in his mind. That surname A trueborn noble. The two stood at the ships bow, their conversation flowing more naturally than before. The Dragon Princess carried no air of superiorityor perhaps she merely concealed it well. As they talked, she brought up the Black Mountain Earth God. "Before he perishes, the Earth God will present Black Cloud Town with a trial. If one can pass it, the rewards will be significant. You must take part in it." "What kind of trial?" "I dont know. But if you succeed, you''ll be able to meet the Earth God directly." "Youre from Black Cloud Town, so you''ll have the right to participate. Don''t miss this opportunity." Hans expression turned serious. A trial that led directly to the Earth God The benefits of succeeding in such a challenge would be immensefar more valuable than scavenging for treasures in Black Mountain. "How soon will this happen?" "I''m not sure. It depends on how much longer the Earth God can hold on." The Dragon Princess shook her head. "But aside from him and my father, no one knows." "" So it was still up in the air. Who knew how long the Black Mountain Earth God could endure? Han had no idea how powerful this entity truly was, but considering it had failed to ascend to immortality, it probably had quite the lifespan. The Dragon Princess was certainly well-informed. No wondershe had met with the Earth God not long ago. Realizing this, Han became even more engaged in the conversation. If possible, he wouldnt mind talking with her all night, candlelit, side by side Han. Hmm? Give me your hand. Han blinked in confusion. What now? Still, he extended his hand, and the Dragon Princess took it without hesitation. Han froze. Again? The Dragon Princesss voice carried a quiet yearning. Han, earlier, you said you were grateful to me, right? Yes. Then can I ask for something in return? What is it? Hug me. ??? What kind of request is this? Before he could react, the Dragon Princess shifted closer, wrapping her arms around him. Her head rested against his neck as she exhaled deeply. Han stiffened. Your Highness, please have some restraintI am not marrying into your family. Then! Han gasped sharply. A smooth, soft sensation brushed against his neck, followed by the light graze of teeth. He could feel her breath, warm and deliberate, as she pressed against his skin. This is bad. This is really bad. "Your Highness, behave yourself." Han quickly pushed Ao Xuanwei away, filled with a sense of helplessness. Wuwuwu A man must always protect himself when traveling outside! The Dragon Princess didnt seem the least bit annoyed. Instead, she watched Han with an amused smile, her lips glistening ever so slightly. You called me Your Highness again. If you keep that up, I might actually get mad. She smells sweet. Shes too enticing. Han was in trouble. Chapter 136: Which Matters More—The Soul or the Flesh? By the time Han returned to Black Cloud Town, the morning sun was already high in the sky. After bidding farewell to the Dragon Maiden, he made his way straight to the peach grove, his steps a little unsteady. That was terrifyingabsolutely terrifying. Being around the Dragon Maiden always gave him the unsettling feeling that she was ready to devour him at any moment. "I''m back, Aunt Mo!" Han called out as he approached the pavilion. He was slightly disappointedtoday, there were only peach blossoms, but no peaches in sight. Lu Qingmo stepped out of the loft, glanced at Han, and nodded subtly. However, when her gaze swept over Hans neck, she paused briefly. "It seems you''ve gained quite a bit from the Water Element Gathering." "Just luckyI managed to take first place." Another day of unparalleled humility. Han briefly recounted the events of the Water Element Gathering to Lu Qingmo, emphasizing, of course, his own heroic moments. "The Dragon Gate Trial is a fairly common test of water affinity. With your talent and potential, securing first place is only natural." Lu Qingmo inwardly praised him but maintained an indifferent expression. She was used to it by now. Han then took out the piece of Spirit Clay and handed it to Lu Qingmo. "Aunt Mo, I have a feeling this is some kind of treasure, but I can''t figure out what it is." He had already examined the clay thoroughly on his way back. He had tried breaking it apart, squeezing it, kneading itit even oozed water. But none of it seemed to match the description of the so-called Sacred Spirit Elixir. "A treasure?" Lu Qingmo accepted the Spirit Clay and carefully examined it, even using a magical tool to aid her assessment. Yet, she found nothing unusual. "I can''t determine anything from it either, but if your intuition is reacting to it..." To all appearances, it was just an ordinary piece of Spirit Clay. But she trusted Hans instincts. So, she refrained from making any hasty conclusions. "By the way, Aunt Mo, have you ever heard of the Sacred Spirit Elixir?" Han asked casually. "The Dragon Maiden mentioned it when talking about treasures of the Water Element. She said its an incredibly rare and precious substance." "Sacred Spirit Elixir?" Lu Qingmo pondered for a moment before shaking her head. "Never heard of it." "Looks like it might require some special method to extract..." Han made a mental note, storing away the Spirit Clay for now. He planned to look into the Sacred Spirit Elixir later when he had the opportunity. He then took out the Nether Spring Dew and handed it to Lu Qingmo. She looked at him, puzzled. "What are you giving this to me for?" "Aunt Mo, just hold onto it for a moment." Then, he reached out and took it back. See, Nianzi? I wasnt lying. I did present the Nether Spring Dew to a respected elder. But she gave it back to me. And well, what was I supposed to do? When an elder bestows a gift, one simply cannot refuse. Han prided himself on being an honest man. Just then, Anliang emerged from the Ghost Abode. The moment she spotted the Nether Spring Dew, her eyes lit up with deep longing. "Young Master, I I want it" "Open your mouth." Anliang leaned in, parting her lips expectantly. With a flick of his finger, Han sent the amber-hued Nether Spring Dew soaring directly into her mouth. "This is a priceless treasure. I went through unimaginable hardshiprisking my lifeto obtain it," Han said seriously. "Dont let me down. Work hard on your incense-making." "I will, Young Master! Ill do my best!" Anliang clenched her fists, brimming with determination. "Ugh, its so fishy and bitter. It smelled so enticing for spirits, but the taste is so sharp and astringent." "My body feels hot No, now its freezing Im so sleepy" "Let her absorb the Nether Spring Dew''s power," Lu Qingmo advised. Han returned Anliang to the Ghost Abode, where she would be able to refine it more efficiently. "This treasure is indeed extraordinary," Lu Qingmo remarked. "For a ghost of Anliangs level, it will provide immense benefits. Once she fully absorbs its power and learns a few Daoist arts, she should be capable of fending off an ordinary Night Wanderer cultivator." "Moreover, since she isn''t vulnerable to sunlight, she is now a ghost of considerable utility." Ghosts were unique in nature, and Anliang was especially talented. With the additional resources Han had obtained from Tree Bro, she was growing at a remarkable pace. The Ghost Abodes recent upgrades had also played a crucial role. Being able to hold her own against a Night Wanderer meant she was no longer weak. While she still couldnt assist Han in major battles, she would at least be able to handle lesser threats. Reading on this site? This novel is published elsewhere. Support the author by seeking out the original. "Where can I find Daoist arts suited for ghosts and spirits?" Han asked. Most standard Daoist techniques could be used by ghosts, but they werent optimized for them. In a ghosts hands, their effectiveness was rather lackluster. For instance, asking a ghost to cultivate the Righteous Grand Hand Seal would be downright ridiculous "The County Ghost Division has them," Lu Qingmo replied. "Youve accumulated another batch of merit from the Yinhuaxian incident. You can use it to exchange for ghost-related techniques at the Prefecture Ghost Division." "But you dont need to worry about that right now. I have high hopes that Anliang will grasp the Power of the Nether Springan exceptionally potent offensive ability, highly effective against other ghosts and spirits." Beyond merely strengthening a ghosts power, the Nether Spring Dews true value lay in its potential to awaken the Power of the Nether Spring. Many cultivators who raised ghosts prized this aspect even more. A ghosts strength could be cultivated over time, but the opportunity to comprehend the Power of the Nether Spring was incredibly rare. "If she can achieve that, itll be a major breakthrough." "Aunt Mo, I think Ill rest for a while." Lu Qingmo nodded, assuming Han was tired from the Water Element Gathering. As she watched him walk away, her gaze darkened slightly. "The mark on his neck" It looked suspiciously like a lip print? Her expression became unreadable. Han hadnt told her everything. Inside his room, Han retrieved the Source of the Mystic Realm he had kept for himself. During his journey back, he had been contemplating what to do with it. Then, an idea struck him. Could the soul of the Overturning Sea Flood Dragon absorb the Source of the Mystic Realm? The Flood Dragon was undoubtedly of the water racesurely this should work. He decided to test it. If it didnt work, hed just stash it in his spatial pouch and let it gather dust until another opportunity arose. In the Soul Domain, a menacing flood dragon with pitch-black scales floated in the void. It surged forward and inhaled the Source of the Mystic Realm in one gulp. A wave of soothing warmth spread through itthen, suddenly, it turned scalding hot. Soul fused with flesh. Hans eyes snapped open. His body was heating up. He focused inwardly. "Its working!" A surge of excitement ran through him. This treasure could trigger a transformation in water-blooded beings. Although he was human, his soul was now that of a flood dragon. In a way, even a soul had its own lineage. A transformation was inevitableit would affect both his soul and physical body. Without hesitation, Han rushed outside to an open space and began practicing the Overturning Sea Flood Dragon True Force. As the winds howled, Lu Qingmo was drawn by the commotion. She looked over and was momentarily stunned. Hans skin had begun sprouting dense black scales. His pupils had turned golden and verticalakin to dragon eyes. As his training progressed, a wild and oppressive aura spread outwarduntamed and brutal. Lu Qingmo silently observed. "This secret martial art its aura is truly terrifying and sinister" Yet, she couldnt denyHan was growing stronger. Hans cultivation soared to new heights after refining the Source of the Mystic Realm, which had been enriched by the blood and soul of the Abyssal Flood Dragon. This power surged through him, accelerating his progress immensely. Not only did his physical body strengthen, but his soul also underwent a significant transformation. Since the Source of the Mystic Realm was inherently formed from the absorbed soul of the Abyssal Flood Dragon, its greatest impact was naturally on the soul. Just two days ago, Han had barely broken through to the peak of the Meridian Stage and had begun striving toward perfection. Now, he had skipped half the arduous effort requiredan advancement that could only be described as miraculous. For comparison, Zhang Yuantao had spent half a year refining his cultivation at the peak of the Meridian Stage before finally breaking through to the Viscera Stage. Of course, had he possessed these same resources back then, it wouldnt have taken him nearly as long. Beyond his newfound strength, Han also noticed a subtle yet profound change in his bloodit felt more vibrant, more... alive. You seem to have gained new insights, Lu Qingmo remarked as she approached. I was planning to rest, but as soon as I entered my room, inspiration struck, Han replied with a chuckle. And, well, here we are. Such is the way of geniusesepiphanies come when least expected. Lu Qingmo had nothing to say. What could she say? Nothing at all. After my breakthrough, my body underwent some changes. Did you notice, Aunt Mo? Han asked. I did. Lu Qingmo nodded. You dont need to worry. This is a natural phenomenon, a sign that your mastery of secret martial arts has reached an advanced level. But I feel like my bodys transformation was actually influenced by my soul, Han hinted cautiously. He was undoubtedly human, yet for a moment, he had felt a subtle pull toward the form of the Abyssal Flood Dragon. The root of this transformation came from his soul, which was imbued with the pure essence of the Flood Dragons bloodline. This had never happened before. The Source of the Mystic Realm must have activated and invigorated the dormant bloodline within his soul. A troubling thought struck himif he kept stimulating this bloodline and continued training with the Abyssal Flood Dragons soul, would he eventually transform into a full-fledged demon? A secret martial art at the Meridian Stage can alter ones soul? Lu Qingmo mused. This technique is more extraordinary than I thought. Clearly, she had misunderstood. I think I understand your concerns, she continued. The relationship between the soul and the body is complexmany aspects of it remain mysteries even today. There are two prevailing schools of thought. Some believe that the soul is the true essence, and the body is nothing more than a shell that can be discarded and replaced at will. Others argue that the body is eternal, while the soul is merely a transient inhabitantwhen one soul departs, another takes its place. Despite their differences, both theories acknowledge one fundamental truth: the soul and the body can influence each other. A soul powerful enough can reshape any new body to mirror its original form, even reconstructing its bloodline and essence. Conversely, a body strong enough can regenerate a soul identical to the one it lost, guided by its own innate bloodline and essence. Han listened intently, inwardly astonished by the implications. In your case, your soul is influencing your body, Lu Qingmo reassured him. But you wont actually transform into another species. What happened was a temporary shift caused by your deepened understanding of the secret martial arts. The nature of your soul was momentarily altered, which in turn affected your physical form. It wont last. Project your soul outside your body. Han obeyed, and his human-shaped soul floated into the air. See? Your soul has already returned to normal. The influence of the secret martial art has dissipated. Lu Qingmos expression was one of smug confirmationshe had figured it out. A person is a person; theres no way he could turn into a dragon. True transformation, where ones soul and body completely change, requires an incredibly high cultivation level. Even then, any transformation would still be bound to your souls original essence. No matter what, your fundamental nature is human. Theres no need to worry. Unless, of course, your souls true origin is that of a dragon. I may not be a dragon but I can become one. Han fell into deep thought. If what Lu Qingmo said was true, then reaching that level of cultivation would grant him the ability to change form at will. Why did that sound oddly familiar? Almost like a certain legendary monkey Aunt Mo, I believe both the soul and the body are equally important, Han stated. Training them together should yield far greater results than focusing on just one. Thats a good mindset, Lu Qingmo acknowledged with a smile. Every cultivator shares that belief. Even the staunchest supporters of either theory would choose to train both if they had the means. But there are limits to human capability. Han understood. People werent foolishthey could clearly see the advantages of dual cultivation. But knowing something and being able to achieve it were two very different things. He had known in his past life that arms dealing was insanely profitable, but that didnt mean he could just go out and do it. With the bloodlines agitation subsiding, Han resumed practicing his secret martial arts. Without the influence of the Source of the Mystic Realm, that exhilarating sensation of his blood boiling gradually faded. Leaving the peach grove behind, Han returned to the martial hall, while Lu Qingmo remained, lost in thought. That lip mark could it be from the Dragon Maiden? Back at the martial hall, Han found himself once again narrating his experiences at the Water Essence Grand Event. None of the others had attended, so they listened with a mix of awe and regret. Oh, how they longed for the chance to ascend like a dragon to the heavens! To make up for their absence, Han took out several treasures he had acquired from the trade market and handed them out. Some gifts for everyone. No one hesitated to accept them. Well, at least you have a little conscience, Bai Ruoyue huffed. The tension from their previous dispute was finally dissipating. Hey, junior brother, whats that on your neck? Bai Ruoyue suddenly asked, pointing at him in surprise. Theres a red mark. What do you mean, red mar Han reached up and touched the spot, his heart skipping a beat as he recalled his ordeal with the Dragon Maiden. Oh no did she mark me? Oh, you mean this? Hans expression remained neutral. Got bitten by a small animal. Bai Ruoyue squinted suspiciously. What kind of animal leaves a mark shaped like that? Junior brother, theres a rumor spreading that the Dragon Maiden has taken a liking to you. People are saying the Yunjiang Dragon Palace wants to take you as their son-in-law, Shen Long teased. They say shes very fond of you. Han was speechless. Who was out there spreading such nonsense? Did he look like the type to live off a womans wealth? Then again people werent entirely wrong. The Dragon Maiden wasnt just fond of himshe practically wanted to swallow him whole. Chapter 137: The Cheat Code Refreshes Again! Youre different. Bai Ruoyue examined Hans body with a perplexed expression. I feel perfectly fine, Han replied with a smile. This Water Essence Gathering was quite rewarding. At this rate, youll be preparing to advance to the Viscera Realm in no time. Bai Ruoyue clicked her tongue. Youve only been cultivating for two months, right? Exactly two months as of today. It was also the last day of the month. The moment the clock struck midnight, his cheat code would refresh once more. Bai Ruoyue sighed, murmuring to herself, This is bad At this rate, I wont be able to stay ahead of you for much longer She felt her authority and status as the senior disciple being seriously challenged, yet there was nothing she could do about it. I have to finish refining my five viscera and break through to mastery as soon as possible! Bai Ruoyue resolved inwardly. If she had to be surpassed, at least she wanted it to happen with dignitygradually, and not too soon. Otherwise, she would lose all face. Han took out the Yuanhou Stone. Senior Sister, take a look at this stone. What stone? Bai Ruoyue took it from him, her body trembling slightly. My secret martial technique seems to resonate with it My true qi is boiling, she said in disbelief. This stone was once a Yuanhou, Han explained, giving her a brief rundown of its origins and nature. A Yuanhou Bai Ruoyue released a strand of true qi into the stone experimentally. The Yuanhou Stone quivered, faint patterns emerging on its surface. The indistinct outline of a demonic beast surfaced, exuding an ancient, primal aura. This is a treasure. A true treasure. Bai Ruoyue nodded repeatedly. Junior Brother, for a martial artist who cultivates the Exorcising Yuanhou Scripture, this is an invaluable relic. If you reach the Viscera Realm and refine the power within this stone, your progress will skyrocket. You might even gain unexpected benefits. The three treasures prepared by the Dragon Lord of Nine Cavern Lake were comparable in objective value. But for Han and Bai Ruoyueboth practitioners of a related secret martial artthis stone alone outweighed the other two combined. Returning the Yuanhou Stone to Han, Bai Ruoyues eyes held curiosity, but no trace of greed or reluctance. Senior Sister, you should examine it first, Han said, refusing to take it back. Since you practice a related technique, you might discover something new. Aside from absorbing its power, there could be other ways to utilize it. This was, after all, a petrified Yuanhou corpse. Simply absorbing it outright would be a wasteit needed to be properly studied first. Bai Ruoyue pondered briefly before nodding in agreement. She was curious about the Yuanhou Stone as well. As long as she didnt absorb its power, it wouldnt be damaged, and she could return it to Han anytime. Later, as Bai Ruoyue left with the Yuanhou Stone, she ran into Shen Yu. Receiving Hans gift had put Shen Yu in high spiritsshe was humming an indistinct tune. Bai Ruoyue chuckled and shook her head. Such a child. Her gaze casually swept over Shen Yus face before she suddenly stopped in her tracks. She turned back and stared at Shen Yus lips. A sudden realization struck her. The mark on Junior Brothers neck It looked just like a lip print! The Dragon Maiden! It had to be her! Damn it! Junior Brother actually went out fooling around! That night, Han completed his monthly qi absorption training. His soul felt even stronger. He glanced at An Lang, who was still inside the ghost dwelling, refining the Netherworld Dew. Her entire spectral form looked dim, her complexion almost sickly yellow, as if she had been poisoned. However, after consulting Lu Qingmo, he learned that this was a normal effect of refining Netherworld Dew. As Han trained, Lu Qingmo sat not far away, draped in moonlight, silent as ever. She was always like thisquietly watching over him while seemingly lost in thought. But tonight, she, too, was thinking about something else. The Dragon Maiden Han Han walked over and asked, Aunt Mo, whats on your mind? Nothing. I was just thinking about what you and the Dragon Maiden did. Seeing Lu Qingmo lost in thought, Han went into the attic and soon returned, carrying a cup of tea. He sat down beside hervery close. Lu Qingmo glanced at him but said nothing. She was used to this. Han handed her a cup of tea with a smile. Dont dwell on endless worldly mattersjust enjoy the cup before you. Lu Qingmo smiled. Not bad. I didnt expect you to know poetry. But wasnt that originally about wine? Its not mine. I heard it somewhere. Supposedly written by a man named Du Futhe Saint of Poetry, they call him, Han said with a grin. I dont drink much, but if Aunt Mo wishes, I can have a few cups. Drinking is fine. I dont get drunk, but Aunt Mo You wont stand a chance. Tea is fine. As wisps of steam curled into the night air, Han suddenly asked, Aunt Mo, once the Mountain God falls, will you be leaving this place? Leaving Lu Qingmo shook her head. I dont know yet. The fall of the Mountain God isnt the endwhat happens afterward will be the real challenge. And Black Mountain wont simply vanish. The struggle for this land of fortune wont end so easily. Ultimately, it depends on how the Jade Capital handles it. A place like Black Mountain I dont have the power to hold it on my own. If everything is settled, perhaps I will return. Han suddenly felt uneasy. The Jade Capital Xuangdu Temple How distant and unreachable they seemed. He was just a countryside boy with a little bit of talentand a cheat code. The Jade Capital It feels so far away, Han murmured. Sensing his mood, Lu Qingmo smiled slightly. Its not far from you at all. With your talent, within twenty years, your name will shake the world. No place will be out of reach. By then, youll surpass even me. No matter what happens, even if I leave one day, dont slack off. I trust in your perseverance. Han nodded, gazing at the moonlit ground. Then, he suddenly declared: Aunt Mo, if you ever leave Black Cloud Town, I will find you. The Jade CapitalI will go there. Lu Qingmos smile deepened. I believe that day will come. Ill be waitingto see just how outstanding youll be then. But by that time, you may not find me in the Jade Capital. Han was puzzled. Isnt Xuangdu Temple in the Jade Capital? Though Xuangdu Temple is the state religion of the Qi Dynasty, with many disciples stationed in the Jade Capital, our ancestral temple is elsewhere, Lu Qingmo explained. Xuangdu Temple existed long before the Qi Dynasty was founded. With a thousand years of history, of course, we have our own sacred grounds. Where is it? Han asked, then quickly corrected himself. Wait, if its a secret, you dont have to tell me. Its no secreteveryone knows. Lu Qingmo answered: In Han Province, atop Xuanfa Mountain. That is where our forebears established the sect, and where Xuangdu Temple has stood for over a millennium. Han memorized the nameXuanfa Mountain, in Han Province. That was far, far away from Tian Province, separated by several regions. But one day, you, too, will leave Black Cloud Town, Lu Qingmo continued. This place, despite its connection to Black Mountain, is too remote. Staying here will only hinder your growth. I will leave when the time is right, Han said solemnly. After all, with such a vast world before him, how could he remain confined to a single town? At that moment You might be reading a pirated copy. Look for the official release to support the author. [Cheat Code Refresh Available. Refreshing] [Previous Months Cheat Code: Omniscient Perspective] [Refreshing] [Refresh Complete] [This Months Cheat Code: Dao Comprehension in Dreams] Hans mind went blank. All other thoughts were instantly swept away. Han had a feelingthis new cheat ability was something extraordinary. The hint from his life points remained at five, confirming a crucial rule: as long as he possessed any cheat ability, breaking through a major realm would grant him life points. Whether it was martial cultivation or soul cultivation, both counted. Currently, he was at the second realm in martial arts and the third in soul cultivationfive life points in total. By the end of this month, he expected to advance to the Organ Refinement stage, adding another life point to his tally. Yet, despite having life points in hand, there was nothing to spend them on. "Tree Bro, I miss you!" What are you zoning out for? Lu Qingmo turned her head, gazing at Han. Snapping back to reality, Han smiled wryly. Just lost in thought for a moment. Aunt Mo, its late. Lets get some rest. Lu Qingmo shot Han a look. What do you mean by "let''s" get some rest? If someone overheard that, theyd think we were sleeping together! Without another word, they both got up and returned to their respective rooms. The moment Han lay down, he immediately fell asleep. He had already received some information about his new cheat abilityDreamworld Enlightenmentwhich, as the name suggested, had something to do with dreams. Han didnt even need to feel sleepy; as long as he activated the ability, he could fall asleep instantly, anywhere, in a second. If hed had this power in his past life, just this function alone would have been invaluable A vast expanse of white unfolded before his eyes. It was an endless, pure-white spacevoid of anything else. No people, no colors, just him. This was a dream. Han was fully conscious, completely aware of his dream state. "Dreamworld Enlightenment My dream" With a single thought, the white void shifted. Soil emerged, green grass sprouted, peach trees took root and soared skyward, and a towering pavilion materialized from thin air. Lu Qingmos peach grove had appeared. Since this was Hans dream, and he had a cheat ability at his disposal, altering the environment was no challenge. He reached out his hand, and the Tai Bai Sword appeared in his palm. After a brief examination, he murmured in amazement, Its identical. It wasnt that the real Tai Bai Sword had entered his dream. Rather, this was an ability of Dreamworld Enlightenmentit could manifest anything Han possessed in the real world into his dreams. One sword two swords A full ten Tai Bai Swords floated around him. The spiritual herbs and treasures stored in his spatial pouch also materialized one by one. The swords remained as sharp, the herbs retained their medicinal potencydown to their structure and composition, they were indistinguishable from reality. Han plucked a herb, refined its energy, and felt a tangible increase in strength. Then, on a whim, he grabbed a Tai Bai Sword and slashed himself. Blood gushed outbut he felt no pain. Instead, he was intrigued. A second later, the wound sealed itself as if it had never existed. Everything here was part of the dream. Training with spiritual herbs in this space wouldnt carry over to reality. Likewise, injuries sustained in the dream wouldnt affect his physical body. Within moments, Han had already thought of several ways to exploit this ability. Unidentified treasures? Test them here without risk. Delicate crafts like incense-making? Practice in the dreamworld with imaginary materials, then replicate the perfected techniques in reality. Dangerous techniques? Train without fearblowing himself up in the dream wouldnt matter. Take Swordless Ascension, for example. In reality, where would he find the chance to test such a volatile technique? But in the dream? He could practice freely. Not a bad cheat ability at all. While it couldnt create real treasures, he wasnt lacking cultivation resources for the time being. Han wandered beneath a peach tree, glancing around. In the real world, Lu Qingmos peach grove flourished year-round due to her Taoist mastery. This dream version was no different. Thenmovement. A faint silhouette flickered between the peach trees, growing clearer with each passing second. Han? Lu Qingmo stepped forward, her expression tinged with surprise. She scanned her surroundings, then rubbed her forehead and sighed. I havent dreamt in ages yet here I am. And Im dreaming of you? Whats happening to me Han smiled knowinglythis was the second ability of Dreamworld Enlightenment. Shared Dreaming. Dreaming alone? Thats lonely. Dreaming with someone else? Twice the fun. That said, there were limitsHan couldnt just pull in anyone at will. He still needed to figure out the specifics. Lu Qingmo studied Han closely, then examined their surroundings. This dream it feels real. She even broke off a branch, casually tapping Hans head with it. You little troublemaker. I already spend enough time with you while awake, and now I have to see you in my dreams too? Aunt Mo Han hesitated. Was she saying whatever she wanted just because she thought this was a dream? Lu Qingmo paused, lowering the branch as she fixed her gaze on him. Youre reacting? She prodded him again. Wait. What if just what if This was actually his dream? And she was the visitor? If I hadnt reacted, what were you planning to do? A mischievous thought surfacedwhat if he pretended to be unresponsive and observed her actions? But the truth, when revealed, would be far too awkward. Suddenly, Han reached out toward Lu Qingmos face. Her body stiffened, her expression shifting between embarrassment and annoyance. You brat. Even in a dream, you cant behave? Despite her words, she didnt dodge. Instead, she let Hans hand move closer until He plucked a peach blossom from her shoulder. Yet, as he withdrew his hand, his fingers accidentally brushed against her smooth, delicate cheek. She flinched slightly, as if struck by electricity. Aunt Mo, what are you talking about? Han said innocently. I was just removing a stray flower for you. Lu Qingmo shot him a glare but then murmured in astonishment, Even in a dream, youre so vivid. Is this really a dream? Han mused. It feels incredibly real. The peach grove, everythingits like weve entered another world entirely. Han knew the truth, of course. But he couldnt let that show. He could bring people into his dreams, but he absolutely couldnt let them know he was the one doing it. Why were they sharing a dream? How would I know? Lu Qingmo was growing suspicious. This dream is strange, she muttered. I feel completely lucid. And youyou''re perfectly aware, too. Han? Im here. You know who you are? Where this is? Im Han, the seventh disciple of Tai Bai, always by Aunt Mos side. As for where we are didnt you say its your dream? Strange. How did you end up in my dream? Lu Qingmo frowned. Could it be that you subconsciously pulled me in with some kind of Taoist technique? Han immediately went on the offensive. Shouldnt I be the one asking that? Aunt Mo, did you use some kind of method to pull me in? Lu Qingmo blinked, her expression darkening. Oh no. This dream was too real. Which meanteverything she had just said and done Han had definitely seen and heard it all. Then, without warning, Han booted Lu Qingmo out of the dream, leaving himself alone once more. But as soon as she vanished, he felt an odd shift in the dreamscape. It seemed slightly less stable? A sudden influx of information appeared in Hans mind. [Dream Power] Realization dawned. So, the people he pulled into the dream actually strengthened the dream itself? What was this Dream Power capable of? No further information appeared, but Han had a feelingthis was something useful. Very useful. And he had just the experiment in mind. Han knew that Lu Qingmo''s attempt was doomed to failafter all, he wasnt even using the cheat device. This sleep would be nothing but a waste. Han fell into deep thought. Since this cheat device could pull others into the dream and seemingly enhance the dream itself, making it more beneficial to the device Then could he keep Lu Qingmo and Bai Ruoyue inside the dream for an extended period this month? If he had obtained this dream-based enlightenment cheat device in his first month after transmigrating, he would never have entertained such a thought. No matter how beneficial pulling others into the dream might be, he wouldnt have considered it. He wouldve hidden this cheat device as if his life depended on it. Share the dream with others? Not a chancenot even with ghosts, let alone people! But things were different now. Lu Qingmo and the others had proven their trust and sincerity, and in return, they had earned Hans trust as well. Besides, there were tangible benefits. This thought began to take root in Hans mind. However, this presented a problem. If he openly admitted that everything was under his control, there was no way he could explain it away. After a brief moment of consideration, Han decidedsince he couldnt explain it, he simply wouldnt. Just like before, he would act as though he had entered the dream by accident, completely oblivious to what was happening. Sometimes, it paid to play dumb. And if you werent actually clueless, pretending to be was just as effective. Once he entered the dream and pulled Lu Qingmo in, she would undoubtedly suspect that he was the cause of it all. But hey, Im a victim here too! I have no idea why this is happening. When the time came, it would be up to Lu Qingmo to come up with an explanation for the truth of the situation. Just like how Hans intuition had somehow been linked to the Mountain God in Lu Qingmos reasoning. Strange occurrences? Too many unexplained details? No need to worry. Dear Aunt Mo and our esteemed Master will surely come up with a reasonable explanation. As for Han Ah, yes, yes, whatever you sayeverything is exactly as you claim. Han had made up his mind. Time to go for it. Absolutely stunning. He couldnt help but admire Lu Qingmos beautynatural, untouched by makeup, yet utterly flawless. A short while later, Lu Qingmo woke up. She sat up and shook her head. I didnt enter the dream again. Then let me try. Lu Qingmo hesitated for a moment but eventually nodded. She wouldnt be able to rest easy until she uncovered the truth behind this dream. This wasnt just a simple dream. It meant that, in the face of an unknown mastermind, she was utterly defenseless. If someone could pull her into a dream, they could just as easily take her life. Lu Qingmo stood up, and Han naturally lay down on the bed. Aunt Mo, good night. Dreambound EnlightenmentActivate! Standing by the bedside, watching Han lying there straight as a board, Lu Qingmo suddenly felt that something was off. Wait a minutethis is my room. Hes sleeping in my bed! A faint blush crept onto her face as she released her spiritual energy, preparing to move Han elsewhere. This was far too awkward. But the next second, drowsiness overwhelmed her, and her spiritual energy dissipated instantly. Supporting herself on the beds edge, a single thought surfaced in her mind before she succumbed to sleep. As expected its connected to him. Come on in, Aunt Mo! DreamscapeThe Enchanted Peach Grove Aunt Mo, it seems this mysterious dream is indeed connected to me. Ive dragged you into this mess. Han confessed, taking the blame without hesitation. Lu Qingmo remained silent for a long time, her thoughts elsewhere How am I supposed to face him after this? She sighed inwardly. I''ve truly met my nemesis. In just two months, I''ve experienced more absurd situations than in my entire life before this. This isnt your fault, she said softly. This power its terrifying. Even I had no way to resist it. She stared at Han intently. So, you really are some great cultivator reincarnated, arent you? Everything was triggered by him, yet he doesnt know why A past lifes power awakening unconsciously, causing all of thisthere was no other explanation. But who exactly was he? His abilities involved water manipulation, the moon, intuition, and now dreams Strange. Theres no record of such a figure in the archives of Xuandu Temple. Aunt Mo, how do we leave this place? Han asked, feigning confusion. That will have to depend on you. Do you remember how you left last time? I dont know. It just sort of happened. Han was now a master of playing dumbthree questions, three I dont know answers. If they couldnt leave, they had no choice but to stay in the dream. Over time, Han began to demonstrate various dream abilities to Lu Qingmosometimes deliberately, sometimes seemingly by accident. Through these trials, Han made a startling discoveryhe was beginning to understand this cheat device more thoroughly. In the dream, any depletion of true energy could be instantly replenished. The same applied to mental and physical stamina. Any injuries sustained would also heal immediately. It was a dream based on realitycultivators entered at their real-world level, but certain aspects could be modified. Most importantly, Han realizedcultivation in the dream seemed easier. He could grasp techniques that had previously taken him much longer to learn. It had to be an enhancement to comprehension ability. After testing, he estimated the boost to be about 30%. Insane. No wonder it was called Dreambound Enlightenment. Lu Qingmo, with her vast knowledge, immediately recognized the potential. If you can fully control this power, it will be an incredible asset to cultivation, she said seriously. This dream gives you unlimited trial-and-error opportunities. Difficult martial arts and Daoist techniques become much easier to master here. And this is only one aspectthere may be more hidden secrets. This place is the perfect training ground! Her eyes gleamed with excitement. Han had talent. Now, he had an extraordinary opportunity. How could he not become a powerhouse? Too bad I cant control it, Han sighed. It appears and disappears unpredictably. Yes such a pity. Lu Qingmo agreed. They remained in the dream for twenty-four dream-hours before it ended. Not because Han stopped using the cheat device, but because they had reached its limit. The Dreambound Enlightenment device had a maximum usage of twenty-four dream-hours per day. When Han woke up, he immediately sensed how much real-world time had passed. Just a moment. Completely outrageousequivalent to gaining twenty-four extra hours of cultivation time per day. One month here was worth three in the real world. As he returned to his physical body, Han quickly noticed something was off. Something was pressing down on him. He reached out, looked down Lu Qingmo was lying on his chest, and his hand was resting on her soft, slender waist. At that moment, Lu Qingmos eyes opened as well, meeting his gaze. A long silence followed. Why was Lu Qingmo, who had entered the dream, now in this position? Could it be Aunt Mo wanted to do something to him while he was asleep? Gasp! The night was deep, and the beauty lay in his arms. Hans heart burned. In a sudden motion, he sat up, his hand still on her waistbut instead of letting go, he pulled her closer, their bodies pressed together. A warm, soft sensation filled his embrace, intoxicating and irresistible. Looking down at the mature beauty in his arms, Hans eyes shimmered with unspoken intent. Aunt Mo Chapter 138: The Senior Sisters Heartbreak Lu Qingmo stood still, her gaze fixed on Hans face as he moved closer to her. She was frozen, as if stunned, until Han was almost right up against her. Suddenly, her eyes widened in shock as she realized how close they were to each other. Only then did she react, pushing Han away. But before she could, Han quickly brushed her lips with a light kiss. Thud! Han was pushed back, and Lu Qingmo immediately jumped off the bed. She stood by the bed, chest rising and falling rapidly, silent. After a long moment, she shot Han a furious glare, her face tinged with a deep flush that wouldnt fade. In a hurry, Lu Qingmo dashed out, her dress crumpled, her hair tousled. Not a single word was spoken. Han watched her retreating figure, a smile playing at the corners of his mouth. After a while, he stood up and followed her. Outside, a gentle breeze blew, cool and calming. Mo Yi Han began to speak, but was immediately cut off. Han, Lu Qingmo interrupted. Forget what happened just now. Lets pretend it never happened. Dont let it happen again. But I Stop, Lu Qingmo said without turning around. Youre only twenty-two, your cultivation is just beginning. Focus on your training. There are many things you will understand when you look back at them in the future. They wont seem as important as you think now. Han fell silent. He knew she understood what was going on. She must have felt the change in him. She wanted him to forget I understand, Han said softly. But I will still try again. The dream, you must keep it secret, Lu Qingmo changed the subject. If word gets out, it could attract unwanted attention. That place is a good spot for cultivation. If you get the chance to enter again, make sure to make the most of it. Han thought for a moment and said, If the dream really has something to do with me, and I can influence it, I want to try bringing the Senior Sister into the dream as well. Bring more people in, build a beautiful dream, brick by brick, to contribute to the dream of socialism. Ruo Yue Lu Qingmo pondered before replying, We still dont know if the dream is dangerous. Lets wait and see. What if its just a fleeting illusion? Mo Yi, have you noticed that time outside seems to have barely changed? Han subtly hinted at something. Time hasnt changed? Lu Qingmo looked up at the sky, her expression shifting in shock. She turned around suddenly. Weve been in the dream for twenty-four hours, and the outside time isnt synchronized with the dream?! Looks like it. Han nodded. A deeper surprise crossed Lu Qingmos face. This dream had more power than she had imagined. The forces shaping the dream were more terrifying than she had thought. Truly incredible How did this dream come into being We cant let anyone know about this. Even if you want to help your senior brothers, you cannot reveal your connection to the dream. They are trustworthy, but if they ever find themselves in danger, they could expose everything. Lu Qingmo paused for a moment and then came up with an idea. How about this? You can blame everything on me. Say Ive cultivated a certain Taoist technique that can assist in training. Hans heart warmed. Mo Yi, the more you care for me, the harder it will be for me to forget you. You dont need to hide anything from Ruo Yue and Bai Tian. They wont be able to hide it from him anyway. Also, when you go back to sleep, try to see if you wake up in the dream every time you fall asleep. It wont happen. But Han still needed to sleep. After Han left, Lu Qingmo stood alone, a single flower petal drifting before her eyes. The events from earlier resurfaced in her mind, unbidden. Her cheeks flushed as she lightly touched her lips. Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on the original website. Why didnt I resist from the start Lu Qingmo asked herself. What was I thinking? With her abilities, if she had resisted immediately, Han would never have had the chance to get so close. After a long pause, she sighed softly. Maybe you can let it go. Theres no future for us Her emotions were complex, too tangled to explain in words. Your future is bright, you can walk through heaven and hell, while I can only stop here There was a deep sense of regret in her eyes. If it hadnt been for that accident, she wouldnt be stuck here, with no future. After several attempts, Han still couldnt re-enter the dream. Lu Qingmo had her answer now: it seemed there were limits to how often he could enter the dream. Perhaps the dream itself was fleeting, and after today, it would cease to exist. That night, Lu Qingmo couldnt calm her mind. The impossible experiences from earlier swirled around her thoughts, leaving her restless. Meanwhile, Han, unable to sleep after his training, couldnt help but laugh when he thought back to what had happened. He reflected for a while and came to a conclusion. Lu Qingmo was a bit contradictory. During the day, as Han was about to leave the martial arts hall after his meal, he stopped Bai Ruo Yue. Whats up? she asked. Senior Sister, tonight, youre coming with me to Mo Yis place. Why would I go there? Bai Ruo Yue asked, puzzled. Does Mo Yi want to see me? No. Han said. I want you to go there and rest for the night. You two can stay there, but why do I need to go? Bai Ruo Yue frowned. You just need to go. I promise youll get a surprise. Bai Ruo Yue reluctantly agreed. Han also told Bai Tian and the other senior brothers to stay in their rooms after midnight and not to do anything. Why? Bai Tian asked. At this point, it was just Han and Bai Tian. Han replied seriously: Something happened to me last night, and it might benefit us. Youll see when the time comes. They walked to the peach orchard, and Bai Ruo Yue immediately bombarded Lu Qingmo with questions. Han, on the other hand, went off to cultivate his soul. At midnight, Han reminded: Senior Sister, time to rest. Stay in your room, dont come out. Bai Ruo Yue glanced at the two of them. Is Mo Yi going to rest too? Lu Qingmo nodded, saying, Listen to Han, stay in your room, and dont wander around. Especially dont go to his room. Bai Ruo Yue was puzzled. Why was she being told to stay in her room? What were they afraid she would discover? Was she being drawn into their plan tonight? The dream. Han immediately pulled Bai Ruo Yue in. When she first appeared, she was confused. How did I fall asleep so suddenly, and dream? she asked. Did I dream about Little Junior Brother? She touched Hans head in surprise. Its just like the real thing. Whats with you and Mo Yi? Is there some special interest? Why does everyone have to touch my head when they enter? Bai Ruo Yue became bolder, extending both hands to pinch Hans face. Its still warm. Hmph. Ill make you regret messing with me! Senior Sister, stop playing around, Han said, pulling her hands away. This is a dream, but its a little different. Everything that happens here, we will remember when we wake up. Hans right, Lu Qingmo said, appearing in the dream as well. Bai Ruo Yue froze. The three of them were in the dream together. What was going on? How did you bring Ruo Yue in? Lu Qingmo asked. I just thought about it, Han explained. I wanted Senior Sister to come in, so I thought about it for a while, and then she appeared. Lu Qingmo considered this. Was it the power of the dreams master? What is going on here? Bai Ruo Yue asked urgently. I dont understand what youre saying. Youll understand soon, Lu Qingmo said, looking at Han. Can you pull someone in from a distance? Ill try. Han began pulling Bai Tian in, and it worked. It seemed the dreams reach could cover at least the whole of Black Cloud Town. My fathers here too. Bai Ruo Yue was astounded. Han explained what was happening to Bai Tian and the others, stunning them all. The world truly holds such mysterious things, Bai Tian marveled. Since its like this, cant I try refining my organs here, without fear of injury? Bai Ruo Yue said excitedly, Once Ive accumulated enough experience, figured out the safest method, I can make rapid progress when I return to the real world! Cultivating the organs was risky, usually requiring careful, slow progress. You never knew if a slight excess of Qi might damage your organs. But here in the dream, all that risk disappeared. Trial and error would lead to the quickest, safest method of organ refinement. Why do the strong advance so quickly in their cultivation? One reason is they are simply too skilled. "Father, this place is just as beneficial for you. You''re exploring your way forward, and here, you can experiment freely without the fear of failure." Bai Tian nodded, his face filled with joy, and he looked at Han with a deeply sentimental expression. "Han, this dream its been an immense help to me. I..." As a master, it was supposed to be him guiding his disciples, but now, it was his disciple who had come to his aid. The feeling inside Bai Tian was indescribable. "I''m glad I could help, Master," Han said with a smile. "Im thinking of trying somethingsee if I can bring Second Senior Brother and the others into the dream too." "About Han and the dream, its best that only you know. Dont tell anyone else," Lu Qingmo spoke up suddenly. "Tell your other disciples that this is a Taoist technique Ive been using." "Its not that I dont trust them, but I hope you understand my reasoning," she added, making sure Han didnt have to take the blame for this decision. Bai Tian thought it over for a moment and then nodded. "Yes, this approach seems more appropriate." "Why, Father?" Bai Ruo Yue asked softly. "Xiao Yu and the others would never spill the beans." "They wouldnt, but there are too many mysterious Taoist arts and martial skills in this world. Its better to be cautious," Bai Tian explained. "For Hans safety, his connection to the dream cannot be exposed." Bai Ruo Yue understood now. Shen Long and the other four appeared one by one, each shocked by what they were seeing. When they understood the purpose of this place, their astonishment grew even more. "Thank you for taking care of us, Director Lu," they all thanked Lu Qingmo. "Dont thank me, thank Han," Lu Qingmo waved it off. They assumed she meant that Han had asked Lu Qingmo to look out for them. "Our junior brother is truly a mountain of support to us!" After they understood what this place was capable of, everyone eagerly began to try their hand at cultivation. By midday, Shen Long and the others had entered the peach orchard, each finding their own corner. Only Han and Bai Ruo Yue stayed by the pavilion to continue their cultivation. Han had also brought An Lang into the dream. An Lang, who was still processing the effects of the Yellow Spring Yin Dew, appeared somewhat dazed. "This place will help you better understand the power of the Yellow Spring. Feel free to experiment without worrying about danger," Han explained. In the dream, An Lang could repeatedly experience the power of the Yellow Spring and recover from any mishaps. Her chances of mastering the ability grew exponentially. Boom! At a certain moment, a loud explosion rang out from Bai Ruo Yues body. She coughed up a mouthful of blood. "Junior Brother, quick, my livers about to explode, help me!" she yelled. A little later, Bai Ruo Yues chest caved in. "Junior Brother, my hearts shattered, give me a boost!" "My kidneys are gone!" "Junior Brother, save me!" "" Han was speechless. He turned to Lu Qingmo. "Aunt Mo, dont you think Senior Sister is a bit... wild?" Lu Qingmo glanced at Han, her eyes filled with blood, her veins severed, and her organs drained. "Maybe you should wipe the blood off your lips." "Oh, right... I used Sword Without Me ten times in a row. The cost was a little high." "Well, youre not much better off than her." Boom! In a corner of the peach orchard, a violent explosion shook the ground, a storm rising as if to destroy everything in its path. Han calmly sipped his Dream Tea. Chapter 139: Everything Exists in the Dream Complete madness! In a dream realm where death doesnt exist and recovery is limitless, everyone had become fearless. They trained as hard as they could, no longer just talking about it, but turning it into reality. However, every activity in this dream required Hans permission. Healing injuries, reshaping the dream body, or even manifesting dream objects based on real itemsonly Han could accomplish these feats. In fact, even the wisdom bonuses granted by the dream could be revoked by Han. Once they entered the dream, they could only exist within it; unlike Han, they couldnt use the various abilities. The difference between the host and the guests was stark. At the moment, it seems that this dream realm only appears once a day, and each session lasts no longer than twenty-four hours, Lu Qingmo said. If it lasts for a month, its equivalent to gaining two additional months of cultivation time. If it lasts for a year Lu Qingmo shook her head. She didnt think that would happen. Once the martial arts worlds major sects learn about your ability, it will cause a huge stir, she continued. Countless people will rush to fight for it. For any major faction, the value of attaining enlightenment within the dream realm would be immense. Who knows, this ability might disappear just as mysteriously as it appeared. Its not something I can control, Han said, shaking his head. I just hope it lasts for a while longer and doesnt cause any trouble. Lu Qingmo wasnt sure, but Han understood clearly. Enlightenment in the dream realm also has its limits. Or rather, he had limits. His cultivation level determined the upper limit of the dream realms potential. Han manifested a Yulou Stone and tossed it to Bai Ruoyue, telling her to absorb it. In reality, there was only one Yulou Stone, but in the dream realm, you could have as many as you wanted. Although they were fake, they still provided a chance to experience something extraordinary. "Roar!" A terrifying roar echoed as a Yulou spirit manifested behind Bai Ruoyue, its presence powerful and commanding. Her aura surged dramatically, and the dense martial power in her hands took on a completely different flavor than before. Junior Brother, I think I saw a real Yulou, I even glimpsed its internal organs! Bai Ruoyue said, excitedly. Keep going, Han said, tossing more Yulou Stones her way for her to absorb. In the dream, anything was possible. "Since I''m dreaming, there''s nothing I can''t imagine." Bai Ruoyue continued to refine the Yulou Stones, and the shadow behind her became increasingly lifelike, almost as if the monster had crossed through time and space to materialize in this place. Her internal organs glowed, and her true Qi rumbled, visible even from the outside. The Yulou shadow mirrored her every movement, perfectly synchronized, as if it shared the same essence. I understand now! This is the Yulou Spirit Scriptures! Bai Ruoyues entire being seemed to change, as if she had transformed into a humanoid Yulou, grasping the true essence of the art. Seeing this, Han suddenly remembered something. On the last day, Brother Shu had dropped two Earth-level elixirsFive Organs Divine Pill and Six Viscera Divine Pill. If not now, then when? Han manifested the divine pills and shot them out. Senior Sister, open your mouth! Bai Ruoyue instinctively opened her mouth, and the divine pill melted into a thick liquid as she swallowed it. What is this? Its a pill to refine the Five Organs and Six Viscera. It can awaken their divine spirits in a short time. Bai Ruoyue immediately felt a surge of power within her. Her internal organs underwent a transformation, almost as if they had gained sentience. She seized the opportunity and focused intently on every sensation. Both pills could temporarily awaken the divine spirits of the Five Organs and Six Viscera. If someone with exceptional talent took them, there was a minuscule chance of these spirits staying permanently. This book''s true home is on another platform. Check it out there for the real experience. Han suddenly realized, with dream-based enlightenment in play, this minuscule chance was likely nearly a certainty. If one pill doesnt work, I can take ten or even a hundred. That has to work, right? If she succeeded in the dream, surely awakening the divine spirits once back in reality would have no chance of failure. The Five Organs and Six Viscera Divine Spirits? Lu Qingmo asked, surprised. Yes, I obtained them by chance during the Shuiyuan Conference, Han replied. Indeed, a great treasure, Lu Qingmo nodded. The divine spirits of the Five Organs and Six Viscera are unmatched if they can be awakened permanently. They will actively absorb the worlds energy to nourish themselves. Legends say that if their divine spirits are perfected, they can even manifest externally and fight enemies. Even if only temporarily awakened, they grant the organs extraordinary abilities. Unfortunately, Ive never heard of anyone managing this feat at the Viscera Realm. Wait until later, you''ll see it for yourself, Han thought with a smirk. No, not just hear about ityoull witness it in person. Han also sent a few of the divine pills to Shen Long and the others. He couldnt give them the real ones, but in the dream realm, there was no shortage of them. Yes, anything can happen in the dream. If this dream realm could last a little longer, your senior brothers'' powers would probably advance at an astonishing rate. With this experience and accumulation, they will have no obstacles in their cultivation. Youve really helped them a lot. Lu Qingmo couldnt help but admire. To meet a junior like Han, these little guys are incredibly lucky. Han smiled, I havent really done much. How much progress they make depends on their own effort. All he did was provide them with a place to train. Materially, he hadnt contributed anything. In these troubled times, any improvement in strength is a blessing that many people would wish for, Lu Qingmo sighed. Now, with all factions entering Heiyun Town, the whole Heiyun region is a tangled mess. The further it goes, the more chaotic it becomes. Only personal strength is the true guarantee. As the head of the Ghost God Division, she was aware of all the matters happening in the region. The situation in Heiyun was far from stable. Although nothing had happened yet that required her to personally intervene, her subordinates were working around the clock. How many cases does the Ghost God Division need to handle? Han asked. A lot, every day, Lu Qingmo shook her head. The people entering Heiyun come from all walks of life, with a mixture of fish and dragons. Power struggles, conspiracy, murder...these things happen every day. No one dared to come trouble the Taibai Martial Hall, so Han and his group could cultivate in peace, but among ordinary cultivators, things were far more chaotic. There arent enough people. Both divisions are frequently commissioning local forces in Heiyun to assist. Ive already contacted Old Ye and asked him to send people to support us, just like with the Dingwu Division. Im also a Ghost God Patrol. If something urgent happens, I can help, Han offered, eager to contribute. His efforts wouldnt be in vain. Every task completed would earn him merit. Merit from the Ghost God Patrol could be exchanged for treasures in any division of the Great Qi Territory. For example, if he accumulated enough merit, he could exchange for the second volume of The Vast Righteous Hand Seal from a local Ghost God Division. Plus, he was currently an eighth-grade Ghost God Patrol. To advance in rank, merit was essential. Higher ranks would offer many benefits: more resources, higher allowances, and access to more treasures. According to Lu Qingmo, as ones rank increased, they might even be granted rare treasures as part of their salary. Lu Qingmo glanced at Han. Well discuss this another time. She didnt want to disturb Han with trivial matters. Later, Han focused on his own cultivation, delving into various martial arts and Taoist techniques. Even Lu Qingmo, who rarely trained, had begun to take action. The dreams unique properties made it possible for her to practice some Taoist techniques she had never been able to master before. Hans fourth cheat was indeed a real help. The world is all about power and background. If you have neither, unless you''re a true world-shaker, youll always be a small fry. As Lu Qingmo and Bai Tian grew stronger, Han reaped the benefits. He also had a strong desire to see his master become even stronger. Master, you must work hard to get stronger! As this dream was about to end, Han walked into the Peach Forest alone. He raised his hand, and nine milky-white light spots appeared in his palm. Is this... Dream Power? Han looked at the light spots. Nine of them. Apart from him, there were eight others in the dream. Lu Qingmo had entered two days ago. That meant each person provided a little bit of Dream Power each day? But what use is it Han thought, unsure. The Dream Realm Insight didnt give him an explanation. For three straight days, everyone continued to diligently cultivate, making great progress. The bonus to wisdom, the ability to be immortal and unharmed with unlimited endurancethis was indeed a tremendous help. On the third morning, Han was practicing in the martial hall when he suddenly received a message. "Han! Something''s happened in Heiyun Town!" Han understood that Yun Duo was a simple cultivator, often quite fragile in many situations. Yun Yun''s martial arts focused on refining her organs and her soul had the ability to wander at night, enough to protect her younger sister. This was a significant help on their missions. "Whats going on this time? Aunt Mo hasnt mentioned anything to me yet." Yun Duo began explaining the situation in detail. "There''s a village called Tieshi Village outside Heiyun Town. Something has gone wrong there." "They had once discovered a small iron mine, and the local government had been sending people there to mine it. But in recent years, the resources there have nearly been exhausted." "Because of this, the governments presence in the area isnt very strong." "Yesterday, a group of government martial artists went to the small mine to transport the accumulated iron ore back. By nightfall, one of the villagers went to the mine and found that everyone there had been killed." "Considering the recent unrest in Heiyun Town, the government team was fairly strong. There were three in the Meridian Realm." No wonder Yun Yun had chosen to follow; the strength to wipe out such a group indicated that the attacker was no ordinary foe. "But this should be the responsibility of the Town Guard, right?" Han asked. The local government was in charge of agricultural, mining, and fishing matters, and the Great Qis laws were strict: the Ghost God and Martial Divisions were not allowed to interfere. If anything happened in these areas, it was up to the Town Guard to handle it, preventing the other divisions from intervening. The Town Guard did have its own martial artists, but they were not as strong or specialized as the Ghost God and Martial Divisions. However, they did have experts at the Organ and Soul Realm who could handle such situations. "It seems that the Town Guard leader went out on an inspection yesterday. His guards were with him, so the matter was handed over to the Ghost God Division," Yun Duo explained. Han was left speechless. Yun Duo continued, "The miners were found dead in a horrific manner. Their bodies were shriveled, almost as if their life force had been drained." "Each of their necks had two small puncture wounds, like theyd been bitten by something." "The Ghost God Division is understaffed, and this case is particularly severe, so they need to resolve it quickly. Thats why my teacher sent us." "Do we know what attacked them?" Han asked. "We''re not sure. We need to investigate it ourselves." Han nodded. The description of drained life force and the small puncture wounds made the situation sound eerily like the work of zombies. Come to think of it, Han had never actually seen a real zombie. He wondered if they were like the ones that hopped around in stories. Chapter 140: A Hammer Strike Unleashes Life and Death Before reaching the small iron mine, Han and the others noticed that the government had already sealed off the area to prevent anyone from accidentally stumbling in and facing danger. The people stationed there were just regular constables, with the leader being a mere Flesh Meridian cultivator. Upon spotting Han and the others, he immediately ran over, bowing and greeting them respectfully. "Greetings, Young Master Zhou, Miss Yun. Im Lin Chong, a candidate for the post of a Defenders of Martial Arts Officer in the Defenders Division. Ive been ordered to seal this area and await your arrival." "With the three of you here, the issue with the mine will be resolved easily. Any wrongdoers will be swiftly brought to justice." The Defenders of Martial Arts Officer was a ninth-tier official position in the Defenders Division, the lowest rank, whether regular or auxiliary. They were roughly equivalent to the Ghost Keeper position in the Ghost God Division. Though the rank was low, it was still an official position, giving the person a certain status as part of the core structure of the Defenders Division. As a candidate, Lin Chong had no formal rank or title. To gain a proper position, he would have to wait, accumulate merit, and seize opportunities. Some people waited their entire lives and never received the title. However, if ones strength was high, promotion to a formal position could come easily, or... if you had connections, things could move much faster. Rules were for the common folk, and regulations existed to restrict those without power. Han had once been in the latter categoryhis connections with Lu Qingmo had made things easier for him. Now, Han was in a position where both his strength and his connections gave him a powerful edge. Thats the right way! Han found himself staring at Lin Chong for a moment due to the mans name. "No need for formalities. Tell me what happened here," Han said. "Yes, yes, of course. Last night, an old man from Tieshi Village..." Lin Chong carefully explained the situation, providing far more details than Yun Duo had. He then led them to the bodies of the victims. As Yun Duo had described, the bodies were shriveled and drained of their vital essence. Han crouched down to inspect the small puncture wounds on their necks. "Definitely bite marks" But from what creature? That was unclear. Han used his spiritual energy to probe, but he didnt detect any unusual energies lingering on the bodies. However, Han noticed that the bite marks varied in size. The martial artists had larger and deeper puncture wounds on their necks, while the common folk had smaller ones, and their shapes were slightly different. Han glanced at Yun Duo and the others, who shook their heads, signaling that they hadnt found anything either. After a moment of thought, Han transmitted a message to the others. "Could it be zombies that attacked them?" "How did you figure that out?" Yun Duo asked curiously. Han said nothing. He didnt figure it outhed just watched too many zombie movies in his past life "Its certainly a possibility," Yun Yun replied. "If it is zombies, do you think theyll transform?" Han asked. "Not likely. Their vital essence has already been drained. These bodies are now incredibly fragile." Han called Lin Chong over and asked, "Were there many deaths at the mine?" Too much killing often led to the birth of evil spirits. He didnt even need to ask if people had died; the answer was obvious. In Hans past life, mining was one of the most dangerous industries, even with advanced technology. In this world, it was no different. You couldnt expect a small mine to be worked by martial artists and cultivators personally. Lin Chong hesitated and replied, "There should have been quite a few." "This mine has been in operation for quite some time." Han nodded and told Lin Chong to continue maintaining the blockade. The three of them headed toward the mine. "Why set up the blockade so far from the mine? Isnt that leaving openings?" Yun Duo asked. Han chuckled. "When it comes to a mission, your life is still more important." With a group of martial artists from the Meridian Realm already killed at the mine, Lin Chong, a mere Flesh Meridian cultivator, would hardly dare approach. The farther away, the better. The orders had to be followed, but ones life was the priority, so flexibility was key. As they reached the small iron mine, the temperature dropped sharply. Looking around, the trees were dense, blocking out the sun, and the wind howled through the leaves. Most of the mine tunnels were abandoned, covered in webs. After years of mining, the mine was nearly exhausted. "It''s a bit cold," Yun Duo muttered. "Here, the Golden Sha, Yin Sha, and Blood Sha energies converge. The feng shui is off, the sunlight doesnt reach here, and the lingering yin energy has accumulated. This is cursed land," Yun Yun said softly. "Humans who stay here for years will have their spirits and bodies damaged, unable to survive for long." "Especially at the bottom of the mine, where the air is stagnant, the energy is foul, and the place is tainted." "In such a place, its no surprise that evil spirits and monsters are born." Help support creative writers by finding and reading their stories on the original site. Han said nothing. The mine had always been like thisnothing he could change. "I cant sense anything. The death energy is too dense," Yun Duo shook her head. Gold, iron, stone, and water all obstruct a cultivators spiritual energy, and this mine was no different. "Should we go down into the mine?" Yun Duo asked. "No rush. I have a way," Han replied. "Going in blindly would be too dangerous." It was a pity that his divine perception had just reset; it would have made things much easier now. Humans were always nostalgic about the past. Hans eyes brightened as he scanned the various tunnels, a myriad of energies appearing before him. Daoist arts, Qi observation technique. A few days ago, Brother Tree had taught him this skill, and now it was permanently his. However, he was still at the beginner stage with this technique. The natural Golden Sha, Yin Sha Various energies passed through Han, and then he locked onto four particular, thick energies that felt different from the rest. The Qi of living corpses! Human Qi! Three were of the first kind, and one was of the second. These energies were entangled with each other. All four were strong. Comparing them with Yun Duo and the others, Han quickly deduced the strength of their source. Hans eyes narrowed as he began to piece the truth together. This wasnt a natural disasterit was a man-made calamity. "Has a cultivator who practices corpse refining or zombie control arrived in Heiyun Town?" Han wondered in his heart. "Theres a cultivator below the mine, along with three zombies," Han transmitted to Yun Yun and Yun Duo. "The zombies are likely around the Flesh Meridian level, and theyre not too powerful. I think the cultivator has already noticed us." Cultivators who refined corpses were experts at controlling death energies, and such energies actually aided them. "Three Flesh Meridian zombies," Yun Yuns heart shook. "Should we call for your father?" Yun Duo quickly asked. "" Han stared at her. "Youre really going to just call him?" "Not yet. Theres no need to trouble Lord Yun for this," Han stopped Yun Duo from getting too eager. "Three zombies at the Flesh Meridian level? We can handle that. The question is, how do we force this cultivator out?" Going down into the mine was out of the question. If a battle broke out there, they would trap themselves underground. As Han pondered, he suddenly realized that Yun Duo and Yun Yun were looking at him with strange expressions. "Whats with the look?" Han asked, puzzled. "Three zombies at the Flesh Meridian level, plus an unknown cultivator... how do we deal with them?" Yun Duo asked bluntly. Yun Yun slightly shook her head. "Im not a match for those three zombies." Han smiled inwardly. He knew she wasnt strong enough to face them, but with him, together they could handle it. However, they didnt fully understand his true strengthhe preferred to stay low-key. "We can fight. I have a backup plan," Han said seriously. "Its foolproof, no worries." Yun Duos eyes lit up. "Did Teacher give it to you?" "Something like that. Aunt Mo helped too." His strength was also thanks to Lu Qingmono doubt about it. "Wheres the cultivator?" "The third tunnel on the left, closest to him." Without hesitation, Yun Duo took out a dark green bead and, using her spiritual power, threw it into the third tunnel on the left. She then set up a spiritual barrier at the entrance of the tunnel. "Done. We just need to wait for him to come out." "Whats this?" Han asked. "The Weasel Qi Bead," Yun Yun said with a hint of oddness in her voice. She stopped using her transmission technique. "Its made from the Qi extracted from Weasel Beasts. Its effect is..." "Disgusting!" A voice, accompanied by dry heaving, echoed. "It smells unbearable." Yun Yun had finished explaining. Han understood now. He glanced at Yun Duo. "How did you end up with something like this?" Yun Duo awkwardly smiled. "I caught a weasel beast the last time we entered Black Mountain. I thought it was fun, so I made this bead." Terrifying little troublemakers. Yun Duos simple mental barrier was quickly breached, and four figures shot out from the mine, accompanied by a wave of dark green gas. Han and the others immediately took several steps back, covering their mouths and noses, and wrapped their mental energy around themselves to avoid the weasels toxic gas. Were in trouble now. A young man in purple clothing, whose face was already pale but now showed a faint greenish tint, raised a gust of wind that blew away the toxic gas. Around him, three zombies stood guard, their eyes locked on the group. Two of the zombies were covered in light green fur, their muscles grotesquely swollen, with deep green eyes and claws instead of hands. Their faces were monstrous, with long, sharp fangs. The third zombie, however, had purple and green mixed fur, but its body was surprisingly thin, with flower-like patterns on its face and purple eyes. The young man in purple glared at Yun Duo. Is this your weasel toxin bead? Yun Duo nodded honestly and asked out of curiosity, Hows the smell? Is it really that bad? When making the bead, she had of course ensured protection for herself. She thought it was fun, but she wasnt trying to torture herself. The young mans eyes glinted with murderous intent. You Han interrupted him. Hold on, dont speak yet. Why? It smells awful, its making me sick. This was like someone spitting sewage all over you. The Yun sisters couldnt help but laugh. The young mans expression darkened immediately. You Wait a moment, Han interrupted again. Is he ever going to stop?! Youve attacked imperial officials. Now, are you refusing to surrender? I havent killed anyone from the imperial court. What youre talking about has nothing to do with me, the young man in purple replied coldly. Im just here to train. Youre the ones disturbing me! Has nothing to do with you? Han frowned. Since you say it has nothing to do with you, then come with us to the Ghost God Bureau. Once the truth is clear, if you are truly innocent, we will let you go. If I go with you to the Ghost God Bureau, do you think Ill have a good outcome? The young man sneered. Leave now. If you continue to disturb my training, dont blame me for being rude. Troublesome. Han shook his head. Since youre unwilling to come with us, well have to invite you ourselves. This persons presence here at such a time is already highly suspicious. Han wouldnt just let him go based on his own one-sided words. Taibai Han, Yun sisters, I didnt want to deal with you, but since youre insisting The young man in purples voice turned cold. Then prepare to die! The two green-haired zombies beside him suddenly leaped toward Han and the others. Green zombies! Based on the color of their fur, they should have strength close to the early stages of the Vital Organs Realm, Yun Yun said with a serious expression. She sent a mental message. Han, whats the backup plan from Lu? Use it! Han smiled and pulled out a large hammer. The backup? Its right in front of us. Its me. Im the foolproof guarantee! With a mighty swing, Han brought the hammer down. Thirty-Six Heavenly Strikes! For fighting zombies, the first choice is plants. But since there are no plants, this hammer is the next best thing. Looking at Hans back, the Yun sisters were stunned. Is this so-called backup plan really just feeding zombies to death with the hammer? Young sister, stay back and protect yourself. Yun Yun snapped out of her daze for a moment and then leaped forward, sword in hand, to support Han. Although she didnt understand, she wasnt about to abandon him in this situation. But as soon as she moved a few steps, she stopped. What did she just see? Ahead of her, Han swung his hammer, smashing both green zombies away. She could even hear the sound of bones snapping. Looking at that imposing figure with the hammer, Yun Yun froze for a moment, then relaxed. She gripped her sword tightly, her body tense. A foolproof guarantee, huh... When the two green zombies hit the ground and stood up again, their chests had caved in significantly. Zombies. Their dead bodies revive, their evil energy strengthens their bodies, and they have tough, almost indestructible skin. They feel no pain, no awareness. These two zombies were about as strong as someone at the early stages of Vital Organs, but their zombie bodies were incredibly tough, making them a huge pain. However, under Hans mighty hammer, even these tough, iron-skinned green zombies couldnt hold up. With his tendons fully developed, Hans strength had increased further, and the powerful muscles gave him even more explosive power. Yun Yun remained silent, while Yun Duo clapped excitedly. The young man in purple was momentarily stunned, then his expression changed drastically. Taibai Han, everyone underestimated you. You actually have the strength of the Vital Organs Realm. Youve really been hiding your power! Han swung the hammer without acknowledging him. Hiding? You didnt realize it, so you call it hiding, huh?! Whoosh! A gust of wind howled, and the purple-green zombie beside the young man suddenly shot forward, releasing a vast cloud of corpse mist that enveloped the entire mine. At the same time, a surge of soul power burst from the zombie, distorting the area. Within the corpse mist, the three zombies were significantly enhanced. Be careful, thats a Ghost Zombie! Yun Yun warned, rushing toward the Ghost Zombie. Seems you have some knowledge, the young mans voice echoed, reverberating within the mist. But youll still die! Ill use the best corpse refining techniques to cultivate your bodies and send you to battle for me! Before that, though, these two beauties will be my enjoyment. Han, youre a rare genius. If youre willing to be my dog, Ill spare your life and let you enjoy them. Do I need you to offer them to me Wait, am I really the kind of person who plays with emotions and bodies like that?! Chapter 141: Yun Yun, Don’t Look Back, I Am... When Han turned down his offer to be his lackey, the young man in purple showed a hint of regret. In his hand, he wielded a corpse manipulation artifact, controlling three corpse bodies to enhance their physical strength. Cultivators specializing in corpse refinement typically focus most of their abilities on their own undead creations. In combat, they can use various techniques to strengthen their corpses, making them nearly invincible. The young man in purple tossed a gray bead, radiating a thick aura of death energy, toward Han. But just then, a piece of cloth flew in and blocked the cursed bead. The two magical artifacts collided incessantly, sparking a series of attacks. From a distance, Yun Duoduo began to act, casting spells and controlling magical tools to engage with the young man in purple. As a cultivator in the Night Wanderer Realm, she had no trouble dealing with him. It was a group effort, and she wanted her share of the action! Boom! After clashing with the ghost corpse, Yun Yun was sent flying with greater speed, blood trickling from the corner of her mouth. Minor Perfection in the Organs Realm! she cried out, signaling Han. As she was about to crash to the ground, Han swiftly caught her. Leave it to me. You handle the green zombie. As the two passed each other, Han swung his hammer toward the ghost corpse. Against such an opponent, weapons like a hammer or axe were more effective. Damn it, Im really a swordsman at heart! The ghost corpse possessed immense strength, and its body was far sturdier than the green zombies. With a controller, even cultivators at Minor Perfection in the Organs Realm might struggle to defeat it. Zombies are usually more troublesome when controlled by someone. A zombie without a master is easier to deal with, since it has no consciousness. In the midst of battling the ghost corpse, Han also felt a constant soul power attacking him. While it didn''t affect him much, it was a nuisance. Through the corpse mist, strange illusions began to take shape, a sign of the ghost corpses power. These illusions made it clear that this ghost corpse was no ordinary zombie. But no matter how special it was, Han wasnt afraid! Without true energy or martial arts, only a body of steel, copper skin, and a powerful force, Han preferred fighting such heavy opponents over skilled martial artists any day. One hammer after another, the ghost corpses hands cracked under the relentless blows. Han also occasionally seized opportunities to try and ambush the young man in purple, forcing him to shift positions in haste. Such cultivators, whose undead creations never die, are rarely a direct threat. But Hans moves were enough to pressure the young man, who sent another green zombie to aid the ghost corpse. They surrounded Han, yet still couldn''t land a blow. The death and curse energy couldnt harm Han; as soon as they neared him, they were burned away by his intense yang blood. The corpse mist was particularly strange, though. In addition to amplifying the zombies'' strength, it even helped them recover. The young man in purple, still locked in a magical duel with Yun Duoduo, watched the battlefield with a dark, ominous expression. A cultivator of the Muscle Realm could suppress his master-level ghost corpse, and with another green zombie, nothing seemed to work. What kind of freak was this? The rumors from Heiyun Town were false! Boom! With one powerful swing, Han sent the green zombie crashing into the ground, creating a deep crater. Its chest caved in completely. But being a zombie, it was unaffected by its injuries and immediately jumped back into the fight. Han looked at Yun Yun, who was struggling against the green zombie. The clash with the ghost corpse had left her wounded, and it was affecting her combat abilities. Damn it, at this rate, well never take down Han! the young man in purple cursed. His soul left his body, and he slammed his chest hard. A great amount of grayish-white material burst from his soul, scattering onto the cursed bead, as if preparing to perform a dark spell. The story has been taken without consent; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident. Seeing this, Han''s eyes brightened. Finally, his soul leaves its body! Ive been waiting for this moment! Yun Duoduo, remember what I told you at Great Thunderstorm Temple! Han shouted. Yun Duoduo, who was also preparing to leave her body to confront the young man in purple, immediately retracted her soul, understanding Hans meaning. The outer world is too dangerous; staying within the body is safer. Yun Yun and the young man in purple were still confused, not understanding Hans cryptic words. But the next moment, they would know. Intense, foreign sunlight erupted from Hans body, flooding the entire mine. The death and curse energy, along with the ghost corpses mist, sizzled and evaporated in the heat of the foreign sunlight. Ah! A scream rang out. The young mans soul started to smoke. No matter what techniques or spells he had left, they were powerless now. This intense foreign sunlight even affected the zombies. Their flesh started to rot, and their movements slowed, unlike any zombies Han had encountered before. The opportunity had come. Han hurled a hairpin straight at the young mans head. This time, nothing could block his strike, and the young man could not avoid it. With Han''s immense strength, even a hairpin was devastating. The young man''s head exploded like a watermelon. Without missing a beat, Han dashed toward Yun Yun. She, too, had been affected by the foreign sunlight and couldnt see, falling into immediate danger. This was the downside of the Bright Light Charmaside from Han, it couldnt distinguish between friend and foe. Even though the zombies were affected by the sunlight, they still followed their masters commands. And their inability to see didnt hinder them. Hearing the explosion behind her, Yun Yun turned and instinctively raised her sword. Yun Yun, dont look back, its me, Han! Han reached her from behind and held her in place, confirming his identity. Yun Yun immediately froze. At the same time, Han swung his hammer forward, sending the green zombie flying. A massive handprint appeared, slamming down onto the tortured young mans soul, nearly crushing it. Han didnt pause. He continued his assault. The young mans soul quickly weakened and was captured. As the foreign sunlight faded, the world became clear again, and the thick corpse mist dispersed. The negative energy in the mine was temporarily cleared. Only the three zombies remained, still relentlessly attacking Han. But their bodies were severely decayed, their bones exposed, and their flesh rotting. They looked absolutely grotesque. Yun Duoduo ran over, taking the young mans soul and the cursed bead from his hands. You vile coward! she spat. The young man glared at Han with eyes full of hatred. He still had desperate spells left to cast, but who could have anticipated Hans strange technique? Flattery, Han replied, grinning. Hed been waiting for this moment. To capture the thief, first capture the king. Who would want to battle with three ugly, decayed zombies? Now, after all the damage, the three zombies, having lost their master, were significantly weaker. Before Yun Duoduo could even figure out how to control them, Han and Yun Yun had already subdued them. Such creatureseither hammer them into oblivion or control them with magic! If the young man in purple was at his full strength, Han would have had no choice but to face him head-on and smash through their forces. But now, with his own life at risk, how could he care about controlling his undead minions? Three zombies had been added to the tally. Han approached, looking down at the young man in purple. You have some guts, dont you? Killing members of the imperial court to practice your craft. The young man in purple quickly retorted, I didnt kill those warriors of the Daqi imperial court. Han''s gaze sharpened. He was still denying it at this point? Han, do you think we might have the wrong person? Yun Duo murmured. The purple-clad youth suddenly declared, I am a disciple of the Earth Corpse Sect. My father is an elder in the sect. Do you not fear the sects retribution for your actions? No, Han shook his head. Theres something off about him. Let me try something, Yun Yun interjected. I know a soul-searching technique; it might help. Han, too, was capable of probing other souls memories, but it required the soul to be unprotected. For someone like this young man, whose origins were dubious, his soul was likely shielded. Only specialized soul-searching techniques could bypass such barriers. The stronger the souls defense, the harder it was to crack. The purple-clad youth sneered, You dare to search my soul? The Earth Corpse Sect will never forgive you! His threat fell on deaf ears. Yun Yun immediately began her soul search. After a moment, she spoke. This man is named Dai Liu. Some of his memories are blocked by a barrier, but its clear hes a disciple of the Earth Corpse Sect. His father is a Dayu Realm elder. The memories we cant access are related to the sects teachings. Does this have anything to do with us? Han asked. Yun Yuns face hardened. The warriors we saw earlier werent killed by him. She continued, However, Dai Liu came here using the special methods of the Earth Corpse Sect. When he arrived, those warriors had just been killed. Their blood had been completely drained. Han remained unmoved, his eyes narrowing. Yun Yuns expression told him there was more to the story. But aside from those warriors, all the other commoners here were still alive when he arrived. He murdered them to drain their blood and raise the corpses. Hans expression froze. He had claimed it wasnt his doing, that he hadnt killed anyone related to the courtbut was that just a diversion? I only killed the commoners, whats the big deal? Dai Liu had said earlier. A bunch of commonerstheyre just cattle for blood. Ill compensate their families with silver. A hundred taels per person, and Ill have bought their worthless lives. Han exhaled, his anger simmering. The man was shamelesshe really believed the lives of these people were worth nothing, to be bartered for silver. Such a person, with such a mindset, was not something new to Han. He had seen this kind of cruelty before, in every world. Dai Liu kept ranting on, but Han had had enough. He slammed him into submission and locked him away. Why would Dai Liu come here? Han asked. Does he know who killed those people? Yun Yuns face turned serious. This place it might have bred something terrifying. At Yun Yuns signal, the three of them left the small mining area. Ah, Sister, youre poisoned! Yun Duo suddenly exclaimed, pointing to Yun Yuns left arm and abdomen. Dark, greenish blood was seeping from the wounds. Its corpse poison. I was injured by the green zombie earlier, Yun Yun replied calmly. In truth, had she not been injured by a more powerful ghost corpse before, dealing with a mere green zombie wouldnt have been such a problem. Han sucked in a breath. Corpse poison? Was Yun Yun going to turn into a zombie herself? Should he start preparing a change of clothes? Its nothing serious. It can be dealt with easily, Yun Yun reassured them. We cant waste time. Yun Duo immediately began rummaging through her spatial pouch, pulling out talismans, healing liquids, and powders to treat her sisters wounds. In this world, for cultivators, something like corpse poison was trivial. It wasnt a big deal. Han couldnt help but feel impressed. Even after a month of not traveling with them, Yun Duo was still as resourceful as ever. It seemed like her spatial pouch had everything. It was practically a treasure pouch. As Han helped treat Yun Yuns abdomen, he turned his back to give her privacy. Luckily, they were traveling as a group of three. If it had been just him and Yun Yunif she had been gravely wounded, unconscious, or even if her wounds were near her chest, with no shelter nearby Han would have had to consider bringing his talents into play on this journey. Chapter 142: The Birth of the Corpse of Death and Doom, the Shadow of the Underworld Once everything was settled, Han turned to Yun Yun with a serious expression. "What did you mean earlier? What kind of creature has been raised here?" Yun Yun''s face grew tense. "Dai Liu, using the methods of the Earth Corpse Sect, found his way here. In the Earth Corpse Sect, such places are referred to as Death Curse Hellish Grounds." "These grounds are born from the natural gathering of doom and death. If a rift from the underworld happens to form, the energy converges and creates this kind of terrain." "Such places, if they happen to have buried corpses, can give birth to a Death Curse Hellish Corpse. Upon its birth, it absorbs most of the mystical energy from the surrounding doom-infused land." "This type of corpse is incredibly fierce, possessing many unique abilities. Right after forming, it can rival a realm of inner organ cultivation, and its growth speed is terrifying." "And unlike ordinary zombies, the Death Curse Hellish Corpse... has a soul." "When Dai Liu arrived, the corpse had already killed those men, drained their blood, and disappeared." "He took advantage of the situation, killing all the remaining miners, then entered the mine to cultivate. The remaining death aura and doom energy were beneficial for his corpse cultivation, and had we arrived even an hour later, he would have completed his cultivation and left." "A special being born from the devouring of heaven and earths might..." Hans expression darkened with concern. "Thats terrifying." He quickly sent a snail message to Lu Qingmo, explaining the situation. "Earth Corpse Sect? Death Curse Hellish Corpse?" "Wait for me there." Lu Qingmo hung up in a hurry, and not long after, she appeared from the sky. "Wheres Dai Lius soul?" she asked. Han handed her the soul fragment, and Lu Qingmo immediately began searching through it. Dai Liu screamed, "Stop! Stop! My father is an elder of the Earth Corpse Sect! You cant do this to me! Aaaah!" Soul-searching was never pleasantit could cause harm to the soul. But Lu Qingmo didn''t care about the Earth Corpse Sect and quickly obtained what she needed. After being injured by a magical seal and severely beaten by Han, Dai Liu''s soul was already in a fragile state, almost dissipating. But just then, a fan-shaped mark appeared in the center of his forehead, and a figure sprang out. "Who? Who dares harm my son?!" The figure was a stern middle-aged man, his gaze burning with rage. As soon as he appeared, the surrounding temperature increased. However, from his intangible form, it was clear that this was just a soul imprintnot even a split soul, similar to the former "Su Tian Nu." The man, Dai Lin, looked at Han and the others, locking his eyes on Lu Qingmo. His expression changed, and he was about to erupt, but then he bit back his anger. "A master!" Han thought. "I am Dai Lin, an elder of the Earth Corpse Sect. Could you please show the Earth Corpse Sect some mercy and spare my son? I, Dai Lin, will offer a generous reward!" Dai Lin glanced at his son with rising anger, but because he was only a soul imprint, powerless to act, and facing unfamiliar experts, he had no choice but to swallow his fury. "Dont make me find a chance to make you all wish you were never born!" Lu Qingmo didnt even glance at him, simply uttering two words. "Kill him." Swish! A wooden sword appeared out of nowhere, slicing through Dai Lins soul imprint, then swiftly taking Dai Lius life. Han acted decisively and without hesitation. "I don''t care about the Heavenly Mother Sect''s Tian Nuwhy would I fear the likes of you, Earth Corpse Sect?" "Earth Corpse Sect? How many teachers do they even have?!" Far away in Tianwang County, located in the distant lands of the Tianmo Province, the Earth Corpse Sects main gate... "Ah!" A roar of pain and fury echoed as Dai Lins soul shot upwards into the sky, releasing his burning rage. His eyes were bloodshot. "If I dont avenge this, I, Dai Lin, swear I will never be human again!" Heaven above, how could it be that his son, who was so obedient and kind-hearted, met such a tragic fate after just one journey? "Old Heaven, blind and deaf!" Dai Lins soul returned to his body and stepped out of his palace, storming toward the Earth Corpse Sects heart. If you come across this story on Amazon, it''s taken without permission from the author. Report it. Looking into his open palace, the floor was covered in bones, and a broken, naked woman lay, her body bruised and her neck twisted. "The Earth Corpse Sect is a dark force from Tianmo County," Lu Qingmo explained. "From Dai Liu''s memories, their strength is slightly stronger than the forces in Tianyue County, but not by much. They specialize in cultivating and raising corpses using various terrains. Among cultivators of the same level, theyre quite strong." "Tianmo County... Thats far from here." There are four entire counties between Tianyue and Tianmo. "This is just a small, insignificant dark sect. No need to worry about them." Lu Qingmo shook her head. Compared to the Xuandu Sect, this sect was nothing. "If they dare to come here, Ill make sure they dont leave." After saying this, Lu Qingmo flew back to the mine. After a brief investigation inside, she came back out. "Its definitely a Death Curse Hellish Ground," she sighed. "The Death Curse Hellish Corpse has formed, but it could be hiding anywhere. Tracking it down will be difficult." "Such corpses are invulnerable to fire, cannot be severed by metal, and are impervious to water. They are born from the cracks between the living and the underworld, naturally endowed with the ability to conceal themselves, making them hard to find." "The essence of living blood, the doom of the heavens and earth, and the corrupting force of sin can all nourish its growth, making it extremely fast." "Is it difficult to deal with?" Han quickly asked. "Its not hard now, but if given time to grow, it will become troublesome." "The Death Curse Hellish Body is powerful even among those of the same level, with innate corpse-based abilities." Han frowned, sensing the growing danger of this creature. Yun Duoduo asked bluntly, "When the iron mine was being excavated, didnt anyone notice this was a Death Curse Hellish Ground?" "It was initially just a place where doom was gathering naturally," Lu Qingmo replied, shaking her head. Although she had never been here before, it was easy for her to deduce the past events. "Places where doom gathers arent rare. Many ore veins show such signs." "Gathered doom, buried sin, cracks between worlds..." Han murmured, understanding the formation conditions. "Did a lot of people die here, under the mine?" "From my observations using Daoist techniques, over a thousand people were buried beneath this mine." Han was shocked. "Over a thousand people?" Yun Duoduo gasped in surprise. "Furthermore, every one of them died with strong resentment and hatred, their souls bound by sinful power." "And recently..." Han added, "There have been two earthquakes, which turned it into a Death Curse Hellish Ground." Old legends say that when the earth shakes, rifts form between the living and the underworld, leaking the aura of the underworld and disturbing the human world. "Lets head back to Heiyun Town," Lu Qingmo said. She glanced at Han. "Mojie, well return on our own." "Alright." With that, Lu Qingmo flew away, truly carefree. As they made their way back, Yun Yun suddenly spoke up. Han, this time... thank you for saving me. Han smiled nonchalantly, No need to thank me, this was something between me and Yun Duo. You actually helped us out. Though Han could have handled it even without Yun Yun''s help, she indeed played a crucial part. Yun Duo, who was belatedly aware of the situation, chimed in, You''re right, Han, we wouldve been in danger without you. That wouldve been bad for me and Big Sis. Han, youre amazing! Yun Duo looked somewhat excited. Youre still at the Meridian Stage, but you could easily handle a ghost corpse comparable to a small-level organ stage! Youre the strongest and the most gifted person Ive ever met! The ghost corpse doesnt practice martial arts; its just a body, which I happen to have an advantage over, Han said humbly. Youre truly powerful. Im no match for you, Yun Yun felt a complex emotion stir in her heart. As someone who also practiced both martial and spiritual paths, she couldnt help but compare herself to Han at times. However, every time, Hans abilities outshone hers by miles. When she reached the Organ Stage during the last trip to Black Mountain, she thought, "Now, I might get a head start on Han." But after today, Yun Yun realized that this kind of genius was beyond comprehensionit exceeded her imagination. There was simply no comparison. They werent even from the same world. Aunt Mos judgment really never goes wrong, Yun Yun suddenly commented. Han was confused. Why bring up Aunt Mo? I was twelve when Aunt Mo came to Black Cloud Town in her second year. It was the age when I could begin cultivating, Yun Yun explained. My father took me to meet Aunt Mo, hoping she would take me as a disciple, but... Back then, it turned out that Yun Yuns talents were not enough to impress Aunt Mo. Later, Aunt Mo took Yun Yuns younger sister as a disciplethough it was just a nominal apprenticeship. It was likely a complex situation for Yun Yun. At that moment, Yun Duo hugged Yun Yuns arm in what seemed like a silent comfort. Han didnt speak; it wasnt the right time for the so-called "genius of Black Cloud" to say anything. Back at Black Cloud, Yun Yun left first, and Han and Yun Duo went to meet Aunt Mo in the Peach Grove. This must not be spread, Aunt Mo instructed after giving some brief directions to Yun Duo, telling her to leave first. Aunt Mo, how should we deal with this? Han asked. We cannot allow the deathly cursed ghost corpse to grow any stronger, Aunt Mo said. We need to find it quickly. She sighed again. The worlds changing; demons are rising. Now we have the cursed ghost corpse. Who knows what else may appear in the future? But where can we even search for it? The ghost corpse had already been dealt with; otherwise, Han could have demonstrated his decisive skills. Ill think about it, Aunt Mo furrowed her brow. We cant make a big deal of it, lest the heretics hear and come after the cursed ghost corpse Such a special and dangerous corpse would be irresistible to certain corpse refining cultivators. If someone could turn it into their own life-bound corpse, their future would be bright indeed. By the way, Aunt Mo, why didnt the cursed ghost corpse kill everyone in the mine, and only target the government martial artists? Han wondered aloud. Aunt Mo shook her head. I dont know either. The ghost corpse has a soul and might even have memories from its past life. No one knows its thoughts. Could the ghost corpse have gone to Black Mountain? Han considered the possibility, thinking about how there was no place that could compare to Black Mountain in terms of powerful blood essence. No, the Mountain God is still there. It wont allow such a thing to enter. Han then handed her two bags. One was Dai Lius space bag, and the other was a special tool for storing corpses. Two green zombies and a ghost corpse, though theyre badly damaged, the value has greatly dropped, Aunt Mo commented. Refining corpses is a dangerous path to powerwalking corpses, white zombies, green zombies... and even the most terrifying of all, the Earth and Heaven corpses. Usually, when facing a corpse refining cultivator, youll have to deal with several ruthless, death-defying creatures. Though most arts are neutral, those who practice corpse refining and corpse control are easily led down the evil path. Refining corpses, using your enemies bodies, isnt necessarily wrong, but it comes with the risk of being hunted by family and friends. But some cultivators, in their quest for power, would go so far as to dig up ancestral graves or intentionally slaughter living beingsthis is pure evil. Aunt Mo cautioned, Always remember your original intentions and never stray down the wrong path. Dont worry, Aunt Mo, Han reassured her. With someone like An Lang around, Han felt she would rather sleep than waste her energy on causing harm. After all, she had been asleep for five years before, turning her into a full-fledged homebody ghost. That perfectly fit the saying: "Once dead, burn paper when needed." Chapter 143: The Taibai Martial Arts Hall Doesnt Deserve My Stay! Han wasnt particularly interested in corpse refining. If he needed a ghostly entity to help out, there were always options like An Lang, who could at least give him a leg massage, or in the summer, a human-shaped air conditioner. But refining a corpse? Aside from battle, there wasnt much else to offer. The thought of having a corpse like Dai Liusan ugly, repulsive thinggive him a leg massage made Han shudder. He didnt believe a refined corpses growth would ever match his own. This type of ghost corpse is rather special, Lu Qingmo continued. Usually, zombies dont have souls, but some corpse-refining practitioners invented a technique that combines the soul and the zombie into one. This is what we call a ghost corpse. Its a cruel technique, reallyforcing the soul to suffer eternally, never finding peace. Handle these three corpses however you like. Lu Qingmo handed Han the corpse-raising bags. You can either burn them or sell them to the Wansheng Merchant Guild. Your choice. Han took them and asked, Can I control them? Not the ghost corpse. Thats Dai Lius personal corpse. The other two green zombies can be controlled, Lu Qingmo explained. I can help by removing the corpse-controlling seals inside them. Once thats done, theyll be corpses without a master. You can control them with a proper artifact. Can the corpse poison be removed, and can the corpse aura be masked? Han asked. What are you planning to do? Lu Qingmo raised an eyebrow. Everything youve asked is possible. I have my own uses for them, Han said with a mysterious smile. Lu Qingmo didnt press further. She trusted that Han wouldnt do anything reckless. She probed into Dai Lius spatial bag with her spiritual energy, then paused. Have you checked this spatial bag before? she asked. No. Mostly its filled with items for corpse refining, so not much use to you. There are some incense offerings, a few corpse-refining techniques, and if you''re interested, you can take a look. She retrieved two jade bottles and three manuals. These are corpse-raising pills. They can heal the injuries of a corpse. This spirit zombie liquid strengthens the flesh and might be useful to you, she explained. The Peaceful Corpse technique can soothe an uncontrolled zombie, calming its rage. It could help you control them later. This one, Corpse Search Technique, allows you to sense the presence of corpse-type creatures easily once you practice it. Finally, True Corpse Fire. This is a technique that works wonders against undead creatures. The first two are for daily practice, while the last one is a higher-level technique. You can try practicing them to strengthen yourself. It will help you later when you roam the world. There are other corpse-refining methods in the spatial bag as welldo as you see fit. Lu Qingmos choice of techniques was meant to give Han a well-rounded arsenal. Controlling, sensing, and exterminating corpsesthese three techniques formed the perfect set for dealing with undead and corpse practitioners. With Dreamland Enlightenment, he could master them in no time. Entering these techniques wouldnt be too difficult. After receiving the spatial bag, Han briefly glanced inside. It also contained some items for the Yun sisters, who had insisted they hadnt done much and didnt need a share. But Han decided to give them one anyway. After all, it wouldnt hurt to share and have duplicates of the techniques. Once Han left the peach grove, he examined Dai Lius spatial bag, and his face instantly grew strange. No wonder Aunt Mo had asked if he had checked it beforehand... Most of the items were normal, except for a corner of the bag where a collection of bottles and jars sat, each with a label. Golden Strength Pills, Sensitivity Powder, Dragon Surge Pills, Heavenly Desires Powder... All of them were substances used during intimate activities, for both men and women. Hans face darkened. No wonder Dai Liu looked like a walking corpse. It turned out he was a perverted creature. Han first stopped by the Yun familys house to distribute some of the spoils before returning to the martial arts hall, where he pulled out Dai Lius corpse-controlling artifactthe Corpse-Banishing Pearland began the process of refining it. Without having practiced corpse-refining techniques, Han needed this artifact to control the two green zombies, though it had its limits. When Han released the two green zombies, their corpse aura immediately stirred up the courtyard. The narrative has been taken without permission. Report any sightings. By the time others arrived in the backyard, this was the scene they encountered: Attention! Stand straight! March... Go! The two green zombies, tightly wrapped in cloth, moved as directed by Han. These werent the stiff, immobile zombies Han was used tothey could walk, run, and follow orders. Junior Brother, what are you doing? Bai Ruoyues voice rang out. I picked up two zombies that are as strong as those in the Organ Stage, Han replied, taking out two talismans and affixing them to the zombies foreheads. The strong corpse aura immediately receded, becoming difficult to detect. Youre keeping these zombies? Bai Ruoyues face twisted with disgust. Why are you bringing such things home? Compared to An Lang, these zombies were downright hideous. They have their uses, Han smiled. Ive decided to keep them in the hall as sparring partners for everyone. Zombies didnt fear pain or fatigue. They could be beaten senseless without issue. Plus, Lu Qingmo had neutralized their corpse poison. They could work twelve-hour shifts every day, never needing food, unlike An Lang. Every morning, Han would let them out; every night, hed return them to the corpse-raising bag. There was no risk of them going out of control. Their strength was also ideal for beginners in the Organ Stage. From Shen Long to He Feng, all four of them could benefit from this. Perfect sparring partners. After Han explained his plan, Shen Longs eyes lit up. Brilliant! As a warrior, zombies were his dream rivals. Its a good idea, Bai Tian nodded, agreeing with Hans plan. There are many large sects and families that use similar methods to train their disciples. Ive already fed them pills. Once their injuries heal, theyll be ready for sparring, Han said, looking forward to it. Shen Long, who couldnt compete with the senior sister or junior brother, was now hoping for an edge in practice. By the way, in a few days, the annual Dragon King Festival will take place. Does anyone want to join? Bai Tian suddenly brought up a new topic. Dragon King Festival? Han thought for a moment before recalling some information about it. It was an old tradition in Black Cloud Town, the origins of which were unknown. It had been happening every year for as long as anyone could remember. The people of Black Cloud Town would hold a grand ceremony on a lucky day to honor the Dragon King, praying for a year of good weather, no droughts, and plentiful harvests. It was an event that happened annually without fail. For as long as Han could remember, Black Cloud Town had always had favorable weather, with no droughts ever. The people firmly believed it was thanks to their worship of the Dragon King, and the tradition had become a major town event. Han wasnt unfamiliar with this tradition, as he had heard of it in his past life. In an era dependent on the heavens for survival, such customs often arose. However, unlike some rituals that called for sacrifices of young boys or girls, the Black Cloud Dragon King Festival never had such dark practices. There was a legend that it used to be a tradition, but after angering the Dragon King once, it was immediately abolished. Now, Han, having embarked on the cultivation path and having experienced strange things, understood that the Dragon King was actually the Yunjiang Dragon Lord. Every year, Black Cloud Town enjoys a year of favorable weather, and naturally, the Dragon Lord plays a part in this. But offering young boys and girls from the hometowns of the Dragon Lord''s closest friends as sacrifices? That would surely disgust the Dragon Lord. During the annual Dragon Kings Festival, various factions in Black Cloud send their representatives to the altar, participating in the ceremony to show their respect for the Dragon Lord, who is also known as the Dragon King. The Dragon Lord might not care about such displays, nor would he remember the factions that attend the festival. However, if he does take notice, he will definitely remember who didn''t show up. In the eyes of ordinary people in Black Cloud, being able to stand on the altar is a huge honor. As Bai Tian raised the question, everyone turned their attention to Han. Uh, why is everyone looking at me? Han said with a slight grin. Shen Yu, smiling with her eyes squinted into slits, said, "Ever since I joined the martial arts school, Ive been the one to represent us at the Dragon Kings Festival every year." "Now, youre the little junior brother," Bai Tian added. Before Little Fish arrived, it was me, He Feng quietly added. ... So its bullying the newbie now? Taibai Martial Arts School, Ill leave if this continues! Han muttered under his breath. Isnt it said that you, Little Junior Brother, are the Dragon Lords son-in-law from the Yunjiang Dragon Palace? Shen Long laughed. This time, if you participate, maybe the Dragon Lord will be more inclined to bless Black Cloud Town. Bai Tian chimed in, It wont take up much of your time. You just need to show up on the day of the ceremony, and dont worry about the rest. Well, I guess Ill do it, Han didnt refuse. For the people of Black Cloud, it was also a matter of honor. Later that evening, after Han had finished his soul cultivation, Lu Qingmo came to him holding a talisman. Whats this? Its an item used to locate the remains of the dead, which I call the Soul Seeking Talisman. Han blinked. The name... Lu Qingmo might need some improvement in that department. Lu Qingmo explained, It contains a technique I carved into the talisman. I also went to the iron mine during the day and absorbed the earth energy there, refining it into the talisman. It should be able to sense the presence of any undead, but its effectiveness isnt certain. She handed Han a few Soul Seeking Talismans and continued, If it does sense any of the undead, the talisman will burn to ashes, and Ill be able to detect it immediately. You can carry one with you, and you can also give one to your senior brothers. But don''t make a big deal about it, and dont go specifically looking for undead. Ill also equip each of the Demon Hunter Division and the Wu Division with one. When they go out, it will be like theyre always searching for the undead. Han understood Lu Qingmos intentit was a precautionary measure. After midnight, Han began his dream journey. The daily timing had started to feel like a routine, and it even reminded him of the days spent with Shuge. Unfortunately, Shuge was no longer around. Han kept this routine because he discovered another useful ability of the dream world cheat code. It could help restore his spirit and eliminate fatigue. Training for twenty-four hours in the dream world left him feeling refreshed and invigorated upon waking. Sleep? Who needs it? Only those who lack ambition in martial arts would sleep. A famous scholar once said, Theres no such thing as a genius. I just spent the time others used to sleep on training instead. Han had been pushing himself relentlessly, leaving others at Taibai Martial Arts School far behind. They were motivated to catch up, and now that they had the chance, they were more than willing. In the dream world, everyone greeted Han before going off to train on their own. Bai Ruoyue embarked on her bloodletting journey, which really paid offafter returning to reality, she could now refine her organs quickly and without injury. "Youll never know how much Ive sacrificed to achieve such rapid progress," she thought to herself. Han, on the other hand, had many areas he needed to improve, including his martial arts techniques and Taoist skills. Compared to his physical and spiritual strength, his combat techniques and Taoist arts were lagging behind. After a few hours of training, Han felt a bit weary. He retreated to a corner, transforming the space around him to resemble the Gao family estate. He then pulled Gao Yuan into the dream world. With a swift motion, his sword cut through the air, and Gao Yuans head fell to the ground. Back in the Gao family estate, Gao Yuan suddenly opened his eyes, touching his head in relief. My head is still here Han Gao Yuan gritted his teeth. He couldnt believe itthe dream had been so vivid, and so real. He cursed in frustration, I will kill you! He went back to sleep, convincing himself it was just a nightmare brought on by his hatred of Han. Meanwhile, Han remained relaxed on his end, feeling quite relieved. He resumed his training, satisfied with the mental release. Not only could he train in the dream world, but he also enjoyed the occasional dream-kill. Chapter 144: Dreamborne Teachings Dream-based cultivation. Its quite a mysterious cheat code, different from the previous three straightforward ones. The Earthly Money Bank showering money, Tree Brother cutting it downclear and intuitive. The Gods Eye view? Just watching, easy to grasp. Dream-based cultivation, though? Han had been experimenting with it for the past few days and started to understand a bit more. For instance, pulling someone into a dream. If the target is someone like Lu Qingmo, even though their cultivation is far superior, Han can still drag them in effortlessly. As long as they dont resist on a deep level, even if they dont realize it''s Han inviting them, theyll still enter the dream without trouble. Han wasnt sure why this was, but there was probably some kind of special judgment involved. However, if the person had an extremely high cultivation level or was an enemy, dragging them into a dream would be much harder. Someone like Gao Yuan, with his lower cultivation, was easy to pull injust drag him in and chop away. It wasnt a serious injury, but the torment it caused was extreme. Unfortunately, to use this cheat code, Han himself needed to enter the dream, which meant he couldnt just sneak up on enemies when they were vulnerable and attack them in the dream. If an enemy died in the dream, theyd die peacefully. Another ability Han discovered was to split a portion of the dream into a secondary dream. If someone was pulled into the main dream and then tossed into the secondary one, it would essentially be a dream prison. If Han could adjust the flow of time between the dream and realitylets say, a 1:1 ratiothis ability would be fantastic, making it possible to keep someone in a coma indefinitely. Sadly, he couldnt adjust the flow of time. The potential for this cheat code was enormous, but Han wasnt yet able to tap into all its abilities. It was likely related to his current cultivation level. If he had gained this cheat code at a lower stage, he might not even have these abilities. For example, the dream time might be shorter, or his ability to comprehend might be lower. Although the abilities of Dream-based Cultivation were already useful, Han was, of course, wanting more. To unlock the full potential of this cheat code, it ultimately came down to his cultivation level. Fortunately, with the help of this cheat code and other resources, Hans cultivation speed was still impressively fast. He was getting closer and closer to reaching the peak of the Meridian Realm. One morning, Han prepared breakfast, ate his portion, and left the rest for Lu Qingmo. Having lived alone in the past, Han had learned to cook. Now, he had fully settled into this place as his home. Every day, after work, he would come back, and when it was late, hed go to sleep without needing any reminders from Lu Qingmo. He was always self-disciplined. Lu Qingmo had also grown accustomed to Hans presence. Having an extra person in the house wasnt a big deal. Of course, it depended on who that person was. After Han left, Lu Qingmo smiled as he looked at what Han had left behind. It was a feeling he had never experienced before. But it wasnt bad at all. At the martial arts school, as soon as Han arrived, Shen Long came over with a big smile on his face. Han understood immediately and summoned two Green Zombies. The scene turned into Shen Long fighting zombies. However, to everyones surprise, Su Changan was missing from the school that morning. Where is Fourth Junior Brother? Bai Ruoyue asked Zhang Yuantao. Zhang Yuantao shook his head. I dont know. He didnt tell me he wouldnt be coming today. It wasnt until lunchtime that Su Changan appeared, looking utterly exhausted. What happened? Bai Tian asked with concern. Theres been an issue at home, Su Changan explained. My parents went to Niujia Village outside the town yesterday, and they didnt return until this morning. When they came back, they beat me up. Everyone froze at those words. Beat you up? What kind of twist is this? What did you do? Zhang Yuantao asked. If I had done something wrong to anger them, I wouldnt be wasting time like this, Su Changan shook his head. The key is, I didnt do anything. Then why did they beat you? Su Changans face darkened. I asked them, and the reason... is absurd. My parents said they had returned late last night. On the way back, they ran into me. I... beat them up, chased them, and only stopped when someone passed by, letting them go before running off. And they went back to Niujia Village to stay the night and didnt return until today. But I was at home practicing martial arts all night, never went out. Theres no way I could have done something like that. Not to mention, if Su Changan had truly fought, his parents were mere mortalshow could they possibly have been beaten along the way and still be fine? Are your parents alright? Did someone impersonate you? Shen Long said. Could it have been because of the darkness, and they mistook someone else for you? This kind of thing is difficult to report to the authorities, Zhang Yuantao said. Everyone knew Su Changan too well to believe he would do such a thing. You might be reading a pirated copy. Look for the official release to support the author. I thought it might have been something like that, Su Changan nodded. But after explaining, I was about to leave for the martial arts school to tell the master before dealing with the matter. But just before I left, my father fainted. While I was taking care of him, I found... There was a ghostly face on his back, cold and terrifying, like it had been there since birth and couldnt be wiped away. Not long after, my mother fainted as well, and she had the same ghostly face on her neck. Hearing this, everyones expression changed. What had seemed like hooligans now seemed to have traces of something sinister. They all looked at Hanhe was the only cultivator here. Fourth Senior Brother, we should go to your home first, Han said. We cant waste any time. As fellow disciples, Han couldnt ignore this situation. Before Han started his cultivation, Su Changan had often guided him, and they had a deep bond from their days together at the Mountain Water Temple. No choice but to trouble you, Junior Brother, Su Changan said. Han quickly left with him. Su Changans home wasnt small. It was one of the wealthier families in townafter all, they could afford to send him to the martial arts school. Han went straight to check on Su Changans parents. The ghostly face Su Changan described was small, but extremely vivid, with a grotesque, exaggerated smile. After a quick inspection, Han furrowed his brow. Theres definitely a sinister, evil aura within this ghostly face. I feel it too. Its really uncomfortable, Su Changan agreed. Han tried to expel the evil aura using his spiritual energy, but the force was stubborn, like a parasite rooted deep inside. If he applied too much force, Su Changans father frowned in pain. Junior Brother, hows it going? Su Changan asked with concern. Its not just regular evil energy, Han replied. Dont worry, Fourth Senior Brother. I have another method. Han began chanting incantations, making gestures with his hands, and stepping through a series of movements as a technique unfolded. This was the Purge Evil Techniquea method to remove curses and malevolent forces. It was one of the techniques Tree Brother had left him before departing. A soft, warm white light emerged, enveloping Su Changans parents. Hiss! The two ghostly faces began to smoke, releasing a foul odor that made everyone gag. Along with this, there were faint, high-pitched screams, as though a spiritual attack was taking place, but it had no effect on Su Changans parents. The ghostly faces vanished, and the dark aura dissipated from the room with a single wave of Hans hand. Looking at Su Changans parents again, their furrowed brows had relaxed, and their faces had returned to a peaceful state. Han examined them once more and nodded at Su Changan. They should be fine now. Su Changan was incredibly grateful. Thank you so much, Junior Brother. Not long after, Su Changans parents woke up. They were confused, unsure of what had happened. Su Changan explained, saying they had been startled and injured, and Han had come to help them recover. Im also skilled in medical arts, Han joked. As for the ghostly matter, it was too mysterious and frightening to mention. If he told them, it would only frighten them further. Most ordinary people would never see the truth behind this worlds mysteries. For some, the extraordinary becomes a part of daily life, an event so common it no longer surprises. Yet, to the average person, these are nothing short of myths, stories handed down through the ages. Take Hans previous life, for instance. Some were content with the mere satisfaction of a meager salary, barely two thousand, while others considered a six-figure price tag on a birthday cake a small price to pay. It sounded almost like a dream. After everything had settled, Han returned alone to the martial arts hall, leaving Su Chang''an to stay behind and comfort his parents. "Yes, we did encounter a ghostly presence, but it''s been dealt with," Han reassured everyone, signaling for them to relax. "We''re just not sure if it was a random occurrence or if there''s something more at play here." That evening, Han brought up the matter to Lu Qingmo, but was surprised by what he heard. "Did Tai Bais disciples have family members who faced similar encounters?" Han asked. "Why do you say ''also,'' Aunt Mo?" Han asked, confused. "Because, in recent days, there have been multiple such cases of evil spirits," Lu Qingmo replied. "Parents encountered ghosts who resembled their childrenbeating and torturing them. One child would be assaulted by one ghost, another by a different one." "Even if they managed to escape, or if someone else drove the spirits away, the victims would still die mysteriously within three days of the encounter." Han was stunned. He hadnt realized these kinds of incidents had already been happening, and that Sus parents weren''t the first victims. "Multiple cases like this? Could it be two ghosts pretending to be the children?" "Yes, the death toll has risen, and the Ghost God Division only just started investigating the matter. It will likely take a few more days for any answers." "As for the number of ghosts, its still unclear. It could be one with the ability to split, or it could be multiple." Lu Qingmo sighed. "After the second earthquake, many demons and ghosts were wiped out. But those that remain are no ordinary foes." "Moreover, the Black Cloud Domain is in utter chaos right now. The number of deaths among martial artists and cultivators has risen, making it even easier for such evil incidents to occur." The chances of cultivators turning into ghosts after death are higher than for ordinary people. However, if someones soul is shattered, they wont have the chance to return as a ghost. Han fell silent, his mind piecing together recent eventsthe cursed bodies in the mine and Sus parents ghostly encounter. He finally understood the meaning of the "busy affairs" Lu Qingmo had mentioned before. After the first earthquake, it was Han and Yun Duo who went to clean out the ghosts. After the second earthquake, Han entered the Black Mountain, while Lu Qingmo left the matter to the Ghost God Division to handle. "Aunt Mo, if anything comes up, feel free to come to me," Han said seriously. "I can help you with your troubles now. Im no longer weak." "Youre worried about wasting my time, but I want to do something for you. Youve always helped me, and now I want to help you." "Aunt Mo, were in this together. Were one, inseparable." Han had said this before, but now, repeating it, he made his feelings clear. He wasnt interested in saving the Black Cloud or clearing the world of evil spiritsthat was beyond his reach. But if he could help in any way, why not? It would also lighten Lu Qingmos burden, and, of course, benefit his own cultivation. The daytime was the perfect time for such tasks. Cultivation wasnt just about learning; it also required action. Bai Tian deeply understood this principle. Had he not ventured out of Black Cloud Town, traveling the world, he wouldnt have had the chance to meet so many fortuitous events, nor would he have surpassed other martial arts masters in his achievements. "You silver-tongued brat," Lu Qingmo teased with a smile. Han caught the warmth in her eyes, and he smiled back. "Understood," she replied. After Han returned to his room, Lu Qingmos expression grew complex. Finally, a look of determination crossed her face as if making a decision. "Alright, let it be. Ill give it to him..." As time passed, Han entered the dream once again. In the dream, Lu Qingmo stopped him just as he was about to cultivate. "I plan to teach you a technique," she said. "It''s not from the Xuandu Sect''s teachings, but something I acquired from my travels. It''s quite powerful." Han paused, surprised. Why was she suddenly offering to teach him a technique? But then he thought about it and shook his head. "Aunt Mo, Im willing to help you, but Im not interested in your techniques." "Im not after any of your teachings." Although Han didnt lack in spiritual arts, he felt he was already complete in that regard. Lu Qingmo smiled. "Im not offering you this technique just because youre willing to help me." "Those from the Ghost God Division are already helping me. There''s a system of rewards and punishments in place for them, and I wont reward them in the same way." "Im doing this because its you." The words made her feel a little awkward. She had said more than she intended. "Aunt Mo..." Han felt his mood brighten. "Junior Brother, my heart is shattered! Hurry up and fix it!" Bai Ruoyues voice cut through the moment. Han looked over and saw her clutching her chest, dramatically spitting blood as if on the brink of death. Han sighed. "Sister, youre doing this on purpose, arent you?" He helped Bai Ruoyue "mend her heart," and she grinned mischievously before resuming her cultivation. But every now and then, she glanced over at Han and Lu Qingmos side. "Whats going on with Junior Brother? He spends all night with Aunt Mo, and now even in his dreams, they cant be apart! This is urgent!" "What technique are you going to teach me?" Han asked. "A powerful killing technique, one of the best," Lu Qingmo said seriously. "The Thunderfire Seal." "This technique has two parts: the Thunder part and the Fire part." "The Thunder part is beyond your current level, and even I couldnt cultivate it before. It was only after entering your dream that I could even begin to understand it." "You can only practice the Fire part for now. Its divided into three levels: the Yin level, the Yang level, and the Mixed Yuan level. After mastering the first level, you can form the Yin Fire Seal and control the Yin Fire. Its power is immense." "After mastering the second level, you can form the Yang Fire Seal and command both Yin and Yang. The power is boundless." "Master the third level, and you can form the Mixed Yuan Fire Seal, where Yin and Yang merge, and nothing can escape its flames." "This was an opportunity from my youth. Its incredibly rare." Lu Qingmo was serious, and Han could see how important this technique was to her. "Ill learn it!" Han said decisively. Lu Qingmo nodded, then glanced around, lowering her voice. "Come with me." Without waiting, she stepped into a nearby loft. Han followed, puzzled. Why did she need to take him into a private space to teach him? Everyone else was cultivating, and no one could see them, except for Bai Ruoyue, who was nearby. Aunt Mo, who are you trying to hide from? Bai Ruoyue, seeing them enter, grew even more impatient. What are they doing in there now? Whats going on? Chapter 145: The Chamber Revisited her mind. Aunt Mo, this is just a dream, not reality Her resistance faltered. Yes it was just a dream. Whatever happened in a dream wouldnt affect reality Sensing her hesitation, Han grew bolder, deepening his kiss before she could react. Just as Han was about to take things further, Aunt Mo suddenly gathered her strength and shoved him away. Didnt we agree last time that this wouldnt happen again?! And yet, here you areAGAIN! Whats worse I actually Leave. Now. Her voice trembled, lacking its usual coolness. It was soft, powerless. The blush on her face was so deep, it seemed impossible to fade. Han didnt leave immediately. Instead, he said with utmost sincerity, Aunt Mo, even though this is just a dream Ill still take responsibility. Liar. Just a moment ago, you said dreams dont affect reality. Men and their wordsnothing but deceit. After Han left the attic, Bai Ruoyue appeared like a ghost. Little junior brother, wheres Aunt Mo? I need to talk to her. Uh Aunt Mo just passed on an incredibly valuable Daoist technique to me. It took a lot out of her, so shes resting inside. Han wasnt lying. Every word was the truth. Oh, so it was a Daoist inheritance. Bai Ruoyue nodded and waved him off. Well then, never mind. Ill go back to training. If it was something that important, it made sense for it to be private. She had simply overthought it. As Bai Ruoyue walked away, Hans expression grew slightly complicated. Senior sister is so easy to fool. Since Aunt Mo hadnt come out yet, Han took a moment to examine the inheritance he had received. Only the Earthfire chapter, huh He had expected as much. During the transmission, there had been both violet and red light, yet he had only absorbed one. That had to mean something. Was the Heavenly Thunder chapter too high-tier? Han speculated. After all, even Aunt Mo herself couldnt cultivate it yet. She could only comprehend it by using the dreams unique properties. This type of direct inheritance was different from simply reading a manual. Still, Han wasnt disappointed. The Earthfire chapter alone was enough to keep him occupied for a long time. Now, the only question wasdid the dream transmission consume one of the vessels real-world uses? Once again, Han found himself in this all-too-familiar placethe very spot where his entanglement with Aunt Mo had begun. The secret chamber. Han was momentarily stunned. Why am I back here again? A creeping unease rose within him. Aunt Mo, what exactly are you planning? The dreams peach grove was an exact replica of reality, down to every last detail of the attics structure. This particular Dao technique is transmitted in an unusual waytheres no manual for it, Aunt Mo explained. What I obtained was a vessel that carries the true essence of this Dao technique. Its a True Essence Inheritance. Love this story? Find the genuine version on the author''s preferred platform and support their work! A True Essence Inheritance means the technique is directly engraved onto your soul in an unfathomable way, allowing you to grasp its meaning effortlessly. You can then comprehend and cultivate it in the most direct and accurate manner. This vessel has three inheritance opportunities in total. Ive used one, leaving two. One is reserved for my master, and today, I will grant you the other. Aunt Mo, this is too valuable Including the one reserved for her master, Hans inheritance would consume the artifacts final chance. Dao techniques are meant to be learned. If no one practices them, theyre no different from junk. Aunt Mo cast Han a glance. If you say one more word, youre banned from the peach grove. Han shut his mouth instantly. After a while, Aunt Mo smirked and asked, Why so quiet now? I dont dare to say anything more. Aunt Mo let out a soft chuckle. Clever little brat. Since this is your dream, I cant be sure if the inheritance will succeed here. If it doesnt, well try again outside. Aunt Mo, where is this inheritance artifact? Is it high-level? Han wondered if he could materialize it within the dream. It resides within my soul sanctuary. Its not particularly high-levelits sole purpose is inheritance. In that case, it must have entered the dream with Aunt Mo. The artifact should still function normally here. But whether the inheritance would actually succeed was another matter. Wait a minute If the inheritance succeeds in the dream, would it still consume the real artifacts remaining usage? Close your eyes. Huh? How does this inheritance work? I have to close my eyes? The secret chamber was completely dark, yet since this was Hans dream, he could still see everything clearly. Aunt Mos cheeks were slightly flushed, as if she was feeling a bit embarrassed. Han suddenly became quite eager to receive this inheritance. He obediently shut his eyes, resisting the urge to use his dream powers to peek. Lets wait for a surprise. Moments later, Han felt warm breath brushing against his face. Aunt Mos presence drew closer, and thenhis forehead touched something smooth and warm, like polished jade. Hans eyes shot open. Aunt Mo was right in front of him, their foreheads pressed together. Oh So this is how the inheritance works? Please fail. Please fail. Han silently prayed. A sacred technique like this should have a sense of ceremony. Doing it inside a dream felt far too casual. Dream cultivation, dont be so damn efficient! Aunt Mos eyes flickered with embarrassment and frustration when she saw Han open his eyes. Her face turned an even deeper shade of red, but she didnt pull away. I knew you wouldnt behave! Suddenly, a deep purple glow radiated from Aunt Mos forehead and surged into Hans body. However, to their surprise, the purple light hovered momentarily before retreating back into Aunt Mos soul sanctuary. Only the red glow was successfully transferred to Han. A sudden wave of dizziness hit him. Strange symbols danced in his consciousness, exuding an aura of Yin-Yang primordial chaos, mesmerizing his mind. The red glow gradually faded until it disappeared completely. Aunt Mo took a step back, but as Han gazed at her face, a thought crossed his mind. This is a dream. Reality holds no sway here. As she moved away, he stepped forward. Han reached out, pulled Aunt Mo into his arms, and pressed his lips firmly against hers. A soft, sweet sensation spread across his lips. Aunt Mos body stiffened, her mind going blank. Such an intense momentsomething she had never experienced beforeleft her utterly unprepared. Just as she regained her senses and attempted to push Han away, his voice echoed in her mind. Aunt Mo, this is just a dream, not reality Her resistance weakened significantly. The hands she had raised to push him away hesitated in mid-air. Thats right This is just a dream. Nothing that happens here affects reality Sensing her hesitation, Han grew even bolder, seizing the opportunity to deepen the kiss. Just as he was about to take things further, Aunt Mo suddenly gathered her strength and shoved him away. You promised last time that this wouldnt happen again! And here you are, doing it again! Whats worse is that I actually Leave. Aunt Mos voice trembled, no longer its usual icy coolness, but soft and weak. Her face was flushed beyond belief. Han didnt leave immediately. Instead, he looked at her seriously and said, Aunt Mo, even though this is just a dream, I will take responsibility. Liar. Just moments ago, you said dreams dont affect reality. Men and their words nothing but deception. As Han left the attic, Bai Ruoyue drifted over like a ghost. Little junior, wheres Aunt Mo? I need to talk to her. Uh Aunt Mo just passed on a very precious Dao technique to me. It took a lot out of her, so shes resting inside. Han wasnt lyinghis words were entirely truthful. Oh, she was passing on a technique? Bai Ruoyue nodded in understanding and waved her hand dismissively. Never mind then, Ill get back to training. Since it was a valuable technique, it made sense to keep things private. Guess I was overthinking it. Watching Bai Ruoyue walk away, Hans expression became somewhat complicated. Senior sister is really easygoing Since Aunt Mo hadnt come out yet, Han took the time to examine the inheritance he had received. Only the Earthfire chapter? He had already expected this outcome. The purple-red glow during the inheritance had split into twohe had only received one part, which undoubtedly indicated something. Could it be that the Heavens Thunder chapter is simply too advanced? Han speculated. After all, even Aunt Mo herself couldnt cultivate it yet. She had only managed to comprehend parts of it through dream cultivation. Unlike ordinary technique manuals, a True Essence Inheritance worked on a different principle. Han wasnt disappointed with the result. The Earthfire chapter alone was enough to occupy him for a long time. His only concern now was whether the dream inheritance had consumed one of the artifacts remaining uses. If it had, then the Heavens Thunder chapter would be out of his reachthere was no way he could ask Aunt Mo to sacrifice her masters inheritance for him. But if it hadnt Then this was huge. Han immediately began comprehending the Earthfire Seals essence, and the moment he delved into it, he was completely immersed. He saw a world of Yin-Yang fire, where dual polarities coexisted in dazzling brilliancebringing life and hope, yet also death and despair. Profound enlightenment surged through his heartYin and Yang, the primal chaos of creation When Han finally came back to his senses, awe filled his eyes. Incredible. Absolutely incredible. Most of his other Dao techniques paled in comparison. No wonder Aunt Mo had called this a peerless technique. Now, all that remained was to confirm Had the dream inheritance consumed the artifacts usage? Chapter 146: The Phantom Twins and the Forbidden Curse
That night, Lu Qingmo tossed and turned, unable to sleep. That night, Han was full of energy, his cultivation progressing effortlessly As if guided by divine intervention! At dawn, when Han arrived at the martial hall, he immediately noticed Su Chang''ans grim expression. A bad feeling crept into Hans heart. Seeing Han, Su Chang''ans face eased slightly, though he still wore a bitter smile. "Junior Brother, I''m going to have to trouble you again." "Uncle and Auntare they encountering spirits again?" "Yes." Su Changan nodded. "Before dawn, my father left home for business matters. But he returned not long after, looking terrifiedclaiming that I had attacked him again." "But I was home when he left. He knows it couldnt have been me." "Now, he''s passed out again. My mother is taking care of him." "This ghostit''s targeting my father!" Su Chang''an''s parents were businesspeople who frequently traveled across Heiyun territory. This morning, Sus father hadnt even left Heiyun Townhe was only running errands within the town. He thought he''d be safe. Yet, in a secluded alley, he encountered another Su Changan and was beaten up once more. Hearing Su Changans account, Hans eyes darkened. How brazenattacking people in the middle of town? Wasnt this a direct provocation against the Ghost Division? Against Aunt Mo, the overseer of this region? Unacceptable. Provoking Aunt Mo meant provoking him! While anger simmered within Han, he also felt a sense of regret. If only Heiyun Town had a protective ward formation like the county capital Then these evil entities wouldn''t be so bold. This isnt just about your parents, Han said, recounting similar cases within Heiyun Town. "You mean this ghost specifically impersonates people''s children to place curses on their families?" Bai Tian interjected. "Exactly. Every single case follows the same pattern." "I think I''ve heard of something like this before..." Bai Tian mused, then suddenly recalled, "Yes! During my travels, I once visited a place called Liqiu." "The locals there told a legend of a ghost called the ''Liqiu Phantom''a spirit that disguises itself as people''s children, cursing and turning them against their families." Han immediately sent a message to Lu Qingmo, relaying this new information. "Liqiu Phantom?" Lu Qingmo murmured thoughtfully. "This is likely a type of mountain wraith. Most of these creatures are formed from children who were murdered by their own parents and abandoned in the wilderness." Silence fell over the group at Lu Qingmos words. Patricide or filicideeither way, it was a tragedy against the natural order. "Aunt Mo, have there been any previous cases where the victims survived the first curse and were targeted again?" Han asked. Through their communication device, Lu Qingmo shook her head. "No." "The previous victims never lasted beyond the first curse. Multiple deaths caught the authorities'' attention, and only then were the cases transferred to the Ghost Division." "Your senior brothers parents are the first known survivorsand the only ones." "In that case, this matter is now yours to handle." Han accepted the task. Though the ghost was unusual, it likely wasnt too powerful. Ending the call, Han accompanied Su Chang''an to his home to lift the curse on his father. Later, as Su Changan walked Han out, he hesitated before speaking. "Junior Brother, my parents are going out again tonight Im leaving them in your hands." Han frowned. "Senior Brother, thats too dangerous for Uncle and Aunt. You dont have to do this." "Ill find the mountain wraith another way." But Su Changans meaning was clear. His parents were the only known survivors. The wraith hadnt given up on them. The best way to end this was obvioususe them as bait. Han wouldnt have suggested it himself. It was their real parents, after all. But Su Changan had made the choice on his own. It must have been a difficult decision. "As long as this wraith exists, who knows how many more families will be torn apart?" Su Changan shook his head. "This creature has attacked my parents twice already. It must be eliminated." "I trust you, Junior Brother. This is just a mountain wraiththeres no way it can escape you." Han was silent for a moment before nodding firmly. "I wont let you down." If I fail, Ill answer for it with my own head. Before leaving, Han gave Su Changan a protective talisman, instructing him to place it on his parents. That night, Han informed Lu Qingmo of his plan before silently taking up position near the Su family home. Han didnt know how Su Changan had convinced his parents, but when they left the house, they looked completely at easeunbothered, fearless. The couple departed Heiyun Town and made their way toward a nearby village. Han followed closely, using various stealth techniques to ensure he wasnt detected. As the night deepened, a figure suddenly emerged ahead, sprinting toward Sus parents. You might be reading a stolen copy. Visit Royal Road for the authentic version. Han saw it immediately Another Su Changan, identical in every way. A mountain wraith! Before the creature could reach them, Han moved like a shadow, gripping its shoulder with one hand. "Senior Brother, out for a midnight stroll?" The mountain wraith turned its headand its features morphed into the face of Hans long-deceased father. Han smirked and slapped it across the face. Trying to shake my resolve? The wraith shuddered, tendrils of white mist unraveling as binding threads materialized around its form. A sharp wind howled A piercing wail echoed But it didnt come from the wraith before Han. Noanother "Su Changan" had appeared behind Sus parents, lunging toward them! Yet the couple remained completely unaware, continuing their walk as if nothing was happening. Han saw but wasnt worried. Wind stirred, white robes fluttered, and an ethereal beauty descended A ghostly woman with an air of elegance raised a hand, effortlessly sending the second wraith flying. "Hah! How dare you act up in front of me, the mighty Immortal King An?" An Lang smirked smugly, chin held high. She wasnt just any ghost anymore. Young Master had said she had the bearing of an Immortal King! Hmph! The so-called Heavenly Mother Cult Leader was rumored to be the "immortal among spirits," but that still sounded weaker than an Immortal King! Just waitIll take you down one day! "I was prepared for this," Han said coldly. After learning from Lu Qingmo that mountain wraiths sometimes appeared in pairs, Han had suspected there might be more than one. Of course, he had planned accordingly. The talisman he had given Su Changanwas a spirit-sealing artifact. An Lang, having absorbed the Netherworld Dew, had undergone her metamorphosis. Her strength was on a whole different level now. Against a single mountain wraith, there was no chance of failure. These creatures couldnt possibly be on par with a Day-Walker-class ghost. If they were, Han wouldnt have been able to dispel their curses so easily. A true Day-Walker-class spirit could wreak havoc in an entire county. Itd be like a billionaire risking execution just to steal a loaf of bread. "Enough bragging. Finish it!" Han snapped, interrupting An Langs internal monologue. An Lang obediently acted, unleashing her power A dull yellow light surged from her fingertips, engulfing the wraith. The creature recoiled in terror, desperately struggling, but it was futile. With ease, An Lang sealed it away. The Power of the Netherworld! A force that countered all ghostly beings With this ability, An Lang had surpassed most spirit cultivators. While she acted, Han had already subdued the first wraith. No mere specter could challenge the master of the Immortal King An. As they captured the creatures, their true forms were revealed Twin siblings, identical in every way. Han turned to An Lang. "Drop the illusion." With a wave of her hand, Sus parents awoke from their trance. "Han?" Sus father blinked. "Yes, it''s me," Han replied with a smile before escorting them home. They had seen none of what transpired Because An Lang had concealed it all. In folklore, ghostly illusionssuch as being blinded or trapped by spiritsare not actual Daoist techniques. Once a ghost gains intelligence and cultivates a little, it can easily achieve these effects. It is akin to how cultivators use spiritual poweran instinctive ability for ghosts. "Young Master, from now on, leave these trivial matters to me." An Lang floated in mid-air, hands on her hips, chin lifted arrogantly. "After all, Im no longer just some minor character. In the entire Taibai Martial Hall, when it comes to soul arts, Im second only to one and above all others." "These small tasks? Barely worth my effort." "" Han was speechless. Shameless. Taibai only has one cultivatorme. Yet, you still found a way to brag about being ''second only to one''? With a ghost like you under my command, even someone as reserved as me feels embarrassed. Still, An Langs words did remind Han of something. With her current strength, she probably maybe should be capable of handling many minor matters on her own now. Han nodded thoughtfully. "An An, you actually just gave me a great idea." "Starting tomorrow, youll report to the Ghost Division to assist in my duties as a Ghost Warden." "But dont neglect your cultivation and incense-making skills. Manage your time wisely." An Lang stiffened, her proud stance faltering. "Young Master, I was just joking" "Its fine. I wasnt." "Cultivation, crafting incense, and now official duties? Young Master, I dont have that much time!" Han looked at her seriously. "Then reallocate your time. Time is like water in a spongesqueeze, and youll find more." "Im telling you, theres no time left! My schedule is full!" "There is. Think harder. Something in your routine is taking up a lot of your time." And with that, the truth hit her like a dagger to the heart. An Lang wanted to cry. "Young Master, if I dont sleep, Ill die." "Youre already dead. Decisions final." Han made his judgment with great satisfaction. Whether hed get promoted or not depended on how hard she worked. Dragging herself behind Han, An Langs entire ghostly presence deflated. She was so regretful she wanted to stab herselftwice. Why did I have to run my mouth?! On their way back, Han glanced at the two captured mountain ghosts. After a quick examination, his expression darkened. "These two theyre someones spirit servants." Like cultivators have their own spiritual domains, ghosts also possess a core called the "Ghost Heart." Destroy the Ghost Heart, and the ghost is erased from existence. In the Ghost Hearts of these two mountain spirits, a distinct mark had been imprinteda Servitude Seal. This meant that they were being controlled by a cultivator. Which, in turn, meant that it wasnt just random malicious spirits causing harm. "This isnt some rogue evil ghostits someone committing the crime?" An Lang was startled. "It seems that way." Han ordered An Lang to return to the ghost residence before hastening to the Peachwood Forest to report to Lu Qingmo. "Bold of them," Lu Qingmos eyes turned icy. "Trying to exploit the chaos under my nose." He retrieved a wisp of the mountain ghosts aura, forming hand seals as he chanted an incantation. "Whoosh!" A plume of white smoke rose, revealing a scene before them. A dimly lit room flickered with unsteady candlelight. Inside, a middle-aged man and woman with crazed, sinister expressions looked visibly shaken. The smoke dissipated, and Lu Qingmo turned toward a specific direction. "Theyre still lingering in town." "Whats their strength?" "Ordinary. Even An Lang could handle them." "Then lets have her go after one." Han summoned An Lang. An Lang looked utterly defeated. So Im already being sent on missions, huh? "Fine." Lu Qingmo handed her the wooden frog Han had once used. Though her face was full of despair, An Lang carried out her task without hesitation, immediately flying off. She might complain, but she knew what was important. After all, this is just another tactic in my campaign to win favor. Han, too, projected his spirit outward, soaring into the night under Lu Qingmos guidance. Bathed in moonlight, he drifted freely through the vast sky. The silver glow surrounding his ethereal form had grown incredibly densean indication that his cultivation in the Night Wandering realm had reached an advanced stage. Before long, he spotted a middle-aged man fleeing in a panic. The man sensed Han as well. His face twisted in terror, and without hesitation, he bolted even faster. Han cast an Illusory Dream technique. The man collapsed instantly, his body twitching weakly, powerless to move. Han was stunned. That was too easy "Whoosh!" Han descended, summoning his vitality to subdue the man. "Let me go! Why are you capturing me?!" The man struggled, but his resistance was laughably weak. "Using spirit servants to harm others, and you still ask why?" Hans expression remained cold as he dragged the man back to Peachwood Forest. Not long after, An Lang returned as wellprisoner in tow. "This is weird," An Lang muttered as soon as she landed. "This woman was absurdly weak. She didnt put up a fight at all." Wait, am I actually this strong? "My target was the same," Han confirmed. Lu Qingmo immediately extracted their souls. What they saw left Han and An Lang puzzled. The souls of the two captives were incredibly faintdull, nearly transparent, radiating an overwhelming sense of weakness. And the moment they were exposed, they trembled violently, as if on the verge of shattering. "Yin Domain," Lu Qingmo said. An Lang quickly reinforced them with her own domain, stabilizing their souls. "These kinds of souls can they even project themselves?" Han was incredulous. With such a weak foundation, how had they reached this level of cultivation? "Theyre false cultivators, elevated by a sinister empowerment technique," Lu Qingmo explained. "True empowerment involves transferring ones own cultivation to anotherweakening oneself for the benefit of another." "But these dark techniques work differently. They implant a tiny sliver of power into the target, which then devours their essence, growing into something independent." "These people likely encountered an evil cultivator." "The result?" Lu Qingmo continued. "They appear to have gained power, but in truth, they wont live past three years. Their so-called abilities are nothing more than the energy stored within that implanted seed." "Each time they use a technique, it drains them further, accelerating their demise." "In the end, they are not cultivatorsthe seed is. Their role is simply to sacrifice their life force to sustain it." "No wonder theyre so weak." Han felt a chill run through him. "These techniques are trapsdesigned by evil cultivators to lure in desperate people, turning them into disposable pawns." "They think theyve found a great opportunity, but in reality, theyve stepped onto a dead-end path." "To the evil cultivators, these people are nothing more than resources to be discarded at will." Just like Wait, nowrong analogy. But still, beware of evil cultivators. Never fall for their scams. Chapter 147: The Hall of Impermanence At this moment, the Mountain Ghost Master remained unconscious, oblivious to everything around him. After piecing together the situation, Han understoodthere was undoubtedly a sinister force lurking behind these two individuals. In Black Cloud Town, the presence of demonic entities was nothing new. However, each additional trace of evil only added to the chaos looming over the towns future. Troublesome. Lu Qingmo awakened the two captives, who quickly realized the predicament they were in. "Damn the Ghost Deity Bureau!" The middle-aged man shot Han a venomous glare, his expression defiant. "The moment you chose to command ghosts and harm others, you should have foreseen this outcome," Han said coldly. "Who ordered you?" "No one ordered us." The mans smile twisted into something cruel. "My child is gonewhy should anyone else get to keep theirs?" "Why should their children be so hardworking, so accomplished?!" "They deserve to die! Every last one of them! Kill! Kill! Kill!" Han frowned. Murder driven by sheer envy? Something was clearly offthese two didnt seem entirely sane. "According to the Ghost Deity Bureaus investigation, all the parents slain by the Mountain Ghosts had exceptionally talented children," Lu Qingmo added. "Whether in business, martial arts, or scholarly pursuits, they showed great promise." Han produced two Mountain Ghosts and held them up. "These were your children, werent they?" "How did they die?" "Did you kill them?" Given the nature of these spirits, it was highly likely that they had perished at the hands of their own parents. But that didnt make senseif their hatred stemmed from losing their children and envying other families, why had they murdered their own? "Ones body, hair, and skin are gifts from their parents," the middle-aged man suddenly burst into laughter, his eyes crazed. "I merely reclaimed what was minewhats wrong with that?" So they really had killed their children. Was this truly how they interpreted that saying? What kind of twisted logic was this? Did they think their children were some kind of Nezha, meant to be reclaimed? "After raising them for over a decade, you still had the heart to do this?" Han struggled to comprehend their reasoning. "They refused to work hard!" The woman cackled, her voice shrill and unhinged. "We scrimped and saved to send our frail eldest son to study martial arts, hoping hed grow stronger." "We sent our naturally robust second son to a private academy, hoping hed excel in the imperial exams." "But they were lazy! So damn lazy!" "Other children mastered martial arts in three yearsour eldest failed! Others passed the exam on their first tryour second son couldnt!" "All they did was play around! If only they had worked harder, listened to us, things wouldnt have turned out this way!" The man slammed his fist against the ground. "And then they dared to defy us! The eldest said he wanted to study for the imperial exams, while the younger one wanted to train in martial arts!" "What insolence! How dare they disobey their parents!" "Look at other peoples childrentheyre so hardworking, so blessed!" "They deserved to die. Every last one of them." Hans frown deepened. These two werent just unstablethey were completely deranged. Their words left him baffled. What kind of warped mindset was this? Lu Qingmo spoke softly, breaking the tense silence. "The elder spirit has a natural aura of refinement. He had the potential to become a scholarand if he had pursued literary studies, he would have shown remarkable intelligence." "The younger spirits form is more solid, likely due to a strong physique in life. He had great potential as a warrior." The couple froze for a moment before bursting into hysterical laughter. "Lies! All lies! We did nothing wrong! Our plans couldnt have been mistaken!" "Its their fault for disobeying us! Their fault!" Han glanced at Lu Qingmo, who silently shook her head. She wasnt lyingthis was the undeniable truth. Their frail eldest son had taken up martial arts, while their strong younger son had pursued literaturethe complete opposite of what they had intended. The author''s content has been appropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon. Han bound the couples souls, silencing them completely. Lu Qingmo swept her spiritual senses over them, drawing out fragments of their memories. A vision formed The couple, much younger, led their two sons up a mountain to herd cattle and sheep. As they tended to the animals, the brothers once again voiced their desire to switch pathsthe elder longed to study, and the younger wished to train in martial arts. Furious, the parents beat them. Then came the accident In their panic, the brothers lost their footing, tumbling down the mountain to their deaths. The parents stood frozen in shock. Then, as realization set in, they wailed in grief, finally voicing the words they had never said before: "We were wrong. We should have let you choose." But it was too late. The dead could not return. They remained on the mountain for a full day and night, without food or water. From wailing to silence, until they fainted from sorrow. When they finally gathered their sons corpses to leave, a figure cloaked in black appeared before them. "Do you wish to see your children again? Do you want them to become exceptional beyond measure?" The choice they made in that moment sealed their fate. From the moment their sons perished, their minds had begun to unravel. The grief was unbearablea weight too heavy for any soul to bear. And so, they embarked on a path of no return, raising corpses and gathering lost souls. As the cloaked figure drained their essence through dark rituals, he also poisoned their minds with wicked thoughts. The seed of hatredof slaughtering the parents of talented childrenwas planted then. Until the earthquake in Black Cloud, when the boundary between life and death wavered, and their sons reappeared before themthough in an entirely different form. From then on, the couple nurtured Mountain Ghosts using the cloaked mans methods. They occasionally ventured to nearby villages, preying on unsuspecting souls. They had been careful, their killings infrequent, which was why they had remained undiscovered. But as their lives neared their end, desperation took hold. Their attacks grew bolder, drawing the Ghost Deity Bureaus attention. Han remained silent for a long time after witnessing their memories. All he could conclude was that this was a grotesque tragedy. When he turned to Lu Qingmo, he noticed an unfamiliar coldness in her expression. "Aunt Mo, whats wrong?" he asked. Lu Qingmo took a slow breath. "I recognize that dark art. I know where it originates." "Which faction?" "The Hall of Impermanence," she said, her voice icy. "One of the most notorious demonic sects in existence. Long ago, they produced a powerhouse who once ranked on the Mountains and Rivers Life Index." "They are only one step away from rivaling the Celestial Mother Sect." Han narrowed his eyes. "Aunt Mo, do you have a personal vendetta against them?" Her eyes fluttered shut for a moment. "A blood feud." "So theyve come to Black Cloud as well... of course they would. They thrive in chaos." "Can we use these two to track that Hall of Impermanence disciple?" Han asked. Lu Qingmo shook her head. "No. These demonic cultivators are elusive and cunning. This alone wont be enough to trace them." A brief silence fell before she spoke again. Hand them over to the Ghost Tribunal. Ill notify them to take custody. As for these two mountain spirits let them be purified. Han hesitated but eventually nodded, storing away the spirits before turning to An Liang. Deliver them to the Ghost Tribunal. An Liang: So this is just one big outsourcing chain, huh? She glanced around, realizing with regret that she had no one else to pass the task onto. Left with no choice, she picked up the ghostly couple and departed. Aunt Mo, are you alright? Han asked with concern. Im fine. Lu Qingmo gave a faint smile. You did well this time. Quick and efficient. Any reward you have in mind? I want the Heavenly Thunder Seal. Think about it carefully when you dream later. Meanwhile, An Liang didnt bother entering the Ghost Tribunal. Instead, she simply left the spirits at the entrance and walked away. Something just felt off about a ghost walking into the Ghost Tribunal. At midnight, Han began his dream ritual as usual, recounting the ghost couples story to the others. Bai Ruoyue and the rest fell into a contemplative silence, sighing. Such tragedies were truly disheartening. The wicked must be eradicated. Aunt Mo, how about we try again? See if we can fully transfer the Heavenly Thunder and Earthfire Seals? Han suggested, moving closer to Lu Qingmo. I feel stronger than yesterday. Maybe I can pull it off this time. Do I look like someone whos easy to fool? Did he really think Id fall for his tricks every single time? Han got his answer soon enough and resumed his daily training, prioritizing the Yin Earthfire Seal. Morning came, and Han woke up the still-sleeping An Liang. Youre still in bed? Do you not realize today is your registration day at the Ghost Tribunal? An Liang floated out, clutching a pillow embroidered with the image of a Yin-Yang stone lantern. She rubbed her sleepy eyes. This pillow wasnt realit was a manifestation of her own power. Han had suggested it, knowing she was used to sleeping near a Yin-Yang stone lantern. Now that she lived in a ghost dwelling, maybe a pillow would give her some sense of familiarity. Master, do I really have to go to the Ghost Tribunal? An Liang asked anxiously. I mean, Im a ghost. Isnt that kind of weird? What if they mistake me for some rotten, festering evil spirit and decide to exorcise me? Her small face was filled with worry. Han waved dismissively. You have nothing to worry about. Have you forgotten Aunt Mos status? Right on cue, Lu Qingmo appeared and handed An Liang a waist token. This is the official Ghost Tribunal Enforcer token. With it, you are recognized as a ninth-rank Enforcer, personally appointed by me. Youll have full authority to act freely. An Liangs jaw nearly hit the floor. Me? A Ghost Enforcer? Am I supposed to exorcise myself? Lu Qingmo then presented her with a cloak. This is an enchanted artifact. It conceals your aura, masks your identity as a ghost, and even alters your voice. Han also handed her several magical artifactseach serving different purposes: defense, offense, control, and mental protection. Between the loot from Brother Tree and his own collection, Han had plenty to spare. As the old saying goescrime pays. Just the spoils from Liancheng and Dai Liu alone had made Han rich overnight. An Liang was at a loss for words, staring at the pile of gear before her. She accepted the artifacts, refining and equipping each one methodically. Then, she turned to Han with a reluctant expression. Master, Im going now. But if I run into danger, you have to come save me, alright? Master, if you really cant bear to part with me, I could stay a little longer Master, Ill miss you sniffle Master Just go already. Hmph! Fine, Im going! Fully geared up, An Liang set off toward the Ghost Tribunal. Shes just beginning to grasp the power of the Netherworld. She needs real experience to master it and push her limits, Lu Qingmo remarked. You made the right choice by sending her there. I dont expect her to be much help in a fight, but she at least needs to know how to protect herself. Han chuckled. With her current abilities and all that gear, there shouldnt be much in Black Cloud Town that could trouble her. More importantly, the Ghost Tribunal specialized in handling supernatural affairs. An Liang would only need to operate during the daytime. And in broad daylight, while she remained unharmed her targets wouldnt be so lucky. She was already standing on the battlefield with a natural advantage. Dont worry, Lu Qingmo said calmly. Shell be fine. Your Aunt Mo has it all planned out. At the entrance of the Ghost Tribunal, a figure shrouded in a cloak stepped forward. Halt. Identify yourself. Special appointment by Overseer Lu. Ninth-rank Ghost Enforcer Huang. Let me take this namethe name my master jokingly calls my archenemyand make it the first step toward my rise to fame. Chapter 148: The Dragon Kings Silk Manuscript and the Great Sage Han Today, as Han walked through Black Cloud Town, he could clearly sense a heightened excitement in the air. Every household was adorned with festive decorations, and people were busy preparing various offerings. After listening carefully to the chatter around him, Han realized that the townspeople were making preparations for the Dragon King Festival. This event was of immense significance to the people of Black Cloud Townnot just for commoners, but for martial artists and cultivators as well. For the native-born residents, certain beliefs were deeply ingrained, unlikely to change unless one day they grew powerful enough to call the Cloud River Dragon Lord a mere "little dragon." As for the outsiders who temporarily resided in town, some might secretly scoff at these traditions, but none dared voice their opinions aloud. When Han arrived at the martial arts hall, he noticed that two red lanterns had been hung at the entrance, each bearing the image of a dragon. "Junior Brother, youre too late! We''ve already finished all the preparations," Bai Ruoyue huffed, rolling her eyes at him. Lazybones! "I''ve already submitted your name to the Town Guardian''s Office," Bai Tian said as he walked out. "When the Dragon King Festival begins, just make sure to attend." "Got it." "Dress properly when the time comes." "No problem." With his enchanted robe, Han didnt have to worry about defensive capabilities, but at the very least, he could alter its appearance into any formal attire he needed. By noon, An Liang had returned from the Ghost Division. She needed to cultivate Yang energy. "How did it go?" "Not bad." An Liang lifted her chin proudly, clearly pleased with herself. "I personally took actionevery last specter and demon was obliterated!" "I handled two cases for the Ghost Division today, and everyone was praising my exceptional skills." "Honestly, most of these cases involve weak opponents. They''re pretty easy to deal with." Han nodded. "Naturally. If a case involved a Day-Walker level entity, they wouldnt assign it to you." The Ghost Divisions regular members only handled cases below the Day-Walker level, which comprised the majority of their work. Incidents like the Ironstone Village mine case were already considered quite dangerous and were rare occurrences. For more serious matters, it required the intervention of high-ranking officialsor even Lu Qingmo herself, which was an even rarer event. Lu Qingmo wasnt just leisurely watering peach blossoms every day; she had responsibilities to handle. However, she worked efficiently, which was why Han could still see her every night when he returned. "You can handle two cases a daythats sixty a month, seven hundred and twenty a year." Han did a quick calculation, looking extremely satisfied. Excellent. At this rate, he wouldn''t have to wait long before getting promoted. Forget a mere Seventh-Rank Ghost Patrol Officerhe could rise even higher! An Liangs mouth opened slightly, but she ultimately said nothing. Squeezing every last drop out of even ghosts! Her expression turned bleak as she walked under the sun to begin her cultivation. Moments later, a fiery determination reignited in her heart. Cultivate, strive, ascend to immortality! Someday, she would make sure that her lord knew exactly who truly ran this household! In a Dream Han sat in meditative posture, his fingers forming intricate gestures as he chanted an ancient and profound incantation. Within his soul, mysterious pathways connected, allowing secret energies to flow through him. At a certain moment, everything aligned in perfect resonance, reaching a state of completion. "Hoo!" A pale gray flame, ominous and eerie, suddenly ignited in Hans palm. It was smalljust a tiny flickerbut its presence was imposing, as if it could drag souls into the underworld, a fire that would never be extinguished. Han opened his eyes, gazing at the little flame with excitement. "Aunt Mo, I did it!" Lu Qingmo nodded approvingly. "Indeed, this is the true origin flame of the Yin Earth Fire Seal. Well done. You managed to reach the entry stage in just a few daysyour talent remains as exceptional as ever." "Even at its most basic level, very few Night-Walkers could endure this flame. As your mastery of the Yin Earth Fire Seal deepens, its power will become even more terrifying." "From now on, focus on refining this Yin Earth Fire Seal, strengthening your own Yin Flame. Also, keep an eye out for spirit materials with Yin fire propertiesor even legendary earthly and heavenly flames." Han nodded, skillfully manipulating the flame, making it change forms at will. This was a technique with an exceptionally high floorbut an even higher ceiling. Right now, the flame in his palm was the Origin Yin Fire. In battle, he could summon it directly or imprint the Yin Earth Fire Seal, causing flames to engulf the battlefield, burning even souls themselves. The Yin Earth Fire Seal was both a daily cultivation method and a combat art. Love this novel? Read it on Royal Road to ensure the author gets credit. Of course, he had only mastered it in his dream. Once he awoke, he would have to cultivate it properly in reality to truly grasp its power. But with a successful experience in the dream realm, he knew he would encounter no obstacles in the real world. After some time familiarizing himself with the flame, Han retracted it and turned to ask Lu Qingmo a question. "Aunt Mo, the Dragon King Festival is coming up. Given the current state of Black Cloud Town, do you think someone will try to cause trouble?" Based on his "experience," events like this usually attracted unexpected incidents. Then hed have to step in, eliminate the villains, defeat the mastermind, and restore peace to Black Cloud Town. "No." Lu Qingmo shook her head. "If it were a festival for the Mountain God, then perhaps." "True. The Dragon Lord is still very much active." Han nodded, feeling slightly disappointedbut why? Three Days Later, at Night Han and An Liang stood by the Cloud River, watching as a cultivators soul was being consumed by Yin Fire. The pale moonlight around the soul did not shine brightly but instead took on a restrained, flawless qualitysignifying the completion of the Night-Walker stage. Yet even with such cultivation, the unfortunate soul could only scream and struggle helplessly against Hans Yin Fire, utterly powerless to resist. The spirit tried to sink into the earth, dive into the riveranything to extinguish the fire. But all was in vain. The flames burned fiercer by the second. Neither soil nor water could put it out, nor could the wind blow it away. "Stop! Stop! I confess!" The cultivator finally screamed, unable to endure the torment any longer. Han didnt extinguish the fire immediately. He let it burn a little longer before finally recalling the flames. The spirit, now charred and barely intact, trembled weakly. "An Liang, take him." "Yes, my lord!" The power of the Yellow Springs surged forth, tightly binding the spirit. "My lord, that fire is incredible." An Liang leaned in, staring at the lingering embers in Hans palm, feeling an eerie chill rather than heat. Han suddenly brought his hand close to her, and she instinctively floated backward, her face filled with grievance. "My lord is bullying ghosts! Boo hoo!" "Enough nonsense. Lets go back." Over the past three days, An Liang had been tirelessly hunting down criminals. Tonights opponent was too strong for her aloneso she had specifically called Han to step in. Han wasted no time upon learning the situation. Without hesitation, he unleashed a blast of Yin Fire on the man, reducing him to his current miserable state. Yet, despite the agony he inflicted, Han felt not a shred of remorse. Because the man deserved it. Using his formidable cultivation, he had abducted multiple infants to fuel his sinister practices in dark arts. For such heinous deeds, this level of suffering was far too lenient. Among all the people Han despised, human traffickers ranked at the top. In his dream, Han posed a question to Lu Qingmo. "Aunt Mo, is it possible for someone to suddenly master a Dao technique they''ve never learned before?" "There are cases like that," Lu Qingmo nodded. "Some individuals are born with extraordinary gifts, possessing an innate Dao technique from birth. These abilities, such as certain divine eye techniques, can be immensely powerful." "What if someone just goes to sleep and wakes up having mastered a completely unfamiliar Dao technique?" Lu Qingmo gave Han a sharp look. There was clearly more to his question than he let on. "Legends speak of such occurrenceslike an enlightened master transmitting knowledge through dreams. But thats different from your kind of dream." "What are you really trying to say?" "Aunt Mo, I think... I might have suddenly learned a new Dao technique." "" I knew it. Lu Qingmo took a deep breath. "What kind of technique?" "Its called ''Feeding on Mist and Essence.'' It aids in cultivation." Indeed, this was the very Dao technique Han had received on the last day from Brother Tree. Now that he had spoken of it, the implication was obvioushe intended to pass it on to Lu Qingmo. Given their current relationship, awakening another Dao technique was hardly surprising. They had already embraced, shared a kiss, and he had even gifted her an unparalleled inheritance with only one chance of transmission. If all that wasnt enough to trust her, what was? Of course, Han would never mention his "cheat code." It wasnt about trust; it was simply beyond normal comprehension. "Is it more effective than ''Lunar Spirit Refinement''?" Han thought for a moment before replying, "Its not about being better or worse. Its differenthard to describe." "It can be used simultaneously with ''Lunar Spirit Refinement.'' Even at higher cultivation levels, it will remain effective." "Used simultaneously?" Lu Qingmo was intrigued. "You mean that while meditating on ''Lunar Spirit Refinement,'' this technique can still function?" "Yes." Lu Qingmo fell silent. Great. The reincarnation of a supreme being has started regaining his past lifes Dao techniques. Makes perfect sense. Despite her astonishment, she also felt a sense of warmth. Han was willing to share these secrets with her. That trust meant everything. I was right about him. And he was right about me. "Its an extraordinary technique," Lu Qingmo acknowledged. "It will help you grow faster." Then, with a firm tone, she warned, "But you must keep it a secret. No one else should know." "I wont tell anyone else," Han assured her. "Aunt Mo, Id like to pass this technique on to you. It might aid in your cultivation." Lu Qingmo hesitated, her gaze softening as she looked at Han. Hans expression, however, grew slightly conflicted. "The transmission method is a bit special." Lu Qingmo: "" You''re not about to say it requires the same method as the Heaven and Earth Thunderfire Seal, are you? Dont think I dont know what youre scheming! Han looked at Lu Qingmo, his face filled with sincerity. He had directly absorbed the Dao Seed to learn ''Feeding on Mist and Essence,'' meaning there was no manual to pass on. Ever since Lu Qingmo had given him the ''Earth Fire Scripture,'' he had been organizing the new technique, seeing if he could impart it to others. And the answer was yes. "For certain reasons, this cultivation secret art wouldnt be of much use to me," Lu Qingmo shook her head. "You should pass it to An Lang instead." As Hans Ghost Companion, An Lang was both trustworthy and bound to himbetrayal was impossible. Han froze. Seeing his expression, Lu Qingmo smiled gently. "Im not lying to you. This technique is remarkable, but I genuinely dont need it." So its true. Han felt a tinge of disappointment. Damn it. He couldnt No, wait, he meant he couldnt repay Aunt Mos kindness by gifting it to her. Summoning An Lang, Han casually pressed a finger to her forehead, transferring the cultivation method along with some of his insights, before dismissing her. Seeing Lu Qingmo watching him closely, Han straightened up and said with righteous conviction, "See? That was the special transmission method I was talking about. Aunt Mo, did you overthink it?" Lu Qingmo simply smiled and let it slide. "Tomorrow is the Dragon King Festival. You should prepare." "Dont worry. Are you attending, Aunt Mo?" "A deputy governor from the Ghost Division will go. I wont be attending, nor will the governor of the Martial Division." Their positions represented different forces, making it inappropriate for them to participate. The next day, Black Cloud Town was bustling. Drums thundered, voices rose in celebration, and every household came out to join the festivities, their faces brimming with joy. At the auspicious hour, a massive crowd gathered by the Yun River, where offerings had been meticulously arranged. Pigs were slaughtered, chickens prepared, ducks released, and dragons drawn. Drums roared to the heavens, firecrackers burst in the air. An altar stood tall, where local elders and representatives from various factions had assembled, clad in ceremonial attire, their expressions solemn. At the forefront, the lead priest chanted prayers, performing the rites with unwavering devotion. "We, the humble people of Black Cloud, offer our sincerest reverence, presenting these sacred offerings to our mighty Dragon King" Below the altar, many knelt in reverence, paying their respects. No one dared disrupt the ritual. Everything proceeded in perfect order. Suddenly, Han felt a gaze upon him. Probing with his spirit, he discovered its sourceDragon Maiden. His heart tightened. He truly feared her; something about her presence unsettled him deeply. Standing in the shadows, the Dragon Maiden smiled at him. Then, the Yun River erupted. A colossal dragon, formed entirely of water, soared into the sky. "The Dragon King has manifested! The Dragon King has manifested!" The lead priest immediately fell to his knees, and the crowd followed suit, bowing in unison. The water dragon opened its maw, releasing a floating silk scroll covered in text. No, it didnt say "The rise of Great Chu, King Chen Sheng." Instead, the scroll drifted toward the altarlanding directly in Hans hands. The characters shimmered in midair, visible to all. The message? It expressed gratitude for the towns devotion, promising three years of favorable weather. And then, it showered Han with praise. Black Cloud prospersHan reigns supreme! The townsfolk, upon reading the divine decree, bowed repeatedly, thanking the Dragon King while chanting Hans name. At that moment, Han, holding the sacred scroll, became the center of attention. Han was stunned. Someone had indeed caused trouble. But the troublemaker was the Dragon Kings daughter. And he couldnt do a damn thing about it. Chapter 149: The Mountain Gods Obstruction The atmosphere of the Dragon King Festival took a drastic turn. The priest, convinced that Han was favored by the Dragon King, regarded him as the deitys emissary. His reverence for Han bordered on fanaticism. In truth, he was mistakenHan wasnt the Dragon Kings chosen one. It was the Dragon Princess who had taken an interest in him At one point, the priest attempted to take the Dragon King''s silk scripture, but the moment Han handed it over, it inexplicably flew back into his hands. It seemed that, apart from Han, it would stay with no one else. This only deepened the peoples reverence for Han. They bowed repeatedly in awe. Naturally, such blind devotion came mostly from ordinary mortals. From that moment on, Han became the centerpiece of the entire ceremony. Initially, he had just been another figure on the altar, standing alongside representatives of various factionsa mere ceremonial mascot. Yet, against all expectations, he ended up becoming the main attraction. After the festival concluded, a crowd escorted Han back to the Taibai Martial Hall, where they arranged for the scripture to be enshrined with the utmost respect. Even the hall elders made no objections. After all, this was irrefutable proof of the friendly ties between Taibai and the Yunjiang Dragon Palace. In this era, divine favor was a formidable force. Though cultivators and mortals coexisted in the same world, their realities were largely separate. Cultivators were privy to hidden truths, but mortals neither knew nor cared. From this day forward, in the eyes of most common folk, Han was the Dragon Kings emissary. With him in Black Cloud Town, the Dragon King would surely watch over them and protect their people. A distant deity was one thingbut this emissary was real, right before them! Hans reputation in Black Cloud Town soared to an untouchable height. Previously, he had made a name for himself as the towns most talented cultivator, renowned throughout the Black Cloud cultivation community. Yet, his fame had barely concerned the average townsfolk. Now, even the common people spoke of him with admiration. A true celebritythis was the making of a legend. Many cultivators, however, viewed Hans rising status through a different lens. His growing association with the Dragon Princess fueled rampant speculation. Hah! Living off a woman? Disgraceful! No true warrior would stoop so low! Exactly! We martial artists must stand on our own. Relying on a woman? Pathetic! . Many scoffed openly, deriding Hans supposed lack of independence. Yet, when left alone, these very critics would seethe with jealousy, grinding their teeth in frustration. Damn it! Why wasnt the Dragon Princess interested in me?! I want to be the Dragon Palaces son-in-law too! Why does this brat get all the luck?! After finally extricating himself from the relentless townspeople, Han made his way to the Yunjiang River alone. As expected, the Dragon Princess was still waiting for him. Your Hi Han began, but the look in her eyes made him pause. He quickly corrected himself and called her by name instead. Was that really necessary? Han sighed. Youve made too much of a spectacle. This is too high-profile. You dont like it? she asked, tilting her head. He did. Did you come here for something specific? he asked. Cant I visit just to see you? Xiao Ao, can we act normal for once? Youre making me nervous. The town hasnt been peaceful lately, the Dragon Princess explained. Since today was the Dragon King Festival, my father sent me to observe and ensure no trouble arose. She glanced at Han. If necessary, I was to interveneto remind everyone that the Yunjiang Dragon Palace is ever-present. I only did what my father instructed. If you have any concerns, why not visit the palace? I can introduce you to him, and you can speak with him directly. Ah. So she was trying to lure him into the Dragon Palace again. Han had a fair idea of why the Dragon Princess had become so proactive after their first physical contact. The answer lay in the True Dragon Bloodstone. That mystical relic had likely altered his body in a way that triggered some kind of instinctual reaction in her, shifting her attitude dramatically. This only made Han even warier of entering the Dragon Palace. What if she actually wanted to eat him? Suddenly, the Dragon Princess remarked, I heard from the crab guards that you can move underwater as freely as a water-dweller. This novel''s true home is a different platform. Support the author by finding it there. For a limited time, yes. Show me. Thats not really Before Han could finish, she grabbed his hand and leapt into the river with him. From a distance, onlookers mistakenly assumed a tragic love pact was unfolding before their eyes. Beneath the water, they moved as effortlessly as they would on land. Though Brother Tree had disappeared, Han still found himself able to equip weapons and artifacts, which meant his abilities remained undetected. This included the Water Repelling Pearl. Even under the Dragon Princesss scrutiny, she failed to spot any external aids or traces of sorcery. She swam closer, peering at him curiously. Youre a water-dweller, arent you? she asked. No, Im pure human. Just then, a Water Brute Beast caught sight of them and charged aggressivelyonly to cower and flee with a whimper the moment the Dragon Princess shot it a glare. Han sneered at the creature. Coward. Wheres that thick-headed confidence you had before? We Han gestured toward their joined hands. Since she had pulled him into the river, she had yet to let go. This world was so unfairwhy was he being subjected to this kind of treatment? The Dragon Princess showed no intention of releasing him. Han, she murmured, aside from my father and brother, Ive never held hands with any other man before. Youre the first. Han wanted to protest, but technically she had initiated it. What was he even supposed to object to? Abruptly, she leaned in, eyes filled with fascination. Han, what exactly are you? When I hold your hand, my blood reactsit craves something from you. Han remained silent for a moment before replying, Perhaps its just an illusion. The bloodlines response doesnt lie, she insisted, drawing even closer. You carry no visible dragon artifacts, yet you stir something in me. Your bloodline is anything but ordinary. She paused before asking, Will you give me a drop of your blood? Sorry, Han refused without hesitation. She looked disappointed but didnt press him, knowing her limits. Holding hands was one thing. Forcibly taking blood? That would be another matter entirely. She didnt want to ruin their relationship. They continued exploring the river together, hand in hand. The Dragon Princess even led him to gather several spiritual herbs. At one point, she offered him a peculiar aquatic creature, a kind of natural snack among water-dwellers. She personally fed it to him. She was too forwardHan had no idea how to handle this. But in the end, he ate it. It was sweet and sour, bursting with juice upon biting into it. Every Water Brute Beast they encountered scurried away in terror at her mere presence. Yet, her immense pressure didnt affect Han at allit felt like a gentle breeze. This only reinforced her suspicions. Once they resurfaced, their clothes remained pristine. The Dragon Princess finally let go of his hand. Im returning to the palace. Are you sure you wont come with me? Next time, definitely. She rolled her eyes. She had heard that excuse too many times. Take this, she said, handing him a white conch. Whats this? If you submerge it in water, you can contact me directly. She held up another conch. Theyre a pairI can reach you, too. I have a transmission snail; you have a magic conch. Got it. Han accepted the conch, and the Dragon Princess dove back into the river, disappearing into the depths. Upon returning to the martial hall, he was greeted by Bai Ruoyues sarcastic voice. Well, well, the Dragon Palaces esteemed son-in-law has returned. She passed by him expressionlessly, then sniffed the air. You reek of the river. Its seafood. I ate seafood. The kind that squirts when you bite it. Senior Sister, did your training go wrong or something? With a sharp bang!, Bai Ruoyue landed a punch on Han, snorted, and walked away. As Han looked around the martial arts school, he noticed that the place seemed livelier than usual. Parents were bringing their children in to sign up, a sight uncommon at this hour. Catching up to Bai Ruoyue, he asked, Whats going on? There usually arent this many people around now. Hearing this, Bai Ruoyue''s mood visibly improved. This is all thanks to you, little junior. She grinned. Word about the Dragon King Festival has spread, and everyone knows youre from the Taibai Martial Arts School. Theyre convinced our school is the real deal. So now, a lot more people are sending their kids here. Heh, our school is growing! More students meant more income and a greater chance of discovering talented disciples. In the past, Taibais tuition was the most affordable, but it also had the fewest students. After all, the other two schools had long-established reputations, whereas Taibai was still relatively new. Han was momentarily taken aback. He hadnt expected to gain fame among common folk, let alone that it would benefit the school. By modern standards, wasnt this basically an endorsement for Taibai? Bai Ruoyue grabbed his arm. Come on, little junior, help me with the bone evaluation. Lets see if weve got any promising talents. Its getting a bit overwhelming with all these new applicants. Oh alright. Bone evaluation and physique assessment werent particularly advanced techniquesHan had already learned them. That evening, Han recounted the days events to Lu Qingmo, who had no objections. It was all trivial matters. As for the encounter with the Dragon Maiden, Han simply skimmed over it. It wasnt important, so there was no need to mention it to Aunt Mo. A Sudden Crisis The next day, when Han arrived at the martial arts school, Bai Ruoyue was nowhere to be seen. Senior Sister went out, Shen Yu explained. The authorities entrusted Taibai with a taskto take down a criminal at the Zangfu realm. Senior Sister went to handle it. I see. For a job of that level, Bai Ruoyue was the only disciple in Taibai qualified to take it on. Two hours later, Hans snail communicator rangit was Bai Ruoyue. Hello? Hello, my ass! Little junior, that thing you gave me beforeit''s called a Zhaoming Talisman, right? The sound of rushing wind came from her endshe was clearly moving at high speed. Yes, the Zhaoming Talisman. It just turned to ash! And theres someonehe ran the moment he saw me! Im chasing him now! Hans expression darkened. If the Zhaoming Talisman had burned to ash, that could only mean A Deathborn Wraith was nearby! Where are you? Ive crossed Yunjiang, heading towards Bai Ruoyue quickly gave her location. Im coming now! Han ended the call, dashed out of the martial arts school, and contacted Lu Qingmo. One of the talismans has activated. I sensed it, Lu Qingmo said before he could even explain. Was it yours? No, it was Senior Sisters. Shes atI''m heading there now. As Han sprinted out of Black Cloud Town, a sudden gust of wind wrapped around him, lifting him into the air. Turning his head, he saw Lu Qingmos spirit form floating beside him. Ill take you there. Han fell silent. Of course, flying was faster than running. At the very least, he was now experiencing what it felt like to "fly" with his physical body. In the blink of an eye, they spotted Bai Ruoyue dashing across the land. From Hans aerial perspective Senior Sister looked rather clumsy. Ahead of Bai Ruoyue, a man in black robes was fleeing. Every step he took corroded the ground beneath him, leaving a trail of darkened, decayed earth. It really is a Deathborn Wraith. But in just the short time it took them to arrive, the wraith had already reached the edge of Black Mountainand was still running! What is he doing? Is he trying to enter Black Mountain? Lu Qingmo didnt hesitate. She struck with a celestial hand seal, her overwhelming power surging forward. Yet, just as her attack reached Black Mountains border A sudden change occurred. Her power scattered into nothing. That brief delay allowed the Deathborn Wraith to charge straight into Black Mountain! Lu Qingmos face darkened. Elder Yun, what is the meaning of this? Only the Mountain God of Black Mountain could have interfered. But why? Why would the Mountain God allow such a vile creature into Black Mountain? A Deathborn Wraith entering the mountain meant disaster. It would provide the wraith with an ideal place to grow stronger, plunging the region into chaos. Logically, the Mountain God should never permit thisBlack Mountains creatures would be the first to suffer. It was practically aiding the enemy. Suddenly, the earth at the mountains edge shifted, forming a line of characters in the soil: "The rules are set. Lu, do not interfere." That thing is a Deathborn Wraith! The wind howled. The Mountain God vanished, leaving no further explanation. Chapter 150: Old Grudges, New Encounters The vast expanse of Black Mountain stood unchanged through the ages. Three figures stood at its edge, gazing into the dense, ancient forest. Theres something wrong here. Somethings off. Lu Qingmos face bore no trace of angeronly deep contemplation. The Mountain God shouldnt have allowed that Deathborn Wraith inside. Hes nurturing a calamity. There must be a hidden reason Im unaware of. Lu Qingmo knew the nature of the Mountain God well. He was not a ruthless villain; on the contrary, he was a being of integrity, intolerant of corruption. If that werent the case, the Xuandu Monastery would have dealt with him long ago. There was no way they would have let him roam free for centuries. When it came to deities within the Great Qi Empire, both the royal family and Xuandu Monastery followed a simple principle: Some were to be recruited. Some were to be eradicated. Who to recruit and who to eliminate depended entirely on their actions. At least, that was the policy on the surface. But the Mountain Gods recent actions were far too strange. Could it be that he was changing because he was nearing his demise? Ruoyue, where did you first encounter the Wraith? I had just completed a commission for the authorities and was heading back to town, Bai Ruoyue explained. But then, my Guiding Talisman suddenly burned to ash. Thats when I saw him from a distance that wraith climbing out of Yunjiang River. It was as if he sensed something, and without hesitation, he bolted straight toward Black Mountain. I gave chase immediately and sent a snail message to Junior Brother. What level of strength did the Wraith display? Lu Qingmo pressed further. Not particularly strong. Judging from its movements while fleeing, Id say it had only just reached the Organ Tempering stage. Only the early Organ Tempering stage? Lu Qingmo was slightly surprised. That doesnt add up. It shouldnt be that weak. The early Organ Tempering stage Han pondered for a moment before saying, Ill go. Ill enter Black Mountain and track it. The Mountain God wont let you in, Aunt Mo, but Im only at the Meridian Refinement stageI dont exceed the threshold. Ill go with Junior Brother, Bai Ruoyue chimed in. Its safer that way. With our combined strength, as long as we dont go too deep, we shouldnt be in any real danger. Lu Qingmo studied the two of them. A Meridian Refinement expert capable of taking down two Organ Tempering cultivatorsnow at the perfected stage, meaning even stronger. And someone who could hold her own against a weakened Bone Forging warrior. Against a mere early-stage Organ Tempering Wraith, there was no real risk. Alright. She agreed. With a flick of her wrist, she scooped up the soil tainted by the Deathborn Wraiths energy, sealed it in a yellow talisman, and fed it to her wooden green frog. This will allow you to track the Wraith. But rememberyour safety comes first. Do not go too deep, she cautioned. If the situation turns dire, retreat immediately. If you encounter danger beyond your ability, contact me. Ill find a way to get you out. The Mountain God barred her entry now, but if Han and Ruoyue found themselves in peril, she would not hesitate to force her way in. As she watched them disappear into the depths of Black Mountain, just as expected, the Mountain God did not interfere. He had no reason to stop them. Inside Black Mountain, Han turned to Bai Ruoyue. Senior Sister, keep your aura concealed. He handed her a concealment artifact from his collection. Junior Brother, what does your intuition tell you? . I have no intuition left. Last month, I was a god. This month, Im the god of dreams. Nothing for now. So, we need to be extra careful. Oh. Bai Ruoyue wasnt surprised. Intuition wasnt something one could rely on all the time. The wooden green frog stretched out its tongue, pointing the way. They followed. Without the omniscient perspective he once had, traversing Black Mountain felt entirely different this time. Beasts were everywhere. His spiritual senses were severely restricted by the mountains energy, making long-range detection nearly impossible. Some creatures grew agitated when exposed to spiritual probing, while others had natural abilities that rendered them undetectable. Having once possessed near-divine awareness, Han now felt like a blind man. Bai Ruoyue, however, was unfazedthis was just how it had always been for her. She had lived through hard days and could adapt. Thankfully, they were still in the outer region, where the beasts were weaker. Even sudden encounters posed no real threat. The tale has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation. But their progress was significantly slowed. Swish! An arrow pierced a charging Meridian Refinement beast. Han retrieved his arrow and examined the surroundings. Somethings off. What do you mean? We noticed earlierwherever the Deathborn Wraith passed, it should have left corruption behind. He gestured toward the mountains around them. But weve traveled this far and havent seen a single trace of contamination. Could the Wraith have suppressed its own energy? Bai Ruoyue speculated. Han shook his head. That was something they could only confirm by catching up to it. They pressed on, their movements precise, their concealment flawless. Strong as they were, they remained cautious. Through the outer periphery the inner periphery the middle region. This Wraith runs too damn fast, Bai Ruoyue muttered, wiping her forehead. But this time, the number and strength of the beasts seem lower than before. Some of the stronger ones must have retreated deeper. The beasts must have sensed the Mountain Gods blessings coming to an end, Han observed, glancing at the wooden frog. Apart from the Mountain God, they are the true rulers of this place. They know it best. The saying The ducks know when spring comes fit perfectly here. Even with their reduced numbers, there are still Bone Forging beasts around. We cant drop our guard. Han thought for a moment before deciding, If we dont find the Wraith soon, we should retreat. Pushing forward is too risky. Eliminating the Wraith was secondary to their own survival. Besides, if it ventured too deep into Black Mountain, it wouldnt last long anyway. After another stretch of travel, the wooden frog suddenly trembled. Han tensed and scanned the surroundings. At the very edge of his spiritual perception, he sensed something ominous. There! They rushed ahead and soon spotted a cliff. Across a twenty-meter gap stood another mountain. And on the other sidewaiting for themstood their target. Draped in black, it was unmistakably the Deathborn Wraith. How audacious, Bai Ruoyue sneered. As they drew closer, Han was surprised. The figure before them did not resemble a typical Wraith. Despite the corpse-like pallor, its skin looked unnaturally smooth, more like that of a living person. The only telltale signs were the black markings near its eyes. No fangs. No grotesque features. Its pupils were a dark green, lacking the usual undead traits. The more unnatural it seemed, the more dangerous it likely was. Deathborn Wraith? Han asked. The figure nodded. You may call me that. Why are you chasing me? Because you have the secret formula to immortality. The massacre at Ironstone Villages minesthose government officials. You killed them, didnt you? Yes. That was my doing. Then thats reason enough to capture you. Spare me the words, Bai Ruoyue interrupted. You think this cliff can stop us? She prepared to leap across. Twenty meters was nothing for her. Han, however, held her back. The Wraith shook its head. Id advise against it. A Bone Forging Ironwing Eagle nests below. The moment you leap, you die. As if on cue, a piercing screech echoed through the ravine, shaking their very core. Bai Ruoyues expression darkened as she felt the pressure of a Bone Forging predator. Han stepped to the edge, extending his spiritual sensesonly to withdraw them instantly. A massive, gleaming-winged eagle emerged from below, locking its predatory gaze on them. Eyes filled with killing intent. Ready to strike. The Deathborn Wraith said nothing, but it placed a hand on the Ironwing Eagles head. The beasts fierce gaze softened, though its sharp eyes remained locked onto Han and Bai Ruoyue. Seeing this, the two cultivators tensed. The wraith could command beasts? That made things much more difficult. If they attempted to leap across the cliff and the eagle attacked midair, they wouldnt stand a chance. Martial artists at the Organ Tempering stage couldnt fly. Once airborne, they would be helpless against a flying beasts assault. Han studied the wraith. Though its aura was undoubtedly sinister, it wasnt quite what he had expected. And its intelligence it was disturbingly human. Wraiths could retain a sliver of consciousness, but to reach this level of awareness in just a few days? Everything about this creature was unusual. Youre different, Han said, attempting communication. I am still myself, the wraith replied, its voice calm. I have simply changed my identity my way of existence. I awakened during the first earthquake. I could have left at any time. Han was surprised. It had been conscious since the first tremor? But no one had heard a single word about it until now. But I didnt leave, the wraith continued. I was waiting. Waiting for Zhang Wei and the others. Zhang Wei Han knew that name. One of the men killed by the wraith. Other people passed through the mine during that timeguards, workers transporting iron ore. I didnt harm them. Han caught the implication immediately. You had a grudge against Zhang Wei and his group? We were once friends. Then we became mortal enemies. And now we all belong to the underworld. My fate was sealed by their betrayal. The Deathborn Wraith fixed its gaze on them and said, Since you cannot cross the chasm, you might as well listen to my story. Years ago, I worked for the government. I was the one who first discovered the small iron mine, and from then on, it became my responsibility to guard it. The wraiths voice was eerily emotionless, as if recounting someone elses tale. I was rewarded for my find. And in the depths of that mine, I uncovered a rare Iron Essence. Iron Essencean invaluable material for forging weapons, highly coveted by cultivators. But friendships built over years couldnt withstand the lure of wealth. They set a trap for me, luring me into the mines depths and killed me. They buried my body in the deepest part of the minewhere the Yin energy was strongest. I awakened as a Deathborn Wraith. And I waited. I gathered information. I knew that Zhang Wei and the others would eventually return. And so, I avenged my own death. Tell mewhat crime is there in seeking justice? Han remained silent. It was only one side of the story. He neither accepted nor dismissed it entirely. The wraith paused before continuing, I dont expect you to let me go. But you wont catch menot in Black Mountain. No one can. Now thats an interesting choice of words. I simply want someone to know that I am not a mindless killer. After Zhang Wei and his men, I have harmed no one. Whenever the hunger for blood arose, I turned to the beasts instead. Han thought for a moment. That did explain a few things. Why the initial killings had only targeted the officials. Why no other reports of the wraith had surfaced after it disappeared. Why Bai Ruoyue had seen it emerging from Yunjiang River. Whats your name? Han finally asked. Jiang Wangyuan. Han nodded. A good name. Jiang Wangyuan smirked slightly. I know you twoHan of the Black Cloud Sect, Bai Ruoyue. Renowned geniuses. Exceptional talents. Perhaps well meet again in the future. Han chuckled. You sound awfully confident that we wont capture you. Jiang Wangyuan suddenly moved. He leapt onto the Ironwing Eagles back, answering Hans unspoken challenge with action. I can fly. But Han wasnt without his own response. He raised his hand, and a flickering black flame danced at his fingertips. Sparks erupted in the air near Jiang Wangyuan. Though they never touched him, the message was clear. The wraiths expression darkened. After a moment, he gave a slow nod. As expected of the Black Cloud Sects number one genius I underestimated you. If Han had wished, the Yinflame could have ignited directly on Jiang Wangyuans body. Ordinary flames might struggle against a Deathborn Wraith. But Yinflame? Against a being of pure Yin, devoid of any Yang energy, it would be as deadly as it was to ghosts. What now? Jiang Wangyuan asked. Will you risk everything to take me down? Han shook his head and extinguished the flame. Go. Junior Brother Bai Ruoyue hesitated, but Han waved her off. Jiang Wangyuan studied him carefully, then nodded. Consider this a favor I owe you. Allow me to share something in return. You might find it interesting. Oh? Han raised a brow. Lets hear it. After the first earthquake, cultivators visited the mine, searching for wandering spirits and promising undead. I remained hidden in the shadows, watching them. Who were they? A Daywalker from the Gao family of Black Cloud Town and another from outside the town. I dont know his identity, but the Gao family called him Elder Li. Two Daywalkers Han mused. That is useful information. Jiang Wangyuan gave a faint smile. Perhaps our paths will cross again. With that, the Ironwing Eagle spread its massive wings and took flight, carrying Jiang Wangyuan deeper into Black Mountain. A wraith at the Organ Tempering level, capable of commanding beasts, daring to fly so openly into the depths of Black Mountain. Hans sharp eyes followed him far into the distance. Other flying beasts took notice of the eagle, considering it preyyet as they drew close, they abruptly veered away. Strange. The Ironwing Eagle shouldnt have the strength to intimidate Bone Forging beasts. It was as if Jiang Wangyuan were returning home. Han was lost in thought when Pinch! Bai Ruoyue suddenly grabbed the soft flesh at his waist and twisted. AhSenior Sister, easy! At least pick a sturdier spot to pinch! Ill pinch wherever I want! Chapter 151: Clash on a Narrow Path Han rubbed his aching lower back, wincing. Bai Ruoyue had gone too hard on himnearly breaking him in the process. "Junior Brother," Bai Ruoyue said, her tone sharp, "you let a dangerous fugitive go. If the authorities find out, youre looking at serious jail time." She added, "You really dared to set something inhuman like that free?" "You actually believed what he said?" Han asked, incredulous. "Of course I didnt fully buy Jiang Wangyuans story," she replied. Han sighed, helpless. "But Senior Sister, whether I believed him or not, I had no choice but to let him go. We couldnt keep him here." Bai Ruoyue frowned, puzzled. "Didnt your Yin Fire work against him? He was scared of it." "Sure, the Yin Fire could handle him," Han admitted, "but that Iron-Winged Eagle could just as easily handle us." He gestured vaguely at their surroundings. "That things a flying beast. If it decided to turn on us, wed be in deep trouble. This place is crawling with Bone-Forging Realm beasts. One wrong move, and wed attract a whole swarm of them. Then wed really be screwed." Once Han realized Jiang Wangyuan could command wild beasts, he knew taking him down today was a lost cause. He had ways to bypass the Iron-Winged Eagle and deal with Jiang Wangyuan, surebut his top priority was keeping himself and Bai Ruoyue safe. A measly monthly stipend wasnt worth risking their lives over. "Fair point," Bai Ruoyue conceded, catching on. "But how does a dead soul like hima Nether Corpsecontrol wild beasts?" she wondered aloud. Hans gaze drifted toward the shadowy depths of Black Mountain, his eyes narrowing thoughtfully. "Who knows" The Mountain God had suddenly appeared, blocking Lu Qingmos attack to save Jiang Wangyuan. A Nether Corpse that could command beasts. Jiang Wangyuans bold claim that no one in Black Mountain could catch him What kind of confidence fueled those words? What kind of power could bend mindless beasts to the will of a corpse? The answer seemed obvious: divine intervention. But here in Black Mountain, Han wasnt about to say it out loud. "Looks like well have to disappoint Aunt Mo," Bai Ruoyue sighed. Shed finally gotten a chance to do something for Aunt Momaybe even steal back some of her favor from her junior brother. But who couldve predicted this twist? I put in all that effort, and you still let me lose so miserably! "I thought we were dealing with a rampaging Nether Corpse," she muttered. "Turns out it might be a revenge story. What a mess." Han shook his head. "Lets head back and explain everything to Aunt Mo. Ask her to look into this Jiang Wangyuansee if the authorities have any record of someone like him, if his backstory checks out. If hes really out for vengeance" He trailed off. Was it wrong for someone to seek revenge? No. But was it wrong for the authorities to hunt down a freakish Nether Corpse whod killed people? Also no. It was a tangled knot of right and wronga real dumpster fire of a situation. Han sure as hell wasnt about to die for it. "Lets go," he said. The two turned to leave, their journey back lighter than before, though neither had any intention of lingering in Black Mountain. "Junior Brother," Bai Ruoyue teased, "if we didnt rely on your instincts, do you think wed get lucky and stumble across some treasure?" "Just get some sleep when were back," Han replied dryly. "Early sleep? Youre the one who dragged me out to get wrecked." "You wrecked yourself." Bai Ruoyue huffed, then added, "Junior Brother, what if someone ambushes us on the way?" Han groaned. "Senior Sister, can you stop jinxing us?" Reading on this site? This novel is published elsewhere. Support the author by seeking out the original. Getting home safe and sound was all he wantedno extra thrills, thanks. But after walking a while, Han froze, his head snapping to the left. His expression shifted. "Junior Brother, whats wrong?" Bai Ruoyue asked. "Someones coming," Han said, his voice growing heavy. "Senior Sister, you and your cursed mouth!" "Four of themall Visceral Realm. Run!" Bai Ruoyue didnt hesitate, speeding up instantly, but a sharp whoosh cut through the air from their left. "Hahaha! Well, if it isnt the two prodigies from Taibai Martial Hall! What a coincidence!" A loud laugh echoed as four figures emerged, blocking Han and Bai Ruoyues path. Without some omniscient vantage point to warn them, the moment Han sensed their pursuers, theyd already locked onto him too. Their uniforms were unmistakableeach bore a yellow emblem stitched on the chest. The Huang family from the county city. Leading them was a short, stocky man with an oversized head. He stepped forward, his eerie gaze glinting as he sized up Han and Bai Ruoyue. "Blocking our way like this," Han said, his voice low and steady, "isnt something you should be doing here. Id suggest you leave nowunless youre ready to face consequences you cant handle." "Leave? Consequences?" The big-headed man smirked. "A mere Sinew-Vein Realm punk talking so big." "Ive heard of you, Han. Youre toughpractically unbeatable in your realm. But the Visceral Realm? Thats beyond your wildest dreams." He grinned wider. "Weve finally met you today. How could we just walk away? Who knows when wed get another shot?" Hans face hardened. These guys werent here with good intentions. "I hear you made waves at the Water Essence Festival," the man continued. "Even got your hands on some Yellow Spring Dew. Nice stuffthats rare. Mind letting us take a peek?" Hans eyes narrowed. Had Huang Ming tipped off the Huang family in Black Cloud Town? This was worth mulling over. "And Bai Ruoyue, daughter of Taibais master" The mans gaze slid to her, leering in a way that made her skin crawl. "Heh, a real beauty. Still pure, I bet?" "Hahaha, jackpot!" The other three Huang family members burst into laughter. "Keep staring and go gawk at your own mother!" Bai Ruoyue snapped, furious. "Blind bastardsIll gouge your eyes out!" "Youre courting death," Han muttered, shaking his head. These Huang fools had probably decided to take them out the moment they spotted them. This wasnt ending peacefully. He couldnt help but feel a pang of regret. If this had happened a month ago, itd be them ambushing these clowns, not the other way around. With that godlike foresight he used to have, these four wouldve been marked for death the second he saw them. The difference between having that edge and not was night and day. God, he missed it. "Junior Brother," Bai Ruoyue whispered through a discreet transmission, "that big-headed creeps strongprobably peak Visceral Realm. The other three are weaker." "Got it, Senior Sister," Han replied. "We hit hard and fast. End this quickbut watch out. The Huang family has a cultivator lineage. One of them might be a martial-dao hybrid." "Now!" Han didnt hesitate. Hostility this blatant meant these guys could stay right herein the ground. Four Visceral Realm fightersdid they really think they had this in the bag? Shing! Han and Bai Ruoyue drew their swords in unison, lunging at the Huang family group. The sheer force of their strikes cratered the earth, snapping trees in half with the shockwave. "Such guts!" the big-headed man barked. "You dare attack first? Youre underestimating us!" The four drew their weapons and charged. Clang! Metal clashed, the sound ripping through the forest as leaves rained down. Boom! The big-headed man was hurled backward, eyes bulging in shock. Bai Ruoyue pursued, her sword flashing. Meanwhile, Han parried two attackers, then blocked a thirds weapon with a bare palm. The impact drove him into the ground, his stance sinking slightly. Invisible gauntlets absorbed most of the blow, but the higher realm still left his arm numb, tiny beads of blood seeping out. Then, fire and ice erupted from [Taibai], a dual assault of blazing heat and freezing cold. The explosion roared, catching two Huang fighters off guard. They stumbled back, wounded. Han shifted, slashing at anothers head while seizing their weapon with his free hand. Whoosh! The man abandoned his blade and dodged, barely escaping death but taking a gruesome gash. Blood poured as Han pocketed the stolen weapon, sneering before charging after him. One exchange, and hed gauged their strength: two at minor Visceral Realm, the disarmed one just stepping into it. Tough opponentsback in Yinhua County, this lineup wouldve crushed him. But now, nearing the peak of Sinew-Vein Realm with minor Visceral progress, they werent out of reach anymore. These two minor Visceral fighters? Weaker than the Tie brothers. "Peak Sinew-Vein!" "Such insane power!" "How can a Sinew-Vein peak be this strong? Impossible!" Three stunned cries rang out, dripping with disbelief. Who the hell was this freak? Wind howled, air cracked, and Han struck again. His sword sang, black hair whipping wildly, its icy gleam chilling their spines. He was all infocus razor-sharp, no room for error. That first clash had favored him, but surprise had been key: the ice-fire burst, the bold disarm, their underestimation. Now, with three Visceral Realm fighters getting serious, the pressure was real. Numbers alone earned them some respect. And the greatest respect he could offer enemies? Their deaths. On the other side, Bai Ruoyue was a force of nature. The big-headed man, peak Visceral Realm, was outmatched from the start, battered under her relentless assault. Shed held her own against a fading Bone-Forging Realm expert beforewhat chance did this guy have? The man seethed with frustration. Years of training, and he couldnt keep up with an eighteen-year-old girl. He wanted backup, but a glance at Hans fight left him speechlessand vulnerable. Bai Ruoyues sword stabbed deep. Three Visceral Realm fighters cant even take down one Sinew-Vein instantly? Are you kidding me?! Chapter 152: The Serpent’s Wrath Ancient trees towered overhead, their dense canopy casting the forest in perpetual twilight. But from above, one could see a corner of the mountain range turning eerily barren. Trees toppled in rapid succession, thick clouds of dust rising, sending flocks of startled birds fleeing in all directions. Destruction. Chaos. Unrelenting devastation. Blades flashed, swords gleamed, and killing intent filled the air. Boom! Hans inner armor absorbed a crushing iron fist, while Taibai swept aside two razor-sharp weapons. His robes were stained with bloodsome his own, some his enemies. Every strike was meant to kill. Every movement carried lethal intent. In mere moments, countless exchanges teetered on the edge of life and death. The three Huang family cultivators fared no bettersword wounds, bruises from fists, burns of ice and fire, searing marks from purple lightning. Unlike Han, they lacked an arsenal of enchanted weapons and artifacts. Despite their prestigious background, even in a powerful prefectural clan, obtaining a single martial-grade weapon was considered fortunate. The Huang family had wealth, but it also had many mouths to feedtoo many to share its resources equally. Then, in a fleeting moment, the weakest of the threewho had only just reached Organ Temperingexposed a fatal flaw. Hans eyes gleamed. His soul force surged forth like a raging tide. With seamless precision, he unleashed a chain of Daoist techniques Dreambinding Spell to cloud the mind. Vital Qi Barrier to deflect counterattacks. Grand Haoran Palm roaring down like the hand of the heavens! Shing! A single sword thrust pierced straight through his enemys heart. The impact sent a powerful shockwave through his organs, shattering them completely. The Organ Tempering stage strengthened the bodys internal systems, but it did not render them indestructible. The light faded from his opponents eyes as he collapsed lifelessly to the ground. Three against oneyet Han had turned the tide, claiming the first kill! He was pushing his speed to the limit, determined to end this battle quickly. The two remaining Huang warriors roared in fury, their eyes bloodshot. Han! You dare kill a member of the Huang family?! Youre dead! The ones who deserve death are you! Han snapped back, his momentum surging. Where in this world was it written that the strong could kill without consequence, but the weak could not fight back? Even emperors were not above the blade of retribution! Shing! Suddenly, a sharp sound echoed from behind. Hans spiritual sense flared. He turnedjust in time to see Bai Ruoyue standing frozen, dazed, as if trapped by an illusion. The large-headed man sneered, raising his blade for a decisive strike, abandoning all defense in favor of a lethal blow. But just as the attack was about to land Bai Ruoyue moved. Her sword flashed in a perfectly timed counter, plunging straight into his abdomen! The man let out a guttural scream, stumbling backward as blood gushed from his wound. You resisted my technique?! he gasped in disbelief. Suddenly, the forest trembled. A surge of wood-elemental energy erupted, condensing into a massive seal that crashed toward Bai Ruoyue. A cultivator! A warrior trained in both martial arts and Daoist techniques! But Bai Ruoyue remained unfazed. Instead, she smiled. With a surge of true energy and blazing vitality, she swung her sword And the wooden seal shattered into nothingness. Junior Brother was rightone of you was a cultivator. Did you really think I wouldnt be prepared? Dream on. Thanks to Hans warning, she had been on guard the entire time. Lu Qingmo had long ensured she had ways to counter Daoist arts. The large-headed mans face darkened. One hand clutched his abdomen, his body covered in wounds. Meanwhile, Bai Ruoyue stood tall, barely injured. Among all the combatants, his situation was the most direhe had been completely overpowered. His gaze darted toward his alliesonly to see one already dead. His fury boiled over. Retreat! he roared, forming a hand seal to cast a spell for cover. Han clashed with the two remaining warriors once more but seized the moment to create distance, silently preparing a technique. Yinfire Seal. Whoosh! A black flame ignited out of nowhere, latching onto the large-headed mans spiritual energy. The cursed fire spread rapidly, consuming his very soul. Soul-based flames were ineffective against physical bodies, but if someone extended their spiritual force It became the perfect conduit for the fire to latch onto. Aaaagh! The man screamed in agony. The spell he had been preparing collapsed as his body convulsed. The other two warriors recoiled in horror, fearing they too would be set ablaze. But Han had no intention of wasting his Yinfire on them. This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience. His flames were limitedhe had only recently learned this technique. The large-headed man desperately tried to extinguish the fire, but it was futile. Bai Ruoyue saw her chance. Han, too, was mercilessdrawing his bow, he loosed an arrow to support her attack. You dare?! The two remaining Huang warriors shouted in rage, but Han merely turned, sending arrows their way as well before charging in for close combat. Behind him, screams rang out. Bai Ruoyues sword severed both of the large-headed mans arms. And in the chaos, Han found his own openingkilling another opponent. Mercy! Please! The last surviving Huang warrior panicked, dropping his weapon and begging for his life. But Hans expression remained cold. Where was this plea for mercy when they first attacked? Too late. If they had simply left when they first crossed paths, none of this would have happened. They had sealed their own fate. But just as Han was about to finish him off Rumble! The ground trembled. Trees toppled. Boom! A colossal serpent erupted from beneath the earth Lunging straight for Han! Its movement carried the force of a hurricane, its sheer speed allowing no time for reaction. Hans instincts screamed danger. He barely managed to move. Junior Brother, look out! Bai Ruoyue leaped in front of the attack, her true energy erupting like a brilliant sun. She intercepted the strike And was sent flying. Blood sprayed through the air. The serpent had crippled her with a single hit. Hissssss! A deep, guttural hissing echoed through the forest. The massive, ink-green snake fully emerged, its towering head looming over Han. Toxic venom dripped from its fangs, melting through trees and searing the ground. Hans entire body tensed. Bone Forging level. And not just any Bone Forging beastone of terrifying strength. Their battle had drawn the attention of the true rulers of Black Mountain. This was the danger of fighting here without omniscient vision. One never knew when a monster far beyond their ability would appear. Some beasts had natural stealth abilities. Some possessed supernatural talents. Han had not sensed its approach at all. And judging by its powerthis was not a newly advanced Bone Forging creature. It might have reached mid-stage or even peak-level. Han had no time to hesitate. He scooped Bai Ruoyue into his arms and ran. The serpent did not immediately chase. Instead It swallowed the large-headed man whole. Then, it turned to the last Huang warrior. That man tried to flee, but how could he outrun a beast of this caliber? More importantly He wasnt faster than Han. And for the first time ever Han actually hoped his enemy was strong enough to stall the beast. Some beasts possessed extraordinary stealth and unique abilities, making them impossible to detect with spiritual senses. This serpent was one of them. Han had not sensed its approach at all. And judging by its power, it was far from a newly advanced Bone Forging beast. If Bai Ruoyue couldnt even withstand a single blow, it was likely at mid-stage perhaps even peak-level. Han didnt waste time overthinking. He wasnt foolish enough to stand still and ponder. With his boots infused with martial-grade energy, he activated them at full force, dashing to Bai Ruoyues side. Scooping her up, he ran. A quick glance behind revealed that the massive, ink-green serpent wasnt in a hurry to chase him down. Instead, it lunged at the large-headed man And swallowed him whole. Then, its gaze shifted toward the last surviving Huang family warrior. It slithered forward at terrifying speed. The man froze in terror before bolting for his life. But outrunning a Bone Forging serpent? Impossible. More importantly He couldnt outrun Han. Senior Sister? Senior Sister! The moment Han caught Bai Ruoyue, he knew something was wrong. Her face had paled to an unhealthy blue. One of her arms was covered in bubbling, ink-green blisters. Her body was limp, her breathing weak. Her meridians, organs, and bonesall gravely injured. The most alarming sight A stream of blackened blood creeping up her neck, inching toward her head. A single clash with the serpent had completely incapacitated her. Junior Brother run, Bai Ruoyue murmured weakly. That beast its cunning and terrifyingly strong. The venom is potent Even as she spoke, her complexion worsened. Han glanced at her other armher veins were turning black. Damn it! How had they stumbled upon such a monster? Heart pounding, Han sprinted at full speed while shoving detoxification pills into Bai Ruoyues mouth. Useless. Then, he pulled out a fragment of a Venom-Repelling Pearl, an old relic he had obtained from Tree Brother. Activating it, he pressed it against Bai Ruoyues body. The venoms spread slowedbut it did not stop. The pearls effect was limited. The toxin of a Bone Forging beast was no ordinary poisonit could not be neutralized so easily. Worse still, Bai Ruoyues movement only accelerated the poisons circulation. She wasnt just poisonedshe was gravely wounded. Gritting his teeth, Han carried her in his arms and ran with all his might, constantly checking behind him. Right now, he prayed that the last Huang family warrior was strong enough to buy them time. For the first time, Han found himself hoping his enemy was powerful. But within moments A bloodcurdling scream. The final Huang family warrior was devoured. Fresh blood splattered across the forest floor. And the serpent, having finished its meal, turned its gaze toward Han. It was not willing to let its final two prey escape. With terrifying speed, it slithered through the forest, weaving between trees like a streak of death. Han pushed his speed to the limit. His martial boots burned with energy, nearly smoking from overuse. His speed was already unmatched for his levelenhanced by Taibais movement technique, rare enchanted gear, and his own soul power. For now, he was just barely faster than the serpent. His smaller, more agile frame allowed him to weave through obstacles. But the beast was relentless. ROAR! A bestial cry rang out. Hans face darkened. Another beast. The serpents rampage had been too loudtrees collapsing, birds scattering. It was impossible not to attract other predators. Whoosh! A gust of wind howled behind him. The serpent opened its maw and unleashed a surge of venomous true essence. At the Organ Tempering stage, warriors refined true energy. At the Bone Forging stage, true energy evolved into true essence. The gap between the two was vastfar greater than the gap between inner breath and true energy. BOOM! The blast of green essence exploded dozens of meters behind Han, sending a shockwave through the air. Han grunted in pain but didnt stop. Instead, he used the impact to propel himself forward in a desperate leap. When the smoke cleared, a massive crater remainedcharred earth, trees reduced to smoldering husks, and sizzling venom eating away at the ground. Han had barely dodged in time. This thing can fire energy attacks?! Junior Brother let me go, Bai Ruoyue said weakly. Ill buy you time Before she could finish, Han shoved the Venom-Repelling Pearl fragment into her mouth, silencing her. Then, rummaging through his spatial ring, he grabbed a cup of golden liquid. Tree Brothers Fortune Elixir. Drinking one-third would enhance luck for three daysthe full amount only extended the duration, not the effect. Han downed a third in one gulp. Then, he hurled two objects behind him, activating them the moment the serpent closed in. BOOM! A chain of explosions erupted. For a brief momentthe serpents advance stalled. Explosive Talismans. Fireburst Pills. By sheer luck, the explosions detonated right as the serpent unleashed another breath attack. The resulting chain reaction sent shockwaves rebounding onto the beast itself. The serpent screeched, thrashing in fury. Good beast! Han took advantage of the moment. Swallowing a strengthening pill, his energy surged, and his speed spiked once more. BOOM! Another venomous breath attack exploded twenty meters ahead of him. Had he not changed direction at the last moment, he would have been blown to pieces. Shielding Bai Ruoyue, Han was still hit by the blast wave. Blood dripped from his nose, ears, and mouth. His clothes were soaked in crimson. His entire body throbbed with pain. This damn snake Junior Brother Bai Ruoyues eyes reddened, her voice choked with emotion. Han didnt respond. His mind raced for solutions. With all his buffs and artifacts, he could temporarily match a Bone Forging beasts speed. But not forever. The gap was closing. Bone Forging creatures had endurance beyond human limits. Even if he kept ahead for now, he would eventually tire. ROAR! ROAR! ROAR! Suddenlythree more bestial cries echoed through the forest. They had drawn even more monsters. From three different directions, new predators emerged: A massive white tiger. A muscled, black-spotted leopard. A towering, golden-maned lion. All three radiated immense power. Bone Forging level. If they dared to appear despite the serpents presence, they were no ordinary beasts. BOOM! The ground shattered as the three creatures charged And their target was Han and Bai Ruoyue. Even without intelligence, beasts instinctively knew which prey was the weakest. Bai Ruoyue clung to Han, burying her face into his chest. She closed her eyes. She wasnt afraid. Han, too, showed no fear. Instead A grin spread across his bloodied face. Good, good, good. You all came at just the right time. Today, I was destined to escape alive. Chapter 153: Blood as the Cure If reincarnation is real then in my next life Bai Ruoyue murmured weakly. Senior Sister, Im not done living this one yet, Han retorted, rummaging through his spatial ring with his spiritual force. Youre only eighteen, still singlewhy are you talking about next lives? Worry about surviving this one first! Single? What kind of creature is that? As Bai Ruoyue pondered this strange phrase, Han hurled something far into the distance with all his strength. Eat shit, you beasts! A delicate brocade box flew through the air, snapping open mid-flight to reveal its contents A mound of blood-soaked mud, dusted with powdered pills. A strange, irresistible fragrance filled the air. The three Bone Forging beasts that had been charging toward Han and Bai Ruoyue immediately froze, their gazes snapping toward the box. Their eyes turned bloodshot, thick saliva dripping uncontrollably from their jaws. Han and Bai Ruoyue? Forgotten. Han wasted no time. He activated a concealment artifact, completely erasing his breath, energy, and even his life forcerendering him undetectable. Then, he placed a Seclusion Leaf on Bai Ruoyue, hiding her presence as well. Artifact: Deathless Mask. Rare Treasure: Breath-Concealing Leaf. ROAR! The tiger, snake, leopard, and lion howled in unison. Han and Bai Ruoyues scent was no longer enticing. The four beasts lunged at the brocade box, descending into a frenzied brawl. Han took off, carrying Bai Ruoyue, sprinting toward the most rugged, uneven terrain he could find. Behind them, the sounds of a brutal, all-out battle eruptedsnarls, roars, and the crashing of trees as the beasts tore into each other. Junior Brother what was that? Corpse refinement medicine. Specially made for refining undead. Lethal to anything still alive. ? Han kept running, adjusting his direction as he explained, On top of that, I mixed in another special powderBeast Lure Pill. A pill that exuded an irresistible aroma for wild beasts. It could be used whole or ground into powder for wider dispersion. To creatures caught in its influence, nothing else matterednot even Han and Bai Ruoyue. Of course, using it required perfect timing. If Han had thrown it when only the serpent was present, it wouldve swallowed the pill instantly and kept chasing themturning them into seasoned prey instead. By using it now, with multiple beasts competing for dominance, it had bought them precious time. They ran. The roars of battle faded behind them. Just when Han thought they were finally safe BOOM! A colossal war elephant crashed through the trees from the side, its sheer presence radiating Bone Forging strength. Han almost swore aloud. Didnt I just drink a luck-boosting elixir? Why is my luck still garbage?! Without hesitation, he changed course. The only consolationthe elephant was weaker than the serpent and significantly slower. AWOOO! A wolfs howl cut through the air. A lone dire wolf, swift as lightning, lunged at himtoo fast to react in time. Though its presence was far less overwhelming, it was still at Organ Tempering level. Youve got to be kidding me! Getting bullied by Bone Forging beasts is bad enoughnow even you dare?! Han snarled. One arm clutched Bai Ruoyue tightly, while the other Shoved his sword straight into the wolfs mouth as it bit down. Ice and fire erupted. The wolf let out a bloodcurdling screech. BANG! The impact still sent Han flying backward. The wolfs claws tore into his side, ripping flesh and muscle apartblood sprayed into the air. Carrying Bai Ruoyue severely restricted Hans movement, preventing him from fighting at full strength. The wolf kept struggling, thrashing wildly. Han twisted his sword inside its throat, digging deeper, while using his forearm to block its snapping jaws. With a final shove, he flung the dying wolf toward the charging war elephant. A gift for you! Enjoy! But the elephant didnt even glance at the wolf Its focus remained locked on Han. And worse Hans spiritual senses picked up another disturbance. More trees collapsing. More thunderous footsteps shaking the ground. What now?! Han kept running. Then Bai Ruoyues arms slipped from around his neck. The story has been illicitly taken; should you find it on Amazon, report the infringement. He looked down. Her body was limp. Her eyes barely open. Her skinashen. Senior Sister? Senior Sister?! Han she whispered. WHOOSH! Hans spiritual senses suddenly picked up moisture in the air. A cliff. A roaring waterfall. Ahead of him A bottomless abyss, shrouded in mist. He turned, trying to find another way But no matter where he moved, the cliff stretched endlessly. No paths. No life. Behind him Not just the elephant. The black-spotted leopard had returned. Han took a deep breath. Stepping to the cliffs edge He turned to face the approaching beasts And flipped them off. Then, without hesitation He leapt. Ill be back for you bastards! The leopard and elephant skidded to a halt, staring down at the abyss Only to lose interest in the vanished prey. With nowhere to chase, they turned on each other, a new battle beginning. Meanwhile, mid-air Han floated, Bai Ruoyue still in his arms. Behind him, arms wrapped around his back, was An Lang. Han couldnt fly on his own. But An Lang was a ghost. Flight was effortless for him. Han had avoided using this trick in the forest, fearing it would attract flying beasts. Being hunted in the air was even deadlier than on land. But he had scanned ahead before jumping There were no flying beasts in this area. At least, none within his detection range. They had no other option. Above, the sounds of battle continued. Boulders and debris tumbled from the cliffside. Master, what now? An Lang asked, worried. Find a place to land. Han didnt dare ascendif the leopard spotted him, it would leap straight at them. Scanning the misty abyss, Hans eyes locked onto something. There. A cave in the waterfall. What if its a beasts den? Before Han could answer, An Lang bit his lip and charged in first. Ill check it out! If somethings in there, let me die first! Seconds later, he re-emerged, grinning. Master! Its safeno signs of any beasts! They slipped through the waterfall. Dark. Damp. Silent. For the first time in hours Han exhaled in relief. Finally, a stroke of good luck. But his relief was short-lived. In his arms, Bai Ruoyue was deathly still. Her breathshallow. Her entire arm had rotted away, veins blackened beyond recognition. Even worse Through his spiritual perception, Han saw Her bones were shattered. Her organs crushed. Her meridians in tatters. The serpents single strike had nearly killed her. Han placed her down, his heart pounding. Antidote I need an antidote Desperately, he searched through his own storageand hers. None of the detoxifying pills could combat this level of venom. Master, youre poisoned too, An Lang said anxiously. Han looked down. His own body was drenched in blood and poison. But To his shock The poison was slowly pushing itself out of his skin. His wounds remained, but the venom couldnt invade him. Why am I immune? His mind raced. Then, a thought struck him. He grabbed a dagger SLASH! And cut his own wrist. Blood dripped into Bai Ruoyues mouth. Within the crimson liquid Blood continued to flow into Bai Ruoyues mouth. Whenever it threatened to clot, Han forced his true energy into the wound, keeping it open. Her body seemed to react instinctively, swallowing the blood on its own. Fifteen minutes passed. A massive loss of blood, even with Hans formidable constitution, left him feeling lightheaded and pale. Suddenly Ahh! An Lang let out a startled shriek, snapping Han back to reality. Sword in hand, Han whipped around, ready for an attack Only to see nothing but shadows. What the hell are you screaming for?! Han snapped. An Lang pointed, her voice trembling with excitement. White Ladyshes healing! Han turned his gaze to Bai Ruoyue. Her ashen complexion had lightened, the eerie black veins fading in color. From her once-rotting arm, inky-green venom oozed out, dripping onto the cave floor with a hissing soundthe toxic fluid burning through the stone. A surge of relief washed over Han. It worked. Master, your blood can cleanse poison? An Lang whispered, awestruck. Hans expression darkened. Never speak of this to anyone. An Lang nodded frantically. Dont worry, I wont tell a soul! Watching Bai Ruoyues condition improve, Han finally let go of the tension gripping his chest. His guess had been right. She was going to survive. His blood contained traces of True Dragon essence, the residual power of a Golden Core pill, and the unmatched purity of his Seven Aperture Exquisite Heart. It all made sense. The serpents poison hadnt affected himmeaning something in his body naturally countered it. The most likely explanation? These three divine relicsespecially the True Dragon Blood Soul Stone. The Dragon Souls power had long since fused with Han, circulating through his bloodstream. By feeding Bai Ruoyue his blood, he was essentially transferring those divine energies into her. For him, losing an hours worth of power meant nothinghe had been refining these forces for months. But for Bai Ruoyue It was life-saving. The blood kept flowing. Hans face grew paler and paler. An Lang, watching anxiously, clutched her hands together. Master maybe you should rest for a bit? Han shook his head. No. If the poison leaves behind permanent damage, shell never fully recover. An hour passed. If Han werent a warriorif he werent strengthened by legendary artifactshe would have already died from blood loss. Even with all his advantages, he was at his limit. Why the hell does Senior Sister need so much blood?! At last, Bai Ruoyues face returned to its normal color. The venom had completely stopped leaking from her wounds. Even the rotted flesh on her arm was regeneratinghealing at an astonishing rate under the influence of Hans blood. This was the power of the Golden Core. The power of the Dragon Soul. The reason Han had never feared fighting recklessly. Then THUD! Han collapsed beside Bai Ruoyue. I survived the beasts only to get drained dry by Senior Sister Even in unconsciousness, his hand remained resting near Bai Ruoyues lips. An Lang panicked. She rushed forward, checking his pulse. Still breathing. Relief flooded her. He was just unconscious from exhaustion. Quickly, she grabbed several healing pills, forcing them into both Han and Bai Ruoyues mouths. Then, she rushed outside, filled a wooden bowl with water from the waterfall, and carefully fed them. For the rest of the night, she did not leave their side. Her spiritual senses expanded outward, scanning for danger. Eyes sharp, body tense, ready to fight. Above the cliff The occasional roar of beasts echoed through the night. Each time, An Langs ghostly body shivered. She clenched her fists, trying to steady herself. Come on, beasts! If you want to hurt Master, youll have to get through me first! Waaaah, Im actually really scared! Time passed. The sun set. Darkness swallowed the land. And then Bai Ruoyue stirred. Her fingers twitched. Her eyelashes fluttered. Then Her eyes slowly opened. For a moment, her mind was foggy. The snake the chase Junior Brother Then, she fully regained consciousness. And the first thing she saw Was a wrist pressed to her lips. A bleeding wrist. Beside her, Han lay motionless. Her eyes widened. Grabbing his hand, she shouted in panic. Junior Brother?! Then, she saw the wound on his wrist. She touched her lips And saw red. Blood. Her heart froze. Her gaze flickered between her bloodstained fingertips and Hans open wound. Her eyes turned red with unshed tears. Tears that soon began to fall. She pulled Han into her arms. Then, she noticed The wounds across his body. Scars from the serpents blast. Bite marks from the dire wolfs fangs. Gashes so deep she could see bone. The sight made her sob uncontrollably. Junior Brother Junior Brother Her voice trembled. Her heart ached. Then Oh! White Lady, youre awake! An Lang floated in, carrying another bowl of water. She had sensed Bai Ruoyue waking moments ago. An Lang?! Bai Ruoyue turned immediately. What happened to Junior Brother?! What is this?! An Lang hesitated. She glanced at Hans unconscious figure, then back at Bai Ruoyue. Finally, she sighed. We were hunted by beasts all the way here, she explained. Master had no choice but to jump off the cliffthen found this place. After that he passed out. Bai Ruoyues eyes flickered. And then, he saved me. It wasnt a question. It was a fact. An Lang hesitated again. Then, she made a show of looking guiltyshaking her head. Master told me not to tell you that he used his own blood to heal you. That he fed you for an hour straight. I promised I wouldnt say a word. I have to keep his secret. Bai Ruoyue: She burst into fresh tears. Chapter 154: The Pool of Life An Lang was still talking, but Bai Ruoyue no longer cared. She gazed at Han, his body covered in dried blood, and gently stroked his face, wiping away the crusted stains. After some time of recovery, Hans face had regained some color, and he looked much better. Miss Bai, youre still injured. You shouldnt move around carelessly, An Lang advised from the side. Although the poison had been removed, Bai Ruoyues wounds had yet to heal. She shook her head, silent tears rolling down her cheeks, soaking Hans clothes. As if sensing something, Hans eyelids trembled, and he slowly opened his eyes. The first thing he saw was Bai Ruoyues tear-streaked face, delicate yet sorrowful. He chuckled softly. Senior Sister, you still have the energy to cry. Looks like youre doing fine. Wuu Bai Ruoyue buried her face against Hans chest, sobbing uncontrollably. The strong and fierce warrior was gone, replaced by a vulnerable eighteen-year-old girl. Junior Brother, its my fault. I dragged you into this and even made you use your own blood to save me. Han patted her back gently. If you hadnt stopped that giant serpent, it would have ambushed me instead. I wouldnt have survived that. If anything, you saved me. Bai Ruoyue kept crying. She couldnt calm down when she thought about how Han had carried her while fleeing for their lives, constantly pursued by danger. And when she recalled how he had slit his own wrist to feed her his blood, her heart ached even more. Senior Sister, stop crying. My clothes are drenched. Youll have to wash them for me later. Han reached out and ruffled her hair, using the touch to assess her injuries. His brows furrowed slightlythough the poison was gone, her bones, organs, and meridians were still damaged. But at least she was far better than before. Thankfully, there was no longer any threat to her life. His blood, infused with potent medicinal properties and the power of a true dragon, wasnt just an antidoteit was an exceptional healing elixir. Senior Sister, youre still injured. Dont move around, Han said as he helped Bai Ruoyue sit up properly, preventing any further harm. As he did so, Bai Ruoyue winced in pain. Earlier, her mind had been focused entirely on Han, making her oblivious to her own injuries. Now that she had calmed down, the pain surged backespecially in her arm, which was nearly powerless. She had used it to block the beasts attack. With your arm in this state, you were still moving around? Han flicked her forehead lightly. Are you an idiot? Bai Ruoyues reddened eyes met his, but she said nothing. Han glanced around. An Lang was nowhere to be seen. Im outside keeping watch, Young Master! An Langs voice echoed in his mind. Make sure not a single threat slips past you. Good. She sounded energetic. Han turned his attention back to Bai Ruoyues injured armher sleeve was soaked with dried blood, the fabric sticking to the wound. Senior Sister, we need to treat this properly. Let me help you. Alright. Bai Ruoyue didnt even glance at her injury. Her eyes remained fixed on Han. Han sighed. Great, now his senior sister was completely mesmerized by his looks. Being too handsome was truly a hassle. Carefully, he removed the debris from her wound and sprinkled medicinal powder over it. Then, he fetched the water An Lang had brought in and wiped Bai Ruoyues face. After all the running and fighting, neither of them had remained cleandust-covered faces, torn clothing, and dried blood all over. Bai Ruoyue had been shielded by Han most of the time, so her injuries were limited to her hands, back, and legs. Han, however, had taken the brunt of the damage. Luckily, his robes werent completely destroyed. Given enough time, they could repair themselves. He took out a few healing pills and fed them to Bai Ruoyue. They were effective, but not perfect. Junior Brother, take some too, Bai Ruoyue said. Han shook his head. I dont need them. He pulled up his sleeve, revealing his earlier woundsthey had already healed significantly. During his unconscious state, the two divine artifacts within him had worked tirelessly, replenishing his blood and mending his injuries. The Seven-Orifice Exquisite Heart, though subtle in its presence, had also played a role. From day to night, his recovery had far surpassed Bai Ruoyues. My body is special, which makes my blood unique. Thats why my wounds heal so fast. Thats also why it was able to neutralize the poison. Dont ever do that again, Bai Ruoyue said softly. Han simply smiled, not giving her a direct answer. With Bai Ruoyues injuries temporarily stabilized, Han said, Senior Sister, Im going to change clothes and clean myself up. Bai Ruoyue nodded lightly, her gaze still fixed on him. Han entered the cave, finding a secluded corner where no one could see him. The narrative has been taken without permission. Report any sightings. His body was covered in dried blood, making him look utterly miserable. After cleaning himself up, he stepped outside and suddenly realizedBai Ruoyue should change as well. Her clothes were tattered, soaked with blood, sweat, and traces of venom. She looked just as ragged as he had. Senior Sister, Ill have An Lang help you freshen up. Han called for An Lang, and she quickly flew in. Upon hearing Hans request, she nodded eagerly. Leave it to me! Han stood at the cave entrance, looking at the waterfall cascading down, lost in thought. Who wouldve thought that a simple trip into the mountains would turn into such chaos? The relentless pursuit by multiple Bone Refining realm beastsif he hadnt had so many tricks up his sleeve, he would have perished in Black Mountain. There was no omniscient perspective here. The dangers were real, unpredictable. No one could foresee what would happen in the next moment. But it was all the Huang familys fault! Young Master! Young Master! Come inside, quickly! An Langs sudden shout snapped Han out of his thoughts. He turned and walked in at a steady pace. The area was secure. There was no need to rush. As he ventured deeper into the cave, he was surprised. Had An Lang and Bai Ruoyue really gone this far inside? When he reached the very end, he was stunnedthe once-dark cavern was now illuminated. A pool, about four to five meters in diameter, appeared before him. The water was an extraordinary shade of emerald green, crystal clear, and brimming with energy. It radiated a powerful life force, filling the air with vitality. Hans eyes widened. He had never stepped this deep into the cave, but his spiritual sense had scanned the area before. And at that time, there had been nothing here. What is this? An Lang shook her head. I dont know. I discovered it the first time I came in, but we were in a rush, and since it wasnt dangerous, I didnt mention it. It only just came to mind now. Han glanced at Bai Ruoyueshe had changed into clean clothes, her face freshly washed. This pool is unusual, Bai Ruoyue said. Theres a remarkable force within it. Han nodded. He could feel it too. Suddenly, a thought struck him Could this be the true manifestation of his increased fortune? Bai Ruoyue no longer cared about what An Lang was saying. She gazed at Han, his body covered in blood and grime, and gently wiped away the dried blood on his face with her hand. After some time recovering, Hans complexion had improved, and he finally had some color in his cheeks. Miss Bai, you''re still injured. You shouldn''t move around so recklessly, An Lang advised from the side. The poison had been purged, but Bai Ruoyues wounds were far from healed. She shook her head as silent tears streamed down her face, dripping onto Hans clothes and soaking them through. Perhaps disturbed by the sensation, Han''s eyelids fluttered before he slowly opened his eyes. The first thing he saw was Bai Ruoyues tear-streaked face, delicate and sorrowful. He smiled faintly. Senior Sister, if youve got the energy to cry, then I guess youre not in too bad of a shape. Wuu Bai Ruoyue buried her face against Hans chest, sobbing uncontrollably. The fierce and commanding senior sister was gone, replaced by a vulnerable eighteen-year-old girl. Little junior brother, I dragged you into this You even had to use your own blood to save me. Han patted her back reassuringly. If you hadnt stopped that serpent, I wouldve been the one ambushed. I wouldnt have stood a chance. If it had attacked me, I''d be dead. So, its you who saved me. Bai Ruoyues tears didnt stop. The thought of Han carrying her through endless pursuit, bleeding and exhausted, and even slitting his wrist to feed her his own bloodit was too much for her to bear. Senior Sister, stop crying already. My clothes are soaked. Youll have to wash them later, Han teased. He reached out and ruffled Bai Ruoyues hair, but at the same time, he silently examined her injuries. His brows furrowed slightly. Though the poison had been neutralized, the damage to her bones, internal organs, and meridians remained. Still, compared to before, she had improved significantly. At least her life was no longer in immediate danger. Hans blood wasnt just an antidote; it was infused with medicinal properties and the power of a true dragon. It had potent healing abilities, far beyond what an ordinary elixir could provide. Senior Sister, youre still hurt. Dont move, Han said as he sat up and gently helped Bai Ruoyue into a better position to avoid aggravating her wounds. As he did, Bai Ruoyue winced, pain flashing across her face. Earlier, her mind had been consumed with worry for Han, making her oblivious to her own suffering. But now that she had calmed down, the pain surged back like a tidal waveespecially in her arms, which had taken the brunt of the impact when she blocked the serpents attack. With injuries like that, you were still moving around? Han flicked her forehead lightly. What were you thinking? Bai Ruoyue looked at Han with reddened eyes but said nothing. Glancing around, Han realized An Lang was no longer there. Im outside keeping watch, Young Master, An Langs voice echoed in his mind. Dont let any threats slip past you, Han instructed. Good, shes on high alert. Han turned his attention back to Bai Ruoyues arm. Her clothes were already fused with dried blood and flesh. Senior Sister, we need to treat your wounds. Let me help. Alright. Bai Ruoyue didnt even glance at her injuriesher eyes remained fixed on Han. Han sighed inwardly. Great. Senior Sister is completely mesmerized by my looks. Being this handsome is such a hassle. Carefully, he extracted the debris from her wounds and applied healing powder. Then, he took a cloth and dipped it into the water An Lang had brought before gently wiping the dirt from Bai Ruoyues face. After the frantic escape, neither of them was in good shape. Their faces were covered in dust, and their clothes were torn. Though Bai Ruoyue had been shielded by Han most of the time, her arms, back, and legs had still sustained injuries. Han, on the other hand, had it much worse. Fortunately, his robe hadnt suffered irreversible damageit could still repair itself over time. Han took out a few healing pills and fed them to Bai Ruoyue. They worked, but the effects were limited. Junior Brother, you take some too, Bai Ruoyue urged. Han shook his head. I dont need them. To prove his point, he pulled back his sleeve, revealing wounds that were already nearly healed. While he had been unconscious, the two divine artifacts within him had worked continuously to replenish his blood and restore his injuries. The Seven Aperture Exquisite Heart was subtle but undoubtedly effective. Compared to Bai Ruoyue, his recovery was leagues ahead. My body is different, Han explained. Because of that, my blood is special. Thats why it was able to counteract the poison. Dont ever do that again, Bai Ruoyue said firmly. Han smiled but didnt promise anything. After tending to Bai Ruoyue, he stood up. Senior Sister, Im going to change and clean up. She nodded softly, but her gaze never left him. Han entered the cave and found a secluded corner where he wouldnt be seen. His body was covered in dried blood, making him look even more battered than he felt. Once he was done, he stepped outside and suddenly realizedBai Ruoyue needed to change too. Her clothes were torn, stained with blood, sweat, and venom, making her appearance just as disheveled. Senior Sister, Ill call An Lang back to help you clean up. After a few calls, An Lang flew in instantly, nodding eagerly when she heard Hans request. Leave it to me! Han stepped away to give them privacy. He stood at the cave entrance, watching the waterfall cascade down in an endless stream. He sighed. Who could have predicted that a simple expedition into the mountains would turn into such a life-and-death ordeal? Being hunted by multiple Bone Refining Realm beastsif he hadnt possessed so many trump cards, he wouldve died in Black Mountain. There was no omniscient perspective in this world. It was truly dangerous. Unpredictable. Uncontrollable. No one could know what lay ahead. And yet, this was all the Huang familys fault. Young Master! Come in, quickly! Suddenly, An Langs urgent voice called from inside the cave. Han turned and walked back unhurriedly. This place was safethere was nothing to worry about. But as he continued deeper into the cave, he was surprised. An Lang had taken Bai Ruoyue to the very depths of the cave? When he reached the end, what should have been a dark, lifeless cavern was instead glowing with an ethereal light. A pool of water, about four to five meters in diameter, lay before him. The water shimmered an emerald green, crystal-clear and teeming with vitality. Energy surged within it, exuding an aura of unparalleled life force. Hans eyes widened in shock. He had never ventured this deep into the cave, but his spiritual senses had scanned it before. And according to his senses this pool shouldnt have existed. What is this? An Lang shook her head. I dont know. I saw it the first time I came in, but things were chaotic, so I only confirmed it wasnt dangerous and didnt mention it to you. I just remembered it now. Han glanced at Bai Ruoyue. She had changed into fresh clothes, her face now clean. This pool its not ordinary, Bai Ruoyue murmured. Theres a remarkable power within it. Han nodded in agreement. He could feel it too. A thought suddenly crossed his mind. Could this be the real manifestation of my increased luck? Chapter 155: I... I Can’t Control Myself! Han bent down and scooped up Bai Ruoyue in his arms. Without any further hesitation, the two of them stepped into the Pool of Life together. His original plan was for Bai Ruoyue to go in firsthe didnt mind if some of the life energy dissipated. But since she insisted, they might as well bathe together. There was no need to remove their clothes, so the situation wasnt particularly awkward. However, once something like this was done, things would never quite be the same again. The water of the Pool of Life was strangeit wasnt cold despite being deep inside a mountain cave. Instead, it was pleasantly warm, almost soothing. As soon as they stepped in, their clothes were instantly soaked. But that didnt hinder their absorption of the life energy. No, they didnt even need to actively absorb itthe life force in the water was already surging toward them, seeping into their bodies on its own. The pool wasnt very deep. If Han sat down, his head would still be above the surface. But Bai Ruoyue was injured, and there wasnt a suitable place for her to sit. If she tried, shed be completely submerged. Dying from drowning in the Pool of Life instead of from a beast attack that would be a joke too ridiculous to laugh at. After a brief hesitation, Han suggested, Senior Sister, should I hold you? Mm. Bai Ruoyue nodded obediently, no longer the lively and fiery presence she usually was. A delicate and fragile Senior Sister. Han sat down and pulled Bai Ruoyue into his arms. They faced each other, and she rested her head against his neck, saying nothing. Powerful life force continuously poured into their bodies. A whirlpool of energy even formed around them, drawn to their presence. This immense vitality worked tirelessly to heal their wounds, wrapping them in comforting warmth. It seeped deeper inside, settling in their bodies, fusing with their very being. Junior Brother this feels so good Bai Ruoyue murmured softly. ... Han had no idea how to respond. Senior Sister, given our current position, I really dont think thats the best thing to say As Han focused inward, he could sense the life energy permeating every part of him. His skin, muscles, meridians, organs, and bonesevery inch of him was being revitalized. A body filled with life energy was completely different from a frail, decaying one. Even setting aside other benefits, this meant he could train harder, endure more, and recover faster. His overall resilience had increased significantly. Inexplicably, Han felt lighter. His breath was long and steady, and for a fleeting moment, he even had the illusion of immortality. Of course, that was just an illusion. Still, it suggested that his lifespan had likely increased. Just then, Han noticed that Bai Ruoyue was subtly shifting in his arms. Senior Sister, whats wrong? I my body feels itchy. Her cheeks flushed slightly. Itchy? Han scanned her condition and quickly realized why. The life force was not just healing her injuriesit was reconstructing her damaged meridians, organs, and bones. No wonder she felt itchy. He explained the situation to her. This Pool of Life really is miraculous, Bai Ruoyue said, delighted. At this rate, I might be completely healed by the time we get out. And the best partthere would be no lingering side effects, no damage to her future cultivation. As time passed, Bai Ruoyues itching sensation intensified. She could hardly bear it. The influx of life energy wasnt just repairing her; it was fundamentally reshaping her body, almost like a rebirth. Her squirming became more pronounced. Hans expression grew increasingly stiff. Senior Sister, stop moving. Youre really making things difficult for me Ah! Bai Ruoyue suddenly let out a startled cry, pressing her face against Hans neck, refusing to look up. The part of her face that was still visible was burning red, as if about to drip blood. Junior Brother, you She wanted to say something but hesitated. Senior Sister, I swear its not intentional. Its just a natural reaction. I cant control it. Han forced himself to sound calm and composed. But on the bright side, Bai Ruoyue was now so flustered that she stopped squirming entirely, her body rigid against his. The only problem their positioning had made things significantly worse. After a while, An Lang barged in. She had been listening outside for a long time and grew worried when she didnt hear a sound. What if Han and Bai Ruoyue had drowned? Stolen content alert: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences. But the moment she stepped in and saw their posture, she immediately covered her eyesthough she left a suspiciously large gap between her fingers. Ahem. I, An Lang, am a respectable person who knows better than to peek. But what exactly were they doing? An Lang, who had died a virgin, genuinely had no idea. She started creeping closer, her eyes squinting through her fingers as if she wanted to inspect the scene more closely. Hans face darkened. As the Ghost Lord, he exercised his authority and promptly threw An Lang back outside. Nosy little girl. Whys she so curious? The life force in the pool was overwhelming. Han and Bai Ruoyue absorbed it throughout the entire night. Han, on the other hand, endured an entire night of pure torment. At some point, Bai Ruoyue stopped feeling itchy. Instead, she became so comfortable that she fell asleep. Watching her sleep, Han reached out and poked her cheek. Soft. As she slept, Bai Ruoyue looked even more delicate. Han found himself pinching her cheek again and again. By morning, the Pool of Life had turned crystal clear, completely drained of its energy. Bai Ruoyue stirred awake and looked up at Han, giggling foolishly. You fell asleep like an idiot, Han teased. You always call me that Bai Ruoyue pouted. She shifted slightly but immediately froze. Her face turned red again. This early in the morning Junior Brother, why are you? Hans face remained neutral. A mans natural response in the morning. Not my fault. Blame the damn tree. Giving me all those techniques and pills No wonder Ive been so restless lately. This is all Tree Bros fault! Senior Sister, how do you feel now? A lot better. I dont feel any pain anymore. Bai Ruoyue nodded. In fact, I feel even better than before I got injured! Junior Brother, this turned out to be a blessing in disguise! Well, not exactly the easiest blessing to endure Han shook his head. Honestly, if he hadnt consumed some extra luck beforehand, he doubted he would have even come this way. Han stood up naturally, lifting Bai Ruoyue in the process. Only then did he realize where his hand had landed. The sensation was unmistakablesoft, yielding, his fingers sinking into plush flesh, leaving imprints behind. His gaze flickered to Bai Ruoyue. She had buried her head against his chest, blushing furiously. Her legs wrapped tightly around his waist, saying nothing. Han pretended not to notice. He walked to the center of the now-empty pool, picked up the stone with grass and the Life Pearl beneath it, and stored them away. These were precious items. He wouldnt let them go to waste. As soon as he did, something miraculous happenedthe remaining water in the pool started to drain, eventually vanishing entirely. Maybe, years from now, this place will form another Pool of Life, Han mused. Not in our lifetime, Bai Ruoyue muttered. Han chuckled. But if we ascend to immortality, who knows? As Bai Ruoyue loosened her grip around Hans neck and took a step back, he suddenly caught sight of something unexpected. Her soaked clothes clung tightly to her body, accentuating every curve with striking clarity. The perfect silhouette left little to the imagination. Cough, cough. Han cleared his throat awkwardly. Senior Sister, you should change into dry clothes. These are completely soaked. Bai Ruoyues face, already flushed since she woke up, turned an even deeper shade of red. She glanced at Han for a brief moment before quickly looking away. With a slight exertion of her true energy, a wave of heat surged around her. Wisps of white steam rose, and in mere seconds, her damp clothes dried completely. Han couldn''t help but feel envious. Releasing true energy like this is just unfair. Then, Bai Ruoyue stepped forward and grabbed Hans sleeve, using the same method to dry his clothes as well. Thank you, Senior Sister. Instead of responding, Bai Ruoyue suddenly reached out and hugged him. I should be the one thanking you, Junior Brother. Han smiled and patted her head. Theres no need for all this formality between us. Bai Ruoyue pouted. Why are you like my father? Always patting my head. Lalala~ At that moment, An Lang floated in, humming what seemed to be a tune from her hometown. Upon seeing the two, she instantly covered her eyes. Young Master, did I come at a bad time? Han was speechless. Dead ghost, you already know the answer, dont you? Bai Ruoyue quietly let go of Han and stepped to the side. Young Master, theres not a single beast in this entire area. I didnt even see a single blade of grass. All life force has gathered in the Pool of Life Han turned to glance at the now-empty pool. It was eerie. The immense vitality contained within it had come at the cost of rendering the surrounding cliffs and waterfall utterly lifeless. Absolute life, absolute death. Its still early. Lets rest here for a while before we head out. Han took out some dried beast meat and handed it to Bai Ruoyue, then gave An Lang a few incense sticks. The little ghost gleefully floated to the corner to enjoy her treat. Han had once asked her why she always went off alone when using incense. An Lang had answered seriously, Im afraid youll steal my incense. That response left Han utterly speechless. Me? A living human being? Fighting over incense with a ghost? The audacity. That very night, Han had his soul leave his body and inhaled every last bit of An Langs incense before she could even take a whiff. Oh, right. Senior Sister, heres your spatial pouch, Han said. Things were urgent at the time, and I was running low on detoxification pills, so I had to remove your imprint and search through it. Bai Ruoyue silently took the pouch. She had personal items insideclothes included. That meant he had seen them. But since it was Junior Brother, she didnt seem to mind too much. Several hours later, Han decided it was time to leave the Black Mountain. Where exactly are we now? Bai Ruoyue asked, a bit concerned. How long will it take to find our way out? Dont worry. Han grinned. I have an extraordinary sense of direction. I remember exactly where Black Cloud Town is. Just follow meyou wont get lost. In truth, he was using a rare treasure that Tree Bro had once droppedthe Guiding Leaf. By placing a single leaf in a location, it would forever point toward that spot. Han had placed one in the Peach Grove. Getting lost? Impossible. With An Langs help, the two of them were lifted up the cliff. Raising this ghost was definitely the right call. Following the direction of the Guiding Leaf, Han carefully made his way forward. His earlier mad dash had taken him far from where they started, and the beasts they encountered now werent nearly as terrifying as before. After a while, Bai Ruoyue suddenly ended up on Hans back. After all, she was injured. Supporting her by the legs, Han could feel a warm, soft pressure against his back. Surprisingly, it made him feel even more energizedhis steps light and effortless. By now, he was nearly fully recovered. The divine water and sacred artifacts had restored most of his strength, and his body had grown even stronger. Han even had the feeling that he was on the verge of another breakthrough. Throughout their journey out of the mountain, Bai Ruoyue remained silent, unusually obedient. By the time the sky darkened, Han and Bai Ruoyue finally emerged from the Black Mountain and returned to the martial hall. Senior Sister! Junior Brother! Youre back! Shen Yu came bouncing over, eyes full of curiosity. Junior Brother, why are you carrying Senior Sister on your back? Han sighed. We ran into some unexpected situations. The others soon gathered around as well. After listening to Hans recount, Shen Yu let out a series of gasps. The Huang family is too despicable! You never even provoked them, yet they tried to go after you? she fumed. Shen Long clenched his fists, then relaxed them, then clenched them again. If I ever run into the Huang family, I wont let them off easily. This debt will be settled in time, Han said coolly, having already marked the Huang family as an enemy. If those four Huang men hadnt blocked their path, they wouldnt have encountered that giant serpent. Given his and Bai Ruoyues strength, leaving the mountain safely wouldve been no issue at all. Wheres my father? Bai Ruoyue asked, noticing that Bai Tian was absent. Master went to the Yun family. Hes been going there quite a lot lately, Bai Ruoyue murmured, slightly puzzled. After lingering in the martial hall for a while, Han prepared to return to the Peach Grove, but Bai Ruoyue called out to him. Junior Brother, Ill go with you. Sure. But the moment they stepped outside, Bai Ruoyue placed a hand on Hans shoulder from behind. Wait. Was she implying what he thought she was implying? Junior Brother carry me, she whispered. Bringing her to the Peach Grove was one thing, but if Aunt Mo saw them like this that would be very awkward. Still, Han sighed and crouched down to let Bai Ruoyue onto his back again. As they entered the Peach Grove, a lone figure standing outside suddenly turned her head in their direction. Lu Qingmo. She had seen everything. Her gaze narrowed slightly. Chapter 156: Senior Sister, You Set Me Up! As Han approached the attic, an inexplicable sense of unease crept into his heart. After everything that had happened with Senior Sister just recently, he was now sneaking back here behind her back. And to make things worse, hed be spending the night here. Life was tough. Ahead, Lu Qingmo stood with her back to them. For some reason, Han felt a chill emanating from her silhouette. The temperature around them seemed to have droppedcold, almost biting. "Aunt Mo, we''re back." "Why have you come here so late at night?" "..." What kind of question was that? Im coming home! No, something was off. Aunt Mo was acting strange. Han thought for a moment and quickly found a way to break the tension. "Senior Sister almost died this time." Surely, such a shocking statement would grab Aunt Mos attention. If Senior Sister was on the verge of kicking the bucket, there was no way Aunt Mo would just stand by! As expected, despite the flicker of irritation in her eyes, Lu Qingmo couldnt ignore Hans words. She immediately turned around, her brows knitting together as she walked over to check on Bai Ruoyue. Though Bai Ruoyue appeared fine now, Lu Qingmo still noticed something. "What happened?" "We..." Han gave a brief account of what had transpired in Black Mountain, though he deliberately omitted the part about using his own blood to save Bai Ruoyue. Saving his Senior Sister was just something he should donot worth bragging about, and certainly not worth wasting Aunt Mos time with. As the overseer of the Ghost Division, she had far more important matters to attend to. "The Huang family so it''s them." Lu Qingmo''s gaze turned ice-cold. "This isnt Tianyue City; this is Black Cloud Town. Did they really think they could get away with this?" "Ill make sure they regret it." Daring to lay a hand on someone she had watched grow up, someone who was practically her personthis was beyond intolerable. "Aunt Mo, if its inconvenient, you can wait" Bai Ruoyue hesitated. "No need to wait." Lu Qingmos tone was resolute. "Black Cloud Town has its own rules. And for now, those rules will be followed." She didnt specify how she planned to deal with the Huang family, but given her influence in Black Cloud Town, making life difficult for them would be very easy. Here, Lu Qingmo was practically the highest authority. Even the commander of the Dingwu Division wasnt as well-connected as she was. With just a little maneuvering, she could create all sorts of trouble for the Huang familys peoplecompletely aboveboard, with no flaws to pick apart. Whats that? Accusing the Ghost Division overseer of abusing her power? Go ahead, say it. Who sent you? Whos behind this? Whats your real agenda? "Its fortunate you two stumbled upon the Pool of Life." Lu Qingmo pulled out a pill from her storage pouch and handed it to Bai Ruoyue. "Otherwise, recovering from these injuries wouldve been far more troublesome." "Absorbing the water of life has actually been a blessing in disguise. Itll greatly benefit your cultivation in the futurean unexpected stroke of fortune." "As martial artists progress, the stronger their life force, the higher their eventual achievements." As Bai Ruoyue swallowed the pill, Lu Qingmos gaze flickered between her and Han. A perilous ordeal in Black Mountain. A desperate escape. A lone man and woman, stranded together... This had potential. Bai Ruoyue glanced at Han before suddenly speaking. "Actually, it wasnt just the Pool of Life that saved me. Junior Brother helped me even more." "Thats true." Lu Qingmo nodded. "Han did well. If not for him, you might not have made it out." "Not just that." Bai Ruoyue continued, "I was poisonedsnake venom. The toxin had already spread to my heart and brain. I lost consciousness." "It was Junior Brother who saved me. He detoxified me." Han maintained a polite smile, but internally, he felt a creeping sense of dread. Senior Sister, I saved your lifewhy are you doing this to me? "Oh?" Lu Qingmo raised an eyebrow and looked at Han. "You were poisoned as well?" Why didnt you mention that earlier? "Yes, it was a potent snake venom." Bai Ruoyues eyes gleamed as she looked at Han. "Junior Brother used his own blood as an antidote. While I was unconscious, he fed me his blood to neutralize the poison. He kept at it for two whole hours, until he passed out from blood loss." "Without Junior Brother, I would have died in Black Mountain. He gave me a second chance at life." "It was my duty." Han kept smiling, but his mind was screaming. Wait, wait, waitI only fed you my blood for one hour! How did it suddenly become two in your version? Dont just make things up! Senior Sister, are you trying to kill me?! Whats your endgame?! If you find this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the infringement. Lu Qingmos eyelid twitched. She glanced at Han, the corners of her lips curving slightlyyet not quite forming a smile. "I had no idea, Han. Youre quite capable." "You did well. If not for you, Ruoyue truly would have been in danger. I owe you my thanks." "It was my duty." Hans grin remained in place, but internally, he was breaking down. "Aunt Mo," he quickly changed the subject, "about the Dead Sin GhoulJiang Wangyuan. Theres definitely something suspicious about him." "I suspect the Black Mountain God is aiding him." "You make a good point." Lu Qingmo nodded. "Given what youve described, that ghoul must be under the Mountain Gods protection. Ghouls shouldnt have the ability to control wild beastsnot even through innate abilities or Daoist techniques." "And his appearancecompletely human, with the ability to suppress bloodthirst? Thats not something a newborn ghoul could achieve in just a month or two." "When I attacked, I should have been able to take him down before he entered Black Mountain. That wouldnt have broken the Mountain Gods rules. Instead, it was the Mountain Gods power that interfered beyond its domain." Lu Qingmo didnt outright say that the Mountain God had broken the rules. After all, he was the one who made the rules. "Huh?" Bai Ruoyue finally processed what this meant. "Why would the Mountain God protect a ghoul?" "Thats the real question." Lu Qingmo mused. "A Dead Sin Ghoul is a being of endless malicean enemy of all living creatures. The Mountain God shouldnt be shielding him." Han recalled that Lu Qingmo had previously said a ghoul couldnt enter Black Mountain. And yet, here they were What the hell was this old god up to? "Jiang Wangyuan he was once an official." Lu Qingmo continued. "Ill have my people look into him tomorrow. There should still be records." "Jiang that surname." "What about it?" Han asked. "Do you remember? I told you the Mountain God was once a general of the previous dynasty." Han nodded. "Before I came to Black Cloud Town, I studied records on the Mountain God. Back when he was a mortal general, one of his most trusted lieutenants was surnamed Jiang." "Could there be a connection?" After a moment of thought, Lu Qingmo turned to Han. "Go focus on your cultivation. I need to talk to Ruoyue." Han quietly nodded and leftbetter to stay out of trouble for now. Now, only two remained. A pair of stunning women, one older, one younger. Their eyes met. Lu Qingmo sighed and pulled Bai Ruoyue into an embrace. "Its my fault. I shouldnt have let you enter Black Mountain. I put you in danger." Bai Ruoyue buried her face against Lu Qingmos shoulder, wrapping her arms around her. "Its not your fault, Aunt Mo. It was the Huang familys doing." Her voice trembled slightly. "Aunt Mo, I was really scared. I thought Id never see my father again. Never see you again" Lu Qingmo gently stroked her back. "I wont let it happen again." She had watched Bai Ruoyue grow up. In her heart, the girls importance was beyond words. Just imagining what could have happened made her shudder. If Bai Ruoyue had truly been lost, Lu Qingmo would never have forgiven herself. She wouldnt have been able to face those in Yujing City either. "Why didnt you use a transmission snail to contact me?" "The Mountain God forbade you from entering. We didnt want you to take the risk." "You two always thinking alike." "Aunt Mo, I want to sleep with you tonight. We havent done that in so long." "Alright." "Oh, by the way, Junior Brother and I bathed in the Pool of Life together." Lu Qingmos handmid-stroke along Bai Ruoyues backsuddenly froze. I wasnt in the best condition at the time. It was my junior disciple who carried me down, she explained. What about An Lang? You two are still male and female bathing together We were fully clothed. Oh, thats good. Lu Qingmo nodded solemnly. Youre still young. Be cautious. Some things can easily spiral out of control. Holding Bai Ruoyue in his arms, Lu Qingmos eyes darkened with complex emotions. Ruoyue might be Sigh, what a mess. Not far away, Han was training while secretly observing them. Seeing that the atmosphere between them was harmoniousand that they were still holding each other so tightlyhe finally relaxed. The dream trial for the day had yet to be used. Once Han finished his practice, he informed Lu Qingmo and the others before heading back to his room. Activate! Everyone was pulled into the dream realm. Has Master returned? Just got back. Without hesitation, Han pulled Bai Tian in as well. The man was clearly anxious, bombarding them with questions. It seemed Shen Long and the others had already filled him in. It wasnt until he saw his daughter and junior disciple alive and well that he truly relaxed. But that relief was quickly replaced by fury. The Huang family! Bai Tian was lividand when he was mad, things got serious. He turned to Lu Qingmo. If a Bone Refining realm warrior from the Huang family were to die in Black Cloud Town, how would the Dingwu Bureau handle it? Given the implications and the Huang familys influence, they would launch a full-scale investigation, Lu Qingmo replied. And if they fail to find the culprit? They would continue investigating. Lu Qingmos tone remained formal. Neither the Dingwu Bureau nor the Ghost Division would abandon a case just because its difficult. The Great Qi laws must be upheld. But they also wouldnt convict an innocent person without evidence. Bai Tian nodded, satisfied. Father, you mustnt act recklessly, Bai Ruoyue urged. A Bone Refining warrior might be nothing to you, but there are very few in Black Cloud Town who could take one down without a trace. The local sect leaders and noble families mostly had Bone Refining warriors at best. If one were to die so mysteriously, the list of suspects would be very short. Senior Sister is right, Han chimed in. The Huang family doesnt yet know theyve lost an entire team of Organ Refining warriors to us. We have time to deal with them slowly. The Huang family had long been an issueWanxing Merchant Guilds grudge with Huang Mingri, the hostility from Huang Mingnians faction at the Shuiyuan Conference, and now this incident in Black Mountain. Han had already designated the Huang family as enemies. But their power couldnt be underestimated. As one of the dominant forces in Tianyue Prefecture, they had both Marrow Cleansing and Enlightenment realm experts. They had to tread carefully. Bai Tian chuckled. Ive lived for decades. Do you think Id be so reckless? Fair enough. Bai Tian was a seasoned veteran. He wouldnt overlook such an obvious issue. If he were to make a move, there would be no loose ends. With that, everyone went their separate ways to continue training. Bai Ruoyue, full of energy, eagerly went off to test her rejuvenated body. Dont keep things like this from me again, Lu Qingmo suddenly spoke up. Han understood what he meant. When youre in danger, you should contact me first. I wouldnt have let you enter Black Mountain to chase the Ghost Corpse if I wasnt certain I could protect you. Han admitted his fault. That was my mistake. No, Lu Qingmo shook his head. The mistake was mine. Youve already done an excellent job. Han dont do this again. I I dont want to see you get hurt. At the heart of it, it was still concern. Han nodded firmly, then added, Aunt Mo, I didnt just find the Pool of Life this time. I also obtained a yin-attributed flame. Now was the perfect opportunity to refine the Ghostflame into something more powerful. On his way back, Han had already briefed Bai Ruoyue on a cover storythere would be no loopholes regarding the flames origins. A small, gray-green flame hovered in front of Han, exuding a chilling aura. Instead of heat, it made the surroundings even colder. Lu Qingmo stared at the Ghostflame in silence. Sure, fortune and misfortune often come hand in hand, but this? A Pool of Life and a rare yin flame? Just how lucky are you? Aunt Mo, what do you think? Can this flame be refined with the Yin Ground Fire? Yes, Lu Qingmo nodded. But theres some risk. Although this flame isnt of a high level, your Yin Ground Fire is still very new. Trying to absorb a stronger flame could be dangerous. Not too much, thoughsince you can practice in the dream realm first. Han had expected this. After all, this flame hadnt dropped during Brother Trees boosted rewards period, but it was still valuable to him. Besides, Lu Qingmo had just admitted there was a risk to absorbing it. Which meant If my luck is good, can I bypass the risk? Lu Qingmo blinked, momentarily stunned. What kind of question is that? How do you even measure luck? How was she supposed to answer that? Just test it in the dream first. Alright. Han nodded. If I die, I die. That didnt sound right. But then Lu Qingmo glanced at Bai Ruoyue in the distance, grinning ear to ear despite the blood dripping from her seven orifices, and figuredyeah, maybe this was normal for them. The Ghostflame floated before Han as he summoned his Yin Ground Fire. Forming the Yin Ground Fire Seal, he directed his fire to engulf the Ghostflame. Fwoosh! The Ghostflame erupted violently. Sparks flew as the two flames clashed, their energies fiercely resisting each other. But Han didnt give up. He maintained his Yin Ground Fire Seal, steadily pushing his fire to devour and refine the Ghostflame bit by bit. Boom! A sudden explosion sent flames bursting outwards, but Han suppressed it with a mere thought. Oh? You think you can hurt me in my own dream? Lu Qingmo remained composed. Keep going. Refining another flame is never easy or safe. One failure is nothing. I failed plenty of times before succeeding. Han understood. This level of technique and controlof course it wouldnt be easy. But that just made it more exciting! The Ghostflame had that cold, aloof appearance, acting all superior. Yet deep inside, it was burning just as fiercely. Playing the contrast game, huh? Lets see how I tame you! Chapter 157: Whoever Catches Your Eye, Just Marry Them Immediately The flickering flames cast eerie shadows on Han''s face, making his complexion appear ghostly pale. The chilling aura surrounding him warped the space nearby, turning it into something that resembled a haunted realm. He certainly didnt look like a good guy. The battle between the Yin Earthfire and the Netherflame raged on, their gray-white and gray-green hues intertwining in a relentless struggleone moment, one was dominant, the next, the other. However, the tide was shifting. With Han continuously fueling the Yin Earthfire, the Netherflame had no way to replenish itself. Slowly but surely, its core essence was devoured, strengthening the Yin Earthfire in return. At last, the struggle ceased. The final remnants of the gray-green fire were consumed, leaving the Yin Earthfire in a state of stillness, as if frozen in time. Then, suddenly Boom! The flames erupted violently, shooting several meters high. A shrill, ghostly wail echoed through the air as an ominous wind howled, filling the space with a chilling, spectral presence. The previously gray-white Yin Earthfire was now streaked with dark green, adding an even more sinister edge to its already eerie nature. Han swiftly formed the Yin Earthfire Seal, stabilizing the now vastly enhanced flames. The massive firestorm gradually shrank, crawling up his body like a living entity. Yet, despite being engulfed in flames, Han remained completely unharmed. Eventually, the Yin Earthfire seeped into his body, settling within his soul realm, where it coiled around his spirit like a guardian specter. This was another hidden ability of the Yin Earthfiresoul protection. Any attacks or curses targeting the soul would now have to break through the Yin Earthfire first. Han turned to Aunt Mo, his face lighting up with excitement. "Aunt Mo, I did it!" This wasnt a dreamit was real. After countless attempts in his dream world, he had finally succeeded in refining the Netherflame in reality. Aunt Mo nodded approvingly. "Well done. With this, your Yin Earthfire has matured beyond its initial nurturing phase and has become truly formidable." "I also sense traces of Nether Venom within it. Quite an interesting development." "The power of Yin and the chill of absolute frost... combined with this Nether Venom..." "With this technique, and considering the strength of your soul, it''s not impossible for you to challenge and defeat soul cultivators above your level." This was the power of integrating a heavenly flame into the Yin Earthfireit accelerated its growth by years, if not decades. If Han had relied solely on painstaking cultivation, reaching this level would have taken years. Moreover, each additional heavenly flame he integrated would trigger an explosive leap in power. The fusion of fire wasn''t a simple case of one plus one equaling two. The blending of two different flame essences often resulted in unpredictable, potent reactions. Of course, the difficulty of refining and fusing such flames would only increase over time. "You should give your new flame a name," Aunt Mo suggested. "After all, it has evolved beyond a simple Yin Earthfire." Han paused. Another naming task? Forget it. He''d leave this to Senior Sister. Itd give her a sense of participation. He was so thoughtful. Since he had spent the previous night soaking in the hot spring with Bai Ruoyue and had only just used his dream-proving ability, he''d be able to enter another dream session after midnight. How about calling it ''Nether Venom Fire''? Bai Ruoyue suggested. Senior Sister, are you a reincarnated soul from another world too? That said, it was actually quite fitting. But Han shook his head. "I''ll eventually fuse more Yin-based flames in the future. This name wont last forever." "Good point." Bai Ruoyue thought for a moment, then smirked. "How about ''Nameless Fire''?" Han gave her an approving look. "Brilliant." "Right?" Pleased with herself, Bai Ruoyue turned and went off to cultivate. Not long after, a deafening explosion echoed from the most secluded corner of the peach grove. The entire forest trembled as if on the verge of destruction. Fortunately, it was only a dream. "What exactly is Master practicing? Why is it so chaotic?" Han was stunned. You could be reading stolen content. Head to the original site for the genuine story. "This is normal," Aunt Mo said with a shake of her head. "His breakthrough isnt an easy one, especially since hes currently in the experimental phase, testing his limits without restraint." "Once he attempts his real breakthrough in reality, he will be far more discreet." Master is truly a wild force. "Oh, right, Aunt Mowhat are these things for?" Han took out three items he had retrieved from the Life Pool. A pearl, a stone, and a herb. "The shell of this Life Pearl and the Life Herb can be used in alchemy," Aunt Mo explained. "Many longevity-enhancing elixirs require these ingredients." "As for the shell and this stone, they serve as crucial materials in crafting certain unique artifacts." She hesitated for a moment before continuing. "There is an old legend about the Life Pearls shell." "They say that if a living being sleeps inside an intact Life Pearl, their lifespan ceases to dwindle. The shell resists the erosion of time, allowing them to awaken centuries later, unchanged from the day they entered." Hans eyes widened. "It can actually do that?" He examined the egg-sized shell in his hand. "But how would someone even get inside?" Aunt Mo shook her head. "You would need a shell large enough to fit a person inside, and it must remain completely intact and sealed throughout the process." "Besides, this is merely a legend. No human-sized Life Pearl has ever been discovered." A shell large enough to contain a person Han glanced at the small shell in his palm again. He couldn''t even begin to fathom the sheer amount of life force and time it would take to nurture a pearl of that magnitude. Three Days Later Bai Ruoyue had fully recovered from the injuries she sustained in the Black Mountain. Not a single trace of damage remained. In fact, she noticed something unusual about herself. "Aunt Mo, Junior Brother, my cultivation has suddenly improved significantly. And my body it feels different." "Is this an effect of the Life Pool?" Aunt Mo took her hand, sensing her condition carefully. "There is a faint trace of higher-tier energy within your body. Your essence has been purified, and your potential has increased." "It almost resembles a cleansing of the marrow and meridians?" She was momentarily surprised but then shook her head. "While the Life Water does enhance vitality, its primary effect is to strengthen life force and resilience. It shouldnt have changed you this profoundly." Han stood quietly to the side, perfectly composed. He already had a good idea of the real reason behind Bai Ruoyues transformationhis blood. His Nine Orifice Golden Core, True Dragon Blood Soul Stone, and Seven Aperture Exquisite Heart all had one major function beyond energy regenerationmarrow cleansing and potential enhancement. And the first exposure to them always had the most dramatic effect, while later benefits would accumulate more gradually over time. The moment he had absorbed those treasures, Han himself had undergone significant improvement. Bai Ruoyue had been drinking Hans blood for a full hour, which meant she had also been absorbing the power of the three divine artifacts for that same duration. Naturally, this greatly benefited her. An hours worth of energy was insignificant to the divine artifacts, but for Bai Ruoyue, who was experiencing such a power for the first time, the effects were undeniably apparent. This turn of events was truly a blessing in disguiseSenior Sister had powered up once again. Han sighed inwardly. Ten drops of blood, one drop of essence. He didnt particularly care about the energy from the artifacts, but looking at the conversion ratio of his essence blood Yeah, this time, he had suffered a serious loss. Lu Qingmo and Bai Ruoyue exchanged a glance, then turned their eyes toward Han. Han gave them a smile. What? The two turned their heads away, leaving the unspoken truth hanging in the air. Some things were best understood without being said. Well, looks like I was lucky this time, Bai Ruoyue muttered to herself. Lu Qingmo added, Yes, a rare stroke of fortune, nothing more. Are you stealing my line? Didnt we agree those eight words were banned? Han protested. They were banned for you, not for us. Later, when Han entered the dreamscape, he inquired about Bai Tians whereabouts. That afternoon, Bai Tian had visited the Yun Clan again. When Han left the martial hall, Bai Tian had yet to return. Upon confirming his return, Han pulled Bai Tian into the dreamscape. Master, youve been visiting the Yun Clan quite frequently lately, Han asked curiously. Ever since Bai Tian had returned from Heishan, he had visited the Yun Clan at least five times. According to Bai Ruoyue, while the Taibai Martial Hall had always maintained friendly relations with the Yun Clan, her father had never been this close to them. Bai Tian explained, The Yun Clan possesses ancient records left behind by past cultivators regarding breakthroughs. Ive been using them as a reference. Han fell silent. As expected of the descendant of the Mountain God. On the surface, the Yun Clan seemed to have only a handful of cultivators at the Daylight and Bone Refinement stages, slightly above the average level of Heiyun Town. Yet, they had records capable of aiding Bai Tians breakthroughs. Who knew how many hidden experts the Yun Clan had? The Mountain God had lived for centuries, and under his protection, the Yun Clan had existed just as long. Their true strength was something outsiders could never fully grasp. The Yun Clan wouldnt share such knowledge without expecting something in return, Lu Qingmo commented calmly. The Mountain God knows how difficult my cultivation path is. Since I am a native of Heiyun Town, he has shown me special favor, Bai Tian replied. The Yun Clan simply follows his will. So, the Mountain God has taken an interest in your potential? Perhaps, Bai Tian said, glancing at Han and the others with a faint smile. The Yun Clan has also taken an interest in you. Speaking of which, the Yun Clans patriarch mentioned the possibility of a marriage alliance with the Taibai Martial Hall to strengthen our bond. I would never agree to an arranged marriage! Bai Ruoyue reacted instantly, practically ready to punch her father. Dont even think about it, Dad! Bai Tian gave his daughter an odd look. Its not you theyre interested in. The Yun Clan has their eyes on Han. This just got awkward. The Yun Clans patriarch has two daughters, both of whom youve met. He said that if youre willing, you may choose either one to get to know. If things go well, you could marry immediately. If you prefer, you could even select someone from the Yun Clans branch families. The Yun Clan was vast, and its younger generation wasnt limited to Yun Duo and Yun Yun. However, those two were direct descendants of the patriarch. Master Yun Duo is only fifteen Now Han was the one feeling awkward. While fifteen might be considered an acceptable age in this world, he had absolutely no interest in someone so young. Oh? So youre interested in Yun Yun instead? Before Han could respond, Bai Ruoyue interjected. No way! My junior brother cant go either! She glared at Bai Tian, puffing up indignantly. If someones going to marry into the Yun Clan, it should be you! Wait, no! You cant go either, Dad! Bai Tians face darkened as the others struggled to hold back their laughter. Bai Ruoyues outburst was hilarious. Master, my martial path is still uncertain, and my soul cultivation is incomplete. This isnt the time for me to consider such matters, Han said, shaking his head. Marriage alliances werent something he was interested in. Absolutely do not agree to the Yun Clans request! Bai Ruoyue shot her father a warning glare. Bai Tian chuckled and shook his head. I have already refused. I dislike forcing such matters. These things should be decided by ones own will. He then added, However, though the marriage alliance wont happen, my relationship with the Yun Clan remains intact. They are organizing an expedition for their young disciples to a certain placeone with great opportunities. The patriarch has granted me a few extra spots. You may join if you wish. What place? What kind of opportunity? Bai Tians expression grew serious. The other side of Heishan. Chapter 158: The Boundless Abyss of Tianxu "The other side of Black Mountain?" "What kind of place is that? What''s there that makes the Yun family go out of their way?" Beyond the mountains, across the sea... Han was tempted to give this whimsical answer but chose to remain silenthe didn''t want to get smacked. Everyone looked puzzled, except for Lu Qingmo, whose eyes flickered with thought, as if something had come to mind. Bai Tian explained, "We are at the beginning of this mountain range, but if you follow it far enough, youll reach the true Black Mountain. Beyond that, the mountains continue until they reach the borders of another provinceTianxu County." "The Yun family is organizing a trip for their disciples to Tianxu County." Han raised an eyebrow. "Crossing straight through Black Mountain to another county? That sounds like a long journey." "It is," Bai Tian nodded, "but the Yun family has their own ways. Time wont be an issue." Then, he continued, "Tianxu County is an unusual place. Only a small portion of its land is habitable, while the vast majority is nothing but ruinsdesolate and lifeless." Han was intrigued. "A place like that actually exists?" A barren wasteland... a dead zone. Lu Qingmo, who seemed to know a fair bit about Tianxu County, spoke up. "Most of the ruins are filled with dangers and eerie phenomena. The entire area is shrouded in a strange mist. Any living being that stays too long will experience disturbing symptoms... and eventually die." "Theres a legend," she continued, "that Tianyang County''s ''Nine Suns Ruins'' are directly linked to Tianxu. When Tianxu was formed, the Nine Suns Ruins appeared alongside it." Han was startledhe knew about the Nine Suns Ruins. It was the place where his Pure Yang Flame was rumored to have originated. "If even the might of the Great Qi imperial court can''t handle this ruin, then what exactly is it?" Han asked, frowning. This was a world of martial arts and Daoist magic, where the Grandmaster of Xuandu Temple was revered as a near-divine existence. Lu Qingmo shook her head. "The Grandmaster himself once ventured into the Boundless Abyss of Tianxu. He stayed for three days before withdrawing, and nothing in the abyss had changed in the slightest." Terrifying. Han couldn''t help but ask, "And yet the Yun family dares to go there?" "As long as one doesnt linger and retreats in time, theres no real threat to life," Bai Tian reassured him. "The Boundless Abyss of Tianxu is a perilous land, but it also holds treasures unseen in the outside world. Throughout history, it has never lacked explorers." "Yes," Lu Qingmo agreed. "The greater the danger, the greater the fortune. Rare treasures, sacred relics, and even lost legaciesall of these could be found there. Thats why, despite the risks, people keep going." "Legacies?" Bai Ruoyue rubbed her forehead in confusion. "How could a ruin be home to valuable legacies?" "Because, according to Xuandu Temples records, long ago, this place was once home to a powerful sect called the ''Heaven''s Mandate Sect,''" Lu Qingmo explained. "One night, the entire sect was mysteriously wiped out. The Boundless Abyss of Tianxu was born from its destruction, turning the area into a forbidden land." "It is said that in the beginning, anyone who entered never came out alive. Only after many years did it become possible for living beings to stay for short periods." "Heavens Mandate Sect?" "A supreme and enigmatic sect," Lu Qingmo said solemnly. "Before its downfall, it ruled the world, unchallenged. No faction dared to oppose it." Han silently mocked, What, did they get their hands on the legendary Heaven-Reliant Sword and Dragon-Slaying Saber? "It is recorded in ancient texts that even the strongest experts listed in the ''Mountains and Rivers Celestial Ranking'' did not dare to provoke Heavens Mandate Sect at its peak," Lu Qingmo added. Her words carried weight, making the tale even more unsettling. "But of course, that was ages ago. Whether the legends are true or not, no one can say for sure." She shook her head. "The nations of Qi, Zhou, and Jin, along with most sects, have never even laid eyes on Heavens Mandate Sect. Everything we know about the Boundless Abyss of Tianxu comes from fragmented records in ancient books." "It seems the Mountain God must have discovered something within the abyss," Bai Tian speculated. "Thats probably why the Yun family is going into retrieve some benefits. As long as they dont stay too long, there shouldnt be any problems." "The Yun family says the same," Bai Tian confirmed. "Theyll enter and return the same day." "One day" Bai Ruoyue glanced at Han and the others. "Should we go too? If the Yun family is sending disciples, it shouldnt be too dangerous, right?" Unauthorized use of content: if you find this story on Amazon, report the violation. "I''m definitely in," Shen Long declared without hesitation. Han thought for a moment before nodding. "Lets go. The Boundless Abyss of Tianxu sounds interesting." A place like that had to be hiding something big. "Alright then," Bai Tian said. "Ill inform you once we get word from the Yun family." "When will we depart?" Bai Ruoyue asked. Bai Tian shook his head. "Thats uncertain. It could be two or three days from now, or it might take half a month. It depends on the Mountain Gods assessment of the abyss." "This isnt something the Yun familyor even the Mountain Godcan decide on their own." After everyone dispersed, only Han and Lu Qingmo remained. Han turned to her with a question. "Aunt Mo, do you have any idea how powerful the Yun family truly is?" "My surname is Lu." In other wordsWhy are you asking me? Who am I supposed to ask? Still, she answered, "They are certainly formidable." "But if you''re asking whether they stand among the absolute pinnacle of power I wouldnt go that far." "Do you think they might have someone as strong as the Mountain God hidden within their ranks?" Hearing this, Lu Qingmo chuckled. "Absolutely not." "Experts of the Mountain God''s level are rare even in Xuandu Temple. If a single disciple emerges at that level in several generations, the sect is already considered to have a bright future." "If Xuandu Temple itself struggles to produce such figures, how could the Yun familywho reside in a mere corner of the worldpossibly have one?" "Never underestimate the Mountain Gods strength," she added, "but never underestimate the difficulty of cultivation either. The further one progresses, the more grueling the path becomes." Han muttered under his breath, "Is it really that hard?" "I dont feel anything special." "...You really need a beating, dont you?" Lu Qingmo sighed. Then, she turned serious. "When you all go to Tianxu, you should be safe as long as you dont act recklessly. Stick close to the Yun family and dont charge in blindly." "If something happens to you there, even I wont be able to save you." This time, Han didnt joke around. He nodded earnestly. Five days later, Han arrived at the martial arts hall, only to see Bai Ruoyue and the others already gathered, dressed in travel attire, fully prepared to depart. "Whats going on?" he asked. "The Yun family sent word. We leave today." "...Huh?" Five daysnot too long, not too short. Bai Tian emerged. "Go get ready. Ill take you to the Yun family soon." "I dont need to prepare. I can leave now." With that, the group set off toward the Yun family estate. On the way, Han discreetly contacted Lu Qingmo to inform her of the situation. With everything settled, Lu Qingmo didnt say much more. She trusted Hans judgment, though deep down, she felt like trouble always seemed to find him "Even the clan''s own disciples aren''t allowed to know?" That meant this secret was truly significant. "As expected." Han and the others had no objections. Since even the Yun family''s own members were subjected to the same treatment, they had no reason to complain. Still, wasn''t this blindfold a bit too crude? Could it really block a cultivator''s perception? The moment Han covered his eyes, he realized he had underestimated it. Both his spiritual senses and martial intuition were completely cut off. It was as if the black cloth had severed his connection to the outside world. So, it was a magical artifact. Once all nineteen of them had blindfolded themselves, Han suddenly felt a sensation of weightlessness, as if he was being lifted into the air. Some time later, a fresh mountain breeze brushed against his face. Had they arrived at Black Mountain? Then, just as suddenly, a powerful feeling of falling overtook him, as if they were plummeting into the depths of the earth. Hans curiosity burned intensely. He had no idea what was happening to them at that moment. After what felt like an eternity, Yun Yuannan''s voice finally rang out. "We''ve arrived. You may remove the blindfolds." The group obeyed, and as they pulled off the black cloth, they found themselves standing within a desolate forest. The trees were withered, the grass was dark and lifeless, and an eerie silence filled the airthere was no sign of life anywhere. "This is the Heavenly Ruins?" Yun Duo asked curiously. Yun Yuannan shook his head. "No, the ruins are behind you." Han and the others turned aroundand were instantly stunned. Beyond the forest stretched an endless expanse of devastation. Enormous mountain peaks, once towering thousands of meters high, had crumbled and collapsed, their shattered remains scattered across the land. The ground was split apart by deep fissuressome stretching dozens of meters, others hundreds. In certain places, the earth had sunken into gaping chasms. Boulders were strewn across the wasteland, each marked with strange scarsblade cuts, axe strikes, scorch marks from fire and lightning, and even the icy remnants of frost. Ruined palaces and shattered halls lay in pieces, their once-grand structures eroded by time. Even in their dilapidated state, they still hinted at their former magnificence. A faint red mist blanketed the vast ruins, casting an eerie and desolate aura over the landscape. Han''s sharp eyes caught movement in the distancewandering skeletons drifting through the wreckage. Some were human. Some belonged to beasts. Beyond these eerie figures, hills of bleached bones rose in ominous silence. Even more bizarrely, towering rock formations dotted the land, shaped like kneeling human figures. Each of these stone giants was frozen in the same posturekneeling on both knees, yet their heads were raised high, as if gazing longingly at the heavens. Above them, the sky itself seemed twisted. The higher one looked, the denser the crimson mist became, distorting the sunlight into a dim, ghostly glow. In certain areas, the mist parted, revealing gaping rifts in the skylike wounds torn open in the fabric of reality. Occasionally, flashes of light flickered within the red clouds, accompanied by distant, rumbling echoesthunder, or something far more sinister. In some regions, torrents of water surged chaotically. In others, flames raged uncontrollably. Some areas were ravaged by violent gales, while others were trapped in eternal frost. And then there were places where, despite the bright daylight, the darkness was so thick it felt like the depths of night. Han''s gaze traveled further, spotting a mass of black vines stretching from the ground all the way up into the crimson clouds. Everything here exuded an overwhelming sense of dread and mystery. A gust of wind swept through, carrying with it the scent of decay and the dust of forgotten ages. "This is the Heavenly Ruins," Yun Yuannan''s voice broke the silence. "The place you will be entering." The group stood in wordless contemplation, fully absorbing the eerie, unnatural landscape before them. This was nothing like the world they knew. Compared to the mountains and rivers of the outside world, this place felt utterly wrong. "Father, this place feels strange," Yun Duo said anxiously. "Are you sure it''s safe for us to go in?" At just fifteen years old, this was her first time setting foot here. "There is no need to worry." Yun Yuannan ruffled his daughter''s hair reassuringly. "The Yun family has sent people into the ruins for generations. We have experience. As long as you follow the rules and don''t act recklessly, you''ll be fine." "This place is indeed dangerous, but it also holds unimaginable opportunities. Even the smallest fortune found within can bring great benefits to your future cultivation." He pointed toward a ruined palace, not far from the forest. "That is your destination." The group narrowed their eyes, focusing on the massive, crumbling structure in the distance. Even in its ruined state, its scale was breathtaking. It was impossible to imagine how grand it must have been when whole. But now, time had reduced it to a lifeless husk, a corpse of stone and history. And they were about to step right into its open maw. Chapter 159: The Ascent to the Celestial Hall "Once you enter the Abyssal Ruins, do not wander aimlessly. Avoid all other areasjust head straight to the designated place," Yun Yuannan instructed with a solemn tone. "Once the task is done, retrace your steps exactly as you came. Dont waste time, and above all, do not stray from the path." His gaze then shifted to Han and the others. "On the way, Yun''er will explain the situation to you. Theres no need for concern." With that, Yun Yuannan sent them off, remaining behind in the forest to wait. Han and his group left the dense woods and stepped into the Abyssal Ruins. A stifling pressure immediately descended upon themheavy, oppressive. The moment they entered, it felt as if an invisible weight had settled upon their shoulders, dragging their spirits down into an inexplicable gloom. Passing through the faint red mist, an eerie chill ran through their bodies, creeping into their bones. Han felt an unsettling sensation, as if unseen eyes were watching him from all directions, whispering in hushed voices, discussing him in secret. Surveying the surroundings, there was not a single trace of lifeonly desolation, endless and boundless. Then Boom! A sudden clap of thunder rumbled across the sky. Moments later, crimson raindrops began to fallthick, heavy, like drops of blood. As soon as the rain touched the ground, it evaporated instantly, merging with the mist and vanishing back into the sky. A gust of wind howled through the ruins, carrying with it a ghostly wail, growing louder and louderlike the cries of a thousand restless souls. In the far distance, a raging flood surged unnaturally upward into the heavens, defying gravity. In another direction, a violent storm had formeda whirlwind of countless white bones spiraling into the sky, a tempest of death. "This place is unnatural," Bai Ruoyue whispered, too afraid to raise her voice, as if even the slightest disturbance might awaken something lurking in the ruins. Just as she finished speaking, a human skull rolled toward them, carried by the wind. It landed with a hollow clatter, its empty sockets staring directly at them. Shen Yu swallowed hard and instinctively clung to Bai Ruoyues arm. As they moved on, the skull, as if possessed, twisted slightlywatching them leave. "Have you ever been here before?" Han asked Yun Yun softly. She shook her head. "No. This isnt a place one can enter freely. It only opens under specific conditions." "What kind of conditions?" "I don''t know. Its a Yun family secretonly the clan leader is privy to it." "The place were heading to is called the Celestial Hall. According to my father, it opens once every few years, allowing outsiders to enter." "Once inside, well be separated. Each of us will have our own trials to face, and we wont reunite until theyre over." So, this wasnt a competition among them after all. "In the Celestial Hall, our trials are based on strength. If we perform well, well be rewarded, though the nature of the rewards isnt fixed." "As for what well face inside" Yun Yun went on to explain what little the Yun family had uncovered about the Celestial Hall. Despite their generations of research, they only had a fragmented understanding of its mysteries. Han listened thoughtfully. The Celestial Hall could it be connected to the fabled Heavenly Fate Sect? The Mountain Deity had resided in the Black Mountains for centuries, so close to the Abyssal Ruins. It was entirely possible that it had discovered something of significance. Whatever lay ahead, this was undoubtedly an opportunityone Han owed to the Yun family and the Mountain Deity alike. The journey from the forest to the Celestial Hall was only a few dozen miles. Under normal circumstances, they could have covered the distance in mere moments. But in this treacherous land, they advanced with utmost caution. Suddenly Crack! The ground split open before them, the fissure widening into a gaping chasm in the blink of an eye. You could be reading stolen content. Head to the original site for the genuine story. Yun Yun, who had been leading the way, stepped into thin air, teetering on the edge of the abyss. Han reacted instantly, grabbing her wrist and pulling her back before she could fall. Her chest rose and fell rapidly as she steadied herself, still shaken. "Thank you." Han simply nodded, about to respondwhen something shot out of the chasm. A corpse. The skeletal remains crashed onto the ground before them, and then, as if the earth itself had a will, the fissure slowly sealed itself shut once more. A gust of wind swept through, and the corpse crumbled into white ash, dispersing into the airleaving no trace it had ever existed. "What is this place?" Yun Duo whispered, drawing her arms close to her body, terrified. "We keep moving," Yun Yun said firmly, then glanced at Han. Han blinked. Why is she looking at me? Then, he realizedhis hand was still holding hers. Oh. Clearing his throat, he quickly let go. Just then Boom! A large rock exploded beside them, sending a shock through the group. As the fragments hit the ground, they sank into the earth as if being swallowed whole. And within the shattered stone Another skeleton. Just like the one from the ground, the moment it was exposed, it rapidly decayed into nothingness. "Just how many people have died here?" Han muttered, staring at the vast ruins around them. A chilling thought surfaced in his mind. What if every stone, every inch of this land is built upon the dead? He remembered what Lu Qingmo had saidhow the Heavenly Fate Sect had been wiped out in a single night, and how the Abyssal Ruins had formed just as suddenly. The people who had once lived here their fates were clear. They continued forward. Though the journey spanned only a few dozen miles, it felt like an eternity. Perhaps due to the Yun familys accumulated knowledge, they avoided most dangers. The monstrous, animated skeletons that lurked in the distance did not cross their path. At last, they arrived. Before them stood the remnants of a once-grand palaceits structure fractured, its magnificence faded. Near the entrance lay a toppled stone tablet, chipped and broken. Three characters had once been carved into itonly two remained visible: Celestial Hall. The third character, lost to time. The palace was vast, yet crumbling. Entire sections had collapsed into rubble, leaving little more than a hollow shell of its former glory. "We go in," Yun Yun said, stepping forward. The moment they crossed the threshold, it was as if they had entered another world. The oppressive red mist thinned, nearly vanishing, easing the suffocating tension. Han turned back toward the entrance, peering out into the ruins. The outside world seemed even darker, even more ominous. The front hall was barren, devoid of furniture or relicsonly dust and decay. Yun Yun gestured toward a massive bronze doorway ahead. "Beyond this door, we will be separatedeach sent to face our own trials." The bronze door was adorned with chaotic engravings. Their meaning was unclear, but staring at them too long induced a strange dizziness. Clearly, the doorand its markingswere no ordinary relics. "The sooner we begin, the sooner we can leave. Staying here doesnt feel right." Han and the others nodded in agreement. Yun Yun led the way, stepping into the darkness beyond the door. She vanished. "Big Sis?" Yun Duo called out, but there was no answer. One by one, the others followed. Han waited. Until, at last, he was the only one left. Han fixed his gaze on the bronze door before him. What lay beyond? The ultimate truth of the world, perhaps? Cough, cough. Wrong script. Shaking off his wandering thoughts, Han stepped through the doorway. The massive bronze door swung shut behind him with a deep, resonating thud. Silence filled the grand hall. Outside the Ascension Hall, a shadowy figure emergeda humanoid form covered in thick, crimson fur. Its eerie, glowing red eyes fixed upon the sealed bronze door. "Heh heh heh" A chuckle, deep and unsettling, echoed in the darkness. Endless blackness. No light. No sound. No sense of space. Then, suddenly, the darkness receded, replaced by dazzling brightness. Han blinked. The scenery around him had completely changed. Lush greenery stretched as far as the eye could see. Flowers bloomed, and birds chirped in the crisp, fragrant air. It was an idyllic paradise, utterly at odds with the bleak desolation of the Abyssal Ruins. Han frowned. A place like this inside the Abyssal Ruins? Impossible. His gaze drifted upward. Faint, blood-red cracks marred the sky, leaking an ominous energy. A sense of foreboding crept into his heart. Is this world being consumed by the Ruins crimson mist? Despite the illusion of serenity, there was no doubt that this space was an extension of the Abyssal Ruins, perhaps twisted by its influence. What an extraordinary creation Han mused. As expected of the legendary Fate Sect, rulers of their era. Suddenly, glowing words emerged on the trunk of a nearby ancient tree. "The Martial Trial Begins." "Martial Trial?" Han murmured. The ground beneath him trembled. A section of earth collapsed inward, and from the depths rose a figurea young man with a cold, expressionless face. His eyes were unsettling: one black, the other white. "Seeker of the Path," the figure intoned, "defeat meusing martial means alone." Without hesitation, Han drew Taibai, his blade glinting coldly in the eerie light. The opponent, too, unsheathed a sword. This scenario was exactly as Yun Yun had described earlier. Upon entering the Ascension Hall, each challenger would face a Gatekeepera guardian forged from the mysteries of the hall itself. These were not living beings. No breath, no heartbeatmere constructs, akin to lifeless puppets. Defeating them would yield rewards. A silver arc flashed through the air. Shiiing! Han struck first. His blade pierced straight through the Gatekeepers heart. The figure collapsed instantly. Too weak. His opponent had possessed the strength of a mere Peak Meridian Stage cultivatorhardly a challenge. Han withdrew Taibai from the fading corpse. As the Gatekeeper vanished, something dropped to the grounda small, radiant stone. Loot drop! The stone glowed with a soft, milky light, radiating a gentle yet potent energy. Han examined it briefly before storing it away. This is one of the benefits of the Ascension Hall. But the trial was far from over. Once again, the earth trembled. The same Gatekeeper reappeared, rising from the ground as if reborn. "Seeker of the Path," it repeated, "defeat me." Han struck again. Another single slash. Another instant kill. This time, the fallen Gatekeeper left behind a deeper-colored stoneits energy even richer than the first. At the same time, Han noticed something else. The Gatekeepers power had increased. This time, its strength was no longer at the initial Peak Meridian Stage, but rather an advanced level within that stage. So thats how it works. There was only one Gatekeeper. But the battle would not be a singular event. Each time it was defeated, it would rise againstronger than before. Its cultivation and combat ability would continue to evolve. For the third time, the Gatekeeper resurrected. This time, it had reached the absolute peak of the Meridian Stage. But even then For Han, it was still Not. Even. Close. Chapter 160: A Narrow Defeat Against an Immortal’s Single Strike "Then you will not continue." "..." I see now. Youre just an artificial idiot, arent you? "And if I continue? What do I gain for winning? And what happens if I lose?" "If you win, you continue the challenge," the black-and-white-eyed youth replied coldly. Han was speechless. Yep, definitely an artificial idiot. "If you lose, you will receive a reward and be sent out of the Ascension Hall." Oh? That wasnt bad. "However, you will never be allowed to step into the Heavenly Fate Sect againunless granted special permission by an elder." "..." Yeah, that part was not good. Artificial idiot, wake up! The Heavenly Fate Sect has been gone for thousands of years! There are no elders left! "I decline to continue the challenge," Han stated firmly. He wasnt stupidhis opponent was now at the Great Organ Tempering Realm, and he couldnt use his most destructive techniques here. One wrong move, and he would permanently lose access to the Heavenly Fate Sect. The Boundless Sky Ruins held too many secrets. Han was deeply intrigued and might return one day. Getting himself permanently barred today? That would be a massive loss. Black-and-White Brother, you may be an idiot, but I am not. One should always leave a path for the future. Black-and-White Brother, Ive already killed you countless times todayIll let you off this once. No need to thank me. Stolen novel; please report. The gatekeeper nodded and announced: "The seeker of the Dao has passed the Eighth Trial of Martial Arts and forfeited the Ninth Trial." "Would you like to begin the Trial of the Soul?" For those who practiced both martial arts and soul cultivation, the Ascension Hall would test both aspects accordingly. This was information Yun Yun had already shared beforehand. Just like before, soul-related techniques would be the only ones allowed in this trial. "Before the trial begins, may I ask two questions?" Han inquired. "How many trials are there in the Martial Arts Test?" If he ever returned, he might as well try to clear the entire challenge. "If you are capable, you may fight all the way to the Ascension Gate." Han fell silent. Alright, never mind. Still, he was tempted to askcould they just summon the opponent from the Ascension Gate right now? Even if he lost by a single move, it would be worth it. Then, when he left this place, he could proudly proclaim: "Even against an immortal, he could only beat me by a single strike!" Not a move more! But Han ultimately refrainedhe wasnt trying to get himself obliterated. "Are there stronger opponents within the same realm?" Han asked. Were the gatekeepers strong? Certainly. But to Han, their strength was simply a product of their cultivation realm. If they were on equal footingno, if he merely broke through to the Organ Tempering Realmhe wouldnt hesitate to challenge the Ninth Trial and beat this artificial idiot into scrap metal. These gatekeepers were no different from the martial artists outsideutterly unremarkable in his eyes. A sect once renowned for being invincible, and this was all their trial could offer? Han found that hard to believe. Surely, the Ascension Hall had more to it than this. "Do you wish to attempt the Martial Prodigy Trial or the Martial Immortal Seed Trial?" "Failing these trials carries no penalty." Han was surprised. So there was more? Then what he had just gone through was merely the standard test? Yun Yun never mentioned this! Heavenly Fate Sect, you sneaky bastards. "I accept!" Han didnt hesitate. With no risks involved, he was eager to see what a true genius or immortal seed of a grand sect was capable of. "Contacting the Ascension Halls artifact spirit to initiate the Martial Prodigy Trial..." "Connection failed." Han suddenly had a bad feeling. "Contacting the elders of the Ascension Hall..." "Connection failed." "Contacting the sects prodigies..." "Connection failed." The black-and-white-eyed guardian tried reaching numerous entities, yet none responded. Han went from frowning to sighing. As expectedan artificial idiot. The Heavenly Fate Sect was in ruins. Who did you think you were going to contact? "Unable to initiate the Martial Prodigy Trial or the Martial Immortal Seed Trial." Han was unsurprised. "My bad, Black-and-White Brother. I asked for too much." With that, he turned his attention to the next trial. "Let''s begin the Trial of the Soul." Chapter 161: Supreme Rating "So... Im already this strong?" Han stood with his hands on his hips as the green energy in the space surged once again, repairing his soul. On the other side, the soul of the Blindfolded Sister had been completely incinerated by the Nameless Netherfire, leaving behind a pile of gold coins. A mere early-stage Sunwalker as the gatekeeper? Not even a match for him! He never truly realized his own power until he fought. But now, the reality was clearhis mastery of the soul had reached an astonishing level! Who in this world could challenge him? Before Han could dwell on it, the gatekeepers soul reappeared, initiating the usual inquiry. Still at the early Sunwalker stage, but now at the second level. Han quickly calculated the number of soul-based trials he had cleared and decided to continue the challenge. Battling a Sunwalker was incredibly difficulttheir level was far beyond his own. But Han had a trump card that could end the fight in an instant. With a flurry of hand seals, the Nameless Netherfire erupted from the surrounding space, engulfing the gatekeepers soul. The Earthfire, after absorbing the Netherfire, had grown exponentially stronger. Compared to when Han had first used it against the Huang clans cultivators back in Black Mountain, its power was now on a completely different level. Back then, the Netherfire had only been refined for a few days. As the Blindfolded Sister was consumed by the flames, Han launched relentless attacks. Under this pressure, she was once again defeated. When she reappeared at the mid-stage Sunwalker level and prompted for another challenge, Han chose to decline. Even against an early-stage Sunwalker, he had to go all out. If he pushed further, things might spiral out of control. If something unexpected happened and he lost his access to the Heavenly Ruins, hed probably want to kill An Lang. A Hidden Trump Card "My soul cultivation I might actually be among the strongest in Black Cloud Towns major families now." Han felt a tinge of pride before shaking his head. "Too bad there are so few opportunities to use soul-based combat freely in the outside world." Since embarking on the path of cultivation, martial arts had always been Hans primary method of battle, with soul techniques serving as support. This wasnt just his personal situationit was the norm for most dual cultivators. To fully unleash the power of ones soul and utilize Daoist techniques to their fullest, a cultivator had to release their soul from the body. Many powerful techniques required a fully detached soul state to be executed properly. Even those that could be used while the soul remained inside the body would still be significantly weakened. While the physical body protected the soul, it also acted as a restrictionat least at this stage. However, Han had rarely encountered a battle where he could safely release his soul without putting his physical body at risk. The moment the soul left the body, the flesh became defenselessa sitting duck. For someone like Han, who cultivated both paths, the importance of his physical body was self-evident. He would never recklessly expose it to danger. If anything happened to his body, where would he even begin to cry? Given these circumstances, soul techniques naturally became more of a secondary tool in combat. For dual cultivators, the soul could at least serve as support in direct battles. But for pure cultivators who relied solely on their soul and techniques? Facing a martial artist head-on was a nightmare. There was no denying that soul techniques were mysterious and powerful. But in the early stages? They were pure suffering. Martial artists were simply the kings of the early game. Cultivators? The bottom-feeders of the bottom-feeders. Only at the Sunwalker stage did this imbalance begin to shift. But even then, it was only enough to stand toe-to-toe with martial artists of the same level. Even at this stage, the power dynamic was not entirely reversed. No Sunwalker would ever recklessly expose their soul in front of a martial artist, leaving their physical body unprotected. Even figures like the Yun family patriarch would only venture out in soul form after securing their body in the safest locationsometimes, not even their own family knew where it was hidden. Han rarely had such a luxury. Most of his battles happened in the wild, where he could never afford to recklessly separate his soul from his body. Love this story? Find the genuine version on the author''s preferred platform and support their work! When he trained with Lu Qingmo, the enemies they faced were weak enough that his martial arts alone sufficedthere was no need to reveal his Daoist abilities. Most people had already guessed that Han was cultivating Daoist techniques. After all, he spent so much time around Lu Qingmo. If he wasnt a cultivator, what was he doing there? But guessing was one thingknowing his exact soul cultivation level was another. And those who had figured it out? Were all dead. The only ones left were those he considered allies. As a result, his true soul cultivation remained a hidden card up his sleeve. A Change in the Power Dynamic Sunwalkers could match Bone Refining martial artists largely because they no longer feared sunlight or physical energy suppression. At this stage, they gained complete freedom. If they wished, no Bone Refining martial artist could ever truly pin them down. After all, a cultivators soul could fly. If they werent winning the fight? They could just fly away. Or better yet, they could hover in the sky and bombard their opponent with spellswhat could a martial artist possibly do about it? "Come up here and fight me if you dare! Oh, wait you cant." It wasnt until the Manifestation Realm that a cultivators soul became nearly tangible, like a second physical body. At that point, they could truly stand toe-to-toe with martial artists in direct combat. At that stage, they could even leave their physical body hidden somewhere and walk the world solely in soul formcompletely untouchable. But for Han, that was still a long way off. The Supreme Rating The Blindfolded Sisters voice echoed through the space. "The Seeker has cleared the eighth trial of the Soul Path and has forfeited the ninth challenge." The Martial Path had eight trials. The Soul Path had eight as well. Not a single one more or less. Perfectly symmetrical. "Eight consecutive victories, not a single defeat. Final rating: Supreme!" At that moment, the Black-and-White Brothers reappeared, repeating the exact same words. Hans expression was unreadable. He had opted out of the ninth challenge yet he was still considered undefeated? Well, technically, that was true. It seemed sometimes, knowing when to stop was just as important as knowing how to fight. "A Seeker with a Supreme rating is eligible to meet the Elders of the Ascension Hall!" both gatekeepers announced. "Additionally, this unlocks the Trial of the Chosen and the Trial of the Immortal Seed!" "" A bad feeling crept into Hans heart. Could they just forget about those damn elders already? Let the old man rest in peace. Sure enough, the gatekeepers attempted to contact the artifact spirit or eldersagain. And as expected, no response. The trials couldnt be activated. Han was utterly dumbfounded. They literally just tried this a moment ago. How had they already forgotten? These two were the very definition of artificial stupidity. After another round of nonsensical procedures, the gatekeepers spoke again. "Unable to contact the responsible personnel. As per the Ascension Halls rules, the Supreme-rated Seeker will receive the highest reward." "You may enter the Ascension Pool once and select one Supreme-rated Daoist technique and one Supreme-rated martial art from the Hall of Myriad Paths." Hans eyes gleamed. If this was the highest reward, then maybe failing to reach the elders was actually a blessing in disguise. Had an actual person judged him, personal biases could have influenced the ratingfor better or worse. But these two followed the rules to the letter. No favoritism. No unfair deductions. Just pure, impartial judgment. And the rewards Ascension Pool? Hall of Myriad Paths? Would stepping into the Ascension Pool instantly make him an immortal? Of course, he knew that was impossible. But stillone could dream! So, are there supreme martial arts here? Perhaps even legendary divine techniques?" Once again, the ground cracked open, and a token flew out. One side was engraved with the characters for "Supreme," while the other bore "Ten Thousand Paths." The gatekeeper announced, "The seeker may use this token to enter the Hall of Ten Thousand Paths." Han curiously asked, "What level are these ''Supreme''-rated techniques? Are they heavenly martial arts? Legendary divine skills?" "They are of the Supreme level." Excellent. A textbook answer. I mustve been out of my mind to expect anything more from them. "Where is the Hall of Ten Thousand Paths? Will you send me there?" "Once the seeker leaves the Hall of Immortal Ascension, a disciple of the Heavens Fate Sect will guide you there." "..." Han was speechless. Did these guys even know what was going on outside? Heavens Fate Sect? What Heavens Fate Sect?! Bro, times have changed! "And if theres no one to guide me?" "If the seeker knows the location of the Hall of Ten Thousand Paths, you may proceed on your own." "And if I dont know where it is?" "Then you shall wait for a disciple to guide you." "And if no one comes?" "If the seeker knows" Enough! Just stop. I shouldnt have expected anything from you. Han looked at the token in his hand. A technique rated as Supreme in Heavens Fate Sect had to be extraordinary, even if it wasnt at the level of heavenly martial arts. If he could enter the hall, the rewards would be immense. But damn it, the entire outside world was a wasteland! Where was he supposed to find the Hall of Ten Thousand Paths? And after all these years, did it even still exist? The Hall of Immortal Ascension itself was already half-ruined, with the remaining parts crumbling under the encroaching red mist. Han''s heart sank at the thought. He quickly asked, "How do I reach the Grand Ascension Pool?" Please dont tell me its somewhere else too... "Proceed straight ahead, and you will arrive at the Grand Ascension Pool." Han felt an increasing sense of unease. He distinctly remembered that the rear half of the Hall of Immortal Ascension had been destroyed when he looked at it from outside. Hopefully, that wont affect this so-called Ascension Pool... And even if the pool was still intact, after all these years, would it even retain its full power? "What does the Grand Ascension Pool do?" "It aids in the transformation of both body and soul, nurturing the Seed of Transcendence. Should the seed bloom and bear fruit, the practitioner''s physique will surpass all mortal limitations." A Seed of Transcendence? A fundamental transformation of my physical essence? Han pondered for a moment. So, this was a way to elevate his natural physique to rival those born with extraordinary constitutions? However, it seemed that the pool would only nurture the seedthe process of making it bloom and bear fruit would still require his own efforts in the future. The two gatekeepers stepped aside, clearing the way for him. Han proceeded forward. After walking about a hundred meters, dense darkness enveloped him once more. When the light returned, he found himself in a different place. The room was built of white jade bricks and framed with walls of deep green jade. Unfortunately, cracks marred the walls and floor. At the center of the room lay a pool, measuring roughly three meters across in both length and width. Even the edges and the bottom of the pool bore fractures, but to Hans relief, water still shimmered within. However, the pool was only half full. Had it always been this way, or had much of the water already drained away over time? Without hesitation, Han stepped into the Grand Ascension Pool. The moment his body touched the water Hiss! A piercing chill surged through him, sending uncontrollable tremors down his spine Chapter 162: A Haunting Presence The Outer Hall of the Ascension Palace Shen Yu and the others stepped out of the bronze gate one by one, having each completed their respective trials. "Sis, how many trials did you pass?" "Three. I failed at the fourth one," Shen Yu replied, her tone calm and unbothered. She had defeated two opponents at the initial Meridian Opening stage and another at the minor accomplishment level. That alone was enough to satisfy her. Among her peers, such an achievement was already quite remarkable. As the returning challengers discussed their experiences, each of them had managed to claim at least one victorynone had been stopped by the very first gatekeeper. Performance within the Ascension Palace was a direct testament to one''s strength. In the world of cultivators, strength spoke louder than words. Naturally, those who had cleared more trials received admiration and respect. However, there was an unspoken ruleno one inquired about the rewards they had received. "Why havent Senior Sister and Little Junior Brother come out yet?" "Young Master Yunfeng and his group arent out either." A member of the Yun family, part of a branch lineage, explained: "The stronger a person is, the longer they tend to remain inside. Sometimes, they may even receive special rewards that require additional time to refine." The group waited a while longer before Yun Yun and her brother finally emerged. But still, there was no sign of Han or Bai Ruoyue. "Dont worry, theres still time," Yun Yun reassured the Taibai sect members, though her gaze remained fixed on the bronze gate, a silent sigh escaping her lips. As expected Those two from Taibai truly stand above the rest. The Yun family has no one who can compare to them. Yun Duo quietly transmitted a message to Yun Yun, "Big Sis, did you get it?" "Yes," Yun Yun replied. More time passed before Bai Ruoyue finally stepped out. She was smiling, making it clear that she had encountered something good. "Senior Sister!" Shen Yu waved excitedly. "You finally came out!" "Senior Sister, how many opponents did you defeat?" Shen Long asked, clearly eager to know. "Six," Bai Ruoyue answered. Among this group of challengers, she was undoubtedly the most gifted. A hush fell over the crowd. That number stood above everyone else''s. Some who had previously been proud of surpassing their peers by just one extra victory now fell silent, their earlier sense of accomplishment vanishing completely. Bai Ruoyue was currently at the minor accomplishment stage of the Viscera Refinement realm. This meant she had fought all the way to the peak of that stage. It was nothing short of terrifying. Yet, when they recalled Bai Ruoyues former reputation before Han had arrived, it somehow felt expected. Members of the Yun family looked at her with a mixture of admiration and resignation. The heavens truly favor Taibai. In the world of martial cultivation, it was rare for someone at the peak of the Meridian Opening stage to remain visible. Anyone who reached that level typically entered seclusion to break through to the next stage. In fact, finding a Viscera Refinement expert at the peak was even harder than finding a Bone Tempering cultivator. This was why conventional wisdom did not account for peak-level combat when discussing cross-realm battles. Moreover, reaching the peak of a realm was not considered an actual sub-stage like minor or major accomplishment. Instead, it meant that a cultivator had further honed their abilities beyond the major accomplishment stagean accumulation of quantity rather than a qualitative leap. Some called it the extreme limit of a realm. Others simply referred to it as the peak of major accomplishment. A cultivator could attempt a breakthrough as soon as they reached major accomplishment without pushing to the absolute peak, but doing so would make them weaker than those who did. Bai Ruoyue turned to Yun Yun. "When my final gatekeeper increased his strength to the Bone Tempering realm, he asked if I wished to continue. I chose not to." "The gatekeeper stated that if I lost at that stage, I would never be allowed to enter the Heavenly Fate Sect again." "I figured I might return to the Boundless Sky Ruins someday, and since I wasnt confident in defeating a Bone Tempering opponent, I let it go." Years of cultivation had given Bai Ruoyue a clear understanding of her own strength. She was no match for a Bone Tempering cultivator. Perhaps she could hold her own against an aged expert whose vitality had declined or against a newly advanced Bone Tempering beast. But in a serious battle, she would undoubtedly lose. If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it. Against a properly trained Bone Tempering martial artist, she wouldnt stand a chance. If only she had access to a supreme martial artperhaps even a legendary divine techniquethen she would dare to challenge such an opponent. But alas, I do not. If only I were Little Junior Brother With his talent and past achievements, even without a divine technique, he would still be able to fight a Bone Tempering opponent at the minor accomplishment stage of the Viscera Refinement realm. Sigh Ill never measure up to him. Yun Yun was surprised by Bai Ruoyues account. "The gatekeeper actually asked whether you wanted to continue? And failing meant you could never enter the Heavenly Fate Sect again?" She hadnt been informed of this. Yun Yuannan had never mentioned it. Bai Ruoyue raised an eyebrow. "Didnt they ask you?" Shen Yu shook her head. "Nope. I wasnt strong enough to beat the fourth gatekeeper. He just defeated me, gave me my reward, and sent me out." Bai Ruoyue pondered for a moment. "Could it be that the Heavenly Fate Sect saw potential in me and decided to give me special treatment?" "No, thats not it." Yun Yun shook her head. "My father once said that some members of the Yun family failed their trials but returned years later without restriction." "Losing to a gatekeeper does not prevent one from re-entering the Ascension Palace." Bai Ruoyue frowned. "But the gatekeeper told me otherwise." "He wouldnt lie to you," Yun Yun reasoned. "That means the only explanation is" "If the gatekeeper asks whether you wish to continue, then failing will result in a permanent ban. But if you arent asked, then failure doesnt matter." "What kind of logic is that?" No one had an answer, but Yun Yuns theory seemed reasonable. "The Heavenly Fate Sect is long gone. Who knows why they did things this way?" Bai Ruoyue shrugged, unconcerned. "Why werent we asked?" a Yun family disciple muttered. "Maybe you have to reach a certain stage before they give you the option," Yun Duo said bluntly. "We were all too weak to be considered worthy of a reminder." "" The logic was sound, but did she have to be so direct? That was a bit harsh, Yun Duo. "Little Junior Brother still isnt out?" "No. Hes the last one left." Bai Ruoyue wasnt surprised after hearing this. Of course. Han must have defeated even more gatekeepers than I did. The Ascension Pool When Han stepped into the pool, the entire space changed. The once-clear water turned crimson, then shifted to blue, followed by an array of dazzling hues. Mist rose from the surface, filling the chamber. A bone-chilling cold seeped into his body, making him shudderonly for the energy to shift, scalding him like molten fire, turning his skin red. An overwhelming fusion of ice and fire. Meanwhile, a mysterious energy surged into his soul, nourishing his spirit and strengthening his mind. As the light within the pool intensified, unknown symbols surfaced on the walls. A strange dust of blue and white materialized in the air, drifting down and merging into the glowing lines on Hans body. Then, a celestial phenomenon manifested above his head. From the highest reaches of the heavens, an unseen force cascaded down, engulfing him. Han gritted his teeth as his entire body felt as though it was being reforged in a divine furnace Before they entered, both Lu Qingmo and Yun Yuannan had warned themleave the same day you arrive, never linger. Staying too long in the Celestial Ruins meant risking corruption by the forces within. And once night fell, who knew what horrors might emerge? The Yun clan members were already whispering among themselves, some even suggesting they should leave first. However, Yun Yun, the eldest daughter, quickly silenced them. "Junior Brother hasnt encountered any danger. Hes probably just delayed inside for some reason." Bai Ruoyue pondered for a moment. She was certain Han was safe. Having fused with a pair of Heart Wings, she would have sensed it if his life was in danger. But so far, there had been no such warning. Still, his prolonged absence was enough to cause unease. Turning to the Yun clan members, Bai Ruoyue suggested, "Yun Yun, why dont you all return to Black Mountain first? Well stay and wait for my Junior Brother." She had no reason to force them to wait as well. Yun Yun considered it for a moment before shaking her head. "We came together, so we should leave together." Some of the Yun clan members looked like they wanted to object, but a glance from their companions kept them quiet. In the end, they chose to follow Yun Yuns decision. "Thank you," Bai Ruoyue said sincerely, finding Yun Yun rather admirablegraceful, kind, and strikingly beautiful. If her Junior Brother werent Han, an alliance through marriage with the Yun clan wouldnt have been a bad idea. But she knew all too wellif it wasnt Han, the Yun clan wouldnt even be interested. As time passed, the unease in everyones hearts only grew. Inside the Ascension Pool, the once vibrant waters gradually dimmed, returning to a clear transparency. The faintly glowing dust that had been floating along the walls and floors settled, leaving the chamber in complete stillness. The shimmering light around Hans body flickered and faded, flowing like a liquid withdrawing into his form. Deep within, an unknown mystical force began to condense and compress Until, at last, everything converged into a single point in his lower abdomen. The accumulated energy suddenly expanded, forming a tiny seed no larger than a soybean. "Whoosh!" An invisible shockwave burst from Hans body, rippling through the now-clear pool. A jade-like radiance enveloped his physique, making him appear almost divinelike a god descending upon the world. Moments later, everything returned to normal. Hans eyes openedat first clouded with confusion, then gradually regaining clarity. Before he could react, he was abruptly expelled, finding himself once again in the darkness. It had thrown him out? A faint glow appeared ahead as a bronze gate materialized and swung open on its own. Han stepped forward and exited. Every gaze snapped toward him the moment he emerged. Looking around, Han smiled and greeted them. "Oh, everyones still here." Before he could say anything more, Bai Ruoyue grabbed him and broke into a sprint, dragging him toward the exit of the Ascension Hall. The others hurried to follow. "Senior Sister" "No time to explain, just run!" It was only then that Han realizedthe sky had gone completely dark. He had stayed inside far too long. Quickly, he turned to the others and apologized. "Sorry, its my fault you all had to wait here." "Its not too late," Yun Yun replied with a gentle shake of her head. "At least we didnt stay past sunrise." "Junior Brother, what took you so long?" Bai Ruoyue asked. Han explained, "The Ascension Hall gave me a reward that had to be refined on the spot. It took some time." As he spoke, he assessed his own body. This was incredible. The highest reward, just as the two gatekeepers had mentionedhe had really hit the jackpot! Feeling a surge of excitement, he couldnt help but glance back at the Ascension Hall. And that was when his expression froze. His scalp tingled violently. Standing just half a foot away was a humanoid creature covered in thick red fur. It grinned at him eerily, raising a hand in what seemed like a parting wave. Hans instincts screamed. He instantly clenched his fist, ready to strikebut in the very next second, the red-furred creature vanished without a trace, as if it had never been there. Had it all been an illusion? No. Han knew he wasnt imagining things. What was that thing? He swallowed and forced himself to calm down. His raised hairs slowly settled. "Whoo whoo" The wind howled, carrying an eerie undertone, like faint laughter brushing against their ears. "Junior Brother, what are you looking at? Why do you look so spooked?" "I thought I saw someone, but they disappeared immediately. Probably just my imagination." "Dont scare me like that." Shen Yu edged closer to Bai Ruoyue. "Lets keep moving," Han said. Everyone picked up the pace, making sure to stay alert as they raced away. Then, all of a sudden, Han felt a chill crawl up his back. Out of the corner of his eye, he caught a glimpsejust barelyof something red shifting behind him. Without hesitation, he kicked backward, sending dirt and stones flying with a powerful strike. But his attack hit nothing, only stirring up dust in the desolate ruins. "What was that?" "Slipped." "" Han turned back. The space behind him was nothing but dark red emptiness. But he knew It wasnt his imagination. Something was watching them. No. It was watching him. Behind him A ghost. Chapter 163: The Eerie Path The night deepened, the stars flickering coldly against the dark sky. The boundless Tianxu felt even more unsettling under the crimson haze. Due to the influence of the red mist, even the moon overhead had taken on a blood-red hue. The surroundings grew eerily silent, shrouded in an oppressive gloom, as though they had stepped into a ghostly realm. Occasionally, the distant howls of unknown creatures echoed through the mist, sending chills down their spines. Halfway along their journey, faint, indistinct voices began to murmur in their ears. At first, the words were unclear, but as they continued walking, the chilling whispers became discernible: "Under the red moon, wanderers of the night." "Through the sea of blood, we guide you home." "Drink the waters of the Yellow Springs, walk the path of the underworld. Do not look back. Do not stop." "The wind at your ear, the presence on your back, the hand in yoursdo not see, do not ask." "Heh... heh... heh..." The voice carried a strange melody, neither spoken nor sung, yet filled with an eerie rhythm. It was as if someone hidden in the darkness was chanting a farewell song just for them. Ahead, the red mist suddenly billowed, swirling like restless spirits. In the distance, tiny green flames flickered to life, stretching forward in a ghastly procession, forming a path as though leading them not homebut into the depths of the underworld. No one spoke. The sinister atmosphere had heightened their alertness to the extreme. Until Shen Long finally broke the silence. "Who''s singing?" Han almost blurted out, "Warms the heart..." but caught himself just in time. Some habits really needed fixing. A sudden warmth spread through his left hand. Someone was holding it. Han turned slightly. The one walking to his left was Yun Yun. Bai Ruoyue was leading at the front, while Han and Yun Yun were covering the rear. Han lowered his voice. "Yun Yun, why are you holding my hand?" Bai Ruoyue''s ears twitched at the back-and-forth, catching every word. Yun Yun frowned. "Im not holding your hand." Both of them stiffened. Slowly, their gazes dropped to Hans left hand. A pale, slender handso thin that the veins were clearly visiblewas gripping his. The nails were painted a bright, blood-red hue. And it was coming from behind him. Their eyes trailed upward, and horror struck. There was nothing attached to that hand. Just a severed limb. Hans instincts kicked in. With a surge of raw energy, he wrenched the hand off and flung it to the ground. It vanished the instant it touched the earth. The sudden commotion drew everyones attention. After Han quickly explained what had happened, a suffocating silence fell over the group. "Stay close," Bai Ruoyue instructed grimly. "No one wanders off." Tianxu was growing increasingly eerie. The next moment, Han felt a warm breath against his left earlike someone whispering, exhaling softly against his skin. Even an idiot would know it wasnt Yun Yun. Without hesitation, Han swung a heavy fist backward. His punch hit nothing but air, and the strange sensation disappeared instantly. The others turned toward him again. Han gritted his teeth, brushing it off with a short explanation. But deep down, frustration boiled. First the red-furred humanoid, now this? It was always him. No one else seemed to be experiencing these bizarre encounters. A small mercy, perhaps. But stillwhy him? Did he look particularly appetizing to these damn things? Han pressed on with a scowl, but soon enough, another incident struck. His body suddenly felt heavier, weighed down by something clinging to his back. A thick curtain of white hair draped over his shoulder, cascading down like a deathly veil. Enough already. Hans patience snapped. He raised a hand and smacked whatever it was off him with a sharp slap. The pressure on his back disappeared immediately. A while later, in the corner of his eye, he caught another glimpse of the red-furred entitythe same one from before. It was still there. Still watching him. And still waving. Han turned to Yun Yun beside him. "Do you see that?" She glanced in the same direction and frowned. "See what?" Han clenched his jaw. So, it really was targeting him specifically. While everyone else walked in relative peace, he was being haunted at every step. Han was going numb from the sheer absurdity of it. What exactly do you people want from me? Tell me, and Ill change! Whatever it is, I swear Ill change! Enjoying this book? Seek out the original to ensure the author gets credit. Just then, Yun Duo, who was walking ahead, suddenly spoke. "Han, I forgot to ask earlierhow many trials did you clear in the Ascension Hall?" Han was only half-paying attention and answered absentmindedly. "A few hundred, I guess." Silence. Every single person turned to look at him. Hans heart skipped a beat. Shit. Theyre not possessed, are they? "A few hundred?" Yun Duo asked again, seeking confirmation. "Few" Han started, but Yun Yun cut him off with a sharp look. "Yun Duo," she warned, giving her younger sister a light pat. "Nows not the time for that." "Oh... right." The number of trials a cultivator cleared was a direct reflection of their strength. Sharing that information freely could be a grave mistake. For Bai Ruoyue and the others, their strength had been on display for yearspeople already had a rough idea of their capabilities. Discussing their results in the Ascension Hall wasnt a big deal. But Han was different. He had been cultivating for far too short a time. And yet, his progress was terrifying. No one outside could accurately gauge his true powerit was shrouded in mystery. Yun Yun was subtly reminding Yun Duo not to pry. They continued forward in tense silence, making their way toward the edge of Tianxu. Eventually, the dark ruins faded behind them, replaced by the shadowed slopes of Heishan. Though the journey had been far from peaceful, at least they had made it back unharmedphysically, at least. The psychological toll was another matter. In the distance, nestled among the mountain trees, Yun Yuan Nan stood waiting. The moment he spotted them, a wave of relief washed over his face. Had they not returned by now, he would have feared the worst. His daughters, his sonall had ventured into that cursed land. If something had happened to them, he didnt know how he could bear it. "Father! Were back!" Yun Duo called out cheerfully as she ran up to him. "Good, good," Yun Yuan Nan exhaled, nodding repeatedly. He didnt scold them for the delay, just took a long, searching look at each of them before saying, "Lets go home." Han and the others obediently retrieved their black cloths, knowing the drill. But just before covering his eyes, Han turned back for one last look at the boundless Tianxu. His fingers brushed against the token inside his spatial ringthe Ten Thousand Paths Hall Medallion. Something told him this wouldnt be his last time here. The only question was: where would he enter from next time? As night deepened, the sky was draped in a veil of stars and moonlight. Yet, within the boundless Abyss of Heaven, the darkness took on an eerie presence. Due to the influence of the crimson mist, even the moon overhead was tinted a blood-red hue. The surroundings grew increasingly ominous, like a realm of wandering spirits. From time to time, strange howls echoed through the air, sending chills down their spines. Halfway through their journey, a muffled, indistinct voice suddenly brushed past their ears, as if someone were whispering in the shadows. A moment later, the words became clear: "Under the crimson moon, the wanderers tread." "Through a sea of blood, we guide you home." "Drink from the Yellow Springs, walk the path of the underworlddo not turn back, do not linger." "The wind at your ear, the presence on your back, the hand you holddo not look, do not question." "Hehehe..." The voice carried a haunting melody, its eerie cadence sending an unnatural chill through their bones. It felt as though something unseen lurked in the darkness, watching them, chanting this song as a farewell. Ahead, the crimson mist stirred and swayed, revealing flickering green flames in the distance. Slowly, they aligned into a pathone that seemed less like a route home and more like a road to the underworld. A heavy silence settled over the group. The oppressive atmosphere forced everyone into a heightened state of vigilance. Then, out of nowhere, Shen Long broke the silence. "Who''s singing?" "It''s warm..." Han almost answered reflexively but bit his tongue halfway through. Old habits die hard. Just then, he felt a hand clasping his left hand. He instinctively glanced to his sideit was Yun Yun standing beside him. At the front, Bai Ruoyue was leading the way, while Han and Yun Yun took the rear. Han frowned and asked in a hushed voice, "Yun Yun, why are you holding my hand?" At the front, Bai Ruoyues sharp ears twitched slightly, catching every word. Yun Yun looked puzzled. "I''m not holding your hand." The moment her words fell, both of them turned their gazes toward Han''s left hand. A pale, slender handits veins faintly visible beneath the skinwas gripping Hans fingers tightly. Its nails were painted a striking crimson red. The hand had come from behind him. Their gazes followed its origin, and what they saw made their blood run cold. There was no body. Just a hand. Hans instincts kicked in. His inner energy surged, and he firmly grasped the ghostly hand before slamming it to the ground. In the blink of an eye, it vanished. The commotion immediately caught everyones attention. As they turned to look, Han quickly explained what had just happened, sending an uneasy shiver down their spines. "Stay close," he warned. "Dont spread out." The Abyss of Heaven was becoming more and more unsettling. Just as that thought crossed his mind, Han suddenly felt a warm breath tickling his left ear, as if someone were whispering right next to him. Even if he was slow-witted, he knew Yun Yun wouldnt be the type to do such a thing. Without hesitation, he lashed out with a punch behind himonly to strike empty air. The sensation vanished instantly. The others glanced over again. Han briefly explained, but deep inside, irritation began to build. First, it was the red-haired figure. Now, this? Why was he the only one being targeted? The others had walked through this place unscathed. Which, honestly, was a good thing. But why was all this happening to him? What was he, some kind of holy monk that attracted ghosts? Suppressing his growing frustration, Han pressed forward. But it didnt stop. A moment later, he suddenly felt something heavy pressing down on his shoulders. Silvery-white strands of long hair draped over him. For a split second, Han''s patience snapped. "Enough is enough!" Without turning around, he swung a hard slap behind him. The weight on his shoulders instantly disappeared. Minutes later, out of the corner of his eye, Han once again spotted that same red-haired entity from before. It stood at a distance, waving at him. Han turned to Yun Yun and asked, "Do you see that?" She shook her head. "See what?" This was deliberate. The others walked on in peace, while Han was subjected to these relentless disturbances. At this point, he was just numb to it. "What exactly do you guys want from me?" "Just tell me, and I''ll fix it!" As they trudged forward, Yun Duo suddenly asked, "Han, I forgot to askhow many trials did you pass in the Ascension Hall?" Han, still distracted, casually replied, "A few hundred, I think." A strange silence followed. Everyone turned to stare at him with an expression Han couldnt quite decipher. A chill ran down his spine. "Are they all possessed?!" "A few hundred?" Yun Duo asked, seeking confirmation. "Yeah, I" Han started, but before he could finish, Yun Yun swiftly cut in. "Yun Duo!" she lightly smacked her younger sister. "Is now really the time to ask about that?" "Oh right." The number of trials cleared was a direct indicator of one''s strength. In the world of cultivators, keeping one''s true power hidden was crucial. While Bai Ruoyue and the others had openly discussed their own results earlier, it wasn''t actually a big deal. They were seasoned martial artistsmany already had a rough understanding of their abilities. But Han was different. His cultivation time was too short, and his progress was unnaturally fast. No one had an accurate assessment of his true strength. To the outside world, he was an enigma. Yun Yun had subtly reminded her sister not to press further. Finally, after what felt like an eternity, Han and his group reached the outskirts of the Abyss of Heaven. Despite the eerie encounters along the way, they had made it back without any real harm. As they neared the Black Mountain, they spotted Yun Yuanan waiting for them in the distance. A wave of relief washed over them. Yun Yuanan had been growing anxioushis daughters and son had been gone for too long. If anything had happened to them, he wouldnt have been able to bear it. "Father, were back!" Yun Duo called out joyfully. "Good, good," Yun Yuanan nodded repeatedly. He glanced over each of them carefully, as if confirming their safety, before finally saying, "Lets go home." Han and the others, knowing the drill, took out the black cloth once more. But before covering his eyes, Han stole one last glance at the Abyss of Heaven. His gaze lingered for a moment before shifting to the token inside his spatial ringthe Hall of Ten Thousand Paths insignia. Something told him This wouldnt be his last visit. Though where he would enter from next timenow that was uncertain. Chapter 164: The Perfect Initial Tempering – The Realm of Viscera! h an opportunity, the breakthrough was only a matter of course. Compared to the other benefits, the breakthrough itself felt like the least significant gain. You mentioned this so-called Hall of Ten Thousand Paths. Ive never heard of it, nor do I know if the Xuandu Temple has any records of it, Lu Qingmo said. Ill keep an eye out for any information, but dont get your hopes up. To her, this was little more than a hopeful thought. Countless years had passedwho knew if the Hall of Ten Thousand Paths still existed? Even if it did, would it still house its collection of martial arts and Daoist techniques? And even if the records remained intact, would Hans token still hold any value? With so many uncertainties, that token might end up being nothing more than a relic of the past. Han understood this as well and took it lightly. Instead, he pulled out two stonesone black and one whitedropped by the defeated gatekeepers. Aside from the final rewards, these stones were his only tangible gains from the Hall of Ascension. I recognize these. Theyre called Primordial Soul Cores, Lu Qingmo explained. They serve as energy sources for formations and puppets. Theyre also useful in alchemy and artifact forging. Their applications are vast. Can cultivators absorb them directly? No. The energy they contain is of a special nature that the human body cannot withstand, Lu Qingmo replied. Trying to force absorption would do more harm than good. Even though they cant be directly used by cultivators, Primordial Soul Cores are quite valuable. With eight of them, you hold a small fortune. She then recalled something else. About those strange occurrences in the Abyssal Ruins That place is filled with mysteries. No one can predict what lurks inside. As long as you stay away, you should be fine. Even the head of the Xuandu Temple had been powerless against the Abyssal Ruins. Whatever existed within was beyond comprehension. Lu Qingmo warned, If you dont have the strength, avoid returning to the Abyssal Ruins in the future. Han nodded but still felt a tinge of regret. Its a pity I couldnt participate in the Heavens Chosen Trials or the Immortal Seed Trials. I would have liked to challenge truly exceptional opponents. Bai Ruoyue had also triggered these trials, only to fail in activating themjust like Han. Information about these higher-level trials had already been shared with Yun Yun and the others while Han was still inside the Ascension Pool. It was a small way to repay the Yun family for their past kindness. There will be chances in the future, Lu Qingmo said with a smile. The world is vastyoull find worthy opponents. If you couldnt test yourself against the ancient prodigies of the Heavens Mandate Sect, then face the prodigies of today. The present may not be lesser than the past. In the Dream Youve reached the peak of the Meridian Stage. Next, you must temper your viscera with true qi and integrate it with secret martial arts to advance to the Viscera Stage. I will now teach you the Primal Spirit Mandrill Codex to aid your future cultivation. Bai Tian and his daughter stood beside Han, instructing him. Bai Ruoyue personally demonstrated the secret techniques of the Viscera Stage, guiding him step by step. During this period, Lu Qingmo tactfully stepped away. With Hans innate talent and the cognitive boost provided by the dream, he learned the Primal Spirit Mandrill Codex at an astonishing pace. Secret martial arts were difficult to start but easy to progress in once the initial threshold was passed. As long as one avoided early pitfalls, later cultivation would proceed smoothly. This art, unlike the Demonic Bull and Flood Dragon techniques he had learned before, was less demonic and more spiritual, focusing on the viscera. Though distinct, all three techniques seemed subtly interconnected. However, as one advanced, secret martial arts became increasingly complex. Even with Hans rapid learning speed, mastering it still took considerable time. Advancing to the Viscera Stage is different from the previous breakthroughs. Its not something that happens in an instant, Bai Tian advised. The transition from mortal flesh to the Skin and Flesh Stage requires generating a single strand of inner energy. Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on the original website. The leap from Skin and Flesh to the Meridian Stage involves transforming part of that energy into true qi. But the Viscera Stage demands a comprehensive refinement of the internal organs before the breakthrough can occur naturally. This process is called Initial Tempering. Han misheard for a moment. First Love? What first love? Bai Tian continued, During this step, martial techniques and true qi will resonate with your viscera, granting you a unique opportunity to refine them fully before breaking through. Your talent, physique, and the dreams enhancements make a perfect Initial Tempering possible. Take your timeit will be worth it. Based on Hans past performances, saving even dozens of days was already an impressive feat... "I have a few treasures in my possession that can assist me. Achieving a perfect initial refinement wont be a problem," Han declared. During the Water Essence Assembly, he selected three Water Essence Treasures, one of which was the Sacred Lifewater. Upon consumption, this rare elixir would suffuse his organs with immense vitality, forming a protective layer that shielded him from most harm. A true marvel for refining and tempering one''s internal organs. Combined with the Pool of Life and other treasures, Han was confident that attaining a flawless initial refinement was well within his grasp. Han began his cultivation, focusing on the resonance of his internal organs, feeling the intricate structure of his own body. Delicate, yet wondrous. As a warrior at the peak of the Meridian Stage, Hans internal organs were far stronger than those of an ordinary person. The previous two cultivation stages had already strengthened his physique as a whole, allowing his organs to endure the intense tempering of his true qi. Later on, he would even attempt a direct breakthrough to fully experience the process. In dreams, he could break through without affecting realityhe could experiment as much as he pleased. During the day, Bai Tian and his daughter took turns guiding Han, sharing their experiences and offering insights into his advancement. Three Days Later C Inside the Martial Hall From the outside, Han''s torso radiated lighteleven distinct points shimmered with ethereal brilliance. The sound of surging true qi echoed, reverberating beyond the hall, stirring the hearts of all who heard it. Han moved with precision and power, executing profound techniques. His footwork was steady, his body as immovable as a mountain, without the slightest sign of instability. Each punch and kick sliced through the air, generating powerful gusts that caused the ground to tremble. Within the Soul Realm, Hans spirit had already transformed into a Yuanhou, a mystical ape, guiding his physical body with an entirely unique approach to cultivation. Gazing inward, one would see Hans internal organs enveloped in a delicate, shimmering blue lightradiating an intense life force. This was the power of the Sacred Lifewater. As Han continued practicing his secret martial technique, his internal organs underwent meticulous refinement, strengthening gradually with each passing moment. His once-surging true qi calmed, no longer turbulent, instead gathering near his organs, waiting... Motion Stillness Motion Stillness The Yuanhou, a creature brimming with spiritual wisdom, executed an array of strange and intricate movements, refining Hans organs to their utmost potential. Han trained tirelessly, over and over again, untilat lastbeyond the glow of the Sacred Lifewater, his organs themselves began to emit a faint luminescence. A kaleidoscope of colorsblue, yellow, greenflashed, dimmed, and then brightened again, gradually syncing into a singular, harmonious rhythm. This was organ resonance, the key to initial refinement. At that moment, the vast reservoir of true qi within Hans body began to flownot violently, nor erratically, but with measured calmness. It seeped into his organs, washing over them before retreating, cycling smoothly. Han furrowed his brows slightly, sensing a faint painbut it was nothing he couldnt endure. Even with his exceptional foundation, refining the organs still elicited a reaction, a testament to the difficulty and danger of this cultivation stage. Yet, Han did not halt his training. Instead, he accelerated, his movements growing more fluid and refined. Three days in realitysix days in dreamshe had already mastered this secret technique. By now, he was intimately familiar with every step of the organ refinement process. During these three days, he had attempted more than one breakthrough. Using both martial techniques and true qi, he meticulously refined every inch of his internal organs. Because he proceeded with great caution, progress was slowbut speed was not the priority here. Time passed. Those watchingBai Tian and the otherswere more anxious than Han himself. Finally, as the last strand of true qi coursed through his organs, the Sacred Lifewater fully integrated into his system, imparting its final surge of vitality. His internal organs radiated with an even stronger brillianceso vivid that it could be seen from the outside. Bai Tian and the others, who had been holding their breath, finally relaxed. "Rumble!" The previously tranquil true qi suddenly erupted, surging violently. The stored vital essence within Hans body fused into his true qi, while the surrounding heaven and earth energy was devoured in massive quantities. His organs formed a powerful circulation system, absorbing and refining energy, feeding it back to Han. His body and true qi surged in strength, instantly ascending to a higher level. His physical form underwent rapid transformation, growing significantly stronger. A subtle aura radiated from himone that could crush ordinary people under its sheer pressure, rendering them breathless or even unconscious. After a quarter of an hour, Han gradually withdrew his power, allowing the gentle glow around his organs to fade. He felt completely different. His eyes gleamed with newfound clarityhis vision sharper, his sight extending farther than before. His ears had transformed as well, granting him heightened hearing, picking up even the faintest of sounds. His breath was deep and unbrokenso refined that even without a Water-Breathing Pearl, he could hold his breath underwater for an extended period. His sense of smell had also become astonishingly acute, allowing him to distinguish every scent in the air effortlessly. The fragrance of his senior sister, the scent of the trees in the corner of the hall... The human body was a complete systemno part existed in isolation. The organ refinement stage was one of quiet transformation, not an explosive display of power. If one''s organs trembled violently during cultivation That wouldnt signify successit would mean they were at deaths door. Han took a moment to immerse himself in his newfound power. He nodded in satisfactionhe felt stronger than ever. Stronger to the point where he could probably punch a... Hmm. No, he wouldnt test it on a Divine Ox this time. Not even on his past self. This time He felt like he could punch a dragon to death. Chapter 165: The Only Shortcoming "Hiss!" Bai Ruoyue ran her hands over Hans body, making strange noises as she did. Seeing that she wouldnt stop, Han swatted her hand away. Seriously? Master is right here, and youre doing this? At least find a place with no one around! "Youre catching up to me, little junior brother," Bai Ruoyue said, both happy and troubled. She was happy for Han but worried for herself. Life was toughtruly tough. "Senior Sister, you must be close to a breakthrough yourself," Han said with a smile. He had interacted with Bai Ruoyue quite a bit, and since she never guarded against him, he had a good grasp of her cultivation progress. Hearing this, Bai Ruoyue grinned proudly. "Youve got a keen eye. Youre pretty good at judging people." "But if you want to fully surpass me, youll have to wait a bit longer." It had been nearly two months since their Black Mountain expedition, where they had gained a wealth of resources. With the added aid of his dream cultivation and various fortuitous encounters, Bai Ruoyue was indeed on the verge of a breakthrough. One more step, and she would reach the perfected Visceral Realm. Hans presence didnt just impact himselfit drove others forward as well. After sensing Hans physical state, Bai Tian was highly satisfied. "A flawless foundation very impressive." "With your current strength, even if you arent the strongest in the Visceral Realm, you can retreat from battle with ease." "Your life is not in danger." And this was a judgment made without considering the existence of Perishing Form. When Shen Long and the others congratulated Han, their faces were filled with astonishment. "Its been less than three months since we first met, and youve already reached this level." Shen Long shook his head in disbelief. He still remembered the misunderstanding back thenhe had mistaken Han for some pig trying to steal his sister, Shen Yu. Looking at it now, Shen Long suddenly felt that if his sister did end up with Han maybe that wouldnt be so bad after all. Not just acceptablehonestly, it would be something worth celebrating with a full parade! A junior brother with such exceptional talent, impeccable character, humility, determination, and not a single trace of flirtatious behaviorhe was too perfect! "If I had known, I wouldve sparred with you more in the past." Everyone laughed, and Shen Yu quipped, "Brother, you can still spar with him now. Let Junior Brother give you some pointers." "If you ever need it, Second Senior Brother, Ill give it my all," Han said earnestly. Unauthorized use: this story is on Amazon without permission from the author. Report any sightings. "I wont hold backafter all, I respect you a lot." Shen Long punched Han. "Respect me? You just want to beat me to death, dont you? So you can take my place as Sixth Brother, huh?" "Id be fine with being Second Brother, too." Han shrugged as if it didnt matter to him. Bai Ruoyue chimed in from the side, "Want me to ask my dad to give you the headmasters position while were at it?" Bai Tian added seriously, "I wouldnt mind." "No, no, no!" Han shook his head frantically. Even if he did become the master of the Taibai Pavilion someday, he didnt want to achieve it through sheer strength and effort. He had other ways in mind. Right, Senior Sister? "But dont go anywhere just yet. I want a match with you later," Shen Long said. He never backed down from a fight. "Anytime, Second Senior Brother," Han replied without hesitation. Unlike back when he was in the Flesh and Blood Realm, things had changed. He and Shen Longoffense and defense had reversed! Bai Tian then turned to Han and said, "Your training in the Divine Ape Exorcism Manual has another benefitit conceals your cultivation level from outsiders." "This secret technique naturally obscures your aura and shields you from prying eyes. Its also useful for self-protection." "However, if the power gap is too large, it wont fool anyone." Han was surprised. So the manual has this kind of effect too? "What about the previous two secret techniques?" he asked. "They each have their own special abilities," Bai Ruoyue explained. "The Bull Demon technique stirs up a battle frenzy, making it difficult for you to feel fear." "The Flood Dragon technique enhances your adaptability underwater and grants extraordinary flexibility." At this point, Bai Ruoyue gave Han a glance. "But since you have a natural water manipulation talent, youve probably never noticed that second ability." "..." That was true. But he had experienced the effects of the Bull Demon techniqueback when he first fought Huang Shiren. That was the first life-and-death battle hed encountered since arriving in this world. The situation had been dangerous, and hed unknowingly slipped into a berserk state. But after that, he rarely felt it again. After Han explained his experience, Bai Ruoyues expression turned strange. "Thats because youre too strong. Youre always fighting above your level, and your body is special. So these effects get suppressed." "These are just secondary abilities of the secret techniques, not their core function. Expecting them to significantly enhance you thats unrealistic." The only true core of these techniques was to build a solid foundation and strengthen ones power. Everything else was just an extra perkit was useful, but there were limits. Han spread his hands like a helpless little bear. So its my fault for being too strong? "Seems like theres still a lot to uncover about these techniques," he mused. "For now, just focus on training steadily," Bai Tian advised. "Delving into deeper principles and condensing martial intentthats something for the future. Take things one step at a time." Trying to run faster than a cheetah before even learning to walk? Unrealistic. There was no benefit in rushing into things that were far beyond their current level. At their age, with solid teachings, ample resources, and a good environment, all they had to do was cultivate diligently and push forward. Someone like Han was at the peak of his rapid growth. If he suddenly abandoned training to create his own martial arts, that would be a complete waste of potential. Bai Tian might be so enraged hed expel him. Lu Qingmo might be so angry she wouldnt let him come home. If anyone ever encouraged a Visceral Realm martial artist to start inventing their own techniques, showering them with praise, there was only one explanationthey wanted to ruin them. Han sparred with Shen Long and Zhang Yuantao. As expected, the power gap was already vast. Still, he fought them seriously, exchanging blows evenly. But these sparring sessions didnt allow Han to showcase his true strengths. His abilitieslike the recovery power granted by his Nine-Orifice Golden Core or his willingness to trade injuriescouldnt be utilized in controlled matches. So when Bai Ruoyue eagerly wanted a match too, Han immediately made his escape. Time to go home! A few days later, Han asked Lu Qingmo, "Aunt Mo, at what level do disciples from sects like Xuandu Temple usually venture out into the world?" "For martial artists, its typically the Visceral Realm," Lu Qingmo answered. Han nodded. That made sense. But then Lu Qingmo sighed regretfully. "Your only real shortcoming is the lack of a high-tier martial art." Han chuckled. "Well, who knows? Maybe tomorrow Ill step outside and find a supreme martial art just lying on the ground." Secretly, though, he was hoping his cheat system would refresh soon and give him exactly that. Chapter 166: Vengeance for Yesterday As the moonlight bathed my face, I felt as if I had transformed. The silver glow cascaded down endlessly, making Han appear dreamlike, almost etherealhis figure blurred, difficult to discern. Whoosh! Suddenly, a surge of energy rippled outward from Hans soul, stirring the wind and forcing An Lang to retreat. In the distance, the peach trees rustled, drawing Lu Qingmos gaze. Han inhaled deeply, and the moonlight was drawn into him in an unending stream, as if he were a ravenous devourer of the lunar glow. Eventually, every trace of moonlight that had gathered around him was consumed. An Lang stared in disbelief from afarYou finished it all? What am I supposed to absorb now? Not even a sliver left for me! Of course, this was because Han had ceased his visualization, causing the Moon Gods imprint to deactivate. Otherwise, no matter how much he absorbed, he could never have devoured all the moonlightit was drawn directly from the celestial body itself. He was human, not some legendary sky-devouring beast. You broke through? Lu Qingmo asked. Han nodded. I believe so. Ive reached the late Night Wanderer stage. It was unfortunate that it was nighttime, with no sun in sight. Otherwise, Han could have felt the pull of sunlight on his body. He knew that even at night, the sun still existed, but without its visible rays, he couldnt yet sense its presence directly. His cultivation level simply wasnt high enough for that. Lu Qingmos expression turned slightly strange. Youve only been a Night Wanderer for about two months, havent you? Han nodded again. A few more days, and itll be exactly two months. It had been three days since his martial arts advancement to the Viscera stage. Two months and youre already nearing the threshold of the Day Wanderer realm? Lu Qingmo was momentarily speechless. The Moon Imprint has been a tremendous help, Han admitted. Without it, the time Id need to reach this stage would have at least doubled. Endless, inexhaustible lunar energypurer than the moonlight that filled the worldconstantly bestowed upon him by the Moon Demons in their ceaseless worship The benefits were simply immeasurable. He owed everything to the Moon God. At this point, Han considered himself the deitys most devoted believer, willing to offer up everything in service. Well, unless the Moon God actually demanded something in returnthen he might reconsider. Lu Qingmos gaze fell upon the lunar imprint at Hans brow. She nodded slightly. She had watched over him every night; she knew exactly what he had been doing. The Moon Imprint was indeed a formidable asset. If she had possessed such an imprint in her youth, her life would have turned out very differently. She wouldnt be here now. In fact, she would likely hold a position of immense authority, perhaps even ruling over the Xuan Capital Sect. The author''s narrative has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon. Of course, that was an exaggeration. But at the very least, she would be standing at the peak of power. Her current post in Black Cloud Town was as much for Bai Ruoyue as it was a duty forced upon her.
In the Dream After maintaining the dream realm for several hours, Bai Tian emerged from the peach grove, calling over Shen Long and the others. Father, what is it? Bai Tian smiled faintly. During this time, Ive been using the dream to refine the final technique of the Taibai Sword ArtSelfless Blade. Ive managed to mitigate some of its side effects. Lu Qingmo cast him a surprised glance but said nothing before silently retreating into the pavilion. You can do that? No one but Bai Ruoyue would dare ask so bluntly. Bai Tian was honest. I couldnt before. As long as I remained stuck at my current level, refining Selfless Blade was nearly impossible. But thanks to Hans dream, I had the opportunity to experiment freely. With my adjustments, Selfless Blade now causes significantly less damage to the body. A period of rest should be enough for recovery, without leaving any lasting injuries. Previously, the technique was so demanding that using it once would leave the wielder incapacitatedalmost as if temporarily crippled. Even with post-battle treatment, a full recovery took at least a month, and some injuries were permanent, hindering future martial progress. This was why Bai Tian had repeatedly warned Han: Only use it as a last resort. Han was surprised that Bai Tian had found the time to refine such a deadly technique while searching for a breakthrough. But he knew the cost of that refinementcountless failed attempts. It wasnt about having superior insight; it was simply the result of relentless practice. Under normal circumstances, no one would dare to refine a technique that crippled them with a single use. But the dream realm granted an unprecedented advantageone that Bai Tian had leveraged to its fullest. Now, he passed the improved Selfless Blade to Han and the others. The modifications allowed even warriors in the Meridian Stage to barely endure the aftermath of using it. The higher ones cultivation, the lesser the side effectsbut the techniques power would naturally diminish as well. Few martial arts techniques remained effective from ones weakest days to ones peak. As he practiced, Han mentally calculated the time remaining. Including today, there were only five days left before the dream realm reset. After that, they would no longer have this convenience. To regain it, he would need to unlock another cheat ability. Ah, how I wish I could keep every cheat ability forever.
Morning: A Sudden Departure Han and the others were completing their morning martial lessons when Bai Tian, hands behind his back, instructed them to watch over the martial hall and not leave until his return. Then, without further explanation, he departed. Wheres my father going? Bai Ruoyue asked, puzzled. If he was heading to the Yun family, he wouldnt have left instructions like that. Han, engrossed in a martial tome Bai Tian had brought back from the Yun family, replied absentmindedly, Where else? Hes probably abandoning you. Bai Ruoyues brow twitched, and she moved to strike Han, but he dodged in time. Sister Ruoyue, Im not so easily bullied anymore, Han teased. In fact, you should start treating me with more respectotherwise, in the future In the future, youll still be a dough ball in my hands. Ill knead and shape you however I please! You dare challenge your teacher? Such audacity!
A Corpse Returns Bai Tian left in the morning and didnt return until evening. Father, where have you been all day? Thud! Bai Tian tossed a corpse onto the ground. A middle-aged man, riddled with wounds, eyes wide open in disbelief. Han didnt recognize him, but he recognized the emblem on the mans chestembroidered with the character Huang. The martial artist leading the Huang familys expedition into Black Cloud Town? Zhang Yuantao was stunned. As the martial halls manager, he had gathered intelligence on all the major forces in the area. Master, did you kill him? Bai Tian nodded. I received word this morning that he was returning to the county. So I tracked him down in secret. When he reached the outskirts of Tianyue City, I struck. I even suppressed my strength, making it look like an even battle, so witnesses would be misled. You let people see? Bai Tian chuckled. Of course, I concealed my identity and altered my aura. No one will suspect it was me, nor will they know I ever left Black Cloud Town. The Huang familys Bone Refinement expert was slain outside the county capital, seemingly by another Bone Refinement warrior in a heated duel. How could anyone suspect the Taibai Martial Hall? Han smirked internallyhis master was quite the actor. And now, their revenge was complete. "I really didn''t." "Aunt Mo, can you take a look at his soul for me?" Lu Qingmo sighed. "At least show some respect for my position." Yet, despite her words, she didnt refuse Han''s request. A moment later, a flicker of change crossed her expression. "There is something rather interesting among the memories I can access." Han''s interest was immediately piqued. If Lu Qingmo found it noteworthy, then it had to be significant. "What is it?" "A place where yin energy gathers and souls are drawn in. According to his memories, any Huang family cultivator who practices ghost-controlling techniques must visit this place at least once." "And what exactly is inside?" "He had no idea. But..." But the fact that it was a mandatory destination for the Huang familys ghost cultivators was more than enough to spark Hans curiosity. Chapter 167: A Thousand-Mile Pursuit The mountains and rivers of the world all possess their own natural forces. Some of these forces are weak and ordinary, with no special effectsmerely existing. But others are immensely powerful and unique, giving rise to strange and mystical locations imbued with extraordinary properties. Among the most common of these are places that accumulate Yin energy or gather malevolent Qi. Many wealthy merchants or individuals of notable status seek out experts after their deaths to analyze the terrain, read the geomancy, and locate auspicious burial grounds. They believe that being laid to rest in a Feng Shui-blessed site will bring prosperity to their descendants. While not entirely useless, the effectiveness of such practices is often exaggerated. After all, the kind of natural forces that can truly bless future generations are not something ordinary people can easily find or claim. More often than not, such practices come with hidden dangers, increasing the likelihood of corpse transformations and ghostly calamities. Despite their commonality, locations brimming with Yin or malevolent Qi sometimes produce remarkable occurrences. That place was discovered by the Huang family by sheer luck. Theyve occupied it for decades now, Lu Qingmo explained to Han, offering crucial information. Any cultivator of ghost-controlling arts who trains there experiences noticeable improvements in their abilities. There must be something within that location that greatly benefits spirits, though the exact nature of it remains unknown. The area has certain restrictionswarriors at the Bone Refining level or higher cannot approach, as their presence would disrupt the natural forces at play. Just as terrain influences people, people can also influence terrain. If a master of righteous Qi were to reside in a place filled with Yin energy for long, they would eventually purge the darkness, reversing the natural flow of energy. Extreme Yang practitioners are ill-suited for Yin-rich locations, and vice versathis is a fundamental principle of nature. Everything exists in balance. A treasure beneficial to spirits Han murmured in thought, then glanced at An Lang, who was cultivating by moonlight in the distance. Your luck is seriously something else. Could it be that this ghostly woman is actually the reincarnation of an Immortal King? Lu Qingmo shook his head. I suspect its not just useful for spirits. Such places are also likely to produce treasures that benefit cultivators as well. After all, while ghosts and cultivators are different, they are not entirely dissimilar. Where is this place? Han asked. About 1,500 li northeast of the county city. The locals call it the Three Yin Valley. 1,500 li Thats quite a distance. Han muttered to himself. If it was northeast of the county city, then from Heiyun Town, he wouldnt need to pass through the countyhe could head straight there. The night was deep, and a fine steed dashed out of Heiyun Town. Some townsfolk noticed, catching a glimpse of the rider on horseback. Seeing an unfamiliar face, they paid no further attention, merely admiring the exceptional horse as it sped away. People came and went from Heiyun Town all the time. Master, Im sacrificing my sleep for you. Youd better repay me properly in the future, Han grumbled. The rider galloping out of town, of course, was Han in disguise. His reputation had grown too large, forcing him to change his appearanceotherwise, certain overenthusiastic admirers might recognize him and cause unnecessary trouble. An Langs voice quivered with mock emotion. Master, your great kindness is beyond my means to repay in this lifetime. I can only promise to be your loyal servant in my next life, even as a beast of burden. Han sighed. This ghost sure knew how to put on an actcrying and lamenting while lazily reclining in the ghostly realm, probably picking at her toes. Wake up. You and I are bound together. If something happens to me, I might still have a next life, but you? Youd be completely obliterated. No next life, no reincarnationjust gone. As long as Han lived, An Lang would remain. If Han died, there was no way she could escape her fate. A person who dies might turn into a ghost, but a ghost that perishes is gone for goodunless purified by sacred rituals, their existence is erased entirely. Fair point. An Langs tone shifted, suddenly thoughtful. So, Master, are you saying youd like me to repay you in this life instead? Find this and other great novels on the author''s preferred platform. Support original creators! But Master, though I may be as beautiful as a goddess, we are ultimately man and ghostour fates are not aligned. Our bond is doomed, woe is me! I cannot offer myself to you How tragic Boohoo Heh Boohoo. Enough! Stop right there! Han cut her off. Damn ghost, how do you always manage to come up with nonsense like this? After discussing with Lu Qingmo, Han wasted no time. He digested the insights gained from his dream and set off for the Three Yin Valley without hesitation. The Huang familys ghost cultivators always made their way there. Given his own practice of ghost arts and his past encounters with the Huang family, Han knew he had no choice but to investigate. By all accounts, it was a necessary move. Urging his steed forward, Han raced toward the Three Yin Valley at breakneck speed. This was not the same horse he had used during his previous trip to Yinhua, but it was equally raredescended from a beast of formidable lineage, far superior to any ordinary horse. In his past life, this would have been a steed worthy of legends. Han had three objectives for this journey. First, to cause trouble for the Huang family. If the Huang family could do as they pleased, why couldnt he? Their young master had even sent word to his clan to seize an opportunity to kill Han and steal his treasures. How could Han let that slide? If he couldnt take down the entire Huang family, he could at least strike at one of their resource points. Second, to investigate whether the valley contained a spiritual treasure. He trusted Lu Qingmos judgment. And third, for An Lang. With such an opportunity before him, he had to acthesitation would only lead to regret. Master, are we really charging in alone? This doesnt seem like a very cautious plan, An Langs worried voice echoed from within the ghostly realm. Nestled in Hans arms, she lay on a ghostly bed, wrapping herself tightly in a spectral blanket of her own making. As a virtuous and proper ghost maiden, she had to protect herself while sleeping. Relax. There are no Bone Refining warriors there. My strength is more than enough. Hans confidence was unwavering. He wasnt going in blindlythis was a calculated move. Stop sleeping. Get out here and ride the horse. Huh? Why? Because I cant stand seeing you so relaxed. You rideIll sleep. Master, youre terrible. One man, one horsevanishing into the night. One hundred li outside the Three Yin Valley, Han arrived at a small town. Leading his horse through the streets, he found a teahouse, taking a seat on the second floor where he could watch the bustling street below. Waiter, tea. And bring me some food. As he quietly observed the passing crowds, he waited. This was an ordinary town, nothing like Heiyun Townsmaller, less prosperous. On his way in, he had passed a martial arts school. Its strongest member was merely at the Meridian Realm, and only one person had even reached that level. From the chatter of the townsfolk, he learned that this was the towns most formidable martial school. The disparity in strength between different regions was as if they existed in separate worlds. Much like how, in his past life, the economic gaps between different cities were vast and staggering. It wasnt long before the dishes Han ordered were served. He sat alone, quietly savoring his meal. Although he had reached the Zangfu Realm as a martial artist, it would be an exaggeration to say he had transcended the need for worldly sustenance. Even Lu Qingmo and Bai still ate regular mealslet alone him. Cultivation was about surpassing human limitations, not abandoning ones humanity altogether. As Han ate, a group of newcomers ascended the stairs. He barely spared them a glance. Though they were martial artists, they had only reached the Pi Rou Realmnothing worth noting. The arrivals consisted of three young women. One of them, upon spotting Han, brightened with interest. What a striking man. She stepped forward without hesitation. Excuse me, young master. May we join you? Be my guest. The three women took their seats. The one who had spoken before took the initiative again. We are disciples of the Qingshan Martial Hall. You seem unfamiliarmay I ask where youre from? As she mentioned the name of her martial hall, a hint of pride crept into her voice. The same pride was evident in her two companions as well, as if being a disciple of Qingshan was an unparalleled honor. And in this town, it was. Qingshan Martial Hall was the strongest force in the areathe very place Han had passed when entering town. The women observed Han closely, expecting some kind of reaction upon learning their esteemed affiliation. The townspeople always treated them with great respect once they knew of their background. But to their disappointment, Hans expression remained entirely unchanged. It was as if he had never even heard of Qingshan Martial Hall. The three exchanged glances, puzzled. Han, on the other hand, found their expectations amusing but thought nothing more of it. Being the dominant force of a town naturally bred a certain level of arrogance. It was harmless enough. Im just passing through, Han replied casually. Stopping here for a short rest. With that, he rose to his feet. The reason he had allowed them to join him was simplehe was almost done eating anyway, and their presence had not disrupted him. He offered them a polite smile. Enjoy your meal. As Han walked away, the young woman hesitated as if wanting to say something, but in the end, she simply watched him leave. A-Lian, are you smitten? one of her companions teased. Dont be ridiculous, A-Lian retorted, shaking her head. I just found him different. She turned her gaze back toward the street, where Han was leading his horse away. Dont you think his presence is rather unique? Probably just another martial artist or a nobleman from elsewhere, another of the trio guessed. Then, the third girl, who had been staring intently at Han, suddenly gasped. His horse! What about it? I once went to the county town with Master and saw a similar one. Master said such horses are incredibly rareordinary martial artists cant obtain them without special connections. If that horse runs at full speed, even Master wouldnt be able to catch up! The other two were stunned. Impossible. Their master was the strongest person in town. How could even he be outpaced by a mere horse? They exchanged uneasy glances, watching Hans figure disappear down the street, their curiosity growing to an unbearable level. A mysterious outsider. A fleeting encounter. Yet one they would never forget. Years later, they would still remember that man and his horse. Because in at least one aspecthis horse had surpassed even their master. Whispers of the Three Yin Valley Hans visit to the town wasnt just for a meal. He had also been quietly gathering information about a place known as the Three Yin Valley. The valley was steeped in legend. Long ago, it was said to be a land of misfortunefrequent hauntings, eerie occurrences, and inexplicable deaths. Travelers passing by at night would sometimes see shadowy figures marching in orderly lines. Some claimed a great figure had once been buried there, along with a retinue of followers. Over the years, people had been found dead in the valley under mysterious circumstances. Despite its ominous reputation, the valley also harbored rare medicinal herbs of great value. That was why people still ventured into its depths. Much of what was known about the valley had come from those who risked their lives seeking its treasures. But in recent decades, the number of adventurers had dwindled. In the past, some had returned alive. Now, none did. Chapter 168: Outdated Stealth Tactics? Time to Change the Game Han had a good idea why no one from the town had returned alive from the Three Yin Valley in recent decades. Leaving the small town behind, he set off toward the valley a hundred miles away. He remained cautious throughout the journey, keeping a watchful eye on his surroundings to avoid being detected by the Huang clan. As he traveled, three towering peaks came into view, their jagged silhouettes marking the valleys entrance in the distance. Despite the blazing sun overhead, the temperature noticeably dropped as he approached the Three Yin Valley. "Young Master, how are we getting in?" An Lang''s voice broke the silence. "We''ll infiltrate," Han replied. "You mean by walking in through the front gate?" Han sighed. "No. Traditional stealth." Marching through the main entrance would be outright reckless. There were two ways to infiltratehe chose the old-fashioned approach. Circling the valley from a distance, he assessed the terrain. The three mountains were vast, providing ample cover. Picking a suitable location, Han donned his faceless mask and other concealment artifacts before beginning his ascent. He moved with great care, scanning for any traces of spiritual techniques or formations. While he was confident there wouldnt be anyone beyond his ability to handle, the exact number of enemies remained unknown. Sure enough, Han soon discovered remnants of spiritual techniquestalisman papers buried in the soil at intervals. If anyone stepped within their range, they would activate. "How cautious," Han murmured. Though he couldnt immediately recognize the talismans, that didnt matter. He contacted Lu Qingmo through a communication artifact and described the situation. "They''re likely warning talismans. Avoiding detection should be easy with your abilities," Lu Qingmo advised, before teaching Han a technique to bypass them. Perception, detection, and defensethese barriers only worked against the weak. The Huang clan couldn''t have made this valley completely impenetrable. As Han neared the summit, he stopped in his tracks. There were guards. More than one. "So, they even have sentries posted?" The guards werent particularly strongthe martial artists were only at the Meridian Realm, and the cultivators likely werent much stronger. None of them were capable of noticing Hans presence. He waited patiently, then seized the perfect moment to slip past the second line of defenses undetected. Finding a concealed spot, he turned his gaze toward the valley below. The landscape was barrenrugged terrain covered in nothing but stone, giving the area a desolate feel. Despite it being broad daylight, thick, eerie mist coiled through the valley, untouched by the suns warmth. Most of the valley lay in perpetual shadow. At the valleys deepest point, Han spotted a lake spanning over ten meters in diameter. In the center of the lake, a small island barely a meter wide sat isolated. The murky waters obscured anything beneath the surface. Carved into the surrounding cliffs were several artificial caves. From a few of them, Han could sense faint traces of life. "Three martial artists at the Viscera Realm four cultivators" Han narrowed his eyes. One of the cultivators gave him a distinct sense of danger, sending an almost instinctive chill down his spine. That feeling alone was enough for Han to make an educated guess about the person''s strength. The valley, while strange, didnt seem particularly extraordinary at first glance. Other than the abnormally strong Yin energy lingering in the air, it looked like any other barren canyon. Then again, if the Three Yin Valleys secrets were obvious, the Huang clan wouldnt have waited decades to claim it. A family specializing in ghost-taming techniqueswhat exactly were they doing here? Hans gaze settled on the lake. If something was being hidden, that would be the most likely place. Unlike the rest of the valley, the lake was the only area exposed to sunlight, making it the least affected by Yin energy. He considered using his spiritual sense to probe the depths, but with four unknown cultivators nearby, it was too risky. "Young Master, something feels off," An Lang murmured. "What''s wrong?" "That lake. I feel an overwhelming urge to jump in." Han nodded slightly. That confirmed his suspicionsthe lake was definitely unusual. A short while later, movement caught his eye. A figure emerged from one of the caves and headed toward another. Han immediately concealed himself, pushing his stealth artifacts to their limits. Even at a glance, Han knew this was the dangerous cultivator. He quickly averted his gaze, not daring to stare for too long in case the man sensed it. The author''s tale has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon. His instincts were rightthis was a Sun Walker Realm cultivator. Han remained calm. He had anticipated encountering someone of this level. The Huang clans Bone Refining martial artists couldnt come here, so stationing a Sun Walker cultivator made perfect sense. While he wasnt afraid, this only reinforced how important the valley was to the Huang clan. Even within their ranks, Sun Walkers were rare and highly valued. Sending one to guard this remote location? That spoke volumes. "Young Master, what now?" "That Sun Walker is a problem. If he werent here, I could slip past undetected." Spiritual senses were usefuloften more so than physical sight. But sometimes, they were unreliable. Just like when Han had been in Black Mountainhis spiritual sense failed to detect the serpent beast in time. There were many ways to conceal oneself from spiritual detection, especially against someone of a higher level. As long as the three martial artists and three remaining cultivators stayed inside their caves, Han had confidence he could sneak into the lake unseen. But Han frowned. Sneaking in undetected? Impossible. Still, he had an idea. "Let''s withdraw for now." Carefully, Han retreated from the valley. An Lang emerged from his ghostly dwelling. "Young Master, are we giving up?" Han gave him a complicated look. "You were rightyour instincts were onto something." "If theres no foolproof way to bypass that Sun Walker" "Then we remove the Sun Walker." If a person was the problem, the simplest solution was to eliminate them. Who still plays by outdated stealth rules? "How are we doing that?" "I have a plan that will put the Three Yin Valley in the palm of my hand." "Oh? What plan?" "Leave living matters to me." "" As the sun dipped below the horizon, only faint remnants of daylight remained. Suddenly, a wave of bestial pressure swept through the valleya chilling aura that sent shivers down the spines of everyone within. All seven Huang clan members emerged from their caves, their expressions dark and tense. "This presence!" "A Bone Refining Realm beast?!" "Impossible! When the clan cleared this place, the strongest creatures were only at the Meridian Realm!" For decades, no one who ventured into the San Yin Valley had ever returned alive. Han had a good idea why. Leaving the small town behind, he set out toward the valley, a hundred miles away. Every step of the way, he remained cautious, constantly scanning his surroundings to ensure he wasn''t being tracked by the Huang clan. As he approached, three towering peaks loomed in the distance, standing like sentinels over the valley. Though the sun blazed high in the sky, the air grew noticeably colder the closer he got to San Yin Valley. "Young Master, how are we getting inside?" An Lang''s voice broke the silence. "We''ll infiltrate," Han replied. "You mean by walking right through the front entrance? Bold move." "Traditional infiltration," Han corrected dryly. Marching straight in would be reckless. There were two ways to sneak in, and he had opted for the conventional approach. From a distance, Han studied the valley''s terrain. The three mountains were vast, but he identified a suitable entry point. Donning the Faceless Mask and other concealment artifacts, he began his climb. Carefully, he advanced, eyes sharp for any traces of mystical defenses. While he was confident no opponent here could outright overpower him, the exact number of enemies remained unknown. Sure enough, along the way, he spotted Daoist talismans buried in the ground at regular intervals. If someone stepped within a certain range, they would trigger an alert. "Thorough setup," Han muttered, frowning. He couldn''t immediately recognize the talismans, but that didn''t matter. He sent a message to Lu Qingmo, detailing the situation. "Those are likely detection wards," Lu Qingmo responded. "With your abilities, avoiding them should be easy." She then shared a technique that allowed Han to bypass the talismans undetected. Detection, warnings, defensesthese were all obstacles meant for the weak. San Yin Valley was vast. The Huang clan couldn''t possibly have turned it into an impenetrable fortress. Moving with precision, Han neared the mountain''s summit but abruptly halted. There were guards stationed at the peakseveral of them. "Standing watch, are they?" None were strong. The martial artists were only at the Meridian Realm, and the cultivators likely weren''t much higher. They had no chance of detecting Han. Patiently, he waited for an opportunity. Then, with a silent step, he slipped past the second defensive perimeter unnoticed. Finding a concealed vantage point, he turned his gaze toward the valley below. The area was barren, strewn with jagged rocks, devoid of vegetation. A heavy, eerie aura clung to the valley, undisturbed even by the midday sun. Shadows swallowed most of the terrain, leaving only a small lake in the center exposed to sunlight. The lake was murky, its depths unreadable. A lone island, barely large enough to stand on, sat at its center. Carved into the valley walls were several man-made caves, and from a few of them, Han sensed the presence of life. "Three martial artists at the Zang Fu Realm, four cultivators" One of them stood out. Han felt an unsettling, almost piercing sensation when observing himlike a blade against his back. This one was dangerous. The valley itself revealed little beyond its eerie atmosphere. If there was a hidden secret, it wouldn''t be obvious at first glance. If San Yin Valleys mystery was so easily unraveled, the Huang clan wouldn''t have had decades to keep it under their control. Hans eyes settled on the lake. If there was a secret, that was where it would be. The lake was the only place in the valley touched by sunlight, the least tainted by the lingering gloom. But it was too far away, and with four unknown cultivators nearby, probing with spiritual energy was too risky. "Young Master, something feels off," An Lang murmured. "What is it?" "The lake Its giving me this weird urge to jump in." Han nodded slightly. That confirmed itthe lake was the key. Just then, a figure emerged from one of the caves, heading toward another. Han immediately concealed himself, pushing his stealth artifacts to their limits. A single glance at the figure was all he dared before averting his gaze. This was the dangerous one. A cultivator at the Ri You Realm. Han remained composed. The Huang clans Bone Refinement Realm martial artist had carried knowledge of this. Bone Refinement fighters couldnt reach this valley. A Ri You cultivator stationed here? That made perfect sense. He wasn''t afraid. He had accounted for this possibility before coming. Still, it spoke volumes about how much the Huang clan valued this place. A Ri You cultivator was no minor assetthey held status within the clan. For one to be stationed in such a remote area meant that San Yin Valley was of utmost importance. "Young Master, what''s our next move?" "This Ri You cultivator is a problem. If he werent here, I could slip in unnoticed." Spiritual perception often outperformed the naked eye, allowing for broader, more precise observations. But sometimes, it could be deceived. Like back in Heishan, where his spiritual senses failed to detect the giant serpents approach. There were ways to bypass spiritual detectionmethods to remain "invisible" even against those of superior cultivation. As long as the other six remained inside their caves, Han was confident he could sneak into the lake. But stealth alone wouldnt be enough. Han considered his options. Then he realizedsneaking in simply wasnt feasible. But he already had an alternative in mind. "Were leaving." Carefully, he retraced his steps out of the valley. An Lang materialized from his spectral dwelling, looking puzzled. "Are we giving up?" Han shot him a complex look. "You were onto something earlier," he admitted. "If there''s no guaranteed way to slip past that Ri You cultivator" "Then we take him out." If the problem was the person, then the solution was simpleremove them. Outdated tactics had no place in this fight. Traditional infiltration? Please. "Whats the plan?" "I have a strategy that will make San Yin Valley ours." "Oh? What is it?" "Leave the business of the living to me." "" By dusk, the sun hung low, casting golden streaks across the sky. Then, a sudden surge of bestial energy erupteda suffocating, primal pressure that spread through the valley. The Huang clan warriors inside reacted instantly, stepping out of their caves with grim expressions. "This aura" "A Bone Refinement beast!" "Impossible! When the clan cleared this valley, the strongest beasts here were barely at the Meridian Realm!" Chapter 169: To the Heavens Above, to the Depths Below! "Heh heh heh..." A sinister laughter echoed through the air, immediately drawing the attention of Huang Tianba, who was desperately trying to extinguish the flames engulfing his body. The Infernal Yin Fire was not entirely undefeatable. If the difference in power was vast enough, or if the afflicted individual possessed some unique countermeasures, it could be overcome. However, under normal circumstances, this peerless Daoist technique was nearly impossible to counter. A cultivator in the Contemplation Realm might master such an ability, but they would never be able to use it to defeat a Saint Manifestation Realm expert. Yet, such exceptions were rare. More often than not, a technique like the Infernal Yin Fire was an absolute death sentence. As Huang Tianba struggled, Han approached from the sky, his presence looming over him like an omen of death. Faint remnants of the Yin Fire still flickered at the edges of his soul. Han gazed down at him, shaking his head. "You look quite miserable." A faceless mask still concealed Hans expressionan artifact known as the Mask of No Fate. "This is all your doing?!" Huang Tianba quickly pieced things together, his heart filled with rage. "Despicable wretch! You dare plot against me?!" "Who are you?! I have never seen you before, nor have I wronged you!" A slight smirk played on Hans lips. "Curious to know why?" "I wont tell you." With a surge of violent energy, a tidal wave of power erupted. The overwhelming force of the Supreme Solar Palm, a high-level daytime Daoist technique, crashed down, carrying the majesty of the heavens themselves. Dust was flattened beneath the sheer pressure, and even the ground sank under its might. "A mere Night Wanderer dares think that some underhanded tricks will let him stand against me?" "I am of the Day Wanderer Realm!" Boom! Huang Tianba was sent flying by Hans attack. His hastily gathered resistance shattered in an instantthe Infernal Yin Fire was no mere illusion; it burned relentlessly and spared nothing. His very soul and state of being had been severely compromised. Han could already sense itHuang Tianba was only at the early stage of the Day Wanderer Realm. At this level, Han, who was at the late stage of the Night Wanderer Realm, was not far behind. Not just in realm, but in strength as well! "How are you this powerful?!" Huang Tianba was utterly shaken. He had seen martial artists defy ranks to challenge stronger opponents, but he had never heard of a Night Wanderer fighting a Day Wanderer on equal footing. It defied all logic! "Since you''re the first Day Wanderer I''ve battled, Ill grant you a dignified death." Han strode forward, forming another Yin Fire Seal. Torrents of infernal flames burst forth once more, surging toward Huang Tianba in an unending assault. "Ahhh!" Huang Tianba screamed in agony, struggling frantically, but the nameless Yin Fire only grew stronger, devouring him mercilessly. "What is this sorcery?!" Panic gripped him. A powerful cultivator, an unfathomable techniquehis instincts screamed at him to flee. He turned to run, releasing three ghostly apparitions and tossing a Soul Refining Banner to them. "Hold him off!" The Huang family was renowned for their mastery of spirit control. With his status and cultivation, it was only natural that he had refined such techniques. Whatever command he issued, the three ghostly entities instantly grew more menacing, their aura surging dramatically. In an instant, a dense fog of malevolent energy enveloped the battlefield. Hundreds of wailing spirits charged at Han in unison. Han furrowed his brows at the sight. The Soul Refining Banneran unmistakably heretical artifact. That a Huang family elder would use such a thing was not surprising, yet seeing the surname "Huang" alongside this accursed tool stirred some unpleasant memories in Hans mind. Without hesitation, Han soared through the air. Brilliant white light radiated from him, illuminating the spectral entities. Their ghastly forms began to fade, their hostility dissipating as their souls were purified, returning to their original state. It was the light of the Trilight Spirit-Blessing Mirror. By the time Han emerged from the spectral battlefield, not a single ghost remainedall had been exorcised. Even Huang Tianbas three controlled spirits, who were merely at the Night Wanderer level, stood no chance against Han. Pure soul energy rose into the air, which Han swiftly collected. For him, only the energy from those three controlled spirits was of usethe rest was too insignificant to be of value. Huang Tianba, who had been stumbling away, suddenly found himself overtaken once more. Despair filled his eyes. "I am an elder of the Huang family in Tianyue County! Must you truly make an enemy of me?! An enemy of the Huang family?!" His soul had grown visibly dimmer under the prolonged assault of the Yin Fire, and his vitality was nearly drained. Han ignored his threats. With a combination of artifact and technique, he struck down mercilessly. This story is posted elsewhere by the author. Help them out by reading the authentic version. "If you want to kill me, then be prepared to pay the price!" Huang Tianba roared defiantly, realizing he could not escape. Abandoning his flight, he turned to fight with everything he had. But it was futile. With a final earth-shattering explosion, Huang Tianba was completely annihilated by Hans onslaught. Han had considered capturing him alive, but at the Day Wanderer level, even if one could not cling to life, they could at least choose death. The higher the cultivation, the harder it was to take someone alive. The infernal flames receded into Hans body as he let out a sigh. "No wonder its considered a supreme Daoist technique." Against the Infernal Yin Fire, someone at Huang Tianbas level barely had any resistance. He was simply too fragile. Of course, Hans own strength played a crucial role, but the sheer potency of the technique itself was undeniable. For that, he silently thanked Aunt Mo. After swiftly clearing the battlefield, he collected the Winged Serpent Longevity Scroll. It was a curious artifact. Even after enduring the residual shockwaves of Huang Tianbas techniques, it remained completely unharmed. With everything settled, Han took to the skies, heading toward the most remote corner of the mountain forest. There, hidden from all eyes, he called out: "Anlang, Im back." Boom! A cloud of dust erupted as a large crater formed. From within, Anlang emerged, dragging Hans physical body with him. "Master, is the enemy dealt with?" "Not yet," Han replied with a solemn expression. "It''s your turn now." Anlang rolled his eyes. "Youre full of it." Han re-entered his physical body. "Once I take action, its over in an instant." This was Hans true plan: luring the snake from its hole. If he couldnt sneak into the valley under Huang Tianbas watchful eye, then eliminating him outright was the simplest solution. And the bait? Han had exactly what he needed. The aura of a Bone Refining Beast appearing in the Three Yin Valleyit was something Huang Tianba could never ignore. Now, another elder of the Huang family had fallen. "Lets go back." Han and Anlang moved swiftly toward the valley, using hidden paths to bypass all defensive lines. By nightfall, Three Yin Valley had changed. The place was shrouded in a thick mist, and spectral figures drifted eerily within. Han remained patient, waiting for the perfect moment to strike. When the last of the guards entered the caves, he made his move, slipping unseen into the valley. The mist rippled, and as it parted, Han was gonevanished beneath the lakes surface. The small patch of land at the center of the lake remained firmly rooted, extending deep into the water. As they descended closer to the lakebed, the water took on a dark crimson hue, as if something had been seeping into it over time. Beyond this eerie red water, the lakebed was completely barren. "Master, its this crimson water that has been drawing me in," An Lang said. Han surveyed the surroundings, carefully checking for any signs of Taoist techniques or formations left behind by the Huang family. Finding nothing out of the ordinary, he finally released An Lang. "This water" Han scooped up a small strand of the red liquid and examined it closely. It was pure yin energy, interwoven with an unfamiliar force. Upon his silent signal, An Lang tentatively drew in a wisp of the crimson water and slowly absorbed it. Han could tell she wasnt drinking the watershe was merely extracting the energy contained within it. After a moment, An Langs expression brightened with excitement. "Master! My strength has increased slightly!" Han nodded. "So this is why the Huang familys ghost cultivators keep coming here." Yet, he felt no attraction to the energy himself. He sent a slow snail message to Lu Qingmo, describing the situation. However, with just this crimson energy as evidence, she couldn''t determine what it was either. One thing was certainTree Bros creations never disappointed. Even in the water, they worked flawlessly. As An Lang continued refining the red energy, Han kept a close watch on her. She showed no signs of discomforton the contrary, her aura steadily grew stronger. It made sense. The Huang family had occupied this place for decades. If there were any hidden dangers, they wouldnt have repeatedly sent their people here for cultivation. Han attempted to lift the crimson water to the surface, but the energy immediately dispersed and sank back into the depths. Next, he tried collecting some in a spatial bag. Yet, what he retrieved was nothing more than ordinary water, completely devoid of its special properties. "It cant be taken away?" Han muttered, surprised. Was there something unique about the lakebed itself? He wandered around, searching for clues, but found nothing and eventually returned to guard An Lang. Unexpectedly, the wait stretched into an entire night. An Lang continued refining the energy for eight full hours. Her appetite was astonishing. When she finally stopped, she shook her head. "No more. This energy doesnt work on me anymoreIve reached my limit." She clenched her fists and grinned. "But my strength has grown a lot. Ive definitely gotten stronger!" "As long as theres progress, its worth it." Han nodded. Spending time wasnt an issue. Clearly, the lakes benefits for ghosts werent infinite. Otherwise, the Huang family members stationed here would have reached the Manifestation Realm long ago and dominated Tianyue. Based on the memories of the Bone Refining martial artist, the Huang familys cultivators usually only stayed in the Three Yin Valley for an hour or two before leaving. By comparison, An Langs consumption rate was a bit excessive. Then again, being able to absorb more was a blessingespecially when it wasnt his own resources being drained. "Master, did you find anything else?" "No." Han shook his head. "But there must be a reason why this energy gathers here. Its not without cause." "What could it be?" Han fell into deep thought. Whatever the answer was, the Huang family had likely pondered it as well. But had they discovered anything? At that moment, An Lang dove deeper into the red water. A moment later, her voice echoed back. "Master, the bottom isnt covered in mudits a neatly paved stone floor!" Han was surprised and descended as well. The crimson water surrounded them, but it didnt impair Hans vision. Sure enough, the lakebed was composed of square-cut stone slabs, and some of them showed signs of being pried open before. "This must be man-made." If the stone slabs were artificial, then the disturbances on them had to be intentionallikely the work of the Huang family. Clearly, they had explored this place thoroughly. As he moved to a corner, Han suddenly stopped. A strange heat rushed through his eyes, blurring his vision for a moment. Then, when his sight cleared, he saw a single red character inscribed on one of the stone slabs. Bi (). An Lang floated over. "Master, why did you stop?" "What does this character mean?" "What character?" Han turned to her and pointed at the inscription. "This one." "Theres nothing there." An Lang looked confused. "Master you werent hurt when you dealt with that Daylight Realm cultivator, were you?" She hesitated before adding, "Youre not losing your mind, are you?" Han was taken aback. "You really cant see it?" "Theres nothing therejust an ordinary stone slab." Han fell silent. The character was clearly visible to him, yet An Lang had no reason to lie. "The Yin-Yang Eyes?" He recalled the peculiar sensation in his eyes earlier and contemplated the possibility. Was this the awakening of his Yin-Yang Eye ability? He flipped the stone slab over, but the underside revealed nothing unusual. Beneath it was just mud. Even after probing it with his weapon, he found no hidden mechanisms. But the character Han started searching the other slabs and soon discovered additional inscriptions. Spring (Ȫ), Huang (), Down (), Desolate (), Fallen (), Up (). Including Bi (), there were seven characters in total. "Spring, Huang, Down, Desolate" Han muttered, piecing them together. An Lang instinctively edged away from him. Master is acting weird Is he possessed? Wait, no. I am a ghost. Why am I even scared? Suddenly, realization struck Han like lightning. "This is a phrase!" Arranged in the correct order, the characters formed the sentence: To the Ends of the Heavens and the Depths of the Underworld. Han understood its meaningbut why had they been carved onto separate, invisible slabs? He contemplated briefly before extracting the seven inscribed stones and shifting other slabs to make room for them to be placed together. Fortunately, all the stones were uniform in size and shape. As he arranged them in the correct order, a strange phenomenon occurred. The seven characters began to glow faintly. Then, in the blink of an eye, they lifted off the stone surface and shot toward Hans hand. Seven crimson marks materialized on the back of his hand, forming a seven-pointed star. The next instant, the star projected a shadowy light toward An Lang, imprinting a similar mark on her forehead. "Ah!" she yelped in alarm. She hadnt been able to see the characters, but she had definitely witnessed what happened next. "Master, what is this?!" Han didnt answer. He simply watched as the seven-pointed star slowly faded from his hand. Chapter 170: Rampage An Lang kept touching her forehead, using her spiritual sense to examine it carefully. Only when she confirmed that the seven-pointed star mark had truly disappeared did she finally breathe a sigh of relief. "That scared me to death." She pulled a long face. "If that mark had stayed, how would I ever show my face again?" "Anyone who saw it might think Id been branded as a criminal." Branding, also known as ink punishment, was an ancient form of punishment where criminals had symbols or characters tattooed onto their faces or foreheads and stained with ink, marking them permanently. It wasnt particularly painful, but it was deeply humiliating. "Let''s go," Han said. An Lang hesitated. "Young Master, what exactly was that? Were there really inscriptions on those stone slabs?" "Do you remember the legend about the Three Yin Valley that we heard in that town?" "Of course I do." Han glanced at the stone floor and said, "One of those legends is true." "A great figure is indeed buried here." An Lang''s eyes widened. "So what just happened... was caused by that great figure?" "You could say that. It was indeed a method left behind by them." "Then whats the purpose of this mark?" "It conveyed some information to mean opportunity to obtain that great figure''s legacy." An Lang''s eyes lit up with excitement. "Then why are we leaving? Shouldn''t we claim the treasure right now?" Han shook his head. "Impossible. We lack the necessary strength to retrieve what was left behind." "I need to reach the Sunwalker Realm, or you must be at least as strong as one." This was the message conveyed to Han through the seven-character imprint on his hand. "What? There are requirements like that?" An Lang deflated, her enthusiasm immediately dampened. "That means well have to return when you reach the Sunwalker Realm." She didnt even need to think about itHan would undoubtedly reach that stage before she did. An Lang stopped asking questions. She was always following Han anyway. When the time came, he would surely bring her along. Han took one last look at the place before ascending toward the surface with An Lang in tow. Just as Lu Qingmo had said, this place held more than just relics useful to ghostsit concealed far greater secrets. Though Lu Qingmo likely never imagined that the secret here would be this monumental. Three Yin Valley... Han would return. As they neared the lakes surface, Han faced a dilemma. He couldn''t perceive much from the lakes edge or even within the water itselfhe had no way of knowing what awaited them outside. So, he camouflaged himself and carefully poked his head above the surface. Because of An Lang, quite some time had passed, and dawn had already arrived. The moment Hans head emerged from the water, an uncanny coincidence occurredjust a short distance away, a martial artist was practicing his techniques by the lake. The disturbance in the water immediately caught his attention. He turned and saw a head floating above the surface. Their eyes met. Han smiled. The man, however, looked utterly dumbfounded. A head rising from the lake? Damn it! Had he just seen a ghost? Then, Han extended a hand and greeted him. "Hello there." "Splash!" Han leaped out of the lake, and the martial artist finally snapped back to his senses. Not a ghost. A person! "Intruder!" he bellowed, his shout echoing through the entire valley, instantly alerting others. This valley belonged entirely to the Huang family. The person before him was clearly not one of themmeaning he was an enemy! But before he could react further, Han charged at him, brandishing an iron staff and swinging it with immense force. I am no swordsman today, nor a hammer-wielding god Today, I am the King of Staves! No need to overthink it. I have mastered many weapons and techniquesIll use whatever I please! The Huang family warrior hastily unsheathed his own weapon to block Hans attack. To Hans surprise, the man wielded a staff as well. "Good, good, good! Lets see whose staff is stronger!" A direct contest of strength! "Clang!" A heavy impact rang out. The Huang family warrior trembled from head to toe, his body numbed by the force, and he staggered backward. His face turned red in an instant. The tale has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident. One exchange was all it tookHan had already gauged his opponents cultivation level. Mid-level Organ Tempering Realm. Mediocre. "Again!" Han swung his staff once more, unleashing a fierce display of martial skill. This time, the Huang family warrior was sent flying. Just as Han prepared to pursue, a sharp whistling sound filled the airtwo more Huang family warriors had arrived. One wielded a blade, the other a hammer, both attacking Han without hesitation. "How dare you trespass in the Huang family''s domain!" "You won''t be allowed to wreak havoc here!" Han had no choice but to halt his pursuit and face the new attackers. His iron staff swept through the air with unstoppable force, threatening to crush everything in its path. "Boom!" The collision of their attacks sent shockwaves rippling outward, causing the lakes surface to surge. Water slammed against the rocky cliffs, shattering them into debrisa clear testament to the power behind the blows. Early Organ Tempering, Advanced Organ Tempering! Han quickly assessed their strength. The three warriors together covered the full range of Organ Tempering Realm stages. Three opponents? Manageable. But the Huang familys reinforcements werent finished. Three more cultivators emerged, along with numerous meridian-stage guards positioned atop the valleys peaks. More warriors were rushing toward Han from all directions, surrounding him from a distance. Han frowned slightly. Among them, he spotted archers preparing to fire at him. "Surrender!" the advanced Organ Tempering warrior commanded. "Kneel now, lay down your weapon, bind your hands, and well spare your life." Han shook his head. "No. You kneel, bind your hands, and I might spare yours." "Insolence!" The three Organ Tempering warriors lunged at him in unison But the next moment, they froze. Because beside Han, two towering, menacing figures had appeared. They were zombiesmassive, grotesque creatures covered in green corpse fur, radiating a fearsome aura that left no doubt about their formidable strength. Han swept his gaze over the gathered enemies and spoke calmly. "Now, whos being reckless?" "I am a disciple of the Heavenly Corpse SectZhen Ming. And you dare stand in my way, little Huang family?" Jia Ming was dead. Zhen Ming had risen. As for the Heavenly Corpse Sect Han had no idea what kind of sect it was. But it didnt matter. "The Heavenly Corpse Sect..." The three Huang family martial artists exchanged wary glances before making their decision. A disciple of the Heavenly Corpse Sect must die as well! Without hesitation, the three lunged forward, their killing intent surging like a violent tide. Two green corpses shot out, charging toward the two weaker Huang family warriors. Since Han had traveled overnight from Black Cloud Town, he had kept the corpses sealed within his corpse-nurturing pouch. Now was the perfect moment to unleash them. Rather than being surrounded, he much preferred to be the one surrounding others. Unfortunately, he had no other allies at the moment. Boom! A staff clashed against a hammer, sending a tremor through the air with a burst of raw power. Han''s opponent recoiled in shock, disbelief filling his eyes. "You''re only at the initial Visceral Realm? How can you be this strong?!" Han sneered. "Do you really think a mere Huang family warrior can fathom the strength of a disciple from the Heavenly Corpse Sect?" Whoosh! Arrows and spells whistled through the air, aimed at Han with lethal intent. But his expression remained indifferent. The strongest among them was merely at the Night Roaming Realm, and even then, they were confined by their physical limitations. How powerful could their techniques truly be? Arrows from a Meridian Realm archer couldnt even pierce his skin. Dark Qi erupted from Hans body, forming a protective barrier that nullified every sneak attack. He had now mastered the ability to externalize his Qifor both offense and defense! The fiery energy of pure Yang surged around him, countering the Yin-based sorcery entirely. Hans iron staff struck down relentlessly. His proficiency in staff techniques might only be at the beginner level, but raw strength could crush even the most skilled techniques! Stone fragments exploded from the ground, turning into rubble, then dust. Craters formed with each impact, growing deeper with every blow. The Meridian Realm warriors dared not interfere in such a battle. All they could do was fire arrows from a distance. If they approached, they would be obliterated in an instant. The Huang familys Visceral Realm master fought on, growing more alarmed with each exchange. His opponent was clearly only at the initial Visceral Realm, yet his physical prowess was on par with his own. Han''s ferocity was beyond reason. Clang! A heavy war hammer swung toward Han, forcing him back. Seizing the moment, Han coordinated with his refined corpse, launching a perfectly timed counterattack. His iron staff slammed into a Huang family warriors chest, while the corpses claw pierced clean through his abdomen. Gurgle... The warrior struggled to speak, but his life had already slipped away. "You dare?!" The Huang familys peak Visceral Realm warrior roared in rage. While battling him, Han had still managed to kill one of their own! "Why wouldnt I dare?" Han shot forward, resuming his duel against the strongest opponent. Meanwhile, his refined corpse rejoined its companion, splitting the burden of fighting the remaining Visceral Realm combatant. "Forget him! Ill handle him myself! Kill the green corpses first!" Hans opponent shouted, ordering the three Night Roaming cultivators. "You should worry about yourself first." As his enemy exhausted his technique, Han seized the opening, launching a weapon pin directly at his heart. The Huang family warriors eyes widened in horror. Twisting his body at the last moment, he narrowly avoided a fatal hit. But his desperate maneuver left him vulnerable. Crack! Hans staff struck his shoulder, while the pin drove clean through his other arm, sending blood spraying through the air. The warrior let out a muffled grunt, his arm now twisted and useless. "Despicable! You resort to sneak attacks!" Was he still clinging to outdated notions of honor? Did he not understand that against demonic sects, there was no such thing as chivalry? Hans staff came crashing down again. His opponent barely parried before being sent flying. Upon regaining his footing, he turned and bolted without hesitation. Han smirked, recalling the pin before flinging it once more. At the same time, he drew his Sky Piercer Bow, nocking an arrow and letting it fly. The lethal whistle of the arrow filled the air. With his movement-enhancing boots activated, Han vanished like a phantom, keeping pace with his target. "Running now?" "Too late." Three simultaneous attacks bore down on the Huang familys peak Visceral Realm warrior. Desperate, he tried to defend himself, but such a deadly onslaught was not so easily evaded. Boom! Another heavy blow sent him crashing into the ground like a ragdoll. He struggled to rise, still intent on escaping. Han shook his head and swiftly finished him off. If the man had stood his ground, it would have taken Han longer to defeat him. After all, Hans current combat strength was only at peak Visceral Realm under normal conditions. But fear and cowardice were fatal for any warrior. With two Visceral Realm masters dead, only the last one remainedcurrently being savaged by Hans green corpses. Han lunged at him, joining the fray. With one man and two corpses working together, the final Visceral Realm warrior quickly fell. Glancing around, Han saw that the other Huang family warriors had long since fled. Their strongest fighters had been slaughtered in mere moments. Staying behind would have meant certain death. Han had no intention of pursuing them. Dozens of warriors and cultivators had scattered in all directionsit was impractical to chase them all. More importantly, he needed to leave this place swiftly. After collecting three spatial pouches, he turned his attention to the excavated mountain caves, searching for anything of value. Upon entering one particular cave, Han frowned deeply. Inside lay the skeletal remains of over a hundred individuals. Judging by the tattered fabric clinging to their bones, they had been simple townsfolk. The heavy presence of lingering resentment suggested their violent deaths, yet there were no ghosts to be found. Han sighed. These must have been the unfortunate souls who had ventured into the Three Yin Valley over the decades while the Huang family occupied the region. Once they entered, survival was never an option. The Huang family would never allow their secrets to spread. After all, their cultivators practiced sinister arts, including the refinement of the Soul-Binding Banner. Han left the cave and collapsed the entrance, giving these souls an unmarked grave. At another caves entrance, he discovered a shimmering light barrier. Forcing his way through, he was pleasantly surprisedthis was the resting place of the Huang familys Day Roaming cultivator. After looting the site, Han departed without looking back. He had arrived alone, and he left alone. Only silence remained in the valley. Chapter 171: The Legacy Left Behind A lone rider disappeared into the distance, kicking up dust as hoofprints scorched the ground. Upon returning home, Han carefully examined the four spatial pouches he had acquired, ensuring that none carried any tracking enchantments. "I need to find a place to deal with these pouches." Having encountered numerous foes, many of whom held significant status, Han had accumulated quite a collection of spatial pouches. However, this abundance presented a dilemma. Factions like the Huang family had custom-made spatial pouches, each marked with their insignia at the time of creationan emblem of their identity. While standard pouches could be used freely, those bearing distinct symbols were problematic. Though Han possessed quite a few, he couldn''t openly use them without raising suspicion. Moreover, he had no real need for so many. Even after gifting one to Shen Yu and the others, he still had plenty left. Carrying a dozen pouches at his waist would be like broadcasting an invitation for thieves to target him. Han already had an idea of where to offload these stolen goods. The journey back was tedious, but fortunately, he had An Lang to pester whenever boredom struck. Sharing hardships together! Upon reaching Heiyun Town, Han returned his horse to the government stables before walking back to the martial arts hall. The moment he stepped inside, he was greeted by the sight of Bai Ruoyue beating up Shen Long and Zhang Yuantao. "I thought you wouldnt make it back today either," Bai Ruoyue remarked, effortlessly multitasking between conversing with Han and pummeling her unfortunate sparring partners. "Little junior brother, hurry and bring out my two corpse brothers!" Shen Long called out, wincing in pain. "Senior sister''s strikes are getting heavier!" Bai Ruoyue smirked smugly. "Thats because Im getting stronger." The sparring session paused as Bai Ruoyue approached Han, curiosity gleaming in her eyes. "How was this trip? Any big gains?" Han met her gaze and nodded. "Quite significant." "Get some rest early tonight. Be ready to dream on time." With that, Han turned to leavehe had only dropped by to relay the message. But Bai Ruoyue grabbed his arm. "Where are you going?" "To Aunt Mos place." "You just got back, and youre leaving again before the suns even set?" "Uh is there a problem?" "Youre not allowed to go! Stay and tell me everything that happened on your trip." "You''re really impossible." Left with no choice, Han stayed behind, indulging Bai Ruoyue with a recount of his adventures until she was satisfied. Only then did he return to Taolin. By then, night had almost fallen. "You killed a Sunwalker?" Lu Qingmo was visibly surprised, though considering Hans strength and his performance in the Ascension Hall, she soon found it reasonable. "The Huang family warriors tried to ambush you in the Black Mountains, but instead, they lost a Bone Tempering martial artist and a Sunwalker?" What a case of trying to steal a chicken and losing the rice instead. Noworse than that. They lost their whole damn chicken. Han had recounted everything that had happened in the Three Yin Valley, including how he had baited the enemy out and struck decisively to take their lives. His storytelling vividly captured the intensity of the battles, painting a sharp and gallant image of himself. "Aunt Mo, the Huang familys cultivator was refining a Soul-Devouring Banner. If this gets out" Lu Qingmo shook her head. "The Ghost Division of the Prefecture could use this as grounds to question the Huang family, but a single Soul-Devouring Banner isnt enough to bring them down." "Across the empire, while the government holds ultimate authority, local factions remain deeply entrenched. Unless they commit an unforgivable crime, the Great Qi dynasty cannot easily take action against them." "The balance of power between the imperial court and regional forces has always been a challenge throughout history. Some noble families have existed longer than Great Qi itself." A family that had outlasted the dynasty their strength was self-evident. Such families were a constant headache for the imperial courttoo formidable to provoke lightly. Han remained silent, grasping the weight of her words. Even in his past life, in ancient history, the power struggles between the central government and regional aristocracies "But for an elder of their clan to be refining such a sinister artifact the Huang family clearly has serious issues," Lu Qingmo mused, lost in thought. Support the author by searching for the original publication of this novel. After a moment, she asked, "Aside from the red lake, did you discover anything else in the Three Yin Valley?" "Yes. When I dove deeper, beyond the red waters, I reached the lakebed, which was paved with bluestone slabs. There, I found" Han described what he had uncovered. "A Yin-Yang Eye revealing something imperceptible to the naked eye?" Lu Qingmos expression turned contemplative. Perhaps the one behind all this had been waiting for someone with precisely that ability. "To the highest heavens and the deepest underworld" At his final revelation, her gaze sharpened. "Let me see your hand." She tapped his palm lightly, and the hidden seven-pointed star mark faintly reappeared. "This seems like a tokenperhaps with additional functions." "Yes, it transmitted some information to me as well. Its also the key to unlocking that place in the future," Han affirmed. "Buried beneath the Three Yin Valley lies a figure of great importance. They left behind something and when either An Lang or I reach the Sunwalker realm, well be able to claim their legacy." Han had no idea what lay within the Three Yin Legacy. The information he received was minimal, revealing only the conditions for unlocking it and the identity of its owner. "The one buried in that valley is..." "The Yin Mountain God." Indeed, another mountain godbut one who had been dead for who knows how long. "The Yin Mountain God..." Lu Qingmo repeated the name thoughtfully before shaking her head. "I''ve never heard of this deity before. However, anyone who has ascended to godhood must have surpassed the Manifestation Realm." "That explains why there were remnants of power beneficial to spirits. It must be because of this mountain god." The Yin Mountain God had been dead for at least a century, his existence too remote and obscure. Unlike the Black Mountain God, who was famous across the land, it was no surprise that Lu Qingmo had never heard of him. With a serious expression, she advised, "This is a rare opportunity, one you must grasp firmly. But when the time comes to unlock the legacy, you must also be extremely cautious." "The Huang family lost a Sunwalker cultivator there. They wont let this go easily. Theres no way theyll abandon the valleysooner or later, they will tighten their defenses." "I know." Han smiled. He had already expected this but didnt find it particularly troublesome. The decision of when to claim the legacy was entirely in his hands. If the minimum requirement was the Sunwalker Realm, then he could simply wait until he was even stronger before making his move. If the Huang family wanted to station heavy guards at the Three Yin Valley, then let them waste their efforts. It wouldnt change anything. "Aunt Mo, between the Yin Mountain God and the Black Mountain God, who was stronger?" Han asked out of curiosity. "Though I dont have any details on the Yin Mountain God, I can say with certainty that the Black Mountain God is far superior." Lu Qingmo shook her head. "Even among divine beings, there is a hierarchy. Some have barely met the threshold for godhood, while others have continued to advance even after their ascension, nearing the realm of true immortals." "If my guess is correct, the Yin Mountain God had likely only just surpassed the Manifestation Realm when he claimed his divine seat, far from the level of the Black Mountain God." "To the highest heavens, to the deepest underworldthis is the lifelong pursuit of many cultivators. Yet, so few ever achieve it." There was a tinge of melancholy in Lu Qingmos voice. It had once been her dream as well, but now, that dream was beyond her reach. "Even so, his legacy is bound to be a treasure that will stir up great turmoil. If word gets out, countless cultivators from Tianzhou will flock to claim it. You must keep this a secret." "A cultivator who has surpassed the Manifestation Realm is considered a formidable force anywhere in the world. In the lands of the Three Kingdoms, they can go wherever they please. And gods, with their long lifespans, are even more coveted." Hearing this, Han couldnt help but feel eager. He wished he could break through to the Sunwalker Realm immediately and unlock the legacy to see what was hidden within. "But why was this mark also imprinted onto An Lang?" A doubt surfaced in his mind. An Lang... hadnt done anything at all. And this mark wasnt simply given to anyone who happened to be presentit was clearly copied from Han onto her. "Perhaps because of the connection between you two?" Han pushed the thought aside for now and took out the spatial pouch of the Huang familys fallen Sunwalker cultivator. Some of the items inside were unfamiliar to him, so he needed Lu Qingmos insight. As for the pouches from the other three martial artists, there was nothing valuable insidejust common supplies. "Quite a few resources for ghost cultivation." Lu Qingmo nodded. "Many of these will be useful to An Lang at this stage." "His three spirit-bound ghosts were at the Nightwalker level," Han added as an explanation. "Oh? Theres even a Dream Spirit Flower." Lu Qingmo took out a seven-petaled flower shimmering in seven different colors. "This Dream Spirit Flower is quite valuable. When a ghost consumes it, they will enter a deep sleep, during which the flowers power will weave a beautiful dream for them. Upon waking, their strength will have greatly increased, and any injuries they had will be healed." "Something like that exists?" Han was surprised, then shook his head with a wry smile. "An Lang is already lazyshe sleeps all day. This flower is practically made for her." "Young master, I can hear you!" An Lang, who was cultivating nearby, protested. Lazy? She was very diligent, thank you very much! Besides, sleep was a basic physiological need for ghosts! Maybe not for all ghosts, but for her, it was absolutely necessary. Still, this Dream Spirit Flower What kind of dream would it give her? Hopefully, one where she was the unrivaled Immortal Queen, dominating the worldheh. Then, in that dream, she could do whatever she wanted! "Aside from ghost-related resources, there are also plenty of cultivation materials for ordinary cultivators." Plenty was an understatementthere were even more of those. After all, while the Huang family practiced ghost cultivation, their own development took priority. Every resource was first allocated for their personal use before being given to their ghosts. This was the reality for most cultivators who practiced ghost refinement. Lu Qingmo took out a few items and said, "Most of the common materials you should recognize. These, however, will be useful for your upcoming cultivation." "Nightshade Incensethis will help stabilize your breakthrough to the Sunwalker Realm and aid in later cultivation by easing the violent nature of sunlight. There are about thirty sticks." "Cool Mind Incensewhen absorbing sunlight, the soul may become overheated and restless, making it difficult to concentrate. This incense resolves that issue. Theres quite a bit of it as well." "Soul Heart Fruita soul-nourishing plant beneficial to Nightwalker cultivators." "..." Huang Tianba had indeed carried some valuable items, many of which were supportive incense materials for Sunwalkers. An Lang had been researching Sunwalker incense, but receiving a batch for free was certainly a welcome surprise. As for soul-nourishing plants, there were none that could significantly benefit a Sunwalker cultivator. Anyone who obtained such treasures would use them immediately rather than store them in a spatial pouch. What would they keep them for? To gift to others? "There are also a few Daoist techniques here, all at the Sunwalker level. You can choose to learn them or notnone reach the Manifestation level." "However, there are two techniques related to ghost mastery." Lu Qingmo pulled out two books. One described the Soul Burn Technique, which allowed a ghost master to burn a spirits essence to temporarily amplify its power significantly. However, the consequences were severeimmense pain, loss of sanity, and a high chance of complete destruction. Even if the ghost survived, it would be crippled forever. Han took one look and dismissed it outright. An Lang had limitless potentialusing such a technique on her would be self-destructive. If he encountered an enemy he couldnt defeat, burning An Langs soul wouldnt change the outcome. Might as well perish together as a pair of doomed lovers. Most likely, this was the reason why Huang Tianbas spirit-bound ghosts had suddenly surged in strength before their demise. The second technique, however, was far more intriguingit was a ghost cultivation art. Heavens Grace Technique. It allowed a ghost servant, with the masters permission, to temporarily borrow a portion of the masters power. There were time and capacity limits, but the potential benefits were clear. Seeing this, Han was delighted. Now An Lang could take on more lucrative missions! Surely, she would be just as thrilled. Chapter 172: The Celestial Roc Bone! When Han manifested the Heavens Grace Technique in a dream and passed it to An Lang, she was delighted at first. If she could borrow all of his power, wouldnt that mean she could turn the tables and take the upper hand? But when she learned that she could only borrow a portion of his strengthand only with Hans approvalshe was still pleased. After all, with that, she could at least hold her head high in front of others and carry herself with confidence. However, Han then spoke to her with a solemn tone: Train diligently in this Daoist technique and master it as soon as possible. That way, youll be able to take on higher-level missions at the Ghost and Spirit Bureau, with better rewards. Youll also be able to complete more tasks each day. As the old saying goes, With great power comes great responsibility. Do your best. An Langs smile vanished completely, her face falling. Once again, life had ambushed her. Journey to Yunlong City Later that day, after Han finished his martial arts training, he sought out Bai Tian. Youre heading to Yunlong City? Bai Tian asked. Han nodded. Yes, I have some matters to take care of there. Hearing this, Bai Tian immediately understood. In a place like Yunlong Citywhere all kinds of people, creatures, and spirits mingledwhat kind of matters could one possibly have? Certainly nothing that could be done in the daylight. You Bai Tian hesitated, wanting to dissuade him. But after considering Hans current strengthwell-established in the surrounding regionshe changed his words: Just be careful. Dont worry, Master. As Han was preparing to leave, he ran into Bai Ruoyue. Why are you looking for my father? she demanded. To have him expel you from the Taibai Martial Pavilion? Moments later, the two of them departed from Heiyun Town, following the Yun River toward Yunlong City. Upon learning of Hans plans, Bai Ruoyue had immediately insisted on accompanying him. After some thought, Han agreed. Traveling together was certainly better than going alone. The Road to Yunlong City As they journeyed, Bai Ruoyue suddenly asked, Little junior, are you going to Yunlong City just to take care of business, or are you also planning to see the Dragon Maiden? Han froze for a moment. The thought of the Dragon Maiden made him fall silent. That woman she truly terrified him. She was genuinely, completely, unmistakably obsessed with his body. Nonsense, Han denied. Ive only met her three timeswere just ordinary acquaintances. Why would I go out of my way to see her? Bai Ruoyue stared at him for a moment, then turned away. Youd better be telling the truth. I am, of course. Yunlong City was just over three hundred miles from Heiyun Town. The two of them arrived swiftly. The city was even livelier than the last time Han had visited. The streets were packed with people, the air filled with bustling voices. So many people! Bai Ruoyue exclaimed. I wonder why? Han shook his head. After leading their horses to a designated storage areawhere fees were charged based on the durationhe muttered, Didnt expect theyd have parking lots here. Whats a parking lot? Bai Ruoyue asked. Its a place where you park carriages and horses. Hearing this, Bai Ruoyue glanced back at the stable and found his explanation rather fitting. Merging into the crowd, Han listened to the chatter around them and soon understood the reason for the citys increased population. After a decade-long hiatus, news had spread that the Dragon King Banquet would soon be held again, drawing the attention of countless cultivators. Last time, when the banquet was held, only a small number of people in Tianyue Prefecture had caught wind of it, let alone those from other regions. Now, after a decade of closure, Yunlong City had lost a great deal of its usual traffic. But with the banquets return, all that lost momentum had been regained in an instant. Many cultivators had come to the city, hoping to seize an opportunity. Even just witnessing the banquet was a stroke of fortunebut being invited to participate? That was a once-in-a-lifetime chance. Entering the Black-White Pavilion Ignoring the long lines of street vendors, Han and Bai Ruoyue made their way straight to a district filled with interconnected buildings. Owning a shop in this area meant one of two thingseither you were incredibly powerful, or you had an unshakable background. Scanning the various signboards, Han walked past several establishments before finally stopping in front of a three-story building. This is itthe Black-White Pavilion. Bai Ruoyue frowned slightly. You seem to have come here with a purpose? Han nodded. Yes. When Aunt Mo and my master heard I was coming here, they both recommended the Black-White Pavilion. They said it could meet my needs. You might be reading a pirated copy. Look for the official release to support the author. Han recalled Lu Qingmos words clearly. The Black-White Pavilionwhere light and dark were both welcomed. They accepted anything and everything, without questioning origins, and generally ensured confidentiality. Their reputation was sterling, recognized and respected by cultivators far and wide, and their establishment had existed for ages. Lu Qingmo had assured him that he could sell his goods here without worry. The pavilion wouldnt risk its reputation over mere trinkets. Of course, because the goods in question were of a less than legitimate nature, their prices would naturally be lower than market value. That was simply the norm. Senior sister, wait outside while I go in alone, Han said. Why? To create misdirection, he explained. If I go in alone, I wont attract much attention. But if we go in togethera man and a womanitll be too easy to remember us. Lu Qingmo had vouched for the Black-White Pavilions discretion. But she had also noted that their confidentiality wasnt absolute. No organization could offer perfect privacy. It was the same as those so-called privacy-respecting apps from Hans past lifenone of them were truly secure. Both Han and Bai Ruoyue had altered their appearances for this trip, taking extra precautions to remain inconspicuous. After considering his words, Bai Ruoyue nodded. Alright, little junior, go ahead. Ill wait for you. The Transaction As soon as Han entered the Black-White Pavilion, an attendant greeted him. Honored guest, are you here to buy or sell? Id like to sell some things. Please, follow me. The attendant led Han to the second floor, into a secluded chamber with a long table. An elderly man sat behind it, and as Han stepped inside, the attendant quietly withdrew. What does the guest wish to sell? the old man asked. Just a few trinkets. Han retrieved several spatial pouches filled with various itemsmany of them things he no longer needed. Among them were techniques like the Soul-Burning Method, certain doctrines from the Earth Corpse Sect, and other Daoist arts he had no intention of practicing. Of course, everything he sold was a copied versionhe had kept an original copy for himself. However, he had chosen not to sell anything related to incense offerings, despite no longer needing them. They would fetch far better prices in the prefectural city. As the old man examined Hans collection, his eyes flickered with interest. He quickly recognized that most of these items likely had questionable origins. But he didnt ask questions. Instead, he meticulously appraised each one. After a while, he looked up and asked, Would you prefer direct payment, or an exchange for goods? Rest assuredany items offered in exchange are guaranteed to be legitimate and free of complications. The Black-White Pavilion operated on both sides of the lawbut when they provided goods, they ensured they were clean. What can I trade for? Han inquired. Please wait a moment. The old man left through another door. Han remained calm, knowing he wouldnt be swindled. He had already estimated the worth of his goods based on Lu Qingmos insights. If the deal wasnt fair, he would simply walk away. A short while later, the old man returned, holding a palm-sized jade tablet, which he handed to Han. This contains the list of items you may exchange for. The final value will depend on the appraisal. Han took the jade tablet and found that it displayed detailed illustrations and descriptions of various treasures. Swiping left or right allowed him to flip through the pages. Truly, Daoist techniques had transformed the world. As Han browsed through the jade tablet, he saw that every listed treasure was of immense value. To be honest, he wanted them all. The items Han had brought out were mostly ordinary, though a few were quite rare. For example, from the corpse of a disciple of the Earth Corpse Sect, he had looted a Manifestation-level offensive Daoist technique. Though specialized for combating zombies and thus highly situational, it was still a Manifestation-level technique and carried significant value. He memorized the items he found useful. Then, as he flipped to another page, his eyes suddenly paused on one particular entry. It was a bone, labeled as a "Huntian Roc Bone." A bone from the Huntian Roc clan After some time, Han finished reviewing the jade tablet. I intend to barter. The old man was unsurprised. Cultivators rarely lacked money, especially someone as ruthless as this young man before him. Some treasures simply couldnt be bought with money. If one never encountered them, where would one even begin to purchase them? What has caught the young master''s eye? The Huntian Roc Bone. What is its price? It is not something your treasures alone can cover. Han nodded and proceeded to select a few more items. Only when the old man finally deemed the exchange equitable did he put the jade tablet down. After doing some mental calculations, Han nodded. This trade was worth it. Before long, a servant arrived, delivering the items Han had selecteda total of five. A bone, a book, a vial, a scale, and a fruit. Please verify the items, esteemed guest. If there are no issues, this transaction will be complete. Han was meticulous, carefully inspecting each item. The book appeared ordinary, bound with simple paper, containing no recorded martial techniques or Daoist arts, yet it exuded an inexplicable uniqueness. The jade vial contained a colorless, transparent liquidfluid yet boundless in presence. The scale was a brilliant blue, razor-sharp at the edges, polished to a reflective sheen that clearly mirrored Hans face while radiating a strong aquatic aura. The fruit was dual-coloredred and bluegiving off an impression of both vitality and spirit, clearly a cultivation-enhancing item. And finally, the Huntian Roc Bone The moment he touched it, his true energy stirred slightly within him. It was a familiar sensation. This bonethis was the right choice. He could have forsaken everything else, but this bone was a must. There are no issues. Do you require anything else, esteemed guest? Han shook his head. The old man courteously invited him to return in the future, then had someone escort him out. The old man returned to his seat, carefully storing the items Han had exchanged. He remained motionless, as if he had fallen asleep. As for Han, the old man had no interest in him. In the Black and White Pavilion, countless individuals came and went daily. The origins of the goods passing through his hands were often dubious. When running a business, why ask unnecessary questions? Why concern oneself with things that dont matter? Upon exiting the Black and White Pavilion, Han scanned his surroundings but did not see Bai Ruoyue. He frowned. A short distance away, about a dozen meters to his right, a crowd had gathered, seemingly watching something unfold. Within that crowd, Han detected Bai Ruoyues presence. He approached, pushing his way through the onlookers. Inside, he found Bai Ruoyue holding a randomly snapped tree branch, poking at a mans forehead. Beside her, three or four warriors lay sprawled on the ground, groaning in pain. Whats going on? Han asked. Bai Ruoyue turned to glance at him and said, Oh, youre here, little thing. ??? Senior Sister, what did you just call me? Care to repeat that? Am I a little thing or something else? Didnt you feel anything in the Pool of Life? These guys saw me alone and started making inappropriate remarks, even trying to lay hands on me, Bai Ruoyue explained. So I taught them a lesson. Han looked at the man she was pokinga young cultivator, though clearly one who had overindulged in carnal pleasures. With his dual cultivation of martial and Daoist arts, Han could tell at a glance the kind of lifestyle this man led. Shaking his head, Han sighed. The allure of beautythroughout history, few had ever resisted it. Thankfully, his willpower was firm. He would never succumb to such temptations. You were too impulsive. Why couldnt you resolve this peacefully? Han chided with feigned seriousness. When traveling, harmony brings prosperity. In the future, you mustnt act so rashly. Aahhh!! A sudden scream echoed through the air, piercing and filled with agony. The young mans face contorted in pain, tears and snot flowing uncontrollably. Only then did everyone noticesomehow, Hans foot had ended up pressing down on the young mans arm, visibly warping its shape. Han, however, remained expressionless, as though oblivious to the fact that he was crushing someones limb. He continued imparting his wisdom to Bai Ruoyue. In situations like this, try reasoning with people first. Were all civilized individuals, surely we can settle things rationally. Resorting to violence is barbaric. Such conduct is disgraceful. If you just explain things properly, Im sure hell listen. Bai Ruoyues expression grew increasingly strange. Is this what you call harmony brings prosperity? Is this how you reason with people? Han finally turned his gaze to the man beneath his foot. My nameless friend, do you understand what Im saying? The man remained silent, glaring at Han with a twisted expression. Han exerted a little more pressure. Still dont understand? I do! I do! The man shrieked. Can we have a proper conversation? Yes! Yes, we can! Now, tell mewhose fault is this? Han asked, revealing something in his hand. Its my fault! I shouldnt have spoken rudely, shouldnt have tried to lay hands on the young lady! I apologize! Im willing to compensate! Ah, see? Han nodded, then turned to Bai Ruoyue. What did I tell you? Everyone is reasonable and understands logic. Bai Ruoyue rubbed her forehead. If not for the fact that Han was holding a blade to the mans face, she might have actually believed him. Chapter 173: Blind Fool, Kneel Before Your Lord! Han stepped off the man''s arm and sheathed his blade. Right now, he possessed a sizable collection of weapons. Thanks to his innate mastery of armaments and his proficiency in multiple weapon-based techniques, he had chosen to keep many of them instead of selling them. Who knew when they might come in handy? Han had come to realize that having an extra weapon sometimes meant having an extra identity. What did a hammer-wielding warrior have to do with the legendary Taibai Sword Immortal? And what did a staff-user have to do with the mighty Taibai Hammer Deity? Watch your words, or I''ll sue you for defamation. Han and Bai Ruoyue were about to leave, not sparing another glance at the men groaning on the ground. But just as they turned, a commotion stirred at the edge of the crowd. A seven-man patrol pushed their way inmost of them were human, but two bore distinct aquatic features, marking them as members of the waterborne clans. "Who dares cause trouble in Yunlong City?" A single glance at their matching uniforms told Han who they wereYunlong City Patrol Guards, a force composed of warriors from various factions and members of the Yunjiang Dragon Palace, tasked with maintaining order. While Yunlong City was a free-trade hub with few restrictions, there were still some fundamental rules in place. After all, lawless chaos wouldnt make for a thriving marketplace. If merchants were constantly robbed and travelers slain in broad daylight, no one would dare set foot here. Ambushes and assassinations in the shadows? That was a different matter. But blatant lawlessness? That was unacceptable. "Just a minor dispute," Han said calmly. "Already settled. Sorry for the trouble." The guards glanced at the battered men on the ground. Seeing no one had died, their leader simply snorted. "Whatever disputes you have, settle them elsewhere. Don''t break Yunlong City''s rules." With that, they turned and left. Yes, Yunlong City had rules. But not many. The men Bai Ruoyue had thrashed struggled to their feet and, with resentful glares, fled into the distance. Far enough away, they finally turned back, their faces twisted with hatred. This wasnt over. Han and Bai Ruoyue left the area, and she asked, "Little Junior Brother, did you get what you wanted?" Han nodded. "Got my hands on some good stuff. This trip was worth it." She didn''t ask what exactly he had obtainedso long as it wasnt a wasted journey, that was enough for her. Then, with excitement in her eyes, she grabbed Hans arm. "Come on, let''s go treasure-hunting!" Han sighed. His Senior Sister really loved doing this sort of thing. If someone didnt know better, theyd think she had the omniscient view of a god or some kind of treasure-seeking artifact. Still, he humored her and went along. And surprisingly, she actually found something. They stumbled upon a chunk of refined iron, supposedly just a standard-grade weapon material. But the moment Han touched it, his treasure-sensing ability reacted. Buying it on a whim, he cracked it open in a secluded spotinside was a hidden core of Iron Essence, a rare and valuable material for crafting high-tier weapons. The value had just skyrocketed several times over. It wasnt a major windfall, but Bai Ruoyue was thrilled nonetheless. As the two wandered through the market, another group of Yunlong City patrol guards suddenly rushed toward them. Han glanced over and narrowed his eyes slightly. Unfriendly intent. "Are they coming for trouble?" Bai Ruoyue asked. Alongside the seven-man patrol was none other than the young noble they had humiliated earlier. His face twisted with malice as he leered at them, relishing the moment. "Was it you two who caused a disturbance in Yunlong City?" a middle-aged man barked. "Attacking people in broad daylightyoull have to come with us!" Han remained composed. "And who do you think you are?" The man''s gaze darkened. "I am a disciple of the Crescent Moon Martial Hall, currently serving in Yunlong City Patrol." This book is hosted on another platform. Read the official version and support the author''s work. "Not only did you attack others in the city, but you insulted Yunlong Patrol Guards. Thats an added offense. By the laws of Yunlong City, youre to be detained for a month!" Han replied evenly, "The incident earlierthose men provoked us first. Yunlong Patrol was already notified, and the matter was resolved." "Coming back now to arrest us seems irregular." "Irregular?" The middle-aged man sneered. "In Yunlong City, my word is the law!" "I didnt see them provoke you. All I see is you assaulting them!" "Now, surrender. Kneel down, admit your guilt, and come quietly. Otherwise, dont blame us for being ruthless." The young noble smirked and made a crushing gesture toward Han. "Blind fool! Do you even know who you''re messing with?" he sneered. "How do you plan to fight back?" "You humiliated me earliernow Ill return the favor a hundredfold. And as for that woman of yours, Ill make you watch as she" "Smack!" Before he could finish, Han delivered a crisp slap that sent him flying. The young noble tumbled across the ground, rolling several times before coming to a stop. Seven or eight teeth went flying. His entire face swelled up like a pigs head. "A stray mutt barking in the streets," Han said coldly. "A mere Meridian Realm weakling, thinking he can throw his weight around?" "You dare?!" The middle-aged man roared in fury. "Still so defiant? Take him down!" He lunged forward, fingers curled into talon-like claws, aiming to seize Han in a swift, decisive strike. Han remained utterly calm. He pulled something from his robes. "Who dares move?" His words were spoken softly, yet they carried the weight of a thunderclap. The middle-aged man hesitated for a split second, then scoffed. "What, you think flashing a piece of jade will" Before he could finish, two of the aquatic guards suddenly stepped forward and cut him off. "Watch your mouth!" "You blind fool! How dare you disrespect the Lord!" Before Han even had to act, the two waterborne warriors struck first. They kicked the middle-aged man to the ground, pinning him in place. The sudden turn of events left the onlookers stunned. Why? What was happening? Then, they watched as the two aquatic warriors respectfully bowed to Han. "Lord, we greet you!" Han tucked away the dragon-engraved jade token and glanced at them. "This is how Yunlong Patrol enforces the law?" The two warriors wore troubled expressions, unsure of how to respond. "It was our oversight." The middle-aged man lay stiffly on the ground, staring at Han in shock. Why? Why were the Yunjiang water clans treating him with such reverence? Han took a few steps forward and asked, So, in Yunlong City, your word is the law? He narrowed his eyes. Since when did the Yuanyue Martial Hall become the ruler of Yunlong City? One of the aquatic warriors snapped angrily, Nan Xuan! Apologize to the lord immediately! This matter will be reported. By tomorrow, youll be kicked out of the Yunlong Guard. Noscratch that. Every single member of the Yuanyue Martial Hall will be expelled! Nan Xuans face burned with rage, but a chill ran down his spine at the same time. If this reached the provincial capital, his master would skin him alive! He took a deep breath and bowed deeply. My lord I was blind and ignorant. I had no idea who I was dealing with. Please, have mercy. Hans voice was cold. Who said you could apologize while standing? Nan Xuan trembled. The words he had so arrogantly spat out earlierHan remembered every single one. Nan Xuan, kneel! Now! The aquatic warriors barked. A wave of humiliation crashed over him, but when he thought of the consequences, he clenched his teeth and endured it. Thud! Nan Xuan dropped to his knees. Han, however, didnt even spare him a glance. Instead, he walked straight to the young man he had slapped earlier. Looking down at him, Han saw that the arrogance and malice on the young mans face had been replaced with sheer terror. W-What are you doing?! Im the son of the Yuanyue Martial Halls master! You cant Smack! A burst of energy erupted from Hans palm, sending another seven or eight of the young mans teeth flying. You? Worthy of speaking to me? Han sneered and repeated the young mans own words back at him. What do you have to fight against me? The young man whimpered, unable to respond with his battered mouth. Then, Han calmly placed his foot on the young mans other arm and applied pressure. Crack! A scream tore through the air. Both of his armscompletely ruined. With Hans strength, the bones beneath his foot were reduced to fragments. Even in a world of cultivation, recovering from this would not be easy. Han then turned to the two aquatic warriors. How do you handle a situation like this? They exchanged glances before responding viciously, My lord, rest assuredwe will take good care of him. Without hesitation, they grabbed the young man, binding him roughly. His shrieks echoed through the streets as they dragged him away. Nan Xuan, still kneeling, never once dared to lift his head. By now, the commotion had drawn a massive crowd. Everyone watched in stunned silence. Who was this man? To command such authority in Yunlong Cityjust who was he?! One of the aquatic warriors hesitated before asking cautiously, My lord, shall we? Han waved a hand dismissively. You may go. The two warriors bowed. Please rest assured, my lord. This matter will be resolved to your satisfaction. Then, they swiftly departed, dragging the broken young man with them. As Han and Bai Ruoyue walked forward, the crowd instinctively parted to clear a path. Once they had distanced themselves from the scene, Bai Ruoyue, who had been silent this entire time, finally spoke, her voice full of disbelief. Little junior brother what just happened? Those aquatic warriors were way too respectful toward you. What did you show them just now? Han glanced at her and explained casually, It was a token from the Dragon Maiden, given to me when I attended the Dragon Kings Banquet last time. This jade token represents her authority. More precisely, it symbolized status within Yunjiang Dragon Palace. Not every aquatic being had seen the Dragon Maiden in person, but they all recognized this jade token. Anyone in possession of such an artifact was undoubtedly a figure of immense importance to these aquatic warriors stationed outside the palace. The Yunlong Guard was made up of warriors from various factions. Under normal circumstances, the aquatic warriors were willing to give face to other powers. After all, though the Yunjiang Dragon Palace was mighty, these guards were just low-ranking members. Maintaining good relations with different factions was often a wise choice. However, giving face in ordinary situations was one thing. When it came to offending a distinguished figure from the Dragon Palace, the Yuanyue Martial Hall was nothing. Even if their master personally arrived, those two aquatic warriors would not hesitate to put him in his place. After all, if this incident was reported to the higher-ups, the ones who should be worried certainly wouldnt be them. This was Yunlong City. And Yunjiang Dragon Palace was its true master. They were the true heirs of the dragons lineage. It was them who had the final say here. Bai Ruoyue listened to Hans explanation and pouted slightly. You and the Dragon Maiden sure have a great relationship, huh? She even gave you her personal token. They walked for a while, the streets gradually emptying. Suddenly, they noticed a lone figure standing in their path, watching them with amusement. Well, well. You come all the way to Yunlong City, and you dont even bother to visit me? Speak of the Dragon Maiden and the Dragon Maiden appears. Han stole a quick glance at Bai Ruoyues expression. His senior sister looked completely calm. That was terrifying. Chapter 174: The Sacred Scriptures of Haoran After the two water creatures from the Yunlong Guard left, they immediately reported the events to their superiors. Yunjiang Long Jun has many heirs, but the only one still by his side is Ao Xuanwei. The other descendants have already been dispatched to oversee different parts of the water domain. So, when it came to the matter of the Dragon Maiden''s token, it naturally found its way to her. Although the description of the token didnt match her appearance exactly, the Dragon Maiden immediately recognized itit was Han. "Is he here to find me?" The Dragon Maiden tidied herself up and set off for Yunlong City to meet Han. However, upon seeing Bai Ruoyue standing by his side, she couldnt help but feel a little disappointed. "Looks like hes not here for me." Han greeted the Dragon Maiden, and Bai Ruoyue was polite as always. "You came all the way here, but you didnt come looking for me?" The Dragon Maiden said with a smile. "Could it be that I dont appeal to you?" Han sighed. "Im just here to handle some matters. Ill be leaving soon, so I didnt want to disturb you." "Have you finished your business?" she asked. "Yes, its done." The Dragon Maiden nodded, then added, "Dont worry about todays affairs. Ill take care of it and give you a satisfactory answer." "When you handle things, I have no worries," Han replied with a smile. He and Bai Ruoyue had lost nothing, and whatever happened next would be handled by the water creatures. "Are you planning to leave now?" she asked. "Were about to head out." "Why not come with me to the pavilion by the lake?" The Dragon Maiden invited warmly. "Its been a while since we last met. Since youre here, I cant just let you leave without properly hosting you." Han hesitated for a moment, but just as he was about to decline, Bai Ruoyue spoke up. "Since the princess has invited us, we might as well stay a little longer. What do you think, Junior Brother?" "Since youve already said so, what can I say?" Han thought. They followed the Dragon Maiden to the pavilion by the lake, and the path was quietno one else was around. "Everyone knows that I have close ties with Tai Bai Han. If others saw me with you, they might start making assumptions," the Dragon Maiden explained with a smile. "Youve disguised yourselves, probably so no one would recognize you. Thats why I had the area cleared." "Impressive, your consideration is thorough," Han thought. "Junior Brother, the princess has thought of everything for you. You should keep this in mind and repay her well in the future," Bai Ruoyue remarked. "" Han remained silent, not sure how to respond. How exactly would he repay her? By the afternoon, Han and Bai Ruoyue left Yunlong City, with the Dragon Maiden seeing them off. She had been very generous, offering them numerous fine gifts, and had even invited them to visit the Yunjiang Dragon Palace, though they politely declined. "The Dragon Maiden is quite nice, very friendly," Bai Ruoyue said. "I used to think that someone like the princess of a Dragon Palace would be hard to approach." Han didnt respond, thinking: Senior Sister, dont let her sweet words fool you. It had only been a few hours, and you already have this opinion? "But now that I think about it, what does the Dragon Maiden see in you, Junior Brother?" Bai Ruoyue asked, puzzled. "It seems like she really values you." "Well, who wouldnt value someone as outstanding as me?" Han replied with a smirk. "Shameless." Once they returned to the martial arts academy, Han immediately took out the mysterious bone of the Xuantian Peng. "Senior Sister, take a look at this bone." "You traded it at the Black and White Pavilion?" Bai Ruoyue asked, grabbing the bone. Her expression immediately changed. "It feels similar to that Yulong Stone." "This is a Xuantian Pengs bone," Han explained. "Take me to my father!" Bai Ruoyue demanded. Her father carefully examined the bone and said, "This is a secret weapon from the Bone Refining Realm, called the Xuantian Peng Devil Secret Technique. Since its able to trigger a reaction from you, its very likely related to the Xuantian Peng." Stolen content warning: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences. Hans expression remained calm, but he thought to himself: Just as I suspected. "This bone looks to be from someone in the early stages of Bone Refining. The Black and White Pavilion likely sells it as material for weapon forging," Bai Ruoyue continued. Han nodded. "Yes, the Black and White Pavilions records say it can be used to forge weapons." "When you reach the peak of your internal organs and begin refining your bones, you might gain insights from this bone," her father added. Just like the Yulong Stone, Bai Ruoyue had gained a great deal from it, as if she had seen the internal organs of a Yulong and gained a deeper understanding of the Spirit-Driving Yulong Manual. "Father, when you obtained the secret technique, did you discover anything else?" Bai Ruoyue asked. He shook his head. "No, nothing else. There were only a few murals, and nothing more." "Murals?" Han asked. "Yes, a few paintings of demons and monsters, corresponding to the secret techniques. I suspect each mural represents the original form of a secret technique," her father explained. Han tucked the bone away thoughtfully. This bone could not have come from the demons and monsters depicted in those murals. Could the Xuantian Peng Demon and the Xuantian Peng be of the same lineage, or perhaps one is a descendant of the other? That evening, Han shared his thoughts with Lu Qingmo. "The Xuantian Peng? I think Ive heard of that name," Lu Qingmo said, looking thoughtful. "Its a demon clan." "What do you know about it, Aunt Mo?" Han asked quickly. Lu Qingmo shook her head. "I dont know much, but Ive heard my master mention it. A long time ago, the Sect Master visited the demon clans territory and encountered a group that called themselves the Xuantian Peng clan." "Its a type of Peng bird, but apparently, one of their ancestors was a remarkable figure. To distinguish themselves, they took on the name Xuantian Peng." This kind of thing is common among demon clanswhen a powerful figure is born, their bloodline is elevated, and if they hold a title, the entire clan might adopt it as part of their name. "A remarkable Peng clan figure" Han murmured, deep in thought. "Do demons have their own territories?" Han asked. "Of course," Lu Qingmo replied. "There are demons all over the world, and to the far east of the Eastern Zhou, thats where many demons gather." "Many demon clans thought to be extinct actually still exist there." Lu Qingmo continued, "The Eastern Zhou royal family is closely tied to that place, which is why the people living near the border of the demon territories have been able to avoid demon invasions." "Perhaps the secret techniques you have resonate with this Xuantian Peng bone because a powerful figure from history created them using the Xuantian Peng as their model." "Maybe," Han replied, still pondering. Surely, you didnt just exchange a bone during your trip to Yunlong City, did you? Lu Qingmo glanced at Han, then immediately thought better of it. Han wasnt someone who would act so recklessly. Of course not, Han replied confidently, pulling out the other four items he had obtained. This is a Spirit Fruit, a rare treasure thats beneficial for both the soul and the body. He began to explain each item in turn. This is a scale from the Sea Serpent Dragon. Its a rare material for forging. If integrated into my Seaheart Armor, it could significantly enhance its defensive capabilities. This is Jade Water, known for being the perfect material to forge with Silver Essence and Golden Night, which would strengthen the Taibai Sword. Lu Qingmo nodded thoughtfully. Not bad. These will definitely be useful. Of course. My judgment is always spot-on, Han said proudly. In combat, it was all about offense and defense. Han had always placed great importance on his inner armor, as it had been incredibly helpful since he began his training. Being able to improve it further was an opportunity he wouldnt miss. The Seaheart Armor was already made of materials from the ocean; with a skilled blacksmith, embedding the Sea Serpent Dragon scales would make it even more extraordinary. As for the Taibai Sword, it was already a top-tier weapon. Seeing that Jade Water and Silver Essence were the best match for it, Han had immediately decided to make the exchange. Lu Qingmo gave Han an amused glance and picked up a book that had been included in the exchange. Well, if your judgment is so good, what about this? she asked, flipping through the pages. Does this do anything for you? Han scratched his head and chuckled. Who knows? Maybe itll help me understand the true essence of the Grand Qi Palm. Lu Qingmo looked at him skeptically. You think you can grasp the Grand Qi just from a book? The last item Han had exchanged for wasnt a martial arts manual; it was just a normal book full of various principles and teachings. However, this book was specialit had been handwritten by someone with the Grand Qi. The book itself wasnt just a random item. If a common family had such a book in their home, it would ward off evil spirits and prevent malicious forces from intruding. It also helped calm the mind, suppressing anger and irritationvery useful for maintaining inner peace. For cultivators, having this book nearby during their training could also help to focus and calm the spirit, making it a valuable aid to their cultivation. Among the many items available for exchange in the Black Cloud Tower, this book was considered a decent choice. But to Lu Qingmo, this book held little value for Han. Most of its benefits could be replaced by better alternatives he already possessed. Still, now that youve got it, reading it regularly can still do you good, Lu Qingmo said with a slight smile. It can help you cultivate a calm and composed mind. The Grand Qi, when cultivated, could purify the heart and mind. Those who cultivated it were often renowned sages. Constant immersion in this energy would lead the wicked toward goodness, quelling anger and resentment. Lu Qingmo thought for a moment. Perhaps it would help Han refine his mindset, which might actually be more useful than directly improving his cultivation. After all, Han had been advancing rapidly, and though she didnt voice her concerns, she was still worried about certain aspects. As for whether Han could really unlock the Grand Qi through this book Did she seem like the type of person who would be easily fooled? I know youre eager to unleash the full power of the Grand Qi Palm, but dont rush things, Lu Qingmo said, her voice calm. Sometimes, too much haste can hinder progress. The Grand Qi Palm technique was powerful in itself, but with the addition of Grand Qi, it became even more extraordinary, practically unmatched. Lu Qingmo understood Hans impatient desire to tap into that power. Ill give it a try, Han smiled, unbothered by her warnings. Later that evening, after finishing his soul cultivation practice, Han picked up the book and began to study it. The contents of this book were different from what he had encountered in his previous lifehe could tell right away. He pondered for a while, then began reciting the books teachings aloud. Up Lu Qingmo glanced at Han but didnt say anything, retreating into the pavilion. It was probably good for him to calm his mind; after all, he was always pestering her to teach him the Thunder Palm or to try some other unconventional techniques. Benefit After a while, however, Lu Qingmo noticed that Hans voice grew louder. She couldnt help but feel puzzled. Why was he shouting while reciting? Wasn''t this supposed to be a quiet process? But as she listened more closely, something felt strange. The resonance of Hans voice lingered in the air, pulling at her emotions in a way she couldnt explain. Curious, she walked outside and immediately froze in surprise. As Han recited, a swirling white mist surrounded him, and within that mist, words seemed to float and shift. The aura of the Grand Qi was palpable, giving off a majestic and overwhelming presence. Has time already passed? Could I be dreaming? chapter 175: The Born Sage Clear, resonant verses flowed from Hans lips, and the peach grove under the night sky lit up. Words seemed to leap in the air, weaving a beautiful tapestry that carried an ethereal, almost otherworldly aura, evoking deep reverence. An Lang, the ghost, had already retreated far from this place. The energy in the air made her uneasy. She hid behind a tree, cautiously peeking over at the scene. Han held the scripture in his hands, fully absorbed, his mind calm and free of distractions, completely immersed in the teachings of the text, in the wisdom of the world. Each word and sentence echoed as if alive. Lu Qingmo, watching from a distance, reached out to steady herself against the doorframe. This was overwhelming. The intensity of it made it hard to stand still. Under her watch, new phenomena began to appear. A dazzling seven-colored light surged from Hans body, casting a more brilliant glow over the scripture, enhancing its magnificence. Simultaneously, Han himself began to change, his form shrouded in a holy aura. The chanting grew louder, echoing throughout the night. An Lang, who had been far off, suddenly felt at ease, as if the discomfort had been replaced by a strange sense of comfort. Lu Qingmo could clearly see a sphere of seven-colored light expanding and contracting near Han''s chest, almost as though it were nurturing something. This was a manifestation of the Great Beyond a heavenly force enveloping Han, making him appear as if he were a being of divine nature. After a long while, Hans chanting gradually faded to silence. He closed his mouth and his eyes, appearing to savor the experience of what had just occurred. Lu Qingmo silently approached, looking at Han, her eyes unknowingly filled with anticipation. Could it be really? Moments later, Han opened his eyes. The faint seven-colored light in his eyes disappeared, and he returned to his usual state. "Mo Yi, whats wrong?" Han asked casually. Lu Qingmo was still trying to process everything, her gaze serious. "What''s going on here?" she asked, her voice tinged with curiosity. "Did reading this scripture really give you any insight?" Han shook his head. "No, this Great Beyond is as mysterious as they say, difficult to describe." "I didnt grasp anything... yet." Lu Qingmos heart calmed down a bit. How could one expect to gain such insights from just reading a text? That would be too extraordinary, almost mythical. "But I do feel like I might have glimpsed the threshold of the Great Beyond." "" Half a sentence, huh? "Glanced the threshold of the Great Beyond Isnt that already incredible?" Lu Qingmo stared at Han in shock and confusion. How could he have discovered something like this? Its true that studying is one way to possibly gain insight into the Great Beyond energy. But the probability is so low how many scholars have tried, and how many have actually succeeded in comprehending it? Only a handful of extraordinary individuals in history have achieved such a feat, which is why this path is considered a possibility for some. However, even those rare individuals didnt just glance at a scripture and immediately get a glimpse of the threshold! Even if "glancing" at the threshold doesnt necessarily mean one has entered the realm, having the potential to see the threshold from merely reading a text doesnt that suggest that, with further practice, Han might eventually grasp the Great Beyond energy? That would make him someone with an exceptional aptitude for the technique! Lu Qingmo felt a moment of self-doubt as she thought of Hans immense potential. I was really foolish to doubt him earlier "Mo Yi, whats wrong? Is something off?" Han asked, noticing her distracted look. Lu Qingmo snapped back to reality, shaking her head. "Nothings wrong... or maybe Im not sure if anything is wrong at all." "This Great Beyond energy is so rare. Ive never seen it before. There are only a few records about it in the Xuan Du Sect, and everything depends on you figuring it out on your own." "Maybe in the future, if you get the chance, you should visit the Academy of the Saints in Eastern Zhou. Theyre the authorities when it comes to understanding the Great Beyond energy." She could guide him in normal techniques, but this? She was completely out of her depth. If Han had already glimpsed the threshold, that meant he had surpassed her in this area. Han chuckled, "Its not like if I go there, theyll just hand me all their knowledge about the Great Beyond without a second thought." He was from Qi, not the same country. Even if he wanted to join the Academy of the Saints, they would have to investigate if he was an undercover agent from an enemy nation. Lu Qingmo went silent for a moment, then couldnt contain her curiosity. "How did you do it?" Her voice held a genuine sense of wonder. Han shrugged nonchalantly. "Just reading, really. As I read, I felt like I saw something, like a new force had appeared." "Why dont you give it a try, Mo Yi?" Lu Qingmo rejected the idea immediately. "Ive seen writings infused with the Great Beyond energy, and even interacted with them before. The Xuan Du Sect has them. The Black and White Tower in Yunlong City has them. A large sect like Xuan Du Sect certainly wouldnt lack them." The writings in the Xuan Du Sect had even stronger Great Beyond energy than Hans scripture, and she had studied them before without gaining any such insight. Lu Qingmo knew her own limitations she didnt have this kind of aptitude. But Hans talent... that was something else entirely. If you spot this story on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation. "Theres nothing you cant do, is there?" she marveled. Han smiled. "Theres still plenty I dont know." "Try using the Great Beyond Handprint again, now that youve experienced all of this. See if anything changes." Hans spirit left his body, and as he raised his hands, a faint seven-colored glow surrounded them. There was definitely a difference now. The Great Beyond Handprint now emanated a unique aura, as though it had undergone a subtle refinement, releasing a purifying energy. Lu Qingmo observed closely, then nodded. "If theres such a change, it means youve indeed made progress. Youre on the right path." If Hans perception had been wrong, or if he had practiced incorrectly, there would be no change in the Great Beyond Handprint. This transformation was proof that he had gained some insight. Of course, Han hadnt yet fully grasped the Great Beyond energy, and this technique was still in its early stages. "But if you continue down this path, truly understanding the Great Beyond energy is highly possible." "This seven-colored aura... it certainly looks unique." "Im not sure." Han feigned ignorance. "Keep reading, though. I need some quiet time." Lu Qingmo returned to her room, her mind still swirling with thoughts. With unparalleled martial and spiritual aptitude, countless extraordinary gifts, and immense fortune, Han was now showing his brilliance in the Great Beyond energy. Who exactly is he... Alone in his room, Han closed the scripture, feeling quite pleased with himself. This was definitely the right exchange. When he had first seen the scripture at the Black and White Tower, Han had hesitated before deciding whether to trade for it. After careful consideration, hed gone ahead with it. He was genuinely intrigued by the Great Beyond energy and the complete Great Beyond Handprint. The Earth Fire Seal had shown him the power of a supreme technique, sparking his desire to master the full Great Beyond Handprint. Using some treasures to trade for a scripture and delve into the Great Beyond energy seemed like a good deal. And Han had been well-prepared for it. This preparation was his "Seven Apertures Clever Heart." It had been almost two months since Han obtained it, and he had never stopped studying it. With each increase in his cultivation, his Seven Apertures Clever Heart grew, enhancing his comprehension. During this time, Han had recalled something. According to legend, those with the Seven Apertures Clever Heart were born sages. Whether or not that legend was true, Han could already feel the increase in his comprehension. If the Great Beyond energy was something that could be comprehended, why couldnt Han understand it too? Even if he didnt fully grasp it, this scripture was a valuable treasure. And if he did understand it... that would be an incredible gain. Han couldnt help but feel a surge of pridehe really was born to be a sage. He tried chanting the sacred text a few more times, each attempt bringing him deeper understanding. But he could tell the effects were starting to fade, so he decided to stop for the night. It was almost midnight, and Han prepared to enter his dream state, where he would once again deepen his path to enlightenment. Tonight marked the last night of the month. After tonights dream, when the clock struck twelve the next evening, his cheat code would refresh, and Han would receive his fifth life-altering ability. As Han observed his fellow disciples diligently training, they had no idea that this dream was coming to an end. Just as Han was about to immerse himself in his own training, Lu Qingmo called out to him. Lets go to the county city tomorrow. To the county city? Han asked, puzzled. Is there something important happening there? Your sword and armor need reforging, dont they? Lu Qingmo glanced at him. There are a few other matters too. Oh, right, Han nodded, still not entirely catching on. Well leave in the morning then. Im coming too! Bai Ruoyues voice rang out from a distance. She had been keeping an eye on them, and upon hearing that Han and Lu Qingmo were about to leave, she immediately wanted to join them. Youre about to break through, arent you? Lu Qingmo said, looking at her. Stay here and focus on your cultivation. Theres no point in going to the county city right now. This trip doesnt involve anything like the Wanxing Merchant Guild. It wont be interesting for you. Bai Ruoyue was about to say something, but in the end, she only muttered and retreated to continue her training in silence. Hmph. Always taking little junior with you, but never inviting me... Am I a hindrance or something? The senior sister felt a bit powerless. She couldnt exactly ask Lu Qingmo to stop caring for Han. After all, in front of Lu Qingmo, she was still the younger disciple. So frustrating! Han silently watched all of this unfold, trying to remain inconspicuous. He couldnt laugh too loudly, or Bai Ruoyue would hit him. But he also couldnt show any signs of disappointment, or Lu Qingmo would catch on. Being human is hard. In the corner of his dream, Han pulled in Long Yun from the Tenglong Martial Arts School. With a swift motion, his sword struck, and Long Yuns head flew from his body. Yunzi, this may be our last farewell in this dream. Farewell. Take care. Next, he summoned Gao Yuan from the Gao family. His chest exploded, and he fell to the ground, lifeless. Yuanzi, we wont be able to speak again in the dream. I hope one day well be able to have a heart-to-heart in the real world. Two bodies disappeared. Han didnt torture his enemies every day to avoid suspicion. In a world like this, dreaming once or twice was fine, but if a martial artist kept having dreams of themselves being killed, it would raise too many questions. Han glanced around the dream world. There were still many abilities he hadnt explored yet. For example, he still didnt understand the full extent of his dream powers, including what dream energy could really do. He had already accumulated 249 dream energy points, but they were useless for now. Goodbye, dream enlightenment. In an instant, his consciousness faded, and when he woke up, Han was back in the real world. He didnt plan to tell Lu Qingmo that his dream-based enlightenment ability was no longer usable. That was something hed have to explore later to fully understand. After all, he had no idea about the origins of this ability. During the day, Han and Lu Qingmo didnt leave immediately. They waited for Han to finish his martial arts lessons before setting off. There was no rushnothing urgent in the county city. Master, senior sister, Im leaving! Han waved at the two of them. Be careful on the road, Bai Ruoyue said. Senior sister maintained a serious face. Come back soon. Han chuckled inwardlyhis senior sisters emotions were always written all over her face. The familiar flying carpet of Taoist magic appeared, and Han easily climbed onto it, sitting right next to Lu Qingmo. Lu Qingmo glanced at the distance between them but said nothing. She remembered that the first time they went to the county city, Han had sat stiffly on the carpet, keeping a considerable distance from her. But now Sigh. Never mind. She no longer had the authority of an elder in his presence. At least he didnt bully her anymore. Mo Yi, why are you just sitting there? Move! Lu Qingmo wanted to kick him off the carpet. Sit tight, Han teased. Whoosh! The flying carpet shot forward, heading for the county city. Once they arrived, the first stop was the Ghost Gods Division to meet Ye Chong. After a brief conversation with Ye Chong, who was in charge of the county citys Ghost Gods Division, his attention shifted to Han. Truly a young prodigy. Thanks again for your help during the incident in Yinhua County. If it werent for Zhou Xunyou, the Tianmu Sects plans might have gone exactly as they wanted. It was just part of the job, Han replied humbly. However, I feel bad for Zhou Xunyou. We still havent uncovered the mole in the city. Its my fault for not being able to get to the bottom of it. Ye Chong believed there was a mole in the county city but, unfortunately, no one had found any leads so far. Lu Qingmo had mentioned Luo Hui and Sun Tong, who had been under investigation, but no progress had been made. Han shook his head, not saying anything. He no longer expected the Ghost Gods Division to uncover anything. Just then, Yuan Fang walked in. Upon seeing Han, he seemed surprised. After exchanging pleasantries, Ye Chong smiled and spoke. Youve come at the right time. Zhou Xunyou is heading to the Qianbing Workshop. Go with him. Lu Qingmo had already mentioned part of their purpose for the trip. Qianbing Workshop? Yuan Fang asked, surprised, but then he nodded and smiled at Han. Zhou Xunyou is leaving now? If its convenient for you, lets go now, Han replied. After leaving the Ghost Gods Division, Yuan Fang smiled. I heard from my third uncle that Zhou Xunyou forged an excellent weapon with him. Are you going there to forge another weapon? Third uncle? Yes, the head of Qianbing Workshop, and a member of the Yuan family. Hes my third uncle. Now it made sense. Han wasnt too surprised. Dont worry, Zhou Xunyou. As long as my third uncle can help, hell do everything he can. Thank you, then. It feels great to have connections. Chapter 176: Mission Accomplished With Yuan Fang leading the way, Han didnt need to present any identification. He was immediately welcomed into the Qianbing Workshop. Young Master Yuan truly had impressive influence. Before long, Master Yuan appeared and greeted Yuan Fang with a smile. You little rascal, why arent you working at the Ghost Gods Division? What brings you to my humble place? Master Yuan laughed. Uncle, Ive come to ask for your help. Yuan Fang grinned. This is my friendsomeone youve met before. Today, I need to ask you to lend a hand. Its you! Master Yuan immediately recognized Han. Greetings, Master Yuan, Han said with a smile. Sorry to trouble you again. Im just a blacksmith, forging weapons for peopleits all part of the job, nothing troublesome about it, Master Yuan responded. What kind of weapon are we forging this time? he asked, turning his attention to Hans request. Master Yuan didnt mention any conditions and immediately agreed to assist Han. Of course, a reward would be expected afterward, but that was something they wouldnt haggle over in front of each other. A simple gesture of appreciation was enough. Yuan Fang had brought Han here, and for various reasons, Master Yuan couldnt possibly refuse to forge weapons for him. Previously, it had been Lu Qingmo who directly requested his help, and Han had fought alongside Yuan Yihan before. Master Yuan had already made a mental note of Han, recognizing his boundless potential and his good relationship with the Yuan family. As the head of Qianbing Workshop, Master Yuan was known for being difficult to approach. He was highly respected, after all, and his skill was unmatched. His arrogance was well-earned, and many people admired him for his talent. But arrogance didnt mean he was above everyday matters. Han took out the Taibai Sword, the Haixin Armor, and the other two materials he had brought with him. Would it be possible to use these materials to enhance the sword and the armor? Han asked. Master Yuan examined the Haixin Armor and the materials, nodding in approval. This is an excellent inner armor. The crafting technique is flawless, as if it was made by nature itself. There isnt a single imperfection. The person who forged this armor must be a true master. Well, of courseit had been infused with the Fusion Light from Brother Shus crystal, so it was indeed a masterpiece. As for these materials, they are treasures and are a perfect match for these two weapons. Master Yuan nodded again. Your request is possible. Three daysgive me three days, and you can come back to pick them up. Only three days? Han was surprised. The last time he had forged the Taibai Sword, he had waited much longer. Seeing Hans doubt, Master Yuan explained, Enhancing an existing item takes much less time than forging something from scratch. More importantly, both the sword and the armor are flawless, so they dont need to be reforged. We just need to work with the two materials. If the sword or armor had defects, even with the right materials, it would take longer to fix those flaws, and it would require a higher level of skill. Now Han understood a little better. Master Yuan took the four items and left without much ceremony, not bothering to entertain Han and Yuan Fang. Instead, Yuan Fang led Han on a tour of the place. Im not sure if Brother Zhou is interested in forging, Yuan Fang said. But if you are, I can show you the forging area in the back. Dont the forging techniques need to be kept secret? Han asked. Yuan Fang shook his head with a smile. There are plenty of regular blacksmiths, forgemasters, and apprentices here. Its fine for you to take a look. Then Ill take you up on your offer. Han was genuinely curious about the craft of weapon forging. Not that he intended to learn it, but he was interested in seeing how it was done. Yuan Fang took Han to the back courtyard of the Qianbing Workshop. Unlike the grandeur of the front hall, the back courtyard was filled with forge houses, all uniform in design and focused on durability and practicality. As soon as they entered, the temperature increased, and the air was thick with the scent of molten metal. This story has been taken without authorization. Report any sightings. The front of the workshop catered to clients, so it had to be impressive. But the back was for production, and practicality took precedence. Each forge house had a guard, but no one dared stop Yuan Fang. He chose a forge house and led Han inside. The heat was intense, like stepping into a furnace. Inside, the space was large, filled with the sounds of hammering, flames crackling, and the hissing of red-hot metal being quenched in water. Young apprentices moved briskly, working without pause. Upon seeing Han and Yuan Fang enter, they were surprised, but no one had the time to inquirethey were too busy with their tasks. These are apprentices, Yuan Fang explained. Theyre here either to learn a craft or to gain experience in forging weapons. Do they pay to learn? Han asked. Or they work for their tuition, Yuan Fang replied. If you dont have money, you work two years of odd jobs and another two years assisting before you start learning how to forge. Once youve learned, you still have to work here for two years for free. After that, youre free to leave if you wish. You mean they have to spend at least six years here before they can leave? Han asked, surprised. Yes, Yuan Fang nodded. Qianbing Workshop is generous compared to others. Some forging workshops make apprentices work twelve or thirteen years before theyre allowed to leave. The Yuan family was well-off, and they didnt need to squeeze every last bit of value from their apprentices. But rules were still rules, and they werent running a charity. Han shook his head. If they werent advanced cultivators, who had six or ten years to waste? But Han understoodmany of these apprentices had no choice. In this era, if you werent skilled in literature or martial arts, learning a craft like forging was a good way to survive. Once they completed their training, they could at least support themselves. In this world, having a skill was already impressive. Had Han come here with nothing, he would have been glad to become an apprentice at a place like this, and he would have considered himself fortunate. The opportunity to learn a trade like this was rare, and he would have taken it eagerly. Too bad there were no what ifs. Han watched a blacksmith at work and realized that forging weapons had its own set of unique techniques. This, too, was a form of knowledge. Surprisingly, the blacksmiths here were all martial artists, though none of them had high cultivation. Most of the forgemasters here can only craft ordinary weapons, Yuan Fang said. Except for my third uncle, there are only a handful of people capable of forging martial weapons. They all hold high positions. Yuan Fang then led Han to see a master who could forge martial weapons. This masters forge was much larger and quieter, and even the apprentices had some level of cultivation. Forging martial weapons wasnt as simple as throwing the materials into a furnace and performing a series of magical operations. It was a slow and precise process, with each hammer strike requiring great skill. This wasnt like the fantasy methods Han had imagined, where everything was automatic. The forging of martial weapons was an art, and it demanded careful attention. After watching for a while, Yuan Fang led Han out of the workshop. "Now comes the crucial moment where the blacksmith must channel their spirit to complete the forging of a weaponthis is the greatest difference between a weapon and a hundred-refined item, apart from the materials," Yuan Fang explained. "This step is typically not open to spectators; it''s considered a secret skill passed down only among blacksmiths." "I understand." Although Han felt a bit disappointed that he couldn''t witness the most critical part of the process, he also understood that it wasnt right to force someone to reveal the core of their craft. After leaving the forge, the two of them engaged in casual conversation. "I heard from my second uncle about your deeds in Yinhua County," Yuan Fang said. "You truly are a hero, righting wrongs and punishing evil. I admire you greatly." "Its nothing, just doing what needed to be done. I couldnt have done it without Yuan Vice Commanders help. If it werent for him, the Soul Demon Masters soul would have escaped," Han replied modestly. "The Soul Demon Master, a powerful evil lord from the Sacred Realm," Yuan Fang remarked. "Hes been active in Tianyue County for many years. Both the Ghost Division and the Dismissal Division have tried to take him down, but theyve never succeeded." "The bounty on his head has been raised repeatedly, but no one has ever returned with his head to claim it." Han asked, "Does the Tianmu Sect really dare to appear so openly?" "Their underlings wouldn''t, but the Soul Demon Master and those like him, those formidable evil lords, are extremely difficult to capture. They are cunning and elusive, their power immense," Yuan Fang explained. "Twenty years ago, my master fought one of the three major demons of Tianyue County, the Young Lord of the Yin Sky. Unfortunately, despite our best efforts, he managed to escape before reinforcements arrived." As they continued their conversation, they made their way back to the Ghost Division. Along the way, Yuan Fang also mentioned his younger brother, thanking Han for providing the information about Black Mountain to Yuan Hua. Yuan Hua had already returned to Tianyue City. People of their status typically wouldnt venture into places like Black Mountain, but Yuan Hua was an exception. After arriving at the Ghost Division, they parted ways. "Did everything go well?" Lu Qingmo asked. Han nodded. "Master Yuan said I can pick up the weapon in three days." "Why dont we stay in the county city for three days then?" Lu Qingmo suggested. "If we go back now, well only have to come back soon, and that would be more troublesome." "Three days..." Lu Qingmo thought for a moment before agreeing. "Staying here for three days works." "But your... well, will that go to waste?" she asked hesitantly. "My... what?" Han was puzzled. "Come on, you know what I mean," Lu Qingmo teased, knowing full well what she was hinting at. Hans eyes widened as he realized what she was referring tothe chance to experience the Dao in his dreams. "It shouldnt be a problem," Han said confidently. "Ill try tonight to see if I can reach Master Jie and the others." Lu Qingmo nodded in agreement. "Well see. Anyway, its getting late, and we wont be able to return until tomorrow." "By the way, I asked Old Ye to collect some scriptures for you," Lu Qingmo continued. "They dont contain the aura of the Dao like the books youre used to, but theyre still classics. Youll receive them tomorrow, and you should study them carefully to gain insight into the principles within. Hopefully, you''ll..." Lu Qingmo didnt finish her sentence, but Han understood what she meant. She wanted him to study these texts and gain more understanding to increase his spiritual power. Han felt a warmth in his heart. This was likely one of the reasons Lu Qingmo had come to the county citythis trip was mostly for his benefit. The collection of scriptures, the arrangement for weapon forgingit was all part of her genuine care for him. "Thank you, Mo Yi," Han said sincerely. "Youll thank me by succeeding sooner rather than later," Lu Qingmo replied with a smile. Han promised silently, I will succeed soon, and we will become a family as soon as possible. Such a deep kindness was beyond repayment. In this life and the next, he would repay her with all his heart and soul. Chapter 177: The New Cheat Code Because Han and Lu Qingmo had left Black Cloud a bit late, night quickly fell, and the time for the cheat code refresh was drawing nearer. However, Han remained calm. After all, the passage of time in the natural world was beyond his control. "I know you''re anxious, but just wait a bit." Now, Han faced a dilemma. He turned to Lu Qingmo and asked, "Mo Yi, is it okay for me to practice my soul cultivation here? The energy Im emitting is quite intense. Is it appropriate to do this in the Ghost Division?" The last two times he visited the county city, he hadnt yet acquired the Moon God Seal, so his cultivation could still be somewhat concealed. But now that he had the Moon God Seal, the intensity of his practice was much greater, and with so many powerful beings in the Ghost Division, it would be difficult to keep it hidden. The key concern was the potential presence of spies, making Han more cautious. "This is indeed a problem," Lu Qingmo said thoughtfully, then quickly came up with a solution. "You can practice in my room. If anyone asks, just say Im the one cultivating Dao techniques." "Oh, right." Han nodded. As a disciple of the Xuandu Sect, wasnt it perfectly normal for him to cultivate with great energy? Who would dare go into someones room and ask what Dao techniques they were practicing? That would be sheer audacity. Sure enough, as Han began cultivating, the moonlight grew so intense it seemed to be gathering into a powerful vortex. This immediately caught the attention of everyone in the Ghost Division. Souls began to fly toward the source of the light, but when they saw that the light was converging in Lu Qingmos room, they quickly stopped in their tracks. "Im just cultivating. Apologies for disturbing everyone," Lu Qingmos voice echoed. The others, politely excusing themselves, left without suspicion. After all, if such a huge concentration of moonlight was drawn by Lu Qingmo, it made perfect sense. No one considered that this was the disturbance caused by Han practicing in the Dream Realm. The Dream Realm couldnt possibly cause such an effect, they thought. That was simply impossible. Besides, they were unaware of Hans true soul cultivation level. After Han finished his practice, Lu Qingmo brought up another matter. "I heard from Old Ye that the prefecture sent word recently. Someone from Yujing should be arriving soon." "Someone from Yujing?" Han was momentarily stunned. This was something Lu Qingmo had mentioned before, but he hadnt expected news to come so soon. "Is it from Xuandu Sect or from the court?" Han asked. "It must be from the court," Lu Qingmo replied. "If it were from Xuandu Sect, I would have already received word." "Do we know any details about the messenger from Yujing?" Lu Qingmo said, "I heard hes someone whos very close to the emperor, someone who has been by his side since childhood." This description made Han pause. Could it be a eunuch? "Mo Yi, youve spent time in Yujing. Do you know who it might be?" Lu Qingmo shook her head. "I focused entirely on my cultivation back then, and didnt pay much attention to matters like these." "And the emperor has many childhood companions. Ive been in Black Cloud Town for fifteen years, and I dont know who the emperor trusts or who he has exiled." Han felt a headache coming on. "If someone with such a status comes to Black Cloud Town, its hard to say whether its a blessing or a curse." "Hes got a rather special position," Lu Qingmo added. "Someone from Yujing doesnt come just to visit; they must have their own task. With his position, even a small thought could have a significant impact." Han nodded. "If a special envoy from the Qi Dynasty shows any signs of selfishness or arrogance, the consequences could be serious." Lu Qingmo fell silent for a moment before speaking again. "Once the person from Yujing arrives in Black Cloud Town, try to be respectful, but also try to keep your distance." The court respected Xuandu Sect, but Xuandu Sect also had to give the court face. The relationship between the two had been complex for four hundred years, and while they were not exactly close, they had developed a sort of mutual understanding. "At times like this, being a disciple of Xuandu Sect doesnt always help. In fact, it can even become a hindrance," Lu Qingmo continued. "The imperial power and the religious authority have developed a subtle balance." "Of course," she added, "with the Xuandu Sects leader here, we still have our confidence. But you must always remember, no matter who comes, your strength is the most important thing." "Although your cultivation has grown, its no longer possible to break through a small realm in just a few days like before. But dont neglect your daily practice." "I wont slack off," Han promised. He could feel the pace of his cultivation slowing. This novel is published on a different platform. Support the original author by finding the official source. The last time, Han broke through to the small completion stage of the Meridian Realm at the end of the month. But now, as the months passed, and the "Dream Dao" month was about to end, he had just broken through to the Organs Realm. The further he advanced, the harder it became. Reaching the next realm in just a few days was no longer feasible. It required slow and steady accumulation. Even so, Hans cultivation speed was still far beyond that of others who claimed to be geniuses. The reason he was able to progress so quickly was not just because of spirit herbs or soul herbs, but due to the divine items dropped during the rewards from Tree Brothers sessions. This was the reason others, even if they didnt lack for resources, couldnt match his speed. As Han and Lu Qingmo continued their conversation, the day drew to a close. And then it finally happened! [Cheat Code Refresh: Available] [Previous Month''s Cheat Code: Dream Dao] [Refreshing] [Refresh Complete] [This Month''s Cheat Code: Drifting Wish Bottle] [Life Points: 6] The cheat code refreshed, and because Han had broken through to a new realm last month, his Life Points had increased to six. This month, the cheat code shifted from "Dream Dao" to the "Drifting Wish Bottle." Before Han could begin experimenting with his new cheat code, Lu Qingmo spoke up. "See if you can influence Yueyue and the others here." Since Han had been cultivating with such precision, doing his nightly ritual right after midnight, Lu Qingmo had become quite sensitive to the time. Every night when the clock neared that hour, she couldnt help but prepare. It used to be an insignificant time for her, but now it had become a routine. Han wanted to tell her, Im no longer the Dream Realm deity. But instead, he obediently lay down on the bed. "..." Lu Qingmo hesitated, unsure of what to say. "If youre going to try it, dont do it in your room. Why are you in my bed again?" She wisely kept her distance, cautious not to fall asleep near him, afraid it might interfere with his dreaming. But as she waited, Han never entered the dream. After some time, Han sat up, looking astonished. "Mo Yi, I cant get in there anymore." "Cant get in?" Lu Qingmo moved closer, checking his condition. "Everything seems normal. Why would it suddenly change?" "Try again," she urged. Han lay back down, and this time, Lu Qingmo didnt leave but observed him closely. The result was clear. The Dream Realm was gone. "Mo Yi, whats going on?" Han threw the question to her. Lu Qingmo shook her head. "I dont know. Why would you suddenly be unable to dream?" She thought for a moment, then a possibility crossed her mind. "Could it be because you left Black Cloud Town? You were fine there, but now that youre in the county city" Perhaps the environment was affecting his ability. "Lets wait until I get back to try again," Han said, more interested in experimenting with his new cheat code. "This can only be the way forward," said Lu Qingmo, nodding. "Even if you can''t enter the dream realm again in the future, there''s no need to be too upset." "This thing appeared suddenly, and it could disappear just as suddenly. It''s quite normal." Han nodded in agreement. After saying a few more words, he returned to his room. "Drifting Wish Bottle..." Han muttered the name of this month''s cheat code to himself. From the name, it sounded like some kind of object. Could this be the introduction of a physical cheat code? Suddenly, Han felt something appear within his Soul Realm. The sensation startled him. The Soul Realm was of utmost importanceit was the foundation of a cultivators being. The sudden appearance of a foreign object could be disastrous. If it was something bad, he would be in serious trouble. Upon looking inward, Han saw a purple, seemingly ethereal bottle floating in his Soul Realm. The bottle had a purple cork and a thin string tied around it, with a rolled-up piece of paper tucked inside. The bottle was small, roughly the size of one of those medicine vials that could hold dragon-eye-sized pills. A sudden flash of insight hit Han, and he understood the origin of the purple bottle. "This is the Drifting Wish Bottle?" Hans soul reached out and grabbed the bottle. Instantly, information filled his mind, and he understood what the Drifting Wish Bottle truly was. All living beings in the world have wishes. Under the influence of the cheat code, the wishes of certain beings would be captured. The cheat code would continue to act on these wishes, turning them into Drifting Wish Bottles. These bottles would then drift through the world until they found their way into Han''s Soul Realm, where he could retrieve them. This cheat code was different from the ones Han had previously obtained. It even involved the wishes of other living beings in the world. Of course, the other beings had no idea about the existence of the Drifting Wish Bottles. Even if their wishes were captured, they would remain oblivious to it. After all, this cheat code was Han''s, not theirs. Capturing wishes and turning them into bottles was entirely the cheat code''s doing. The beings wouldn''t notice, nor could they stop it. Despite all the mystery surrounding the cheat code, Han couldn''t help but feel a sense of dj vu from the Drifting Wish Bottle. Han took the piece of paper tied to the first wish bottle. The paper contained the wish of the being to whom this bottle belonged. The text on the paper read:
My name is Sui. I am a half-demon. My mother comes from the Ancient Divine Palace, and my father is from the Phoenix Clan. These two factions have a blood feud, yet they came together. This union was unacceptable to both sides, but they were both exceptional individuals, and so am I. But my excellence lasted only until I was six. Due to some reasons, I couldnt see my mother and lived with my father. Though my half-demon identity made me disliked, it didnt matterI had my father. At the age of three, my father discovered that I carried the Nirvana Bone, something incredibly rare in the Phoenix Clans history. He was overjoyed and said that I was a natural-born immortal, destined to lead the Phoenix Clan and rule the world. At the time, I didnt understand what the Nirvana Bone was, but seeing my father happy made me happy too. My father told an elder in the clan about it. This elder had been kind to him when he was young, and he was the person my father trusted the most. The elder was also thrilled but told my father to keep it a secret. He feared that others might harm me, and promised to provide for the resources I would need. My father agreed to this advice. I spent three happy years, until the age of six, when the elder gave my father a task and he left the clan, leaving me with him. The elder treated me well, and I became very close to him. But my father never returned. I lost my Nirvana Bone. The elder I had trusted, the one who had been so kind to me, took the Nirvana Bone from me and implanted it into his most talented descendant. Ill never forget the cold look on his face or the words he spoke. "A half-demon, the most contemptible thing, and you think you deserve the Nirvana Bone?" It was then that I realized I was a half-demondisgraced by the Phoenix Clan, seen as a stain on their bloodline. No one liked me except for my father, and perhaps my mother, whom I had never met. But my father was gone. I thought I was going to die, but somehow I survived. The elder didnt kill me. Instead, he made me muteunable to speak. I lived on within the Phoenix Clan as a servant. This was the fate of a half-demon, and no one cared. No one paid attention. But today, I think I may really be dying. Im twelve now. Since the day they took my Nirvana Bone, my body has been deteriorating. Today, it seems Ive reached my limit. The one who received my Nirvana Bone, the Phoenix prodigy, has now become the most esteemed of the Phoenix Clan''s younger generation, hailed as their future. Im happy to finally meet my father, and it seems my mother has arrived as well...
The text ended here. One wish paper, representing one wish. This story, this life... Han furrowed his brow. The wish paper was now crumpled in his hands. The wishs owner seemed to be on the verge of death. Chapter 178: The Blood of the Phoenix The story written on the wish paper left Han in deep silence. Thanks to the cheat, every wish contained in the "Drifting Wish Bottle" could be trusted as the truththese were not fabrications. They were the perspectives of those who made the wish, reflecting their true experiences. Three years of discrimination, a half-demon''s life was never easy. Three years of warmth, yet it concealed hidden motivesbones were stolen, and lives were ruined. By sheer luck, she hadnt died, but had fallen into slavery. Han could easily guess that after becoming a servant, Luo Miaomiao''s life must have been utterly miserable. It was nothing short of a tragedy. The life she endured reminded him of a story. The difference, however, was that the protagonist of that story eventually stood tall among the heavens. But Luo Miaomiao... Han felt she might be beyond saving. He sighed. "Luo Miaomiao, this is your story, but what is your wish?" This was the essence of the "Drifting Wish Bottle." The wishes of other beings turned into bottles, drifting to Hans side. After learning their wish, Han was required to return one. The bottle wasnt merely a decoration; it contained something valuable to Hansomething the cheat had gifted him. However, the bottle couldnt be opened until Han returned the wish. Luo Miaomiao was most likely in the territory of the Phoenix Clan. Han didnt know where that was, and he had no power to save her. Fortunately, returning the wish didnt require Han to travel physically. He could simply write his response on the wish paper. What could he write on the paper? He would have to write passionately. Since her wish bottle reached me with a reward, would returning the wish also benefit her? Han thought briefly, but the "Drifting Wish Bottle" didnt provide an answer. Han pondered, then began to write on the wish paper. "Luo Miaomiao, once I read the story of a legendary figure''s life." "Long ago, there was a person named Xiao Shi. He came from a noble family and possessed the supreme bonehe was born destined for greatness. But when he was just one year old, his cruel aunt took away his bone and gave it to his cousin..." "Xiao Shi went through all this, but despite having no bone, he still became invincible. Eventually, his bone was revived through his own efforts..." "Xiao Shi grew stronger and stronger. He even lost his bone once again, but it didnt defeat him. He..." "Xiao Shi became an immortal, and his power only grew. Throughout history, few could match him, and no one dared to call themselves his superior..." "If ancient people could achieve this, why cant you, Luo Miaomiao?" "You must keep fighting to survive. As long as you''re alive, someone will remember your father. As long as youre alive, there will always be a chance." "Luo Miaomiao, you dont want the evil ones to be triumphant, do you? You dont want them to..." "You are born to be an immortal. Even without that bone, you can still become an immortal!" "Fight on!" Han sighed deeply. His words were his only form of encouragementhe couldnt offer anything more. It felt so powerless, so futile. Hopefully, my return will help you somehow. Han wished sincerely. As soon as he finished speaking, the wish paper flickered faintly, almost as if it had received his words. Han paused. Could it be that it understood his message? He had written a lot, but the wish paper seemed to absorb everythingno matter how many words, it always held them. Royal Road is the home of this novel. Visit there to read the original and support the author. Han took a deep breath and relaxed. Finally, the story was complete. Being robbed of one''s Nirvana Bone had to be met with a similar tale of encouragement. Han had rewritten a story he once read in his past life, modifying and trimming it, leaving out the parts that didnt fit, and then wrote it down on the wish paper. It felt surrealhed crossed over into another world, yet here he was, writing a story as if it were a simple tale. Once done, Han carefully read through his writing before releasing the wish paper. The purple light flared brightly, and Han vaguely saw the outline of a figure appear within the light. Many parts were still unclear, but that head of white hair left a deep impression on him. Luo Miaomiao? As his soul world returned to clarity, the wish paper vanished without a trace. Could it be... it really went to Luo Miaomiao? Han wondered, but no one could answer him. Grabbing the Drifting Wish Bottle, Han uncorked it and peered inside. Let''s see what the reward is. Hans eyes widened. ... The mountains stretched endlessly into the sky, majestic and vast. The air was filled with an aura of prosperityan ideal celestial land. The very energy of the world seemed to be liquefying, a true paradise. In one corner of this paradise, there was a small, makeshift shelter built with a few pieces of wood and some branches and leaves. It wasnt so much a house as a crude hut. This hut was very low, no more than a meter high, with a rudimentary door. It was located in a barren area, with little to see nearby, though in the far distance, one could make out magnificent palaces or exquisite towers. Even farther away, there was an ancient, towering tree where someone had built a nest on its branches. Inside the small hut lay a frail figure, a girl wrapped in a blanket made of woven grass leaves. She was so thin that her bones were almost visible. She looked about seven or eight years old, with a sunken face and yellow skinthere was no sign of health. Her hair was a dry, ashen whitesomething completely out of place for someone her age. Her mouth moved constantly, but no sound came out because she was mute. Her breath was weak, and her movements were growing slower, her eyes dimmingshe was on the verge of death. At that moment, a flash of purple light entered her body. Then golden and red energy rushed toward her heart, merging within her, bringing a faint glimmer of life. It didnt transform her entirely, nor did it cause a sudden surge in powerit merely gave her the chance to survive. "Lo Miaomiao..." "Ancient tales speak of..." "You must strive to survive..." "You are born an immortal..." "Go!" Strange words echoed in her ears, and suddenly, her heart began to beat more forcefully. Life gradually returned to her eyes, and warmth surged through her body. "I will survive..." "I am born an immortal..." "My father will be remembered forever..." The voice was not her own body speaking, but the voice of her soul, a spiritual voice that grew stronger, as though it had regained its power. She lifted her left hand, and a sheet of paper appeared in her palm. The majority of the page was taken up by a painting. The painting depicted a young man, tall and lithe, vivid and full of life. Yet, there was a tragic flawthe young man''s face was obscured by a mist, leaving only a pair of eyes visible, extraordinarily bright, capable of seeing through the realms of life and death. Beside the painting were words: "Born an Immortal, Go!" "I will survive." "Go..." "Thank you, Immortal." The image on the paper melded into her left hand without a trace. She could sense the newfound strength in her body as she slowly sat up and crawled out of her tiny shelter. The shelter was too small; she could only crawl in and out. A larger and taller shelter was beyond her ability to buildif she somehow managed to, it would surely be destroyed. She, a half-demon, was nothing more than a lowly servant, at the mercy of others in this place. Once outside, she stood in the open air. Her body remained small and frail, but something about her had changed. She gazed into the distance, towards the most prosperous landthe place where the Phoenix Clan would eventually settle. "I wont die." She whispered to herself, perhaps more to reassure herself than anyone else. As long as she could survive, even in her current weak state, there was still hope. Little Stone became the Heavenly Emperor; she could do it too! ... Looking into the jade bottle, Han was stunned. Inside, he saw a tiny phoenix fluttering about. But in the blink of an eye, the phoenix transformed into a single drop of bright red blood. "Is this... Phoenix blood?" This was the reward from the drifting wish bottle? "If it really is Phoenix blood, then this is a treasure," Han thought, a wide grin spreading across his face. The blood of a mythical creature like the Phoenix was beyond precious. Hans True Dragon Blood Soul Stone, after all, was a fusion of Dragon Soul Blood and Sacred Soul Stone. He guessed that while this drop of Phoenix blood might not compare to True Dragon Blood, which was the very essence of the dragon, it was still incredibly valuable. "Well, well, I officially declare you a useful cheat." He poured the Phoenix blood out and noticed it wasnt being absorbed by the Soul Realm. "Do I need to absorb it physically?" If thats the case, he would have to wait until he returned to Black Cloud Town to use it. But when the Phoenix blood was poured out, the purple jade bottle itself turned into a liquid and fell into Hans spiritual sea. Immediately, Han noticed his spiritual sea swelling in size, and the energy rippled back into the Soul Realm, causing it to expand as well. Han was surprised. He hadnt expected the bottle to bring such a benefit. He waited a while in the Soul Realm, for what, you ask? Of course, he was waiting for the next drifting wish bottle. Unfortunately, after a long wait, there was still no sign of a new wish bottle. "Really is random," Han mumbled. This cheat came with some basic information, though it was brief. At least it gave Han some understanding. The appearance of the drifting wish bottles was not fixed and followed no particular patternit was completely random. Some days, he might capture many wishes in a single day, while other days he might only get one bottle, like the one he just received. Inside his room, Han opened his eyes, feeling quite excited. Even if this month had only brought the Phoenix blood, he considered it a win. And Han didnt believe his luck would be so bad. After his excitement subsided, Han couldnt help but think of Lo Miaomiao again. He sighed, wondering how she was doing and what her final fate would be. He could only hope his wish response would make a difference. This time, Old Master Zhou had truly done something good. Chapter 179: Five Hundred Years Ago! Han waited until dawn, but there was no second drifting wish bottle appearing in his Soul Realm. What a pity. Truly, what a pity. As he stepped out of his room, he ran into Lu Qingmo, and her first question was: Did you go in last night? No, it seems to have disappeared completely. Then well just have to wait until we return to check again. Lu Qingmo said, You''ve accumulated quite a bit of merit recently. If possible, you can visit the Ghost and Divine Bureaus treasure vault to see if theres anything you need. The matter of Yinhua County was no small feat. Coupled with An Langs daily efforts toward promotion and salary increases, Han was well off in terms of merit. Han thought back to his last visit to the vault and asked, Do the items in the vault get updated quickly? Not quickly, Lu Qingmo replied. Han shook his head. Then I wont go. Theres nothing in there I need at the moment. Better to keep the merit for now and decide later. If I can, Id rather go to the state city and exchange for the second volume of the Great Hand Seal of Haoran. Lu Qingmo nodded. Thats also a good choice. Especially since Han now had the potential to comprehend the Haoran Qi, that second volume was practically essential. Since we cant enter for now, lets stay in the county city for three days to avoid more back-and-forth later, Lu Qingmo suggested. You can go and explore. Compared to Black Cloud Town, the county city has a lot of interesting things. At this point, Lu Qingmo glanced at him. Remember to come back in the evening. ... What was that supposed to mean? Did she think he would go somewhere else in the evening? Did she think he was the type to frequent brothels or something? Han parted ways with Lu Qingmo, knowing she wouldnt join him in sightseeing. After leaving the Ghost and Divine Bureau, Han made a beeline for the Wansheng Trading Guild; he had some things to purchase. He directly approached Manager Lin, who remembered him. Young master, we meet again, Manager Lin smiled. What can I help you with this time? Do you have any Heavenly Fire for sale here? Han got straight to the point. Manager Lin chuckled bitterly and shook his head. You truly overestimate us. Not only our countys trading guild but even the Wansheng Trading Guild in Yujing doesnt sell such treasures. Every Heavenly Fire is a natural treasure, and even if someone happens to acquire one, its rare that theyd be willing to sell it. Only a higher-tier Wansheng Trading Guild might have a chance to offer such an item. The county-level Wansheng Trading Guild clearly wasnt of a high enough tier. Han nodded, not disappointed as he had anticipated this outcome. Then do you have any news of exotic or rare fires? Sorry, none. Han sighed lightly. No wonder Lu Qingmo had only collected three Yin Fires when she came to Black Cloud Town. Such things were truly rare. Of course, if Lu Qingmo had stayed in Xuandu Temple these past fifteen years, given the temple''s influence, she would have surely been able to acquire more types of flames. Fifteen years had passed, and in terms of refining exotic fires with the Earth Fire Seal, Lu Qingmos progress had essentially stagnated, relying solely on internal cultivation. Do you have any Yin attribute treasures? Han asked. We do have a Yin Wind Branch and a piece of Soulstone. Neither were high-grade Yin treasures. Ill take them. Is there anything else you need, young master? Han took out some incense and offerings made by An Lang and sold them to the Wansheng Trading Guild. They were items both he and An Lang no longer needed, though he hadnt sold everything. Even the things he didnt use, Han kept some for himself. After selling the incense, he bought some new materials for incense making, leaving a surplus. An Lang had become self-sufficient by now, so Han no longer felt any burden. She was even studying incense-making for the Day Touring Realm. Although she wasnt much help in battle, An Lang had indeed started assisting Han in other ways. Having settled his needs, Han left the Wansheng Trading Guild. This time, everything was calm, no troublemakers in sight. Han thought back to his previous visits to the guild, once with Yuan Fang and once with Senior Sister. Both times, there had been small incidents. By the principle of controlled variables, there could only be one true cause. It wasnt that he was prone to trouble! Next, Han wandered around the county city alone. Compared to Black Cloud Town, the county city had many things he had never seen before. There werent any exciting events, but he had visited only respectable places. After a while, Han returned to the Ghost and Divine Bureau and began practicing martial arts in the yard in front of their room. Lu Qingmo was present to ensure that no one could spy on his training. He was practicing secret martial arts, and although it was a style that most wouldn''t recognize, it was still better to be cautious. After finishing his training, Han used a purification talisman and approached Lu Qingmo. Aunt Mo, today when I was at the Wansheng Trading Guild, I saw a material for refining weapons. Its a feather from a flying creature with the bloodline of a Phoenix. Hans face showed curiosity. Do Phoenixes really exist? Han didnt actually see any bird feathers, but he had made it up. But it didnt matter. If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation. Lu Qingmo wouldnt go to the Wansheng Trading Guild to verify. Of course they exist. Where there are dragons, there are Phoenixes, Lu Qingmo nodded. Do you remember I told you that the Eastern Zhou royal family has ties with the demon tribes? I remember. The demon tribe that is friendly with the Eastern Zhou royal family is the Phoenix clan, Lu Qingmo said. The Eastern Zhou even uses the Phoenix as their totem. Further east of the Eastern Zhou lands lies the Shanhai Region, where various demon tribes gather. The Phoenix clan is the ruler of the Shanhai Region, and their friendship with the Eastern Zhou ensures the safety of the people along the borders. Though, this only prevented large-scale demon attacks; smaller incidents couldnt always be avoided. That feather you saw, even if it truly has Phoenix blood, its probably extremely diluted. The Demon Tribe rulers, huh. They must be incredibly strong. Han fell into deep thought. Luo Miaomiao came from such a dominant clan, and her enemies were said to be the future of the Phoenix clan. That sounded incredibly difficult. Very strong, Lu Qingmo said seriously. Otherwise, the Eastern Zhou wouldnt treat them as a totem, and wouldnt have experts from the Mountain and River Changsheng List stationed there. The current leader of the Phoenix clan is also ranked on the Mountain and River Changsheng List. Shes so powerful that other experts at the same level dont dare to oppose her. Han gasped. She was a real powerhouse. No, wait, she was a powerhouse bird. This Mountain and River Changsheng List includes not only humans but also demons? Han asked curiously. Right. It includes every race. As long as they reach that level, theyll be listed, Lu Qingmo explained. The breakthrough to that level makes such a stir that it cant be hidden from other experts. Actually, the Phoenix clan isnt exactly a demon tribe, Lu Qingmo shook her head. Just like the Dragon clan, no one categorizes them as demons. The Phoenix clan was once independent, but that changed when the current clan leader rose to power. Strictly speaking, its not that the Phoenixes are demons, but that the Phoenix clan now rules the demons in the Shanhai Region. Ruling over the demon tribe, now thats some great ambition and incredible power, Han marveled, then realized something. Doesnt the demon tribe itself have any strong experts? Otherwise, how could they tolerate foreign rule? No, Lu Qingmo answered. The Mountain and River Changsheng List has ten spots. Humans occupy five, and the other five are taken by the Dragon, Phoenix, Barbarian, Ghost, and Beast clans, but there are no demons. At this point, Lu Qingmo spoke with a touch of pride. Its precisely because our human race has five strong figures on the Mountain and River Changsheng List that we can dominate the central lands, the richest and most prosperous region in the world. Unfortunately, that Heavenly Mother Sect leader acts in a sinister manner, colluding with all manner of outside races. Shes unpredictable and cant be trusted, even when it comes to race issues. The Guild Leader is fond of freedom and often disappears, wandering around with connections in all corners of the world. The Wansheng Trading Guild even operates in the territories of other races. The Guild Leader is vague about many matters. So, most of the time, our human race essentially only has three strong figures on the Mountain and River Changsheng List. Those three being the Head of Xuandu Temple, the Eastern Zhou Sub-Saint, and the Lord of Zixiao Tian. Han asked, What about the Barbarian and Beast clans? "The ''Man'' refers to the northern barbarian tribes from the grasslands. Although they may appear similar to humans, they actually carry different bloodlines and claim to be descendants of the demon gods." Lu Qingmo said seriously. "The barbarians have always wanted to invade the Three Kingdoms, plunder people, and occupy land. They are a common enemy of all three kingdoms." "The High Priest of the barbarians is one of the ten strongest in the world." "The ''Beast'' refers to the barbarian beasts." Han paused, confused. "Beasts can give rise to such powerful beings?" Aren''t they just a bunch of tough-headed brutes? "Don''t underestimate the barbarian beasts. When they reach a certain level of power, they gradually gain intelligence." Lu Qingmo explained. "A high-level barbarian beast''s physical strength surpasses that of most warriors, and they possess intelligence, making them incredibly difficult to deal with. This is completely different from demons, as these creatures never take human form, even as they grow from weak to extremely strongthey remain in their beastly state." "There are records in the Xuan Du Temple, where the temple master himself documented that the Beast God''s physical body is among the most powerful among beings of the same level." So, barbarian beasts arent to be underestimated after all. Even those tough-headed brutes have their glory. "Wait a second," Han suddenly realized something. "Aren''t there any powerful figures from South Jin listed among the Heroes of the World?" The Five Greatest Warriors of the human race are from Qi and Zhou, with one for each; the Heavenly Mother and the Lord of the Ten Thousand Stars are free to roam, while the Lord of the Zixiao Sky sits at the border of the three kingdoms. Looking at it this way, South Jin doesn''t seem to have any role in this at all. When Han mentioned South Jin, Lu Qingmo sneered. "The Sima family of South Jin came to power through unjust means. They are disloyal, untrustworthy, and powerless. Their national strength is the weakest among the Three Kingdoms. They are content with stagnation and internal strife." "When South Jin was founded, the Sima family first assassinated their ruler in the streets to seize the throne, then publicly beheaded a genius who had helped them rise to power and was on the verge of transcending to immortality." "If the world had been divided only between Qi and Jin, or between Zhou and Jin, the lands would have already been unified." "Beheading a genius?" "Yes, it was documented by many forces. This was a peerless genius, who was about to ascend to immortality. But because the Sima family feared he would threaten their rule, they killed him." "The most absurd part was that the genius, facing the Sima family''s ambush, never resisted. He believed all along that the Sima family would clear his name, because he was an orphan raised by them and was utterly loyal." "Unfortunately, he never received that trust. Instead, he met a slaughterers blade. Later, when people asked why he was executed, the Sima family provided a baseless reason." "Such a royal family would never have any true geniuses willing to serve them." Han was dumbfounded. What kind of bizarre operation was this? Which power would have such a genius and not treasure him, but instead kill him? This was like when Han was a child and was taken in and raised by Bai Tian, only for Bai Tian to suddenly kill him when Han was ready to set out on his own. The reason would be: "Perhaps you are plotting to take over the Lords position, so I had to kill you." Crazy! The South Jin Sima royal family was truly defying the heavens. "The world is truly full of wonders," Han muttered to himself. He quietly processed the information Lu Qingmo had shared. These matters, once reaching a certain level, were no longer secrets. The Ten Strongest figures in the world and the Sima familys history were all clearly recorded in the Xuan Du Temple for disciples to read. While the hidden secrets of the top ten might remain out of reach, their names and backgrounds were open information for disciples of the major factions. Unfortunately, Han had been a simple town boy before, so he had no idea about these things. A while later, Han casually remarked, "The Dragon and Phoenix bloodlines are so powerful. If I could get even a part of them, like Dragon or Phoenix blood, it must be of great help to cultivation, right?" "Youre daydreaming," Lu Qingmo responded. Lu Qingmo, you dont need to be so roundabout. I know youre saying Im just dreaming. But! This time, youve miscalculated! The man before you doesnt just have Phoenix blood, but also true Dragon bloodtrue Dragon bloodline! Dragon and Phoenix together! Our children are definitely going to be Dragon-Phoenix twins in the future. "Dragon and Phoenix bloodlines indeed have great benefits for cultivation. Ordinary blood can be used in many waysalchemy, talismans, or to assist in cultivation. They are all great materials." "But if its true blood, especially the blood of the purest origin, that is even more extraordinary." Even the best treasures depend on their level. The blood of the Dragon Tribe from the Zangfu Realm wouldnt be much use to a warrior at the Washing Marrow realm. Lu Qingmo added, "If you could obtain a higher-level Dragon or Phoenix blood, it would probably grant you some special abilities." "As for enhancing your physique and talent..." Lu Qingmo shook her head. "Both of those are already impressive. To improve any further would be extremely difficult. Youd probably need high-level true Dragon or Phoenix blood for that." But something like that is basically impossible to obtain. "Is Phoenix blood consumed directly?" Han asked. Lu Qingmo glanced at Han, as if questioning why he was asking such a thing, making it sound as though he actually had it. "It depends on the situation. If the power in the blood is gentle enough and you can withstand it, you can consume it directly. Otherwise, a blood bath would be required." Han nodded. When I get back, Ill use that drop of Phoenix blood. I just wonder what level of Phoenix blood is contained in this drop brought by the Drifting Wish Bottle. If its from the current Phoenix clan leader... that would be perfect... "By the way, Mo Yi, do you know about the Ancient God Palace?" Han asked. "Youve been asking quite a few questions today," Lu Qingmo remarked. Han didnt change his expression; it was just his thirst for knowledge. Lu Qingmo sighed, "Where did you hear about the Ancient God Palace? Aside from me, no one around you should know such things, not even Bai Tian." "At the Ten Thousand Stars Merchants'' place, beside the materials for forging Phoenix blood weapons, there was a manual, said to be the martial arts of the Ancient God Palace." Han continued to make things up. If it were anyone else, he would have been more cautious with his words, but since Lu Qingmo trusted him so much, he could speak freely. Lu Qingmo seemed deep in thought. "Martial arts from the Ancient God Palace, and materials for the Phoenix bloodline... that makes sense." "I didnt expect these things to have even spread to the Great Qi." ... I was just casually making things up, and it still makes sense? "So, Mo Yi, you know about the Ancient God Palace?" "I do. I went there when I was younger." "Where is it?" "In the Eastern Zhou. But it no longer exists." "It no longer exists? What do you mean?" "It means its gone. The Ancient God Palace was destroyed five hundred years ago." Han suddenly froze, leaning back in his chair, his face showing a strange expression that Lu Qingmo couldn''t understand. "The Ancient God Palace was destroyed five hundred years ago..." Han felt an eerie sensation rise from the depths of his heart, his scalp tingling. Five hundred years ago? Chapter 180: The Half-Demon Emperor! Since the Ancient God Palace was destroyed five hundred years ago, why did Luo Miaomiao claim that her mother was a disciple of the Ancient God Palace? And why did she mention that the sect and the Phoenix Clan had a blood feud, with the union of her parents being forbidden by both sides? The Ancient God Palace has been destroyedhow could they still harbor such a feud? Han felt his mind growing dizzy. The sudden influx of information was a lot to process. Noticing Han''s confused expression, Lu Qingmo asked with concern, "What''s wrong?" "Nothing." Han took a deep breath. "Aunt Mo, can you tell me more about the Ancient God Palace?" "Of course." Lu Qingmo nodded. "The Ancient God Palace was an ancient and powerful sect. Long ago, they produced experts of the rank of Sect Master, whose influence was immense." The mark of a true power in the world was to have, at some point, a strong figure listed in the ''Heavens and Earth'' rankings. Only those who had such a figure could truly be called a top force, a ruler of cultivation. Those of that caliber could dominate the world. Even after their passing, their methods were so powerful that they ensured the sects legacy remained unchallenged for a long time. "The Ancient God Palace stood tall on the Eastern Zhou land for nearly a thousand years before its destruction," Lu Qingmo continued slowly. "Their cultivation methods were unique, requiring the blood of various powerful beasts and demons to cultivate and forge the Godly Body." "Naturally, the best results came from dragon and phoenix blood. Since the Eastern Zhou borders the Shanhai Region, the Phoenix Clan became the main target of the Ancient God Palace." "One palace, one clan, and thus, a blood feud was born." "Did the Eastern Zhou also have dragons?" Han asked. "Of course," Lu Qingmo replied, shaking her head. "But the Dragon Clan was too powerful. The Ancient God Palace didnt dare provoke them openly." "Five hundred years ago, before the current Phoenix Clan leader ascended to immortality, the Phoenix Clan hadnt produced a power of that level for a long time." "While powerful, they were not quite on the level of the Shanhai Region''s rulers." Han nodded in understanding. "Then, five hundred years ago, someone from the Phoenix Clan ascended to immortality, and the Ancient God Palace stopped its attempts, even offering precious gifts as an apology." "The Phoenix Clan accepted their apology, after all, the Ancient God Palace was still a human faction." "How was the Ancient God Palace destroyed?" "It was destroyed by the Phoenix Clan leader, who shattered their Sect''s sacred artifact," Lu Qingmo said with a hint of sadness. "According to records, she left the Shanhai Region alone and entered the Ancient God Palace. Three days later, a battle broke out." "Even with the full strength of the entire sect, they couldnt stop that Phoenix Immortal. The sacred artifact was shattered, and the Sect Master, along with several elders and their factions, were all slain." "The ancestral land of the Ancient God Palace was completely destroyed. The ground collapsed, and the stars fell from the sky. Only a few disciples managed to escape, and that was only because the Phoenix Immortal didnt take action against them." "Even if some survived, the Ancient God Palace was considered destroyed." "That battle solidified the Phoenix Immortal''s status. Other immortals now regard her with great fear." Han was silent. While the Phoenix Clan had accepted the apology, why did they still have to destroy the Ancient God Palace? That didnt seem quite right. "Were there no other powerful figures intervening?" While this was a personal vendetta between the two sides, it involved two different races. It wouldnt be right if human cultivators didnt step in. "Actually, there was one human expert, now passed away, who tried to intervene. But for some unknown reason, they didnt act." "Many speculated that the Phoenix Immortal''s destruction of the Ancient God Palace wasnt solely because of the blood feud. If it were, the human expert would have intervened." "Unfortunately, five hundred years have passed, and everything has faded into history. Apart from the Phoenix Immortal, no one knows the true reason behind that event." Five hundred years ago, even the current Sect Master of the Xuan Du Sect hadnt been born. "If I hadnt gone to the ruins of the Ancient God Palace and specifically looked through the records in the Xuan Du Sect, I wouldnt have been able to answer your questions today," Lu Qingmo said, glancing at Han. If you spot this story on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation. "Do you have any more questions?" "The leader of the Phoenix Clanwhats her name?" Han asked. "No one knows her real name," Lu Qingmo shook her head. "Everyone calls her the ''Emperor of the Ages''." At this, Lu Qingmos expression grew a little strange. "You might not be able to guess, but this Phoenix leader, the one who took the Phoenix Clan to new heights, is actually..." "A half-demon." She had publicly revealed her half-demon identity to the world. Hans mind exploded, as if a bomb had gone off inside it, leaving him dizzy and disoriented. The Emperor of the Ages... a half-demon... the Ancient God Palace, mysteriously destroyed five hundred years ago... Han covered his face with his hand, a tangled mess of thoughts swirling in his mind. Is this a coincidence? Or is it something more? "Emperor of the Ages..." Han muttered. Five hundred years ago, there was an Emperor of the Ages, and now, within the Phoenix Clans territory, is the one who made a vow to Han the same? What are the chances that a half-demon Emperor of the Ages and a dying half-demon servant could coexist? But if this ''Emperor'' is the same one... But how could that be? Its been five hundred years! Such a long timeenough for an entire dynasty to rise and fall. Five hundred years ago, even the Great Qi Kingdom didnt exist yet. If there were a river, the wish bottle would have drifted along it. He is the rivers end, but where is the beginning? Is it in some corner of this world, or another world, or perhaps... A different time? This was all too strange, and Han felt utterly lost. This new "cheat code" was giving him an overwhelming shock. Lu Qingmo quietly observed Han but said nothing. She could tell that something was bothering him, but she wasnt going to pry. Everyone has their own secrets. When Han is ready to share, he will. A while later, Hans mood seemed to settle. "Aunt Mo, I..." "Do you have more questions?" Han froze for a moment before smiling and shaking his head. He looked at Lu Qingmo, his heart racing, unable to control his emotions. "Aunt Mo, thank you." Lu Qingmo stiffened for a moment, then glanced at her hand. It was being covered by another large hand. Is this how you thank me? She pulled her hand away, concealing her feelings. "If theres nothing else, you can go now." After Han left, Lu Qingmos face slowly turned red, a slight frown of displeasure crossing her mind. However, the Ancient Divine Palace and the Phoenix Clan... Lu Qingmos expression became contemplative as she thought about Hans strange behavior just now. Could these two forces somehow be connected to him? But how could he possibly have ties to the Ancient Divine Palace or the Phoenix Clan, especially the Sovereign of the Phoenix? Lu Qingmos sharp eyes noticed that Hans reaction was particularly odd when she mentioned the Sovereign. Back in his room, Han stared at the drop of Phoenix blood in his Soul Land, lost in thought. Where do you really come from? Are you some half-demon on the brink of death, or the legendary Phoenix Sovereign who once ruled the world? Han silently decided that, unless absolutely necessary, he would avoid the Mountain Sea Domain and especially the Sovereign. Its a pity. Without the Appearance Bottle, this new cheat code might as well not exist. Unlike Brother Tree, who has a physical form Han can touch and study at will. "Maybe Ill have to wait for the Appearance Bottle to appear again," Han mused. Later that evening, Yuan Fang came to Han with an invitation to a banquet. After some thought, Han agreed to attend. As they left the Ghost and Deity Bureau, Han was surprised to find Yuan Hua standing by the entrance. "Hey Han, good to see you again!" Yuan Hua greeted with a smile, still wearing his signature ocean-blue outfit. It seemed that this color was his favorite. The three of them walked together to Tian Yue Restaurant, where two women were already waiting. "This is my fiance, Fang Xue, and my younger sister, Yuan Mei," Yuan Fang introduced Han. He had mentioned earlier that this banquet wouldnt just be the three of them. The dinner was lively and enjoyable, and afterward, Yuan Hua suggested that they go watch some exciting shows. But Han glanced at the sky and politely declined. Lu Qingmo had specifically asked him to return early that night. If he went with Yuan Hua, Han was sure he wouldnt be getting any sleep the next day. Once back at the Ghost and Deity Bureau, Han headed straight to Lu Qingmos room. "Mo Aunty, Im back early, arent I?" Han beamed, trying to impress her. Lu Qingmo glanced at him and simply said two words. "Practice." "Oh," Han responded, and then spent the night in quiet solitude. Life in Tian Yue City was relatively peaceful for Han. After his daily practice, hed wander around, observing the lives of the citys residents. The Ghost and Deity Bureau had plenty of business to handle, but none of it required his attention. The Bureau had been running smoothly for countless years, and there wasnt a situation so urgent that it would grind to a halt without Hans help. Every evening, Yuan Fang and Yuan Hua would invite Han to dinner, often bringing along friends or family from the Yuan family in the city. While Han didnt exactly make many new friends, he certainly became acquainted with a number of important figures in Tian Yue City. By now, Hans name had spread throughout the city. Black Cloud Towns growing ties with the capital meant that the rumor of Han, the first genius of Black Cloud, had made its rounds. The Yuan family, along with the Huang family, were the ruling powers of the city, but they werent the only ones. There were several other families, large and small, in Tian Yue City. Many of these families relied on the Yuan family for their livelihood. "I heard the Huang family has been facing some trouble lately," Yuan Hua said with a sly grin. "Some Bone Refining Warrior was killed outside Tian Yue City, and there was a mysterious death of a Sun-Walking cultivator too." "Heh, the Huang family must be grieving over this," he added, clearly enjoying their misfortune. "Watch your words," Yuan Fang gave his younger brother a warning look. "Watch what? Everyone in the city knows about this by now," Yuan Hua said dismissively. "If only more Bone Refining Warriors died," he added with a smirk. Hans thoughts stirred. Had this news really spread throughout the entire city? Bone Refining Warriors and Sun-Walking cultivators were pivotal to any forces stability. Each ruling family only had a few. The Huang family had suffered significant losses, and word of it was spreading fast. "Han, let me tell you..." Yuan Hua continued, dragging Han into an excited monologue. He went on and on about the Huang family''s bad luck. "Honestly, I wonder which hero is targeting the Huang family. Such strength and audacity! If they came for a few more Bone Refining Warriors, Id call them my hero," Yuan Hua exclaimed, thrilled by the chaos. Han kept his smile in place. The hero is right in front of you. "The Huang family wont just let this slide, will they?" Han asked. "How could they? They cant even find the culprit. What can they do?" Yuan Hua sneered. "They can only seethe with rage," he added. "As for that hidden hero, I just hope they stay safe... and kill a few more Bone Refining Warriors from the Huang family. Ill even call him ''father'' if he wants!" "..." Han, who had considered him a friend, was now left speechless by his words. Chapter 181: Blood Refining, True Fire Rain, full moon, cold stones, golden dragons. These were the four major martial arts schools in the capital city. Fengming, Lingxuan. Apart from the County Taoist Temple, these were the two largest Taoist temples. The Great Thunderstorm Temple. The only Buddhist temple in the capital, which had relocated from Black Cloud Town. The Yuan brothers were well-connected, and in the past few days, they had introduced Han to many important figures, spreading across the major forces of the city. Many small events had occurred during this time, but they are not worth going into detail about. As time passed, one day Han went to the Thousand Weapon Workshop to retrieve his two newly forged weapons. When he gripped the sword and felt its edge cutting through the air, Han immediately sensed the difference. Sharper. Stronger. It gave him a sense of confidence and certainty. "Master Yuan, thank you," Han sincerely expressed his gratitude, handing over a generous amount of gold and silver as payment. Although gold and silver were universally valuable and commonly used by both common folk and cultivators, especially for certain rituals and techniques, it was almost impossible to use gold or silver to pay someone like Master Yuan. After all, with his status as a master blacksmith and the Yuan family''s background, they would never lack such material wealth. But Han was special, and Master Yuan seemed to understand that. Han made sure to remember this kindness. Then, Han and the Yuan brothers boarded their Taoist flying carpet and headed toward Black Cloud Town. Lu Qingmo glanced at Hans sword and nodded in approval. "It has indeed improved a lot. The three materials you chose are highly compatible, producing a very good enhancement effect." "This sword will be enough for you until you reach the Bone Refining stage." "Wouldnt it be unsuitable for the Marrow Cleansing stage?" Han asked. Lu Qingmo shook her head. "Weapons cant withstand the true essence of the Marrow Cleansing stage. Youll need a more advanced weapon." "That means a Yuan-grade weapon. You have one already, and once you break through, it will still suffice." "Common weapons, hundred refinements, martial weapons, and Yuan-grade weapons..." Han repeated the terms and then asked, "How long can a Yuan-grade weapon last?" "For a typical Marrow Cleansing warrior, it should last them a lifetime," Lu Qingmo explained. "As for you, it should last a few years at least." "I wonder when Ill get a celestial weapon..." Han sighed dreamily. "If youre tired, you can take a nap," Lu Qingmo teased. "..." Han seriously replied, "Im not talking nonsense." "Mo Aunty, wait for me. One day, Ill show you the celestial weapon that belongs to me." Brother Tree, you better deliver! As the flying carpet sped into Black Cloud Town, it was still early, so Han decided to stop by the martial arts school first. "Junior Brother is back!" Shen Yu was the first to spot Han, greeting him happily. Then, a figure like the wind rushed out from the back courtyard and stood in front of Han. "Hey, Senior Sister, what are you doing?" Han jumped, thinking for a moment that Bai Ruoyue might strike him down. Bai Ruoyue looked at Han with her chin raised, deliberately ignoring him. One hand rested on her hip, and she huffed, extending her hand with a smug expression. Han was confused. He shook her hand, then let go. Was this her way of welcoming him back? Clearing throat! Bai Ruoyue made a dramatic sound to get Han''s attention. "What''s going on with Senior Sister?" Han asked Shen Yu, who was about to answer, but was quickly silenced by a sharp glare from Bai Ruoyue, signaling her to keep quiet. Shen Yu, under Bai Ruoyue''s subtle threat, kept silent and only gestured with her eyes to Han. "Take a good look, look carefully," Bai Ruoyue said, her tone mysterious. Han thought for a moment, then had an epiphany. He placed a hand on Bai Ruoyue and carefully examined her, before smiling and saying, "Congratulations, Senior Sister, on your breakthrough! Your internal organs have been refined perfectly, and youve reached the perfection of the Internal Organ Realm." "Senior Sister is amazing, Senior Sister is formidable." Bai Ruoyues face lit up with joy, and she gave Han a playful, but proud, look. "You have good eyes," she said with a smirk. "I broke through yesterday. Impressive, right?" "Impressive, impressive." You could be reading stolen content. Head to the original site for the genuine story. Han truly admired her at this point. This breakthrough to the Internal Organ Realm meant Bai Ruoyue would almost certainly break through to the Bone Refining stage before turning twenty. A Bone Refining warrior under twentyno one from Black Cloud Town had ever done that before. Bai Ruoyue would be the first. This was something Han couldnt compete with, considering he was already twenty-two when he started practicing martial arts... Bai Ruoyues breakthrough also meant that she was now truly on the path to having Bone Refining-level combat power. Although her realm wasnt quite there yet, her status at Taibai Martial School now made her a formidable Bone Refining figure in training. "I still have to thank Junior Brother for your help," Bai Ruoyue continued, becoming modest. "Last month felt like three months. Without your abilities, I probably would have had to wait a few more months to break through." "Thats mostly because of your extraordinary talent and abilities, Senior Sister." Han showered her with compliments without hesitation. "An empress in the making." At this, Bai Ruoyue puffed out her chest proudly. "Ha! The female emperor is here." "You keep flattering her, and shell forget her own name," Shen Yu teased. "Father, what are you talking about?" Bai Ruoyue retorted playfully. "If you keep talking nonsense, Ill just take over as the head of the school!" After all, other schools only had Bone Refining warriors as their heads. Bai Ruoyue felt she could do the same! Bai Tian smiled faintly and added, "If youre willing, you could take the vice-master position for now." "Vice is boring. If Im going to do this, I want to be the master." Bai Ruoyues eyes gleamed as she looked at Han, her expression suddenly serious. "Junior Brother, do you think I should become the head of the school? Isnt it what everyone expects?" "Maybe start with the vice-master," Han advised. The master position can wait until he finds a way to get it later. Bai Tian gently inquired, "So, how was it in the capital? Did anything unusual happen?" "Everything went smoothly. I got everything done that I needed to," Han replied, and then filled Bai Tian in on the upcoming arrival of Yu Jing and the news of Huang family casualties spreading throughout the city. "Yu Jings people..." Bai Tian paused thoughtfully, "This is beyond our control. When soldiers come, we fight; when floods come, we dam them. As long as it doesnt affect us, were fine." Bai Ruoyue, curious, chimed in, "Ive never met anyone from Yu Jing. I wonder what theyre like?" Rain fell steadily under the round moon, casting a chill over the stones, while a golden dragon soared across the sky. These were the four great martial halls of the city: Falling Rain, Golden Dragon, Wind''s Call, and Ling Xuan. In addition to the county Taoist temple, these were the other two major Taoist establishments. The Great Thunder Temple, the only Buddhist temple in the county, had been relocated from Black Cloud Town. The Yuan brothers were well-connected, introducing Han to many influential figures across the citys various factions over the past few days. Though several trivial matters happened along the way, they were hardly worth mentioning. As time passed, Han went to Thousand Weapons Forge to collect his two newly crafted weapons. The moment he gripped his sword and felt its edge, Han immediately sensed a difference. Sharper, strongerinstantly, a surge of confidence and resolve filled him. Master Yuan, thank you. Han expressed his sincere gratitude, handing over gold and silver as payment. Although gold and silver were universally accepted currency in this worldused by both common folk and cultivators alike, with some special techniques or rituals even requiring large amountsthe status of Master Yuan meant that such payment was almost negligible. However, for Han, this was a way of showing respect. Han kept the kindness in his heart. Afterward, he and his companion boarded the Taoist flying carpet, heading toward Black Cloud Town. Lu Qingmo glanced at Han''s sword and nodded approvingly. Indeed, it has improved significantly. The three materials are extremely compatible, leading to an excellent enhancement. This sword will be sufficient for you until you reach the Bone Refining realm. Wouldnt it be unsuitable for the Bone Cleansing Realm? Han asked. Lu Qingmo shook his head. Weapons cant handle the true essence of the Bone Cleansing Realm. Youll need higher-level weapons. Such as the Essence Weapons. Once you break through, youll have one for yourself. Han repeated the terms to himself: Common weapons, Hundred-forged, Martial weapons, Essence weapons... Then how long can the Essence Weapon last? he asked. An ordinary Bone Cleansing cultivator would use it for their entire life. Lu Qingmo explained. For someone like you, it should last for several years. I wonder when Ill get an Immortal Artifact... Han mused. If youre tired, you can rest for a bit now, Lu Qingmo suggested. ... Han responded seriously. Im not just daydreaming. Aunt Mo, wait for me. Ill show you my Immortal Artifact one day. The flying carpet zipped through the air and into Black Cloud Town early in the morning. Han first returned to the martial hall. Сʦ, youre back! Shen Yu was the first to see Han, greeting him with joy. In the back courtyard, a shadow rushed toward Han like the wind. Hey, whats up, Senior Sister? Han was startled, thinking he was about to be beaten by Bai Ruoyue. Bai Ruoyue looked Han up and down, raising her chin with a smug expression. One hand rested on her waist, and the other reached out in a mock greeting. Han, confused, shook her hand, wondering if this was her way of welcoming him back. Ahem! Bai Ruoyue cleared her throat dramatically. Whats going on with her, Senior Sister? Han asked Shen Yu beside him. Before Shen Yu could answer, Bai Ruoyue shot her a sharp look, signaling her to stay silent. Intimidated by Bai Ruoyues glare, Shen Yu kept quiet and exchanged a look with Han. Take a good look, Bai Ruoyue said, her voice triumphant. Han paused, then smiled knowingly. He placed a hand gently on Bai Ruoyues shoulder, inspecting her closely. Then, with a grin, he said: Congratulations, Senior Sister. Youve successfully refined your organs and achieved the Great Completion of the Internal Organs Realm. Senior Sister is amazing! Bai Ruoyue finally smiled, casting a playful glance at Han. Not bad, youve got some eyes on you. I broke through yesterday. Pretty impressive, right? Impressive, impressive, Han praised sincerely. Reaching the Great Completion of the Internal Organs Realm meant Bai Ruoyue would likely breakthrough to the Bone Refining Realm before she turned twenty. No one in Black Cloud Town had ever reached the Bone Refining Realm before the age of twenty, making Bai Ruoyue the first. It was a record Han couldnt even contest, considering he only started cultivating martial arts at twenty-two. Bai Ruoyues breakthrough meant she was likely already at Bone Refining combat power, though her realm hadnt fully progressed yet. However, it was clear she was now as formidable as a Bone Refining fighter in practice. I really must thank Junior Brother for helping me, Bai Ruoyue said modestly. Last month, it felt like it passed three months. Without your ability, it would have taken me several more months to break through. Its all thanks to your talent, Senior Sister, Han said, sweet-talking her effortlessly. Such an emperor-like presence. Hearing that, Bai Ruoyue puffed out her chest proudly. Ha! I am the Empress. You keep flattering her like that, shell forget her own name, said someone teasingly. Father, what are you saying? Bai Ruoyue retorted confidently. If you keep talking like that, Ill become the hall master! After all, the other martial hall masters were only at the Bone Refining Realm. Bai Ruoyue could handle it! Come on, you could be the vice-master for now, Bai Tian said casually. The vice-master is boring. If Im going to do it, Ill go for the main seat. Bai Ruoyues gaze turned serious, locking eyes with Han. Junior Brother, what do you think? Wouldnt it be natural for me to become the hall master? Lets stick with the vice-master for now, Han advised. The main seat could wait for him to work his way up through the back door. Bai Tian smiled at Han, asking softly, Did you encounter any trouble in the county? Everything went smoothly, and I accomplished what I needed to do, Han replied. He then informed Bai Tian about Jade Capitals envoy arriving soon and the Yellow Familys disaster that had shaken the city. Jade Capitals envoy... Bai Tian grew quiet for a moment. Theres nothing we can do about it. Well handle things as they come. As long as it doesnt affect us, well be fine. Ive never met anyone from Jade Capital. I wonder what theyre like? Bai Ruoyue asked curiously. Han chuckled. Youll find out soon enough. Chapter 182: The Pinnacle of Transformation The five organs and six bowels are interconnectedboth externally and internally. The heart and the small intestine are paired, sharing a connection and belonging to the fire element. The mystical phoenix blood Han absorbed not only granted him the Phoenix Flame but also significantly boosted his cultivation. Refining an organ in just ten days? Such an accomplishment would surely shock many if they knew. The Phoenix Flame and the perfected small intestine are not the only gifts the Phoenix blood brought Han. His true energy became more refined, his physical body strengthened, and naturally, other changes occurred. The phoenix is the symbol of life itself. Han could feel his vitality had greatly increased, particularly his ability to recover from injuriesit had improved dramatically. At that moment, footsteps echoed from behind, and Bai Ruoyue walked down. Upon seeing Han, her face lit up with surprise. "Ive checked on you several times, little martial brother, and you were still asleep. Youve been in seclusion for a whole day and night without waking up." "You didnt go to the peach grove last night. Mo Yi even called me, asking if you were okay." Han stood up, smiling. "Sorry to worry everyone. I didnt expect it to take this long." Seeing the happiness in Hans eyes, Bai Ruoyue stepped closer and asked, "Big gains?" "Very big. Youll see for yourself." Han grinned. Bai Ruoyue reached out, and the moment her fingers touched his body, she gasped. "Freak." In the Peach Grove, Lu Qingmo had been observing Han closely, making him a bit uncomfortable. "Mo Yi, whats wrong?" Han asked. "Youve changed," Lu Qingmo said slowly. "You seem... more majestic." "Majestic?" Han didn''t take long to realize why. The phoenix is the king of all birds, incredibly noble. It made sense that refining its blood would bring such a change. Bai Ruoyue had mentioned Hans body burning with flames during his seclusion. "Did you really ignite your body like a golden body refining process?" "Yes, I think Ive awakened some abilities," Han admitted, as he turned to face her, showing his back. Lu Qingmo hesitated but then took a deep breath, preparing to inspect Hans back. Upon seeing it, she was taken aback. "You have... wings on your back?" The golden-red markings seemed to form a pair of wings, burning with fire. "I felt something on my back too," Han said. He channeled his true energy into his back, and the winged markings began to glow slightly, almost as if they were about to burst out of his skin. But in the end, nothing happened. "My current strength isnt enough to bring out their full potential." Lu Qingmo thought for a moment, then said, "These markings resemble the Phoenix wings I saw in the ancient texts from the Xuan Du Temple." "If you can make them evolve further, they might truly become wings, allowing your body to soar through the sky." "Phoenix wings... Why would such things appear on you?" Han turned around, raising his hand, and summoned the Phoenix Flame. "This should be Phoenix Flame," Han explained. Lu Qingmo turned her head slightly, looking away. "Put your clothes back on first." It was a little awkward. After a closer inspection, Lu Qingmo confirmed that it was indeed Phoenix Flame. The realization left her silent, struggling to understand the situation. She recalled the strange things Han had said about the Ancient God Palace and the Age of Emperors... Could it be that Han was the reincarnation of a Phoenix? It seemed plausible. "Mo Yi, you should use my Phoenix Flame to cultivate the Sun-Earth Fire Seal," Han suggested. "It should be useful for you." As long as Han remained alive, the Phoenix Flame would regenerate continuously. It would grow stronger with his power, and could even be cultivated through other methods. You might be reading a pirated copy. Look for the official release to support the author. Han didnt mind helping Lu Qingmo, as he would also use the flame to cultivate his Sun-Earth Fire in the future. Lu Qingmo paused, then shook her head. "Lets wait a little longer. Youve only just awakened the Phoenix Flame. If I absorb it now, it might cause harm to you." "Once your cultivation level increases and the flame grows stronger, we can discuss this again." Although the flame wasnt yet fully developed, its essence could help Lu Qingmo with her Sun-Earth Fire transformation. But for now, her priority was ensuring Han''s safety. She didnt want to drain him dry. "Thats fine," Han nodded. Lu Qingmos expression turned complex as she sighed lightly. "I never expected to be helped by you so many times." This man seemed to have an endless supply of good fortune. "Did you hear that Senior Sister has reached the major completion stage of her internal organs?" Han asked. "Yes, she told me," Lu Qingmo replied. "With that, Senior Sister should be able to break through to the Bone Refining stage before she turns twenty," Han remarked. "She really is gifted." "Indeed, Ruoyue has good talent," Lu Qingmo agreed. "But more importantly, she has a lot of opportunities." "If it werent for you taking them to Black Mountain to obtain those treasures, and if it werent for your dream, she would never have been able to reach Bone Refining before twenty." In Lu Qingmos eyes, Hans presence had been crucial in Bai Ruoyues progress. Han smiled humbly. "I didnt help that much." "Youve played a crucial role," Lu Qingmo replied. "Reaching the Bone Refining stage before twenty is an extraordinary achievement, even among the martial arts elites." "In the martial arts world, having disciples advance to the internal organs stage before twenty is considered good talent." "But to reach Bone Refining before twenty? Thats the mark of a true prodigy. At least when it comes to cultivation speed, youd meet the standard for an exceptional talent, and your status would skyrocket. Youd be treated as a future heir to the sects legacy, and all the top forces in the world would nurture you." "If it werent for you, Ruoyue would never have crossed that threshold." Lu Qingmo acknowledged Bai Ruoyues talent but emphasized that raw talent alone isnt enough for success in cultivation; one also needs resources. The trip to Black Mountain had provided Bai Ruoyue with many rare and precious treasures. Even for top martial prodigies in great sects, such treasures would typically be the best resources available. And even those are not easy to obtain. Martial sects have abundant resources, but they also have many talented disciples. Those with strong connections, wealth, and power often dominate the scene. The dream realm also granted Bai Ruoyue the ability to experiment endlesslyone month felt like three, enabling her to progress rapidly. The Yulong Stone and the Five Organs and Six Bowels Elixir further boosted her abilities, offering dual enhancements. Only with Hans help did Bai Ruoyue stand a chance to break through to Bone Refining before twenty. Without him, it would have been impossible. "Reaching Bone Refining before twenty is one of the standards for a world-shaking genius..." Hans expression suddenly changed. "Uh-oh." "Whats wrong?" "Doesnt that mean Ill never become an exceptional genius?" Han sounded a bit downcast. "Im already twenty-two, still stuck at the internal organs stage. Ill never meet that requirement now." "..." It made sense, though somewhat illogical. "Anything else?" Lu Qingmo asked. "No, thats all." "Then go read," she said, standing up to leave, clearly wanting some space. Hans words had gotten on her nerves a little. Under the moonlight, Han first focused on cultivating his soul, and once he felt saturated, he began reading. Lu Qingmo had brought back many scriptures and books collected by Ye Chong, and with three days'' worth of work, there was a significant amount to read. Han finally had something to study. While reading, Han noticed that reciting these ancient texts did help him gain insights into the vast energy of the universe, bringing him closer to a certain threshold. It was also starting to cause subtle changes in his "Seven Apertures Sensitive Heart." This heart would naturally grow stronger as Hans cultivation progressed, but he could also choose to actively develop it and trigger its evolution ahead of time. But before, Han hadnt figured out how to unlock its potential. Now, however, he had a clearer direction. "Youre going into seclusion?" Han was surprised, but then, a bit excited. He had just arrived at the martial arts hall today, not expecting to hear such news from Bai Ruoyue. "Yes," Bai Ruoyue nodded, a gleam of excitement in her eyes. "Thanks to your dream realm, after some time of experimenting, I finally feel ready to make this breakthrough." "Once I enter seclusion, you and the others will have to take care of the martial arts hall." "Dont worry, Master," Zhang Yuantao nodded. "Well manage everything here and wont let anyone interfere with your process." Bai Ruoyue turned to her father and asked, "Dad, how long do you plan to stay in seclusion?" "Im not sure," Bai Tian shook his head. "This breakthrough is quite complex, so it will likely take a long time." "If anyone asks, just tell them Ive left Black Cloud Town for a while on business. Ill make an appearance later, leaving the town so they can see me leave." If people found out Bai Tian was secluding himself to further his cultivation, it would likely create unnecessary complications. He already outranked the other martial hall masters by a level. If he broke through again, the other halls might not be able to function properly. Tenglong, the major forces, would never ignore this and would try to interfere. It would be better to create the illusion that Bai Tian had simply left town for a while. Bai Tian looked at his daughter and said, "Once I enter seclusion, youll be the strongest in the martial arts hall. Youll have a lot of responsibilities, so dont act recklessly. Protect everyone." Bai Ruoyue nodded seriously, signaling that she understood. Her once fragile shoulders were now bearing the heavy burden of responsibility. After giving some final instructions, Bai Tian left Black Cloud Town, probably intending to circle back secretly at some point, unnoticed. The rest of the group also dispersed to attend to their tasks. "Senior Sister, did Master ever say where hes going into seclusion?" Han suddenly remembered. Bai Ruoyue froze for a moment. "Oh no, could it be that my dad is faking the seclusion as an excuse to leave for good?" "..." Having a daughter like you is truly Masters fortune. After Han relayed this news to Lu Qingmo, she wasnt surprised at all. "Its probably about time for a breakthrough," she said calmly. "Didnt Master say this breakthrough would take quite a while?" "Thats right," Lu Qingmo nodded. "After purifying the marrow, one enters the True Blood stage." "To enter this stage, one needs to refine and elevate their blood, creating True Blood. This is a tedious process, requiring repeated blood refinement before one can reach the martial blood stage." "Spending months on this is normal." True Blood is the sacred origin of power. Only those with True Blood can truly wield the strength of their bloodline. Chapter 183: The Second Wish Bottle, the Fallen Genius After three days of seclusion, several carriages slowly made their way out of Tianyue City, heading towards Heiyun Town. Among them was a particular carriage, towering at 7.2 meters in height and 5.4 meters in width. The carriage''s sides were adorned with hanging jade beads, shimmering like precious jewels. The wheels were painted in bright red, with 18 spokes on each wheel, each delicately carved and even the nails displayed intricate designs. Two Tai Chang flags were hoisted on either side of the carriage. Each flag, woven from yellow silk threads, hung with twelve flowing ribbons. On both sides of every ribbon, a dragon was embroidered, its body coiling and twisting in the breeze. The surrounding guards, though slightly less grand in comparison, still exuded an air of opulence far beyond that of an ordinary noble family. Among them, warriors with vibrant spirits and cultivators with shining, sharp gazes kept close guard. Lord Zuo, well be entering Heiyun Town soon. A voice spoke softly. After a long pause, a calm and deep voice came from within the central carriage. Hmm, no rush. The central carriage was bustling with activity. Sitting at the head of the group was a young man in a grey robe, his eyes half-closed and a plain face. Surrounding him were four beautiful women wearing thin veils, all tending to himmassaging his legs, loosening his shoulders, and offering him relaxation with gentle smiles. If one looked closely, the young man was not sitting on a cushion. Instead, beneath him was a full-figured woman, her limbs spread out on the floor, her back straight and her body serving as his seat. On either side of the group, real cushions rested on boxes, painted red and divided into twelve sections. Each section was intricately decorated with golden powder, showcasing vivid carvings of various beastsQilin, lions, rhinoceroses, and moreeach piece coming to life with delicate detail. It was evident that this carriage was no ordinary one, nor was the identity of its occupants anything short of extraordinary. The caravan continued its journey towards Heiyun Town, positioned directly in the middle between Tianyue City and Heiyun Town. Suddenly, a gust of cold wind swept by, halting the caravan. The young mans eyes snapped open, their depth like a bottomless well, betraying no emotion. Guests have arrived. From all corners of the caravan, sharp, piercing sounds echoed, signaling an energy fluctuation in the surroundings. A group of figures clad in black emerged, their murderous intent palpable as they rushed towards the convoy, intent on causing destruction. An ambush! At the Taibai Martial Academy. Having completed his martial arts studies for the day, Han was now reading a book when he suddenly felt a pull in his soul space. Something new had appeared. It was clear that another wish bottle had arrived, but this one was unlike the previous ones. Han had been using the wish bottles for eight or nine days now, and aside from the one he received from Luo Miaomiao, he hadnt received any others until today. "Eh? This one is blue?" Han was surprised. The wish bottle floating in his soul space was blue, unlike the purple one he had encountered before. Aside from that, nothing else seemed different; it still held a wish note. The change in color likely indicated some shift in the wish bottles contents. Han pondered for a moment. Hed need to collect more bottles to draw a clearer conclusion. He carefully picked up the blue wish note and began reading. Im a useless person, and everyone in Zhonghuang City knows it. Ive grown accustomed to their strange looks, the quiet ridicule. Maybe its what I deserve. Three years ago, I stood at the top, arrogant, looking down on everyone. Now, I understand what others felt three years ago. I was once a geniusstarted cultivating at twelve, became famous in Zhonghuang City by fifteen, and even gained some renown across the entire Tianbei Region. Unfortunately, three years ago, my cultivation, my power, all mysteriously disappeared. No reason, no harm done, and even though my family brought in many powerful figures, they were all helpless. It was as if the heavens took everything away from me. They now call me: the fallen genius. Oh, by the way, my family had arranged a marriage for me before I was even born. Back when I was a genius, everything was fine. But yesterday, my unseen fianc came to annul the engagement. Im grateful for his decision to break off the engagement, as I never wanted to marry someone Id never even met. But the way he did it was unacceptable! Han paused, a strange expression flickering across his face. This person Could it be someone from the Xiao family? Luo Miaomiaos wish was about her Nirvana Bone being stolen, and now this person was a fallen genius from the Xiao family. The Xiao familys reputation has been trampled underfoot. Im furious, but I feel powerless. It really is someone from the Xiao family Three yearsno one knows how Ive spent these three years. From panic and rage, Ive finally come to accept things with calmness. Unauthorized use of content: if you find this story on Amazon, report the violation. Maybe being an ordinary person isnt so bad. Many people in my family are obsessed with cultivation, and eventually, the familys cities will pass on to me to manage. But the disgrace to my familys name, I cant tolerate that. Heavens, why would you grant me Xiao Qingwans exceptional talent and then take it back? I want to become an immortal! Im not trying to prove anything; I just want to take back what should have been mine! You want to become an immortal? I do too, Han muttered under his breath. Who wouldnt want to become an immortal? However, it was clear what Xiao Qingwan truly wantedshe didnt want immortality, she simply wanted to regain her cultivation talent. She had once been a genius, and then in an instant, she became a waste. Who could bear that? Three years of being a waste was more than enough to break anyones spirit. Accepting reality didnt mean she had given up on reclaiming her cultivation ability. Unfortunately, Han couldnt help her. He had no idea where she was. Tianbei Region? Where is that? Han had never heard of this place. He didnt need to ask Lu Qingmo; he was sure that no such place existed in the current world. He had learned a great deal about geography since beginning his martial arts training. Unless, of course, the Tianbei Region was a hidden place known only to a select few. The text on the wish note disappeared, signaling that it was time for Han to return the wish. After a brief moment of thought, Han knew exactly what to write. Xiao Qingwan, I once read a story about a legendary figures life. The phrase felt strangely familiar, but it didnt matter. A long, long time ago, there was a person named Xiao Shao. He was brilliant from a young age and loved by all. As he began cultivating, he quickly rose to prominence, showing an astonishing talent After three days of seclusion, several carriages departed from Tianyue City, slowly making their way toward Heiyun Town. Among them, one particular carriage stood out. It was a grandiose vehicle, towering at a height of over seven meters (23 feet), and wide enough to span several meters. The sides of the carriage were adorned with intricate designs and hanging beads, each one radiating an aura of opulence. The wheels were coated with red paint, with eighteen spokes, each one carved in intricate patterns, even the nails holding them together bore decorative flourishes. Two banners fluttered in the wind, each a majestic Tai Chang flag embroidered with yellow silk thread, trailing twelve ribbons each embroidered with the image of a powerful dragon, moving gracefully in the breeze. Around the carriage, although less extravagant, the guards were still distinguished, not the sort one would expect from just any wealthy household. The procession was accompanied by warriors, their bodies bursting with vitality and energy, as well as cultivators whose eyes sparkled with sharp intelligence, each of them emanating an air of both power and vigilance. Lord Zuo, we are nearing Heiyun Town, someone whispered. After a moment, a calm voice, rich with inner strength, came from within the central carriage. "Mm, no need to hurry." Inside the central carriage, the atmosphere was somewhat relaxed. Sitting in the center was a young man, wearing a plain gray robe. His eyes were half-closed, and his face was unremarkable. Around him were four beautiful women dressed in thin, flowing fabrics. Their figures were graceful, and each had a serene expression as they attended to the young man, massaging his legs and shoulders to ease his muscles. Upon closer inspection, the young man wasnt sitting on a cushion. Instead, beneath him, a well-endowed woman was kneeling on all fours, her back straight, using her own body to support the young man''s seating. On either side of the young man were true cushions, made of ornate red lacquered boxes, each one divided into twelve sections. Each section was adorned with gold-painted images of mythical creatures like the qilin, lion, and rhinoceros, all carved in stunning detail. It was clearthis caravan was no ordinary one. They were heading toward Heiyun Town, but they were already well into the middle of the route. Suddenly, a gust of cold wind swept through, causing the caravan to stop. The young mans eyes snapped open, deep and unfathomable. There are guests approaching. The air was filled with shrill cries as warriors dressed in black dashed toward the caravan, their murderous intent palpable. It was an ambush! In the Taibai Martial Arts School... Having completed his training for the day, Han was absorbed in his reading when he suddenly sensed something. A new item had appeared in his Soul World. It was clearly another wish bottle, having drifted into his possession from an unknown place. Han set down his scriptures and moved to a quiet room, ready to see what this wish bottle had to offer. He had been using this mysterious "cheat" for nearly ten days now, and aside from the wish bottle from Luo Miaomiao, he hadnt encountered any other bottles until today. "Hmm? This one is blue?" Han was slightly surprised. The wish bottle floating in his Soul World was different from the previous oneits color had changed from purple to blue. Other than that, everything else seemed the same, still tied to a wish paper. Han pondered for a moment. The change in color could indicate something different about the wish. Perhaps he would need to compare a few more bottles to fully understand. He took the blue wish paper and began reading: "I am a failure, and everyone in Zhonghuang City knows it." "I''ve gotten used to their strange stares, the subtle mocking behind my back. Maybe I deserve it." "Three years ago, I was high and mighty, looking down on everyone, but now I finally understand how others felt back then." "I was once a genius, cultivating at twelve, becoming famous at fifteen, known throughout Zhonghuang City and even the entire northern region of Tianbei." "But three years ago, my powermy entire cultivationvanished without any explanation, leaving no harm but no solution. My family sought out many great figures, but no one could help. It was as though the heavens had taken everything from me." "I became known as the Fallen Genius." "By the way, my family had arranged a marriage for me before I was even born, and everything was still fine when I was a genius." "But just yesterday, my fianc, whom I had never met, came and broke off the engagement." "I appreciate his decision, as I never wanted to marry a stranger. But breaking off the engagement in such a mannerhe had no right to do that!" Hans expression grew serious as he read these words, and he couldn''t help but think: Could this person be from the Xiao family? The previous bottle had been Luo Miaomiaos, whose Nirvana Bone was stolen. And now, this one belonged to a fallen genius. "The reputation of the Xiao family has been trampled upon, and I am filled with rage, but helpless." "Three yearsno one knows what I''ve been through in these three years, from panic and anger to finally accepting it all with calmness." "Maybe it''s not so bad to be an ordinary person. My family is focused on cultivating, and I will eventually inherit their cities." "But the dishonor to the family is something I cannot bear." "Heaven, why did you give me the unparalleled talent of Xiao Qingwan and then take it away?" "I want to become an immortal!" "I dont wish to prove anything; I just want to reclaim what I once had!" Han muttered under his breath, "Becoming an immortal? Who wouldnt want that?" But he could already see through Xiao Qingwans true desire. This wasnt about immortality. It was about reclaiming her lost talent. She had once been a genius, but now, she was a shadow of herself. Anyone would be frustrated by such an unfair fate. Three years of being a failure was a long and agonizing period. Accepting reality didnt mean one gave up on reclaiming their potential. Unfortunately, Han had no idea where Xiao Qingwan was. Where is Tianbei? Han thought, perplexed. He had never heard of such a place before. Not even Lu Qingmo knew of it, and Han had studied geography extensively. Unless Tianbei was one of those hidden regions known only to a select few. The writing on the wish paper vanished, signaling the time for Hans reply. After a moment of thought, Han knew exactly what to write. "Xiao Qingwan, I once read a story about a legendary figure." The sentence seemed familiar, but Han didnt think too much about it. "A long time ago, there was a person named Xiao Xiao, a bright and beloved child. When he began cultivating, he quickly stood out, showing immense talent..." "...His genius was renowned, and the whole nation heard of it. But at the age of twelve, Xiao Xiao''s cultivation was inexplicably lost..." This response would likely be as much as Xiao Qingwan needed to hear, a story that might rekindle some hope. Later, Han sighed and reflected on how this cheat was starting to make him into something of a motivational speaker. Chapter 184: The Immaculate Green Lotus – A Messengers Request A lotus flower floated serenely within the Soul Realm, its leaves rippling gently, emitting faint green light that shimmered and receded in waves. The lotus was a deep, immaculate green, with nine petals that resembled flawless jade. Each petal was unblemished and perfectly formed, as if crafted by the heavens themselves, free from any human interference. It was nothing short of a masterpiece of nature. Han''s soul approached the lotus, and as he did, the lotus grew larger, expanding to a size that could accommodate his soul. Slowly, Hans soul energy began to seep into the lotus, marking it with his imprintthis was the process of refining it. As this occurred, the lotus began to glow brighter, its green light gently enveloping Hans soul, slowly altering it. This was the object Han had received from the wish bottle of Xiao Qingwan. It was not a Green Lotus Fire. Nor was it the legendary Pangu''s creation after the world''s formation... but that was of course impossible. After refining the lotus, Han understood its true origin and purpose. The Immaculate Green Lotus. This was a precious Daoist artifact specifically designed for nurturing souls. When a soul remains within the Immaculate Green Lotus for an extended period, it gradually acquires a special property: the Immaculate Trait. This trait keeps the soul in a state of clarity, preventing it from falling into confusion or darkness. This was immensely useful for both daily cultivation and in counteracting illusion-based Daoist techniques. Furthermore, when Han faced opponents in battle, their Daoist attacks would be weakened if they struck him, as their techniques would be tainted, their potency diminished. Of course, the effect wasnt endlessit couldn''t infinitely weaken an opponents techniques, but it certainly had its limits. It was easy to understand, and didnt need further explanation. Moreover, while Hans soul resided on the Immaculate Green Lotus, it also offered protective defensive properties. "Not a bad treasure at all." Han was quite pleased with this acquisition. Although the Immaculate Trait wouldn''t take effect immediately and would require time to accumulate, having the treasure in his possession meant that sooner or later, the benefits would manifest. Even before his soul fully attained the Immaculate Trait, meditating on the lotus would help him maintain clarity, enhancing his cultivation immensely. Although it wouldn''t offer immediate assistance in battle, its effects on cultivation were already evident. Looking around at the now "empty" Soul Realm, Han felt a sense of satisfaction, yet an unshakable longing remained. He wanted more. Two bottles had arrived in the span of eight or nine dayspeople might think he''d found them by accident. Later that night, Han returned to the Peach Grove. "Aunt Mo, tell me about the history of our world," Han asked. "Why the sudden interest?" Lu Qingmo asked, puzzled. Han answered earnestly, "Reading history makes one wiser." "In the past, before the Three Kingdoms, were other countries also divided by states and counties like we do?" "Naturally," Lu Qingmo nodded, "since the earliest records, that has been the case." "So why does the demon race refer to their territory as the Shan Hai Domain? Why don''t we humans use ''Domain'' for our territories?" Lu Qingmo thought for a moment before replying: "Thats a question for the one who named the Shan Hai Domain." It had always been called that, and Lu Qingmo had no answers to give. "Is there only the Shan Hai Domain in this world?" Han pressed. "Yes, its been the only one since ancient times," she replied. Han fell silent. If only one domain existed in this world, then what about the Tian Bei Domain where Xiao Qingwan was from? According to the information in the wish paper, the Xiao family was quite powerful, so Xiao Qingwan wouldnt be ignorant of basic geographical facts. If it was called the Tian Bei Domain, then it likely was. Lu Miaomiao seemed to be having issues with time, but could Xiao Qingwan be having issues with space? Another world If Han were to ask most cultivators whether there was another world, the overwhelming answer would be no. But Han was a traveler, his situation was unique. Whether there were other worlds was uncertain for him as well. The drifting wish bottles certainly kept throwing Han more questions, confusing him further. At the middle of the night, Han focused on cultivating the Yin Earth Fire Seal. Suddenly, Lu Qingmos soul rose into the air, leaving the Peach Grove with hurried steps. "You stay here, dont wander," she said. Watching her soul depart, Han felt perplexed. What urgent matter had occurred? It wasnt until dawn that Lu Qingmo returned, her expression solemn. Her first words were: "The people from Yujing arrived at Black Cloud Town last night." "They arrived?" Han was surprised. "Aunt Mo, did something happen during your trip?" Lu Qingmo nodded. "On their way to Black Cloud Town, they were attacked." "The Yujing entourage suffered heavy casualties and only escaped after paying a great price." Unauthorized content usage: if you discover this narrative on Amazon, report the violation. "Attacked?" Han''s heart sank. "Did something happen to the emperor''s favored official?" If the other members of the group had died, it wasnt a huge issue, though still concerning. But if someone close to the emperor had perished, that would be a monumental problem, one that couldnt be ignored. "Left Tianzheng, the imperial envoy, was wounded but isnt in danger," Lu Qingmo shook her head. "But his guard has been mostly wiped out." "Who did this? This is audacious!" Han exclaimed. This was open defiance against the imperial court, slapping the emperor in the face. Whoever dared to do this must be the arch-enemies of the empire. "The Tianmu Sect and the Wuchang Temple joined forces to ambush the Yujing envoy group." Now that made sense. Those two factions had long been enemies of the empire. Given the opportunity, they would not hesitate to strike, even if it meant targeting an imperial envoy. "Experts from the Divine Manifestation and Cleansing Marrow realms were involved. If not for Left Tianzheng''s guards being strong, he would have surely perished." Lu Qingmos face grew serious. "Now that Left Tianzheng was ambushed in Black Cloud territory, this is troubling." "If he wishes to use this incident to escalate matters, hed be completely justified." "Do you know Left Tianzheng?" Han asked. "Ive heard a little about him when I was in Yujing," Lu Qingmo replied. "Hes one of the few imperial officials I know personally." "Oh?" Han''s curiosity was piqued. "What makes him special?" "Not much, actually. His cultivation talent is said to be poor, and from what I can tell today, hes only reached the peak of the Bone Refining stage." "But hes known for having saved the emperors life when the emperor was once attacked. Thats when he gained fame in Yujing." An assassination attempt on the emperor was no small matter. It would send shockwaves through the entire capital. Whoever saved the emperor in such a crisis would naturally become well-known. For such a great deed, it was only right that he received special treatment. "He''s fiercely loyal to the emperor, though his cultivation is mediocre. Still, his martial heart is quite strong," Lu Qingmo continued. "But over ten years have passed since then. Im no longer familiar with him." "Well, hes closing himself off for cultivation during the day..." she added. When Han arrived at the martial arts academy, he shared the news of the imperial envoys attack with Bai Ruoyue and the others. They were all quite shocked. Though they were martial artists and had little awareness of legal matters, they all recognized the importance of their identities as citizens of the empire. The emperors position was unique, and the idea of attacking an imperial envoy was unthinkable. Yet, it had actually happened. "Could the envoy be planning to take his anger out on Black Cloud Town?" Shen Long asked bluntly. That was the big unknown. Today, Han could definitely feel that the atmosphere in Black Cloud Town had changed. There were far more government patrols. By night, Lu Qingmo told Han that the entire day had been busy. Both the Ghost God Bureau and the Ding Wu Bureau were out in full force, searching the area. With the Yujing envoy suffering such heavy casualties, the Tianmu Sect and Wuchang Temple would also be dealing with their own losses. They might be hiding nearby, nursing their wounds. Even if it was just a show of force, the surrounding territories had to be thoroughly inspected to demonstrate their stance. The leaders of both the Ghost God Bureau and Ding Wu Bureau were personally leading the search as an example. Lu Qingmo said to Han: "Tomorrow, Left Tianzheng will likely summon the various factions in Black Cloud Town. You and Ruoyue should go. Ill be there too, to keep an eye on things." "I understand." It seemed the mighty dragon was about to meet the local snakes. Sure enough, early the next morning, someone from the government came to Hans door with an invitation, asking the Taibai Martial Arts Academy master to attend a meeting at the towns magistrates office. My father isnt here, so Ill go, Bai Ruoyue said. Carrying on her fathers legacy, she had now become the head of the Tai Bai Martial Arts School! Ill accompany you, just as Aunt Mo instructed yesterday. Alright. Bai Ruoyue would have felt a little uneasy going alone. But with Han by her side, she felt completely confident. The two of them made their way to the towns command center. Presenting their invitation, they were promptly escorted into a pavilion. Yun Yuan Nan and Long Tian Chong had already arrived and were waiting for them there. The three largest martial arts schools and the three most powerful families were the leaders of Black Cloud Town. Other, smaller families or foreign powers hadnt received invitations. Today was an important assembly of Black Cloud Towns leaders. Long Tian Chong frowned as he watched Han and Bai Ruoyue enter, his expression clearly displeased. Is it just you two young ones from Tai Bai Martial Arts School coming? he scoffed. The others were all from the older generation, yet here came a young lad and a girl. It felt disrespectful. But Han and Bai Ruoyue paid no attention to Long Tian Chongs words. Gao Zhenxiong gave them a cold, frosty look, his eyes like shards of ice, though he remained silent. Please, sit, Yun Yuan Nan said with a gentle smile. Brother Bai is temporarily away from Black Cloud Town, so Tai Bais responsibilities fall to you. Its only for a short time, Bai Ruoyue replied, shaking her head. The others exchanged glances, remembering the news they had received a few days ago that Bai Tian had left Black Cloud Town. Curiosity stirred within them about his sudden departure. The seats in the pavilion were arranged casually, with no specific order, so everyone took their places informally. I wonder what this Left Envoy seeks from us? the head of the Lin family asked. The head of the Wild Blade Martial Arts School answered, With the current chaos in Black Cloud, though its prosperous, its a skewed kind of prosperity. Left Envoy likely wants to restore order. They chatted casually, though there was a certain seriousness in their words. However, they werent overly tense. After all, they were the leaders of Black Cloud Town. No one was likely to simply attack them. Soon, three figures walked intwo men and one woman. Lu Qingmo, the Chief of the Dingwu Department, Jiang Wenwu, and the third person was a young man dressed in plain robes, with a somewhat pale complexion. All eyes turned to the young man, who was none other than Left Envoy Zuo Tianzheng from Yujing. Left Envoy, everyone rose to show respect. Those present were all well-informed, and their relationships with the government were complicated. They had all heard something about Zuo Tianzheng. Now, seeing his pale face, they couldnt help but think, So the rumors were true They were all relieved that this Left Envoy hadnt died in Black Cloud. Please, take a seat. Zuo Tianzhengs face was cold and stern. He glanced over the group, recognizing most of them. Lu Qingmo walked straight over to sit beside Han, drawing Zuo Tianzhengs attention. Seems like Tai Bais master isnt here? Zuo Tianzheng remarked. My father left Black Cloud Town a few days ago for some matters and has yet to return, Bai Ruoyue answered. Zuo Tianzheng nodded without much reaction. The reason Ive invited all of you here today is not for any great matter, but simply to get to know each other. After all, we will be working together for a long time, so its better to familiarize ourselves now, Zuo Tianzheng continued, his expression remaining unchanged. Black Mountain has fallen into turmoil, and Black Cloud Town has been restless. The Emperor worries for his people, and it weighs heavily on his heart. So, Ive come by his order to restore order in Black Cloud and bring peace. The people of Black Cloud should not have to suffer at the hands of rogue cultivators, and the town should be able to prosper. This is my mission, he stated. As you are all from Black Cloud, I will need your assistance in the future. Of course, its our duty, Yun Yuan Nan was the first to respond. The others also nodded in agreement. Ensuring Black Clouds stability was a small matter to them, something they could easily commit to. With your support, I can rest easy, Zuo Tianzheng said with a nod. Now, onto the matter of Black Mountain. Cultivators from various counties have poured into Black Cloud Town and entered Black Mountain, many of whom have met untimely deaths. It is truly a tragedy. These are all citizens of Da Qi, who train arduously, only to lose their lives in Black Mountain. Had they joined the army or served in the court, who knows what contributions they could have made? Such a waste. And with the mountain gods impending fall, now is not the time to disturb him. He deserves peace. Zuo Tianzheng glanced at everyone and continued, I intend to establish some regulations, restricting cultivators from entering Black Mountain. If we work together, we can reduce the casualties among them. The fewer people who enter Black Mountain, the fewer who will die. It is truly a virtuous deed. What does everyone think? The room fell silent as everyone appeared deep in thought. Ensuring Black Clouds stability was easy; they could all agree to that. But imposing restrictions on who could enter Black Mountain was a different matter. If they agreed and took action, it would spark public outrage. After all, people came to Black Cloud specifically to enter Black Mountain. If they were forbidden from doing so, they might turn against the leaders. The court paid them a monthly stipend, but they didnt want to risk their lives for nothing. Besides, the mountain god had agreed to this arrangement, and those powerful cultivators who had made pacts with the mountain god wouldnt object. What right did Zuo Tianzheng have to set such rules? Seeing that no one responded, Zuo Tianzhengs gaze shifted, and he finally settled on Bai Ruoyue. Miss Bai, what do you think? Han was about to speak up for Bai Ruoyue, but she beat him to it. Since this concerns Black Mountain, why not ask the mountain god? Perhaps we could directly invite the mountain god to set the limits. That would be the most convenient. . The room fell into complete silence, including Zuo Tianzheng. Though he was a Left Envoy, if he could just order the mountain god around, would he even need to have this meeting with them? She was clearly trying to make trouble. Chapter 185: Guardians of Dao and Martial Arts, the Evil Spirits Enter the Mountain The atmosphere was somewhat chilly, and nobody spoke. Bai Ruoyue glanced around, confused as to why no one was acknowledging her. She thought her suggestion made perfect sense. "Since we''re worried about disturbing the Mountain God, we should just ask the god''s opinion directly." "True," Left Tianzheng nodded. "Since it''s the Mountain God''s Black Mountain, it''s only right to consult the Mountain God." "Regarding how to restore and even improve the peace in Black Cloud, I''ll come up with a feasible plan, but I''ll need everyone''s cooperation," he continued. "Of course." Now the others were more engaged. During this time, both Lu Qingmo and Jiang Wenwu from the Defense Bureau stayed silent, letting Left Tianzheng continue speaking. He didn''t bring up any more serious topics but chatted with the group casually. Even though his face remained mostly indifferent, a faint smile appeared occasionally. At the end of the conversation, Left Tianzheng invited everyone to stay for a meal, but the others politely declined. "Lu Commander, Jiang Commander, do you have time afterward?" "The Ghost and Spirit Bureau still has matters to attend to," Jiang Wenwu replied with the same excuse, and then he left. Bai Ruoyue and Han left together with Lu Qingmo. Left Tianzheng watched the three leave, his eyes narrowing slightly as he turned to his attendant. "Who is the person with the daughter of Taibai Hall Master?" This was only his second day in Black Cloud, and there was still much he didnt know. The previous day, while he was recovering from his injuries and getting to know the local officials, he had already summoned the leaders of all the factions today. "He is Taibai Hall Master''s personal disciple, known as Black Cloud''s number one talent. He is closely connected with Lu Commander, and it is suspected that he has been learning Dao techniques from her..." The attendant provided more detailed information about Han. "Black Cloud''s number one talent... a genius," Left Tianzheng muttered coldly, his eyes darkening for a moment before he suddenly chuckled. "Taibai Hall Masters daughter is quite the beauty, even in Yujing, she would be considered a rare gem. Absolutely captivating." "Is Taibai Hall Master really at the Bone Washing realm?" "Yes, verified personally by Lu Commander," the subordinate added. "And Bai Ruoyue has connections with Lu Commander as well?" Left Tianzheng raised an eyebrow. "Yes," the attendant confirmed. "It seems Lu Qingmo has changed quite a bit in this remote place. Shes much more approachable now." Left Tianzheng shook his head. "Since Taibai Hall Master is at the Bone Washing realm, and Bai Ruoyue has ties with Lu Qingmo, its no matter." "Theres no need to offend Lu Qingmo over a woman. The greater plan is what''s important." He then shifted his thoughts, asking, "The second earthquake in Black Mountain, that was because Taibai Hall''s group entered Black Mountain early, correct?" "Yes, but its said that when they entered, the savage beasts were still in the final stages of their rampage. Due to their lack of strength, they didnt gain any benefits." "Didnt gain anything..." Left Tianzheng smirked. "I dont believe that." "Any news on the Sky-Mending Vine?" "None. Since arriving in Black Cloud, we''ve been investigating it thoroughly but have found nothing. No one in Black Cloud has obtained it, and theres no record of anyone having seen it." "Keep searching," Left Tianzheng ordered firmly, his voice resolute. "The Emperor has said there must be Sky-Mending Vine in Black Mountain." "We cannot miss any clue. Everything else can be postponed, but the Sky-Mending Vine is the most important." "And the Emperor''s side?" "This is something the Emperor personally entrusted to me," Left Tianzheng glanced at his subordinate. "You just need to follow orders. Leave the rest to me." "Understood, sir." Left Tianzheng clenched his fist, his eyes burning with determination. "The Sky-Mending Vine will be mine." "Also, analyze which of the local factions in Black Cloud is easiest to win over, and then bring them in separately." "Understood." On their way back, Han said, "This Left Tianzheng really has big ambitions. Does Yujing have plans for Black Mountain?" "Most likely," Lu Qingmo nodded. "Once the Mountain God passes, Black Mountain will be leaderless, and the Cloud River Dragon King wont be able to defend it alone. The Imperial family will surely try to claim it." In theory, all mountains and bodies of water within the Da Qi realm belonged to the empire. But this was a world where practitioners existed. Laws didnt always hold much sway here. In many places, the imperial court had tacitly allowed sects and families to govern the land. Even during the founding of the Qi Dynasty, certain regions were explicitly allocated to major factions, and the court had no say in them. For example, the mountain where Xuan Du Temple was located. Which Da Qi official, even royal family members, would dare claim that Xuan Du Temple''s Xuan Fa Mountain belonged to them? Not even the Emperor would dare say that. "A land without a master, especially a paradise like Black Mountain, is of great importance to the Imperial court," Han mused. "Its a treasure." That massive Black Mountain truly was a hidden treasure, and the smaller mountains theyd visited before were just extensions of that paradise. Even the areas that were merely offshoots of this divine land produced countless valuable items. The sights within could only be imagined. "So, Left Tianzheng wants to dominate Black Mountain?" Bai Ruoyue asked, belatedly realizing. Han gave her a glance. "Setting rules and restricting outsiders from entering Black Mountain, what kind of authority would be needed to do that?" Bai Ruoyue thought for a moment and said, "The owner of Black Mountain." "But the Mountain God has already made agreements with other equal powers," Han shook his head. "What is Left Tianzheng trying to do, setting rules when the Mountain Gods influence still holds sway?" "He hasnt even taken ownership of Black Mountain yet, and hes already trying to exert control," Lu Qingmo warned. "Stay out of this as much as possible." "Supporting the town''s stability is one thing, but blocking others from entering Black Mountain is another. Dont stick your neck out." "While the Mountain God is still here, those outsiders may be angry, but they dare not act. Once the Mountain God is gone, however, Black Cloud''s strength won''t be able to hold back the anger of the masses." Han nodded, understanding the gravity of the situation. Left Tianzheng was clearly trying to use the local forces of Black Cloud. If you come across this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it. He had only brought a few people, and they had already suffered heavy casualties. Any major action he wanted to take would likely require the local powers'' help. If the families and martial halls cooperated with him to block outsiders from entering Black Mountain, then, with the Mountain God still present, those outsiders wouldnt dare to act. As long as the Mountain God lived, the local powers of Black Cloud had an inherent shield of protection. The Mountain God might not care about the fate of these powers, but one could never take the risk of betting against what the god might or might not care about. If they used the gods protection to act recklessly, once the god passed, they would likely face consequences. Lu Qingmo went alone to the Ghost and Spirit Bureau, while Han and Bai Ruoyue returned to the martial hall and filled Zhang Yuantao and the others in on what had happened that day. "This Left Tianzheng, his next move won''t be small," Zhang Yuantao analyzed. "Maintaining Black Clouds stability is probably the least of his tasks. The real purpose behind all of this is more complex." Yujing didnt send a team all the way here just to manage Black Cloud. Left Tianzhengs claim that the Emperor was losing sleep over the commoners of Black Cloud was clearly an exaggeration. If that were true, the Emperor would have collapsed from worry five years ago when a great drought hit Tianyang County. If it were about the Emperor being furious over not getting Black Mountain, then people would believe it. "We''ll cooperate when we need to, but we should stay in the shadows when we don''t," Zhang Yuantao concluded. That evening. "Lu Qingmo, since Yujing wants Black Mountain, isnt it strange that they sent a commissioner at the Bone Refining stage? Isnt that a bit too weak?" Han asked, raising a concern. "At this stage, Bone Refining or Bone Washing isn''t much different. As long as the person isnt too weak, it shouldnt matter," Lu Qingmo replied, shaking her head. "But Left Tianzhengs eagerness to reveal his intentions for Black Mountain was something I didnt anticipate. Hes only at Bone Refining, but hes acting too hastily." Just then, Lu Qingmos expression changed slightly as she looked outside the peach grove. "Left Tianzheng is here?" "Is he outside now?" "Yes." "Why has Left Tianzheng come here?" Lu Qingmo''s voice echoed outside, then she seemed to listen for a moment before saying, "Since the matter isnt urgent, Left Tianzheng, you may return. Tomorrow is another day." "Its already late, and its not convenient for me to meet with you tonight." Han nodded in agreement. Of course, it would be inappropriate for a grown man to visit a woman living alone at this hour. He, on the other hand, was at home, so he was free to do as he pleased. With that, Lu Qingmo ignored the outside world, and Left Tianzheng, realizing the situation, departed without further insistence. "What is he here for?" Han asked, his tone laced with curiosity. "He claims he''s here to discuss matters concerning Black Mountain. But I have no interest in getting involved. I cannot speak on behalf of Xuandu Temple either," Lu Qingmo replied calmly, showing no concern for the fact that the imperial envoy had been turned away. "If Xuandu Temple had any intentions regarding Black Mountain, they would directly inform me. There''s no need for him to bring it up." "And as for who Black Mountain belongs to, thats not something we can decide," he added. Han nodded in agreement and remarked, "It seems like Zuo Tianzheng is in a bit of a hurry." "Perhaps he has other tasks," Lu Qingmo said, shooting Han a look. "Did you study today?" "..." It felt like being back in school, being urged by adults to study. But how was it that at this age, he was still being pushed? What went wrong? Three days later, Zuo Tianzheng once again sent someone to invite them for a discussion. After the officials left, Bai Ruoyue muttered, "This man is so annoying. Why does he have so many things to deal with?" Arriving at the commander''s residence, Zuo Tianzheng got straight to the point. "I''ve been investigating the current state of Heiyun, and things are not looking good." "I plan to expand Heiyun Town, and in addition..." Zuo Tianzheng continued with various policy details that didnt directly concern Han and the others. Building homes, registering householdsnone of that required their involvement. "But," Zuo Tianzheng added, "I also plan to establish a temporary organization, the Heiyun Guards, which will consist of both martial and Daoist divisions, to assist the Ghost and Divine Affairs Bureau, and the Stabilizing Bureau with managing Heiyun''s affairs and maintaining stability." "However, the local government doesn''t have enough personnel, so I might need your assistance." Hearing this, everyone perked up. Finally, this matter had direct implications for them. Some subtly glanced at Lu Qingmo and the others, hoping to gauge their reaction. The Heiyun Guardsthough claimed to be aiding both bureauswere clearly about distributing power. But Lu Qingmo and his companions didnt change their expressions, appearing uninterested. "I, Long Tianchong, am willing to send a Bone Refining practitioner, three Vital Organs practitioners, and six Tendon Refining practitioners to assist Lord Zuo!" Long Tianchong was the first to step forward, offering his support, causing everyone to exchange curious looks. It seemed he had privately contacted Zuo Tianzheng. "Good. Long, youre truly devoted to the people. I will report to the court and request merit on your behalf," Zuo Tianzheng said, giving Long Tianchong a meaningful look. Once Long had set the tone, others followed suit, stating their willingness to contribute to the Heiyun Guards. In the end, only the Taibai family had yet to respond, so all eyes turned to them. Bai Ruoyue hesitated before speaking. "Our Taibai Martial Arts Hall has only been established for a little over ten years, and our foundation is still weak. We dont have any Bone Refining practitioners." "We only have three Vital Organs practitioners. The remaining four disciples are all in the Tendon Refining stage, so we cant offer many more." "My father is not here, and I am standing in as the hall master. My sixth junior sister is still too weak, and my third junior brother has to handle daily tasks for the hall..." Because of the Zhen Shen Yu Kong map, Han had already advanced to the Vital Organs stage, which remained a secret. "Lord Zuo, our Taibai Hall will send one Vital Organs practitioner and two Tendon Refining practitioners to join the Heiyun Guards. How does that sound?" "..." It seemed underwhelming compared to the other martial halls. But Zuo Tianzheng didnt criticize them, as the situation of Taibai Hall was clear to all. Having three Vital Organs practitioners already contributed enough, and Bai Ruoyue had made it clear that as the acting hall master, she couldnt send the full force of her hall. "Then, what about this Black Mountain genius?" Zuo Tianzheng turned his attention to Han. Bai Ruoyue remained silent, leaving it to Han to make the decision. Lu Qingmo suddenly spoke up, "Han is with the Ghost and Divine Affairs Bureau." His implication was clear: hands off, he''s under my protection. Zuo Tianzheng heard this and reluctantly dropped the matter. With personnel from the six factions, along with the local government forces, Zuo Tianzheng immediately had them divided into six teamsfour martial and two Daoist. The martial teams were each led by a Bone Refining practitioner, while the Daoist teams had a Day Wanderer practitioner as their leader. To ease any concerns, each team was composed of personnel from different factions. Afterward, everyone left to select disciples to report to the commander''s residence. "Daoist and martial guardsthis corresponds to the Ghost and Divine Affairs Bureaus," Han commented. "What is Zuo Tianzheng really trying to do?" "He has consulted us about this," Lu Qingmo replied. "What he means is that he''s leveraging the forces of all parties in Heiyun to stabilize the town. The court cannot be the only one providing support." Han shook his head. "If that was his intention, he could have just sent people to temporarily join the Ghost and Divine Affairs Bureaus and the Stabilizing Bureau. It would achieve the same result." Lu Qingmo shrugged, "Let him be. His actions are beneficial to Heiyun Town." "Some minor authority? It''s hardly worth mentioning." What would it matter, holding power in a place like Heiyun Town? Lu Qingmo had no desire for political power. She wouldn''t stay in Heiyun Town forever, anyway. In the end, with power in hand, what could one really do? Unexpectedly, in the afternoon, Zuo Tianzheng issued a public recruitment notice for the Heiyun Guards, inviting cultivators from various counties and districts to join. This raised some eyebrows. Was Zuo Tianzheng so power-hungry? As for the Taibai Martial Arts Hall, it was Shen Long, Su Chang''an, and He Feng who reported to the commander''s residence. "I''m a Bone Refining practitioner from the Wild Blade Martial Hall, under Xie Kuang," Shen Long introduced. "Our team leader is Lin Lufei, a Bone Refining practitioner from the Lin family." Su and He joined another team. "But guess what I heard?" Shen Long asked with a mischievous grin. "Spill it!" Shen Yu urged. "This Zuo Tianzheng seems to have a serious thing for beautiful women," Shen Long said with a wink. "Ive heard that many of the female disciples from Tenglong Martial Hall have been sent to him by Long Tianchong." "And he insists on being served by women in the commander''s residence, even demanding a beauty chair where a woman has to kneel beneath him so he can sit on her." "And at night, he has to have women place his feet in their laps to keep them warm. No coldness, no hard surfacesonly their breasts are allowed to massage his feet." "Also, there''s more..." "Brother, stop!" Shen Yu interrupted. Bai Ruoyue frowned. "How disgusting." "I hope he causes less trouble. I really dont want to see him again." Han couldnt help but feel a tinge of sympathy. Only someone from Yu Jing could act so shamelessly. But, at the same time, he felt a sense of caution. Zuo Tianzheng seemed to be a man driven by desires. Nonetheless, Han had to admit that Zuo Tianzheng was quite competent. Over the next few days, under his leadership, Heiyun Town improved significantly. He was decisive in his actions and generous with rewards, winning over many lone cultivators. Having come from Yu Jing and being favored by the emperor, Zuo Tianzheng had some powerful connections, making him highly attractive to cultivators in such a remote place. With Shen Long and the others involved, Han kept an eye on the martial and Daoist guards, staying informed of their tasks. Everything seemed normalno suspicious activities. Zuo Tianzheng didnt summon the factions again. Instead, he worked hard himself, often ignoring his own injuries to help stabilize Heiyun Town. On the surface, he appeared to be a dedicated official, tirelessly working for the towns development. Then one day, all the martial and Daoist guards received the same order from Zuo Tianzheng. The rogue cultivators who had attacked him were now found, and many had already been killed in recent days. Their crimes were too numerous to count, and they had to be captured and executed immediately. However, the most elusive ones had escaped into Black Mountain. Zuo Tianzheng ordered all guards to enter Black Mountain, track down these rogues, and eliminate them to prevent further chaos. To make sure of their success, he generously provided each team with a sensing artifact. If the artifact detected any rogue cultivators, it would immediately respond. Of course, only those below Bone Refining and Day Wanderer would have infiltrated Black Mountain. The mission made perfect sense and no one objected. However, Han still made some preparations for Shen Long and the others, ensuring their safety once they entered Black Mountain. Curious, Han also examined the sensing artifacts provided to them. The artifacts worked as Zuo Tianzheng claimed, but Han couldnt quite understand how they detected the rogues. There were no specific clues in the artifact to indicate how it sensed evil cultivators. Was it designed specifically for them? Watching Shen Long and the others leave, Han remained calm. Zhang Yuantao approached and said, "Those evil cultivators dared to linger near Heiyun Town after attacking an imperial envoy. They must be incredibly bold." Han shook his head. "Who knows? Theyre evil cultivators. Their reasoning is always hard to understand." Zhang Yuantao continued, "Zuo Tianzheng really cares about Black Mountain." Han agreed with that assessment. Was it all just an imperial task? Chapter 186: The Realm of Impermanence and Yama On the night the Black Cloud Guard entered Black Mountain "This matter has also been reported to the Ghost and Spirit Division. It was Zuo Tianzheng who discovered the lead. Besides the Black Cloud Guard, he borrowed manpower from both the Ghost and Spirit Division and the Dingwu Division to search the Black Mountain for demons." Lu Qingmo said, "According to Zuo Tianzheng, those demons are injured and not too difficult to handle." "You need not worry. To have entered Black Mountain, they must be at least in the Bone Refining stage," she continued. "Did Zuo Tianzheng borrow manpower from the other divisions as well?" Han asked, quite surprised. "Then doesn''t that leave Black Cloud Town understaffed?" "Zuo Tianzheng has been working hard these past few days. Black Cloud Town has been much quieter, and there arent as many issues as before. Even with fewer people, there should be no problem in the next few days." The combined forces of the Black Cloud Guard, made up of members from various factions, along with the recruited rogue cultivators, and Zuo Tianzheng, a peak Bone Refining cultivator, have proven quite effective. But the very next evening, someone rushed to report to the Ghost and Spirit Division. A hundred miles southwest of Black Cloud Town, a desolate mountain range had turned into a ghostly haunt. The man was a newcomer to Black Cloud Town, just passing by when he spotted the eerie scene from afar and immediately ran back to report. Based on his description, the situation was deemed urgent, and it was quickly escalated to Lu Qingmo. Soon, Lu Qingmos soul emerged from the Peach Grove, with Han accompanying her. In no time, the so-called desolate mountain range was in sight. Hans expression shifted. The area was engulfed in a thick, malevolent aura. The trees and earth had changed in nature, and ghostly flames burned in the air, casting a sinister atmosphere. Dark clouds hung in the sky, spewing fire. Graves had been overturned, and bones littered the groundboth from the dead and the living, carelessly scattered. Faint, ghostly figures wandered through the haunted grounds, their shadows endless, as if stepping into the underworld itself. In some corners of the wild, small flags with carved faces of impermanence and grim spirits fluttered in the wind. At the highest point of the mountain stood a massive flag, waving in the wind. Beneath it sat three figures, cloaked in black robes, their identities obscured. Thin, ethereal mist seeped out from the flag, adding to the eerie atmosphere. Atop the highest peak, the space itself seemed to tear open, a crack slowly widening. It was as if this forsaken land was isolated from the world, a mere step away from the realm of the dead. Lu Qingmos expression darkened as she recognized the area and muttered a few words. "The Realm of Impermanence and Yama." "Its the people of the Hall of Impermanence," she added. Their arrival had not gone unnoticed. The three figures in the ghostly realm seemed aware of their presence. A raspy voice echoed from beneath the largest flag, and the figure in the center spoke. "Xuandu Sect, Lu Qingmo?" "To think youve found the Yin-Ming Rift," Lu Qingmo said, observing the ghostly realm carefully, trying to gather more information. "Ha ha ha." The person laughed loudly. "Fate has smiled upon us. Just as we were preparing to leave, we encountered this Yin-Ming Rift. We have already stabilized it. The Realm of Impermanence and Yama is nearly complete. Youve arrived just a little too late." Lu Qingmo did not respond, but she remained calm and cautious. This Realm of Impermanence was no ordinary place. It couldnt be recklessly approached; the key was to find certain nodes before taking action. Han, who didnt fully understand the workings of the Realm of Impermanence, stayed silent but remained on high alert. "Leave, Lu Qingmo," the figure in black robes said, his voice uncertain. "With your strength alone, you cannot stop us." "Fifteen years ago, when you barely escaped from our halls Ghost Elder, you were lucky to survive. If you meddle again, once the Realm of Impermanence is complete, you wont be able to leave." Han couldnt help but glance at Lu Qingmo, who wore a frosty expression. Reading on this site? This novel is published elsewhere. Support the author by seeking out the original. "Had that old dog not run so fast back then, he would have died by my hand." "Ha ha ha, indeed formidable. But these fifteen years havent been kind to you, have they?" "Back then, you didnt die, but now, after all these years, a once-promising disciple of Xuandu Sect hasnt even broken through a single realm. Tsk, tsk." At that moment, Lu Qingmos voice echoed in Hans mind. "This is the Realm of Impermanence and Yama, a technique from the Hall of Impermanence. By seeking Yin-Ming Rifts, they use the power of impermanence to expand them, eventually bringing the underworld into this world. Cultivators of the Hall of Impermanence can then use this opportunity to receive gifts from the underworld to enhance their cultivation." "Eventually, formidable evil spirits will descend. Within a hundred miles, the area will become a ghostly domain, and it will expand with the rift." Han was shocked. It was indeed a sinister technique. Whether or not the passage opened by the Realm of Impermanence was truly a gateway to the underworld, its terrifying consequences were undeniable. "Those three cultivators from the Hall of Impermanence, the one in the center is mine to deal with. The ones on either side should be at the Day Tour stage." Han quickly responded, "Leave them to me." Though their souls had left their bodies, their physical forms were still in the Peach Grove. Though no one was guarding the Peach Grove, Lu Qingmo had assured him that it was safe. Even a Bone Refining cultivator wouldnt be able to break through quickly. Lu Qingmo often left her soul to travel when needed, so if the Peach Grove were unsafe, she wouldnt take such risks. Lu Qingmo spoke again. "When the time comes, you must first pull the Impermanence Flags out from behind the three and plant them in three specific locations. Ive already calculated the positions for you. They are..." "Then, destroy all the smaller flags in the proper order. First the main flag, then the sub-flags." "Only then can we reverse the Realm of Impermanence and make the Yin-Ming Rift disappear." "Be careful." "Aunt Mo, you too." With a wave of her hand, Lu Qingmo tore a hole through the barrier separating the ghostly realm from the mortal world. Before she could step through, the figure in the center of the largest flag stepped forward. "Stubborn fools." He sneered and immediately attacked Lu Qingmo. "Do you think you can stop the formation of the Realm of Impermanence with just yourself? A foolish dream!" Han, preparing to face the challenge, was soon thrust into the ghostly realm. "Ha," the figure laughed scornfully. "You actually expect an insignificant Night Tour cultivator to stop the Realm of Impermanence." He had never considered Han a threat. A mere Night Tour cultivator could do nothing against the power of the Realm of Impermanence. As soon as Han entered the ghostly domain, he was greeted by a terrifying sight. All around him were vicious ghosts, roaming the mountain range, and as soon as they spotted him, they rushed at him, eager to devour him. "Childs play." With a powerful strike, a mighty handprint drove the ghosts back, preventing them from advancing any further. The overwhelming presence of righteousness restrained these evil spirits. Though Han hadnt reached full cultivation, he had gathered enough power to repel these evil spirits. On the mountaintop, the two Unchanging Hall cultivators paused, their eyes narrowing. "The Daoist arts of the Sacred Academy." "Impressive, indeed." One of the figures, cloaked in black, stood up and levitated through the air. "A mere insect from the Night Roaming Realm, you..." Before he could finish, Han swiftly sent forth a massive palm strike. "Boom!" The demonic aura dissipated, and all evil forces retreated in fear. As the black robe was torn aside, Han''s heart skipped a beat. He had initially thought this was a cultivator, but underneath the robe was a ghost! This ghost was clearly no one''s summoned spirit, but rather a free-roaming soul. The Unchanging Hall employed ghosts as its servants. However, because of its ghostly nature, the mighty Great Hand Seal, a force of pure righteousness, restrained it significantly. Seizing the opportunity, Han launched another attack. The overwhelming power of his soul caused the nearby malevolent spirits to tremble in fear. "Such power!" The last remaining figure atop the mountain narrowed his eyes and quickly formed hand seals to assist his ghostly comrade. In the Unchanging Yama Realm, someone needed to oversee its operations. With the departure of the other two, he could not act recklessly. Endless malicious spirits, their numbers staggering, wailed and shrieked, shaking the very fabric of the soul. Then, the vast horde of evil spirits, unafraid of the pressure, surged towards Han, their fear long gone, fully controlled by the Unchanging Hall cultivators. Faint gray light emanated from the various flags, casting a shadow upon the spirits and enhancing them. Even the Unchanging Hall''s ghostly servant was affected, its presence growing stronger. This was the Breath of the Underworld, a power suited perfectly for ghosts. The Unchanging Yama Realm itself was a ghost''s domain. "You from the Night Roaming Realm possess such power; your soul must taste exquisite," the ghost screeched. "I can hardly wait to savor your soul!" It charged at Han, with thousands of ghostly mouths appearing on either side, devouring the heavens and earth. Together with the overwhelming horde of spirits, the scene was truly terrifying. But Han stood undeterred, chanting an incantation. "Boom!" A blinding golden light erupted, dazzling to the point where it was impossible to open one''s eyes, filled with an aura of sanctity. Han''s entire soul transformed into a brilliant golden beacon. Shining like the sun! No, it was the Golden Light Han! The underworld energy and dark forces dissipated, and the evil spirits near Han were extinguished with mournful wails. This was the Golden Light Spell, fueled by two Golden Light Fruits, bringing Han to a minor level of mastery! "What kind of Daoist art is this!" The Unchanging Hall ghost hesitated, sensing an overwhelming sense of danger as its ghostly techniques unraveled. "This is a technique that will take your life!" Han shouted, maintaining his golden shield while chanting another spell. "Heaven and Earth, disperse the foul qi... Evil forces vanish, and the Daos energy endures!" A clear, bright light expanded from Hans soul, spreading throughout the entire Unchanging Yama Realm, touching every evil spirit within. The once ferocious spirits, void of intelligence, gradually lost their malevolent aura under the purifying light, their eyes regaining clarity. It wasn''t just the malevolent spiritsthe entire underworld''s energy and corruption were gradually dissipating. This spell not only cleanses spirits but also purifies the world. It was the Cleansing of Heaven and Earth! At the same time, Han secretly activated the Three Lights of Fortune and Spirit Mirror. The light emitted from this artifact was nearly identical to that of the Cleansing of Heaven and Earth spell, making the two forces almost indistinguishable. Under the combined purifying powers, the evil spirits gradually became faint, their ominous presence replaced by spiritual clarity. They bowed to Han before vanishing from the realm, their pure soul essences flowing into Hans body with the cleansing light. But Han couldn''t afford to pay them much attention. With the two divine spells in effect and the Three Lights of Fortune and Spirit Mirror fully activated, an immense wave of purifying power surged towards the ghostly entity of the Unchanging Hall. Its face contorted in rage, the demonic energy surging uncontrollably. "Do you think you can redeem me? Impossible!" "My fate is in my own hands, not the heavens!" In the next moment. "Ah!" With a horrific scream, this evil spirit, on par with one from the Day Roaming Realm, was swiftly sent to the afterlife by Han. Looking around, Han saw that there were no more spirits left in the Unchanging Yama Realm, and the atmosphere itself had become much calmer. The divine spell had shattered the Unchanging Halls forces! Chapter 187: The Reversal of Yama, the Destruction of the Impermanence Exorcising the evil spirits, clearing out the monsters. Looking up, the domain of Yama was gone. "You are dead!" A roar of fury rang out as the final figure in black robes revealed his face, which turned out to be the soul of a cultivator, not a ghost. His eyes were bloodshot, filled with murderous intent, resembling a vicious beast ready to devour its prey. Staring at the transformed Yama''s Impermanence Domain, his rage soared to the heavens. The filth had been swept away, and the vengeful spirits were rebornwhat kind of Yama''s Impermanence Domain was this? When Han unleashed his power of transformation earlier, he sensed something was wrong. He had tried everything to maintain the formation''s operation, but still couldn''t protect the countless spirits in the mountains. Thankfully, the Yin Ming Rift was still intact, and there was still a chance. From the rift, more vengeful spirits crawled out. Could it be that on the other side of this rift was the underworld? Han released Anlang and instructed her to block the Yin Ming Rift, capturing every ghost that emerged. "Hmph, a mere Daytime Realm insect dares to bark here." Han sneered and flew towards the mountaintop. He had already figured out that this person was unable to move while trying to advance the Impermanence of Yama Domain. If that''s the case, it was the perfect opportunity to strike! "" You, a Nighttime Realm cultivator, dare to call me, a Daytime Realm cultivator, an insect? I think you''re the one who''s confused! With a sweeping motion, Han cast the Great Hand Seal, covering the sky and pressing down on the last Impermanence Hall cultivator. But the cultivator did not budge. A magical flag behind him lifted a protective light shield, keeping him safe. "Boom!" The rocks trembled, the trees cracked, but the light shield held firm. "With your incomplete Great Hand Seal, how could you break through the Yama Shield?" The cultivator spoke mockingly and with killing intent. "When the Impermanence Yama Domain is fully formed, it will be your death." Han frowned. No wonder this person seemed so confident; he had another layer of defense. According to him, it seemed the Daytime Realm could never break this defense. Han''s spiritual power surged upwards, and at high altitude, he sensed vast battle waves that were terrifyingly intense, making him hesitate to approach. That was a battle of higher levels. "L Qingmo is a useless person. How could she possibly be a match for a powerful cultivator from the Impermanence Hall?" The voice from inside the Yama Shield mocked loudly. "When the Impermanence Yama Domain is fully formed, the Yama spirits will appear, and you will all die here." "You sure do talk a lot..." Han formed the Yin Earth Fire Seal with his hands. The nameless Yin Fire bypassed the Yama Shield and surged directly towards the soul of the Impermanence Hall cultivator. Yin Earth Fireits power was unpredictable and unstoppable! The nameless Yin Fire ignited instantly on the cultivator, who began to panic, frantically trying to put it out. "The Earth Fire Seal? L Qingmo actually passed this technique to you!" The Yama Shield held firm, but that didnt stop Han from continuing to attack the Impermanence Hall cultivator with the nameless Yin Fire. Though this man was from the Impermanence Hall, he had no means to counter the Earth Fire Seal. Originally, the Yama Shield had protected him, but now it seemed more like a cage that was trapping him. At a certain moment, the Yama Shield vanished, and the cultivator shot into the sky, attempting to escape. Once the Earth Fire Seal was unleashed, he knew he couldn''t win and had no hope of holding on. In just moments, his soul had weakened significantly, and if he didn''t flee, it would be over for him. He tried to escape. But a torrent of golden light, faster than his flight, enveloped him. Golden Light of Exorcism! The vast golden light covered him, even turning the nameless Yin Fire on his body into gold. Han immediately followed, his Peach Wood Sword slicing through the air, followed by another powerful Great Hand Seal descending. This Impermanence Hall cultivator from the Daytime Realm was much stronger than the person from the Three Yin Valley. However, because of the wounds he sustained while ambushing Zuo Tianzheng, he hadnt fully recovered. Now, as he fled in panic, his natural disadvantage became even clearer. Before Han, this insect from the Daytime Realm had only one path leftdefeat. The Yin Fire raged, the Great Hand Seal was mighty. Han poured all his strength into the fight, with no time to waste. "Invoke Impermanence!" Suddenly, the Impermanence Hall cultivator shouted loudly, casting a technique from the Impermanence Hall. Behind him, a terrifying ghostly mouth appeared, filled with sharp teeth. The ghost mouth opened wide and swallowed him whole, sending terrifying sounds of chewing along with the cultivators screams. In an instant, the mouth opened again, spitting him out. His soul was now faint and his aura weak, as though his essence had been severely damaged. But opposite this, the "Mouth of Impermanence" surged with power and howled toward Han, intending to devour him. This content has been misappropriated from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere. As the ghost mouth attacked, the cultivator seized the opportunity and turned to flee. "Where did this little ghost come from? A petty trick!" Han charged forward, his body enveloped in the nameless Yin Fire, now tinged with a rainbow of colors. Then, a faint dragon''s roar was heard, shaking the heavens and earth, shattering all evil. The faint red light rose, cleansing the demonic energy. "Boom!" A violent explosion shook the earth, and if not for the semi-formed Impermanence Yama Domain, the mountaintop would have likely been blown away. Han rushed out of the smoke, directly chasing the Impermanence cultivator. The "Mouth of Impermanence" had already vanished into thin air! Running was just a slow death. Even recklessness was closer to bravery than cowardice! "Ah!" The Yin Fire surged, the Great Hand Seal overwhelmed, and Han went all out, showing no mercy. After a few more moves, the Impermanence Hall cultivator was obliterated. At this point, Han had already killed his third cultivator at or above the Daytime Realm. After slaying this cultivator, Han quickly placed the three main flags and reversed their positioning according to L Qingmo''s instructions. The Impermanence Yama Domain began to show signs of regression. Just as he prepared to destroy the other smaller flags, he noticed Anlangs head peeking into the Yin Ming Rift, looking around curiously, breathing in deeply. Hans face changed. He quickly flew over and pulled Anlang out. "Are you trying to get yourself killed?!" Then, Han realized something was off with Anlang. Her eyes were hazy, her face flushedit was as if she were drunk. "Master...Master..." Master your head! Youre the master here! "Master, I felt something warm on the other side of that rift. The aura drifting out... I just took a few deep breaths, and now I feel so fuzzy." Anlang seemed to be a little sluggish, her mind not fully clear. Han immediately took her into his ghost dwelling. Hed finally trained a capable ghost, and he couldn''t let her fall into the Yin Ming. Then Han quickly went to destroy the other flags. "Boom!" The earth trembled as the Yin Ming Rift on the mountain visibly shrank. The special formation, the Yin Ming ghost energy, and the barrier isolating the outside world gradually faded, relieving the oppressive atmosphere. The sky cleared, the land brightened, and everything returned to normal. The Impermanence Yama Domain was reversing. "Good, good, good!" A frustrated voice sounded from the sky. "I never expected that our plan would be thwarted not by a disciple of the Xuandu Sect, but by a Nighttime Realm insect!" "Boy, you are dead!" The voice rumbled, shaking Hans soul force. This outcome had completely caught the Impermanence Hall cultivator off guard. They had dared to execute this plan despite knowing L Qingmo''s existence, believing that Black Cloud Towns defenses had weakened. They thought they would not be immediately discovered. When they were finally found out, they believed they could stop L Qingmo and complete the Impermanence Yama Domain before anyone could intervene. Who would have thought L Qingmo would bring along a Nighttime Realm cultivator? What were you doing together at this hour?! Han gave the sky the middle finger, mouthing two words silently. "Hmph, you''re asking for death!" A massive force descended from the sky, only to be blocked by L Qingmo. "L Qingmo, I didnt expect you to cultivate such a genius here in Black Cloud Town." "You even passed him the Earth Fire Seal. Seeing how fair and handsome he is, he couldnt be your lover, could he?" "I never imagined that the once-promising talent of Xuandu Temple would end up nurturing a pretty boy in this desolate landan old bull eating tender grass, how elegant." Han''s anger flared as he heard the remark. It was utter nonsense. There was absolutely nothing of the sort! With a resounding wave of energy, another force erupted. "When the Mountain God dies, we will meet again," came a voice. A streak of light shot off into the distance. "By then, I hope you..." "Boom!" Suddenly, the heavens roared with thunder. Han''s soul trembled, a deep sense of dread gripping him, making him wish he could immediately bury himself underground. There were many things that could restrain the soul, but thunder was the most formidable enemy. Even the vast energy of righteous qi could not compare. "Ah!" A sharp, agonizing scream rang out. "Heavenly Thunder..." Before the words were finished, a wisp of green smoke rose, and everything vanishedcompletely disintegrated, the soul scattered beyond recognition. It took a while for the feeling of heart-stopping anxiety to dissipate. Lu Qingmo descended from the sky, her face slightly pale. "Aunt Mo, are you alright?" Lu Qingmo shook her head. "I''m fine, just a bit exhausted." "That person must have held some rank in the Impermanence Temple, his methods weren''t weak." But in the end, he had died by Lu Qingmo''s hand, unable to escape. The thunder of the heavens swept away all. "You did well," Lu Qingmo complimented. "Two demons at the Sun-Realm level have been eliminated, and the Impermanence Yanluo domain has been reversed. This is a great achievement." The rift to the Underworld, at this moment, had completely vanished. The once ghostly mountain range was now restored to its normal state. In fact, thanks to Han''s divine curse, the place had become eerily "clean." Looking at the graves scattered across the mountain, Han remarked, "This is probably a graveyard." "Most likely," Lu Qingmo responded, carefully inspecting the area to ensure no lingering threats remained. "Let''s go. We''ll head back first." The two soared through the skies toward Hei Yun Town, but along the way, Han suddenly spoke up. "Aunt Mo, Im flying so slowly, can you take me with you?" "But..." Lu Qingmo started to speak, only to feel a warmth in her hand. She looked down to see Han gripping her hand, gazing at her with hopeful eyes. "Aunt Mo, please take me with you." Lu Qingmos chest heaved in response, her breath catching. She tried to pull her hand away, but Hans grip was unyieldingan expression on his face that said if she wanted to break free, she might as well tear off his arm too. Such a shameless fellow. "Swoosh!" Suddenly, her speed increased dramatically. "Ahhh~!" Han screamed in terror. "Aunt Mo, slow down, slow down! Its too fast! I can''t handle itIm going to fly out of control!" As they neared Hei Yun Town, Lu Qingmo concealed Han''s presence, ensuring no one would see him. It wasnt that they had done something in the sky that needed to be hidden, but it was a protective gesture for Han. At the Taibai Martial Arts Hall, Bai Ruoyue instinctively looked up. "Eh? Why do I feel so strange all of a sudden?" She touched her head, feeling confused. Back in the peach grove, Han immediately turned to Lu Qingmo. "Aunt Mo, I feel... a bit full." "..." "Youve got quite a bit of energy in your soul," she noted. "Yes, that''s the power I was talking about," Han nodded. "Ill take care of it for now." As Han began his cultivation, Lu Qingmo stood with one hand behind her back, a slight smile forming on her lips. What a thick-skinned guy. But... Lu Qingmo couldn''t help but recall Han''s performance during the battle in the Impermanence Yanluo domain. Even as she fought with the monks from Impermanence Temple in the sky, she had kept an eye on the situation below. After all, whether or not the Impermanence Yanluo domain could fully materialize was the key to everything. The combination of a powerful defense and attack techniquegolden light spellsand a transcendental, calming method was extremely impressive. From the aura it gave off, it was clear these techniques were anything but ordinary. Their level was probably quite high. Lu Qingmo didnt remember teaching Han these two techniques; in fact, she hadnt learned them herself. How could she have taught him something she didnt know? Not to mention, she didnt recall when Han had acquired these techniques. And those things left behind after the demons had been purified... As she thought, Lu Qingmo fell into a trance, before finally sighing. What a mysterious manhe intrigued her, and she couldnt help but be drawn into his mystery. She adjusted her breathing before leaving the peach grove. She had to head to the Ghost God Office to handle the follow-up matters. It was not good news that such a powerful force was lingering in the Hei Yun region after the demons who killed Zuo Tianzheng had been slain. This needed to be treated with the utmost care. Meanwhile, Han continued his meditation, gradually refining the pure soul energy he had accumulated. While the majority of the ghosts scattered across the mountain were weak and offered minimal assistance, there were a few with substantial power, not to mention the one comparable to a Sun-Realm demon. The results from purifying the worlds souls were quite rewarding for Han. Refining the pure soul energy was a breeze, leaving Han with plenty of time to consider other matters. "The Golden Light Charm at its small completion stage is indeed powerfulcapable of protecting the body and dispelling demons. Its strength would never have reached this level had I only mastered the entry stage." "The Pure Heaven Divine Charm didnt elevate to small completion like the second Dao Fruit, but after months of cultivation, it has made significant progress. When paired with the Three Lights Blessed Spirit Realm, even Sun-Realm demons couldnt withstand its transformative power." Han was quite satisfied with the power of these two divine charms. He had seldom used them in past battles, not because he forgot about them, but because there hadnt been a need. Previously, the spirit opponents he faced could easily be dealt with by other meanslike the Vast Handprint or the Earth Fire Seal, both of which were powerful techniques sufficient for most enemies. But different enemies and environments called for different responses. This time, in the ghostly realm, surrounded by vengeful spirits, these two divine charms were the perfect fit. They did not disappoint, sweeping through the enemies with the force of autumn winds, sending all demons and spirits to face the King of Hell. Truly deserving of the title "Divine Charm." As for Lu Qingmo witnessing all of this, Han was not the least bit concerned. He was ready to give Aunt Mo everythingno secrets left. Come, dont hold back. Chapter 188: The Past of Lu Qingmo Han glanced at the snail and shook his head. Honestly, sending a snail message wasnt anything covert. Why would anyone be so nervous about being caught? He recognized the womans voice from earlier. It was someone he had met beforeone of the deputy directors of the Ghost Spirit Bureau, a Day Wanderer expert, who had been trained by Lu Qingmo herself. The deputy director had lingered after reporting the situation, reluctant to leave. Anything else? Lu Qingmo raised an eyebrow. She hesitated for a moment before saying, The situation is nearly over here. Ill take care of things. You go back and rest, dont keep your family waiting. If two people dont have a proper night life, their relationship could hit a rough patch. ... What was she saying? Under Lu Qingmos intense gaze, the deputy director could no longer hold her ground and retreated. I didnt hear anything about the director having a partner, she muttered to herself. So theyve reached the point of sharing a night together, huh? Lu Qingmo sure is secretive about her affairs. I wonder what kind of person that is The deputy director was quite curious about the man who had progressed so far with Lu Qingmo. She couldnt imagine the usually cold Lu Qingmo reaching such a stage. Lu Qingmo gently rubbed her forehead, knowing her subordinate must have misunderstood. But luckily, her subordinate was tight-lipped. She knew what should and shouldnt be said. She and Han there was no such thing going on. No, waitthere wasnt anything between her and Han, to begin with. Everything was open and aboveboard. Straightforward and pure! A clear conscience means no fear of shadows! When Lu Qingmo returned, Han was still in high spirits. The higher ones cultivation, the more energetic they became, especially for cultivators. They practiced immortality. Youve completed the Night Wanderer realm? Lu Qingmo immediately noticed, as Han was still in the Out-of-Body posture. Yes, a little progress, Han replied. Lu Qingmo couldnt help but marvel, Your cultivation speed is truly astonishing. After counting the months, Han had only been cultivating for a little over three months and was already about to enter the fourth soul realm. Yun Duo had been cultivating for two and a half years, and she was still at the Night Wanderer realm. Clearly, Han was no ordinary person. Lu Qingmo thought for a moment and could understand why Han was progressing so quickly. That one technique, which could be used alongside both the Visualization Chart and the Taiyin Spirit Refining method, brought results that were nearly equivalent to having a days worth of practice in just half the time. Then, there was the mysterious Moon Seal that gathered moonlight, summoning the Moon Demon to offer up its essence willingly. With all these advantages, two months of training could easily compare to others four months of work. A slow breakthrough would have been more surprising. Once the sun rises, youll be able to refine sunlight and start advancing to the Day Wanderer realm. Later, Ill tell you about some key cultivation methods. Thats already the level of a deputy director in the Ghost Spirit Bureau. Youre growing quicklywithin a few years, you might surpass me. Lu Qingmo had a suspicion that Hans recent breakthrough was linked to the power hed obtained after transcending the ghosts on the mountain. Youre still far from catching up to Aunt Mo, Han humbly replied. Seeing that Lu Qingmo didnt ask about some matters, Han decided to speak up himself. Aunt Mo, arent you curious about the Taoist techniques I used in the Impermanence Yama domain? Lu Qingmo said, You must have awakened them during your cultivation, right? Well, since she had already said it, Han couldnt offer any other response. After staying at the Ghost Spirit Bureau, Lu Qingmo thought carefully. It wasnt a technique she had passed on, and Han had no access to other learning channels. The only possibility was that he had awakened the technique himself. This content has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere. She was used to this. It wasnt the first time Han had awakened a technique. Nothing to be surprised about. If Bai Ruoyue were to awaken a martial art technique, that would be shocking. But its impossible. Ive seen her grow up; I know her limits. Could she suddenly awaken martial powers? Not likely. Its true. I suddenly gained control of that technique, Han answered honestly. But since its happened so many times before, I didnt think it was a big deal, so I never mentioned it. Lu Qingmo nodded, unfazed by the explanation. She had heard it all before. She had long grown accustomed to Hans extraordinary nature. Aunt Mo, you I What do you want to ask? Hans soul returned to his body as he asked, So, what happened fifteen years ago, according to those from Impermanence Hall? "Why do they say your cultivation has stagnated? What happened to you?" Lu Qingmo remained silent, her gaze shifting, and then she nodded. "They''re right. My cultivation has indeed come to a standstill. I suffered an accident years ago, and that''s how I ended up this way." "You should know by now that I''m in the Manifestation Realm." "Yes," Han nodded. The waves from the recent battle in the sky were terrifying, enough to make him hesitant to probe further. It was clear that the power behind it was far beyond what a typical Daytime Immortal could unleash. "I reached the Manifestation Realm fifteen years ago. And here I am, still stuck at the same level." "I haven''t progressed even a single step, and breaking through is something that feels out of reach for me now." Her words carried a hint of melancholy. Having entered the Xuandu Sect and gained the rare Thunderfire Seal, she was undoubtedly a prodigy. But for a genius like her, to stagnate for fifteen years, trapped in one realm, was an unbearable torment. "Is this because of that old man from the Hall of Impermanence?" Han pressed further. "Yes, it''s because of him." Lu Qingmo''s eyes darkened with a tinge of recollection. "Before the incident, I wasn''t the brightest disciple of the Xuandu Sect, but I did have some talent." "I was also fortunate enough to obtain the Thunderfire Seal, a rare and powerful technique. The entire Xuandu Sect saw great potential in me, believing I could become a strong protector of the sect in the future." Han understood. She was clearly being modest. She must have been one of the top disciples, second only to the very best. Such opportunities, like the Thunderfire Seal, couldn''t be grasped without solid strength. "As I gained the Sect''s favor, I also became a target for their enemies. Too many tried to eliminate me, to destroy me." Lu Qingmo continued, "Especially since I had always been ruthless toward the dark sects, loathing them with all my being. Any evil practitioner I encountered, I killed without hesitation, which only made the dark sects despise me even more." Han agreed, "Dark forces and evil practitioners deserve to be eradicated. You were just doing the right thing, Aunt Mo." "No," Lu Qingmo''s tone hardened, "I hate them because I have a deep personal grudge against them." Her voice, though calm, betrayed a powerful surge of emotions beneath the surface. "When I was six, my parents were killed by evil cultivators, used as sacrifices to practice dark arts. If my master hadn''t happened to pass by and killed the dark cultivators, I would have been dead long ago." "I''ve never forgotten that day, that scene. That''s why, as I grew stronger, I became more determined to eradicate all dark practitioners. Among my peers, I was the most extreme in my views." Han fell silent. He had no idea that Lu Qingmo had such a tragic past. To witness her parents'' death at the hands of dark cultivators at such a young agesuch a traumatic experience would likely haunt her for the rest of her life. "Then, fifteen years, seven months, and three days ago, I encountered a day I will never forget." "As a Manifestation Realm cultivator, I traveled to Jiaozhou and met an elder from the Hall of Impermanencean elder in the Ghost Realm." "He attacked me. The Ghost Realm is incredibly strong. It is a realm where gods are born, and I was no match for him. To protect myself, I resorted to a forbidden technique." "I exchanged my future for power in the present. I drove the Ghost Realm elder back, even nearly killed him, but in the process, I fell victim to his method." "It was a poison, a unique poison from the Hall of Impermanence that targets the soul." Lu Qingmo''s hand trembled as she spoke. "Those poisoned by it will experience the agony of being devoured by ten thousand ghosts, and their essence will be tainted by the power of the Underworld. They will never be able to reach the Ghost Realm in their lifetime." "Human essence, the power of the Underworld, the conflict of Yin and Yangeverything about the soul is in chaos, and the path to cultivation is severed." Han''s heart sank. The agony of being devoured by ten thousand ghosts... to never break through... He could only imagine the torment and suffering Lu Qingmo had endured. No wonder she said the Hall of Impermanence was her mortal enemy. With both the personal grudge of seeing her parents murdered by dark cultivators and the deep enmity of having her path to cultivation severed, this vendetta would likely never end, lingering eternally. The Hall of Impermanence, and the Ghost Realm elder... Han burned with an unquenchable rage, silently vowing to bring an end to this dark chapter. He reached out and gently held Lu Qingmo''s hand, offering some comfort. "I went to a large sect in Jiaozhou to recover, and after that, I returned to the Xuandu Sect, escorted by my fellow disciples." "But the sect leaders couldn''t help me. The combination of the forbidden technique and the poison from the Hall of Impermanence had completely severed my path." Lu Qingmo sighed. "Even the Sect Master tried to help. He was able to alleviate some of the poisons effects and spared me from the agony of the ten thousand ghosts, but he couldn''t do more." "The Sect Master couldn''t save me, which means my path is truly closed." The Xuandu Sects brightest disciple, ruined by dark forces. After the incident, the entire Xuandu Sect mourned and was filled with anger and hatred. But the Hall of Impermanence was a mysterious sect. No one knew where they were located, and their disciples came and went like ghosts, making it impossible to take revenge. This was a sect that had survived for hundreds, even thousands of years. Its ability to conceal itself was unmatched. Otherwise, it would have been eradicated long ago. Throughout history, any evil sect whose location was exposed had been destroyed immediately. Those that remained were the strongest of their kind. "After my path was severed, I tried to keep training for a while, but the results were minimal. Eventually, for various reasons, I chose to leave the Xuandu Sect and came to Black Cloud Town, where Ive been living ever since, while taking care of Ruoyue." "If I were still the shining genius of Xuandu, I would be conquering the world now, not stuck here." "Fifteen years... that''s more than enough time for me to have reached a higher realm. But since there''s no future left, it doesn''t matter where I am." Han squeezed Lu Qingmo''s hand, and she didn''t pull away. "Aunt Mo, is the Ghost Realm elder from the Hall of Impermanence still alive?" "Yes, he''s still alive. Not long ago, I contacted my junior disciple because of something involving the Gao family. He told me that the old ghost had been seen in South Jin five years ago." "He''s still in the Ghost Realm. He survived, so it wouldn''t be hard for him to recover from his injuries." "I will bring his head back to you, I swear." Han''s voice was firm, his promise resolute. Lu Qingmo gazed at Han, her eyes softening. "Your determination is all I need, but the Ghost Realm cultivators are not ordinary beings. Their strength is terrifying. If you encounter one before you have grown strong enough, you must flee." "Ghost Realm cultivators are called ''Honored Ones.'' Their souls undergo a fundamental transformation. They are no longer ghosts but gods." "The minimum requirement for reaching the realm of a god is to enter the Ghost Realm." "Even a prodigy fighting above their level will meet their end in the face of a Ghost Realm cultivator. At that level, the possibility of defeating them is nearly nonexistent. You must never underestimate them." Lu Qingmo''s warning was grave, her tone serious as she spoke to Han. The path of the souleach realm, each breakthrough, brought an overwhelming transformation that was almost impossible to understand. Chapter 189: The God of Pure Yang, the Souls Journey in the Sun! The realm of the soul, whether it''s the initial out-of-body stage where one refines their vital energy, the "Day Journey" stage where one masters the power of the sun to cleanse negative energies, or the "Sacred Manifestation" where the soul takes on a form similar to the physical body, all these stages involve practitioners whose souls are essentially still "yin"the souls of the departed. However, if one can surpass Sacred Manifestation and reach the realm of the "Yin God," the transformation becomes completely different. In this state, the soul transcends mortality, shedding its mundane nature and acquiring a divine essence. The Yin God is born anew, with a divine presence both inside and outside, as ethereal and illusory as a dream. "Yin God practitioners are revered as ''Masters'' in the world, with high status," said Lu Qingmo. "In powers like the Xuandu Sect, a Yin God Master can also serve as an Elder, and many ancient teachings are ruled by the Yin God." "In the Ghost and Spirit Department across the Great Qi, a Yin God Master can hold the title of Regional Manager, overseeing a province''s affairs, making them one of the most powerful officials in the land." "It is at this stage that the strength dynamic between cultivators and martial artists completely shifts." "A Day Journey cultivator can begin to fight against martial artists, and a Sacred Manifestation cultivator is nearly on par with a martial artist. But once one steps into the realm of the Yin God, most cultivators surpass martial artists of the same level." "The Black Mountain God, upon ascending to godhood, was at this stage." "Those who reach this level are often rare prodigies, capable of defeating opponents of higher rank." Han listened attentively, showing no disrespect. However, his determination remained unchanged. "Regardless of how powerful the Yin God Masters are, the Ghost Elder of the Wuchang Hall will die by my hand!" Han declared, his voice resolute. "Even if he breaks through and ascends to a higher realm, I swear to kill him." Han''s words were firm, as if his resolve alone could bend the very air around him. If the Drift Bottle, this "life cheat," could capture the desires of its master, his wish would surely fill the bottle by now. So far, the demonic cultivators he''d encountered were nothing but evil, deserving of death. The Ghost Elder''s cruel deeds only added to the fire of his vengeance. "Anyone who dares to harm me..." Hans voice echoed with cold wrath. "A former Buddha once said: ''You have already chosen your path to death.''" "I believe that day will come," Lu Qingmo said seriously, not dismissing Han''s words. She merely wished for him to be cautious, but she recognized his talent. Her own path might have been severed, but Han was like the rising sun, a future full of promise. While she might remain stuck in Sacred Manifestation for life, watching Han grow further and further away, she believed that even if he couldn''t ascend to immortality, he could at least reach the Yellow Springs or the Blue Skies. In a hundred years, she would be nothing more than a pile of dust, while Han would remain at the peak of his life, lighting the world. Lu Qingmo sighed inwardly at this thought. Eventually, they would part ways, each living in different worlds. It wasnt that Han couldn''t catch up to her, but rather that she couldn''t catch up to him. Han, still contemplating, asked a question that had been lingering in his mind. "Aunt Mo, why haven''t you returned to the Xuandu Sect in fifteen years?" "I don''t want to go back," Lu Qingmo shook her head. "Staying in the sect, dealing with all kinds of people every day... Its draining. Everything has changed." Han understood now. After an esteemed prodigy like her had fallen from grace, the attitudes of some people must have changed, and the reality of the world was harsh. The phrase "people come and go" didn''t quite fit, but it seemed to apply to her situation. Xiao Qingwan was a prime example. Han then recalled another point. "Aunt Mo, has the Heavenly Thunder Fire Seal technique caused you any trouble?" "I once considered offering it to the Sect Master, but he refused. He said that this technique was something I acquired on my own, and I can pass it on to whoever I choose." Lu Qingmo responded indifferently, "With the Sect Master''s words, no one can force me. Unless I willingly pass it on, no one can get it." Han was silent. While her words seemed reassuring, the truth was probably far from it. The Sect Master, an immortal being, might not care about this technique, but the members of the Xuandu Sect surely did. There were likely many dirty dealings surrounding this technique and other things Lu Qingmo had that Han could hardly imagine. Lu Qingmo once thought about passing the technique on, but after certain events, her heart grew cold, and she never entertained the idea again. Han now began to understand why Lu Qingmo had distanced herself from Yujing. "Dont you want to visit your master?" Han asked. "Shes been in seclusion for eighteen years," Lu Qingmo replied, shaking her head. "Eighteen years without a word. I wanted to pass the Heavenly Thunder Fire Seal to her, but I couldnt." "Eighteen years?" Han was shocked. "That''s practically the length of your Master''s life. What kind of cultivation is she doing? Has she become an immortal?" "She is indeed formidable," Lu Qingmo said, her eyes meeting Hans with a slight smile. Royal Road is the home of this novel. Visit there to read the original and support the author. "Your master is truly amazing." Han looked at her, still in awe. "Aunt Mo, what will happen when you return to Xuandu Sect?" "No worries. The remaining opportunity to pass on the technique is reserved for my master. No one can argue with that. As a disciple, its my duty to honor her," Lu Qingmo said with a smile. "You dont need to worry about me. I cant progress any further, but my current strength ensures that no one in the Xuandu Sect can threaten me." The Sacred Manifestation stage provides protection everywhere, and experts above it are rare. Even though Lu Qingmos path was severed, her strength was still formidable. "Now, your breakthrough is the most important thing," Lu Qingmo said, pulling her hand away from Hans grasp. "You dont want to let go, do you?" "With your soul''s foundation, refining the sunlight will be easy. You already have the incense needed for your breakthrough." Lu Qingmo slowly continued, "You just need to repeatedly refine the sunlight, allowing your soul to adapt and undergo transformation. Once that happens, you''ll have successfully broken through to the Day Journey." Because the energy of sunlight is entirely opposite to the nature of the soul, the process of advancing to Day Journey requires time. Just as An Lang once refined sunlight with the help of protective charms, Han would need several attempts to refine the sun''s energy. However, with his unique talent, he would likely break through within a single day. "The first time you refine the suns power, it will feel scorching. The pain is normal," Lu Qingmo warned. "But if, during your breakthrough, you feel as though your soul is being consumed by flames, you must immediately return to your physical body. Otherwise, your soul will dissipate, indicating that your soul''s foundation isn''t enough to break through." "Of course, with your foundation, such a thing wont happen. You can handle any discomfort easily." Just as the Night Journey stage tested the souls ability to handle the moon''s energy, the Day Journey requires the soul to face the full power of the sun. "Just like the Night Journey, during the Day Journey, your soul will naturally long for the sunlight, and even the great sun itself." "To shed the yin body and transform into yang is the ultimate desire of the soul. This is the final goal of cultivation. Thus, during the Day Journey, your soul''s yearning for the sun will be much stronger than during the Night Journey." Hans heart stirred. "The Yang God?" Lu Qingmo was surprised. "How did you come up with that?" "You mentioned the Yin God earlier, and now youre talking about shedding the yin body... I thought of the Yang God." "Youre quite clever," Lu Qingmo smiled. "You do have a good sense." "..." Couldnt she just let me have one moment of glory? "Aunt Mo, Im sure Ill attract the Sun Demon soon," Han said. After all, if the Energy Demon and Moon Demon came, it would only make sense for the Sun Demon to show up as well. And with all three demons coming, they would likely attempt to divide and conquer Han. The Moon Demon, though, was no threat. He treated Han like a son, constantly giving him gifts. But if both the Energy Demon and the Sun Demon arrived, Han would have to rely on his own power to resolve the situation. "I think you have a way to deal with these heavenly demons. The Sun Demon shouldn''t be able to hurt you," Lu Qingmo said confidently. Han immediately grew anxious. "Aunt Mo, the Day Demons are the kind of threat that only those in the Day Wanderer realm face. Im afraid Im not strong enough to deal with them aloneyou have to help me!" You cant just stand by, can you? Lu Qingmo didnt say anything, merely looking at Han. No one falls in the same spot twice. And even if they do, there will never be a third time. The incidents with the Vital Qi Demon and the Moon Demon had already taught Lu Qingmo a lesson. If I intervene now, I might not be helping you subdue the Day DemonsI might end up subduing myself But should I really leave him to handle it alone? Ive heard from the elders in the sect about these Day Demons, Lu Qingmo said after a pause. "Once summoned, a cultivator is essentially trapped in a blazing hell, experiencing extreme torment. They are far more difficult to deal with and more vicious than the Vital Qi Demon or the Moon Demon, and Lu Qingmo continued, carefully explaining the key steps for Han to break through to the Day Wanderer realm, leaving no room for confusion, ensuring he would succeed. When the explanation ended, the night was still dark. Han pulled An Lang out from the Ghost Dwelling. An Lang still appeared drowsy, but at least her ghostly face had returned to its normal color. "Aunt Mo, An Lang spent some time near the Yin-Ming Rift and came out like thisits as if she drank fake wine," Han said. "Im awake," An Lang replied weakly. "Right, right..." "Seems like she absorbed some ghostly aura," Han added. An Lang confirmed, Yes, some of it drifted out of the rift. I didnt absorb it, but it still entered my body on its own. Lu Qingmo speculated, "This might be because of An Langs unique condition. The Yin-Yang Stone has altered her ghostly form, and now she wields the power of the Yellow Springs." "So, does that mean its harmful?" Han asked. "No harm at all, Young Master," An Lang said confidently. "I feel fine. My bodys warm, and theres something flowing inside me. I think I could even fly soon." "...Do ghosts wet the bed too?" "Young Master, stop mocking me!" An Lang glared at him before retreating back into the Ghost Dwelling for more sleep. Lu Qingmo concluded, There shouldnt be any harm. An Lang is...special. Soon, morning came. The first rays of sunlight spread across the sky, and Han''s soul detached from his body, standing beneath the radiant sunlight. The incense, which aided in his breakthrough to Day Wanderer, had already been lit, its smoke rising in delicate curls, creating a protective aura around his soul. An Lang, still groggy, emerged from the Ghost Dwelling, extending her own domain to give Han a second layer of support and protection. Despite how much Young Master squeezes, exploits, and mocks me, I cant help it. Im An Lang, with a beautiful appearance and kind heart, so Ill still help him. With the visualizing diagram in mind, Han focused on the Sun Refining technique, absorbing the sunlight, refining it, and drawing out the power of the sun. Comfort. Warmth. Relaxation Han felt his soul unwind, like sinking into a hot spring. He didnt feel the scorching heat of the sun; instead, he only noticed a slight increase in the temperature of his soul. Rather than discomfort, it made him feel even more at ease. For the first time in a long while, his cold body felt warmth. Unlike typical cultivators, Han didnt experience the usual problems during a breakthrough. Sunlight poured into his body, and the sun''s power gradually filled his soul. This gave Han the sensation that the dark energy within his soul had vanished, transforming his soul into pure yang. Though it was an illusion, it was an illusion that drew him in, impossible to resist. The yearning of a yin soul to shed its dark form was rooted in the essence of the soul. Unlike his indifference to the moon during his Night Wanderer breakthrough, Han now truly felt the pull of the sun in the sky. Fly towards it! If he could just fly up, he would completely shed his dark form and become a sun god! The moment this thought emerged, Han ruthlessly crushed it. Trying to mess with me, huh? Want me to fly up there? You come down here first! He shook off the impulse and rejected the temptation. Ive faced worse temptations before! Such small tricks wont fool me! Although Han didnt shed his dark form, the suns power did help his soul undergo a transformation. Vital Qi, Yin power, Sun power The steps were orderly, each connecting to the nextnone could be omitted. At this moment, it wasnt just the Suns power refining his soul, but also the foundational energy in his soul, triggering a miraculous transformation. Hans soul gleamed with a layer of sunlight, appearing divine. The aura rapidly intensified, bringing with it a feeling of pressure. Suddenly, a strong wind whipped around Han, as his surging soul energy seemed to move the very heavens and earth. Lu Qingmo, standing not far from Han, felt her dress press tightly against her body. Today, she wore a purple gown that seemed to flow with elegance. Now, pressed to her skin, it accentuated her curves, making her look even more captivating. Her figure, with its alluring proportions, created an undeniable magnetism, the patterns of the gown stretching taut over her form. Her slender waist, graceful and enticing, her long legs wrapped tightly in the gown, adding an irresistible allure. Even as she moved, the silhouette of her hips, wrapped in the purple dress, suggested a perfect figuretight and inviting. In this moment, beauty and grace converged. Chapter 190: Promotion to the Seventh Rank, Facing Another Dilemma The sunlight poured down endlessly from the heavens, continuously surging into Han''s body. Ordinary cultivators would typically take several days, or even a month, to slowly refine the sun and complete the breakthrough process, eventually achieving the ability to wander in the daylight. But for Han, this process was continually shortening, even faster than he had anticipated. It was exhilarating, a feeling so intense that it almost felt like flying. However, during this process of refining the sun, Han didn''t slacken for even a moment, remaining vigilant for the possible appearance of the Sun Demon at any time. Hahaha... A strange, eerie laughter suddenly echoed in Han''s ears. The sound seemed to come from everywhere, echoing in every corner of the world. Then, it felt as though invisible beings were entering his body. It was hotunbearably hot! His soul, once in a warm state, suddenly soared in temperature, and the space around him began to burn with heat, distorting in the process. His soul was boiling, and the air around him seemed to bubble as though he were submerged in an oil vat. Intense pain surged through every corner of his body, as though he were being roasted on an open flame, thrown into a furnace for refining. What was even more terrifying was that flames shot out from his eyes, ears, mouth, and nose, his soul exhaling hot steam. Han even felt as though his soul might soon be squeezed out like oil. This was a torment on the soul. Han''s heart grew restless, as all kinds of desires surged forth, disrupting his calm and making it impossible for him to focus on his cultivation. It felt like he was about to explode. Among these desires, one was especially dominant. The Sun Demon, born from the power of the sun, was the essence of yang. In this moment, it was clear which desire would be the strongest. Han began chanting the Golden Light Incantation and other spells to suppress the demon. He opened his eyes and looked toward Lu Qingmo, only to freeze for a moment. The purple-clad figure, tightly wrapped by the hot wind, had an enchanting figure, with curves that were breathtakingly alluring and an impossibly perfect silhouette, which immediately caused his desires to surge even further. His eyes were now gleaming, almost with an "eat someone" intensity, and his face flushed unnaturally. Han silently cursed: Ive been ruined by both beauty and the demon, how did I end up in this state? This is embarrassing. From now on, Ill have nothing to do with demons! Han shook his head gently at Lu Qingmo, signaling her not to act. The Sun Demon was vicious, and the intense power of the sun could trigger ones own yang. If Lu Qingmo got too close, it might backfire. Although Han had always wanted to have a deeper conversation with Aunt Mo, he wasnt the kind of person who would take advantage of an opportunity like this. The last two times were unexpected; there was no choice. The small Golden Light Incantation was indeed powerful. With Hans current strength, it directly suppressed the Sun Demon. The golden light shone brilliantlybright yet not hotand suppressed the Sun Demons fiery domain. The demon seemed to wail in agony, unable to resist the assault of the Golden Light Incantation. At this moment, the space around Han shifted again, and the Yuan Qi Demon and the Moon Demon arrived. With Hans increasing strength, the two demons power also grew. Demons had a notorious reputation even among high-level cultivators. Naturally, they were not limited to only the Out-of-Body or Night-Wandering levels. With three demons residing inside Hans body, they began to interact with each other, even showing signs of fusing into one. To be honest, Han was somewhat curious. He wondered what kind of new demon would emerge if the threeSun, Moon, and Yuan Qimerged into one. But Han would never indulge his curiosity and give the demons a chance to merge and grow stronger. The Moon God Mark faintly glowed, and the Moon Demon immediately turned on the others, while the Yuan Qi Demon remained oblivious to the situation, still attempting to attack Han. But what was the Yuan Qi Demon? Did it have the ability to do anything? Of course not. What was strange, though, was that the Moon God Mark, while not able to concentrate the sun''s power or force the Sun Demon into submission, shone brighter than usual in the face of the Sun Demons rampage. An even more overwhelming power surged forth as though the Moon God Mark was angry. A mere Sun Demon dared to cause trouble? It immediately suppressed the Sun Demon. A cool and tranquil feeling emanated from the Moon God Mark on Han''s forehead, spreading throughout his body, quelling the intense heat and desires brought on by the Sun Demon. If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it. As the power of the Moon God Mark continued to grow, the Sun Demon was completely subdued, unable to resist. It could only submit as Han used the Golden Light Incantation to extract the essence of the sun. Han gained a sudden insight into the situation. Although the Moon and Sun were different, in a certain sense, they were connected. It was perfectly normaland not difficult at allfor a mark from the Moon God to suppress a being that was an offshoot of the sun. This was a fundamental difference, a crushing gap in status. The Moon Demon turned traitor, the Sun Demon was subdued, and the only remaining trouble came from the Yuan Qi Demon. But this one demon was no match for Han. The calamity caused by the three demons was easily resolved. Han breathed a sigh of relief. Even without the Moon God Marks sudden burst of power, he was confident he could handle the Sun Demon and Yuan Qi Demon, especially with his secret trump card yet to be used. But now, it was even better that the problem was solved so easily. Demons, demons, why bother provoking me for no reason? Nearby, Lu Qingmo, who had been standing by and ready to assist, also relaxed. It was best if Han could solve the problem on his own. If she had to step in, she really didnt know how to deal with Hans earlier gaze. Hans cultivation was far from over. As long as the three demons remained, they would keep coming from the void, entering his body to add to the feast. Ah, it must be so satisfying for cultivators to encounter demons. In the Moon Gods core space, deep within the Moon, the Moon God frowned before relaxing. Annoying sun After reaching the peak of his cultivation, Han no longer absorbed sunlight. Ive made it! Han said to Lu Qingmo. Indeed, youve made it. Lu Qingmo nodded, examining Hans state. The sun''s power youve refined this time is substantial. One or two more sessions, and your soul will fully transform, truly advancing to the level of Sun Walking. Your souls endurance is impressive, and your recovery is swift. You should break through today. Hans heart surged with excitement. His soul had already undergone some transformation, and he could feel a massive change. He visited the martial arts hall, finished his training for the day, and then returned to the peach forest. With renewed determination, today would be the day he broke through completely! The temperature in the peach forest had risen significantly by that evening. However, with the presence of certain Taoist techniques, no one outside would notice. At one moment, the sunlight here became intensely bright. Hans soul trembled as his power peaked, momentarily halting, then surpassing that peak! Huff! A hot wave of air spread out, bending the peach trees. The light dimmed, but Hans soul began to resemble a real body, glowing with a bright radiance. Around the edges of his soul, faint glimmers of sunlight also began to emerge. This marked Han''s breakthrough, firmly establishing him in the Day-Travel Realm. At this moment, Han''s soul exuded a sense of grandeur, no longer resembling a mere shadowy entityat least, thats how it appeared on the surface. Feeling the immense surge of power and the essence of his transformation, Han couldn''t help but feel a desire to laugh out loud. He felt invinciblehe could wield a Taoist technique, but then again, maybe not. "From your expression, it seems you''ve experienced quite a significant improvement," remarked Lu Qingmo. "Its not just significant; its enormous," Han replied with a grin. The Day-Travel Realm truly marked a qualitative shifthe had really changed. To be precise, ever since entering the Day-Travel Realm, the increase in power with each soul realm advancement had been tremendous. What had once felt distant, almost impossible, for martial artists, was now catching up, closing the gap, and even surpassing them. Without explosive, leap-forward growth at each level, how could one possibly match or outpace martial artists whose strength grew exponentially with each breakthrough? Thats why Hans previous soul opponents had been shocked when they realized he could fight beyond his realm, jumping from Night-Travel to Day-Travel. Such a feat was far rarer than any martial arts advancement. "With your soul foundation, you have few rivals among the Day-Travel cultivators across several nearby counties," Lu Qingmo said with a smile. "Even within the County Ghost-Imperial Division, with your strength, you could likely vie for the position of Deputy Governor." In the County Ghost-Imperial Division, the position of Deputy Governor usually corresponded to the Day-Travel Realm. Han shook his head with a smile. "I prefer the freedom of being a Ghost-Imperial Wanderer." "Speaking of which," Lu Qingmo continued, "you can now be promoted." "Your accumulated work in the Ghost-Imperial Division, plus your discovery of the Soul Demons divided soul in Yinhua Countythis is no small achievement." "Not to mention your disruption of the Impermanent Yama Domain and the killing of two Impermanent Hall cultivatorsthis is a great contribution." "All these accomplishments combined, youve earned a promotion to a higher position. You could be promoted to a Seventh-Rank Ghost-Imperial Wanderer." In this world, a county governor or a head of the two divisions was a Seventh-Rank official. If Han were promoted, he would be on equal footing with them. With the unique nature of the Ghost-Imperial Wanderer position, his status would actually be higher than that of the county governor or the head of the county. In other counties, it would be hard to say whos truly in charge. "Ill report my promotion to the Provincial Ghost-Imperial Division soon. There shouldnt be any obstacles," Han said. "You can directly contact the Provincial Ghost-Imperial Division?" he asked. "I can contact the Xuan Du Sect directly," Lu Qingmo answered. "Thanks for that," Han said, appreciative. After his promotion, his salary would naturally increase, and Han was more than happy about that. The salary for a Ghost-Imperial Wanderer was always generouswhile not enough to make one incredibly wealthy, it ensured that one wouldnt face financial troubles. Of course, if he needed something especially rare or expensive, that would be another matter. As the sun set and the moon rose, Han continued familiarizing himself with the power of the Day-Travel Realm. He soon realized an issue: with the Day-Travel Realm, most of the Taoist techniques in his possession, like the Illusion Dream Technique or the Vital Barrier, had become obsolete. The Vital Barrier, for instance, had been dropped by Tree Brother. At the time, Hans realm was still low, and it wasnt a reward from any special bonus period. Based on Tree Brother''s characteristics, even the drops had their limits. Now, Han had reached a point where many combat-oriented Taoist techniques and martial arts were no longer effective. Auxiliary Taoist techniques like the Undressing Curse had no such issuebecause they were simply unnecessary anymore. And then there were Divine Curses. Divine Curses were entirely dependent on the individuals cultivationmastery brought great power, but poor practice rendered them almost useless. With their extremely high potential, but a very low floor, mastering Divine Curses was incredibly difficultfew could truly achieve the highest level. It was no surprise that Tree Brother frequently dropped such items. Though their potential was high, if one couldn''t cultivate them, that potential was meaningless. Unlike the Hao Ran Great Palm or similar Taoist arts, which had a high floor and a similarly high ceiling, the Divine Curses were very different. For someone like Han, with a strong foundation, higher-level Taoist techniques were the key to unlocking his true potential. In terms of combat, techniques like the Earth Fire Seal and Golden Light Curse would remain useful for the long term. However, Han still felt that his Taoist techniques lacked diversity. Had he come from a major sect, with his natural talent, they would have delivered techniques more suited to him. Unfortunately, he was just a wild boy from the mountains. As for the three now-dead Impermanent Hall cultivators, Han hadn''t gained much from them. They had come to assassinate Zuo Tianzheng and were only souls in motion, lightly equipped, with only the necessary battle treasures. Their mission demanded a one-hit killno retreat, no second chance. Whoever was foolish enough to bring Taoist manuals wasn''t there to offer treasures. The second volume of the Hao Ran Great Palm, a supreme Taoist technique. Han set a new goal in his heart. That night, after his breakthrough, the Voice Snail suddenly rang. "Wait a minute," he thought. "How am I still receiving ''calls'' in the middle of the night after all this time in this world?" Chapter 191: The Ultimate Sword Strike Due to Shen Long and his team venturing into Black Mountain, two snail avatars were kept in their possession for precaution. At this moment, it was Shen Long who was sending a signal to Han through the snail. "Hey, Senior Brother?" "Huff... Little Junior Brother!" "Why are you breathing so heavily, Senior Brother? Whats going on?" Are you running? "I''ve been attacked!" Han immediately became alert and asked urgently: "Who attacked you?" "The older brother of the Tenglong Martial Arts Pavilion''s head." "How could a Bone Refining expert enter Black Mountain?" Han was taken aback. Could Tenglong Martial Arts Pavilion be that powerful? "No, he''s a Zangfu Realm cultivator." "I''ll be there right away!" Actually, as soon as Shen Long mentioned he was being attacked, Han had already left his house. He sped off, heading directly for the martial arts pavilion. He needed to find Bai Ruoyue and ask his senior sister for help. It wasn''t that he couldn''t handle a Zangfu Realm expert from Tenglong Martial Arts Pavilion, but the problem was that he couldn''t enter Black Mountain right now. According to the Mountain God''s rules, Bone Refining cultivators and Day Tour practitioners were not allowed into Black Mountain. Yesterday, Han had no issue, but today, the rules were restricting him. As the night grew darker, Han entered the martial arts pavilion and rushed straight into Bai Ruoyues chamber. "Senior Sister, hurry!" Bai Ruoyue was startled as she looked up from her desk where she had been writing. "Little Junior Brother, whats going on at this late hour?" Han grabbed her and rushed outside, quickly explaining the situation. "What? Someone dared to chase after one of our Taibai Martial Arts Pavilion disciples?" Bai Ruoyues anger flared, and she immediately headed for Black Mountain, this time dragging Han along with her. As they ran, Han used the snail to track Shen Long''s location. The snails could communicate their general positions to each other, a unique ability among their species. At the same time, Han reached out to Su Chang''an and He Feng. When he learned they were together, he instructed them to leave Black Mountain as long as they were safe. As they raced forward, Han was shocked to notice that Shen Long seemed to be moving out of Black Mountain. It made sense, since Han had delayed in finding Bai Ruoyue. Before long, Black Mountain loomed in the distance, and as they neared, they heard the sound of trees crashing down. Covered in blood, Shen Long emerged, his face lighting up with relief upon seeing the two. They rushed to help him. A few seconds later, a man with an older face also emerged. Upon seeing the situation outside the mountain, his expression changed dramatically. He crushed something in his hand and immediately attempted to flee. "Lung Tianfu?" Bai Ruoyue squinted and recognized the man. "How dare you lay a hand on one of Taibai Martial Arts Pavilions disciples!" Before Bai Ruoyue could finish speaking, she charged toward him with a fierce punch, her energy breaking the air as she pursued Lung Tianfu. "Senior Brother, what happened?" Han asked as he quickly gave Shen Long a healing pill. "I was on the same martial guard team as Lung Tianfu. We split up after entering the mountain to search for the demons. I found a Bone Strengthening Tree, a type of spirit plant helpful for Bone Refining, and was picking it when Lung Tianfu appeared. He tried to take the tree and kill me to silence me." Hans face darkened. Lung Tianfu wanted to steal from his teammate and kill him? Shen Long''s injuries werent light. If Han hadn''t prepared some items for them beforehand, Shen Long might have truly been killed by Lung Tianfu. This was unforgivable. Hans soul left his body, solidifying into a powerful force. The winds and rain from the outside world had no effect on him. With his soul soaring through the air, it quickly reached Lung Tianfu, and with both the Taibai Sword and the Peachwood Sword in hand, Han struck toward him. The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation. In general, magic tools used by cultivators were made from soul-material, allowing them to maximize their powers while reducing the energy cost. However, with Hans current strength, commanding a non-soul weapon was no problem. When facing Lung Tianfu, any weapon would do. "Day Tour Realm?!" Lung Tianfu saw Han''s soul and was filled with terror. How could this kid from Taibai have reached the Day Tour Realm so quickly? This was too much! The two swords gleamed with brilliant light, their power overwhelming. The biting coldness of the blades made Lung Tianfu realize he couldnt stop them. He felt as if he were falling into an ice pit. I cant block this; Ill die! Upon realizing this, Lung Tianfu shouted, "You can''t kill me! I''m Lung Tianfus older brother, Ive already informed Tenglong..." Before he could finish his words, his head was sent flying, and his life was over. Zangfu Realm, at its peak, cut down in one sword strike! It didnt matter who his older brother washe wasnt mine! Han immediately took his soul, suppressing it, then dealt with his physical injuries before returning his soul to his body. The entire sequence left Bai Ruoyue stunned. Little Junior Brother... how is he so strong? A peak Zangfu Realm cultivator was slain by Little Junior Brother with one sword? Was that soul really from the Day Tour Realm? Bai Ruoyue suddenly wondered if she was dreaming. Maybe Han didnt come to find her, and everything was just a dream. Hes this powerful, and he still needed me? But Han remained calm and composed, unaffected by the situation. Whats the big deal? Its just a peak Zangfu Realm cultivator. With a hand, its no surprise. Day Tour cultivators can briefly fight against Bone Refining cultivators, but because they are in their prime martial phase, they wont be able to defeat them. But Han, being a Day Tour practitioner with such a strong soul, was in a completely different league. His soul left his body to deal with Bone Refining cultivators, and though fighting such experts head-on might not have been the best choice for him yet, a Zangfu Realm cultivator was no threat to him. If a Zangfu Realm cultivator with weak vitality could last for dozens of rounds against Han, then Han might as well ask Aunt Mo to take care of his cultivation. Since starting his training, Han''s soul had always outpaced his martial skills. Unfortunately, due to version limitations, he had only used his soul for support. Until today, when he crossed the Day Tour threshold, his soul finally had the chance to show its true strength. Moments later, lights appeared in the distance, rapidly approaching, accompanied by a powerful aura. The thunderous sound echoed, full of rage and murderous intent. "Big Brother!" The voice shook the air, dust swirling around as the distant rivers and clouds were thrown into chaos by the force. The terrifying presence was overwhelming. A surge of violet true energy shot toward Han and his companions, accompanied by a figure following closely behind. Bai Ruoyue let out a cold snort, taking a step forward, her internal energy surging in response. "Boom!" The ground was instantly torn open, a massive crater formed as the forceful gust of wind pushed everyone back. "Long Tianya?" Bai Ruoyue calmly stated the name of the approaching figure, effortlessly dissipating the opponent''s force, without showing the slightest sign of weakness. "The Deputy Master of the Tenglong Martial Academy, a newly ascended Bone Refining Realm expert. He''s Long Tianchong''s third brother, and its him who represents Tenglong Academy in the martial guard," Shen Long whispered to Han. Meanwhile, several Tenglong disciples had already reached the body of Long Tianfu, beginning to retrieve his corpse. "Ruoyue, you dare kill my elder brother?" Long Tianya''s eyes glowed with blood-red fury, locking his gaze onto Bai Ruoyue. "Your elder brother tried to kill my disciple. He brought this upon himself!" Bai Ruoyue shouted back, "How could someone who attacks their own companions expect to escape retribution?" "Hes a vile coward. Anyone like him is better off dead!" Bai Ruoyue took full responsibility for the killing, without exposing Hans involvement. Given her strength, no one would question her for killing a weakening Vitality Realm warrior. "Fine, fine, fine!" Long Tianya seethed in anger. "You''ve broken through to the peak of the Vitality Realm, and now you dare be so arrogant! Today, I''ll make you pay for my brothers life!" Furious, Long Tianya attacked once more. At the same time, he shouted, "Attack! Kill those two little pests from Taibai!" The Tenglong disciples with him immediately launched their assault, rushing toward Han and Shen Long. Han gripped his sword tightly, placing a hand on Shen Long''s shoulder to signal him to stay put. Just as both sides were about to clash, another powerful voice rang out. "Stop!" The Tenglong disciples were immediately stunned, their movements frozen. But Long Tianya, unwilling to relent, continued his advance, true energy boiling as he still aimed at Bai Ruoyue. "Bang!" To everyones surprise, Long Tianya was sent flying back by Bai Ruoyues strike! "I told you to stop!" The new arrival approached, revealing himself as Zuo Tianzheng, the Imperial Inspector from Yujing. His face was cold and severe, eyes filled with icy disdain. Seeing Long Tianyas defiance, Zuo Tianzheng instantly appeared before him, delivering a crushing palm strike that sent him flying. Long Tianya had no chance to retaliate and immediately spat out blood. Although both of their names contained "Tian" (meaning "heaven"), Zuo Tianzheng showed no mercy in his actions. Han''s heart tightenedZuo Tianzhengs strength seemed incredibly formidable. According to Lu Qingmo, Zuo Tianzhengs natural talent was not exceptional, and he was currently only at the Bone Refining Realm''s peak. However, as a favored figure by the Emperor, who grew up beside the throne, he must have access to top-tier martial arts and resources. Despite his average talent, Zuo Tianzheng could still be considered the core disciple of a grand martial arts sect. Zuo Tianzheng took control of the situation, his gaze sweeping the area as he bellowed: "As the leader of the Black Cloud Town cultivators, you should set a good example for others. Why are you fighting amongst yourselves in private?!" "Do you have no respect for the court? No respect for the laws of Qi?!!" "Anyone who dares to act again will be executed without mercy!" His voice was like thunder, shaking the heavens, sending shockwaves through everyones mind. Following Zuo Tianzheng were several figures, including Jiang Wenwu, Long Tianchong, and various government officials. "Lord Zuo, I have something to say!" Long Tianya clutched his chest, his voice filled with resentment. "Speak!" Zuo Tianzheng commanded. "Bai Ruoyue from Taibai Martial Academy killed my elder brother first, so I was forced to strike at her," Long Tianya spat, his voice filled with hatred. "This is a blood feud, one that cannot be forgiven!" "Taibai Martial Academy?!" Long Tianchong sneered from the side, his eyes burning with fury and murderous intent. "Lord Zuo, what should be done with these Taibai people who kill at will?" Zuo Tianzheng furrowed his brows, glancing at the headless corpse surrounded by Tenglong disciples, then turning his gaze to Bai Ruoyue. "Why did you kill him?" "He chased after my disciple first," Bai Ruoyue calmly replied, pointing to Shen Long. "They were teammates in the same martial guard, but Long Tianfu relentlessly pursued my disciple from Black Mountain. He followed him all the way out." "I killed him for self-preservation," Bai Ruoyues expression remained impassive. "He attacked one of my own, and such a person deserves to die." "There is no rule against self-defense, is there?" she added without a hint of hesitation. Chapter 192: Sharpened Insight, A Method to Resolve A single corpse had set two powerful factions at odds, with anger boiling over and killing intent filling the air. After listening to both sides, Zuo Tianzheng couldn''t help but feel that the situation was more complicated than he had anticipated. "Nonsense! My older brother is kind-hearted, how could he possibly do something like this!" Long Tianya roared in anger. "You killed my brother and then framed him!" "I see now, the people of the Taibai Martial Hall have no shame whatsoever!" Han sneered coldly. "You can check the injuries on my second senior brother." "Come, look for traces of Tenglong Martial Hall''s martial arts or the residual true qi from Long Tianfu!" These things, under normal circumstances, could not be forged. Long Tianfu had used all his methods to quickly kill Shen Long, leaving plenty of signs on Shen Long''s body. Zuo Tianzheng turned to Shen Long and asked, "Why did Long Tianfu want to kill you?" "I found a Bone Strengthening Tree, and Long Tianfu wanted to kill me to take it for himself." Shen Long presented the Bone Strengthening Tree for everyone to see. It was a small tree, about half a meter tall, radiating with spiritual energy. Although it was not a rare treasure, it was a relatively ordinary bone-strengthening herbvaluable enough for most martial artists to consider it a priceless treasure. "You, at the beginning of the Organ Realm, managed to find such a treasure?" Long Tianya''s face grew cold. "Perhaps my brother discovered it first. Your greed drove you to try and take it, only to end up being pursued, right?!" Shen Long laughed bitterly. "At the beginning of the Organ Realm, how could I possibly want to take something from that old dog who has reached the peak of the Organ Realm?" Long Tianya''s face darkened, about to erupt once more. Zuo Tianzheng shot him a cold glance. "Quiet." Long Tianchong suddenly spoke, his voice filled with sorrow. "Master Zuo, I just want justice for my brother!" Zuo Tianzheng pondered for a moment, then turned to Shen Long. "Come with me to the town guard office. I''ll get to the bottom of this myself." "No need for an investigation," a voice suddenly rang out from the void. "The people of Tenglong Martial Hall coveted the treasure, harmed their companions, and deserve to die." "If there is still doubt, let the Taibai disciple Shen Long voluntarily cooperate. I will use my Taoist techniques to project his memories, revealing whether they are true or false." "Shen Long, do you agree?" "I agree." Shen Long quickly replied. "The District Governor can come now to retrieve my memories!" The voice belonged to Lu Qingmo. To view another''s memories, one of two methods could be used: forcibly extracting the soul, a cruel technique meant for enemies, or having the person voluntarily cooperate with a special Taoist technique, which could project specific memories without causing harm. A talisman floated from the distance and landed on Shen Long''s forehead. In front of him, images began to appear out of thin air. The scene showed Shen Long discovering the Bone Strengthening Tree, then being ambushed suddenly and fleeing. The projection ended there, and no further details about Shen Long''s communication with Han and the others appeared. "Master Zuo, do we need further investigation?" Zuo Tianzheng stood silent for a moment, then shook his head. "Since we are both part of the Black Cloud Martial Guard, Long Tianfu''s actions are punishable by death. There is no fault with Taibai." "Taibai''s three members can leave now." "Master Zuo, your insight is sharp." Lu Qingmo''s voice rang out again. "Also, Master Zuo, the people you sent into Black Mountain have been there nearly three days. If they haven''t found what they''re looking for by now, they probably won''t." "The town of Black Cloud is short on manpower. We cannot afford to delay any longer." "Lu District Governor is right." Zuo Tianzheng nodded. You might be reading a pirated copy. Look for the official release to support the author. "My orders were to search for three days. Tonight, everyone will start returning to ensure the stability of Black Cloud." Han and his companions left without delay, not staying any longer. The members of Tenglong Martial Hall clenched their fists, eager to act, especially Long Tianya. However, seeing Zuo Tianzheng''s cold expression, he gritted his teeth and restrained himself. Long Tianya had interacted with Zuo Tianzheng enough times recently to understand his temperament. If he defied him again, there would be dire consequences. After Han and his companions had walked a distance, Zuo Tianzheng slowly turned around and gazed in the direction of Black Cloud Town. "Lu Qingmo..." Zuo Tianzheng suddenly called out. "Long Hall Master." "Give your brother a proper burial." "I will compensate you with a Bone Strengthening Herb. Do not speak of tonight''s events." "I don''t want to see Black Cloud in chaos. I hope you understand my meaning." Zuo Tianzheng''s eyes were icy, and he showed no remorse for Long Tianfu''s death. After a long silence, Long Tianchong quietly responded, his eyes still filled with bloodlust. "Hatred... Hatred... Hatred!" Back in Black Cloud Town, Han and his companions helped Shen Long back to the martial hall, and Bai Ruoyue went to fetch Shen Yu. Han asked with concern, "Are you alright, Second Senior Brother?" Shen Long smiled faintly. "You and the Senior Sister arrived just in time. I''m fine, just need a few days to rest." "Luckily, Little Junior Brother, you gave me those talismans beforehand. Otherwise, I might have really perished in Black Mountain today." That old dog... I never thought he''d dare to act this recklessly, Han muttered, shaking his head. "Being deep in the Black Mountain really does loosen some of the chains people carry." "Youve really gotten strong, Junior Brother!" Shen Long said, suddenly full of excitement. "Not even someone at the pinnacle of the Vitality realm could withstand your sword. With this power, youre unmatched in the entire Black Cloud Town." Han smiled humbly. "Its mostly because Long Tianfu has become weak." As the two conversed, Shen Yu and Zhang Yuantao entered the room. After a brief exchange of concern, they finally relaxed. "The people from the Tenglong Martial Arts Academy are truly despicable!" Shen Yu said, furious. "I know Long Tianfu. Hes always been less gifted than his younger brother. His vitality has already started to decline," Zhang Yuantao added. "He mustve attacked Junior Brother Shen to try and harness the power of that spiritual plant, hoping it would help him break through to the Bone Refining realm." Although Long Tianfu had reached the peak of the Vitality realm, not everyone could easily break through to the next level. If one lacked the right talent, foundation, or physical condition, even if they saw the barrier, they wouldnt be able to break through. They would have to rely on external aids. "Shen Long should stay at the martial academy to recover, just in case the Tenglong Martial Arts Academy tries anything underhanded," Zhang Yuantao suggested. Bai Ruoyue returned after fetching some healing medicines from her father. "With Long Tianfu dead, the Tenglong Martial Arts Academy will hate us even more. They won''t just let this go." "In Black Cloud Town, they wont dare to act openly," Zhang Yuantao said. "But we still need to stay cautious." Although the conflict with the Tenglong Martial Arts Academy had deepened their enmity, no one seemed overly concerned or regretful. Some people were simply impossible to befriend. The animosity between Taibai and Tenglong wasnt something new. Even without today''s incident, if they had met in the wilderness, its highly likely that swords wouldve been drawn. The interests, positions, and grudges from the previous generation ensured that the two sides would always be enemies. In the past, much of their enmity had been suppressed. Today, it had come to the surface, more intense than ever. After staying for a while at the martial academy, Han made his way back to the Peach Grove. "Aunt Mo, thank you for your help today," Han said sincerely. "It was just telling the truth," Lu Qingmo shook her head. "I couldnt stand watching Zuo Tianzhengs behavior any longer." "Several night-roaming and Vitality realm demons managed to hold back so many cultivators of Black Cloud Town for almost three days. If we hadn''t lost those people during the last incident with the Impermanence Yama domain, we would have been able to detect the Impermanence Halls people much sooner." Lu Qingmo changed the topic, then complimented Han, "After breaking through, your strength has greatly improved. If you had a sufficiently safe environment for your physical body, your spiritual cultivation alone would make it hard for anyone to harm you." Han shook his head. "A sufficiently safe physical environment is something I can only hope for." "Aunt Mo, how do high-level cultivators solve the problem of their physical bodies being vulnerable during battle?" "If its a true cultivator, once they reach the Yin God realm, they can manifest a secondary body. This allows their Yin God to surround their physical body, turning the Yin God into their ''body.''" "In that case, unless someone breaks their Yin God, their physical body remains safe from harm." "..." That was indeed a good solution. But unfortunately, Han couldnt use it. "If two souls are cultivated together, once they reach the Manifested Saint realm, they can split off a fragment of their soul to temporarily control their physical body," Lu Qingmo continued. "Its similar to when you encountered the Soul Demon possessing someone. The difference is, this technique allows the soul to possess itself." "That fragment of the soul can still wield part of the physical bodys strength to ensure safety, but its only for self-preservation. The split soul is weaker, and if used against an enemy of the same level, it can be easily targeted." This solution was also great, but Han couldnt use it either, since he wasnt yet in the Manifested Saint realm. Lu Qingmo continued, "Theres one more method that allows the body to be completely safe while the soul leaves. It involves a special spatial item that can hold living creatures, which the soul can carry with them." "However, such spatial items are incredibly rare and precious." Essentially, during a fight, the person could store their body in a special spatial pouch, and unless they were defeated, their body would remain safe. In the event of danger, they could immediately retract their body and release it after the battle. But Han didnt have such a space tool. Ordinary spatial pouches couldnt hold living bodies. Han sighed, "These three methods are all great, but I cant use any of them." Maybe when I extract Tree Brother later, Ill see if it can provide a space for living beings. As dawn broke, the searchers sent into Black Mountain started to return one by one, including Su Chang''an and his companion. "We didnt find the demon cultivators Zuo Tianzheng mentioned," He Feng said, shaking his head. "On our way back, I asked some of the others, but no one made any significant discoveries." "Wasnt that just a waste of manpower?" Bai Ruoyue remarked. "Black Mountain is so vast, and without any specific tracking methods, the chances of finding the demon cultivators were slim to begin with." "Who knows what Zuo Tianzheng was thinking," He Feng replied. Not long after, Han felt something new in his soul realm, and a smile spread across his face. My little brother has arrived. Chapter 193: The Scripture of Qi It has been about nine days since the wish bottle from Xiao Qingwan drifted to Han. In these nine days, many events had taken place, one after another, and Han hadnt expected another bottle to arrive so quietly. The third wish bottle looked just like Luo Miaomiaospurple in color. Does the color represent the level of the wish bottle, or is it related to something specific about the wish master? Han wondered. So far, three bottles had appearedtwo purple and one blue. When it came to the value of the rewards brought by these wish bottles, Han personally felt that the Pure Lotus was probably less valuable than Phoenix Blood. The Pure Lotus had its limits, but Phoenix Fire could be enhanced as Han''s strength grew. However, Han wasnt sure what this third wish bottle would bring. Springs entrance exams and the autumns imperial exams are just around the corner. I must work hardfirst to pass the provincial exams, then to become a top scholar, and finally make it onto the imperial list and secure a position for three generations. Only by doing this can the court bestow the title of Lady on my mother, allowing her to enter the family tomb, be memorialized, and receive offerings. Perhaps, I might even get the chance to study at the Confucian Academy! Reading these lines, Hans spirit stirred. Confucian Academy? Was this the same academy as the one in the Eastern Zhou, known as the Academy of Saints? Could the Eastern Zhou academy have another name? But the first few sentences of the wish paper caused Hans expression to shift subtly. Could it be that he was being asked to write another story for this wish master? Once I pass the exams, I will have the ability to live independently. At that time, I will leave the Marquiss residence. It would be best if I could enter the Confucian Academy, but if not, I will find an opportunity to train in martial arts or pursue the Dao. This vast Marquiss residence is cold and distant, not worth staying in. My father is not a father, and my brothers are not like brothers. Staying here only makes me an eyesore. Years ago, my mother was a cultivator, but she was killed by that vicious womans harsh words. I do not believe it was so simplethere must be a hidden truth behind it. I will uncover the truth about what happened to my mother. If my mother was truly harmed by evil forces, I will avenge her! But I am no longer young. If I start martial arts or the Dao now, what achievements can I possibly make? The Marquiss residence is powerful, but no matter how much strength I accumulate, what can I do with it? And the Marquis has never looked favorably upon me. Even if I succeed in the exams, he may still sabotage me. With his power and his relationship with the emperor, it would be effortless for him to suppress me. Mother, what should I do Han furrowed his brows. Da Qian? It seemed that the Confucian Academy this wish master was referring to wasnt the same as the Academy of Saints in the Eastern Zhou. This wish master must be from a noble family, so they couldnt possibly be confused about which dynasty they were in. But Da QianHan had never heard of it. Another wish master, another unknown time and place. Recently, the women in the Marquiss residence have been getting more unbearable. They have gone too far. I am tired of putting up with them and have decided to move to the West Mountain for a while to guard my mothers tomb. With my mothers servant, Fu Bo, accompanying me, I will be safe. My education is sufficient, and I hope the imperial exams go smoothly. Mother, if you are watching from the heavens, please bless me. I dont want to prove anything. I just want to tell everyone that the things you lost, Mother, I will reclaim them for you. Ive already arrived at the West Mountain. Its a good placebeautiful mountains and clear waters, though its sparsely populated. Han stared at the wish paper, once again realizing that this wish master had not mentioned their name, unlike the previous two. As for their gender, the reference to the imperial exams suggested they were likely a man, though Han wasnt sure. In this world, there were instances where women could take the imperial exams, govern regions, and even hold titles of nobility. Ones strength could make the imperial court bend to their will. This world didnt follow the same rules as Hans previous life. The words on the wish paper faded. It was time for Han to grant the wish. This wish master from the Marquiss family clearly had a straightforward wish: to excel in the imperial exams, achieve fame, and cultivate strength. In short, they sought higher status. Han began to write. A long time ago, there was a man named Xiao Yi. He was from a noble family, but his mother was only a concubine and died under mysterious circumstances In the end, Xiao Yi grew into the most powerful person in the world, even greater than the figures in history, and was revered as Yi Zi. Han quickly wrote a revised and condensed version of the story. He then added some Dao techniques and martial arts skills he had obtained from his enemies, ones that were of no use to him. It seemed this wish master, despite being from the prestigious Tianwu Marquis family, was not in a good position and had little access to cultivation methods or martial skills. You might be reading a pirated copy. Look for the official release to support the author. Since they desired them, Han decided to give them what they wanted. After all, these techniques and martial skills were just collecting dust for Han. A brilliant purple light flashed, and a blurry image appeared before Hanmuch like with Luo Miaomiao, it was hard to make out, but there was a long head of hair visible. May you succeed in the exams, make it to the top, and achieve all your wishes, Han said with a blessing. After all, blessings cost nothing. The wish paper vanished, and the wish bottle opened. A book, glowing with a pearly white light, appeared before Han. At that moment, Han felt a deep, genuine stir in his heart. His heart truly skipped a beat. The West Mountain was surrounded by dense forests, with waterfalls and stone forests, though it wasnt a towering peak. It was a place rich with nature, occasionally echoing with the cries of wild beasts. Because it was close to the capital of Da Qian, the West Mountain had no savage beasts, just ordinary ones. A beautiful young woman was kneeling before a grave, bowing her head. An elderly man stood nearby, carrying luggage. As the young woman bowed again, a flash of purple light appeared, and the contents of the wish paper appeared in her mind, accompanied by a male voice whispering in her ear. Strangely, the elderly man had no reaction, as if he didnt see anything. After a long while, the young woman raised her head and looked at her mothers tomb. Yi Zi Mother, are you watching from the heavens? Have other deities come to bless me? Miss, what did you say? the old man asked, as though he had heard the name Yi Zi. The young woman shook her head, feeling a piece of paper materialize in her left hand. I will investigate. If my mother was harmed by someone, like Yi Zis mother, I will not let them go. If the truth is as I suspect, then I will take the name Meng Yiyun. The mans surname? I will not use it! The young woman silently made up her mind, then stood up. Fu Bo, lets go. Yes, Miss. By the way, Fu Bo, did mother leave me a scripture? Yes, I brought it with me, Fu Bo replied, pulling a book from his luggage and handing it to her. This scripture was something your mother often read, but its not a cultivation manual. The young woman nodded silently but recalled what her mother had said before her death. Dont lose this scripture. Its the only thing your mother left for you. The young womans mind began to form a plan. Perhaps, what her mother left her wasnt as simple as it seemed. And there was also the Dao techniques and martial skills that the deity had passed down to her. Tianwu Marquiss residence, you will regret it. The Scripture of Qi This was the reward Han received from the third wish bottle. The glow emanating from the scripture was clearly filled with an aura of righteousness. Another book containing the essence of righteousness? Han opened the book and immediately gasped in shock. I am the Sage of Qi. Today This was the scripture of the Qi Sage? Who the Qi Sage was, Han had no idea. The name of the East Zhou Sacred Academy was derived from the ancient sages. To claim the title of a sage, one could not fall short. Once Han finished reading the scripture, he was left speechless. The Qi Sutra was indeed the work of the Sage of Qi, but the one before him was not the original manuscript of the Sage of Qi''s own hand. It was merely a copy transcribed by a disciple of the Sage of Qi, based on the original text. What kind of disciple transcribes the master''s classics without even altering the introductory sentence to reflect their own identity? Who exactly is the Sage of Qi here? You, or your master? But even as a disciple of the Sage of Qi, they were a formidable practitioner wielding the mighty Qi, and their handwritten copy of the Qi Sutra still held great value. The teachings Han obtained from the Black and White Tower in Yunlong City paled in comparison to this. The Qi Sutra wasn''t some profound Taoist technique or secret martial arts method. It was simply a record of the Sage of Qi''s philosophies and ideas. "It''s still a valuable find," Han thought, feeling satisfied with the harvest from the Wish Bottle. Such a classic would undoubtedly aid his understanding of the Qi of Righteousness. It was far more useful than the teachings that Ye Chong had gathered in Tianyue City. And this scripture itself was a treasure. Legend had it that the Sacred Academy stored original manuscripts from the sages, considered the academys most cherished treasures. These works surpassed most other treasures in value and possessed extraordinary, miraculous effects. Though the disciple''s transcriptions might not be as rare as the sages'' own writings, they were still priceless treasures that could help Han master the Qi of Righteousness. The Qi Sutra only existed in Hans spiritual homeland, yet it made his mind clearer, as if aided by a divine presence. He found that many things he pondered could be quickly answered. The strands of Qi of Righteousness also illuminated his spiritual homeland, making it feel sacred. The Pure Blue Lotus was accelerating the transformation of his soul. The Qi of Righteousness infused into the sea of his mind, gradually altering the nature of his mental power, making it more aligned with righteousness and more restrained against demonic and ghostly forces. It gave off an overwhelming aura of righteousness and purity. It also served to protect both his spiritual homeland and his soul. With various magical tools, nameless Yin fires, the Pure Blue Lotus, and now the teachings of the Sage of Qi, Hans spiritual homeland was fortified like an impregnable fortress. The defensive power of his soul far exceeded its offensive strength. The Wish Bottle, that trusty life cheat, had once again proved invaluable. As the Wish Bottle fell into the sea of his consciousness, it advanced Hans cultivation. "I wonder if Ill ever meet these wish masters in person," Han thought, but then his thoughts turned to Luo Miaomiao. "The Emperor of the Year can be left out." If Luo Miaomiao were truly the Emperor of the Year, Han was quite frightened at the thought of meeting her. She was unaware of everything so far, but if she found out, Han would be in trouble. How would he explain to the Emperor of the Year that he had helped her when she was just a fledgling five hundred years ago? The Emperor of the Year would surely be curious, and such curiosity could spell disaster for Han. Luo Miaomiaoperhaps it was better to leave the past behind and let them forget each other. After dealing with the matter of the Wish Bottle, Han left the quiet room. Bai Ruoyue glanced at Han, a little surprised. "Huh, Junior Brother, you seem... different?" "Different? More handsome?" Han teased. Bai Ruoyue thought for a moment before responding, "Youve become more refined." "..." "Im filled with righteous energy, and you, a martial artist, just dont understand." That night. The grand aura of righteousness once again filled the peach grove, yet it was restrained by Taoist magic and couldnt extend beyond the grove. The chanting continued, and the look of surprise in Lu Qingmos eyes grew stronger. Why did it feel like Han had made such rapid progress in understanding the Qi of Righteousness in just one day? Could he have had another epiphany? As Han recited the scripture, he began speaking of teachings that Lu Qingmo had never heard before. When his words resounded, it was nothing short of extraordinary. The Qi of Righteousness in the world surged, and each character seemed to come alive, leaping and glowing in the void. As Hans chanting deepened, the righteous characters began to reorder, forming an unparalleled masterpiece. Not only that, but the earlier recited scriptures also manifested into words, assembling into divine compositions. Radiant, multi-colored light poured from Hans heart, enveloping and coloring all the divine masterpieces. The sky itself seemed to transform, as if they had entered another realm. It was too dazzling, too dreamy, too sacred. The auspicious light fell, making Han appear otherworldly, as if on the verge of ascending to the heavens. Lu Qingmo held her breath, sensing that something monumental was about to happen, and she was witnessing it firsthand. At some point, Han stopped speaking, but the chant continued to echo through the heavens and earth, never fading. The multi-colored light grew brighter, but it didnt sting the eyes. Instead, it was gentle and warm, like a spring breeze brushing against the face. His soul was cleansed, and negative, dark emotions melted away like snow under the sun. His soul was at peace, his spirit invigorated, as though blessed. Suddenly, a blurry figure appeared behind Han. The figures face was unclear, but they were holding a brush, sometimes pausing to think, sometimes writing with an air of unparalleled grace. After a while, the figure disappeared, only for another to appear. This time, the figure sat in a meditative posture, mouth moving as if chanting scripture. Then this figure vanished as well, replaced by a new one, and so on, in an endless cycle. The Sacred Shadows descended! Lu Qingmo, initially shocked, then overjoyed, recognized the phenomenon. Although she didnt understand much about the Qi of Righteousness, she knew this sign. The Sacred Shadows had appeared, and the Qi of Righteousness had condensed! Once all the Sacred Shadows vanished, they suddenly reappeared together, their gazes fixed on Han, as though they were nodding at him. The peach grove was silent for a moment before the multi-colored light began to retract, and the masterpieces began to shrink. Like a hundred rivers returning to the sea, all the light and masterpieces flowed into Hans heart. The sound of his heartbeat grew louder, and Lu Qingmo could even see the multi-colored heart beating through the layers of flesha divine sight indeed. "The Heart of Righteousness?" Lu Qingmo murmured in disbelief. Those who comprehend the Qi of Righteousness form the Heart of Righteousness. But could it really be... the Heart of Righteousness formed from his own heart? And why is it so colorful? Chapter 194: The Higher Ones Dont Know the Struggles of the Bottom A person born with a mind sharp and delicate, like seven perfect openings in a jade vessel, absorbing vast knowledge and boundless energies. This heart, both clever and full of mystery, holds the essence of the worldits rhythm and grandeur flowing through it. The forces of nature slowly blend in, stirring within this heart as if refining itself, or perhaps, growing stronger. The blood and bones could never conceal the brilliance of this heart. Lu Qingmo observed it closely, but still, she couldn''t grasp its true nature. Is this the legendary Heart of Boundless Qi? Lu Qingmo couldn''t help but wonder, sensing that something was off. She couldnt understand it, yet she was deeply shaken. In this space, all the strange phenomena were completely absorbed by the Seven-Aperture Heart. The heart paused for a moment, its beat disappearing. But when it returned, waves of radiant energy began to spill from it, filling every limb, every sinew, every inch of flesh. Han himself was bathed in a radiant, iridescent glowan aura of pure righteousness. Just looking at him, all that came to mind was a single thought. Such overwhelming righteousness, like an imposing force, too grand to gaze upon directly. A huge hand appeared silently, no longer just shining with iridescent light on the surface. Now, the entire hand was composed of boundless, radiant energy, exuding a terrifying auraan aura not of the Sun''s Dao, but one that struck fear into the heart. The Heart of Boundless Qi... is complete! Everything slowly faded, returning to clarity. Han smiled, in a good mood. As expected from the teachings passed down by a disciple of the Qi Sage, the knowledge was truly extraordinary, allowing him to skip over many steps and step directly into the threshold of the Boundless Qi. With this power, the first volume of the Boundless Great Palm, which was originally at the Suns level, instantly became far more powerful. What was more important, was that when using Boundless Qi in his Dao techniques, it had a remarkable suppressive effect on ghosts, spirits, and all things in the Yin realm. This had far more significance than merely increasing the potency of his Dao technique. Facing an opponent wielding Boundless Qi, most creatures of the Yin realm would naturally be weaker. Dao techniques might fade over time, but Boundless Qi would remain. This unique suppression would diminish, but never disappear. Although I knew you''d reach this stage eventually, I didnt expect it to be so soon. Lu Qingmo approached, genuinely amazed. You truly are an enigma. Han chuckled, It just... clicked. Lu Qingmo didnt suspect anythingafter all, enlightenment comes with insight, and sudden epiphanies were not unusual for Han. This wasnt the first time Han had such a breakthrough, and given their relationship, Lu Qingmo couldnt help but think, More of these, please. Without any direct teachings or guidance from a great master, you figured out the Boundless Qi on your own? If you went to the Sacred Academy, theyd surely take you in as a disciple. And if I go to the Sacred Academy... will I gain immortality? Han asked, grinning. Lu Qingmo laughed, Ive never heard of anyone achieving immortality, not even the gods. Then, no immortality? In that case, I wont go. If you dont go to the Sacred Academy, youll have to figure out how to use Boundless Qi on your own. This was a rare power, and only the Sacred Academy had a system to teach its full potential. But Han was unconcerned, smiling. Perhaps Ill forge my own path, one thats completely different from the Sacred Academy. By the way, Aunt Mo, with my current progress, can I exchange for the second volume of the Boundless Great Palm from the Ghosts and Spirits Department? Lu Qingmo paused to think before nodding. Of course, Ill request it for you. The second volume was an advanced Dao technique. If combined with Boundless Qi, it would be extraordinarily powerful. Han nodded happily. With the Yin Fire Seal and the Sacred-level second volume of the Boundless Great Palm, though his Dao combat techniques were few, they were potent. Mastering Boundless Qi meant that Han had practically overcome his previous limitations in Dao techniques. Things were finally looking up. The next day, Zuo Tianzheng sent someone to invite them again, but this time, his messenger specifically said that only Taibai was needed to represent the guild master. The implication was clear: Han, as a disciple, was no longer needed. How dare they look down on me, the future guild masters backup! Zhang Yuantao frowned and asked, What does Lord Zuo want this time? Shen Yu sneered, Ever since Zuo Tianzheng arrived in Heiyun Town, none of the martial families here have had a peaceful day. Han glanced outside at Bai Ruoyues figure quickly disappearing. Well find out when the senior sister returns. Since Hans promotion to the Zangfu Realm, his martial arts training had added a new component. That was to comprehend the Five Zang and Six Fu. After his breakthrough, he had enjoyed a few days of insight through dreams, and during these dreams, he had taken Five Zang and Six Fu divine pills, experiencing the sensation of awakening the spirits of his internal organs. He had been trying to recapture that feeling in the waking world, hoping to awaken the spirit of his organs. The two Earth-grade pills he had didnt expire, but he hadnt used them yet. The tale has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation. In the waking world, pills could be consumed only once. These pills temporarily awaken the spirits of the organs, and under certain circumstances, might let the spirit take residence there. Han wanted to improve his chances before consuming the pills, hoping to awaken the spirit of his organs on his own first. Without the dream experiences, this would have been impossible, but with them, the sensation was within reach. Over time, Han had made progress. He faintly sensed that the spirits of his organs were hiding deep within, as though in another space. There was also the Yulong stone, which was a reference for his training. Once it stopped providing insights for his cultivation in the Zangfu Realm, Han planned to absorb it to enhance his own powers. The future was promising. Bai Ruoyues return this time was delayed, and when she arrived, her expression wasnt good. Han approached her, asking, What did Zuo Tianzheng say? Nothing good, Bai Ruoyue sniffed. Hes deluded. This man from Yujing doesnt understand Heiyun Town or Heishan! The high and mighty officials have been away from the bottom for too long, always pushing for things based on assumptions, trying to force through nonsensical plans! What happened? During this meeting, neither Aunt Mo nor the Jiangdu officials from the Dingwu Department were invited. Zuo Tianzheng only invited the martial families and non-governmental forces, Bai Ruoyue explained. Not just from Heiyun Town, but from other counties and even famous rogue cultivators. Why invite so many people? What does he want to do? Everyone was puzzled. Pah! Just an old fool. Bai Ruoyues words made everyone laugh. They had heard of yellow-mouthed children, but an old fool was a new one. Zuo Tianzheng claimed that last time he sent people into Heishan to hunt down evil cultivators, they had some success. Bai Ruoyue glanced at Shen Long and the others. Although Shen Long and the others didnt find those evil cultivators, Zuo Tianzhengs followers had some results and managed to kill them. Shen Long nodded, Well, at least our trip wasnt in vain. Evil and heretical forces were to be eradicated, and killing them was always a good thing. Now, heres the key, Bai Ruoyue imitated Zuo Tianzhengs tone. Based on reports from my subordinates, the situation inside Heishan is grim. Those who enter can act lawlessly, killing without reason. Heishan is not a lawless place. It must be brought under the governments control. Those were Zuo Tianzhengs exact words. What does that mean? Bai Ruoyue sneered, Zuo Tianzheng even suggested that all factions send people to join the Heiyun Guard and go into Heishan to maintain order, to stop random killing by the cultivators. He claims its to preserve the cultivator strength for Daqi and prevent lives from being wasted. Han and the others exchanged confused glances. Send people into Heishan to maintain order? Was he serious? How could such a suggestion come from a government commissioner? A rather interesting dream, Zhang Yuantao remarked. Han silently nodded, Sending the Heiyun Guard into Heishan to maintain ordertruly a genius idea. The forces from all counties came to Heiyun Town for what? To claim the resources of Heishan with their fists and blades, securing their future. How can you justify sending people to control Black Mountain? Zuo Tianzheng has the royal family backing him, so hes probably never been short of cultivation resources. But for the lower-level cultivators around, Black Mountain might be their only hope for breaking through their limits and advancing to higher realms. In the past, the Mountain God, the ruler of Black Mountain, forbade entry, but now that the Mountain God has agreed, Zuo Tianzheng wants to enforce his own approach. Its like cutting off the slim hope that these cultivators have worked so hard to gain. They look to Black Mountain to improve their lives, but now you want to stop them? And maintaining order there? Its not as easy as he thinks. If Black Cloud Guards are sent into Black Mountain, and two warriors discover a spiritual plant, would it lead to a battle to claim it? What happens if Black Cloud Guards are there? Would they tell them: Stop fighting. Ill take care of this spiritual plant for now, and when were out of Black Mountain, Ill divide it up among you? Or maybe they would immediately decide who gets it, like splitting it in half? Thats absurd. The biggest problem is, who can control peoples hearts perfectly? Once inside Black Mountain, with so many Black Cloud Guards around, how can they ensure order is maintained, not destroyed? Who can guarantee that? With treasures right in front of them, do you really expect these people, who came for the treasures, to suppress their desires and uphold justice? Is that even possible? Zuo Tianzhengs idea is full of flaws, and for a moment, Han didnt know what to say. This approach goes against what most cultivators would want. Could it be that Lord Zuo is truly a genius? After a moment of silence, Han asked, What did the representatives of other forces say? Bai Ruoyue looked confused. After Zuo Tianzheng spoke, some immediately agreed, praising him as a true man of the people. The people from Tenglong Martial Academy were the quickest to agree. Han thought for a moment and recalled that night. Tenglong Martial Academy must have been in contact with Zuo Tianzheng privately several times. Theyve probably already fully sided with him. Surely some people disagreed, though? Many forces disagreed, Bai Ruoyue nodded. Zuo Tianzheng said a lot of nonsense trying to convince us, but there were still some who didnt agree. I didnt agree either. Staying in Black Mountain to maintain order is like playing with your life. Black Mountain is a place where anything can happen. One wrong move, and youre dead. Just then, Hans communicator beeped. Aunt Mo? Did Zuo Tianzheng visit the Taibai Martial Academy again today? Yes, the senior sister is back. Hes an idiot, dont listen to him, Lu Qingmo expressed her displeasure with Zuo Tianzhengs proposal. Does he think hes the Mountain God? Aunt Mo, why didnt you show up today? Bai Ruoyue asked loudly. Zuo Tianzheng didnt notify me or Jiang Duan, bypassed the both of us and contacted you directly, Lu Qingmo said, adding a few more words before hanging up the communicator. Zuo Tianzheng and the Black Cloud Two Offices probably dont get along too well, Zhang Yuantao shook his head. But I cant understand Zuo Tianzhengs idea at all. Who can? Han glanced at Bai Ruoyue and asked, Since some people dont want to join the Black Cloud Guards, what did Zuo Tianzheng say in the end? He said he would give us time to think it over, and those who agree would form the Black Cloud Guards to enter Black Mountain and start maintaining order. Oh, and he also brought some martial arts manuals and mystical Taoist skills with him from Yujing. Theyre quite impressive. Anyone who agrees to his proposal and makes a contribution will be rewarded. Thats bribery Han wondered if this Imperial Envoy really was such an idealist, so concerned for the country and its people. Also, that Long Tianchong was so sarcastic in front of everyone, Bai Ruoyue said angrily. He said that my father left early, not late, and it must have been premeditated before Zuo Tianzheng came. Sounds infuriating. If it werent for the crowd, Id have punched him twice, kicked him twice. Slap here, slap there, senior sister is quite cute... Dont pay attention to that Long Tianchong. Hes just a useless idiot. After Bai Ruoyue finished talking about todays events, Han and the others discussed their next steps. They couldnt afford to enter Black Mountain; it was like seeking death. Shen Long and the others, being part of the Black Cloud Guards, would simply do their usual duties to maintain Black Clouds stability. Safety always comes first. After discussing the matter, Bai Ruoyue stood up. Im so angry today. Little junior brother, come with me. Why? To vent. Im so fragile, isnt that a bit much? Senior sister, can you feel the changes in your internal organs? Han asked. Bai Ruoyue had been taking the Internal Organs Divine Pills since the second day of her dream journey, not knowing how many she had consumed. As long as she was dreaming, she kept taking them, keeping her internal organs divine state active. The two-month-long dream made her attain a profound understanding of her internal organs divine state, far ahead of others. Had Han received his dream cultivation cheat at the same time as Bai Ruoyue, he was certain that he would have achieved the eternal awakening of his internal organs divine state by now. Unfortunately, his cultivation time was a bit later, and he didnt enjoy the benefits from the dream journey. Bai Ruoyue nodded. I do have some insights. It feels like theres something hidden inside my body, like something is about to break through, but I cant really explain it. Its a very mysterious feeling. She hesitated and then added, Junior brother, since youre also cultivating in this area, you can observe mine. Perhaps it could help you. Han was thrilled. This will definitely help me. Youre the best, senior sister. Bai Ruoyues cheeks flushed slightly. Im not that great. Shall we go to the meditation room now? Han couldnt wait. Alright. They headed straight to the meditation room. With the master not home, Han figured it would be a great chance to go into the meditation room and do as he pleased. No one could stop him now! The entire martial academy was his domain! Who could control him? Hans spiritual energy extended and entered Bai Ruoyues body to find what he neededthe internal organs divine state she had comprehended so well. He was focused on the divine state and wasnt looking for anything inappropriate. He wasnt that kind of person. He was reading the Qi Jing! Bai Ruoyue trembled slightly, as this kind of spiritual power entering her body felt very strange. It was like being completely exposed, with no privacy in front of the other person. Normally, a warriors strong body, male vitality, and profound qi would instinctively block such spiritual power. But in this case, Bai Ruoyue had actively opened herself up, allowing Han to enter. If it had to be someone, it could only be her junior brother. Chapter 195: The Shadow of the Dead Junior Brother, are you done yet? Almost there, almost done. Its been a while! Why arent you out yet? Im almost finished! Coming out now, coming out! Han withdrew his immense spiritual energy and noticed that Bai Ruoyue seemed a bit flushed. Senior Sister, thank you so much. How about I show you the results of my work? Its only fair to return the favor. No need, Bai Ruoyue huffed, rolling her eyes. As long as youre satisfied with the results, thats all that matters. Once Han returned to the peach grove, he received good news from Lu Qingmo. Your promotion request has been approved. From now on, youre officially a Seventh-Rank Ghostly Wanderer, Lu Qingmo smiled as he spoke. The information has been updated in the Ghostly Register. Starting today, youll enjoy the privileges of a Seventh-Rank Ghostly Wanderer. The Ghostly Register is a magical artifact within the Ghostly Division, used to record and assign ranks. Once a person joins the Ghostly Division and takes up an official post, they will be recorded in the Ghostly Register. If someone leaves the division, theyre removed from the register. If they die in battle, the register will note that, and if theyre promoted, their information is updated accordingly. This artifact is quite special, similar to a mother-child artifact system. The true Ghostly Register is located at the headquarters of the Jade Capital Ghostly Division, while the registers in various counties and states serve as secondary copies. However, the information is synchronized across all registers. For instance, if a Ghostly Division member from Tianzhou County travels to Qingzhou County and their identity is questioned, they can verify their identity in the Ghostly Register. This prevents many unnecessary complications. Even the special position of Ghostly Wanderer is recorded in the Ghostly Register. Additionally, the second volume of the Haoran Great Seal has been approved for exchange by the state Ghostly Division. I can hand it to you now, Lu Qingmo continued. Han was overjoyed at the news. Such efficiency? This doesnt quite match the usual pace of the imperial departments. I didnt even submit a formal request! Lu Qingmo explained, Since this is a method of Taoist cultivation that can be written down, not a physical item, the state Ghostly Division used a special method to directly send me the cultivation method, and Im passing it on to you. The transmission of Taoist techniques across such a distance isnt easy. This time, since you successfully advanced, the state Ghostly Division saw your dedication and made an exception to use this method, allowing you to receive the Taoist technique immediately as an extra reward. You wont have to waste time going to the state Ghostly Division yourself. Promotions in the Ghostly Wanderer rank typically come with some form of reward, as it means becoming a true member of the team. Han replied seriously, Please thank the state Ghostly Division for me. Loyalty! Ill now explain the cultivation method from the second volume to you. Come closer. Thats too close, step back. Too far Lu Qingmo couldnt help but laugh in exasperation. Was this intentional? You complain its too close, then its too farnow its my fault. I look like Im being unreasonable. Han sighed in frustration. This is tough. Do you still want it or not? If not, I wont give it to you. Of course I want it, Aunt Mo, please give it to me! With the foundation from the first volume and Hans innate talent, combined with the Haoran Qi he had already cultivated, there was no obstacle to learning the second volume. Some Taoist techniques from the Academy of All Saints are difficult to practice, but also easy to learn, Lu Qingmo remarked. The key lies in Haoran Qi. Once you grasp this force, techniques that are usually hard for many people become much easier to master. I can already feel it, Han nodded. This force is at the core of many Taoist techniques in the Academy of All Saints, smoothing out many hurdles. No wonder Lu Qingmo thought Han should go there. After memorizing the second volume of Haoran and reflecting on it briefly, Han withdrew his focus and began cultivating his soul. Taoist techniques are powerful, but cultivation rank is what truly matters. Aunt Mo, about Zuo Tianzheng Lu Qingmo frowned slightly. I went to find him later, but he insisted on expanding the Black Cloud Guard and controlling the Black Mountain. I can make the Ghostly Division ignore his orders, but if he insists on going through with it, theres nothing I can do. I cant stop him. Zuo Tianzheng cant do anything to Xuandu Temple, but Lu Qingmo, naturally, cant do anything to him either, as hes a close advisor to the emperor. Stolen content warning: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences. If he manages to pull this off, there will likely be more chaos in Black Mountain, not peace, Han said. That place is outside the law. Strong individuals who could prevent his ideas from being executed cant enter, so this is all just his wishful thinking. Why is he doing this? For political gains? Is his main task really to develop the Black Cloud Guard? Lu Qingmo shook his head. I cant understand his thinking either. You dont need to get involved in this. Black Mountain is dangerous, full of savage beasts and all sorts of hazards. Thats what were planning as well. Han hasnt forgotten about his last encounter with Bai Ruoyue. That place was lethal, not a training ground for cultivators. After finishing his cultivation for the night, Han spent the entire evening absorbing the second volume of Haoran. No wonder its called the Holy Pathits intricacy and depth are unmatched. By the time dawn broke, Han left his room and was surprised to find Yun Duo, whom he hadnt seen in a long time, standing there. Han! The little girl greeted Han with a wave. How did you get here? Yun Duo answered honestly, Master sent me to deliver a message to my father. Then she curiously asked, How did you come out? Did you arrive that early? I did come pretty early Early enough to have arrived the previous night. She didnt know Han had already moved and was now the owner of the peach grove. This was a well-kept secret, known only to the martial arts hall members. Are you finished with your business? Yes, just finished. I was about to head home. Han nodded, not asking too much about what Lu Qingmo had said to her. Ill walk you back. He was also heading to the martial arts hall. Great! Yun Duo nodded eagerly and then asked, By the way, Han, do you have time later? Later Han thought for a moment, then said, If nothing urgent comes up, I should be free. Why? Are you inviting me to your house again? If you want to come, its no problem. My house is always welcoming you, Yun Duo said naturally. Actually, my father told us to spend more time with you, get closer, and build a better relationship. Shes really straightforward, saying everything without holding back. She doesnt treat me like an outsider at all. "Junior Brother, are you done yet?" "Almost, almost." "Its taking you so long. Why arent you out yet?" "Just a second, Im coming out now!" Han withdrew his vast spiritual energy, and he noticed that Bai Ruoyue was slightly flushed. "Senior Sister, thank you! Would you like to take a look at my results?" Its only fair to return the favor. "No need," Bai Ruoyue snorted. "As long as youve made progress, thats all that matters." When Han returned to the peach grove, he received some good news from Lu Qingmo. "Your promotion request has been approved. From now on, youll be a seventh-tier Ghost Patrol," Lu Qingmo said with a smile. "Your information has already been updated in the Ghost Gods Registry. Starting today, you will enjoy the benefits of being a seventh-tier Ghost Patrol." The Ghost Gods'' Registry is a magical artifact used by the Ghost Gods Division to record names and official positions. Once someone joins the Ghost Gods Division in an official capacity, their name will be registered in the Ghost Gods'' Registry. Leaving the Ghost Gods Division or dying in battle results in removal from the list, and if someone gets promoted, their status is updated accordingly. This artifact is quite powerful, similar to a master-apprentice system in magic tools. The true Ghost Gods'' Registry is kept in the headquarters of the Jade Capitals Ghost Gods Division, while the registers in the various counties and states are secondary versions. However, the information in all the registers is shared. For example, if a member of the Ghost Gods Division in one county travels to another county and their identity is questioned, the local division can verify their identity in the Registry. This prevents many potential problems. Even special positions, such as Ghost Patrols, are listed in the Registry. "Also, the second volume of the Great Handprint of Haoran has been approved for exchange by the states Ghost Gods Division. I can hand it over to you now." Han was overjoyed upon hearing this. "Such efficiency?" he thought. "This doesn''t quite align with the usual pace of government departments. I didnt even submit any documents." Lu Qingmo explained, "Because it''s a method of Daoist cultivation that can be passed down in writing, not an actual object, the states Ghost Gods Division used a special method to send me the cultivation method directly. Im just passing it on to you." "Transmitting Daoist cultivation methods over such a distance consumes a lot of energy," she continued. "Since youve just been promoted, and the states Ghost Gods Division sees your hard work, theyve used this special method to ensure you get the technique as quickly as possible as a reward. This way, you dont have to waste time going to the states Ghost Gods Division yourself." Promotions to Ghost Patrol are usually accompanied by rewards, as it signifies an official standing within the division. Han said seriously, "Thank you to the states Ghost Gods Division." Loyalty! "Ill now tell you how to cultivate with the second volume. Come a little closer." "Too close, move back." "Too far..." Lu Qingmo laughed despite herself. Was this intentional? "Complaining about being too close, then complaining about being too far? Now youre making me seem unreasonable, am I being too dramatic?" Han sighed. This was tough. "Do you still want it or not? If not, Im not giving it to you." "Yes, yes, yes! Aunt Mo, please give it to me!" With the foundation from the first volume, Hans innate talent and the Haoran Qi he had already cultivated made the second volume incredibly easy for him to learn. "Some Daoist techniques at the Sacred Academy are difficult to practice, but also quite simple," Lu Qingmo explained. "The key lies in the Haoran Qi. Once you comprehend this power, many Daoist techniques that are difficult for others to grasp will become incredibly simple." "I can already feel it," Han nodded. The Haoran Qi was indeed the core of many Daoist techniques at the Sacred Academy, clearing many of the obstacles for those who mastered it. No wonder Lu Qingmo felt Han should be going somewhere. After memorizing and briefly understanding the second volume of Haoran, Han withdrew his mind and began cultivating his soul. Although the Daoist techniques were powerful, his cultivation level was the real foundation. "Aunt Mo, about Zuo Tianzheng during the day..." Han began. Lu Qingmo furrowed her brow. "I went to speak with him later, but he insisted on expanding the Black Cloud Guard and taking control of Black Mountain." "I can make the Ghost Gods Division disregard his orders, but if hes determined to go through with something, theres nothing I can do to stop him." Zuo Tianzheng couldn''t do anything to the Xuandu Sect, but Lu Qingmo had no influence over him as a high-ranking official close to the Emperor. "If he succeeds in this, things in Black Mountain wont be peaceful at all. In fact, it might get worse," Han said. "Thats an unregulated area. Only the strongest can carry out their ideas without interference. Its just wishful thinking on his part." "Why is he doing this? Is it for political gain? Is his main goal really the development of Black Cloud?" Lu Qingmo shook her head. "I cant understand his thinking." "Dont get involved in this. Black Mountain is dangerous. Beasts and various other threats dominate that place." "We werent planning to," Han said. He hadnt forgotten his close call with Bai Ruoyue, that place was far from being a cultivators paradise. After finishing his cultivation, Han spent the entire night studying the second volume of Haoran. True Daoist techniques, especially those with profound meaning, were beyond comparison. When the morning came, Han stepped out of his room and was surprised to find Yun Duo there. "Han!" The young girl greeted him. "What are you doing here?" Yun Duo answered honestly, "Master sent me to pass on some words to my father." Then, curious, she asked, "How did you come out? Did you arrive so early?" "I did come pretty early..." Han replied, realizing she didnt know he had already moved and was now the man of the Peach Grove. This matter was kept fairly secret, known only to people from the martial arts school. "Is everything settled?" "Yes, everythings done. I was about to head home." Han nodded, not asking what Lu Qingmo had discussed with her. "Ill walk you back." He was also heading to the martial arts school. "Great!" Yun Duo replied eagerly and then asked, "By the way, Han, do you have time later?" "Later?" Han thought for a moment before replying, "If nothing urgent comes up, I should be free. Why?" "Are you going to invite me over again?" "If you want to come, its no problem. My home is very welcoming to you." Yun Duo said naturally, "My father specifically asked us to spend more time with you, get closer, and build a stronger bond." "..." Well, youre really... honest and straightforward, aren''t you? No pretenses, just putting everything out there. Chapter 196: The Troublemaker The distance of over 200 miles wasnt too long for the three of them. A warrior at the Organs Realm could easily run such a distance at high speed without breaking a sweat. "By the way, I have a question," Han spoke up as they traveled. "Is there really no chance for a Bone Training Warrior or a Day Walk cultivator to enter Black Mountain?" "The Mountain God ancestor wont allow outsiders at that level into the mountain," Yun Yun replied. "This is actually a good thingit serves as a protection for us." It used to be protection, but now... it''s more of a restriction. However, Yun Yuns words seemed to have a deeper meaning. Reflecting on their previous trip to the Boundless Sky Ruins... It seemed that outsiders, particularly skilled ones, were forbidden from entering the mountain, but the people who were "insiders" would likely not be subject to these same rules. For the Mountain God, the "insiders" at this point would only be Yun''s family and a few others like Lord Yun Jiang Long and the Dragon Maiden. Other experts who wanted to enter would either have to wait for the Mountain God''s death or somehow become part of the "insider" group. "Han, are you asking for the White Pavilion Master?" Yun Duo asked. "Does he want to enter? He''d have to talk to my father about that." "To be honest, it''s actually me," Han said sincerely. "I''m a major expert nowabout three or four times the level of the Taibai Martial Arts Pavilion''s top masters." "Hahaha!" Yun Duo laughed, "I don''t believe you." Yun Yun gave a slight smile but didnt say anythingshe didnt believe it either. It was obvious that Han was stronger than they were, but to say that he was already at a level that could be restricted by Black Mountain''s rules was impossibletheres no way, not after such a short time since their last trip. No one could achieve such a breakthrough. Han chuckled. It was true that in these times, no one would believe you if you told them the truth. "Zuo Tianzheng is about to send a large number of Black Cloud Guards into Black Mountainwhats Yun familys take on that?" Han asked, though he was more curious about what the Mountain God thought. "My father says to ignore itlet him stir things up if he wants," Yun Duo shook her head. "Anyway, Zuo Tianzheng wont be able to send any strong experts in." If you cant provoke them, just ignore them. Han then thought of something else and asked, "By the way, youre a named disciple of Aunt Mo, so does that mean youre considered a disciple of the Xuan Du Sect?" This was important in terms of whether Yun Duo could later join the Xuan Du Sect for further training. Yun Duo paused for a moment, thinking. "I dont know." "..." "That depends on what Master Lu Du decides," Yun Yun chimed in. "If shes willing, Yun Duo would practically be considered a disciple of the Xuan Du Sect." If Master Lu Du didnt care, then Yun Duo wouldnt have any connection with the Xuan Du Sect. The status of a named disciple wasnt quite the same as being officially part of the sectit was a relationship, but a distant one. However, knowing Master Lu Dus nature, and considering the nearly three years of teacher-student relationship between her and Yun Duo, Yun Yun was sure that she wouldnt neglect the young girl. "Han, are you planning to join the Xuan Du Sect in the future?" Yun Duo asked curiously. Han shook his head. "Im not sure." For some reason, Master Lu Du had never brought up anything about him joining the Xuan Du Sect. She had always praised his talent, but Han wasnt sure what was really in her mind. To be honest, Han didnt have a strong desire to join any major faction, but he wasnt against it either. He had already passed the hardest part of his journey and with various life cheats, he could grow without much trouble. Joining a big faction would have its benefitsprotection from elders when traveling, gaining status, not needing to worry about being bullied, and having systematic guidance for cultivation. But for someone like Han, joining such a faction might come with its drawbackspeople would inevitably start to poke around his secrets. If you spot this tale on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation. He trusted Lu Du, but he didnt trust the other elders of the sect. So, his attitude toward sects was more indifferent. Being a disciple of the Taibai Martial Arts Pavilion didnt affect his ability to join other factions in the future, as Taibai was a martial arts pavilion, not a sect. While the three of them were talking, they arrived at the copper mine suspected of being linked to the zombies. The Yun family members had already sealed off the area. These people were weak, and when the abnormal occurrences began in the mine, they tried to investigate but ended up with casualties. This caused them to become cautious, and they immediately alerted the family for support. The miners employed by the Yun family had temporarily left the mine, and it was during a morning headcount that someone went missing. After they found a body, they realized something was off. As per the usual procedure, they first checked the body of the victim. The hole in the neck was very obvious. "Looking at this, its highly likely to be the work of a zombie." "Burn it," Yun Yun ordered. "Compensation for the victims family must be properly handled. If I find anyone trying to take advantage of the situation, dont blame me for being rude." Most of the workers at the Yun familys mine were hired, with only a few being slavescriminals or enemies captured by the family. Perhaps because the area had long been considered the Mountain Gods domain, the Yun family had a sense of ownership, a certain nobility. They were also generous when it came to compensating for incidents involving malicious creatures. "Yes, Miss," the men nodded respectfully. "Well take care of it right away." As they entered the mine, they noticed it was brighter than the previous iron mine. The evil aura in the air was almost nonexistent. This was a rich mine, and despite years of extraction, the yield was still considerable. In an ordinary world, such resources would be controlled by the government. But in this extraordinary world, even the government had to make concessions. The Great Qi Royal Family was, at the end of the day, just a powerful family. Though they were the most powerful and well-known, they were still a family. Han, having reached the Day Walk realm, had vastly improved his soul power compared to before. It was night and day. The spiritual energy he sent out could easily penetrate through the mine tunnels, and the evil aura there was no obstacle at allit was simply evaporated by his spirit. With the cultivation methods he had mastered, like the Day Walk method and the True Dragon Soul Stone, his soul had become more powerful and righteous. Though his soul was still based in Yin energy, it now appeared more grand and righteous. Soon, Han found the cause of the disturbances. Sure enough, it was a zombie. "Its definitely the result of a corpse disaster," Han nodded. "It seems like a wild zombietheres no trace of any cultivators in the mine." "What level of zombie are we dealing with?" "A white-haired one." Yun Duo was confused, "A white-haired one?" "A white zombie." Yun Yun couldnt help but ask, "How can you sense whats going on deep in the mine?" "Im strong now," Han emphasized once again. "..." Yun Yun gave him a polite smile. "A white zombie, that''s easy enough to deal with." The lowest form of undead creatures is, of course, a corpseno mutations, simply lying still in its coffin with no threat. But this is the origin of most zombies. Then there are the ''reanimated'' walking corpses, which, once brought back to life, become much stronger, with their bodies transforming and becoming nearly impossible to harm, on par with martial artists at the Flesh Meridian level. Next come the white zombies with their long, white fur, which cover their decayed, rotten flesh, comparable to martial artists at the Meridian level. Below the Yun familys copper mine lies just such a white zombie. Beyond that are the green zombies Han and the others encountered last time, which are on par with the Organ Meridian realm. Zombies with fur are stronger than those withoutat least in the early stages. When martial artists face zombies, they can only fight them head-on and suppress them with brute force. However, if a cultivator encounters a wild zombie, and they themselves are skilled in corpse control techniques, as long as the strength difference isnt too great, they can easily subdue them. Cultivators may struggle against martial artists in direct combat, but a zombie strong enough to face a martial artist wont be able to resist a cultivator. A single binding corpse talisman is enough to incapacitate a zombiean incredibly strange phenomenon. It seems that everything in the world has its balanceone thing overcomes another. "A Meridian-level zombie," Yun Duo said eagerly. "Let me handle this!" "I knew we''d be dealing with zombies, so I prepared quite a few things," she added proudly. "Be careful, the weasel essence wont work on zombies," Han reminded. Yun Duo grinned. "Thats why I made something new." She pulled out a small bead from her spatial pouch. After confirming where the zombie was located, she threw it into the mine. A cloud of yellow smoke quickly spread out, and Han sniffed the air. Another strange scent filled his nose. "What is this?" "Its a mixture of black dog beast blood and urine, combined with corpse control techniques to create a zombie repellent," Yun Duo explained enthusiastically. "Zombies dont have intelligence, but they have instincts. When exposed to this repellent, they instinctively want to flee." Black dog blood and urine... "You made this?" "Yes, I made it myself. It took a lot of effort," Yun Duo nodded, her expression bright. Hans face twisted in disbelief. How does a noble girl like her, a genius in Dao techniques, always end up making such bizarre concoctions? Last time, it was the unbearably foul weasel essence, and now this. Han couldnt understand what could possibly be so appealing about these things. He glanced at Yun Yun, who looked equally helpless. Her little sisters hobbies were indeed... unique. Watching Yun Duo so excited, Han silently sighed. Impulsive children are frightening. Even more so when they have the power to back it up. As the zombie repellent spread, it filled the entire mine. A low growl echoed, accompanied by a rumbling sound. A terrifying white figure charged out of the mine, heading straight for Han and the others. The sinister energy radiating from the zombie hit them, but the three of them didnt flinch. Yun Duo, already itching for a fight, charged ahead, fully equipped with defensive talismans and protective charms. Before the battle began, she set up her shields. Han didnt intend to intervene. One white zombie was no match for Yun Duo. Of course, he didnt relax, keeping a close eye on her just in case anything unexpected happened. But Yun Duo was skilled, and she quickly subdued the zombie. Five or six talismans were plastered on its body, causing it to stop moving wildly. Yun Duo clapped her hands with a smile, turning to look at the others. "See how impressive I am?" However, Hans expression shifted in that moment, and so did Yun Yuns. "Whoosh!" A peachwood flying sword appeared out of nowhere, slicing through the air and immediately pinning itself to the white zombies forehead. Yun Duo quickly turned, only to find that the talismans on the zombie were already falling off, half of them missing. The remaining talismans were about to fall off as well, and the white zombies body was trembling slightly. But under Hans sword, it wouldnt get another chance. Yun Duo froze. "How could a white zombie break through my talismans?" "This isnt a wild zombie." She had initially thought it was just an ordinary corpse without a master, but now, it seemed that wasnt the case. Sure enough, being with Yun Yun made things more complicated. It wasnt Hans fault. Chapter 197: No Worries, Ill Handle It The white zombie was still struggling, not yet dead. Han held back, not killing it immediately, as it presented a clue. Someone''s behind this? Cloud muttered, "It''s so frustrating. I couldn''t even deal with a white zombie properly." With the peach wood sword suppressing the zombie, Han carefully examined it. After a while, he said, somewhat surprised, "Theres no corpse control mark inside this white zombie." "Could it be another special kind of zombie?" Cloud and Yun Yun were also a bit taken aback. Special types of undead were rare, and Han seemed to be encountering them one after another. Han shook his head. "Its just an ordinary zombie. Though theres no corpse control mark, theres something else strange about it" The corpse control mark is a technique used by corpse path cultivators to control zombies. Generally, any zombie crafted by a cultivator would have this kind of mark, though it could appear in various forms. Its function, however, was always the same. Only in very rare cases could a cultivator create a zombie without using this mark and still manage to command it. But such a special case could never happen with a white zombie. Finally, Han found a corpse demon seed inside the white zombie. The seed, wrapped in faint gray corpse energy, was hidden deep inside the zombies already-dead heart. When the white zombie was subdued, it was using the seeds power to fight back. Han informed Cloud and Yun Yun about his discovery, but neither of them knew much about this situation. A snail was sent to contact Lu Qingmo. Corpse heart hiding a corpse seed? Lu Qingmos voice carried some surprise. You were right. This white zombie is under control, but the one controlling it isn''t a cultivator. It''s another zombie. A zombie controlling a zombie? Han was astonished. Is it a spiritually awakened zombie? Highly possible, Lu Qingmo confirmed. Han couldnt help but exclaim, A spiritually awakened zombie, thats terrifying. When something that shouldn''t have consciousness gains it, it usually means immense power. Well, its not that simple. Some zombies do awaken spontaneously, Lu Qingmos voice continued. Bring the white zombie back here so I can take a look. Hans strength had certainly grown, but his knowledge and experience couldnt compare to Lu Qingmo''s. Such wisdom and depth took time, experience, and systematic teachings to accumulate. Their backgrounds were different, and in this area, Han had a long way to go. Alright. Han directly stored the white zombie in his corpse storage bag. Zombie control, like corpse crafting by cultivators, wasnt as complete as that of a full-fledged crafted zombie. It was more like gathering subordinates. In some ways, it could even be seen as leaderless, which allowed the zombie to be easily stored in someone elses storage bag. After checking the copper mine and ensuring there were no further hidden dangers, the three of them left. However, Yun Yun specifically warned the Yun family members responsible for the mine to halt mining operations and evacuate. Perhaps the mysterious zombie controlling the white zombie would make a move once it realized its creation had been captured. If the workers stayed, they could face great danger. Until the situation was fully resolved, the copper mine had to be suspended for some time. A spiritually awakened zombie, who knows how terrifying it is, Cloud said anxiously. Why did it target our mine? We only have a few small ones. Its not easy to run such a small business. Couldnt she say something more straightforward? What does a few small ones even mean? Han, someone with no mines of his own, felt deeply offended. Cloud raised another concern. What if a zombie catastrophe happens? Yun Yun patted her sisters head and said, Stop overthinking. Dont worry, if the sky falls, there will be someone taller to hold it up, Han reassured Cloud. And besides, the sky wont fall. In the lands of the three human kingdoms, no matter how powerful the monster, it couldnt overturn everything. Peach Grove. There is indeed another zombie controlling this one. Based on the corpse demon seed, the controlling zombie is likely a green zombie. This was Lu Qingmos conclusion after investigating. A green zombie, in the organ realm Han said, puzzled. But for a green zombie to awaken its spirit, thats rare, right? Its strength was still insufficient for such an outcome. The green zombies strength isn''t enough to awaken its intelligence. There must be another reason. Lu Qingmo then used a special method to extract the corpse seed from the white zombies heart. Once removed, the seeds gray energy was still connected to the zombies body, like a thread that hadnt fully snapped. It even caused the zombie to go into a frenzy, almost as though it wanted to attack. Then, all the gray energy threads suddenly snapped, and the white zombie immediately calmed down. If you encounter this narrative on Amazon, note that it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it. The corpse seed started to shrink, then expanded again, the sinister aura increasing as if it might explode. But Lu Qingmo wasnt concerned, continuing with her task. She sliced open the seed and condensed all its power into a solid the size of a soybean. And once again, the small wooden frog appeared. It swallowed the condensed seed without hesitation. Han looked at the frog with an odd expression. He had used it multiple times before, and the frog seemed to eat anything. Its appetite was truly impressive. As though sensing Hans thoughts, Lu Qingmo explained, This is a small artifact my master gave me. Its used for tracking. Very useful. Han understood. If it was given by her master, it had to be treated with care. After all, Lu Qingmos master had been in seclusion for eighteen years. Any item from that period held significant meaning. The wooden frog stuck out its tongue and pointed in a specific direction. Lu Qingmo handed the frog to Han. Go ahead. It will lead you to the spiritually awakened green zombie. She then cautioned, Theres something strange about this spiritually awakened zombie. Dont treat this as a simple zombie situation. Be careful. Take good care of the two of them. Dont worry, Aunt Mo, Han assured her. Ill make sure the Yun sisters are well taken care of. Yun Yun listened to their conversation, her expression strange, as if she wanted to say something but stopped. Han noticed but didnt bring it up. As the three of them left Black Cloud Town, Yun Yun finally couldnt hold back and asked, Han, are we going alone? Thats a spiritually awakened zombie. Its strength is extraordinary. The three of us Can we handle it? She had just entered the organ realm and still saw Han as someone with only limited experience in that regard. Dealing with a spiritually awakened zombie was a far more difficult task than handling ordinary undead. Its fine. Well be fine, Han nodded. Dont worry, theres no risk. Yun Yun opened her mouth as if she were about to speak, but she stopped short. She had heard Han use the phrase "no risk" before. That time... there really wasnt any risk. Dont worry, big sis, trust Han, Cloud chimed in confidently. Han will definitely handle it. Since her little sister had sided with Han, Yun Yun couldnt argue further. To Yun Yun, the three of them might stand a chance against the zombie, but it was still a risky endeavor, with many unknown variables. Given their backgrounds, there was no need to take such a risk. However, with the conversation reaching this point, Yun Yun steadied herself and felt a different kind of emotion rise within her. Perhaps Hans ability to rise above challenges and face danger head-on was the reason he was becoming such a legend in Black Cloud. He must have faced countless risks and struggles to get here. Looking back, she realized she had never experienced such dangers herself. Perhaps that was one of the differences between her and Han. With this in mind, Yun Yun couldnt help but admire Han. Behind his shining reputation, who knew how many efforts and dangers he had faced? Han, do you often take the initiative to challenge danger and face hardships to temper yourself? Huh? Han was taken aback. What kind of question was that? After thinking for a moment, he replied, No, not really. "I usually only do things I''m absolutely sure about. I value my life too much," Han said calmly. He had already experienced death once. After barely managing to gain a second chance at life, he wasnt planning on dying again. Unexpected events, like the Black Mountain Bone-Slithering Snake, didn''t count. "Life only comes once, and one''s own life should always come first. You two are still young, don''t take unnecessary risks," Han advised, turning to the others. "The future is long. Don''t think shortcuts through life and death will make things easier. Just focus on your training." "..." Yun Yun''s illusions were shattered. Following the guidance of the Wood Frog, the three of them traveled more than a hundred miles, reaching a desolate mountain. "Is it in this mountain?" Han''s spiritual energy extended out, constantly scanning for movement nearby as they went deeper. The Wood Frog eventually pointed to a cave. Han''s spiritual energy poured in, and then his expression shifted. "There is indeed a zombie inside, but its just a White Zombie," he said. "No, wait... theres a passage deeper inside. I can sense a stronger death aura there." The passage was only about three feet wide and extended deep down into the earth, stretching far until it abruptly ended. At that moment, the Wood Frog flicked its tongue and pointed in another direction. "Whats going on?" Yun Yun asked in surprise. "That spirit zombie was here before, but its probably gone now," Han said thoughtfully. "It seems like it can move through the earth. Is it some kind of earth-based escape technique?" It was no wonder that the spirit zombie had such a special abilityordinary zombies couldnt compare. "Run away? Its too clever!" Yun Duo stomped her foot. "Take care of this White Zombie, then well chase after it," Han said, quickly subduing the White Zombie and leading the two women in pursuit. "That spirit zombie is fast," Yun Duo exclaimed. They had already been chasing for quite a distance, but they hadnt spotted the zombie. Instead, it was constantly changing directions, and the Wood Frog''s tongue was wriggling so much that it nearly got tangled. "It seems to be traveling through the earth. It must be using an earth escape technique," Han answered. "Such techniques are quite rare," Yun Yun remarked. "Earth escape, fire escape, and other elemental escape techniques are incredibly mysterious. They allow one to move through water and fire, and even enter the earth with ease." Han himself had mastered a type of escape technique, but it was purely flight-based. Though fast, it lacked the magical qualities of the elemental escape techniques. Moving through the elements, such techniques were otherworldly and difficult to comprehend. They had already traveled over a hundred miles outside Black Cloud Town. After this chase, they had covered another three hundred miles, making all three of them a bit weary. Finally, the Wood Frog led them to a wild cemetery. Graves were scattered everywhere, and exposed bones lay under the sun. Hans spiritual energy sensed the presence of the zombie. It was deep inside, unmoving, as though it no longer wished to run. "Be careful," Han warned. "This zombie is unusual. Its definitely not simple." "Dont worry. We all have protective treasures on us," Yun Duo nodded, reassuring him. As they entered the cemetery, the temperature immediately dropped. The three of them proceeded deeper, and the zombie soon came into view. But what shocked them was that there wasnt just the Green Zombie they had expected. There was another, even larger and more menacing zombie, exuding a terrifying aura. The second zombies hair was black, not green. It was a Black Zombie! A Black Zombie was comparable to a Bone Refining martial artist, and far beyond the capabilities of an ordinary practitioner to handle. It was an ambush! Han immediately realized what was happening. The Black Zombie faced the three of them but did not charge at them immediately. Its eyes were filled with murderous intent, but there was intelligence in them. Its aura was not just that of a typical zombieit was mixed with a ghostly energy. Han had encountered such beings before: Ghosts fused with zombie bodies, known as Ghost Zombies. The Black Zombie stared at the three of them, as though it were trying to identify something. "Ive been waiting for this opportunity for a long time." The Black Zombie didnt speak, but a male voice suddenly emanated from within it. "You three should be grateful for being allowed to live another day. Ill extract your souls, tormenting you day and night until you experience the most excruciating punishments." "Ill turn your flesh into my personal army of zombies, and you will serve me for all eternity to repay your sins." After hearing this, Han slowly spoke a few words. "Tianwang County, Earth Zombie Sect, Dai Lin." The hatred directed at them, along with the connection to Bone Refining Ghost Zombies, immediately made him think of the Earth Zombie Sect. During the Dead Souls event, they had killed a disciple of the Earth Zombie Sect, whose father was a high-ranking elder in the sect. It seemed that the most likely person behind this was Elder Dai Lin. The voice of the Ghost Zombie stopped for a moment before it erupted in a sinister laugh. "Kid, you''re quick to figure things out." "But it doesnt matter. I never intended for you to die a peaceful death." "Ill make sure you die in regret and agony!" A soul slowly emerged from the ground, drifting freely in the daylight, fearless. It was Dai Lin, the same person Han had seen before. Yun Yun and Yun Duos expressions immediately changed. Dai Lin, as mentioned by Dai Liu before, was an expert in the Daydream Realm. Now that Han saw this, it was clear that this level of power was realand there was also a Bone Refining Ghost Zombie by his side. These werent enemies they could deal with. On top of that, they were far from Black Cloud Town, isolated and facing these terrifying foes. It was over. They would be turned into zombies. Both of them looked at Han, only to find his expression as calm as ever. There was no sign of panic or worry. Instead, he seemed unusually composed. It was as if... the enemies in front of them werent even a threat. As if... Dai Lin himself was the one who had fallen into their trap. "I did consider the possibility of someone hiding in the shadows," Han said, his gaze sharp. Now that it had been proven true, he was unfazed. "It doesnt matter. Ill make my move now." Chapter 198: Mastering Yin and Yang, Sweeping All Directions A deafening roar erupted from the bone-forged corpse, its malevolent energy surging through the air, sweeping in all directions. The cursed aura sent the surrounding grave mounds flying, shattering countless bones into fragments, a terrifying sight that chilled the soul. The ghostly corpse unleashed a terrifying fury but made no move to strike. Instead, its actions seemed more like a mockery of Han and the others. Dai Lin stared coldly at Han, his eyes glinting with malice. "That look on your face is truly annoying." "Do you think you''ll survive today? What of the disciples of Xuan Du Temple? Even she won''t be able to save you!" "One at the Pulse Realm, one at the Internal Organs Realm, and one at the Night Wanderer Realm... I could take all your lives in just a few breaths." "Now, kneel and beg for mercy. I''ll spare you some suffering." He was eager to see fear spread across Hans face, to watch them grovel, crying and begging for mercy, weak and pathetic. He wanted nothing more than to toy with them, to break them psychologically. The grudge of losing his son was one that could never be forgiven, and he intended to use any means necessary to torment these three. To the disciples of the Corpse Sect, allowing an enemy to die swiftly meant their cultivation was lacking. Han glanced at him, his expression still calm, and spoke in a flat tone. "Looks like youve been in Black Cloud Town for quite some time, gathering information." How could the Corpse Sect, located so far away in Tianwang County, possibly know about Lu Qingmo? And how could they have known about their cultivation levels? This guy must have been lurking for some time... Truly patient. "I originally thought you wouldnt travel such a long way for revenge," Han shook his head. "After all, evil cultivators dont typically care much for offspring." "Didnt expect you actually showed up... Too bad..." "Youre late." Dai Lin sneered, "Late? Not at all, not even a little." "You still have time to join my son in the afterlife, to atone for your sins in the underworld." Han smiled faintly. "You didnt understand me, Dai Lin. When I said youre late, I didnt mean it in that way." "As for begging for mercy..." Hans tone turned light and amused. "Your son, Dai Liu, did the exact same thing back then." "Crying, kneeling, begging us to spare his life, like a dog... Tsk, tsk, tsk." "So this is what you taught him, huh? Like father, like son..." Dai Liu had once been defiant, even threatening Han with his background when death was at his doorstep. But that didnt stop Han from striking at his heart now. "You little brat, seeking death!" Dai Lins fury exploded as he lashed out. "Beg for mercy? Of course, its your place to kneel before me, thats only natural." "But my sonwhether he begged or notits beneath your dignity to mock him." Some things I can do, but you cant! The ghostly corpse suddenly launched itself with a terrifying force, smashing into the ground and sending a deep crater into the earth. It shot toward Han with overwhelming speed, its dark aura spreading like a storm, blackening the sky. "Ill make you experience the sensation of having your blood slowly drained from your body!" "Pathetic fools rage." Han shook his head gently. Under the surprised gazes of the Yun sisters, his soul shot out from his body, glowing with radiant light, unfazed by the sun. A faint sunlit glow shimmered around his soul, harmonizing with the sunlight, drawing everyones attention. Impossible! The enemy thought it was impossible, and even the Yun sisters, his allies, couldnt believe their eyes. It was absurd, unbelievable. Among the four of them, there was a second soul at the Day Wanderer stage! A booming sound filled the air as a gigantic, multi-colored handprint slammed down, striking the ghostly corpse and crushing it in an instant. The corpse screamed in agony, the soul-infused corpse writhing in pain, unable to move another inch. A visible mass of cursed energy evaporated, and the ghostly corpses aura began to fade. Against such a vile creature, Hans radiant energy suppressed it effortlessly. When a corpse cultivators power couldnt match the might of pure, righteous energy, facing it was like a fish on a chopping block. If Han were facing a regular Bone Refining warrior, the outcome would be uncertain, for Day Wanderer cultivators generally fell short in direct combat against Bone Refining warriors. But against a Bone Refining zombie? It was like a father effortlessly handling a child, a thirty-year-old man easily overpowering a three-year-old. Righteous energy dealt with these evil beings like nothing else, subduing them completely. The zombie, driven mad by the pure energy, struggled violently, trying to escape, but it was all in vain. A Bone Refining ghostly corpse was easily controlled by Han. This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there. It was like a divine force had descended, overwhelming everyone present with its might. Dai Lins face turned pale as he quickly formed a hand seal and chanted an incantation, channeling energy to revive his corpse while launching a counterattack at Han. "Boom!" The surrounding area exploded, creating a massive crater. Dai Lin managed to save his ghostly corpse, but his face twisted with anguish and disbelief. The corpse, once as solid as steel, now had multiple deep indentations on its body. Its cursed blood and flesh were evaporating, and its malevolent aura had been all but drained. The zombies eyes flickered with diminishing malice and spirit, becoming lethargic. Dai Lins rage boiled over. This was his life-bound corpse, his most treasured possession. Yet after a single clash, it had been so badly damaged. A corpse cultivators life-bound corpse was everything to them. If his support had been even a moment too late, the consequences were unimaginable. Glaring at Han, Dai Lin gritted his teeth and said, "Day Wanderer realm." Shock flooded his heart, and his emotions were beyond expression. Hed been in Black Cloud Town for some time, gathering information on the three killers who had taken his sons life. He knew their identities, their cultivation, and their background. But this person named Han, who had only been cultivating for a few months, how could he possibly be at the Day Wanderer stage? There was no waythis was impossible! The rumors in Black Cloud Town were false, deceiving an outsider like him. The people in Black Cloud Town were despicable! Dai Lin had painstakingly planned every step of his revenge, even borrowing a treasure from his sect to hide from the Xuan Du Temple disciple''s probing. He had intentionally caused a disturbance at the Yun family mine, luring the three enemies into the open. If this had failed to bring them out, he would have waited for another opportunity. He swore to kill Han and his companions to avenge his sons spirit. And yet, fate had smiled upon him, allowing him to succeed at once. He had been confident that this revenge would go smoothly, sure that blood would be spilled. But now, reality dealt him a heavy blow. Day Wanderer How could it be Day Wanderer... And one who wielded the power to suppress corpse cultivators! Han smiled slightly, his voice full of mockery. "Surprised? Shocked? Thrilled?" "Do you think Ive been sitting here calmly listening to you babble for no reason?" "Of course not. Its because Im not afraid of you, you little fool." "Im just watching the clown show. What are you watching?" "Yama, perhaps?" A Day Wanderer cultivator and a Bone Refining black zombieimpressive, right? "Ill show you just what I can do. With just my righteous hand, I could handle both of you with ease." A normal Day Wanderer cultivator might give Han some trouble. But when a corpse cultivators Bone Refining zombie is ruined, that cultivators power is also greatly diminished. "Zhou... Han, youre really a Day Wanderer?" Yun Duo stammered, her disbelief evident. Han chuckled, "The light of my realm, surely you can recognize it now." "Youve surpassed me, Im done for." Yun Duo muttered to herself, lost in her thoughts. She had planned to work hard and get closer to Han, to close the distance between them. But now, the gap was as wide as could be. And she was the one who had been left behind. Yun Duo, still innocent, could process this change. But Yun Yun stood there, frozen, staring at Hans soul with wide, unblinking eyes, as if she had lost her own. Day Wanderer... Day... I... Who am I? Where am I? Han turned his gaze toward Dai Lin, raising an eyebrow. "Youre not running?" Just a moment ago, I was talking casually with the person next to me, and you''re still here? Alright, so you think you can look down on me, huh? Dai Lins anger flared. "You impudent child, at the early stage of Day , how dare you act so arrogant!" "Ive been in the Day realm for over a decade, my foundation is something you could never compare to." "Still at Day after more than ten years of breakthrough?" Han offered a blunt comment. "You''re weak indeed." Dai Lins rage intensifiedthis was a profound humiliation! "Die!" The ghostly corpse released a massive amount of ghost mist, distorting the battlefield. Dai Lin swiftly threw out several items, creating a domain for corpse refining. A precious pearl shot out from his mouth, glowing gray, and a drop of soul blood was expelled, landing on the pearl and empowering it with immense strength, shooting its aura into the sky. Dai Lin still held a few refined corpses at the "dirty body" level, but he had no intention of using them. This opponents strength, even his own life essence could not withstand. If he summoned a green zombie, it wouldnt even be able to distract the other party. A single burst of seven-colored light would reduce it to nothing. Dai Lin was well aware of this. "Yun Yun, Yun Duo, I need you to watch over my body." Yun Yun snapped out of her daze, casting a complex glance at Han before nodding. "We can only protect your body, but rest assured, well do it well!" Han remained composed, gazing at the swirling ghost mist. While it seemed like he had asked Yun Yun and the others to guard his body, Han was completely confident in his own strength. Dai Lin was a cultivator, not a martial artist. He could not harm Han''s physical body. "Annoying," Han muttered. With a wave of his hand, seven-colored energy surged out, shattering Dai Lins carefully arranged corpse domain. A violent wind swept in all directions as Han stood calmly in midair, exuding effortless poise. "I had almost forgotten about you, and yet you come seeking death on your own. In that case, go join the Underworld and Dai Liu." "Who dies and who lives is still an unknown!" Dai Lin roared. "Man and corpse, one!" The precious pearl struck directly into the ghostly corpses heart, and Dai Lin''s soul dove into it. Immediately, the ghostly corpses aura changed, its eyes now resembling Dai Lins, full of hatred. Combining man and corpse was a dangerous choicethough it would increase his power, it also caused great harm to his soul. The corpses energy entered his soul, severely weakening his foundation. Dai Lin had no idea how many years it would take to recover, and even then, the remnants of the corpses energy would plague him, preventing any progress. However, the effect was undeniable. Now, Dai Lin appeared as an unusual practitioner, mastering both martial and soul cultivation. Soul and corpse merged, and his strength grew exponentially. "Earthly corpse devours the heavens!" Dai Lin howled, causing the ground to tremble. A torrent of earth energy gathered with the force to cover the land. This massive power shielded the corpse, transforming into the sharpest spear under Dai Lins control. A giant hand made of earth solidified and reached for Han, intending to grab him and pull him underground. The very space seemed to slow down, preventing Han from moving freely. Along with this technique came Dai Lin himself, now an indestructible zombie. The moment seemed to stretch, but in reality, it all happened in the blink of an eye. Seeing both the corpse and technique arrive, Han quietly muttered, "A minor path." From Hans perspective, Dai Lins powers were full of sinister intent, as fragile as paper. Seven-colored energy surged, sweeping away all ghosts and spirits, purging the land. Nameless dark flames erupted, striking the ghostly corpse. Hans magical tools soared, screeching through the air and leaving deep scars behind. Golden light radiated, surrounding him in a protective shield, keeping the earth-powered hand of the corpse at bay, preventing it from touching him. A protective golden glow enveloped Hans body, a technique he could rely on for protection. The Golden Light Curse, a technique that could be used from the path of enlightenment to burial, had many applicationsstrengthening cultivation, subduing demons, protecting ones body, or empowering tools. As long as one kept progressing with the Golden Light Curse, it would always grow in tandem with their cultivation. Hans Golden Light Curse was well-formed and more than enough for his current needs. The giant handprint imbued with purifying force crashed into Dai Lins body. The excruciating pain transferred from the ghostly corpse to Dai Lins soul, making him wish for death. "Is thisȻ Qi?" Dai Lin gasped in recognition. For practitioners of the Earthly Corpse Sect, this power was only spoken of in legends. Dai Lin had never seen it before. Fear overwhelmed him as earth hands rose from the ground, slamming toward Han. But the golden light remained, as indestructible as a god or devil. Dai Lins techniques shone, dazzling with the power of his final desperation. The sisters Yun Yun and Yun Duo had no choice but to retreat with Hans body, wary of the collateral damage. Years of hard training in the Day realm had indeed built a solid foundation. "Weak, too weak," Han said indifferently. "If this is all you have, then the Earthly Corpse Sect will be down one elder." "Boom!" A brilliant, overwhelming surge ofȻ energy flooded the heavens and earth, shining impossibly bright. Dai Lins every move was swept away, his defenses obliterated. Before Han, he was utterly powerless. The combination of man and corpse was nothing but a futile attempt. "You didn''t even make it interesting." Hans eyes were cold as he chanted a new incantation and formed a hand seal. Dai Lin suddenly realized something was wronghe couldnt move, as if his body was frozen in place. Then, something horrifying happened: six seven-colored handprints appeared in the air, charging toward him. The heavens and earth, all four directions, were sealed off. There was nowhere to run, nowhere to escape. "My life ends here!" Chapter 199: Speaking with the King of Hell In the vast expanse of the land, who controls the fate of all? Look at the mountains stretching far and widewho can stand in their way? The mighty handprint of the Six Paths, infused with an unbeatable force, crushed everything in its path. The power of the earth settled, the stench of death dissipated into the sky, which turned into a swirling kaleidoscope of colors. Dai Lin struggled desperately, trying to break free, but the force binding him was sudden and overpowering, like sinking into a quagmire. The second volume of the mighty force not only unleashed stronger, sharper attacks but also introduced a new divine ability. The Mighty Force Stasis! This divine technique was peculiar; its effect depended entirely on how suppressed the opponent was by the mighty force. The more sinister the being, the more affected it was by the Mighty Force Stasis. The corpse cultivator, having fused with his own birth corpse, had reached the epitome of evil. The earth-corpse sect elder, born of pure evil, you shall be purified now! The Yun sisters dragged Han''s body further back to avoid being caught in the aftermath. Watching both sides using their Taoist techniques and divine abilities, their dazzling movements left one mesmerized, filled with awe and shock. Such a battle, such divine powers, such scenesif placed in the mundane world, they would be seen as the work of immortals. Whoosh! The dark fire surged fiercely, burning with immense power. The six handprints of the Mighty Force descended, bringing with them unparalleled damage. The ground trembled, the earth swirled, and Dai Lins energy became desperate, as though he was using some technique. Dust flew up to tens of meters, and yellow light flickered. A loud scream echoed, followed by the sound of an explosion. Under such a transformation, the earth, unable to withstand the incredible power, collapsed. A chilling scream rang out, only to fade immediately. Han dispelled all the strange phenomena and saw the decaying corpse before himits heart had exploded, and the corpse heart beads had vanished. This had already been consumed during Dai Lin''s last-ditch efforts. Dai Lins soul had vanished. Was Dai Lin dead? This was the thought of the Yun sisters. But Han stared at the earth below the corpse, coldly speaking: "Where is your arrogance now?" "These petty tricks are useless." As soon as Han finished speaking, the earth suddenly bulged, and Dai Lins soul fluctuations quickly retreated into the distance. Earth escape technique! The earth-escaping zombies that Han and the sisters had been tracking were all Dai Lins doing. It was him who could use the earth escape technique. Otherwise, how could the green zombies evade Han for such a long time? Seeing Dai Lin attempt to escape with his earth escape, Han''s feet radiated light. A streak of energy dashed through the air, leaving behind his figure. But after a while, this figure vanished. Looking into the distance, Han had already teleported far away. What remained was just an afterimage. Escape techniques, the art of speed! Earth escape was quick and magical. But it was certainly not the fastest escape technique in the world, and the one using it was far from being the greatest. After an intense battle, Dai Lin, already on the brink of death, could not escape Han, even with his earth escape. Han threw out a thin thread, directly burrowing into the earth. It was a binding artifact gifted to him by Tree Brother. Dai Lin was trapped, and Han launched a Taoist technique that forced him out of the ground. What emerged was not the soul with full power, but a broken form, with its lower body completely missing and its right arm gone. He had specialized in earth techniques, and at the last moment, exhausted everything, causing his corpse bead and corpse refinement to be destroyed. It was pure luck that his broken body remained preserved by the earth''s force. This content has been misappropriated from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere. The Earth Corpse Sect, besides specializing in corpse cultivation, also excelled in the ways of mountains and the earth. Dai Lin stood on the earth, gazing up at Han, just as Han had once looked up at him when he first appeared. But the two figures looking up at each other were in entirely different mental states. With hatred in his voice, Dai Lin asked: "Han, are you really going to exterminate me?" "I am an elder of the Earth Corpse Sect, and the sect leader knows of my mission. If my soul lamp is extinguished, the Earth Corpse Sect will strike and will not spare you." "Let me go, Han, and we can pretend this never happened. All grievances will be erased, and I promise I will never trouble you again." "Just like your son," Han shook his head, his voice strange. "You people, when you want to act without restraint, think its your right to take others'' lives as if its the most natural thing in the world." "Other people should just stand there and let you kill them, with no resistance." "But when the situation is reversed, you act as though youve been wronged, as if your lives are more precious than anyone elses." "The whole world should act according to your will, as if everyone exists to serve you." "Pathetic." Han raised his hand, his expression cold. "Die." "Let you go? Fine." "Go talk to King Yama. If hes willing to let you go, then you can return to the mortal realm. I wont object." A wisp of dark fire floated from Han''s hand, silently descending. The dark fire that flew from Hans body was much stronger than the earth fire seal, which would normally appear around enemies. "The Earth Corpse Sect will never forgive you!" Dai Lins voice brimmed with endless hatred. "Youll join me soon!" Dai Lins broken body took to the air, releasing his final attack. He detonated himself and several artifacts, hoping to deal one last blow to Han before his death, but it was futile. Boom! The dark fire exploded, flames engulfing everything. The intense explosion, a silent burn, and after a while, all the dark fire that filled the air seemed to return to Hans body, like birds returning to their nests. The earth below was in ruins, but Dai Lin was nowhere to be found. This time, he was truly dead, with no soul or remnants left behind. The Earth Corpse Sect elder, perished here. Unfortunately, the few artifacts that Dai Lins soul had carried, including his corpse-raising bag, were destroyed. Unable to kill Han, he met death, but before dying, Dai Lin had the power to bring his artifacts with him. Han didnt leave immediately. Instead, he recited a purification incantation to cleanse the land, driving away the corruption. Dai Lin''s soul had been tainted by corpse energy, and his artifacts were mostly corpse-cultivation tools, so the area had become filthy. If not dealt with, future accidents could occur. Under the incantation, the land returned to normal, even cleaner than before. In this world full of impurities, even the wilderness was no exception. After being purified by the incantation, the corrupt energy naturally dissipated. However, this was only temporary, and it would soon return. "Earth Corpse Sect, Dai Lin..." Han shook his head. He was indeed lateperhaps he had delayed his actions. Had Dai Lin set the trap a month ago, luring Han and the others into an ambush, he might not have died. At that time, Han hadn''t yet mastered the mighty force nor obtained the techniques he now wielded. Facing Dai Lin and his birth corpse, it would have been truly dangerous. But Dai Lin missed the best opportunity. A corpse cultivator attempting to ambush the current Han was like seeking death. Even a regular Day-You cultivator, paired with a martial artist at the peak of the Dirty Organs Realm, would not have made it so easy for Han. "I wonder if the Earth Corpse Sect will come after me," Han thought. This was a question he didnt know the answer toone he couldnt control. Han flew off to find the Yun sisters. Far away in Tianwang County, the Earth Corpse Sect. In a dark attic, a figure suddenly ran out in a panic, looking alarmed. He hurried to the central palace of the Earth Corpse Sect. "Sect Leader, Sect Leader, something terrible has happened!" "Whats the matter that has you so frantic?" A calm, elderly voice responded. "Elder Dai has been missing for a long time. Just now, his soul lamp went out!" There was a long silence in the palace. "I understand. You may go. Do not spread this news." "Understood, Sect Leader!" In the palace, an elderly man with snow-white hair and ruddy skin sighed heavily. "It seems you died at the hands of your enemies." "Dai Lin, oh Dai Lin, you may be gone, but now you''ve dragged our sect into this." ... "Big sister, Han''s back!" Cloud watched from a distance as Han''s figure appeared, and she couldn''t help but cheer in excitement. Han landed next to them, ready to return to his physical form, but was interrupted by Cloud. "Wait!" Han looked at Cloud in confusion. "Let me see your soul in the Sun Realm," Cloud said, excitedly circling around him, carefully examining him. Her intense scrutiny made Han feel a little uncomfortable. "Han, how did you manage to reach this level? How did you suddenly reach the Sun Realm?" Cloud''s curiosity was overflowing, her words spilling out without stopping. "I''ve been cultivating for almost three years and still haven''t reached the Sun Realm! You did it so quickly!" "I feel so slow now, I can''t compare to you at all." "You''re amazing! An experienced Sun Realm cultivator and a Bone Refining zombie, and you handled them so easily! It feels like even my father couldn''t beat you." Han returned to his physical form and stretched, smiling. "Just work hard and don''t slack off. A bit of luck and opportunities, and you''ll break through to the Sun Realm." "Keep this a secret for me, alright?" "Of course!" Cloud nodded enthusiastically. "Don''t worry, big sister and I wont tell anyone." Cloud''s older sister, Yun Yun, also nodded seriously. "We''ll keep it to ourselves." If news of Han''s astonishing cultivation speed were to get out, it would undoubtedly cause a massive stir, creating a storm that would shake the world. Han would be at the center of this storm. His reputation would soar, but the challenges he faced would grow exponentially. The consequences of such a revelation would likely outweigh the benefits. And, in the end, fame is a fleeting thing that often serves no practical purpose. Feeling that her earlier reassurance wasn''t sufficient, Yun Yun added, "We wont tell my father either." Han smiled and replied, "I trust you both." When he first accepted Cloud''s invitation to fight the zombie, Han had already prepared to reveal some of his strength, letting the Yun sisters know certain detailsit wasn''t a big deal. His most trusted allies, of course, were Lu Qingmo and Bai Ruoyue; he could share the secret of his dream-based cultivation with them. Then there was Cloud. Han truly considered her a friend. Han turned to Yun Yun, smiling. "Everythings foolproof, right?" Yun Yun hesitated for a moment, then blushed slightly. "I''m sorry, I shouldnt have doubted your strength." "Your talent is truly beyond what I could imagine." After these two foolproof instances, Yun Yun felt that, from now on, she should trust everything Han said. "You''re too polite," Han shook his head and said. "So, do you understand now?" "Understand what?" Yun Yun asked, puzzled. "Try not to do things you''re not confident about," Han said seriously. "Enduring life-and-death trials might indeed help your cultivation, but life is precious. We should cherish it." "Just focus on steady progress every day. Dont rush. The future is long." "That''s how I do it." Yun Yun nodded. "I understand." She felt a little moved. Han always acted with confidence and certainty, while she had assumed he was deliberately taking risks. Cloud, curious, asked, "What should I do to be like you, Han?" That was a good question. What could Cloud do to be as remarkable as Han? Of course, she had to focus on cultivation! Was it possible to rely on a cheat code? I, Han, don''t use cheats! Chapter 200: Great Harvest, Mirror of Imprint In the end, Han couldnt bring himself to tell Yun Duo that with enough effort, one could be as strong as he was. Because, well... he had too much pride. The old saying "Hard work leads to wealth; effort brings strength" Han just couldn''t bring himself to say it. People dont believe in that kind of talk anymore. As the saying goes, "People know their own business best." He worked hard, and he had some natural talent, sure. Talent and hard work were the key factors behind his current strength. But he couldnt deny the help from the cheat device, although it wasnt muchjust a little bit. Han, what should we do with this ghost corpse? Yun Duo asked. It seems like you killed it. Han nodded. Its definitely dead. The soul embedded in the corpse had been extinguished, and the faint spiritual presence birthed from the body had vanished as well. It had also been tampered with in its final moments by Dai Lin, who self-destructed, rendering it useless. Most importantly, after being purified by the Hao Ran Qi, the corpse could no longer be considered a zombieit was no longer that special kind of creature. It had been cleansed. Now, it was just a special corpse with remaining strength, but mostly rendered useless. Han checked it and found that the control seal inside had vanished, before storing it in his corpse-preserving pouch. This ghost corpse is equivalent to a Bone Refining Realm body. It would be a very significant asset in Black Cloud Town, Yun Yun sighed. But in front of you, it didnt even have a chance to fight back. Thinking back to what happened earlier, Yun Yun couldnt help but feel her already unsettled heart stir again. She couldnt believe that Han had been able to suppress a Bone Refining ghost corpse so easily, without using any corpse-control techniques. It was unheard of. Unseen. The last time they worked together, Han had only been at the Small Completion stage of the Internal Organs Realm. She had just entered the cultivation path, so she wasnt his match, but the gap wasnt that huge. But now, just a short time later, a Bone Refining ghost corpse was like a toy in his hands. Yun Yun felt that if she faced Han now, she would be no match at allnot even for a scrap of the toy. It seemed that Hans previous warning about not entering Black Mountain was really for his own good. The more she thought about it, the more complicated Yun Yuns feelings became. It was hard to put into words. I have specialized methods for exorcising evil. Todays display was because the opponent was special, and I had a rare opportunity to show my strength. Han shook his head, still very clear about his own abilities. Well, I guess youre just incredibly strong now, Yun Duo grinned. I feel like Ive gotten stronger just by knowing you, Han. Yun Duo didnt have as many complex feelings as Yun Yun. She just thought Han was amazing, and her heart was filled with excitement and awe. She felt a special sense of admiration and trust in him. At the same time, she felt a sense of pride. My best friend is strong, so that means I must be strong too! We should head back. If the master knew how strong you were, Han, Im sure hed be very happy. Han smiled, Its not time to leave just yet. Yun Duo froze for a moment before immediately becoming serious. Is there another enemy? No enemies, but theres something we still need to collect. Dai Lins physical body. His physical body came too? Of course, Han nodded. Black Cloud Town is so far from here. He wouldnt leave his body at the Earth Corpse Sect and just travel with his soul. Too many uncertainties. Dai Lin was just a day-travel cultivator, not a manifestation or Yin God. His body was crucial to him. A day or two without it might be fine, but his soul couldnt survive long without the body, or the body would lose vitality irreversibly, and the soul would become like a drifting weed. Besides, he had been hiding in Black Cloud Town for some time. Without his body, he would have been discovered by now. The most important thing is, Ive never seen Dai Lins spatial pouch. A high-ranking sect elder without a spatial pouchwas that reasonable? The Yun sisters suddenly understood. This made sense. The three of them then began to search the area, looking for Dai Lins body. Although the battle didnt take long, they spent a full hour searching before Han finally found it in a distant cave surrounded by protective wards. Upon entering, they saw that his left hand was wearing a black ring. A spatial ring. Han was satisfied and collected everything from Dai Lins body. He then cremated the corpse on-site to ensure no lingering dangers and collapsed the cave, burying him there. It was as if he gave him a final resting place. The three of them then returned to Black Cloud Town. Thanks, Han. Now our mine can resume operation, Yun Duo thanked him sincerely. After all, every day those mines were shut down was a huge loss. Enjoying this book? Seek out the original to ensure the author gets credit. The three parted ways and returned to their respective homes. Han went to the martial arts hall first to finish his daily martial arts lessons. After school was out, he couldnt wait to return to Peach Grove. When he entered, Lu Qingmo asked: Did you take care of everything? Its done. Han nodded. Everything was orchestrated by Dai Lin from the Earth Corpse Sect. He lured us out, ambushed us, and then Han recounted everything that had happened, with special emphasis on his magnificent performance. Lu Qingmo smiled, It was really unlucky for Dai Lin to choose this time to attack you. She remained calm, after all, she knew Hans power and the restraining effect of Hao Ran Qi on zombies. This is Dai Lins spatial ring. As usual, whatever Han found, he would show it to Lu Qingmo for her to take a look. Lu Qingmo just examined it briefly; she never asked for it. This time, there was no need to split the spoils with the Yun sisters either. In this confrontation with Dai Lin, they had basically been spectators. Whether Han gave them a share or not, they wouldnt have accepted it. This corpse refining isnt useful for you since you dont practice corpse techniques, Lu Qingmo said. You cant control it like those green zombies. Just keep it for now and look for a chance to act on it later. Even in this state, a corpse like this has a high value. Hmm? When Lu Qingmos spirit sense entered the spatial ring, she was immediately surprised. She pulled out a mirror and examined it carefully. Dai Lin had such a magic tool on him. This is a real treasure, very rare even in thousand-year-old sects. She glanced at Han. Youre lucky. This is perfect for you. It can greatly enhance your safety. Han immediately asked, What is this mirror for? Its called the Mirror of Imprint, Lu Qingmo explained. It can imprint a cultivators techniques. When activated, you can directly use the technique that was imprinted. The power of the technique is almost identical to when the cultivator performs it themselves. You might have heard of it, some cultivators have sealed a powerful strike from a master on a talisman, but that kind of talisman only reflects a small portion of that masters strength. Compared to the Mirror of Imprint, those talismans are nothing. Han was shocked. This magic tool could be a game-changer. If the Mirror of Imprint is that powerful, wouldnt major sects try to give one to their core disciples? Lu Qingmo shook her head. No, the method to forge such a tool is widely known, but there are very few actual finished products. Creating a Mirror of Imprint requires a rare stone, the Mirror Stone. This stone is extremely rare, and any sect that gets one will treasure it dearly. The Earth Corpse Sect actually has such a treasure. I see, its a truly amazing artifact, Han marveled. Then, if I imprint a Yin Gods technique, does that mean I could use their attack at any time? Theoretically, yes, Lu Qingmo chuckled and shook her head. But this Mirror of Imprint cant do that. From what I can tell, its maximum limit is to perfectly imprint a Manifestation-level attack. The upper limit of the Mirror of Imprint depends on the cultivators strength and the grade of the Mirror Stone used to forge it. The Mirror Stone used in this one isnt particularly high grade. Of course, if it could imprint a Yin Gods strike or something higher, it would be a sects treasure, and Dai Lin, a day-travel elder, wouldnt have been able to borrow it. Lucky for us, Dai Lin didnt use this mirror to imprint a Manifestation-level experts technique, or things would have gotten very dangerous for us. Han, upon hearing this, couldnt help but feel a surge of fear. A Manifestation-level strike would have been terrifying. Then, Han remembered the green zombie they had been chasing earlier, which could also use earth escape techniques and was too fast to catch. "It seems that Dai Lin must have used this mirror to imprint his Earth Escape technique, allowing the green zombie to gain the ability to use it as well." "Even the zombie''s control over other corpses could have been achieved through the imprinting mirror." "That seems to be the case," Lu Qingmo nodded. "The imprinting mirror is currently blank, without any Taoist techniques. This indicates that it has already been used." "An imprinted technique can only be used once, then it needs to be re-imprinted." After understanding this, Han smiled. "Fortunately, Dai Lin doesn''t know the extent of my power. And fortunately, because he''s afraid of you, Aunt Mo, and hates us, he wanted to lead us away and kill us personally." "Everything is fate. This magical item was meant to belong to me." As Han said, Dai Lin was confident, which is why he wanted to handle Han and his companions himself, intending to torture them thoroughly. The imprinting mirror was a treasure Dai Lin borrowed from his sect. Using this mirror, he made the white zombie slip past Lu Qingmo, leading Han and his companions out. The plan had gone smoothly, but the result was beyond his expectations. In Dai Lin''s eyes, as a Dayou cultivator with a bone-forging zombie as his companion, how could he possibly fail to deal with Han and his companions? From any angle, he was bound to win, and win spectacularly. But Han defied all expectations, leading to Dai Lin''s demise. If the plan didn''t succeed, it was fate''s will. "I''ll keep the imprinting mirror for now. I''ll leave behind a Taoist technique for you to use as self-defense." "Good." Han felt a bit excited. A significant move, and it came from Lu Qingmo, someone from the Xuandu Sect. This was definitely a powerful trump card for him. Lu Qingmo was also pleased. With this imprinting mirror, Han''s safety would be better ensured. Both of them were happy. A win-win situation. Dai Lin, youve done well! Han''s mood was already very pleasant. With just this imprinting mirror, he had struck gold. Seeing Han in high spirits, Lu Qingmo immediately cautioned him: "The Earth Corpse Sect wont easily give up on reclaiming such a valuable treasure. You need to be careful." "This treasure is precious to the Earth Corpse Sect." "As long as they''re not Exalted cultivators, let them come," Han said confidently. "There are quite a few useful things in Dai Lin''s spatial pouch," Lu Qingmo said, carefully sorting through the items. "Dayou incense, a few soul plants, and some daily cultivation pills. I''ve marked the information on the pill bottles, but be cautious when using them. Watch out for impurities." "There are also some materials for crafting magical items. You might find them useful later." "You mentioned Dai Lin destroyed his magical item before his death, but there are a few backup items in his spatial ring." She was listing normal items a cultivator could use, nothing specific to the corpse path. Lu Qingmo then took out a small brocade box, opened it, and inside was a brown pill exuding a pleasant fragrance. "Spirit Soul Pill. It''s a rare soul-recovery pill. Taking it can heal most soul injuries of Dayou cultivators, even injuries from failed ascensions." "With this pill, its like gaining half a life back. Even Exalted cultivators can benefit from it." "Indeed a precious pill," Han nodded. Soul-recovery items have always been rare and valuable. Since ancient times, physical wounds are easy to heal, but soul injuries are much harder to recover. "This is a treasure that''s hard to come by. With this pill, even if you can''t use it yourself, you can trade it for many other valuable things." "Still, it''s better if you keep it." Lu Qingmo thoroughly introduced all the useful items from Dai Lin''s spatial ring. There werent any particularly obscure treasures. After she had finished explaining everything, she took out a jade slip and two books. She pointed at the jade slip and said: "The Earth Escape technique. Youve already seen it, and this technique can be learned." Han smiled and nodded, "After seeing the zombie use Earth Escape, Ive really wanted to learn this technique." "Also, these two books. One is titled ''The Power of the Earth,'' a high-level Exalted technique. It''s very interesting. Once mastered, it allows you to communicate with and control the forces of the earth, making combat very convenient." "The other book is about the Earth Corpse Sect''s knowledge on mountains, terrain, and Feng Shui. You can take a look." The Earth Corpse Sect fundamentally focuses on the earth and corpses, utilizing the forces of the land and Feng Shui to ultimately cultivate supreme earth corpses. Although they haven''t yet successfully cultivated a true earth corpse, it cannot be denied that the Earth Corpse Sect is quite skilled in terrain and Feng Shui. For cultivators traveling the world, knowing such things can be quite useful. "Everything else is either related to corpse cultivation or just dark arts, which are of no use to you." For example, one book was a method for Yin-Yang absorption, a purely sacrificial technique that would drain the life and soul of the recipient, leaving them to wither and die in three days. "It seems Ill need to find an opportunity to sell these things," Han muttered. An elder from a local rulers faction was wealthy, but unfortunately, he was a corpse cultivator, and much of the stuff was of no use to Han, so he could only sell it. And this wasnt even Dai Lins entire fortune. According to Lu Qingmo, cultivators from powerful factions usually leave part of their treasures at home. "You can decide what to do with them." "I''m just a cold-hearted treasure appraiser." "It''s a shame Dai Lin''s corpse-rearing pouch was destroyed. Otherwise, I could have at least gotten a near-bone-forging level green zombie." Thinking about this, Han felt regret. Spatial items like spatial pouches or corpse-rearing pouches are very fragile. Once destroyed, everything inside is lost and disappears without a trace. Whether its annihilated in the destruction of the space or transferred somewhere else, theres no accurate explanation. "This spatial ring can be used. Theres no mark of the Earth Corpse Sect on it." However, this ring wasnt as large as the one Han got from Brother Tree. "By the way, has the Dragon Lady from Yunjiang contacted you recently?" Lu Qingmo suddenly mentioned someone that surprised Han. This question made him puzzled, and his mind raced. Oh no, does Aunt Mo know about my secret dealings with the Dragon Lady? Aunt Mo, you know me wellIm the innocent one! Chapter 201: A Precarious Alliance "Ever since I ran into the Dragon Maiden in Yunlong City, we havent had any contact." Han answered truthfully. He had nothing to hide, nor anything to be ashamed of. To his surprise, Lu Qingmo said, "If you have the time, you should reach out to her." "..." Aunt Mo, do you realize youre pushing me straight into the dragons maw? She added, "You could discuss the recent events in Heiyun Town with her." Hans mind stirred at those words. There was more to this than she was saying. "Whats happening in Heiyun Townperhaps the Yunjiang Dragon Palace is unaware of it. Giving them a heads-up wouldnt hurt." "Understood." Han grasped Lu Qingmos intentionshe wanted him to establish communication with the Dragon Palace. "Ill reach out to her soon." Sigh. How was this any different from sending me off to use my charm for diplomacy? Aunt Mo, youll regret this. Youre personally handing me over! Han put away Dai Lins spatial ring and went off to train. Advancing to the Daylight Realm didnt mean he could no longer refine Lunar Essence. He absolutely could. Lower realms couldnt access the power of higher realms in advance, but the reverse wasnt restricted. Meanwhile, Lu Qingmo glanced at Han before contemplating which Dao technique to imprint for him. An offensive technique? A defensive one? Or perhaps something life-preserving? The Mirror of Imprinting had been an unexpected boon. She had to make the most of it.
By dawn, Han left the peach grove and strolled through town, noticing official notices plastered all over by the towns administrative office. It was about Left Tianzhengs initiativehe was actively recruiting and expanding the Heiyun Guard. Since he first proposed the idea, the guards ranks had swelled significantly. Now, their numbers surpassed those of both the Ghost Division and the Divine Martial Division combined. After all, the two divisions were selective and rarely accepted rogue cultivators, whereas Left Tianzheng welcomed anyone with open arms. As long as you didnt appear outright demonic, a brief inquiry about your background was all it took to join. No verification whatsoever. It was practically an open-door policy. As a result, the Heiyun Guard, despite its imposing size, was a mixed baglikely harboring fugitives and individuals with ulterior motives. Han felt uneasy. With such a composition, once these recruits entered Heishan, they were more likely to abuse their power than maintain order. Rather than bringing peace, they might plunge Heishanand even Heiyun Towninto deeper chaos. Officially, the Heiyun Guard was a government-sanctioned force. If ill-intentioned individuals used that status for their own agenda, the consequences could be dire. "What exactly is Left Tianzheng thinking..." Han pondered. He refused to believe that Left Tianzhengor those around himwere blind to the dangers of unchecked recruitment. They were deliberately ignoring the risks, even enabling them. But Left Tianzheng was a high-ranking imperial envoy from Yujing. Unless he lost his mind, no one could stop him from doing as he pleased. The two divisions could refuse his orders, but expecting him to heed Lu Qingmo and the others was wishful thinking.
At the martial hall, Han brought up his concerns, and Shen Long immediately agreed. "Youre absolutely right," Shen Long said. "Ive heard from some friends in the Heiyun Guardmany of the new recruits act with ruthless aggression, nothing like proper law enforcers." "Some even hail from the same region. Off the record, theyve told us that certain individuals among them already had notorious reputations back home. Theyre not good people." "I really dont understand why Left Tianzheng is hiring them." "Brother, are there any outsiders in your squad?" Han asked. Shen Long shook his head. "No. The mixed units of the Heiyun factions mainly handle town affairs." Find this and other great novels on the author''s preferred platform. Support original creators! "The squads made up mostly of outsiders are being sent directly into Heishan by Left Tianzheng." Su Changan and the others noddedthey were in the same position. The Heiyun Guard was originally meant to stabilize Heiyun Town. While Left Tianzheng had grander ambitions now, the town itself still required protection. Since Shen Longs group didnt want to go into Heishan, they were assigned to local defensea benefit for those aligned with Heiyuns major factions. "Tenglong Martial Hall played it smart. They technically responded to Left Tianzhengs call, but barely sent anyone into Heishan." Shen Long smirked. "They know how dangerous prolonged operations in Heishan can be." "By the way, every Heiyun Guard member entering Heishan receives a special token from Left Tianzheng." "What kind of token?" Han asked. "According to him, its for identity verificationto prevent imposters within Heishan." "Only those with the token are deemed trustworthy." "Some cultivators examined the tokens and confirmed they contain Daoist inscriptions, allowing them to sense and recognize each other." Han frowned. First, the sensory artifacts from Shen Longs last expedition, and now these tokens. Left Tianzheng was meticulously preparing for somethinghis focus on detection and identification was extensive. Such a large batch of tokens had to have been pre-prepared in Yujing. He had planned this far in advance. Was all of this part of a greater scheme? Unfortunately, Shen Long and his men werent going into Heishan, so Han had no access to a token for study.
"Enough about that man." Bai Ruoyues face twisted in disgust. "His repulsive behavior has been spreading like wildfire lately." Over the past days, more and more people had come to understand the imperial envoys ways. The esteemed official from Yujing was neither corrupt nor tyrannical. He was fair in rewards and punishments. However, when it came to personal pleasures, he indulged in excessespecially in matters of the flesh. And his tastes were disturbing. He treated his partners like mere playthings. Scandalous rumors about him had a strong audience, but they also bred contemptespecially from people like Bai Ruoyue.
After some time, Han left Heiyun Town and arrived at the banks of the Yunjiang River. He scanned the surroundings. No one was nearby. Taking out a conch shell, he tossed it onto the water. "Ao Xuanwei?" Han called into the shell. It was an enchanted conchplacing it in water enabled communication with the Dragon Maiden. Essentially a crude version of a sound-transmission device. The conch shimmered briefly before a voice emerged. "Han?" The Dragon Maiden sounded surprised. "Youre the one reaching out to me?" All because of Aunt Mos orders. Han got straight to the point, wasting no time on pleasantries. "Did you hear? An imperial envoy has arrived in Black Cloud Town." "Yeah, I heard. His name is Zuo Tianzheng, right?" "Thats him." Han nodded to himself. It seemed that the Yunjiang Dragon Palace was well-informed about worldly affairs. He proceeded to share some details with the Dragon Maiden. After listening, she replied, "We''ve gathered some information on Zuo Tianzheng. His background and experiences are well-documented." "Wait a moment." With that, the conch suddenly leaped from the river''s surface and landed back on Han. Uh Did she just hang up on me? Han sighed and dived into Yunjiang, deciding to pass the time by searching for aquatic spiritual plants. However, to his surprise, even after exhausting the duration of his Water-Avoiding Pearl, there was still no response from the Dragon Maiden. The Water-Avoiding Pearl was a peculiar artifactit functioned without requiring Han to channel any power into it. But even if he did, its duration wouldnt extend. The same applied to the Poison-Avoiding Pearl. These two artifacts were completely independent, unaffected by their wielderunlike any other treasures Han possessed. As he gazed at the vast river, he began to wonder if the Dragon Maiden had simply forgotten about him. Just as he was about to leave, she finally appeared. Rather than using the conch to communicate, she had come in person. No wonder it took so long. "I''m embarrassed to trouble you over something so trivial," Han remarked. The Dragon Maiden smiled. "I was just in Yunlong City, not far from here." She stepped onto the riverbank, and the two of them began strolling along the waters edge. "You must know that Zuo Tianzheng once saved the Qi Emperor," she said. Han nodded. "Yeah, Ive heard." "There are rumors in the capital that before that assassination attempt, Zuo Tianzheng was considered a prodigy," she continued. "Though not among the most legendary geniuses, he was expected to reach the True Blood Realm." Han raised an eyebrow. "The True Blood Realm? But that assassination happened years ago, and now hes only at the peak of the Bone Refinement stage." Even back when Lu Qingmo was in the capital, she had heard of this event, which meant it had been quite some time. Reaching the True Blood Realm was a major achievement. After all, a provincial Ghost God Bureau chief was usually only at the Yin Spirit stage, while a commander of the Dingwu Bureau was typically in the True Blood Realm. Being capable of such progress meant Zuo Tianzheng was, without a doubt, a talent to be reckoned with. "But after that incident, he faded into obscurity," the Dragon Maiden said, shaking her head. "There are whispers that protecting the Qi Emperor damaged his body, leaving him with an irreversible flaw that made further cultivation extremely difficult." "He disappeared from the public eye for quite some time afterward." "A physical defect?" Han frowned. "But he looks perfectly fineno missing limbs or anything." The Dragon Maiden shook her head again. "Losing a limb is just the most obvious form of impairmentits not the only kind." "The human body is incredibly intricate. Beyond the visible flesh, countless internal structures are equally indispensable. If even one is damaged, it can severely hinder martial potential and future growth." "I once met someone who was born without a liver. His life was filled with immense difficulties. If he had tried to practice martial arts, his internal energy cultivation would have been forever incomplete, making Bone Refinement nearly impossible." Han was stunned. "Wait, someone was born without a liver? Shouldnt they have died at birth?" "He survived thanks to powerful Daoist techniques and rare treasures. Later, he scoured the world for miraculous medicines and managed to restore his missing organ." "" Defying fate itself. Han pondered for a moment. "That sounds similar to when a souls essence is tainted." The Dragon Maiden glanced at him. "Theres a difference. When a soul is tainted, something foreign is added. But when the body is flawed, something is missing." "Still, both have a profound impact on one''s future." She then added, "By the way, this isnt Zuo Tianzhengs first time leaving the capital as an imperial envoy." Hans eyes narrowed. "Our investigations show that he has left the capital multiple times before," she said. "And every single place he visited had one thing in commonthey were all sites of extraordinary fortune and hidden treasures." "While none of them were quite as exceptional as Black Mountain, they were still remarkable in their own right." Realization dawned on Han. "So hes looking for something?" The Dragon Palace''s intelligence was as thorough as ever. If that were the case, then many of Zuo Tianzhengs seemingly questionable actions could be explained. Even those identity-sensing tokens he issued to the Black Cloud Guards might not have been just for verifying credentials. "Exactly." The Dragon Maiden nodded. "If the rumors about his physical defect are true, then his repeated expeditions to treasure-filled lands are likely his way of searching for a cure." Han''s mind spun with possibilities. If this was all true, then could the treasure Zuo Tianzheng sought be useful to Aunt Mo as well? Chapter 202: I Am a Dragon! Although the Dragon Maiden had mentioned that the two types of severed futures were different, it was still possible that what Zuo Tianzheng was searching for could also restore the path of the soul. Unfortunately, the exact object of his search remained a mystery. Han trusted the Dragon Maidens information. Anything that had ever existed would inevitably leave behind tracesespecially in a place as politically intricate as Yujing. It was an undeniable fact that Zuo Tianzheng had once been a prodigy, and the rumors about his physical defect couldnt have come out of nowhere. He must have suffered some sort of damage. Using his position as an imperial envoy overseeing Black Cloud Town to search for treasures wasnt a certainty, but it was a strong possibility. Han shook his head, chiding himself for overthinking. It was still too early to draw conclusions. After all, Zuo Tianzheng had explored multiple sites of fortune before arriving at Black Mountain, yet he had found nothing. That alone proved that what he was looking for was extremely rare. And whether or not it even existed within Black Mountain was still up for debate. "Sometime I feel like cultivators are more fragile than they seem. A single mistake or injury can spell disaster," Han remarked with a sigh. "That is the nature of cultivation," the Dragon Maiden replied calmly. "Being wounded by an enemy or making a mistake in ones practiceeither can lead to a bleak future." She continued, "Such cases are too numerous to count. It''s common. Even martial artists who engage in battles that are too brutal can end up permanently damaging their bodies." Take the advancement of the soul into the Daywandering Realmif anything went wrong, the path of the soul would be lost forever. Cultivation looked glamorous on the surface, but hardship and peril were lifelong companions. Still, it was undoubtedly better than being an ordinary mortal without any hope of cultivation. "That imperial envoy from Yujinghave you made an enemy of him?" the Dragon Maiden asked. "No," Han denied. "Its just that his actions have been rather perplexing." "There is always a reason behind everything," she said with a faint smile, glancing at Han. "You seem to have changed again since our last meeting." As she spoke, she stepped closer to him and took a soft breath. "The scent of a phoenix." I quite like it. Youre becoming more and more irresistible to dragons. Dragons and phoenixesboth supreme raceshad been connected in various ways since ancient times. Sometimes they complemented each other, sometimes they clashed. And when of opposite genders, the likelihood of complementing each other was even greater. As the Dragon Maiden leaned in closer, Han found himself momentarily speechless. He hadnt expected her to be so perceptive, able to detect even this subtle change in him. "This time, I really appreciate your help," Han said sincerely. "It was no trouble," she shook her head. "I was leaving the Dragon Palace anyway. Im heading to the Celestial Sea." "The Celestial Sea?" That was an enormous body of water in the Celestial Sea Prefecture. "The Celestial Sea Dragon Lord is hosting the Celestial Sea Ascension Gathering, and Im attending as a representative of Yunjiang Dragon Palace," she explained. "The Celestial Sea Dragon Lord is known for his peaceful nature. He treats all aquatic beings equally and is widely regarded as benevolent. He frequently holds such gatherings, open to all water dwellers regardless of their lineage or origins." "Those who excel in the gathering, or possess unique talents, are given the opportunity to join the Celestial Sea Dragon Palace and receive special training, provided they meet the basic criteria." The story has been illicitly taken; should you find it on Amazon, report the infringement. "Every time, some weaker or lowborn aquatic beings are granted special permission by the Celestial Sea Dragon Lord to enter the Dragon Palace for cultivation." "As a result, the lower-ranked aquatic races hold him in great reverence, grateful for the opportunities he provides. Every gathering sees countless aquatic beings traveling vast distances just to participate." Han was taken abackhe hadnt expected such a benevolent figure among the dragon race. Aquatic beings were vastly different from humans. They placed great emphasis on bloodline and were notoriously exclusionary. Dragons, in particular, were exceptionally proud. Aside from phoenixes, almost every other race was looked down upon by dragons. "How could mere fish and shrimp even think to compare themselves to the noble dragon race?" For a Dragon Lord to give such opportunities to all aquatic beingsincluding those of weak lineage and poor talentwas nothing short of remarkable. "Incredible, isnt it?" the Dragon Maiden smiled. "Thats just how the Celestial Sea Dragon Lord is." "And because of his approach, the strength of the Celestial Sea has grown rapidly." "Over time, other aquatic territories have taken notice. Thats why, at every gathering, representatives from different territories come to participatemany even copy his methods, recruiting exceptional talents into their own domains." "Isnt that competing with the Celestial Sea for people? Does the Dragon Lord allow it?" "He originally started the gathering to provide more opportunities for aquatic beings. If it results in a broader strengthening of the aquatic races, then it''s simply karma repaid in kind," she said with a shake of her head. "The inclusion of other territories only increases the number of aquatic beings who get a chance to change their fate. The Dragon Lord welcomes it." "He even encourages other domains to participate and recruit talent. Of course, most aquatic beings still yearn to join the Celestial Sea." Hearing this, Han grew solemn. "Truly a virtuous virtuous dragon." The Dragon Lords motives were fundamentally different from those of the other territories. The Dragon Maiden sighed, "Its a shame that only aquatic beings can participate in the gathering. Otherwise, we could have gone to see it together." Thats quite alright. Id rather stay in Black Cloud Town and cultivate in peace. Traveling with you means I have to constantly guard myself. That was what Han thought, but he instead said: "Its indeed a shame to miss such a grand event." "It truly is. Every gathering, the Dragon Lord offers various treasures as rewards," she said. "This time, the prizes are particularly generous, including rare heavenly treasuresand even a Heavenly Flame." Wait. Hans ears perked up. Did she just say Heavenly Flame? "Are you sure theres a Heavenly Flame among the rewards?" he asked hastily. "It should be true. Since the Celestial Sea has publicly announced it, it wouldnt be a lie." Oh no. This was a direct challenge to his self-restraint. Han asked, "Besides participating in the gathering, is there any other way to obtain that Heavenly Flame?" The Dragon Maiden raised a brow. "You need it?" "I do." "Unfortunately, if you had told me earlier, my father might have been able to negotiate with the Celestial Sea Dragon Lord," she said regretfully. "But now that the flame has been announced as a prize, the Dragon Lord wouldnt go back on his word. The only way to obtain it is by competing in the gathering." Well, there was another wayif Yunjiang Dragon Lord absolutely demanded it, refusing to relent unless he got the flame. But how many dishes did he think he was worth to dream that big? Yunjiang Dragon Lord wasnt Hans fatherwhy would he risk offending the Celestial Sea Dragon Lord for him? Han fell into deep thought. He truly needed that flame. Since all other paths were blocked, then Your Highness, I wont lie to youI''d like to join you on a romantic trip to the Celestial Sea. As for the rule that only aquatic beings could participate? Well, I can always become an aquatic being. Lu Qingmo was taken aback. She hadn''t considered this possibility before. But with this perspective in mind, Left Tianzhengs actions suddenly made a lot more sense. If he was searching for a treasure to mend his damaged body, then naturally, he wouldn''t care about the havoc wreaked by the unruly Black Cloud Guards he brought into the mountains. It also explained why he had been so direct about his interest in Black Mountain as soon as he arrived. Han pondered for a moment before asking, "If this is true, do you think the treasure he''s searching for could help you, Aunt Mo?" Lu Qingmo thought for a while, then shook her head. "I have no idea what hes looking for. The difference between the body and the soul is vast, so it''s hard to say." "However, when my accident first happened, I searched for anything that might help my condition. I even tried consuming several treasures, but none of them worked." "Ive experimented with items meant to purify the soul, expel foreign energies, and counteract the forces of the underworldnone of them had any effect." Lu Qingmo shook her head again. She had struggled, fought, and tried every possible way to restore what had been lost. The outcome was self-evident. Back then, she had access to countless resources. With the power of the Xuandu Temple and her own status, there was little she couldn''t trybut in the end, none of it had made a difference. "You kept the Dragon Maiden around because of that Heavenly Fire at the Tianhai Gathering, didn''t you?" Lu Qingmo asked. "Yes," Han admitted. "Thats going to be difficult," Lu Qingmo said. "I''ve heard of the Tianhai Gathering before. Human experts may attend as spectators, but only aquatic beings are allowed to participate." "That said, Tianhai Dragon Lords reputation for kindness is well known." "The only way youll have a chance at obtaining that fire is to trade for it after the gathering. But a Heavenly Fire is pricelessit wont be easy to negotiate for it." Han had already considered this. Unless he offered something truly valuable, he wouldnt have the means to exchange for the fire. "What if its a water-dweller''s soul? Would that qualify for participation?" Han asked. Lu Qingmo nodded. "Yes. The Tianhai Gathering allows both martial and mystical arts, and its not uncommon for aquatic souls to compete." Hans expression turned serious. "Aunt Mo, theres something I havent told you." Lu Qingmo raised an eyebrow. "What is it?" Han met her gaze and said solemnly, "Im actually a dragon." Their eyes locked. Lu Qingmo chuckled. "You should get some rest tonight." A dragon? She had spent so much time around himdid he really think she wouldnt know? What part of him even remotely resembled a dragon? But in the next moment, Lu Qingmos smile froze. Because a black dragon''s soul emerged from Hans body. Its presence was fierce, its aura imposing. The Overturning Sea Black Jiao coiled around Lu Qingmo, circling her slowly before bringing its head close to her face. Hans voice echoed, firm and unwavering "I really am a dragon." From a distance, it looked as if a monstrous beast was about to devour her. Chapter 203: The Hidden Dragon Han floated in midair, having reverted to his human form. He clutched his waist, inhaling sharply through his teeth. "Aunt Mo, did you have to hit me that hard? I feel like my waist is about to snap." "Watch your manners." Lu Qingmo shot him a look, one that spoke volumes. You coiled around me tighter and tightershould I have just let that slide? "What''s going on with your soul? Why did it take the form of a flood dragon?" She was visibly surprisedshe hadnt expected Han to have such an ability. That said, she had no doubts about his identity. "Remember after the Water Origin Festival, when I was practicing martial arts and my body underwent a transformation due to my souls influence?" Han explained. "Ever since then, my soul has continued displaying similar reactions. Eventually, I realized I could fully transform it into a flood dragon." Lu Qingmo pondered for a moment. "I thought you meant there was something peculiar about your soul because of your secret martial art techniques, that it was just a temporary effect. But this change persisted and led to such a result" She frowned. "Is this truly just a side effect of your martial arts?" "Try transforming into a flood dragon again. Let me take a closer look." Han did as she asked. Lu Qingmo carefully examined him before exclaiming in astonishment, "I can''t see any flaws. Right now, you are a flood dragoncompletely. There isnt a trace of human characteristics left in you." She was utterly shocked. "Even your souls essence has changed, and yet you can shift between forms freely without any disharmony. How is this even possible?" "If you go out in this form, no one will think youre human." Altering one''s appearance was simple, but changing one''s very essence was a different matter entirelyespecially at a fundamental level. "A full transformation from one species to another, from human to something else, is unheard of unless done with an artifact. And even then, its permanentyou can never become human again." "But you can switch between the two at will" Lu Qingmo felt disoriented. What kind of ability is this? If cultivators all had such an ability, the world would have long since plunged into chaos. A little provocation here and there, and it would be an all-out war between races. Transforming into a flood dragon is nothingI could become a two-headed dragon if I wanted. A thought struck Lu Qingmo, and she asked, "What visualization technique do you practice?" She suspected that his ability might be related to his secret martial arts, but there was also the possibility it was tied to his visualization practice. Before Han could answer, she waved him off. "Never mind, no need to tell me. It must be some kind of dragon-related visualization." "The world is vast, and history runs deep. Many legacies have been buried. A visualization technique of this nature isnt entirely out of the question." "" Dragon-related? Not at all. I visualize nothing but a humble little tree. "Since you possess this ability, you can enter the upcoming Tianhai Ascension Dragon Gathering." "That was exactly my plan." Han, still in dragon form, nodded his massive head. "But I do have some concerns. I''m worried this transformation might draw unwanted trouble." Lu Qingmo chuckled. "What race are you right now?" "A flood dragon." "Then no matter what trouble you cause, how would it be related to Han of the Taibai Martial Hall?" Han was struck by sudden realization. Right! Youre looking for the Overturning Sea Flood Demonwhat does that have to do with Han of Taibai? "But the gathering begins today. If you want to make it in time, youll have to travel with the Dragon Maiden. How do you plan to handle her?" "Are you going to tell her the truth?" Han hesitated, his face flushing slightly. "I told her that I have a friend who will participate in the gathering." Lu Qingmos expression turned strangeshe understood immediately. "That friend is you." "You do have aquatic friends in Heiyun Town. That might be a loophole in your story." "I said it was a water-dweller raised by you, Aunt Mo." "" Lu Qingmo gave him a look. Fine. If you say I raised it, then I raised it. "Youve thought this through well. No ordinary person would suspect you were once human." "Even the Dragon Maiden wont be able to tell." Han felt a little pleased with himself after receiving praise. But then a thought struck him, and his heart sank. Ordinary people wouldnt suspect anything, but the Dragon Maiden She had been inexplicably drawn to him before, likely due to the True Dragon Blood Soul Stone within him. It had even allowed her to sense the presence of phoenix energy, though that had been connected to his physical body, not his soul. But the power of the True Dragon Blood Soul Stone also flowed within his soul, strengthening and reshaping it. Would the Dragon Maiden still feel an attraction to his soul? Back then, her bloodline had only reacted after they had made physical contact. As long as he avoided any direct contact with her, there shouldnt be a problem right? Han suddenly felt uneasy. "If the Dragon Maiden figures it out, what do I do?" Lu Qingmo frowned. "Why would she figure it out?" "She has a unique sensitivity to me." Lu Qingmo narrowed her eyes at him. What exactly have you been up to out there? "In that case, youll need to be extra careful." If you encounter this tale on Amazon, note that it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it. "But even if youre exposed, it wont be a big issue," she continued. "No one else will have seen your transformation process. You can always claim it was an artifact that granted you this formthere are such treasures, though they come with limitations." "I doubt the Dragon Maiden would go around exposing your identity. As long as you can keep it from her, thats enough." "That makes sense." Han nodded in agreement. A disciple of Xuandu Temple possessing such a treasure? That wouldnt be suspicious at all. If the Dragon Maiden couldnt see through the transformation, she might be intrigued but wouldnt find it too unbelievable. After all, shes only a Dragon Maidennot yet a Dragon Lord. "In that case, maybe I should just tell her outright." "Shes been good to me, and if I give her a reasonable explanation, theres no need to hide it too much." If I keep it secret and she finds out anyway, things could get awkward. It might even harm our relationship. "Thats also an option," Lu Qingmo said without objection. But as she gazed at Hans massive flood dragon form hovering next to his human body, she shook her head. "If someone unfamiliar with the situation saw this, theyd think a flood dragon had possessed a human." Han tensed at the word "possession." His expression remained calm, but internally, he was on high alert. "Aunt Mo, do I look like someone whos been possessed?" he asked with a casual smile. For the first time, he felt genuinely nervous. Lu Qingmo shook her head. "No." "Those who possess others always have mismatches between their body and soul. No matter how long they inhabit a new body, theres always a lingering disharmony." "And even over time, their features may shift to resemble their original soulbut theyll never be identical." "Unless, of course, one can reshape the bodys essence and bloodline to fully assimilate it into their soul. Then, there would be no difference between the two." She studied Han closely. "Your soul and body are perfectly synchronized, your features identical, and your essence completely fused. Theres no doubtyou are the original owner of both your body and soul." "If you had been possessed, I would have known from the start. I would have sent you straight to the Ghost Division." Han''s heart skipped a beat. This wasnt something Lu Qingmo could have been mistaken about. So what was he, really? Had his soul traveled through time? Or had he reincarnated and simply regained memories upon nearing death? Or had his soul and body crossed over together? None of it made sense. For the first time, Han questioned how he had come to this world. Han cautiously extended a dragons head from the wooden tablet, nodding slightly toward the dragon maiden before retreating back into hiding. A flicker of light flashed through the dragon maidens eyes, betraying a hint of intrigue. What a magnificent flood dragon. Lu, youve raised it well. Its all thanks to its own efforts, Lu Qingmo replied humbly, unwilling to take credit. Lu Qingmos arrival clearly caught Xuanwei by surprise. Its an honor to receive you personally, Lord Steward. But where is Han? This flood dragon will explain everything to you. Without lingering, the dragon maiden soon left with Han. Once they were gone, Bai Ruoyue sidled up to Lu Qingmo with curiosity. Aunt Mo, since when did you start raising a flood dragon? Having been with Lu Qingmo for over a decade, she had never heard anything about this. Only for a few months. Is raising a dragon fun? Lu Qingmo hesitated, then sighed with exasperation. Hard to say but this one is particularly gluttonous. Always looking for food. What does it eat? People. Wha?! Bai Ruoyue recoiled in shock. You cant just keep a dragon like that! I didnt have a choice. It latched onto me, and I cant shake it off. Do you want it? Ill give it to you if you do. No way! Even for free, I wouldnt take it. Bai Ruoyue shook her head with conviction. Hearing this, Lu Qingmo cast her a meaningful glance. I just hope that when the time comes, you wont be the one offering yourself to this wicked dragon. By the banks of the Yunjiang River, the dragon maiden summoned a small boat and guided it forward with practiced ease. Why not come out and have a proper conversation, my friend? she called out. Han emerged from the wooden tablet, stowing it away in his space pouch before floating into the air. Ao Xuanwei, your boat is quite small this time. The dragon maiden furrowed her brows, scrutinizing Han with sharp, assessing eyes. You seem unfamiliar to me. I dont recall ever meeting your branch of flood dragons before. Her meaning was clearWhy are you calling me by name? You wont even address me as Your Highness? Han sighed. You were the one who told me to call you by your name, yet now you claim not to know me. How heartbreaking, Your Highness. The dragon maiden stiffened. She had only ever said those words to one person. Han? You should call me Xu Xian now, Han replied with a smirk. That was the alias he had prepared for this journey. The dragon maiden chuckled. How did you end up like this? Well, as you can see, my transformation into a water creature is flawless. She shook her head. Seamless. I cant detect a single flaw. How did you manage it? Aunt Mo had a fortunate encounter in her youth and acquired a powerful transformation artifactone that allows the soul to take the form of a flood dragon, Han explained, smoothly delivering his prepared story. She told me that even the masters of Xuandu Temple would struggle to see through this disguise. Bluffing with absolute confidence. The dragon maidens eyes gleamed with intrigue. Such an artifact exists? So, can I attend the grand gathering in this form without raising suspicion? Han asked. No issue at all, she affirmed. If that treasure is as miraculous as you claim, even the Sea Dragon King wouldnt notice anything unusual. She paused, a playful glint in her gaze. But didnt you tell me you had a water-dwelling friend? She smiled knowingly. Looks like that friend was you all along. Busted. Han coughed awkwardly. Well, it was Aunt Mos treasure. At first, I wanted to keep it a secret. I understand. The dragon maiden nodded before extending her hand. Then, you are no longer Han. From now on, you are Xu Xian. Xu Xian a fine name. A heart devoted to immortality. Han reached out his dragon claw, meeting her handshake. But then, he noticed her smile growing more radiant, and she inched closer. This feeling now Im convinced. You truly are Han. That familiar pull, that instinctive bloodline resonanceit could only be him. Since when did this become our method of identity verification? Hastily, Han shifted into his humanoid form, breaking free from her grasp. This wasnt a full transformation into a human but rather a standard shape-shifting technique among demonsaltering only the outward appearance. Yet even in human form, Han still looked exactly like his old self. Among demon clans, ones first humanoid transformation was often influenced by their subconscious self-image. Once set, it became difficult to change. If a demons human form fluctuated, it was either an illusion, the effect of an artifact, or a rare innate ability. Hans dragon soul had solidified his humanoid formhis own. I suppose Ill have to maintain this flood dragon form throughout the gathering. This form is more familiar to me. The dragon maidens smile remained as she studied Hans new form. This flood dragon youve taken the shape ofits extraordinary. I can sense immense power within its bloodline. Do you know where it originates? She wasnt merely offering flattery; she genuinely felt it. There was a latent ferocity, a subdued yet overwhelming aura that she had never encountered in any other flood dragon. Her judgment was clearthis bloodline was no ordinary lineage. Among the aquatic races, true dragons reigned supreme, their status unparalleled. Most water creatures aspired to transform into dragons. But in the vast world, there were always exceptions. Some aquatic beings chose not to pursue dragonhood. Instead, they refined their inherent bloodline over generations, reaching unparalleled heights. With each breakthrough, their lineage evolved, becoming just as formidable as the dragon race. Even a mere koi fish, if it achieved immortality, could rival a dragon in strength. History had proven this. The descendants of such beings, at least in the first few generations, could easily match the offspring of dragon royalty. Yet, sporadic powerhouses among the water races could never challenge the dragons dominion. These extraordinary bloodlines, no matter how potent, would inevitably fade. The dragon race, however, had an unshakable foundation. Countless water creatures toiled endlessly, striving to become dragons. That alone ensured the dragon lineage thrived indefinitely. Aunt Mo mentioned that this transformation artifact mimics the form of a Overturning Sea Flood Dragon. Han took the opportunity to probe. Have you heard of such a breed? The dragon maidens expression turned thoughtful. My father once mentioned it Suddenly, her eyes brightened. Yes, I remember now! Legends speak of a supreme flood dragonone so powerful and ruthless that it never sought to become a true dragon. Instead, it ruled over the Four Seas, subjugating even the dragon clans. In ancient texts, he was known as the Overturning Sea Sage. But in the old dragon records, he was referred to as the Overturning Sea Demon. They say his lineage, the Overturning Sea Flood Dragons, vanished long ago. After his death, the dragon clans supposedly eradicated them all. The Overturning Sea Sage. The title resonated with what Han had heard before. Let me take another look at you. The dragon maidens gaze shimmered with curiosity. Han sighed and reverted to his dragon form once more. Ive never seen an Overturning Sea Flood Dragon before. My father hasnt either. But your bloodline its remarkable. Even if youre not of that legendary lineage, you must hail from an extraordinary one. And combined with your rapid ascension to the Day-Touring realm, Xu Xianat this gathering, you will surely make a name for yourself. She had high expectations for him. I only just broke through. I still have much to refine. With your bloodline, once it awakens, your strength will be unmatched among common water creatures. I havent awakened any bloodline. No, she countered, shaking her head. The fact that your bloodline resonates with mine proves otherwise. You advanced so rapidly in mere months. That is the sign of an awakening. So thats why she wasnt surprised by my power? She had already prepared an explanation for me. Youre brilliant. And now, this explanation is mine to use. Chapter 204: Twenty Thousand Leagues Beneath the Sea Han and the Dragon Princess first traveled to Yunlong City, where they switched from a simple boat to a grand floating mansion. Now, this was more fitting for a princess of the Dragon Palace. During the journey, Han maintained his dragon form, not planning to revert back until the Tianhai Ascension Ceremony concluded. Their treasure ship sped down the Yun River at an astonishing pace, leaving no trace behind. Onboard, there were only two passengers. Or rather, two dragons. "Youre the only one representing Yun River Dragon Palace at this ceremony?" Han asked. "Yes," the Dragon Princess nodded. "The four great aquatic domainsYun River, Tianhai, Jiudong, and Lingyangare not allowed to compete. We only participate in the final selection." Any water domain outside these four was free to send their younger generation to compete. The difference in resources and heritage between the four great domains and the lesser ones was simply too vast. "Yun River Dragon Palace rarely accepts new aquatic members," the princess continued. "So we typically send only one representative to the ceremony. Theres no need for more." And truly, who in Yun River Dragon Palace could represent it better than the Dragon Princess herself? "Doesn''t your palace need fresh blood?" Han asked, puzzled. Wasnt the whole point of Tianhai''s recruitment to strengthen itself? "We do," the Dragon Princess sighed, "but what we seek are true prodigiesthose with the potential to dominate the world." "The so-called geniuses from these other water domains... when compared on a grand scale, theyre hardly exceptional." Han understood nowthis was a matter of high standards. "For example," she said with a knowing smile, "someone like you is exactly what we need." Here we go again with the praise. "As we approach Tianhai, you''ll disembark and travel there alone to register for the ceremony," the Dragon Princess instructed. "When you arrive, the local aquatic clans will guide you. Just follow their directions." "The ceremony begins this evening. With your strength, nothing unexpected should happen, but be cautious nonetheless." Then, as if recalling something, she added, "Oh, and you may encounter the offspring of Tianhais Dragon King during the competition." "If you defeat them, you''ll earn the Dragon Kings attention, significantly increasing your chances of obtaining the Heavenly Iceflame." "However, if your strength is overwhelmingbeyond reasonthe Dragon King''s heirs might not even dare to enter the arena." "Fights are permitted, but killing is strictly forbidden during the ceremony..." "And when the ceremony concludes, the Dragon King will reward participants by bestowing treasures. Typically, each person may only receive one, as his goal is to benefit as many aquatic beings as possible." Floating midair, Han listened carefully as the Dragon Princess briefed him on the Tianhai Ascension Ceremony. Ignoring the odd way she was looking at him, he now had a general understanding of the event. Touching his dragon horns, Han muttered, "Looks like I might run into ''Brother Divine Artifact'' this time." The Dragon Princess blinked, then quickly understood. "You mean Yang Teng from Lingyang Lake?" "Of course." "Thats quite possible," she said, smiling. "Given your prowess, he might even try to recruit you." Hans expression turned subtle. Recruit me? That would be interesting. "Yun River Dragon Palace and Lingyang Lake there''s no room for reconciliation, is there?" Han asked. "Sworn enemies," the Dragon Princess answered without hesitation. "There is no chance of truce." Han nodded. Well then, let them keep sending those sweet-talking envoyshed gladly accept their "candy-coated bullets." The treasure ship soon neared Tianhai, which was precisely why Han had chosen to travel with the Dragon Princess. Had he relied on his own speed, he would have never reached Tianhai in timeno matter how fast he ran or flew, he wouldve missed the ceremony entirely. Finding a secluded spot, the Dragon Princess dropped Han off. He then took to the skies, heading toward Tianhai. On the way, he encountered several aquatic beings. Most traveled in their physical forms, while very few, like him, moved as spiritual entities. However, every spirit-form traveler drew looks of reverence from the aquatic beings below. To be able to walk the skies in broad daylighta "Day-Walker Cultivator"was a status symbol. Especially for those from smaller water domains, where high-level experts were rare. To them, a Day-Walker was an absolute powerhouse. Respect for strengthit was a fundamental instinct of life. "Fellow Daoist, please wait!" Suddenly, a voice called out from behind Han. Oh, my heavens. Listen to this awful script. I swear, if I had a hammer, Id smack this guy over the head. Han had no intention of stopping, but the person calling him sped up, pulling alongside him. It wasnt that Han couldnt outrun himhe simply wasnt flying at full speed. "Fellow Daoist, you move with the grace of a true dragon!" "..." I am a dragon. The one who had caught up was a manalso in spiritual form. He seemed ordinary at first glance, except for one extremely eye-catching feature: His hair. It was a dazzling mix of colors, shining in every hue imaginable. For someone to hold a conversation with Han while flying meant he, too, was a Day-Walker. "Do you need something?" Han asked. Reading on this site? This novel is published elsewhere. Support the author by seeking out the original. "Not really," the colorful-haired man chattered. "I was just looking for a travel companion on the way to Tianhai." "By the way, why havent you taken human form? Most people I passed on the way were in human shape." "But, of course, for someone of your noble lineage and immense power, its only natural to remain in your true form." "You must be aiming for first place in the ceremony, right?" "Im sure of itwith your talent" Han was speechless. What was wrong with this guyno, this demon? He had just appeared and was already rambling nonstop. Wait a minute. "Hold on," Han interrupted. "Do we know each other?" "Nope! But that doesnt matterwe know each other now!" Seeing that he was about to start again, Han quickly cut him off. "Where are you from?" "I''m from Tianyang County, near Jiuyang Ruins. A small lake, nothing big. Im a parrot." "...A parrot?" "You have no idea," the parrot demon groaned. "Tianyang Countys heat is unbearable. Its so hot, even birds cant take it!" A parrot Well, that would explain the chatter. Han also caught onto something else. "Jiuyang Ruins You mean the place where Red Sun Beasts are born?" "Yep, thats the one! Youve heard of it?" The parrot demon nodded excitedly. "Ive come across it in the past," Han said. "And youre allowed to participate in the Tianhai ceremony?" "Oh, Im a water parrot, so I qualify as an aquatic being." A water parrot? That was new to Han. "Have you heard?" the parrot demon continued. "Apparently, the Dragon Kings youngest son recently underwent a bloodline transformationhes incredibly strong now and might personally compete in the ceremony." "And the Dragon Kings treasure reward this time is extraordinarily rare. Among them is a Heavenly Iceflame, Frost Spirit Soulfire." "An ice-element flame?" Han murmured. "Exactly! Its highly sought after. Even powerful water demons want it, since ice is a natural extension of water." Annoying as he was, the parrot demon was surprisingly well-informed. Unlike the Dragon Princess, who had only mentioned the Dragon Kings offspring, this guy provided details about multiple competitors. Han decided to tolerate his chatterfor now. Eventually, he learned the parrots name. Ying Jili. A name Han wasnt quite sure how to react to. A parrot with the surname "Ying" (Parrot)? Fair enough. Naming himself "Jili" (Auspicious) for good fortune? That also made sense. But before they reached Tianhai, Ying Jili bid him farewell. "Daoist Xu, it was great talking with you. Im sure youll stand out in the ceremony!" "If you ever visit Jiuyang Lake, Ill personally host you!" The Nine Suns Lake, despite its grand name, was not particularly vast. Located near the Nine Suns Market, the lakes temperature was even higher than that of Lingyang Lake, making it unsuitable for aquatic life. "Ill be sure to take the opportunity someday." Han replied politely, watching as Ingiri ran off to chatter with another aquatic creature. He really loves talking, doesnt he However, Nine Suns Market intrigued Han. After all, his Pure Yang Flame had been obtained from the marrow pearl of the Scarlet Sun Beast, a native wild beast of Nine Suns Market. There were even rumors that the formation of Nine Suns Market was linked to the boundless Sky Ruins. Ill have to visit when the chance arises. Han made a mental note. Before long, an endless ocean stretched before him, the air thick with a fresh, invigorating mist. This sea was breathtakingly vastfar larger than the Nine Caverns Lake, which had a diameter of three thousand miles. According to the Dragon Maiden, this Heavenly Sea was twice that size. In aquatic realms, the size of a territory reflected its rulers strengththe weak simply had no right to claim such a massive domain. Looking across the expanse, the oceans surface was free of fog or debris, its waters rippling endlessly with rolling waves. The seas brilliant azure hue was shockingly clear, lacking the usual dark depths of the deep sea. Instead, it mirrored the **sky aboveblue skies, white clouds, and the sunso perfectly that it seemed as if the sun itself had sunk into the waters, reminiscent of the mythical Tang Valley. At first glance, it truly seemed like a sea of the heavens, a mirror of the sky itself. The awe of beholding mountains and witnessing the sea were two entirely different experiencesespecially for Han, now in his flood dragon form. The vast waters made him feel more at home than ever. A giant catfish, still in its original form, swam over and inquired, "Are you here for the Heavenly Sea Ascension Gathering?" "Yes." "Please follow me." Han followed the catfish into the depths of the Heavenly Sea, alongside numerous other aquatic beings who had arrived in succession, each receiving their own guides. Unlike the Water Origin Festival, which had required accommodations for non-aquatic beings, this gathering was exclusively for aquatic creatures and was held entirely underwater. This meant that the Dragon Lord of the Heavenly Sea did not need to expend power enabling non-aquatic creatures to breathe underwatera considerable convenience. The catfish spirit led Han to a massive clam shell, more than ten meters long and six meters high. Inside, a clam spirit was handing out pearls to each arriving aquatic being. While waiting in line, Han observed a patternthe pearls varied based on the recipients cultivation level. When it was Hans turn, he received a radiant white pearl the size of a dragons eyea priceless treasure in the mortal world. This pearl served as his pass to the Ascension Gathering. Once the gathering concluded, attendees could keep their pearls as a form of compensation. After receiving his pearl, the catfish spirit guided Han deeper into the sea, leading him to a submerged civilization. The seafloor was paved with countless white shells, forming a vast underwater plaza spanning dozens of miles. Surrounding the plaza were elevated platforms, resembling gigantic versions of underwater plantstowering corals, seaweed, and other aquatic flora. Silhouettes could be seen standing atop these platformsrepresentatives from various aquatic territories. Despite being at the oceans depths, the surroundings were brightly illuminated. Large bioluminescent fish drifted above, casting a soft glow that bathed the gathering in near-daylight brilliance. Everything here was entirely different from what Han had seen on landa world distinctively aquatic, leaving him in awe. Civilization was never exclusive to the landthe underwater world had its own thriving culture. "The Ascension Gathering will be held here shortly. Please wait patiently." "And make sure to keep your pearl with you at all times. Do not store it in a spatial pouch." The catfish spirit politely reminded Han before swimming away. Entering the shell-plaza, Han saw that many aquatic beings had already gathered. Some remained in their true forms, while others had taken on humanoid shapes, both in body and soul. Thus, Hans current form was not particularly unusual. However, his cultivation stood out. Among those present, only a handful had reached the Sunlight Realm or Bone Refinement Realm, and they were extremely rare. Experts at the Marrow Cleansing or Manifestation levels were dominant figures outside the Four Great Seas, and they would not typically attend such a gathering. If such individuals wished to join the Four Great Seas, they would simply negotiate with the higher-ups directly. As Han entered the plaza, many aquatic beings turned to look at him. Envy, reverence, jealousy, hostilityall kinds of emotions flashed in their eyes. Most beings instinctively moved aside, not daring to obstruct his path. His Sunlight Realm cultivation was enough to command respect, but there was another reason for their deferencehe was a flood dragon. Among aquatic creatures, bloodline was paramount, and flood dragons were an exceedingly noble lineage. Looking around the plaza, the majority of attendees were ordinary fish, shrimp, crabs, and other common aquatic creatures. For them, merely standing near Han was enough to feel the pressure of his bloodline. To defy nature and elevate oneself to rival the dragon race was an exceptional feat, achieved only by a select few. Throughout the entire shell-plaza, Han spotted only two other flood dragons. Wild-born flood dragons were incredibly rare in the counties surrounding the Four Great Seas. Even many Manifestation and Marrow Cleansing experts, who were lords of smaller aquatic territories, were still striving to achieve flood dragon status. If these two chose, they could have joined the Heavenly Sea directly without attending the gathering. Thus, with three flood dragons present, they immediately became the center of attention within the plaza. Even those of equal cultivation could not compare to them. After all, among aquatic bloodlines, only a true dragon stood higher. When cultivation was similar, bloodline supremacy was absolute. As Han advanced further into the plaza, those nearby instinctively retreated, shocked. Simply being near Han caused many to feel an urge to submit, their bodies freezing in place. "Which bloodline does this flood dragon belong to? How can it be this terrifying?!" Chapter 205: The Abyssal Flood Dragon’s True Power Two pairs of cold, arrogant eyes locked onto Han, scrutinizing his strength and background. Hans gaze swept over them, and instantly, the two flood dragons felt their breathing hitch. An overwhelming pressureso intense it was almost inconceivable. Despite their noble bloodline, they felt the weight of suppression, an instinctual urge to submit. Impossible. They were flood dragons, descendants of an esteemed lineage! Han withdrew his gaze, no longer paying them any heed. One was a regular flood dragon, and the other an ice flood dragon. Their bloodline purity was mediocre at best. Though all were called flood dragons, there was still a hierarchy among them. Hans transformation was not into an ordinary Abyssal Flood Dragon but rather an Abyssal Flood Demon. He stood in a secluded spot in the Shell Plaza, an area conspicuously empty. No aquatic creature dared approach, unable to withstand the sheer pressure of his bloodline. Even drawing near to Han made them feel as though they couldnt breathe. For the moment, Han found himself isolated. A twenty-two-year-old Abyssal Flood Demon, facing the cold shoulder from his peers. Observing the scene, Han finally gained a preliminary understanding of his new bloodlines might. But then, a sudden thought struck himif his bloodline was so fearsome, what about that parrot from England? That chatterbox had followed him all this way, chattering incessantly without the slightest discomfort. In fact, the bird had been quite animated. Could it be that the talkative parrot was more than it seemed? Meanwhile, the sight of the retreating aquatic creatures did not go unnoticed by those secretly observing the plaza. What clan does that flood dragon belong to? Its presence is truly extraordinary. Ive never seen such a bloodline before, but the pressure it exudes is astonishing. It almost rivals that of a true dragon. For such a remarkable talent to appear at this gathering what a surprise. We should invite him to join Tianhai. With his bloodline, he will undoubtedly become a formidable force in the future. The aquatic creatures from the other two major domains were also abuzz with discussion, marveling at Hans bloodline and considering recruiting him into their ranks. Only the Dragon Princess remained composed, exuding an air of nonchalance. All this effort was futilehe was already hers. On a grand coral platform sat the aquatic elites of Lingyang Lake. Among them was Yang Teng, who was fixated on Han. What kind of flood dragon is this? Its simply beyond belief. Beside Yang Teng were two aquatic beingsone at the Manifestation Realm and the other at the Cleansing Marrow Realm. Among the intelligent aquatic races, those who cultivated both soul and martial arts were rare. It required exceptional talent, immense time, and vast resources. Only a select few species were naturally gifted in both disciplines. Such as the true dragons. Flood dragons, however, did not share this inherent advantage. Only true dragons were guaranteed exceptional talent in both martial arts and soul cultivation. Third Prince, if we can bring this flood dragon into Lingyang Lake, Lord Dragon King will surely be pleased. Indeed. I suspect that Yunjiang Dragon Palace has already taken an interest in him as well. Yang Tengs eyes lit up. Thats right. Yunjiang Dragon Palace prides itself on recruiting only unparalleled geniuses. This flood dragons bloodline is extraordinaryhis chances of evolving into a true dragon are incredibly high. A true dragon was destined for greatness. Why did the demon races place such emphasis on bloodline? Because a powerful bloodline made the path of cultivation far easier, ensuring a high baseline of strength. That wretched Ao Xuanwei has likely set her sights on him already. If I can snatch this flood dragon from under her nose, Id love to see the look on her face. Growing more excited as he spoke, Yang Teng abruptly left the platform and swam toward Han. As he moved, the surrounding seawater grew noticeably warmeran inherent trait of those from Lingyang Lake. Having dwelled in high-temperature waters for generations, their bodies had adapted accordingly. Yang Tengs actions drew the attention of the aquatic creatures in the plaza. When they saw his target, realization dawned upon them. Hes trying to claim him first. Yang Teng stopped before Han, greeting him with a friendly smile and introducing himself. Xu Xian. Han raised an eyebrow. What brings the Third Prince to me? Brother Xu, your noble bloodline and unparalleled talent have caught my attention. Id like to invite you to join Lingyang Lake. As Yang Teng spoke, he was taken aback. The oppressive force he felt from Han up close was far greater than when he had observed from the platform. Enjoying this book? Seek out the original to ensure the author gets credit. Even he was struggling under the pressure. And yet, he was the descendant of a true dragon. Lingyang Lakes Dragon King was a genuine dragon, and as his offspring, Yang Teng carried that lineage. How was he being suppressed by a mere flood dragon? Disbelief turned to jealousy. How could he, a dignified third prince, be overshadowed by some random flood dragon? How could his lineage be inferior to a wild beast? Han hesitated. But I still intend to participate in the Tianhai Ascension Dragon Ceremony. I heard that members of the Four Great Water Domains are prohibited from joining. Brother Xu, your ultimate goal in participating is to join one of the Four Great Domains. If you join Lingyang Lake now, youll skip the process and reach the top instantly. Isnt that ideal? Ideal? My foot. Im participating in the ceremony for the rewards. Youre offering me nothing and expecting me to take the deal? What kind of scam is this? Before Han could respond, another voice chimed in. Yang Teng, youre quite eager. A graceful young man approached. Yang Teng frowned. Jiu Gu, what business is this of yours? If you can come, why cant I? Jiu Gu turned to Han and introduced himself. Brother Xu, I hail from Jiudong Lake and would like to invite you to join us. If you choose Jiudong Lake, we will fully compensate you for any rewards you forfeit by skipping the ceremony. Yang Teng sneered. Jiu Gu, as always, you lack sincerity. Brother Xu, Lingyang Lake will not only compensate you but also present you with a Flood Dragon Pearl as a welcome gift. Jiu Gu immediately raised his offer. Do you think Jiudong Lake cant match that? Brother Xu, in addition to a Flood Dragon Pearl, we will also provide a Dragon Blood Crystal to refine your bloodline. The surrounding aquatic creatures watched in envy, wishing they could take Hans place. The two flood dragons from before, however, were seething with jealousy. Damn it! Were flood dragons too! Why arent we receiving the same treatment? Just because his bloodline was stronger? Wasnt that a bit too unfair? In thirty years, who could say who would be the strongest? As Jiu Gu and Yang Teng continued their bidding war, Han grew increasingly anxious. Enough talkshow me the goods already! At that moment, a third figure approached. Yang Tengs expression darkened. Ao Xuanwei, what are you doing here? The Dragon Princess smiled at Han and nodded in acknowledgment. Your bloodline is truly enviable. It resonates with mineundeniably the king of flood dragons. Would you consider joining Yunjiang Dragon Palace? Her words sent a shockwave through the gathered aquatic creatures, even those still hiding in the shadows. His bloodline resonates with Ao Xuanweis? Unbelievable. Absolutely unbelievable. Even Yang Teng, unwilling as he was to admit it, knew how pure and powerful Ao Xuanweis bloodline was. Among all young aquatic elites, only a rare few across the continent could compare to her. Compared to her, he was insignificant. They had already acknowledged Hans extraordinary talent, but they had still vastly underestimated him. If Ao Xuanwei spoke the truth, then Hans potential was limitless. They had to secure himno matter what. Even the Tianhai aquatic clan, which typically avoided conflicts with the other great water domains, could no longer sit idly by. At this moment, the Four Great Water Domains stood togethereach vying for the Abyssal Flood Demon. One or two river dragons are nothing compared to the vastness of the four great water realms. Every domain would welcome a river dragon, but calling one irreplaceable? That''s just not feasible. However, this particular river dragon had done exactly that. An idea emerged in their minds: it seemed that not all river dragons were created equal. "Thirty years would be too soon," they thought. "But give us three hundred years, and well prove once and for all who is stronger and who is weaker. We''ll show them all!" The four great aquatic clans eagerly courted Hans alliance, each offering increasingly extravagant terms. Among them, the Dragon Princesss proposal stood out as the most generous, with offers soaring sky-high. It almost looked like she was trying to buy him. But Han turned down each of these invitations, resolute in his decision. Seeing his insistence on attending the gathering, the Dragon Princess suddenly spoke: "Since Fellow Daoist Xu is so focused on the gathering, I wont press you further." She paused before producing a piece of dragon bone, a partial relic, and handed it to him. "Its a mere fragment, but please accept it. Regardless of the outcome, whether you join the Yunjiang Dragon Palace or not, I simply wish to be friends with you." This time, the Dragon Princess wasnt making empty promisesshe was offering a real gift. "Well, well, well, Weiwei, you really know how to handle things," Han thought to himself, but he still had no choice but to accept the bone after a back-and-forth of polite refusals. "Your Highness, I truly feel undeserving of such kindness. I dont know how to repay you," Han said with sincerity. "Please, rest assured. After the gathering, I will make sure not to disappoint you," Han added earnestly. The others, however, couldn''t help but frown at this. "How could the Dragon Princess break tradition like this? She hasnt even received a confirmation, and yet shes already giving out treasures." "Does she not fear this will be all for nothing?" But from Hans reaction, it was clear he had been moved by the Dragon Princess. "Looks like shes playing the long game," one of them thought. The Dragon Princess smiled softly and nodded. "Lets be friends." "With your bloodline, Fellow Daoist Xu, you could easily become a Dragon King one day, commanding the winds and the clouds. Theres no doubt about it." Upon hearing this, Guifu and the other person started to think: perhaps they should follow the Dragon Princess''s lead. Even if they couldnt win Han over, they could still forge a bond. But before they could decide, Yang Teng spoke up. "Xu, my friend, I have here a bottle of Dragon Essence. Consider it a gift from me." He finished speaking with a pointed look toward the Dragon Princess. "I, Yang Teng, have never been one to be overshadowed by others." If Guifu and the other were giving out treasures, Yang Teng might have hesitated, but this was the Dragon Princesshe didnt hesitate for a moment. "I may yield to Jiudong Lake or Tianhai, but Ill never let you take Yunjiang Dragon Palace without a fight!" "Youre in favor of it? Ill be against it. You want it? Ill take it from you. Whatever you do, Im doing the opposite." Moreover, he was the first to make a move. If the Dragon Princess were to secure Hans allegiance because of a single treasure, where would that leave Yang Teng''s face as the third prince? "Princess Ao Xuanwei can offer treasures, but I, Yang Teng, can offer even better!" "Third Prince, this is too precious. I cant accept it," Han said, declining immediately. "Are you sure you dont think of me as a friend, Xu?" Yang Teng asked with a smile. "Please, no more refusals. This is just a small token. If you choose to join Lingyang Lake, Ill have an even grander gift for you." Han hesitated, feeling the weight of the situation. He glanced at Yang Teng. "Third Prince, I havent even joined the gathering yet, so I cant make any promises." "No problem," Yang Teng said, feigning generosity. "Were like old friends already. A bottle of Dragon Essence is nothing." Han was clearly moved, "Third Prince, you are truly a man of great generosity, your grandeur is admirable. I, Xu Xian, salute you." "Certainly, the entire Lingyang Lake must be filled with men of your calibertruly inspiring." Yang Tengs smile widened, and he quickly waved away Hans praise. Han then turned to the Dragon Princess and said, "Your Highness, perhaps I should return this Dragon Bone to you." At his words, the Dragon Princesss smile immediately vanished, her expression turning cold. Yang Teng, however, beamed with satisfaction. It seemed that Han had made up his mind. "Tonights victory is mine." "No need to return it. I gave it to you, so I will keep my word," the Dragon Princess said with a cool smile. "After the gathering, I hope you make the right choice. The Yunjiang Dragon Palace is your best option." Her tone carried a hint of warning, "Dont make a mistake." At this, Yang Teng couldnt help but shout: "Princess Ao Xuanwei, how shameless! Are you threatening my brother Xu?" His voice carried far, causing others nearby to hear. "Dont worry, Xu. Im a man of my word, unlike some others who try to intimidate people." "Even if you dont join Lingyang Lake after the gathering, the Dragon Essence is yours. Consider it a gift, my friend. Youre with me now." "Lingyang Lake is vast and rich, unlike some other domains, and unlike some people who are so stingy." "I, Yang Teng, am no man who would go back on his word." At his words, the Dragon Princesss expression grew even darker, her frustration evident. She opened her mouth to respond, but seeing the others watching her, she simply huffed and turned to leave, her anger palpable. Yang Tengs grin widened, a sense of triumph washing over him. He had won this round. The Dragon Princess was furious. She had lost her temperand fast. Chapter 206: The Three Trials of the Dragon Ascension To Yang Teng, this was a victory over Ao Xuanwei. He couldnt help but feel a sense of pride; winning against Ao Xuanwei once was no small feat. It was cause for celebration, even. Born in the Spirit Yang Lake, Yang Teng had always looked at Yunjiang with disdain. As the youngest offspring of the Dragon Queen, Ao Xuanwei was naturally seen as his rival. But the reality was, despite his pride, he could never compare to the Dragon Queen in terms of strengthhe was far inferior in many aspects. Oh, wait he was better at enjoying life, indulging in food and fun, and acting like a cocky prince. In that department, he could at least claim superiority. But this timehe had won! Though he had given up a precious vial of dragon marrow, in return, he had secured the allegiance of a powerful dragon into the Spirit Yang Lake. That was more than worth it. Ao Xuanwei had offered a dragon bone, but that was wasted. His dragon marrow, however, had attracted a bloodline-rich dragon to their side. It was a good deal, a real win. Yang Teng felt like he had won big this time. Seeing the situation, Guifu and the Princess of Tianhai also decided to withdraw from competing for Han''s allegiance. They had treasures equally as valuable as the dragon marrow, even more so in some cases. But the issue was that no matter how many treasures they offered, it wouldnt guarantee Hans loyalty. It would only drive up the price and waste their resources. With Ao Xuanwei leaving, continuing to compete would only anger the Spirit Yang Lakesomething neither of them wanted. The other water domains didn''t have the same bitter rivalry as Yunjiang and Spirit Yang Lake, and there was no need to escalate things further. Guifu and Tianhais princess, though, werent completely empty-handed. They each gave Han a small gifta spirit plant, useful but not overly preciousas a gesture of goodwill. They were being polite and calculated. Afterward, they left. The Princess of Tianhai glanced back at Han as she walked away. This dragons bloodline was indeed remarkable. Shed have to report this to her father. Perhaps Nine Hole Lake had given up, but here, in Tianhai, things were different. If her father personally intervened to recruit Han, who could refuse the Dragon Lord of Tianhai? She was confident it wouldnt come to that, but it was a possibility. "This bloodline is beyond mine. Once the ritual starts, we won''t need to test him further," Tianhais eldest daughter thought to herself, making up her mind. With those two gone, Yang Teng grew even more smug. He approached Han with a friendly attitude. "Brother Xu, dont be deceived by the vastness of Yunjiang. Just because the Yunjiang Dragon Palace is large and powerful doesnt mean its as strong as it seems. Its a paper tiger, reallysoon it will collapse." Han, who had been humble and restrained compared to their earlier encounter, responded with curiosity. "Oh? What do you mean by that?" Yang Teng smirked and continued, "The Mountain God of Black Mountain is dying, and the Yunjiang Dragon Lord is barely holding on. His days are numbered. Those who want his life are incredibly powerful." He sneered, "The Nine Hole Lake Dragon Lord holds only a small piece of land and has no ambitions. Hes not a wise ruler." "Tianhai has been peaceful for so long, and its Dragon Lord is a kind and respected leader. But peace does not nurture growth." "But Spirit Yang Lake, we are advancing aggressively. With a powerful backer behind us, were on the rise. Yunjiang will be ours soon enough." "Brother Xu, youll see in time that joining Spirit Yang Lake is the best choice." Yang Teng had no reservations about revealing the ambitions of Spirit Yang Lake to Han. After all, everyone in the four great water domains knew of it. Han understood the underlying messageSpirit Yang Lake was the true power in the region. He couldnt help but think that if this wasnt Tianhai, Yang Tengs tone would likely be very different. Han nodded slightly, playing along with Yang Tengs chatter. For the rest of the conversation, Yang Teng continued to make extravagant promises while subtly probing Han about his origins and the source of his bloodline. Yang Teng was envious. If a wild dragon could have such a powerful bloodline, imagine what he could achieve with such a chance! But Han skillfully deflected all questions, making up some vague background to avoid raising suspicion. Yang Teng, oblivious, continued to boast about Spirit Yang Lakes strength, turning Yunjiang into the subject of mockery. In Yang Tengs words, the Yunjiang Dragon Palace was on the verge of collapse, as if it were about to fall apart tomorrow... Whoosh! Suddenly, the entire Shell Square and the surrounding waters grew heavy. All the water creatures felt an inexplicable pressure, as if the waters had become thicker and heavier. The sky turned dark, and the lights of the lantern fish vanished, replaced by a long shadow that obscured everything. As the shadow moved, the sea surface of Tianhai surged with monstrous waves. "The Dragon Ascension Ritual of Tianhai has officially begun," came a deep voice. The shadow that had covered everything now dissipated, revealing an elderly man standing atop the largest platform by the Shell Square. His simple robes exuded no overwhelming presence, yet his eyes were filled with a profound ancientness, as if he had witnessed the rise and fall of civilizations. When his gaze swept across the crowd of water creatures, there was no emotion, his expression as still as the depths of the sea. But when his gaze landed on Han, it paused for a brief moment. This "Those participating in the ritual, prepare yourselves." With those words, Yang Teng and the others quickly withdrew, unwilling to stay longer. They did not want to provoke the elderly man. This figure who had just appearedwas none other than the Dragon Lord of Tianhai! Among the four great Dragon Lords, he was the oldest, having lived through countless years. Compared to him, the other three Dragon Lords were but youths. The genuine version of this novel can be found on another site. Support the author by reading it there. Dragons and Phoenixes were blessed by the heavens with long lifespans, far surpassing those of most other races. A high-ranking dragon could live longer than two generations of equally strong human warriors. It was a remarkable advantage granted by their bloodlines. The Emperor of Ages, for instance, had lived for at least five hundred years, yet he was still in the prime of his life. In some ways, Phoenixes had even longer lifespans than Dragons. But the time it took for dragons and phoenixes to grow also far exceeded that of other races. With the exception of rare cases. Moments later, only those participating in the ritual remained in Shell Square. The Dragon Lord of Tianhai gave a slight nod. Without any further actions, countless bubbles began to rise, each water creature enveloped by one. "Where do you come from?" Han heard the Dragon Lord''s voice in his ear, and without thinking, he replied, "Black Cloud Town." At this, the Dragon Lords voice paused for a moment. "Have you already joined Yunjiang Dragon Palace or another large water domain?" "No." "Do you have any ulterior motives?" "No." "Why have you come to the Dragon Ascension Ritual?" "I came for the Ice Spirit Cold Soul Flame." Each of the Dragon Lords questions was met with truthful answers. It wasnt just Han who was questionedthe Dragon Lord had asked every water creature. A being of such strength could accomplish much with a mere thought. As Ao Xuanwei had told Han, this was a necessary procedure. The Dragon Lord of Tianhai possessed a unique Dao technique that allowed him to discern truth from lies. During each ritual, he used this to ensure the water creatures were trustworthy. The technique wasnt foolproof, but it was reliable enough to filter out most issues. As long as the participant wasnt from one of the four great domains or had ill intentions, the Dragon Lord wouldnt bother. The questioning was done in secrecyonly the Dragon Lord and the participant could hear it. Sure enough, the Dragon Lord didnt uncover Hans true identity. If it werent for the fact that he could see it with his own eyes, no one would guess that this dragon was, in fact, a transformed human. After the questioning, Hans bubble was surrounded by a black stone column, carved with a true dragon spiraling up. "Touch this column to test your bloodline." This was the second trial of the ritualthe Bloodline Trial. The Dragon Lord of Tianhai would use his powers to test the bloodlines rank. Some water creatures might have low bloodlines, but hidden potential could be uncovered. The Dragon Lords methods were sharp enough to detect this. After placing his claw on the stone pillar, the dragon carvings suddenly glowed with white light. The light raced up the pillar, enveloping Han in a glowing aura. A faint dragons roar echoed, shaking both mind and spirit. The voice of the Sea Dragon King resonated, no longer indifferent but tinged with a slight fluctuation. To have a mere flood dragons body possess the bloodline strength of a true dragon was nothing short of astonishing. If it were to transform into a true dragon in the future, what kind of unimaginable power would it possess? "Indeed, it is a true dragon-level bloodline!" The stands outside the Shell Plaza erupted in shock, with many of the sea creatures staring in awe at the bubble surrounding Han. Although the conversation with the Dragon King had been inaudible, the bloodline test was public. The purpose was to let the vast oceans inhabitants see the prowess of these creatures and attract them to join, bringing in fresh blood. Once the bloodline test results were revealed, the atmosphere shifted drastically. Despite the vague suspicions beforehand, seeing the concrete evidence completely changed everyones perspective. This black flood dragon, although still in a flood dragon form, could easily be considered a true dragon disguised in flood dragon skin! Not all dragons possessed true dragon-level bloodlines. Dragons like Yang Teng or Kui Gu, though part of the dragon lineage and descendants of Dragon Kings, did not possess true dragon blood. While their bloodlines were superior to typical flood dragons, they were still far from true dragons. For them to truly evolve into a true dragon, they would need to either reach a certain level of cultivation or obtain some rare treasure to trigger a bloodline transformation. Becoming a dragon was the goal for most aquatic creatures, but very few ever reached the stage of a true dragon. To transform into a flood dragon was already considered an immense stroke of luck. Even among the four great water domains, true dragons were few and far between, including the four Dragon Kings. But now, a wild-born true dragon-level bloodline had appeared, shocking everyone. If they could recruit this flood dragon, the four great water domains would gain a powerful new pillar, and smaller domains would potentially see the rise of a new Dragon King! Any true dragon, provided they had no innate flaws and didnt encounter major mishaps later in life, would inevitably become a powerful forcereaching a limit many beings would never even touch. The might of the dragon tribe allowed them to dominate the seas. Their clans strength was a key factor in their control over the vast oceans. The eldest daughter of the Sea Dragon King was especially astonished. With such a bloodline, this individual would undoubtedly be immensely powerful. They didn''t even need to test their strength further. In terms of bloodline, no one could surpass them. "You already possess a true dragon-level bloodline," said the Sea Dragon King. "There''s no need for my guidance. Just focus on improving your cultivation step by step." Han wasnt surprised. "With your bloodline, you will be welcomed by any of the great water domains," the Sea Dragon King continued. "You may join one now, or you can proceed to the Sea Dragon Ascension Ceremony." Han responded without hesitation, "I choose to continue." The first option was for those with special bloodlines but lacking strength, prepared to join the great water domains for support. However, possessing a unique bloodline didnt guarantee strength, as some bloodlines showed their worth outside combat. Those who chose to join other water domains after completing the bloodline test would forfeit the opportunity to compete for the rewards of the Sea Dragon King. Han, however, was determined to win the Ice Spirit Flame, or else, why would he even come here? "Do you possess any special cultivation skills?" asked the Sea Dragon King. "I choose combat," Han replied simply, though it seemed like he didnt directly answer the question. After the Q&A and bloodline test, the third stage of the Sea Dragon Ascension Ceremony beganthe competition. As the Sea Dragon King had explained, if a participant had a specific skill, like alchemy but was not skilled in combat, they would be given a chance to demonstrate that skill. For those with no particular skills, they would have to compete in battle. The Sea Dragon King wanted to provide opportunities for everyone. Even if a participant had a strong bloodline, their final rewards depended on this last stage. After all, this ceremony was a chance for those at the bottom to rise up, not just for the talented to stand out. "Prepare for the battle to begin," the Sea Dragon King announced. At that moment, Hans bubble began to rise, surpassing others and reaching the highest point. Other bubbles began to stir as well. Some flew out of Shell Plaza, having chosen to join another great water domain after the bloodline test. Not all creatures with special bloodlines were sought after by the four great domains, but that wasnt a problem. Regions with strong guardians, like those with enlightened or marrow-washing experts, had come to observe as well, ready to recruit any promising creatures. For those from smaller creeks and streams, even joining a secondary domain was an excellent choice. Some bubbles floated to the bottom of Shell Plaza, where their occupants took out papers and pens or set up stoves, focused on showcasing their skills. These were the creatures who chose to demonstrate their talents. In the center of Shell Plaza, other bubbles hovered. These creatures had no skills but believed they had some innate gift they hoped to showcase to impress the great water domains. Certain species did indeed have natural talents, making them highly valuable. For example, a fish called the Celestial Medicine Fish produced a drop of medicinal fluid every month, which could improve the quality of pills when added during the alchemy process. The higher the cultivation of the fish, the better the medicine it produced. Such creatures were highly sought after. At the very top, however, were those like Han, who had chosen to showcase their strength through combat to earn rewards. The battlefield was at the highest point, a clear indication of their elevated status. Ultimately, in this world, strength was paramount. You might not have a special talent, be versed in cultivation skills, or possess a powerful bloodline, but as long as you had formidable strength, that was enough. Han watched as another bubble floated toward him and merged with his own. A massive, true-to-life, day-tour crocodile appeared before him. The crocodiles eyes changed as it saw Han. "Damn, Im so unlucky. My first battle, and I have to face this one," it muttered. "Please, teach me," it said, opening its mouth wide. A black vortex began to form within, and then a black waterball was expelled toward Han. Han waved his tail, and golden light shimmered across his scales. An energy barrier enveloped him, defending against the attack. Without hesitation, Han charged forward, slamming into the black waterball. The crocodile paused for a moment, surprised. This flood dragon is this tough? It wasnt that Han was unusually powerful, but rather, he was facing a significant problem. Now that he had transformed into the Sea Flood Dragon, he lacked many of the techniques he used before. Skills like the Earth Fire Seal or the Vast Handprint would be ridiculous in this setting. Against a common opponent like this crocodile, he had no choice but to rely on his energy shield and physical strength, techniques he wouldnt need again once he was back on his usual path. Of course, he still had magical tools. Han endured the crocodiles technique, using his claws and tail to strike, each blow filled with immense force. Against Hans relentless attacks and dragon breath, the ordinary day-tour crocodile stood no chance and was quickly defeated. Afterward, Han felt a strange sense of unease. He had expected to struggle without his usual techniques, thinking the fight would last longer before a victor was decided. But now, he couldnt help but feel his opponent was somewhat weak? I didnt even use any offensive techniques. Why are you so easy to beat? "True to form, youre a flood dragon. Youre the strongest sea creature Ive ever seen," the crocodile said sincerely. "..." Han was left confused, unsure if the crocodile was being sincere or just mocking him. Chapter 207: Invincible Across the Seas The Crocodile Demon left with admiration on its face, and its bubble was quickly replenished. Though it had lost to Han, it still had to continue fighting to fully display its strength. The next opponent was another water creature from the Day Travel clan. The result was no different from the previous battlethe creature was swiftly defeated by Han with little effort. Watching the creature retreat, Han fell into deep thought, and then it clickedhe finally understood the issue. It didnt matter that he couldnt use powerful magical arts. These lower-tier water creatures couldnt possibly have any formidable magical arts either. For them, even having a Day Travel technique was considered top-tier. And that Day Travel technique might not even be an offensive one. "I thought I was the only one unable to use magic, but it turns out you true water creatures are the same." Everyone is the same... With the powerful bloodline of the Sea-Covering Jiao Dragon, Han naturally had a certain advantage over these other water creatures. Additionally, his deep soul power meant that even his regular attacks were likely more powerful than some low-level magic. Compared to human cultivators, these water creatures were essentially like the lowest-tier rogue cultivators. Once he thought about it this way, it made sense why they couldnt use various magical techniquesHan immediately understood. This was it, this was the key! Representatives from the various water regions had been watching Hans progress closely. After witnessing his two battles, they all nodded in approval. This Xu Xian has solid foundations. Although he hasnt trained in appropriate magical techniques, the strength he can display is already quite impressive. You can see faint golden light emanating from his body. That should be his innate divine ability, likely a defensive technique. It seems like a strong one. Not bad, not bad. Hes outstanding. With some training and a systematic approach to guiding him, his future is bright. "..." The powerful beings from the various water regions all praised Hans performance. They were not at all surprised by his lack of powerful magical techniques. They had seen this kind of situation many times, and it was perfectly normal. It was also the reason their recruitment offers had enough appeal. Rogue water creatures who possessed a variety of powerful techniques would be highly suspicious. As the battles continued, Han grew more and more confident, becoming increasingly relaxed in his movements. With his golden light shield protecting his body and his energy barrier in place, along with a few magic tools, he was virtually unstoppableno one could stand in his way. It was easier than facing the Day Traveler from the Huang family or the Corpse Sects Dai Lin. It wasnt just because these water creatures lacked advanced magical techniques; they also had relatively low cultivation levels. Most of them were at the early stages of the Day Travel technique, the same as Han. But their "early stage" was truly in its infancy, while Hans "early stage" was already on par with later stages. In a fight at the same cultivation level, facing a group of rogue cultivators, how could Han not win easily? He could even fight with his eyes closed. Moreover, while techniques like the Energy Barrier were already outdated in Han''s arsenal, that didnt mean they were inherently weak. They were just less effective against stronger opponents. However, against rogue cultivators, the Energy Barrier was still quite powerful and would serve him well for a long time. There was no denying it: rogue cultivators simply had no rights. And so, Han fought his way through battle after battle, until he finally encountered a truly formidable opponent. The Ice Jiao Dragon from the other two Jiao Dragons. This Ice Jiao Dragon had reached the late stages of Day Travel. During his previous fights, Han had taken the time to observe the other opponents, and the Ice Jiao stood out. Not only was the Ice Jiaos cultivation level high, but it also wielded several powerful ice-type techniques, each with significant power. Moreover, the Ice Jiao likely had a unique innate ability, though it had never used it so far. Jiao Dragons were beasts with exceptional bloodlines, and they typically possessed innate abilitiesHan was the rare exception. To be able to transform into a Jiao Dragon, one had to have encountered some extraordinary opportunities. The two Jiao Dragons at this law meeting were not to be underestimatedthey were both talented individuals who had received fortuitous encounters. If they fought with their full strength, Han wouldnt take the Ice Jiao lightly. However, since he was still in a self-imposed restriction of having bound his own arms, he knew he had to show some respect for his opponent. This book''s true home is on another platform. Check it out there for the real experience. "Your bloodline is quite noble," the Ice Jiao said, revealing its true form. Its ice-blue dragon eyes fixed on Han. "But your cultivation is too weak, and you lack powerful magical techniques. You won''t be able to defeat me." "That defensive technique might be able to block those weaklings, but it wont stop me!" "Well see about that." Han replied with a confident smile. "Whoosh!" A blizzard of icy winds suddenly whipped up, and the temperature plummeted, sending a bone-chilling cold through the air. The icy storm grew stronger and stronger. Hans golden silk armor appeared, shielding his body and countering the magic. "Boom!" The sound of an explosion rang out as the ice energy surged through the air. The bubbles around them expanded. The purpose of this bubble was to isolate the inner and outer worlds, preventing them from interfering with each other. When the ice storm dissipated, Hans dragon-like form emerged, still majestic and unharmed. "You seem no different from those other water creatures," Han said calmly. The Ice Jiaos pupils constricted. He hadnt expected Han to be so skilled in defense that even his late-stage ice magic couldn''t break through. After all, he was an Ice Jiaousing ice magic should have enhanced his strength. "You''re only relying on the power of your magic tools!" the Ice Jiao snorted, then opened its mouth and spat out a blue magic sword that soared into the air. "Lets see how you block this!" A sea of ice spikes filled the air, sharp and deadly. A frozen Jiao Dragon formed within the ice, charging through the barrage, its majestic power palpable. The sky was filled with snow as the ice storm intensified, drawing everyones attention. The Ice Jiao was full of confidence, believing that it would easily break through Hans defenses and teach him a lesson. Bloodlines were important, but cultivation was key! "This time, you''ll be defeated by me!" But... As the ice mist cleared, Han still stood proudly in the air, casually shaking his dragon head. "Is that all you''ve got, little Jiao?" He had expected to face a real challenge by binding his own arms, but it seemed he was still "invincible"! Life sure is lonely, like snow. "..." The Ice Jiao remained silent, feeling humiliated. Its entire body began to glow with an ice-blue light, stirring up the snowstorm as its overwhelming presence expanded. Han''s gaze sharpened. This was no ordinary fluctuation; it must be the innate ability of the Ice Jiao. "Frost and Snow!" the Ice Jiao roared. The temperature inside the bubble dropped further, and vast amounts of snow and ice appeared from thin air. Each flake contained hidden power. Han felt his dragon form stiffen, as if it were about to be frozen. This innate ability was powerful, capable of freezing ones soul and exerting considerable control. The snowstorm thickened, engulfing the entire bubble. The snow piled higher and higher, and the thickness continued to increase. The extreme cold filled the entire bubble, freezing everything within it! The Ice Jiao smiled confidently, thinking he had already won. The strength of the Ice Dragon''s innate power was so overwhelming that even he felt a sense of fear. Those watching from the stands shared the same sentiment. Although Xu Xians bloodline was strong, his lack of offensive techniques and cultivation that fell two realms short of the Ice Dragons made it unsurprising that he was defeated by the Ice Dragons innate abilities. Its said, a skilled woman cannot cook without rice. Whoosh! Suddenly, amidst the endless snowstorm surrounding Hans position, the sound of flowing water rang out, and various colored lights flickered in the distance. In the blink of an eye, the snowstorm erupted, and five different flames shot out, burning the ice and melting the snow, raising the already frigid temperature. These flames, resembling fire dragons, surged toward the Ice Dragon, enveloping him and relentlessly roasting him alive. Roast Dragon! The snow melted, and Hans figure emerged, his gaze looking down at the Ice Dragon. Before Hans brow, a pearl floated, continuously releasing flames that scorched the Ice Dragon. The Ice Dragon writhed desperately within the flames, struggling violently. Do you have any other tricks? Han asked calmly. Just then, the flames around the Ice Dragon suddenly extinguished, and he emerged from the bubble. It was the Sea Dragon King who intervened, signaling that Han had won. Han shook his head, observing the scene. You, little dragon, just standing there to take the blows You had the chance, but you couldnt seize it. Compared to the other aquatic creatures, this Ice Dragon was undoubtedly an elite among them. But I specialize in taking on elites! Without powerful offensive techniques, I still have my magic weapons. The Five Flames Pearl, containing five types of flamesWood, Yin, Yang, Thunder, and Lawis a formidable combat artifact. If one wanted to use it for alchemy or weapon forging, that would work too. But for dealing with an Ice Dragon, it was perfect. With Hans cultivation, activating the Five Flames Pearl was more than enough to handle him. Normally, Han preferred using superior techniques, but this time, using the magic weapon proved to be quite effective. Of course, the Five Flames Pearl couldn''t be used to refine the Earth Fire Seal. The Earth Fire Seal required a complete flame, its essence being the core of the flame itself. The essence must merge with other essences for the Yin Earth Fire to evolve. The Five Flames Pearl, being just a magic weapon, didnt contain the flame essences. Instead, it was inscribed with special runes that, when activated, transformed Han''s power into five types of flames to release. These were flames without an origin, mutable flames, and thus couldnt be used for the Earth Fire Seal. Han had already attempted it during his training with the Yin Earth Fire Seal. After defeating the Ice Dragon, no other opponent stepped into Hans bubble. Confused, Han asked, Lord Dragon King, is it over? The Sea Dragon Kings voice echoed, You have defeated all the Day-Running aquatic creatures in this conference. You are now the strongest in the Soul Path. Han suddenly realized that he had indeed beaten every opponent, leaving no one else to challenge him. This was the third rule of the conference: Cultivators would not fight martial artists. The highest-level cultivators were only Day-Running, and in a closed environment like the bubble, there was no way they could defeat martial artists in bone-forging stages. The outcome was always destined for failure. If cultivators were forced to fight martial artists, it would only be to let the martial artists rack up victories. With the bubble now silent and the Sea Dragon King no longer speaking, Han quietly waited. Next, everything would be processed after all the events in the bubbles were completedwhether rewards were given or new territories were joined. Han looked at the other aquatic creatures. The various unique abilities on display were indeed eye-opening. Some of these creatures could expel large amounts of filthy liquid when in danger to obscure their vision and escape... A defense mechanism, no doubt. These abilities were strange and diverse, but most of them were practically useless. Once all the events in the bubbles were finished, each aquatic creature landed back on the Shell Plaza. The elder-like Sea Dragon King spoke: Ive given each of you ample time to display your abilities, and some of your performances have pleased me. So, I have decided to reward you with treasures. Hearing this, everyones excitement grew. Look at me, look at me! The Sea Dragon King then looked at Han first, asking: Xu Xian, do you wish to have the Ice Spirit Cold Soul Flame? Yes. Very well. I shall grant you this flame, and may it be of help to you. A flame, irregular in shape, burned without emitting any warmth, but instead, it was incredibly cold. It appeared in the Dragon Kings hand. It was a rare, Yin-Ice hybrid, a mystical flame! The Dragon King then took out a jade pot and placed the Ice Spirit Cold Soul Flame inside. Han recognized it as a Fire-Preserving Pot. His Pure Yang Flame was still stored in the same pot. This pot is also for you, to store any mystical flames, the Dragon King added, and the Fire-Preserving Pot flew toward Han. The Ice Dragon, watching all this, clenched his teeth in frustration. His goal had been that very mystical flame! But, having been defeated by Han, he could never receive such a reward before Han. Thank you, Lord Dragon King! Han accepted the pot, feeling elated. The second Yin fire was finally in his grasp! It was worth the long, bloody battles, draining every ounce of his strength and every drop of his blood. What a hard journey it has been! Chapter 208: Excuse Me, Youre Blocking the Way Although there is no official ranking of extraordinary flames in this world, the variety of such otherworldly fires is truly overwhelming, far exceeding the mere "double tens." However, the Ice Spirit Cold Soul Flame is undoubtedly more powerful than the Nether Fire that Han had previously refined. Han was sure of that. As he examined it, a wave of mental sluggishness washed over him, almost as if he were being frozen by the cold. Having acquired this flame, Han felt quite satisfied. Once he returned, he could refine it further, and his Yin Earth Fire would grow in power, enhancing his strength significantly. Just as he was thinking this, the Sea Dragon King spoke again. "Xu Xian, would you consider joining my Tianhai?" Everyone present was shocked by this unexpected turn of events. The Sea Dragon King himself had invited Han to join Tianhai. This was unprecedented in the history of the Tianhai Ascension Ceremony. In the past, when Tianhai extended invitations, it was always after the Sea Dragon King had given treasures, with other members of the water clan handling the inquiries. The Dragon King would never personally extend an invitation. The Sea Dragon King was a being of immense power and status, having lived for centuries. There was no person he hadn''t encountered. Hosting the ceremony was not for recruiting low-level water clan members but because of his kind heart. Yet, for Han, he had made an exception. A dragon with a bloodline comparable to a true dragon was worthy of such an exception. If successful, this could be the new pillar of Tianhai in the years to come. After all, the Dragon Kings age was already considerable. In response to this invitation, there was no one present who could have refused. Even Yang Teng, who had been watching, felt a shock in his heart. A single vial of Dragon Essence from him seemed insignificant compared to the personal invitation from the Sea Dragon King. Even though the Dragon King hadn''t made any promises, it was still a prestigious invitation. However, Hans response left the entire crowd stunned, as they hadn''t expected such a rejection. "Thank you for your kind offer, Dragon King, but I have already made a commitment to someone else and cannot go back on my word." He had refused! No one had anticipated this outcome. To turn down an invitation from a Dragon Kingeveryone was left speechless. The Tianhai water clan, upon hearing this, felt a surge of anger. How could this young dragon be so foolish? The Dragon King himself extended the invitation, and yet he turned it down. The outsider species simply lacked respect! Meanwhile, on another platform, Yang Tengs spirits were lifted, thinking that Hans words were meant for him. He had previously been envious of Hans bloodline, but now, all his resentment melted away. Xu Xian, you truly have earned my admiration. Youre a man of your word, to reject the Sea Dragon King for me. Xu Xian truly cares about me! Yang Teng then glanced proudly at the Dragon Maiden, silently declaring, This is the future of my Lingyang Lake! I, Yang Teng, will not lose this time! Unexpectedly, the Dragon Maiden smiled faintly, seemingly unfazed by her failed attempt at recruiting Han. Hmph, pretending to be indifferent. Youll regret it later. The Sea Dragon King, however, was not disturbed by Hans refusalhe had likely anticipated it. Upon learning that Han hailed from Heiyun Town, the Dragon King had already surmised a few things. What water clan was there in Heiyun Town? Obviously, it was the Yunjiang clan. And with the current situation, a dragon with such a special bloodline probably had more connections than just with Yunjiang. But even if that was the case, as long as he was not from one of the major water domains, it was of no consequence. The invitation was simply out of his admiration for talent, a genuine attempt to offer a hand. The Dragon King then turned to the other dragon that hadnt fought Han, asking what it sought, and bestowing treasures. In the battle at the Bone Refining stage, the Sea Dragon King was victorious as well. Thankfully, this dragon did not seek the Ice Spirit Cold Soul Flame, or else, despite Han being granted his treasure first, the other dragon would have been left heartbroken. Both victorious, but since the Dragon King first turned to Han, it was clear who was favored. If two victors sought the same thing, the second one to be questioned would have no chance. Feeling unfair? Well, you could refuse the reward, or you could leave Tianhai entirely. Tianhai was not a place that indulged anyone. One by one, the water clan members were asked about their desires, and the Dragon King personally presented them with treasures. For most, this was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to speak with such a powerful being. Not all who performed in the battles received rewards. Only those with the most victories or those who displayed exceptional abilities were granted treasures. Among those who showcased their talents, some had impressed the Dragon King and were rewarded. What surprised Han was that he hadnt seen Yingjili, the parrot. In the earlier battles, he hadnt encountered the bird, even though it was also from the Dayou stage. Had Yingjili not participated in the ceremony? Or had it simply not arrived at Tianhai? Could it be that, due to its incessant chatter, someone had taken it out on the road? "The recipients of treasures may choose to join a water clan and further their cultivation," the Sea Dragon King announced. This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report. "I hope that when you all achieve great success, you wont forget the hardships of the past and will help and support your fellow clan members to strengthen the water clan." "We shall remember, Dragon King," the water clan responded in unison. All those who had received treasures were filled with excitement, glancing at the high platforms where the major water clans were seated, especially the Four Major Water Clans. "Tianhai welcomes all of you to join us," the Dragon Kings eldest daughter said with a smile, casting a long glance at Han. Those who received treasures were seen as having potential, and the Dragon Kings eye for talent was highly trusted. Thus, the first batch of recipients were highly sought after. As long as they were willing, they would find a promising home. Once this batch was recruited, the remaining water clan members would have to rely on their performance to attract the attention of one of the major clans. The recipients of treasures all looked at Han, waiting for him to make the first move. Gu of Jiudong Lake invited Han again, but Han politely declined. It wasnt that Jiudong Lake was badit was just that this dragon already had a place in his heart. "Hahahaha!" Yang Teng laughed heartily, "Xu Xian, it looks like well be cultivating together from now on! Dont worry, the promise I made to you will be fulfilled the moment we return to Lingyang Lake." "Today, with Xu Xian by my side, it''s like a fish in water!" Yang Teng looked around, Who else but me? Today, Yang Teng and Lingyang Lake would be the brightest, the most successful! The genius whom even the Sea Dragon King couldnt recruithe was mine now! Han smiled and nodded at Yang Teng before swimming toward him. Yang Teng, unable to contain his excitement, left the high platform and swam towards Han to greet him. "Xu Xian, once the ceremony ends, lets have a drink together!" "Looks like youve been pulled into Yang Tengs camp after all," Gu of Jiudong Lake said with a sigh, feeling somewhat regretful. The Dragon Kings eldest daughter also sighed, lamenting the loss of a great talent. Other water clan members looked on with envy. Though they could also join major water clans, the level of attention they would receive would never compare to Hans. The Sea Dragon King, however, simply shook his head. But then again, he had lived for hundreds of years and had seen it all. He said nothing. Han, though a dragon, wore a clear smile. After all, in a world full of water clan members, there was no communication barrier. Even the faces of beasts, whether smiling or crying, were easy to distinguish. Yang Teng, in human form, had a very obvious smile as well. As they met, Yang Teng spoke: "Xu Xian" Han paused and looked at him, his voice neither loud nor soft. "Excuse me, youre blocking the way," Han said, then swam around Yang Teng and continued forward, eventually reaching the high platform where the Dragon Maiden stood. "I''ll be counting on you from here on," the Dragon Maiden said with a radiant smile. "You wont be disappointed, Daoist Xu." "Joining my Yunjiang Dragon Palace means that you will be fully nurtured by us." The two exchanged a glance and smiled. A deep silence settled over the area, only the sound of flowing water filling the space. No other voices could be heard. Everyone stared, bewildered. Wasnt this dragon supposed to join Lingyang Lake? Why did it swim over to Yunjiang instead? Had it made a mistake? Yang Teng froze in the air, still smiling, but his smile became stiff. He turned to Han. "Xu Xian, that''s Yunjiang''s area, Lingyang Lake is beside you." "Oh," Han nodded, "I know, I didnt make a mistake." "After careful consideration, Ive decided to bring my talent to Yunjiang, to grow together with Yunjiang." A wave of murmurs spread across the crowd. They were starting to understand what had just happened. Was Han making the wrong choice? If not, then why was Yang Teng so worked up? Was he expecting to welcome the genius of Yunjiangs Dragon Princess? Yang Teng felt the murmurs of the crowd biting at him like sharp knives. He clenched his fists, his expression darkening. Xu Xian, how dare you go back on your word? When did he ever promise to join Lingyang Lake? the Dragon Princess spoke up, her smile serene. From the beginning, he said he would decide after the ceremony, but he never agreed to anything before the event even began. Indeed, Han had made no promises to Yang Teng. In fact, he had specifically told him this beforehand. But the Third Prince didnt care. It was beyond his control now. My Dragon Essence! Yang Tengs anger was palpable. He had already handed over everything, and now Han was saying no? You gave Xu Xian your Dragon Essence, but he only said he''d return the Dragon Bone to me, not that he was joining Lingyang Lake, the Dragon Princess continued, her voice sweet as she smiled. I also gave him the Dragon Bone, she added with a mischievous glint. Perhaps Xu Xian thinks the Dragon Bone is more valuable than the Dragon Essence? Hans expression remained solemn. Yes, I do think the Dragon Bone is more useful to me. Third Prince, as I said before, I could return the Dragon Bone to you. Would you like me to return the Dragon Essence as well? As soon as Han finished speaking, the Dragon Princess activated a talisman, and the sound of Yang Tengs voice echoed through the air. Dont worry, Xu Xian. I always keep my word After the ceremony, even if you dont join Lingyang Lake, the Dragon Essence is still yours Our Lingyang Lake is vast and rich, unlike certain other waters that are stingy and petty! The voice was unmistakably Yang Tengs, words that he had spoken to taunt the Dragon Princess, and she had quietly recorded them. Now, those words played over and over, driving Yang Teng mad with fury. How shameless! So utterly shameless! Han spoke again, his voice calm, Third Prince, Ill return the Dragon Essence to you. The other water clans watching couldnt help but glance at Yang Teng with pity. The game had become clear. She was competing for his attention, hed deceived him, and in the end, she had won. Yang Teng floated in midair, feeling as if a tide of scorn was rising around him. Everyone was watching him, amused at his expense. Was this the end of it? After the ceremony, was he now an enemy of the world? You dare play me like this Yang Tengs voice was like gritted teeth. Xu Xian, you and Ao Xuanwei must have known each other long before this, didnt you? You two plotted against me! You filthy pair! Cant even win someone over, and now youre insulting me. Is this how Lingyang Lakes successor behaves? Ao Xuanweis voice was as cold as ice. Yang Teng tried to shout more, his anger reaching its peak, but two powerful figures had already arrived and dragged him away, trying to calm him down. Even though they held him back, their eyes shot daggers at Han and Ao Xuanwei. This wasnt over! Enough of this. The voice of the Sea Dragon King rang out, commanding silence. Proceed. The moment he spoke, everything fell quiet. The other water clans started considering joining their respective major waters. Yunjiang, being the leader of the four great waters, was naturally a popular choice. However, the Dragon Princess didnt seem interested in anyone else. She only had eyes for Han. Even the two other dragons were left without her invitation. Your Highness, those two dragons seem to have potential. Shouldnt we invite them? one of her subordinates asked. The Dragon Princess shook her head. Not what I need. Han privately thought her standards were quite high. And also, the Dragon Princess added, her tone turning playful, youve called me Your Highness several times today. Based on our agreement, youre supposed to receive your punishment. ... Wait a second! What agreement? Dont make things up! Throughout the ceremony, Lingyang Lake had kept a close watch on Han and the Dragon Princess, especially Yang Teng, whose eyes burned with anger as he glared at them. Han and Ao Xuanwei, however, paid him no mind. In fact, the more Yang Teng glared, the more they seemed to enjoy themselves, their smiles only widening. Youre just a pawn in our game. Surprisingly, the number of people choosing to join Lingyang Lake was the smallest. Fewer than those opting for one of the secondary waters of the Four Great Waters. Why? It was simple to understand. Yang Teng, the Third Prince of Lingyang Lake, was simply too terrifying for anyone to approach. This only fueled Yang Tengs rage further. You filthy pair, I will destroy you both! Everything continued in an orderly fashion, with some water clans successfully entering the major waters through the ceremony. Those lucky enough to join were seen as the envy of others, with promising futures ahead. At the end, only the clans that had been overlooked remained. They were too ordinary, lacking any special traits. But they were still hopeful, looking to the Sea Dragon King for one last chance. The Sea Dragon King suddenly tossed a large handful of wooden tokens toward them. Excited, the water clans began scrambling to catch the tokens. Some stared at their tokens and lost hope, while others danced with joy. This was the Sea Dragon Kings final gift to them. Those who caught tokens engraved with the word entry would be granted a chance to study in the Sea Dragon Kings domain for a while. Though this wasnt permanent, it was still an opportunity few water clans could ever dream of. Those who grabbed empty tokens had no future to look forward to. After showing his final mercy, the Sea Dragon King vanished. The next moment, a loud roar cut through the air. Xu Xian! Yang Teng charged toward Han, his hatred boiling over. Except for the human he had met at the Shuiyuan Conference, he had never hated anyone this much. This personthis dragonwas his greatest enemy! Chapter 209: Should We Give Her a Chance? As other water tribes were preparing to leave, Yang Teng stormed towards Han and the Dragon Lady. His fury was palpable, with surging waters boiling around him and a murderous aura that was all too obvious. Heat radiated from his body. "Yang Teng''s lost it!" Han thought, watching the scene unfold. The Dragon Ladys eyes narrowed. A red silk ribbon shot out from her sleeve, rapidly expanding, and it coiled around Yang Teng, binding him tightly. With a powerful jerk, the ribbon tightened further, causing Yang Teng to scream in agony as he lost his human form and reverted to his true forma fiery red dragon. "How dare you attack me?" The Dragon Lady''s voice was cold as she swung her hand again, further constricting the ribbon until Yang Tengs blood began to pour. Yang Teng collapsed. Han stood there, speechless. Your magical artifact is too overpowered," Han muttered under his breath, silently laughing. Yang Teng had come charging with such ferocity that Han thought he might rip through the heavens, only to be subdued so easily by the Dragon Ladys artifact. This artifact... could it be the Xuantian Ling? Han thought. If thats the case, no wonder this artifact makes Yang Teng look like a child. The Xuantian Ling was a natural counter to Yang Teng''s bloodlineno surprise there. Ah Xuanwei, let go of the Third Prince! A powerful figure from Lingyang Lake stormed forward, his voice filled with anger. The Dragon Lady cast them a cold glance. Who gave him the courage to attack me? And who gave you the right to call me by my name? She sneered, You wouldnt even address me as Your Highness. "Don''t make any more moves!" A member of the Tianhai faction hurriedly stepped forward, trying to de-escalate the situation. Say one more word, and Ill have the Old Dragon of Lingyang Lake come to Yunjiang to deal with this," she warned. With that, the Dragon Lady retracted the Xuantian Ling, tossing Yang Teng aside. The Lingyang Lake cultivator quickly caught him, and they left in a hurry. Clearly, any attempt at retaliation against her within Tianhai would be futile. Tianhais eldest daughter, Huan Ying, sighed. Xuanwei, theres no need to be so angry. A beggar dog isnt worth my time, the Dragon Lady replied, shaking her head. Huan Ying said no more, turning to Han. It seems the two of you have known each other for quite some time. Its not that I was hiding it on purpose. Please dont hold it against me, Princess Huan Ying, Han replied, taking out the spiritual herb Huan Ying had previously given him and handing it to her. He wasnt trying to trick anyonejust to get back at Yang Teng. As for Tianhai and Jiudong Lake, he held no grudge against them, so Han didnt want to cause any bad blood. He had planned to return the herb after everything was settled. But Huan Ying refused to accept it, saying, "Since youve joined Yunjiang Dragon Palace, well be working together often. Consider it a token of friendship, not like how Yang Teng operates." After a brief conversation, Han went to return the herb to Gu, receiving a similar response. It was a gesture of goodwill to celebrate his first place in the grand assembly. People are still good at heart, Han mused, True friendship does exist in this world. The grand boat slowly sailed out of Tianhai. As dawn broke, Han spoke while gazing at the vast ocean. This is my first time coming beyond Tianyues borders. They had entered Tianhai County, but by navigating the waters, they hadn''t encountered any humans from Tianhai County yet. If youre interested, we could stay in Tianhai County for a while and explore the area, the Dragon Lady suggested. Tianhai, compared to Tianyue, has more diverse waters and cultivators who focus on water techniques, martial arts, and unique disciplines. The strongest force in this county, aside from Tianhai, is Shuiyuan Sect. Their strength alone is equivalent to several sects in Tianyue County combined. Han pondered before shaking his head. Forget it. Lets head back. Theres nothing for me to do here anyway. He still had the Ice Spirit Cold Soul Flame waiting for him to refine. Well then. The Dragon Lady nodded. On the return journey, the boat moved more leisurely, without the urgency it had when coming. This is the Dragon Bone, Han said, handing the incomplete dragon bone back to the Dragon Lady. Take it. Its yours, she offered generously, but Han declined. No reward without merit. I cant take it. Unlike the spiritual herb, which held limited value to those of their status, this incomplete dragon bone was far more valuable. Taking such a precious gift from the Dragon Lady without a reason would feel off. The Dragon Lady noticed Hans insistence and didnt push further, taking the dragon bone back. The Dragon Essence Yang Teng gave you is a rare treasure, she said. Once youve refined your bones to their limit, using it will help you purify your marrow greatly. Dragon Essence is one of the finest marrow-purifying treasures. Countless martial artists yearn for it. Han was pleased to hear this. He had heard from Bai Tian before about the benefits of Dragon Essence. Refining it could help him surpass his peers in martial prowess. Not only did it speed up cultivation, but it also solidified ones foundationfar more valuable than herbs that simply raised cultivation levels. Most treasures used for cultivation only increased one''s level and saved time. Only a few enhanced both the cultivation process and foundational strength. Royal Road is the home of this novel. Visit there to read the original and support the author. This bottle of Dragon Essence is also thanks to you. Ill share half of it with you, Han offered, then hesitated. Do you mind Dragon Essence? He asked. After all, she was a dragon... The Dragon Lady smiled and shook her head. This is of no use to me. Keep it. We dragons have different customs from humans, and there are many types of dragons. The Dragon Essence you have, strictly speaking, isnt from my direct kin. Different species, different customs. For most dragons and many demon species, as long as they didnt intentionally kill their own kind for cultivation, it was acceptable to refine treasures from their own kind obtained through normal means. Han felt relieved. Tiger Bone, Dragon Essencerare treasures of the world. I wonder if Ill ever get my hands on a tiger bone. Han mused, dreaming of obtaining such a treasure. Dragon Essence was among the finest, but Tiger Bone was widely considered the best treasure for refining bonesif you could find the right kind of tiger bone. Yunjiang Dragon Palace has half a set of King Kong Undying Tiger bones, the Dragon Lady said, glancing at Han. If you wish, I can give it to you. King Kong Undying Tiger?! Hans eyes widened in surprise. Indeed. One of the best bones for refining. The Dragon Lady smiled. What do you think? I do want it, Han admitted, but then shook his head. But a gentleman doesnt take what isnt his. Maybe not. The Dragon Lady chuckled knowingly. You did say at the assembly that you would join the Dragon Palace. Does that still stand? That was Xu Xian speaking, but you know me. Im Han. In their pleasant conversation, Black Cloud Town came into view. From a distance, the grand boat slowed to a stop, and the two of them walked into the town. Well, the Dragon Lady walked in, and Han entered the soul plate, observing the world outside through his spiritual power. Black Cloud Town is becoming more lively. Ive never seen so many people here before, the Dragon Lady remarked. Yes, every day there are newcomers, Han replied. He also noticed a group of cultivators from the Black Cloud Guard returning from the Black Mountain, weary but resolute. The Dragon Lady observed them. Zuo Tianzheng is interesting. This looks like a human wave tactic. Han thought to himself, They''re mobilizing the masses. Im curious now, what is this inspector looking for? the Dragon Lady mused. Dont know, Han replied. They entered Peach Blossom Grove, where Han noticed that Lu Qingmo wasnt aroundshe must have gone to the Ghosts and Gods Bureau. But he knew she would be aware of his return. Someone had intruded into the Peach Blossom Grove, and she would have sensed it immediately. Outsiders couldnt get in without being stopped at the gates. Han returned to her room, her soul immediately reattaching to her body. A profound sense of safety washed over her, a warmth that only a true return to the flesh could bring. At certain levels of cultivation, one could transcend the physical body, but Han wasnt there yet. She stood, stretching slightly, nodding in satisfaction. Her soul and body were as in sync as always, with no friction between the two. It was a bit unfortunate though. Since she had only been away for one night, she hadnt had the chance to have Lu Qingmo bathe and change her clothes. As Han materialized before her, the Dragon Lady smiled. This is the form Im more familiar with. I prefer my human form too, Han replied with a slight grin. Lets go. Let me walk you out. Is this a hint to leave? Han chuckled. Of course not. I was just thinking that if youre not too busy, I could accompany you around Heiyun Town. Though, to be honest, theres not much to see here. The Dragon Lady looked at Han, her gaze turning contemplative. Do you think Ive been of help to you this time? Without hesitation, Han answered, Absolutely. Youve helped me a great deal. Well, remember that. Ill never forget. When someone helps you, its essential to keep that debt in mind. The same goes for grudgesone should never forget them either. Han was a bit petty, like Yang Teng, and when an enemy was made, it was only natural to find an opportunity to get back at them. If a perfect opportunity arose, Han would have no qualms about taking it. The Dragon Lady nodded, satisfied. She was looking forward to the day when Han would open her heart to her fully. They said no more. Han escorted the Dragon Lady out, watching the ship sail away, and a wave of emotion washed over her. The Dragon Lady was a good person. From the Dragon Lords Feast to the Water Yuan Gathering, and most recently the Tianhai Shenglong Ceremony, she had always treated Han differently, offering much-needed help. The Dragon Ladys assistance had been crucial to Hans growth. Perhaps, she thought, it was time to return the favor? Should she give her a drop of blood? No, Han shook her head. That one drop referred to a literal drop of blood. The Dragon Lady had once asked for it, but Han had refused. Now, with their relationship growing, perhaps giving her a drop wasnt out of the question. Still, Han felt a sudden sense of caution. She had to be careful not to cross any lines. If she gave the Dragon Lady a drop now, what would she be expected to give in the future? Han shuddered at the thought. When Han returned to the martial arts hall, she sensed that something had changed. Something good. He Feng came out from the training hall with two younger disciples, heading upstairs. Youre back, little junior brother? He Feng greeted Han with a smile. Han nodded, glancing at the two young disciples behind him. Li Wu, you broke through? One of them was Li Wu, the same person who had joined the martial arts hall with Han. Li Wus body had visibly strengthened, and there were traces of inner energy within him. He had already reached the body refinement stage. Yep! Im now a senior disciple of the hall! Li Wu beamed, I cant believe you still remember me. Of course, I remember. Han returned the smile warmly. It had been nearly four months since Li Wu joined the hall, and he had just broken through. His talent wasnt remarkable, which explained why he had been worried about his abilities when he first joined. He Feng had given him some encouragement at the time. Still, regardless of talent, martial artists and ordinary people were on different levels. Li Wu had made progress at such a young age. As long as he continued to train hard, he had a long road ahead of him. Reaching the peak of body refinement would be easy for him. As for the next stage, the bone training stage, that depended on opportunity. Li Wus growth was a sign that his fate had changed. It was far better than being a small-time merchant like his father. I remember there was another person who joined the hall with us, Han said casually. Li Wus excitement dimmed slightly at the mention of this. Xiao Tao She had better talent than me. She broke through to the body refinement stage a month ago. Now, shes training with the young master of the Zhang family, having fun together Li Wus voice trailed off, disappointment clear in his tone. Han understood immediately. It seemed that the sweet romance Li Wu had hoped for had already ended before it began. Keep training hard. Han offered a final piece of encouragement, then bid He Feng farewell. Li Wus situation left Han reflecting. She was glad she wasnt in his shoes. Back at Heiyun Town, Han and the Dragon Lady arrived just as night fell. After finishing her martial arts practice, Han noticed that the sky had darkened. Aunt Mo, Im here too! Han thought to herself, as she looked toward the distant figure of Lu Qingmo, who was holding a flame-focusing vessel. Is this the Ice Spirit Cold Flame? Very impressive, Lu Qingmo remarked, nodding in approval. With your current cultivation, if you handle it carefully, you should be able to absorb this flame without any major issues. Lets give it a try tonight. Alright. Han then briefly told Lu Qingmo about the events that had transpired at the ceremony. Yunjiang and Lingyang Lake Lu Qingmo shook her head. You did the right thing. Since youve already made peace with Yunjiang, and offended Lingyang Lake previously, theres no need to worry about their pride. You cant sit on the fence for too long. In the end, the one who straddles the fence will be crushed by it. These two waters have a fundamental conflict. If Lingyang Lake didnt have backing, the Dragon Lord of Yunjiang wouldve destroyed them long ago. Han was curious. Yunjiangs Dragon Lord was one of the strongest figures in the world. Who could possibly stand behind Lingyang Lake to make the Dragon Lord hesitate? Who stands behind Lingyang Lake? The Western Sea Dragon Clan, one of the Four Seas, Lu Qingmo explained. The Dragon Lord of Yunjiang himself has a history with the Western Sea Clan. He was originally from the Western Sea, but when internal strife broke out there, Yunjiangs Dragon Lord fled and eventually became the Dragon Lord of Yunjiang. Han was taken aback. The Western Sea? Thats a colossal power. Indeed, Lu Qingmo agreed. Fortunately, its not the Eastern Sea. Han nodded thoughtfully. The Four Seas were controlled by Dragon Lords, the strongest beings next only to immortals on the Mountain and River Ranking. However, the Eastern Sea was especially unique, with a Dragon Emperor who surpassed the Dragon Lords and ranked among the top immortals. If the Dragon Lord of Yunjiang had been at odds with the Eastern Sea, he likely wouldnt have survived. But it was also possible that the Dragon Emperor of the Eastern Sea had intervened to resolve the conflict, further elevating their power. The Eastern Sea was shrouded in mystery, separated by the vast ocean, and the land-dwellers had little contact with them. You dont need to worry about the Western Sea, since youve already established a good relationship with Yunjiangs Dragon Lord, Lu Qingmo reassured her. Generally, we wont have any contact with the Western Sea. Its not easy for them to step onto the mainland. After the training session, Han took out the Flame Focusing Vessel and extracted the Ice Spirit Cold Soul Flame. With a crack! the extreme cold spread out, turning the surrounding earth into ice. Even Hans hair and eyebrows were covered in frost. The flames power was unmistakable. But Lets see how powerful my Burning Technique really is! Chapter 210: A Gift of Immortality Pills to the Elder Sister "Ahh!" Even with the "Flame Sutra" at his disposal, Han still felt immense pain as he refined the Ice Spirit Soul Flame. It was an intense cold that seeped into his bones, freezing every inch of his body, leaving him numb and immobile. The nameless ghost fire wrapped around the Ice Spirit Soul Flame, slowly consuming it, bit by bit. First, the outer layer, then the core, and finally, the very essence. This time, there was no prior accumulation of experience from the dream realm. Han had to go straight into it, step by step, proceeding with extreme caution, not daring to rush even for a moment. In dreams, one could recklessly court danger, but in reality, there was only one life to protect. The Ice Spirit Soul Flame lacked any intelligence; it was just a pure flame, which, in theory, would not resist. However, the violent fluctuations that occurred when the two fire sources merged were far too dangerous and difficult to control. One wrong move, and it would explode. The fusion of fire sourcesthis was one of the most intense reactions in the world. Luckily, the Yin Earth Fire Seal inherently suppressed foreign fires, and Han''s own ghost fire had also evolved, giving it a considerable suppressive effect. Lu Qingmo had also prepared auxiliary items for flame refining, leftovers from her previous experiments. Most importantly, Hans cultivation level had reached a certain strength, allowing him to refine the Ice Spirit Soul Flame without much danger. Originally, the ghost fire was gray-white tinged with green, but it slowly took on an icy blue hue, with the white parts being replaced. Now, a tri-colored flame of gray, blue, and green burned in the palm of Hans handextremely cold, eerily dark, and filled with an ominous aura. Lu Qingmo, who had been carefully watching over him, finally relaxed and observed the new Yin fire. After a moment, she nodded with satisfaction. "Mo Aunt, do you think it''s strong enough?" Han asked with a grin. "What do you think?" she replied with a smile. "Its as strong as it gets!" Lu Qingmo chuckled. "After refining two rare flames, your Yin fire is already quite formidable." The combination of an initial Yin Earth Fire, Netherfire, and this Ice Fire effectively created a trio of fires merging into one. "Previously, you used Yin Earth Fire against the Day-Treading Cultivators. While they struggled to deal with the fire, after being infected with Yin fire for a while, they could still resist." "But now, if this fire were to entangle an ordinary Day-Treading Cultivator, they would instantly lose any ability to resist, and in no time, they would be reduced to ashes." "If you could refine another heavenly flame, even cultivators of higher realms would burn away in an instant." This technique was one that could continue growing; its power depended on the level of Yin Earth Fire one cultivated. Han nodded in agreement after hearing Lu Qingmos words. "Excellent!" "You can now begin studying the Yang Earth Fire Seal," Lu Qingmo continued. "The Day-Treading Realm allows the soul to have a trace of Yang energy, which is the foundation for cultivating the Yang Earth Fire Seal." "At the same time, this seal requires a specific level of Yin Earth Fire. Now that your Yin Fire has met the requirement, youre ready." "Yang Earth Fire is refined using Yin Earth Fire as its base. You must slowly extract pure fire source from it and, with your soul''s Yang energy, reverse it to form the source of Yang Fire." Lu Qingmo elaborated on the key points of refining the Yang Earth Fire Seal. "Refining Yang Fire from Yin Fire is also the foundation for successfully merging Yin and Yang later, transforming into the Primal Chaos Fire. Only then can both be considered of the same origin." "You must comprehend the Yang Earth Fire Seal and understand the method of cultivation. Then, you can slowly refine the pure fire source..." She spoke for quite some time, imparting her personal insights and refining experience regarding the Earth Fire Seals. Finally, she gave Han a serious reminder. "Remember one thing: the number of rare fires refined by Yin Earth Fire and Yang Earth Fire shouldnt differ by more than one. Otherwise, one fire will be stronger than the other, making it difficult to achieve the balance of Yin and Yang, and ultimately merge into Primal Chaos Fire." "If your Yin Earth Fire has refined three different flames, your Yang Earth Fire should also refine three. At the very least, it should have two, but no more than four." "If, in the future, you come across more Yin or Yang flames, be cautious before refining and merging them. You must not upset the Yin-Yang balance." "The Primal Chaos Fire is the true essence of the Earth Fire Seals. It is the most powerful form. You can even think of Yin and Yang Fire as preparations for it." Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon. Han nodded, committing Lu Qingmos words to memory. The path of Yin-Yang balance was indeed a profound one. Han began to ponder the Yang Earth Fire Seal in his mind. But soon, he heard something coming from Lu Qingmos side. "Whoo!" Suddenly, a strong gust of wind surged, and Lu Qingmos aura uncontrollably leaked out, causing Han to feel a bit of pressure. He quickly looked at her, only to find her expression filled with surprise. She was holding a jade disk in her hand. "Mo Aunt, whats going on?" Han asked. "My junior brother sent me a message..." Lu Qingmo took a deep breath and closed her eyes slightly. "He said that he found an ancient book in a relic. It contains some information that might help with my situation." "Your situation... Mo Aunt, do you have hope of continuing your cultivation?" Han asked, suddenly realizing and feeling excited. "I dont know." Lu Qingmos calm demeanor was replaced by some inner turmoil. "The contents of the ancient book are still uncertain. The text is written in ancient cryptic language, and much of it hasn''t been deciphered yet." "Either way, theres hope. What should we do next?" "Ill ask him." Lu Qingmo said, forming a hand seal and sending a pulse of energy into the jade disk in her hand. The jade disk suddenly glowed brightly before dimming again. "Mo Aunt, what did he say?" "Well have to wait a while for my junior brothers reply," Lu Qingmo said, "Yujing is too far from here. The transmission technique and artifact have a long delay. The message I just received may have been sent by him yesterday." "This is still thanks to my junior brother being at Xuandu Temple, where he can use various magical artifacts. If he were elsewhere, it would be much more difficult to send a message." "Huh?" Han asked, puzzled, "What if something urgent comes up?" "Then we would have to report it to the higher-ups at Xuandu Temple and use special methods to relay the message," Lu Qingmo shook her head. "Those methods are highly restricted. Theyre not used lightly unless absolutely necessary." "Your sound-transmitting snail is an amazing tool, thoughit can even communicate across the Black Mountain range." "Its not that magical," Han replied modestly. "The snails do have limitations. If the distance is too great, they stop working." But for now, the snails were sufficient. Han could still contact Lu Qingmo within a third of a county''s range. Based on the notes in the Immortal Trees secret realm, the sound-transmitting snails could grow. However, after all this time, Han hadn''t seen any signs of them growing. Could it really be that they werent growing because he hadnt been feeding them? Noticing Lu Qingmos anxiety, Han thought for a moment and asked: "Mo Aunt, whats this ancient cryptic language you mentioned?" Changing the topic to distract her, Han added, "What exactly is it?" "In ancient times, many sects and families would use a complex and nearly indecipherable cryptic language to record their precious legacies and information," Lu Qingmo explained. "Many of these sects have been wiped out over time, but occasionally, ruins appear, and such ancient books are discovered by later generations." "This kind of ancient cipher is a very unique form of knowledge," Lu Qingmo explained, her voice carrying a hint of concentration. "Each character has multiple meanings, and when combined, they create something even more complex and ever-changing. Even the same cipher can have different interpretations depending on the time it is read. So, deciphering these ciphers can be quite a hassle." "But fortunately, all ancient ciphers have a common origin, a traceable source. As long as you have enough mastery over these ciphers, along with some deduction skills, you can decipher them and uncover the ancient knowledge and secrets they contain." True to her words, as Lu Qingmo taught Han, her focus deepened, and the anxiety that had previously clouded her expression seemed to dissipate. "My junior brother is particularly good at this," she continued, a slight smile appearing on her face. "He loves exploring ancient ruins." Han, curious, asked, "Is this the same junior brother of yours who specializes in soul-binding restrictions?" "Yes, that''s him," Lu Qingmo nodded. "Junior Brother Song has a particular fondness for the field of (Qimen), and he''s involved in all sorts of mysterious arts." Han let out a thoughtful sigh. "Your junior brother truly is a remarkable talentso young, yet already proficient in so many fields. His talent is simply extraordinary." But just as he spoke, Han noticed that Lu Qingmos expression had shifted in a rather peculiar way. "What''s wrong, Aunt Mo?" Han asked, sensing something odd in her mood. "Did I say something wrong?" "If Junior Brother Song heard you complimenting him on his youth, he''d be thrilled," she said, her tone teasing. "Especially the part about being so young." Han was confused. "What do you mean by that?" Lu Qingmo looked at him with a sly smile and then dropped a bombshell. "Because, Junior Brother Song is over a hundred years old. His hair is already grey, and his beard reaches down to his chest." Han was taken aback, his mind struggling to process the information. "Wait, what? Over a hundred years old? Your junior brother is over a century old?" He looked at Lu Qingmo, then back down at the ground, pondering. After a long pause, he hesitantly asked, "Aunt Mo, if your junior brother is over a hundred, does that mean you...?" Lu Qingmo shot him an exaggerated, playful look. "Stop overthinking," she said, rolling her eyes. "Although Junior Brother Song is my junior, he was the one who entered our master''s sect first. But because he got so deeply engrossed in his own pursuits and ignored our masters guidance, he became somewhat estranged from the sect. That''s why our master only accepted him as a disciple in name." "He''s been a named disciple for decades, while I became the true disciple. So, despite him being much older than me, he still has to call me Senior Sister." Han''s mind raced. He had assumed that Lu Qingmo was much older than she appeared. But now, hearing that her junior brother was over a hundred, it seemed the age gap between them wasnt as vast as he''d imagined. Yet still... the idea of someone over a century old being called junior was something he hadnt anticipated. "Does that mean your junior brother is still just a named disciple?" Han asked, trying to make sense of it all. "Yes," Lu Qingmo confirmed. "Despite his impressive abilities, he''s still technically a named disciple. But that doesnt mean he''s any less capable. He holds quite a bit of power in the Xuan Du Sect." Han sighed in relief. While a hundred years of age was a considerable difference, it wasnt something impossible to accept. Still, the thought of someone being over a hundred years old and still active and vibrant was a little... intimidating. "I understand, Aunt Mo," Han said, his thoughts settling. He had learned that just because someone was a named disciple didn''t mean they lacked skill or status. In fact, Junior Brother Song was certainly an extraordinary individual. After all, anyone who lived over a century while constantly exploring ancient ruins had to be strong and capable. "Be careful, though," Lu Qingmo added seriously. "If you meet Junior Brother Song in the future, don''t underestimate him just because he''s a named disciple. His standing in the Xuan Du Sect is considerable, and hes a man of great skill." "I understand," Han nodded, a new sense of respect for this elder disciple filling him. Lu Qingmo then shared more about her master and the structure of the sect. "Master has four formal disciples and one named disciple. I''m the youngest of the formal disciples. Unfortunately, my second senior sister has passed away. My eldest senior brother, her husband, disappeared after her death. My third senior sister is still alive, but she spends most of her time in seclusion at Xuan Fa Mountain, working on her alchemy. We dont see her for years." The next morning, news finally came through. The delay in the message was no surprise. After all, communication between such distant locations was always slow. The message that arrived made Lu Qingmo smile, but there was still a shadow of uncertainty in her expression. "Tiantian Teng," she murmured, her voice filled with intrigue. The name held profound meaningone that hinted at potential answers for her current dilemma. Han watched her carefully. Whatever this news meant, it was clear that it could change everything. Chapter 211: The Quest for the Celestial Restoration Elixir Sky-Mending Vine Lu Qingmo murmured the name of this rare treasure several times under her breath. On the white jade plate before her, there were messages relayed by Junior Brother Song. Among them was a clear record of a treasure called the Sky-Mending Vine. It was said to mend the flaws of the heavens themselvescapable of repairing any imperfection, transforming the incomplete into the complete, and turning flaws into flawlessness. While its effects might be somewhat exaggerated, it undoubtedly belonged to this category of miraculous treasures. Lu Qingmo shared the details from the jade plate with Han. Mending flaws Han hesitated before responding, It doesnt sound like it perfectly suits your situation, Aunt Mo. In fact, Han couldnt help but think it seemed more fitting for Zuo Tianzheng. Rumor had it that Zuo Tianzheng suffered from a crippled physique, making cultivation a struggle for him. Lu Qingmo, on the other hand, had been ravaged by a forbidden technique compounded by the Poison of Impermanence. Her very essence had been tainted, her yin and yang thrown into chaos, and her soul left in disarray. Of course, her foundation and potential had also suffered catastrophic damagenearly depleted entirely. The Sky-Mending Vine could be useful, but it wasnt a precise cure for her condition. Youre right, Lu Qingmo nodded. This is just one of the treasures listed in the ancient text Junior Brother Song uncovereda single piece of the puzzle. The complete method requires three treasures, refined through masterful alchemy, to produce a single dose of the Celestial Restoration Elixir. The Celestial Restoration Elixir? What are the other two treasures? Han pressed. Lu Qingmo shook her head. The ancient cryptic text describing the other two hasnt been deciphered yet. Junior Brother Song says itll take more time. So, this Celestial Restoration Elixircan we be sure itll work for you, Aunt Mo? If the records in that ancient text are true, then the Celestial Restoration Elixir could completely resolve my issues, Lu Qingmo said, her eyes glinting with excitement. Blessed by celestial might, it restores the true soulpure as a divine spirit, flawless and untainted. It can heal all disorders of the soul, cleanse the corruption of my essence, and repair the damage to my foundation. It could even restore my soul to its original stateor perhaps elevate it to a higher form entirely. If I can refine this elixir, the fifteen years Ive lost might even be partially reclaimed. Seeing Lu Qingmos barely contained excitement, Han quietly took her hand, offering her strength and comfort to steady her emotions. As expected, the gesture immediately shifted her focus, calming her down. We have the method, and your Third Senior Sister is a master alchemist. Now, its just a matter of gathering the materials, Han said. The other two ingredients are still unknown for now, but this Sky-Mending Vinewhere do we find it? Have you heard of it before, Aunt Mo? Did the ancient text mention anything? Ive never heard of such a treasure, Lu Qingmo admitted, but Junior Brother Song included some details in the information he sent me. Her gaze shifted suddenly, settling on a direction beyond the town. Its said to grow in sacred lands or hidden paradises. If a sacred land experiences a sudden surge of divine fortune or an upwelling of spiritual energy, the chances of a Sky-Mending Vine appearing increase significantly. Its exact location is unpredictableit could sprout at the heart of the sacred land or in some obscure corner. The vine is three feet, three inches, and three fractions long. Its body is colorless and transparent, with only its edges lined in black. It bears nine leavesfour green, four purple, and one whiteeach etched with patterns resembling water, fire, wind, earth, and more. To harvest it, you must dig it up with a golden tool, roots and all, and store it in a jade container. During the process, it must not touch anything other than gold or jade, or its potency will be compromised. Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon. As Lu Qingmo explained, Han followed her gaze toward that same direction. A sacred land blessed by divine fortune and brimming with spiritual energy So distant, yet so near. Wasnt that exactly what Black Mountain was right now? Aunt Mo, this is fate, Han declared. Heaven itself wants you to mend your broken path and reshape your future. A sacred land touched by divine fortuneat this moment, theres likely no place in the world like Black Mountain. Its a golden opportunity! Lu Qingmo took a deep breath, steadying herself. Whether theres a Sky-Mending Vine in Black Mountain remains uncertain. Its only a possibility, not a guarantee. And as for the other two treasureswhat they are, and whether they still exist in this worldthats even harder to say. She was tempering her own expectations, knowing that the higher her hopes, the greater the potential disappointment. But its still a chancea glimmer of hope, Han mused after a moment. Though now that Ive advanced to the Day Roaming realm, I cant enter Black Mountain anymore. I cant search for it on your behalf. Eldest Senior Sister and the others can go in, but theyre a bit underpowered on their own. Plus, Black Mountain is vastfinding a vine just over three feet long in there would be like searching for a needle in a haystack. So, to hunt for this Sky-Mending Vine, there seem to be only two options right now. The first is to send a large group of cultivators into the mountain to scour it Han paused, a flicker of recognition crossing his mind. Why did this plan feel so familiar? Could Zuo Tianzheng be after the Sky-Mending Vine too? Han ventured. Its possible, but not certain, Lu Qingmo replied, shaking her head. She had no way of knowing. Still, since Junior Brother Song found this in an ancient text, the odds of it being Zuo Tianzhengs target are probably slim. Slim, but not zero. Lets hope not, Han thought silently. The Celestial Restoration Elixir was at stake, and hed rather not compete with the imperial envoy. Not only would it be a hassle, but an extra rival would only shrink their chances of securing the vine. Sending people into Black Mountain isnt an option, Lu Qingmo said firmly, dismissing the idea. I cant justify risking the lives of the Ghost God Division and countless unrelated cultivators just for my own gain. Han agreed wholeheartedly. Its not a good plan. Dispatching a search party would also risk tipping others off. If word of the Sky-Mending Vine gets out, itll only complicate things. Whether or not Zuo Tianzheng was after it, a treasure like this would undoubtedly be valuable to him. If he caught wind of it, even if it wasnt his original goal, hed likely set his sights on it too. That leaves us with just one option, Han said, locking eyes with Lu Qingmo. Theyd arrived at the same conclusion. The Black Mountain God. If they couldnt tackle it from the ground up, theyd have to aim for the top. Ill reach out to the Yun family, Lu Qingmo said slowly. She couldnt meet the mountain god herself, so the Yun family was her best starting point. She glanced at her left hand, where a larger hand rested, gently rubbing hers. Had enough yet? Just a little longer Han grinned sheepishly, reluctantly letting go of her jade-like hand. Some things might lead to ruin, but a hand like hers? Never. Later, at the martial arts school, Han found a water tank and tossed the magical conch inside. As long as there was water, the conch would work. Last time, hed gone to the Yun River to avoid Eldest Senior Sister catching him chatting with the dragon girl. But this time was different. He had serious business. Han asked the dragon girl if she knew anything about the Sky-Mending Vine. Her answer was a no. Do you need it? Not for mefor a friend. Oh, a friend, she replied, her tone teasingly suggestive. I can check the Dragon Palace archives for you, see if theres any mention of it. Thanks, and please keep it under wraps. Dont worry. After stowing the conch, Han turnedonly to spot a head peeking sneakily from behind the door. Of course, Eldest Senior Sister had caught him. Little Junior Brother, youve been talking to Ao Xuanwei a lot lately, huh? What, youre gonna tell me how to live my life now? Han strode past her with his head held high, unbothered by being busted. Bai Ruoyue frowned and charged at him. Youre getting too bold! That night, Han couldnt wait to ask Lu Qingmo for updates. Aunt Mo, what did the Yun family say? She sighed. Well The Yun family was cooperative and willing to ask their elders on my behalf. But their patriarch told me the mountain god isnt available to meet anyone right now. Hans mood sank. If they couldnt meet the god, getting information about the Sky-Mending Vine from it was a pipe dream. The Yun family had been gracious and helpful, but their influence in Black Cloud Town was limitedthey could only act as a go-between. How about asking the experts from Xuandu Temple to step in and speak to the mountain god directly? Han suggested. Lu Qingmo gave a wry smile. Its not about our lack of strength that the god wont see us. The Yun patriarch contacted Black Mountain right in front of me. The response was clear: the mountain god isnt in a state to meet anyonenot even the Yun River Dragon Lord could get an audience. When the god is ready, if Im still willing, I can go into the mountain to see it. This was trickier than if the god were simply looking down on them. If even the Dragon Lord couldnt get through, the mountain gods condition must be dire. At this point, there was little they could do. They couldnt exactly drag the Xuandu Temple master over to force the god out, could they? But I did get one piece of news from the Yun family, Lu Qingmo added. Next monthor the month after at the latestthe mountain god should be available. And they hinted that once its ready, the god might take some kind of action. Take action Hans mind drifted to something the dragon girl had told him after the Water Yuan Festival. A trial from the mountain god was coming, shed saida chance he needed to seize. Was this what the Yun family meant? The same thing shed warned him about? Let me think about what to do Lu Qingmo fell into deep thought. Han left her to it, heading off to train on his own. If only I could still enter Black Mountain with my omniscient viewthat would make finding this vine so much easier. Now, with his martial arts honed to the visceral level and his soul in the Day Roaming realm, his cultivation had undergone a fundamental leap since the early days. If he still had that cheat-like perspective, it wouldve evolved toowider range, more detailed insights. Too bad that advantage had long since expired. The next day, an invitation from Zuo Tianzheng arrived at Tai Bai. This time, it wasnt just for Bai Ruoyue to discuss mattersit was for every disciple of the Tai Bai Martial School. And the tone was unmistakable. Attendance was mandatory. Chapter 212: The Lure of the Capital The invitation lay casually tossed on the table as Han and the others exchanged glances. Shen Long spoke up, irritation lacing his voice. That Zuo guys always stirring up trouble every few days. Whats he up to this time? Does he really think hes the emperor or something? Hes the imperial envoy, after all, Zhang Yuantao said, shaking his head. Though he frowned, his tone remained measured. When he sends an invitation, wed be wise to show up. Han nodded. Third Senior Brothers got a point. Bai Ruoyue, who harbored no fondness for Zuo Tianzheng, added dryly, Hed better have something worthwhile to say. After sorting out some matters at the martial school, the seven from Tai Bai set off together. Unlike previous times, Zuo Tianzhengs invitation didnt summon them to the garrison mansion. Instead, the meeting was set at the Black Cloud Training Ground. Black Cloud Town naturally had its own garrison troopsa sizable force under the command of the garrison mansion. Neither the Martial Order Division nor the Ghost God Division could interfere. Even in a world steeped in supernatural powers, the three imperial courts maintained formidable armies. The might of an army carried its own kind of mystique. When Han and the others arrived at the training ground, they found it bustling with people. Prominent disciples from every major martial school and familythose with names worth mentioningwere present, not a single one missing. No wonder the venue had shifted here. The garrison mansion wouldve been far too cramped to accommodate such a crowd. A thought struck Han. From the looks of it, Zuo Tianzhengs invitation seemed aimed squarely at the younger generation of each faction. The training ground had been hastily furnished with tables, chairs, tea, and fruit. Once everyone had gathered, Zuo Tianzheng appeared, dressed as ever in simple cloth robes, flanked by his guards. He stepped forward to address the assembly. His gaze swept over the crowd, and he gave a slight nod. Lords and ladies, prodigies of Black Cloud Town, I apologize for troubling you and taking up your valuable time by calling you here today. No trouble at all, Lord Zuo, Long Tianchong interjected immediately. You manage countless affairs daily. If anything, were the ones delaying you. Most of the crowd remained expressionless at this, though a few furrowed their brows briefly before smoothing their faces again. Ugh, what a bootlicker, some thought. Youre too kind, Lord Long, Zuo Tianzheng replied evenly, his voice ringing out. Ive been in Black Cloud Town for some time now, learning much about its ways and accomplishing a fair bit. Ever since His Majesty entrusted me with this responsibility, Ive been pondering how I can best serve Black Cloud Townhow I can improve the lives of its people. How I can live up to His Majestys faith in me. To that end, Ive been experimenting with various approaches, and Id say Ive seen some success. But it wasnt until recently that I realized Ive been falling short in one key area. He paused, noting that everyone was hanging on his words, and nodded again before continuing. You here are the elite of Black Cloud Towns people. Past and present, your contributions to its stability and growth have been indelible. And I believe the future will be no different. Your presence is vital to this town. Your achievements are remarkable, and you deserve recognition. The court has always rewarded merit without fail. I must admit, Im ashamed to say Ive often relied on your assistance, lords and prodigies alike, without properly compensating you for your efforts. Yun Yuannan chimed in at just the right moment. You give us too much credit, Lord Zuo. This is simply our duty. Your passion is admirable, Master Yun, but I cant let your goodwill go unappreciated, Zuo Tianzheng said, raising his voice suddenly. So Ive decided to select a group of talents from Black Cloud Town on behalf of His Majesty. When I return to Jade Capital in the future, Ill bring those chosen with me for training! I, Zuo Tianzheng, swear this: those selected and taken to Jade Capital will have my personal recommendation to His Majesty for official titles. Ill spare no effort in securing resources and teachings to nurture them. Better yet, I can guarantee their admission into the Emperors Academy! This is my way of repaying all of you for your outstanding contributions to Black Cloud Town over the years! His words sent a ripple of shock through the crowd. Selecting talents to take to Jade Capital? Jade Capitalwhat kind of place was that? It was the grand capital of Great Qi, one of the most prosperous hubs in the world, teeming with powerful factions and hidden masters. Compared to Jade Capital, Black Cloud Town was like dirt beneath the clouds. To be born in Jade Capital was to start life a cut above mosta natural elite. Of course, those present were martial artists and cultivators, gifted with talent or strength, largely free from the shackles of mundane class. Worldly hierarchies didnt hold much sway over them. Settling in Jade Capital wouldnt be too difficult if they chose to. But with Black Mountain at their backs, theyd reigned supreme in Black Cloud Town. In Jade Capital, things might not be so cushy. Stolen from its original source, this story is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings. The top-tier legacies and rare resources of Jade Capital? Out of reach for outsiders like them, lacking power or connections. So, while they had the ability and means to travel far and settle in Jade Capital, the inclination just wasnt there. Life backed by Black Mountain was far more comfortable than what many in Jade Capital could claim. But the future Zuo Tianzheng painted wasnt so simple. By his promise, those who followed him to Jade Capital would gain a direct tie to the royal family. Theyd even have a shot at catching the emperors eyeand a chance to join the Emperors Academy. The Emperors Academy was a name known even in remote Black Cloud Town, its fame echoing across Great Qi. A royal institution, it taught martial arts and Taoist methods. Every graduate could call themselves a disciple of the emperor. Princes, princesses, and the children of nobles and marquises were sent there to study. Entry required either royal blood, noble lineage, or exceptional talent. The basic resources available there were treasures beyond measure. To put it bluntly, even serving as a lackey to a prince in there would be a dream for many. Settling in Jade Capital the usual way offered fewer perks than staying near Black Mountain, plus a slew of restrictions. But going this way? It was a straight shot to the top. Legacies and resources theyd never touched before would be laid out in front of them. For most Black Cloud factions, resources were secondary. Higher legacies were the real prize. Take Tenglong Martial Schooltheyd been chasing superior legacies for years, pouring effort into the pursuit. But forget Black Cloud Towneven in all of Tianyue, foundational legacies beyond Bone Refining or Day Roaming were scarce. The few that surfaced were painfully ordinary. Without legacies or mentors, cultivation was a brutal slog. If Bai Tian hadnt ventured out years ago and stumbled into some serious luck, hed be no better than the average school masterlet alone breaking into the True Blood realm. Even then, his journey to True Blood had been a grueling ordeal, costing him time and effort everyone had witnessed. How many times had he blown himself up in his dreams? Born into a prestigious sect, that breakthrough know-how wouldve been handed to him by a mentor, explained step-by-stepno need to grope in the dark or waste years. Now, Zuo Tianzheng was offering them hopenot just any hope, but a direct line to the worlds most elite families! The sparked instant excitement. Faces lit up with longing. Whispers buzzed through the crowd as people discussed the news. Hans expression shifted too. He wasnt swayed, but he couldnt help marveling at Zuo Tianzhengs bold move. The Emperors Academy, the Great Qi royal familyhe didnt crave any of it. He had plenty of options. Worst case, hed cling to Lu Qingmos coattails and follow her back to Xuandu Temple. Or maybe ditch this mortal coil and let the dragon girl have a bite. Failing that, he could head to Zixiao City and mooch off Meng Hao. Even the Lin family head spoke up. Lord Zuo, is this for real? As His Majestys envoy, every word and deed of mine reflects him. I wouldnt dare speak nonsense. Having Lord Zuo here is truly a blessing for Black Cloud! Long Tianchong gushed. Youre our towns benefactor! No surprise thereonly a sycophant like Long Tianchong couldve said it. Zuo Tianzheng offered a faint smile and pressed on. And rest assured, lords, any standout disciples selected from your factions can serve the court after graduating from the Emperors Academy, earning high ranks and rich rewards if they choose. If they miss home and want to return to Black Cloud, the academy wont stop them. No students freedom will be restricted. This was his way of saying: the ones he picked would still belong to their families and schools, even in Jade Capital. Nurtured, not shackled. Xie Lei, master of the Mad Blade School, mulled it over before asking, How will you select Black Clouds talents, Lord Zuo? Your factions are steeped in tradition with high standards. Your disciples are geniusesno question of their talent. Zuo Tianzheng spoke smoothly, clearly prepared. After much thought, Ive settled on combat as the best selection method. If cultivation times an issue, we can match opponents of the same realm to judge strength fairly. The crowd nodded, agreeing with his reasoning. Only geniuses got through their doors and earned their training. When everyones a genius with similar backgrounds and cultivation time, combat was indeed the fairest way to sort the best from the rest. But some young talents might not excel in fighting, Zuo Tianzheng added. Ive accounted for that too. I have a Taoist technique and a martial skill from the Emperors Academynothing powerful, but they test comprehension keenly. At the academy, theyre often used to gauge a persons aptitude. Those less suited for combat can prove themselves this way. Gao Zhenxiong chimed in with praise. Lord Zuo, youve thought of everything. Just my humble take, Zuo Tianzheng said with a shake of his head, then turned to Han and Bai Ruoyue. Take Tai Bais acting master and her seventh disciplegeniuses like them, with talent and strength everyone acknowledges. They could skip the trials and secure a spot to Jade Capital outright. With their gifts, theyd shine anywhere. His Majesty craves talent like theirs. The crowd was caught off guard. Was this a gesture of goodwill toward Tai Bai? Some younger disciples bristled with envy. Why did Han and Bai Ruoyue get special treatment? But they kept their grumbling silent. The older disciplesthose past the Visceral realmhad been thrashed by Bai Ruoyue. The current Skin and Sinew realm kids? Han had beaten them silly. And who could forget Han taking on three counties worth of prodigies solo, leaving no one daring to challenge him again? They mightve been salty, but they had no leg to stand on. Blame their own weakness. Thats the weight of Black Clouds two reigning top geniuses! You flatter us, Lord Zuo, Han said modestly. Compared to Jade Capitals prodigies, my senior sister and I are just country bumpkins. Long Tianchong couldnt stand seeing Han in the spotlight and jumped in. Lord Zuo, when will the selection start? We can begin soon, Zuo Tianzheng replied, shifting gears. But first, theres something else I need to address. Once the selections done, those chosen wont head to Jade Capital right away. Still, theyll be half-members of the Emperors Academyhalf-disciples of the emperor, bearing His Majestys dignity. So in daily life, youll carry dual roles: loyal to your families and schools, but also to His Majesty. For the time being, youll answer to me, follow my guidance. Ill teach you law and discipline during this period. If anyone steps out of line or defies me, Ill revoke their chance to go to Jade Capital. Some nodded quietly, finding his words sensible. But Hans brow creased. Answer to you? Follow your orders? A man stands tall between heaven and earthhow could I bow to anyone? Those you favor should naturally comply, Long Tianchong said with a nod. This will require everyones involvement. What do you all think, lords? Zuo Tianzheng asked. If youre willing to let your disciples join me in Jade Capital, Ill draft the rules soon, and we can start the selection shortly. Even the scattered cultivators around Black Cloud Town could get a shot. Tenglong Martial School is in, Long Tianchong declared first. Xie Lei of Mad Blade nodded too. Were grateful for your support, Lord Zuo. The Lin and Gao families followed suit, agreeing to the plan. Zuo Tianzhengs promises were too tempting to resist. This was a chance for their factions to rise higher. A disciple in the Emperors Academy meant, at the very least, a huge boost to their Marrow Cleansing prospects. Backed by influence, bolstered by strength. They could dominate a whole countyhow glorious would that be? In the end, only Tai Bai Martial School and the Yun family hadnt spoken. All eyes turned to them, the weight of expectation pressing like a tide. My Yun family lacks grand ambition, Yun Yuannan said with an apologetic smile. Our disciples are mostly dim-witted and unworthy. I fear were not destined to join you in Jade Capital, Lord Zuo. Hans heart leapt. Nice move, Yun family! Zuo Tianzhengs expression didnt flicker. The Yun family has a rich heritage and its own legacy. Indeed, it needs no outside guidance. And what of Tai Bais fine warriors? he asked bluntly. Black Clouds top genius title rings loud and clear. Ive long admired it. His Majesty would surely be delighted to hear of you. He was pulling out the emperor card now. But Han felt no fear. The Qing dynastys been dead for centuries, and youre still waving the emperor at me? Im afraid well have to disappoint you, Lord Zuo, Han said. Jade Capitals incredible, world-famous, but we at Tai Bai have no grand dreams. We cant bear to leave our roots or stray far. We plan to stay in Black Cloud, train here, support our master, and carry Tai Bai forward. Thats all we want. Zuo Tianzheng studied Han for a moment, his gaze deep. Bai Ruoyue jumped in. What my junior brother said goes for all of us. Zuo Tianzheng nodded. Fair enough. I wont push you. He announced hed finalize the selection rules by tomorrow and notify everyone, then dismissed the gathering. As they left, Yun Yuannan lingered to catch Han, exchanging a few words before saying cryptically, Nephew, I think being a Black Cloud native is something worth cherishing. At least in these final moments, we shouldnt be tethered to an outsider. Why not just spell it out? Chapter 213: Showdown by the River Yun Yuannans words lingered like a subtle nudge before he led his clans disciples away. The identity of a Black Cloud Town native Lost in thought, Han and his group returned to the martial school. By making this choice, Junior Brother and I cost you all a shot at Jade Capital, Bai Ruoyue said, turning to Shen Long and the others. I promise Ill find a way to make it up to you down the line. Come on, Senior Sister, dont talk like that, Zhang Yuan replied earnestly. Zuo Tianzhengs up to something shady. Turning him down was the right call. Besides, with him picking talent from all of Black Cloud Town, aside from you and Junior Brother, whos guaranteed to catch his eye? The town was brimming with young disciples from every faction. There was no way Zhang Yuantao and the rest could all stand out. Zuo Tianzhengs got his sights set on Black Mountain, Bai Ruoyue mused. That rule he mentionedthose he picks have to obey him, follow his ordersit rubs me the wrong way. I didnt talk it over with Junior Brother beforehand, but we ended up on the same page. We said no. Are you saying, Senior Sister, that those he chooses might get sent into Black Mountain? Shen Yu asked. Its possible. Shen Yu muttered under her breath, With that guys wild reputation, whod want to take orders from him? Who knows what crazy demands hed make? Her words made Shen Long shudder. Exactly! If wed joined his stupid selection and my little sister got picked, shed have to listen to him? Good thing you shot him down, Junior Brother. Zuo Tianzhengs lifestyle wasnt exactly a secret. She was his only sister, after all. As the group chatted, Han stayed quiet, mulling things over. Bai Ruoyue gave him a playful punch. Whats with you, Junior Brother? Why so silent? Han shook his head. Im thinking about what Master Yun said to me. When I went to the Water Yuan Festival, Ao Xuanwei told me the mountain god would soon issue a trial. As a Black Cloud native, Id be eligible to take part. Master Yuns comment, plus Zuo Tianzhengs sudden proposalI think theyre connected. This Black Cloud identity might bring us some perks in the future, tied to the mountain god. Zuo Tianzhengs move today? Its probably a play to muscle in on a benefit originally meant for Black Clouds own talents, under the guise of selecting talent. Hes up to no good, Bai Ruoyue said, bristling. Not entirely, Han countered. He swore to it, so when he heads back to Jade Capital, hell likely take a few people with him. He wont go back on that. As long as their disciples get into the Emperors Academy, most factions will be thrilledmaybe even delighted. Going to Jade Capital for Great Qis training versus reaping rewards from the mountain god? Which was better depended on the person. Han shook his head. But whether you actually make it to Jade Capital with him is a roll of the dice. Its all up to his say-so. If he claims someones disobedient afterward, stripping their spot would be a breeze. So, will he start targeting us now? Just play it safe and stay sharp. That night, when Han brought it up, Lu Qingmo shared the same viewZuo Tianzhengs real aim was still Black Mountain. You made the right call staying out of this. With Zuo Tianzhengs help once hes back in Jade Capital, plus the decent talent of those he picks, getting into the Emperors Academy shouldnt be an issue. Even so, Lu Qingmo shook her head. But the Emperors Academy isnt the place for you. The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation. Four hundred years ago, it was hailed across Great Qi as a cradle of powerhouses. Now? Its a shadow of its former self. There, networking and sucking up to the elite outweigh actual cultivation or martial training. Disciplines lax, students live extravagantly, and the best talents among the nobles kids get sent to major sects. The academys just the runner-up destination. Youd be wasting your time there. Han considered this. If the academys really like that, it might actually appeal to Tenglong Martial School and the others even more. Lu Qingmo paused, then chuckled. Youve got a point. Big-name sects might offer prestige, but theyre strict. Without a solid background, your treatment matches your strength and talentno more, no less. The academys loose rules, though? Thats a ladder easier to climb, with perks more useful to their factions. No need to worry about the future, Lu Qingmo reassured him. When Bai Tian emerges from seclusion, hell be at True Blood realm. Even if he decides to leave Black Cloud, hell make sure your senior brothers and sisters are set up nicely. Wherever they end up, itll beat tagging along with Zuo Tianzheng to Jade Capital. As for you Lets wait and see. Han sulked. Whys it always wait and see for me? Off to train! Under the moonlight, as Han walked away, Lu Qingmos mind raced. Shed considered taking Han back to Xuandu Temple, having him join the sect, but doubts held her back. Han was too much of an enigmahis luck was uncanny, and he kept spontaneously unlocking Taoist arts and talents. Either he was some reincarnated legend, or someone was pulling strings behind the scenes. She worried that bringing him to Xuandu might disrupt a grand plan from his past life or throw off a hidden masterminds design, derailing his path. Worse, if his secrets got out at the temple, theyd attract dangerous attention. Years ago, one peerless Taoist art of hers had stirred up a storm of schemes. Judging by Hans past feats, he was worth far more than that. Her master had been in seclusion for eighteen years. Without a powerhouse to hold the line, her lineage lacked the clout to fend off every schemer in the sect. Yin God or True Blood might qualify someone as an elder, but they werent the real decision-makers at Xuandu. The temples overseer stood above it all, suppressing the world, but he didnt count in this equation. Wherever there are people, theres conflict. Then there was Bai Tian to consider. Han was his disciple. If Bai Tian wanted to take him away, itd be his right. Following Bai Tian seemed like a solid option in Lu Qingmos eyes. True Blood in martial arts was no small featit could change a lot. Or maybe Han wouldnt want to leave with either of them, having his own plans. Who could say? Still mulling it over, she decided to wait for Bai Tian to emerge and talk it out with him before deciding. Perhaps letting Han stay with Ruoyue might be better than leaving with her. After training, Han remembered something and jogged over. Aunt Mo, those martial and Taoist skills Zuo Tianzheng said could test comprehensionwhat are they? Hes probably talking about the Spirit Heart Chapter from Great Qis Martial and Taoist Classics, Lu Qingmo explained. The Qi Martial Classic and Qi Taoist Classic were compiled by Emperor Taizu, who rallied cultivators from across the land. Theyre encyclopedic. From basic martial arts and Taoist techniques to heavenly martial skills and cosmic arts, both classics cover it all. Of course, the advanced stuffs locked tight in royal handsordinary folks rarely get a peek. The Spirit Heart Chapter includes two unique skillslow on power, but intricate. Their chants and methods are bizarre, full of twists and turns. When it was created, it was meant to test disciples comprehensionsee how much they could grasp in limited time. Its not foolproof for measuring aptitude, but its got some merit, so its widely used. Hans curiosity piqued. Do you have the Spirit Heart Chapter, Aunt Mo? I want to give it a shot. Nope, she said, shaking her head. And even if I did, itd be useless for you. Why not? Youre a Day Roaming cultivator. Your minds sharp, thoughts lightning-fast. The Spirit Heart Chapter wouldnt challenge you. Its for testing disciples, and youre no disciple anymore. Han was stumped. My fault, huh? Ive heard the Academy of Sages has something called the Spirit Resonance Chess Puzzle, Lu Qingmo added. Solving it measures comprehension far more accurately than the Spirit Heart Chapter. They say even sect leaders and grandmasters cant fully crack it. Plus, working on it regularly can supposedly boost your aptitude. Hans jaw dropped. Boost aptitudethat elusive thing? I want it. Thats probably one of the Academy of Sages treasures, right? One of their crown jewels. But I wouldnt dare ask for it. The next day, Zuo Tianzheng delivered on his word, issuing a selection plan and spreading it around. Though Tai Bais disciples werent joining in, they still got the full scoop. Zuo Tianzheng had gone public with iteven Black Clouds rogue cultivators could take part. Three days from now, by the Yun Rivers edge, a genius showdown. Winners go to Jade Capital. The notice detailed the process and rules, even listing which young talents from Black Clouds factions were participating. The only catch? You had to be a Black Cloud nativeno last-minute registrations allowed. Your family had to have settled here at least a generation back. The announcement sent shockwaves through Black Cloud. Countless eyes burned with envy, while others stomped in frustration over missing the cut. Even the big shots from the county seat coveted the chance. Families like the Yuan and Huang clans were regional heavyweights, their influence stretching beyond Tianyue County. They had connections up top, backers in the state capital. Normally, they sent disciples to various sects and built wide networks. They could thrive in Jade Capital just fine. But going with Zuo Tianzheng? That was a shot at catching the emperors eyea level theyd rarely touched before. The royal families of the three kingdoms werent the worlds mightiest clans, but they were the most famous and powerful. Too bad Zuo Tianzheng was dead-set on Black Cloud natives. When the news spread, even hefty bribes from outsiders couldnt sway him or tweak the rules. His reasoning was ironclad: the emperor tasked him with governing Black Cloud, not meddling elsewhere. He wouldnt overstep. With the emperors name dropped, no one could argue. What were they supposed to sayIgnore the emperor? So, cultivators from beyond Black Cloud could only stew in jealous resentment. Why does every good thing land in Black Clouds lap? Is there no justice? But then they noticed something odd about the showdown lineupno Tai Bai Martial School or Yun family. Word got around: both had turned down Zuo Tianzhengs imperial reward, opting out of the selection. They werent leaving Black Cloud. That drew sneers from many. Passing up a golden opportunity like that? Sticking around here as small-time fighters instead of making a name in Jade Capital? Talk about short-sighted! Explore Celestial Restoration Elixir Learn about Emperor''s Academy Make title more dramatic Chapter 214: Heroes of the Realm: Only Qing and Yue Stand Supreme Three days had passed in the blink of an eye. The much-anticipated Genius Martial Tournament, which had captured the attention of the entire town, officially kicked off today by the banks of the Yunjiang River. Though Han and his companions wouldnt be participating, they still made their way to the event, eager to watch the disciples from various factions compete. The Yun family was no different. Yun Duo and other young members of the clan rushed out excitedly, joining Han and his group at the sidelines. Han, why arent any of you taking part in this selection? Yun Duo asked curiously. Dont you want to go to Yujing? We could go to Yujing anytime we pleased, Han replied with a light smile. Its just that we dont care to get there this way. When the time came for their names to resound across the land, they would stride into Yujing with pride and dignity, earning respect on their own termsno need to lean on anyone elses support. As for why the Yun family had also declined to join, Han didnt need to ask. He already knew. Yun Duo nodded in agreement. Fair point. With your talent and strength, you dont need some imperial envoys favor. Wherever you goany sect or schoolyoud be valued. Beside them, Yun Yuns heart stirred. Hans exceptional talent and peerless strength within his realm were unlike anything shed ever witnessed. If they could somehow bring him into the Yun family, it would be a boon beyond measure. But the Yun family wasnt a sectit was a clan. What could they offer to entice someone like him? Unless Yun Yun stole a glance at Yun Duo. Too bad her little sister was still so young, naive, and carefreeunversed in the ways of the world. Otherwise, itd be a simple matter. Beyond her sister, though, the clan had no one else of note. The distant cousins werent remotely on Hans level in status or potential. As Yun Yuns thoughts wandered, Yun Duo struck up a lively chat with Shen Yu. The two girls, close in ageone innocent, the other spiritedhit it off quickly, giggling and bonding with ease. The atmosphere among their group was warm and relaxed, but onlookers couldnt help shaking their heads. Tai Bai Martial Hall and the Yun familytheyre letting a golden opportunity slip through their fingers and dont even realize it, someone remarked, gesturing grandly as if delivering a sage judgment. Becoming a disciple under the Emperors bannerwhat an incredible chance, what an honor! Its leagues better than staying here in Heiyun Town. Exactly, another chimed in. Han from Tai Bai and Bai Ruoyue have talent far beyond the norm. If they went to Yujing and received proper training, their achievements could be limitless. But now? Theyve made a terrible choice, veering onto the wrong path and squandering their gifts. Give it a few years after our Heiyun prodigies follow Lord Zuo to Yujing. Han and Bai Ruoyue will be overtaken by people who couldnt hold a candle to them before. Such a shame, truly. Comments like these spilled from more than one mouth, each speaker wearing an expression of pity. Some secretly reveled in Hans perceived misstep, smirking inwardly. What fools, they thought. They dont know how to seize an opportunitywasting their talent for nothing. Hans cultivation was profound, and his sharp senses caught every snide word. But when he traced the voices to their sources, he couldnt help but chuckle. Most of the naysayers were mere Flesh Realm martial artists, lamenting the tragedy of geniuses like him and Bai Ruoyuewho were already at the Sinew and Viscera Realms. Never mind Han and Bai Ruoyuejust Shen Long and the others could likely reach Bone Refinement on their own someday. Meanwhile, these critics would count themselves lucky to ever touch the Sinew Realm. Yet here they were, pontificating from on high. It was almost comical. Han had no intention of stooping to argue with Flesh Realm nobodies. Let them talk. The rest of his group paid the chatter no mind either. Shen Yu, who mightve cared, was too busy enjoying her new friendship with Yun Duo. Soon, Zuo Tianzheng arrived with representatives from various factions. Their eyes flickered toward Han and his companions, but they offered no greetingsjust a passing glance. Zuo Tianzheng launched into a grand speech, praising Emperor Qi, extolling the court, and waxing poetic about his noble intentions. With that, the Genius Martial Tournament officially began. Find this and other great novels on the author''s preferred platform. Support original creators! There were no fancy arenas or platforms. The earth itself served as their battlefield. The opening rounds pitted rogue cultivators against each other, while disciples from families and martial halls faced off in separate matches. Flesh Realm fought Flesh Realm, Viscera Realm fought Viscera Realmno mixing allowed. Bone Refinement martial artists wouldnt deign to compete, given their status. Once each realm produced a handful of victors, theyd face off to determine the ultimate winners. According to the notices posted by Zuo Tianzhengs men, there wouldnt be just one champion. The top performers in each realms contests stood a chance at selection. Later that evening, a bout between cultivators was scheduled. Tomorrow, Zuo Tianzheng would unveil the Lingxiu Chapter from the Taoist and Martial Scriptures to test their comprehension. After all three trialscombat, cultivation, and insighthed weigh each participants performance and choose a select few. He didnt promise every faction a spot, but he did guarantee that each realm would have at least one representative. In truth, rogue cultivators had no real shotthe gap between them and the family or martial hall disciples was simply too vast. At least in Heiyun Town, no rogue cultivator could bridge that divide. The matches moved swiftly, with multiple contests unfolding at once. For fighters of this level, strength gaps were glaringly obvious. No epic, three-day stalemates here. Not just anyone could sign upyou had to prove your worth. Otherwise, if every random hopeful joined, the event would drag on forever. Han barely spared a glance for the Flesh and Sinew Realm bouts. His focus was on the Viscera Realm clashes between the various factions. But after watching for a bit, he shook his head. Slow. Far too slow. Weak. Far too weak. The young Viscera Realm novices were riddled with openings in Hans eyesevery move sloppy and predictable. It wasnt that their skills were unpolished; the gulf between them and Han was just too wide. When power and speed reached a point of absolute dominance, even the cleverest techniques crumbled into flaws. Han didnt even need to tap into his full mighthis mastery at the peak of the Viscera Realm was enough to crush these fledglings effortlessly. He shifted his gaze to the older Viscera Realm fighters. Some had reached minor or even major mastery, but their age showed. In Heiyun Town, few broke into the Viscera Realm before twenty. Even core disciples from major factions typically hit it at twenty-one or twenty-two. Reaching peak Viscera? That could take years more. Still, time lent them certain advantages. Long years of practice had honed their martial techniques to a decent level. Thats what Han zeroed in on now. That Viscera Realm master from the Mad Blade Hallhis physique is average, but his Mad Blade style is impressive, Han mused. One slash flows into the next, relentless, and his momentum builds with every strike. If you dont stop him early or break his rhythm, no ordinary martial artist could withstand his final blow. The power of presence. And that Lin family spearmanhis styles both bold and defensive, with a touch of finesse Ah, I see it now. The Gao family Han scanned the battlefields, his eyes lighting up at flashes of ingenuity. He mulled over them silently. These techniques werent high-tier by his standards, but every martial art created by living beings evolved from humble roots to greater heights. Watching these veterans, whod spent decades mastering their craft, revealed subtleties Han hadnt noticed before. This was a different kind of martial cultivationone born of accumulation, a broadening of perspective, a refinement of insight. You either grasped it yourself or learned it from others. And now, just by observing, Han felt a spark of understanding. Hed gained something. If Lu Qingmo were here, shed surely be stunned again. You can just pick this up by watching? Somethings off about you. As Han absorbed the battles around him, the Seven Orifices Exquisite Heart within him pulsed a little faster. A faint murmur of sutra chanting echoed faintly around itinaudible to outsiders. Han was engrossed, and Zhang Yuantao and the others left him be, enjoying the fights themselves. They couldnt glean insights like Han, but for Heiyuns standards, the matches were thrilling enough. These were, after all, the rivals Shen Long and the others had faced in the past. The crowd of onlookers gasped and cheered, marveling at this or that fighters prowess. To Bai Ruoyue, though, it was all rather dull. Her strength now rivaled an unscathed Bone Refinement martial artistno longer limited to a few exchanges like before. In her eyes, Heiyuns heroes boiled down to just two: herself and her little junior brother. The rest? Hardly worth a mention. Seeing Han so absorbed, Bai Ruoyue frowned inwardly. With his skill, not one of these fighters could hope to match him. Why was he so invested? Hmph, foolish Senior Sister. How could you understand the brilliance of your little junior brother? My martial foundation, my vision, my techniquestheyre soaring right now. The tournament began at dawn and wrapped up before lunchtime. As expected, the final victors all hailed from families or martial hallsnot a single rogue cultivator made the cut. Across the three realms, some boasted perfect records. In the Viscera Realm, there were even multiple standouts, split into age-based brackets due to the significant gaps between sub-levels and the time required to advance. With the winners decided, Zuo Tianzheng stepped forward again, lavishing praise on the victors and name-dropping a few other notable talents beyond the undefeated. Theyd have a shot at joining him in Yujing after all three trials. He then offered earnest words of encouragement to the defeated, softening their disappointment. As the crowd began to disperse, a voice suddenly rang out: Tai Bai Han! Do you dare spar with me? Han, already turning to leave, paused and glanced back. The speaker was Duan Jin, a disciple from the Tenglong Martial Hall whod gone undefeated in the Sinew Realm bouts. If Han recalled correctly, Duan Jin had reached the peak of the Sinew Realm. Han shook his head, declining politely. I didnt join this tournament. Whats there to spar over between us? The tournaments over, Duan Jin shot back. Consider this a chance for me to test myself against Heiyuns so-called top genius. I want to see just how genius a Tai Bai disciple issomeone whod turn their nose up at the Emperors Academy. Hans brow furrowed. This guys trying to pin a label on me, huh? Back when hed first emerged in Heishan two months ago, hed displayed near-dominance in the Sinew Realm with just minor mastery. Given his pace, no one could reasonably think he hadnt progressed since. Was Duan Jin delusional, thinking his peak Sinew Realm stood a chance? Or was this not even Duan Jins idea? Chapter 215: A Game of Trust and Triumph Hans mind raced, weighing his options in mere moments before coming to a decision. He couldnt let this accusation stick. He wasnt about to take the fall for this. Lord Zuo, hes slandering me! This is blatant defamation! Han cried out, his voice ringing with mock indignation. My admiration for the Emperors Academy is boundlesslike a river that never stops flowing. If I werent so attached to my hometown, Id have followed you to Yujing without a second thought. You know me, Lord ZuoIm an honest man. Everyone present that day heard what I said. But this Duan Jin? Hes making things up, stirring trouble for no reason. I suspect hes got ulterior motives, trying to drive a wedge between Tai Bai Martial Hall and you. I say we seize him and interrogate himsee if hes been bought by some evil cult! Zuo Tianzhengs expression remained unreadable, but Long Tianchong, a subordinate, jumped in immediately. Han, watch your tongue! My Tenglong disciple may have spoken out of turn, but colluding with dark forces? Thats absurd. He just wants to spar with you, Heiyuns so-called top genius, thats all. Yeah, Han, Duan Jin added, his tone sharp as he emphasized, Im asking you to enlighten me. That asking came out heavy with intent. Duan Jin eyed Han, surrounded by his Tai Bai peers, and recalled his hall masters orders. A flicker of excitement sparked in his chest. Sure, given Hans past cultivation pace, Duan Jin knew he likely wasnt a match. But that didnt matterhe was just here to seek guidance. After this, hed catch Lord Zuos eye, and his future would soar. Maybe in Yujing, hed even glimpse the Marrow Cleansing Realm and join the Great Qi royal ranks. True Blood of the Martial Path, Soul of the Yin Spiritthose were realms that governed entire provinces, vital assets even to the royal family. A Marrow Cleansing Saint who wanted to pledge loyalty would be welcomed with open arms and given due respect. Even Zuo Tianzheng, an imperial envoy, had only a Marrow Cleansing Saint as his guard. Facing Duan Jins renewed challenge, Han paused, then said, Todays focus is the tournament. I didnt join, so stepping in now feels out of place. No matter, Zuo Tianzheng interjected. Since Duan Jins so eager for your guidance, go ahead and give him a lesson. Let him see that, despite winning first in the Sinew Realm, hes still miles behind a genius like you. Itll keep his ego in check. Han sighed inwardly. Well, if thats the case, Ill make a fool of myself then. The onlookers buzzed with excitement. They hadnt expected this bonus showdown. Duan Jins challenging Han? Can he even handle it? That guys Heiyuns top genius! one spectator mused. Pfft, I bet that top genius titles overblown, another sneered. Why else would he skip the tournament? Makes sense. Duan Jins the strongest Sinew Realm fighter in Heiyun now. Even if Han wins, itll be a slog. Being strong for a moment doesnt mean youll stay that way. Han only started cultivating at twenty-two. Sure, he shone early, but who knows about his future? The crowd chattered away, many tossing out snide guesses. It wasnt personalthey just loved seeing the flawless tarnished, dragging gods off their pedestals. Besides, they werent the ones fighting. They were just shooting their mouths offsomething anyone could do. In Hans old world, theyd be the keyboard warriors. Duan Jin, itching to start, gripped his long blade. Draw your sword, Han. He doubted hed win, but he figured he could at least trade a few blows. Sinew Realm, after allhow strong could it get? There had to be a limit. Little Brother, your sword, Shen Yu offered, holding out her Hundred-Forged weapon. Han shook his head. No need. You make your move, Duan Jin. Fine! Duan Jin lunged, blade flashing with speed, the air shrieking as he swung. The crowd marveledthis was power they could never match. Han shifted his right foot, kicking up a pebble. With a flick of his hand, he struck it. Whoosh! The stone shot out, too fast for mortal eyes to follow. Duan Jins face paled. He swung his blade to block, but an unstoppable force slammed into him. Bang! His weapon clattered to the ground as he was hurled back over thirty feet by a single pebble. Han didnt spare him another glance. Anything else, Lord Zuo? Zuo Tianzhengs gaze lingered on the fallen Duan Jin before settling on Han, a hint of admiration in his eyes. Your skill is remarkable. How about a match with the Viscera Realm novice winner from the tournament? Han hesitated, deflecting politely. Lord Zuo, youre too kind, but Ive only been cultivating for a short time. Im no match for someone in the Viscera RealmI wouldnt dare tangle with them. Surely you wouldnt force me into a fight I cant win? The narrative has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident. Of course not, Zuo Tianzheng replied. I wont push you. If theres nothing else, well take our leave. Safe travels, Zuo Tianzheng said with a nod. As Han and his group departed, Zuo Tianzhengs expression cooled to indifference. Lord Zuo, Hans strength one of his men began. Well discuss it back at the residence. He strode off, his guards trailing close behind. As for Duan Jin, writhing in pain and moaning after his defeat, Zuo Tianzheng didnt so much as glance his way. Once the factions cleared out, the stunned crowd lingered. Eventually, someone sighed, Heiyuns number one is still number oneno one else comes close. Exactly! Duan Jin overestimated himself. Who does he think he is, challenging Heiyuns top genius? Typical keyboard warrior flip-flopping. At the Town Garrison, Zuo Tianzheng sat alone, flanked by his three guards: two Saints and one Marrow Cleansing warrior. One Saint stood out, shrouded entirely in a black robea rarity hed brought from Yujing, one of his last three elite protectors. The rest had fallen to ambushes by the Tianmu Sect and Wuchang Hall. In Heiyun Town, though, these three were more than enough to ensure his safety. One of them, a hidden ace, hadnt shown himself since arrivingknown only to those present. The envoys retinue wasnt just these four, of course. A few Bone Refinement Day Roamers and Viscera Realm practitioners had survived as well, though their strength paled beside Zuo Tianzhengs. They were more errand-runners than guards. Abruptly, he asked, Master Chu, Master Li, could you discern Hans realm? Master Chu, the unrobed Saint, shook his head. Theres something odd about himhazy, hard to pin down. He didnt even go all out. Master Li, the Marrow Cleansing warrior, agreed. I couldnt tell either. Ignoring his soul, just in martial prowess, its tough to say what realm hes at. But hes definitely hit Viscera Realmotherwise, he couldnt have crushed a peak Sinew Realm fighter so easily. I concur, Chu nodded. In just a few months, his martial progress is staggering. With Lu Qingmos guidance, his soul cultivation must be solid toolikely Night Roamer level. They hadnt seen Han train his soul, but it was an easy guess. If he wasnt honing his soul while constantly visiting Lu Qingmo, what else would he be doing? Pruning peach trees? Zuo Tianzhengs gaze darkened. Bai Ruoyue, not even twenty, is already at peak Viscera Realm, able to challenge Bone Refinement fighters. Han, after three or four months of training, has Viscera-level strength. Two generations of Heiyuns top geniuses, both from Tai Bai Martial Hall, both tied to Lu Qingmo. If the Black Mountain God truly bestows blessings, how can the rest of Heiyuns rabble compete with them? How am I supposed to secure the Heaven-Mending Vine? And yet Tai Bai has the gall to reject my generosity. Master Chu pondered, then suggested, Why not be upfront with Lu Qingmo? If the Mountain God blesses Heiyun in the future, ask Bai Ruoyue or Han to request the Heaven-Mending Vine. If they succeed, we could trade for it at a fair price. Ive got nothing tempting enough to sway Lu Qingmo, Zuo Tianzheng countered. Even offering Han and Bai a spot in the royal ranks wouldnt outshine joining Xuandu Temple. Shes a disciple thereproud and stubborn. She wont do me any favors. And you know her situation. If she hears about the Heaven-Mending Vine, even if it cant fix her problem, shell be tempted. Thatd just complicate things. Master Chu sighed. How does a backwater like Heiyun produce such freaks? It defies reason. The roots probably Tai Bais master, Master Li growled. Word is, he traveled in his youth, came back stronger, with a daughter in tow. He mustve stumbled onto some fortune out there. Bai Tiannever heard that name before. Silence fell. Then Master Lis face hardened. If this wont work, and that wont either, why not just eliminate Han and Bai Ruoyue? Get them out of your way. The Heaven-Mending Vines what matters. Zuo Tianzhengs eyes flickered, but he said nothing. Back at Tai Bai Martial Hall, Hans first words were, Zuo Tianzhengs testing my strength. How so? Zhang Yuantao asked. Is Duan Jin the reckless, hotheaded type? Zhang shook his head. Not really. There you go, Han explained. If hes not some impulsive fool, why would he challenge me right after the tournament? Hes Zuos pick for Sinew Realm first. Losing to me would embarrass Zuo. Yet Zuo pushed me to fightnot just Duan Jin, but even offered a Viscera Realm opponent. Logically, since weve already turned him down, my strength shouldnt matter to him. The others mulled it over. Makes sense, Little Brother, Shen Yu nodded. Waitwhys he not testing me? Bai Ruoyue piped up. Han gave her a wry look. Senior Sister, you fought Tenglongs Bone Refinement guy last time. Your strengths no secret. Oh, right, she conceded. Han fell silent, lost in thought. The only reason he could fathom for Zuos probing was the rumored Mountain God trial. Did Zuo want something from it? If so, could Han claim something too? But a trial meant competitionsome would shine, others would falter. He and Bai Ruoyue well, he wasnt bragging, but in Heiyun, no one matched their talent or combat prowess in their realms. From now on, we play it safe, Han said suddenly. Stick to Heiyun Town. Second Brother, if the Heiyun Guard assigns any out-of-town jobs, turn them all down. Zhang Yuantaos eyes widened as it clicked. Little Brother, you think? I cant say for sure, but better safe than sorry. Ive never shied away from assuming the worst of people. That night, Han shared his suspicions with Lu Qingmo, who nodded in approval. By the way, she asked, when do you plan to unlock the Three Yin Legacy? Once Han or An Lang reached Day Roamer, they could revisit Three Yin Valley and access it. Han already met the mark. Hold off for now, he replied. With a Day Roamer monk and a Bone Refinement fighter dead, the Huang familys on high alert. Three Yin Valleys probably crawling with experts. Ill wait till my cultivations strongerand until next months cheat refreshes. Three days from now, Ill get my sixth cheat since arriving. Might come in handy. Fair plan, Lu Qingmo agreed. Oh, about the Three Yin Mountain Godmy junior brother Song dug up some intel at Xuandu Temple. Han perked up. Whats this god like? Its been active for at least three hundred yearsa secretive entity. One of our templeǰ stumbled onto it during a trip to Black Mountain and logged it in our records. A god from three centuries ago, Han mused. Wonder if Tianyue Countys factions know about it. Hard to say, Lu Qingmo continued. This Three Yin Mountain God ascended as a Yin Spirit but never broke past its limits. It fell early. Gods live longer than cultivators, but their cultivations a slog. Few Yin Spirit monks choose divinity unless theyre desperateand even fewer have the chops to pull it off. Ascending with a human bodys no picnic either. It takes prep, luck, and raw power. Divinitys just another path to the Dao, but its a bumpy one. Hans thoughts drifted to the Moon Goddess. What kind of being was she? The key detail about the Three Yin Mountain God, Lu Qingmo added, is that its a ghost god. Ghost god? Yep. It ascended as a ghost, not a living person. The fog in Hans mind cleared. No wonder An Lang bore that seven-pointed star markturns out, she and the Three Yin Mountain God were cut from the same cloth. Han smirked inwardly. Looked like hed need to light a fire under An Lang. A ghost ascended to godhood, and here she was, napping her days away. Time to whip that lazy spirit into shape! Chapter 216: Sun and Moon Legacy The path of a ghost differs sharply from that of a cultivators soul in its early stagestheyre not one and the same. Yet, at a certain point, the two converge, walking a shared road thereafter. That point of convergence is the Saint Realm. For a ghost reaching the Saint Realm, its as if they gain a new physical body. From every angle, they resemble a living personfists cant pass through them, blades meet solid form. Unlike cultivators, these Saint-level ghosts lack the burden of flesh, granting them a freedom unbound by mortal constraints. Upon reaching this stage, they too must prepare for the leap to divinity. The Three Yin Mountain God was one such ghost who broke through the Saint Realm to become a Yin Goda true spectral deity. Cultivating as a ghost, though less demanding of resources than a cultivators path, is far more arduous. Relying solely on absorbing moonlight to become a ghost king? Youd exhaust yourself to death long before succeeding. Its a grim irony in this world: even dead spirits face a lifespan limit. Learning the truth about the Three Yin Mountain God left Han quietly astonished. So, bringing An Lang along might actually pay off. Indeed, Lu Qingmo agreed. A senior from our temple once noted that the Three Yin Mountain God excelled at alchemy. When he passed through Three Yin Valley, he saw plumes of pill fragrance rising into the sky, signaling a rare elixirs birth. He spent days conversing with the god and came away deeply impressed. Alchemy thats fantastic, Han said, a spark of delight igniting within him. With a gods long lifespan, maybe the Three Yin Mountain God left behind some divine pill. The more he learned, the more Han itched to unlock the Three Yin Legacy right away. But the Huang family loomed large in his mind, tempering his eagerness. Still, he resolved to plan ahead. When I go for the Three Yin Legacy, Ill need a new facecant show my real one, Han mused. Otherwise, even if I snag the legacy, Ill end up clashing with the Huang family afterward. Unlocking the Three Yin Legacy would almost certainly pit him against them. The Huangs controlled that territory, and sneaking into the lake wouldnt be a walk in the park. Even if he managed it, what if activating the legacy caused a massive commotion? Too many unknowns guaranteed this second trip to Three Yin Valley wouldnt be peaceful. Hiding his identity was a must. Smart move, Lu Qingmo nodded. Youve got an edge when it comes to switching identitiesseamless, really. No one would guess your soul could shift into another race entirely. The Myriad Transformations traitevery schemers dream tool. My only worry is if the Huangs know about the Three Yin Mountain God and have stationed a Marrow Cleansing Saint there, Han admitted. Ill need to prep more, push my cultivation harder. That was his biggest fear and the core reason hed decided to wait. The valley mightve turned into a deadly trapa dragons lair or tigers den. Rushing in blind was too risky. Man, if only Bai Tian would finish his seclusion soon, Han thought. If all goes well, he could hit True Blood Realm, and wed steamroll everythingno need to fear a thing. That night, Zuo Tianzheng hosted a spellcasting duel, but Han didnt bother attending. Unlike martial bouts, these cultivators were too weak compared to himnothing worth watching. The next day, Han visited the Yun family. Yun Duo bounded out, beaming. Hey, Han! Here to see me? To see youand to ask your father a few things, Han replied with a grin. Truth was, it was mostly the latter, but Yun Duo didnt overthink it. Ill take you to Dad! They found Yun Yuannan fishing by a pond. Nephew, what brings you here today? Unauthorized use: this story is on Amazon without permission from the author. Report any sightings. Got some questions, Uncle Han wanted insight on Day Roamer cultivators entering Black Mountain, Zuo Tianzhengs moves, and the Mountain Gods trial tied to the Dragon Maidens words. Plus, he might need a small favor from the Yun family down the line. Yun Yuannan smiled after hearing him out. Didnt expect you to be so close with Her Highness Ao. Since youve caught wind of it, Ill fill you in. Our ancestral Mountain God does plan to offer one final blessing to our homeland in his twilight moments. Heiyuns prodigies stand the best chance of receiving itmaybe even meeting him face-to-face and earning his gifts. But whether it happens, and who hell favor, thats still up in the air. He shook his head. The ancestor might change his mind at the last second, for all we know. With your talent and strength, youve got a solid shot, but keep a level headdont let high hopes crash. Noted, Han said, bowing slightly. As for Zuo Tianzheng, since hes Qis envoy, let him strut around. As long as we stay out of trouble, its fine. Two hours later, Han stepped out of the Yun residence. Big Sis and I will swing by tonight! Yun Duo called, waving. Han smiled and waved back. Back at the martial hall, he tracked down Bai Ruoyue. Senior Sister, I might be leaving Heiyun for a few days. Where now? she asked, eyeing him. Little Brother sure loved to roam. Uncle Yun asked me to handle something, Han explained. I agreed. Its at the border of Tianyue and Tianyang Countiesbit of a trek. Whyd he pick you? Because Im dashing, sharp, strong, and ridiculously capable. She couldnt argue with thatit was pretty spot-on. Fine, just be careful out there. Come back soon. Dont worry, Senior Sister, Han reassured her, then added, You be cautious here too. Lets head to Aunt Mos laterIll have her prep some stuff for you. Why so paranoid? Han wasnt in a rush. He practiced calmly at the hall for a bit before heading to the peach grove with Bai Ruoyue. There, he told Lu Qingmo about his upcoming trip and the reasoning. Go for it, she said. Sounds like a win for you too. Yun Yuannans looking out for you. By dusk, the Yun sisters arrived at the grove, and the trio left Heiyun together. A carriage awaited outsidefour majestic steeds, brimming with vigor, stood harnessed. A stoic coachman greeted them with a low, Evening. Han, hop in! Yun Duo chirped. With a whinny, the carriage surged forward at breakneck speed. These werent ordinary horsesthey had cultivation, practically spirit beasts. The carriage itself was no mundane ride eitherbordering on a magical artifact. Despite the whirlwind of dust and blurring scenery outside, the interior remained steady and plush. No surprise from a Mountain Gods descendantsa centuries-old clan with treasures aplenty. Inside, the space was vast. Beyond seats, there were two beds, a wooden table, and moreall without feeling cramped. Han, a small-town guy at heart, had never ridden anything this fancy. Not long after their departure, a black-robed figure appeared where theyd left town, staring into the distance before turning back. Didnt expect youd be coming with me, Han! Yun Duo giggled. Thanks to Uncle Yuns kindness. This trios journey stemmed from Yun Yuannans request. At the Tianyue-Tianyang border lies the Sun-Moon Stone Foresthalf in each county. Four years ago, Yun Yuannan stumbled across a gestating treasure there. Too early to claim, he marked it for later. Each year since, hed sent someone to check on it. This years early visit showed it nearing maturityalmost ready now. It was a soul treasure, perfect for a Night Roamer aiming for Day Roamera fit for Yun Duo, with her soul talent and current realm. Yun Yuannan wanted it for her. But this treasure had a catch: it needed refining on-site, using the lands unique features, or its potency would fade if moved. So, Yun Duo had to travel to the Sun-Moon Stone Forest for a flawless result. Originally, Yun Feng was to escort his sisters, but Hans visit and their rapport shifted the task to him. The treasures site offered extrasbyproducts useful for martial cultivation, even at Viscera Realm, and portable. Han would get a sharerepayment for past aid and a nod to future cooperation with Yun Duos friendship sealing the deal. Know anything about the Sun-Moon Stone Forest? Han asked. Yun Yuannan had only briefed him on the treasure, not the place itself. Yun Duo blinked. Its a forest of stones. Han couldnt even counter that. Flawless logicclassic Yun Duo. Yun Yun laughed, ruffling her sisters hair. Its a strange spotfull of stone peaks and caves, all solid rock with wild scenery. But since its all stone, you get odd beasts like stone-eaters, unique to the area. The deep, dark caves hide plenty of yin spirits toonot a small number either. Cultivators go there to hunt treasures or train. You might run into Tianyang folks. Rumor has it there are thousands of caves, some linked deep down, a few like ghost dens with creepy vibes. Most who venture in are Flesh or Sinew Realmnothing we cant handle. Dads treasure spot is super hiddenhe masked it after finding it. No one shouldve noticed. Yun Yun had clearly done her homework, laying out the details. Han listened, piecing it together. Night deepened. Though the carriage had beds, their cultivation meant skipping a nights rest was no issue. Yun Duo tapped a corner, and a hatch opened in the roof, letting moonlight spill inperfect for cultivating. Even on the road, dont slack off! she chirped. Your friendly cultivation reminder, Yun Duo, reporting for duty. Have you pushed yourself today? Lets go! Chapter 217: The Burden of the Mountain Linyang Countya modest town nestled closest to the border of the two counties. Beyond it, a journey of just over sixty miles stretched to the Sun-Moon Stone Forest. Han and his companions bypassed Linyang without stopping, heading straight for their destination. Outside the county, a few onlookers spotted their ornate carriage, whispering and pointing. They speculated it might belong to some noble familys offspringsuch sights werent uncommon, often bound for the Stone Forest. No one batted an eye. By the time they arrived, dawn was just breaking. From a distance, the Stone Forest sprawled endlesslyjagged peaks piercing the sky, gray stone dominating the landscape, steeped in eerie silence. Han, Yun Duo, and Yun Yun stepped inside, leaving the coachman to wait in a secluded corner. A dry, chilly wind greeted them as they entered. Han let his mental energy sweep outward, unrestrained, scanning their surroundings. No powerful beasts lurked herehe could afford to be bold. Yun Yun led the way, Yun Duo walked in the middle, and Han brought up the rear, keeping the younger girl safely sandwiched between them. Once I refine that treasure, Ill be one big step closer to Day Roamer, Yun Duo said, counting on her fingers. And when I break through later, itll shield my soul, cutting down the suns damage as much as possible. Awesome! she chirped, beaming. With no prying ears around, they could speak freely. Han, Ill catch up to you soon! Impressive, impressive. Then I can tackle tougher beastsdo stuff I couldnt before! So, your breakthroughs all about upgrading your weasel-trapping and corpse-chasing skills? Terrifying. Han shuddered to imagine what horrors Yun Duo might unleash if she reached some lofty realm and kept dabbling in her quirky experiments. Roar! A beasts bellow cut through the silence. An odd creature lumbered into viewpointed snout, steel-glinting teeth peeking out, stubby legs, a bulky frame with a bloated belly, thick fur, and a short, knotted tail. Is that a stone-eater? Han asked, curiosity piqued. With a flick of his mental energy, he yanked it closer. Hed sensed it earlier but let it approach out of interest. It was just Flesh Realmnothing to dodge. The stone-eater flailed helplessly in Hans grip, suspended midair, unable to even squeak. A beast that lives on rockspretty cool, Yun Duo said, sidling up to inspect it, her eyes sparkling. Wonder what its stomachs like. High-tier beasts ate all sorts of weird stuff, but a stone-eater munching rocks straight from birthbefore even hitting Flesh Realm? That was something else. The worlds wonders never ceased. Han patted its head. From now on, youre Gakuma. Why that name? Yun Duo asked. It just popped into my head. After a quick mental probe, Han tossed it aside. The stone-eater scampered off, grunting indignantly. It briefly considered turning back to chomp the humans whod toyed with it, but survival instincts screamed run. Deeper into the Stone Forest, they encountered stronger stone-eatersstill childs play compared to them. Han also spotted other cultivators hunting beasts or treasures, mostly Flesh Realm, with Sinew Realm folks few and far between. The Sun-Moon Stone Forest was a low-key spotno heavy hitters bothered with it. Beyond stone-eaters, other beasts were scarce; theyd seen maybe three or four the whole way. If you encounter this narrative on Amazon, note that it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it. Here we are, Yun Yun announced. Ahead lay a pitch-black cave, its depths unreadablelike a gaping maw. Above it towered a sky-scraping stone peak. Dad said this is right on the county line, smack in the Stone Forests heart, Yun Yun explained, gesturing. This caves half in Tianyue, half in Tianyang. Lets check it out, Han said, stepping in first. Though dark, the gloom didnt faze his vision. After a short walk, a shrill screech erupteda fierce yin spirit lunged at him. With a wave of his hand, white light flashed, purifying the ghost instantly. A tiny bead of pure soul energy lingered; Han absorbed it. Guess there really are ghosts, he muttered. Too bad it was just a weaklingone finger couldve squashed it. As they ventured deeper, branching paths appeared, weaving an intricate web. The rumor that the Stone Forests caves linked up might hold water after all. Then, a faint glow pierced the darkness. They hurried toward it, finding a small puddle. The water was an earthy yellow, yet it didnt feel murkymore clean and luminous. At its center rose a tiny mound, cradling a stone bead. The bead was mostly ochre, save for a thread-thin strip of gray-white. Above, a head-sized hole pierced the peak, letting sunlight stream straight onto the puddle. Day and night, sun and moon had bathed this spot in turns, weaving something extraordinary. Thats it! Yun Duo crouched by the puddle, gazing at the bead with delight dancing in her eyes. The Mountain-Bearing Stone. Forged from the deep virtue of mountains and rivers, infused with the essence of sun and moon, it was a soul treasure. Refining it imbued ones soul with a force of mountain strength. During the leap to Day Roamer, this power neutralized the suns harmful energies, letting only its nourishing core remain to gild the soul. It slashed the risks of the breakthrough, ensuring a smoother ascent. The mountain force faded after three to five uses, though, and the refining process also granted a boost of soul energy. For Han, it was uselesssunlight was just food to him now, harmless no matter how much he soaked up. The soul energy it offered was substantial for Yun Duo, but for a Day Roamer like Han, with his deep reserves, it was a drop in the bucket. This treasure was tailor-made for herpractically guaranteeing a flawless Day Roamer breakthrough. Looks like its not fully matured yet, Han noted. A perfect Mountain-Bearing Stone would be solid ochre; this one still had that gray-white streak. Yun Yun studied it. Its closeprobably just a few hours off. Han nodded. Then we wait. That tracked with expectations. The Yun family had pegged it to ripen around nowarriving a tad early or late was no big deal. Theres plenty of Mountain Force Liquid too, Yun Yun said, pleased. Enough for us both, with some to spare. The liquid around the stoneMountain Force Liquidwas a martial treasure, usable even at Viscera Realm, with solid benefits. Refining it toughened the body like stone, lending punches and kicks the weight of a collapsing peak. A bit exaggerated, sure, but it undeniably boosted strength and durability. Han had a share coming. They couldnt touch it until the stone matured, thoughdisturbing it early would weaken the stones effect. The puddles nook was roomybig enough for a dozen people. But as they lingered, Han noticed yin spirits and fierce ghosts kept sniffing them out. In fifteen minutes, hed purified nearly ten. Dad was right, Yun Yun said. This treasures a magnet for these things. Han shrugged. Just small fryno threat. Yun Yuannan had warned them: such natural treasures drew ghosts too. Theyd need to stay vigilant while claiming it. Outside, as they waited, a group passed the cave. Unlike the usual Flesh and Sinew Realm scrubs, these four stood outthree Viscera Realm martial artists and one cultivator, all in matching robes emblazoned with a purple flame on the chest. A scarred man spoke to the cultivator. Brother Xuan, how many stone-eater stomachs are we short? Killed twenty-six, got nineteen, Brother Xuan replied. Need thirty more. Whats the sect want these stomachs for? the scarred man griped. Theyre useless. Three days scouring this place, and only twenty-six? This tasks a time-sink. Elders orders, Brother Xuan said, brushing it off. We do as toldno need to question it. Also, of the forty-nine, three have to come from Viscera Realm stone-eater kings. Got it, but those kings are rare. Barely a handful in the whole forestthisll take forever. A squinting man glanced at Hans cave. Think theres any in these caves? Nah, Brother Xuan said. Too many yin spiritsstone-eaters hate them. They dont live inside. Fair. The four chatted as they passed, not entering. Moments later, they bolted off toward a distant stone-eater. Four hours ticked by. At last, the Mountain-Bearing Stone maturedthe gray-white streak vanished under their watchful eyes. A faint glow pulsed from it, a calming aura rippling out. Han, Yun Duo, and Yun Yun grinned. Success. Yun Duo reached for it Whoosh! A howl tore through the cave as yin energy surged toward them. Hans mental force lashed out, flattening the intrudera yin spirit, dead in an instant. His expression shifted. His senses screamed: fierce ghosts were converging from all directions, wild and ravenous, drawn by the matured stone. To refine it perfectly, they had to stay putleaving wasnt an option. That meant someone had to guard Yun Duo while she worked, keeping her safe. That was Hans job. If this trip had been a cakewalk with no challenges, Yun Yuannan wouldnt have tapped him for it. Yun Duo, start refining the stone. Yun Yun, gather the Mountain Force Liquid. Ill handle the rest. Han stayed cool. What were a few ghosts and ghouls? A couple words, and theyd be toast. Chapter 218: Heaven Ignored, Hell Embraced A radiant, holy light of purification pierced the darkness, flooding the cave with brilliance. Fierce yin spirits and vengeful ghosts shrieked as they charged, brimming with malice. Yet, as the light washed over them, their rage melted away, replaced by a serene calm. One by one, Han purified and released them, their essences dissolving into the heavens and returning to the netherworld. They came with fury, they left in peace. Each left behind a bead of pure soul energya token of gratitude for Hans deliverance. Han didnt lift a finger. Standing still, he chanted divine incantations and subtly wielded his artifact, effortlessly dispelling the relentless tide of ghosts. For someone wielding the Three Radiance Blessed Mirror and versed in the Purify Heaven and Earth Incantation, these low-tier spectral threats were childs play. Other cultivators might fear being overwhelmedants toppling an elephant through sheer numbers, draining them to death. But for Han? No chance. The soul energy they left behind was a perfect snack for his spirit. No matter how many came, it was futile. Of course, that hinged on these ghosts being far weaker than him. If countless spirits matched his strength, thatd be a nightmare. But in the Sun-Moon Stone Forest? Not a ghost here came close. Most were Visualization or Out-of-Body tierNight Roamers were rare, and a whiff of Day Roamer yang energy would undo them. This horde storming from every cave might look impressive, but they were just delivering themselves on a platter. Yun Yuannan had picked the right guy for the job. Yun Duo focused on refining the Mountain-Bearing Stone, trusting Han completely. Yun Yun had already collected all the Mountain Force Liquid. Shed planned to pitch in against the ghost swarm, but watching Han at work, she stayed silent. This treasure hunt was almost too easy. The caves teemed with ghostsenough to give Yun Yun a decent workout if shed handled them. Dual cultivator or not, her Night Roamer soul wouldve needed time and effort to clear them out, nowhere near Hans efficiency. Han made it look effortless. Good thing we brought him, Yun Yun thought. Outside, the ghosts uproar sent wisps of yin energy spiraling from every cave mouth, sharp wails echoing faintly. The commotion drew eyes. Whats going on? Are the cave ghosts rioting? Is a treasure awakening?! Could a ghost king be rising? Should we check it out? If its a ghost king, were all deadbetter ditch the Stone Forest! The sudden chaos spooked the cautious, who fled, fearing disaster or death. But it also lured the curious, the bold, and the greedy into the caves, chasing the unknown. Following the ghosts trail, they edged closer to the Mountain-Bearing Stones nook. Among them were the four from earlier, tasked with gathering stone-eater stomachs. The scarred man spoke as they ventured deeper. Whats this? Never heard of the Stone Forest acting up like this. Nothing in the sects records mentions ghost riots, Brother Xuan replied, his mental energy probing the surroundings. Lets see whats upmight be something worth grabbing. Anything out of the ordinary had a reason. For cultivators, that meant opportunityprofit lurking in the strange. As more intruders poured in, Han sensed them near the puddle. People are coming, he said. Three at Viscera Realm. Why would Viscera martial artists be here? Yun Yun tensed, glancing at Yun Duostill refining, needing more time. We need to stall them. Ignore the Flesh and Sinew scrubs Stolen novel; please report. Hans mental energy surged, roaring through the tunnels and slamming into the encroaching cultivators. An overwhelming pressurean unstoppable forcesent them flying. Leave this place. A voice, flat and commanding, boomed through the caves. The repelled cultivators reeled in terror. Attacked without seeing a soul or ghost? Seasoned ones caught on fast: a master cultivator lurked within, freakishly strong. To hit them unseen, unhindered by their vitality, it had to be at least Day Roamer! Forgive us, Senior! Were leaving now! one stammered, drenched in cold sweat, bowing before bolting. Less savvy ones, clueless to the implications, tried againonly to be flung back. Now they got it: a powerhouse they couldnt cross dwelled inside. Not a ghost king, but a high cultivator. The Flesh Realm small fry scattered, no longer daring to poke around. For the four with purple flame emblems, Han held off attacking, issuing a warning instead. Get out. Dont come closer. They froze, hearts pounding, turning to their lone cultivator. Day Roamer, Brother Xuan muttered, face grim, recognizing the power instantly. That flood of soul energy, laced with unmistakable yang, screamed it. The three Viscera martial artists paled. A Day Roamer was elder-tier in their sect. Sure, theyd lose a straight brawl with a Bone Refinement fighter, but in a sect, their status rivaled or even topped them. Cultivators werent just fightersthey crafted artifacts, pills, talismans. Their utility set them apart. A single cultivation-boosting pill or strength-enhancing talisman? Priceless. Most martial artists only punched; cultivators did more. Brother Xuan, what now? the squinting man asked via mind-link. Brother Xuans expression flickered. Looks like no ghost king. If a treasures here, that Day Roamers probably got it already. Damn it, a treasure worth a Day Roamers time? Must be insane! All four seethed with envy and regret. If only theyd found it first! Another martial artist chimed in, If hes got it, why not leave? Why shoo us away? He could slip out, and no oned be the wiser. Brother Xuans eyes sparked. Unless hes in trouble. Maybe he caused this ghost riot? A weakened master, cornered and bluffing to scare off intrudersit wasnt unheard of. The others pulses raced. A compromised Day Roamer? Too tempting. His loot could make them rich beyond dreams. No clue whats upsoul alone or body too? Brother Xuan shouted, Were from Tianyangs Purple Flame Sect! Which Senior graces us? If you need aid, just say itwell do our utmost! Purple Flame Sect? Han knew of themon par with Tianyues top dog, the Yuan family. Their signature Purple Flame technique was famous nearby, though risky to practiceone slip, and youre toast. Get out, Han replied. As you command, Senior. Brother Xuan shot his crew a look, and they retreated. Far off, they huddled, mind-linking. Brother Xuan, whats the play? Ive got a treasure from my master, he said. The others straightenedhis master was no small fry. Meant to save my skin, but if that Day Roamers really hurting, this could cripple him further. Then lets storm in! the squinting man urged, hyped. Hold upcaution first, Brother Xuan cautioned. Hes still a Day Roamer, and him being weak is just our hunch. Ill test him. He brushed a pouch at his waist. A purple, thumb-thick snake slithered out. After a brief exchange, it hissed, spewing purple mist that morphed into another snake, darting into the cave. Thats your Purple Mist Flame Snake? Yep, my masters gift, Brother Xuan nodded. Helps me cultivate Purple Flame. Stealthy, fast as lightning, and its mist tricks are tough for most Day Roamers to spot. The others gawked, jealous. In a cultivator-heavy sect like Purple Flame, where the namesake technique reigned supreme, a pet boosting that practice was goldits other perks just icing on the cake. At the puddle, Han frowned, instantly clocking the intrudernot a real creature. Ordinary Day Roamers might miss it, but Han wasnt ordinary. He sighed. Just wanted to grab the treasure and go, but some folks insist on digging their own graves. A fake snake meant a trickand Han knew who sent it. Killing intent flared. Hed been lenient, only shooing them off, no harm meant. But if these four wanted to play dirty, theyd brought it on themselves. With moves like that, did they think hed assume good intentions? Yun Yun He briefed her, and she slipped out through a tunnel. Han let his soul drift free, masking it to seem frail, dialing back the purification light. Ghosts flooded in, swarming hima staged devoured by spirits scene. Heres the answer you want. Outside, the real snake hissed frantically. Brother Xuan nodded, glee creeping onto his face. A weakened cultivator, endless ghosts, a kid refining treasuretoo perfect! Hes in bad shape, Brother Xuan said gravely. Two options: go for it or bail? Go for it, we risk him taking oneor allof us down. Bail, we walk away clean. He was lucid. Murder and looting sounded sweet, but he knew the stakes. The others locked eyes. The scarred man decided, We go for it! This might be our one shot! A crippled Bone Refinement fighter could still crush them if he twitched. But a cultivator? Different story. Brother Xuans treasure could soften him up, then three Viscera fighters could swarmgood odds. Alright, if were in, focus upbring everything youve got. They marched back in, hearts pounding with excitement, greed, and fear. They knew failures price, knew the cultivator would fight back, knew the danger. Yet they chose the gamble. Purple Flame Sect bred risk-takersdanger was in their blood, woven into their nature from day one. This haul was worth it. Han shook his head. Heavens door was open, but you picked hells gate. Yun Yun returned. Han threw up a barrier, cloaking their spot from the Purple Flame crews senses. Theyre coming, he said. Bad vibes. Three Viscera, one Night Roamer, Yun Yun said, fists clenched. Whats the plan? Han smirked, unbothered. No sweatthey wont touch Yun Duo. To him, the four were ants. He kept purifying the rushing ghosts, calm as ever. Say what you will, this forests caves were crawling with yin spirits. The Purple Flame quartet crept close to the puddle, spotting Hans group. Seeing Yun Yunan extrathey blanched. Sh! Han glanced over. Their words died unspokenforever. Whoosh! Tricolored yin fire erupted around them, swallowing sound and life. The Viscera martial artists robust vitality burned to ash, their bodies freezing solid from the inside out. The Night Roamers soul incinerated to dust in an instant. No resistance. Just four ice statues remained. Adventure? Thats for real possibilitiesthis was suicide. Opportunity? They lost it the second they chose this path. Yun Sect Master, cleanups done. Chapter 219: One More Organ Mastered, The Final Countdown Yun Yun huffed and puffed as she dragged the four ice sculptures over. In the process, she couldnt help but notice the utter absence of life in themcompletely snuffed out. Shock rippled through her. She knew Hans soul prowess was something else, but every display left her reeling. His strength at the Day Roamer stage wasnt like other early-tier cultivators. Sure, they could take down Viscera Realm fighters, but not with such ease. These four didnt even get a chance to fight backwiped out in an instant. Two at minor Viscera mastery, one at major, she murmured, stunned. That meant Han could squash her even more effortlessly if he wanted. His soul settled back into his body, and Han shook his head, unfazed. At his current level, dropping Viscera Realm foes didnt even spark a flicker of pride. Told them to leave, but they had to get greedy, he said. His Yin Earth Firea spell pivotal in cross-tier battleshad evolved again, its ferocity now overwhelming. Even Day Roamers couldnt withstand it. And these chumps thought they could scheme against him? A typical Day Roamer in a bind mightve fallen to that lineup, but they had no clue who they were messing with. No lifeline couldve saved them. Han plucked their spatial pouches and started erasing the seals. Yun Yun piped up, Han, whyd you call me Sect Master Yun earlier? Because your names Yun Yun. He pondered a beat, then said earnestly, I think youve got the vibe of a sect leader. But Im not part of any sect. Right I meant sect master as in clan head. I could see you leading the Yun family someday. She laughed, shaking her head. My talents not up to it, and Ive got no interest anyway. Life doesnt always bend to our plans, Han replied, his tone cryptic. Whats this bag? While wiping the pouch seals, hed snagged a purple cloth sack from the cultivator. Inside lay that purple snake, now unconscious, its life fading fast. Yun Yun explained, Thats probably a spirit beast. Its masters dead, so its suffering too. So this is a spirit beast pouch? Yep. Han eyed it curiously. If it holds beasts, could it hold peopleor just their bodies? Her expression turned odd. People arent exactly spirit beasts, right? True. But he shook his head again. Youd be surprisedsome folks are tamer than beasts. No beast-taming spells needed; theyre more obedient than anything a spell could control. Yun Yun blinked, intrigued. Whats that about? Theyre called Han said gravely, lapdogs. She paused. Never heard of that breed. Hope you never run into one. Or turn into one. I did it! Yun Duos cheer broke the moment. She leapt up, cheeks flushed, the Mountain-Bearing Stone fully refined. Its power now simmered in her, ready to aid her Day Roamer breakthrough later. Huh? Whats with these ice statues? This story originates from a different website. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there. Just some nobodies, Han brushed off. With Yun Duo done, they had no reason to linger. They left the cave, exiting the Stone Forest without a backward glance. Before going, Han torched the four corpses to ash. The ornate carriage kicked up dust and pebbles, speeding off into the distance. Hours later, more Purple Flame Sect disciples arrived at the Stone Forest. After poking around, they reached the puddle nookand found four piles of ash. Jerks! We didnt even mess with them. Han, you tried to let them off easy, and they still came after us! Yun Duo huffed, now clued in on the earlier drama. Good thing you were here, Han. If Second Brother had come instead, wed have been toast. Just doing my part, Han said with a modest smile, not basking in the praise. Hed signed up to helpsitting idle and snagging free loot wasnt his style. The seals on the four pouches were gone. Han rummaged through, pulling out a pointed shuttle. Sensing its patterns and power, he grinned. No wonder they risked it, knowing Im Day Roamer. They had this up their sleeve. It couldve seriously hurt a dodging Day Roamer, but too bad for them. Against Han, who didnt even let them react, it was useless. Why so many stone-eater stomachs in this guys pouch? Han wondered. Gakuma slayer much? Maybe theyve got some weird use for them, Yun Yun guessed. No one alive could solve that riddle for him. Stomachs? Yun Duo perked up. Let me see! Here, take themall yours. Her obsession with freaky stuff was downright spooky. The pouches held no real treasures for Han. The shuttle was a decent one-shot Day Roamer item, but the rest? Meh. No Purple Flame Techniquethe sects core legacyhere. The best was a run-of-the-mill Day Roamer spell. Han shook his head. Big sect disciples, yet so broke. Back in Heiyun Town by midnight, the Yun sisters dropped Han at the peach grove and left. His share of Mountain Force Liquid was already in hand. Inside, Lu Qingmo was still up. Han pulled out the purple snake. Purple Mist Flame Snakea Purple Flame Sect specialty. Feeds on fire, refines it in its belly, and spits it out stronger, she said, sizing it up before shaking her head. Dont bother trying to boost your Yin Fire with it. Itd die on contactbred specifically for their sects legacy technique. Someone once nabbed one; its useless for other flames. If it worked broadly, Purple Flame couldnt keep the recipe. Han sighed, disappointed. Its dying, huh? Pretty much, she nodded. Unless a Purple Flame beast-tamer shows up today, its done. Like a ghost bound to a fallen master, a beast followed suit. Han didnt care muchit was no use to him anyway. Towns been quiet? Zuo Tianzheng picked his talents from the bunch. Otherwise, same old, same oldno trouble. Any word on the other two ingredients for the Heavenly Saint Revival Liquid? Lu Qingmo sighed. The ancient ciphers still unsolved. Even if we crack it, its a long shot. Judging by the decoding hassle, Heaven-Mending Vines probably the common oneand weve got zilch on it. The other two? Near impossible. Theres always a way, Han said. After a long chat, he found a spot and started refining the Mountain Force Liquid. As its power seeped in, one word hit him: heavy. A deep, grounding weight, like the earth and mountains flooding his body. Bit by bit, it fused into his organs, fortifying them. Thenan organ flared with earthy yellow mist, radiating flawless perfection. A hazy figure flickered within, like a living being dwelling there, gone in an instant. Phew! Han exhaled, the breath carrying a tangible heft. His stomach unleashed a surge of misty vitality, coursing through his limbs, refining them. True qi poured into his stomach and gushed back outtransformed. His physique spiked, the qi thickening with a newfound gravity. Lu Qingmo glanced over from afar, rubbing her forehead. Another breakthrough? Seriously? Han had perfected another organhis stomach this time. The months training had already pushed him forward; the liquid sealed the deal. Two of his six viscera were now flawlessa third of the way there. Feeling the boost in his body, he nodded, pleased. In the Viscera Realm, mastering each organ brought a solid jump in strength. Perfecting all five organs and six viscera into a seamless cycle? Thatd be a game-changer. He wasnt far from mastering the viscera half. And when his stomach hit perfection, hed glimpsed somethingthe gods of the organs. The day he truly sensed those divinities might be close. At dawn, leaving the peach grove for the martial hall, Han mulled things over. Wheres my Drift Wish Bottle? Its the last day for this cheat! Come on, Drift, step it up! You dont want to vanish with regrets, right? Bai Ruoyue lit up when she saw him. Thought youd be gone for days! Got lucky, so Im back early. If the Mountain-Bearing Stone had needed days to ripen, hed have lingered longer. The timing was a stroke of fate. This time, Han didnt nudge Bai Ruoyue to check his progresshe wanted her to take the lead for once. At mealtime, he wolfed down food lightning-fast, way quicker than usual. A perfect stomach meant killer digestion. Paired with his swallowing technique, few things could stump him now. His speed caught everyones eye. Whats with the appetite today? Swallowing Sun Technique level up? someone asked. Nah, not that, Han said, wiping his mouth and tilting his head. Ask me already! Bai Ruoyues eyes flickered. Her hand slid under the table, brushing him. Lets see whats improved. Freak! she muttered, pulling back. Han smirked. Now thats more like it. Chapter 220: The Final Wish Bottle Hans breakthrough brought an immediate, practical snag. Dinner wasnt enough to go around. Beast meat was a key supplement for martial artistspacked with vitality and nutrients, it fueled cultivation for a good stretch and built up reserves in the body. Any fresh moves from the Heiyun Guard lately? Han asked, tracking down Shen Long and the crew. Zuo Tianzhengs shifting his focus hard to Black Mountain, Shen Long replied, shaking his head. Hes pulled most of the forces keeping Heiyun stable over there. He Feng snorted. Theyre maintaining order, they say. But those guards? Theyre the same ones whove always spent the most time in Black Mountain. Now theyre just treasure-hunting under a new title. Ive heard from martial artists coming out of Black Mountain, Shen Long added. With the Heiyun Guard around, its not more orderlyits a bigger mess. Their badge is just a banner to wave. Han mulled it over. Zuo Tianzheng was casting a wide net, unsure where his prize lay. Whatever Zuo was up to, though, no one else could steer it. They just had to keep clear of the fallout. What threw Han off was waiting all dayright into the nightwithout a sign of that fourth wish bottle. Seriously? Dont tell me its a bust. Drift, if you flake out like this, Im gonna lose respect for you, he muttered. Something up? Lu Qingmo asked, eyeing him. You seem off. Waiting for someone who didnt show, Han said, a hint of sulk in his tone. Drift was dropping the ball. It was almost 11 p.m.sub-hourand still nothing. Lu Qingmo blinked, puzzled. Is he hinting at me? Time ticked past sub-hour by half an hour. Han had all but given up on Drift when his soul homeland stirred. Hey, hey, heyhere it comes! Shock turned to glee. You little tease, cutting it this close? Playing games with me, huh? His souls gaze sharpened, locking onto a bottle that popped up out of nowhereno trace of its origin. What floored Han most? This one wasnt blue or purpleit was a third color. Red. If colors mean rank, is red above or below blue and purple? he wondered. Better be higherlast bottle of the month, youve gotta deliver, right? He snatched the wish bottle, pulled out the paper, and read: [Three days ago, while washing Second Misss feet, I spilled water by mistake. She gave me ten lashesskin torn, body screaming, butt stinging like fire. Couldnt sit or stand straight.] Hans expression twitched. Washing feet was washing feetwhy fancy it up as foot cleansing? And this wishers backside? Probably literally on fire. [Two days ago, Third Young Master was in a bad mood. Said I bumped into himslapped my face. My already ugly mug got uglier, hurt so bad I could barely eat.] Han pieced it together. Low statuslikely a servant or slave. [Yesterday, feeding Eldest Young Masters Western Fierce Hound, it went berserktore off a chunk of my flesh. He blamed me, gave me three more lashes. Skin split open, the hound chowing on my meat right beside me. I knelt and thanked him for the reward.] This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience. This wishers life was that grim? Four wishers this month, and this ones misery ranked right below Suis. [Today, Im sneaking martial arts lessons. After yesterdays reward, I found a sewerleads straight to the Fang familys inner disciple courtyard. Hidden, untraceable.] [Stealing martial skills is a death sentencecaught, and Id die horribly. But I dont care anymore.] [A golden chance! My dad was a Fang family slave, Im a Fang family slave. Without a miracle, my kids and grandkids will be too. I dont want to be a house petI want to be human.] [Plus, Im so uglypeople and ghosts despise meno heirs likely. Might as well roll the dice!] [Win, I break free, skys the limit. Lose eighteen years later, Im back in the game.] Han froze. Fang family slave, stealing martial arts What kind of storyline are you living? He zeroed in on something elsethis wisher was tough as nails. Three days straight of rewards, beaten to a pulp, yet still kicking like it was nothing? [Ive memorized the Fang familys Foundation Martial Art. In Great Xia, the Fang family rules Tianxing Province. Their foundational stuff is top-tierI nailed it in one go. Guess Ive got some talent. Freedoms looking closer!] Great Xia, Tianxing Province, Han muttered, brow creasing. Another unfamiliar land, another wisher lost in who-knows-where. No point asking Lu Qingmohe knew no such nation existed today. [I failed.] The twist hit like whiplash. Werent you just saying hope was soaring? [I memorized it, but practicing? Agonycant stand, body spazzing out. I cant train.] [Tried tons of timessame deal. My bodys freakish, heals fast, but this martial pain? Nothing helps.] [Im a martial dud. Cultivation arts? Out of reachFang family teaches that to clansmen in secret spots.] [What do I do] [Ill figure it out. I wont quit.] [Better a beggar than a slave!] The note ended there. The fourth wishers wish was crystal clear: fix their martial block, step into the martial path, gain power, climb the ladder, ditch slavery, and reclaim freedom. Practicing martial arts triggers unbearable pain, convulsions, cant even stand, Han mused, frowning. Hed never heard of such a thing. All martial arts, from wellness to Flesh Realm, demanded physical trainingbuilding the body through sweat and motion. Sitting meditation wasnt for low-tier martial artists. This wishers condition was a martial dead-end. He stood and sought Lu Qingmo. Aunt Mo, is there anyone who absolutely cant practice martial arts? There is. Youve met oneMeng Hao. Besides him? She nodded. Sure. Martial arts arent as picky as cultivation arts. With a manual and guidance, anyone can theoretically trainstrengthen their body. Cultivations trickiersoul arts lean heavy on talent and insight. Way fewer cultivators than martial artists out there. But some folks are outliers, she continued. Their bodies have quirks. Training doesnt build them upit breaks them down. Usually, theres a fixstrong intervention or tailored treasures. Cases like Meng Hao, where even Zi Xiao Tianjuns stumped? Rare. Why the sudden question? Just feeling lucky Ive got a smidge of talent, Han said. You barge in at midnight to flex your smidge of talent? Han left, knowing he couldnt fix this wishers issue. Worlds apartmaybe even eras aparthow could he patch up their body? Helping them escape slavery directly? Also out of his hands. Cant crack the martial block, so Ill hook you up with cultivation arts. Hope youve got the knack for it, he decided. The wish papers text had faded. He grabbed a pen and started his reply, a strange wistfulness creeping in. Sure, the [Drift Wish Bottle] cheat was weird and cryptic, but this month, itd scored him four pen pals. Friendship tucked away in letters and bottles. [Long, long ago, there was a guy named Xiao Han] [He learned martial arts, stumbled into all sorts of lucky breaks] [Through grit and the occasional rare tonic, this horse-grooming nobody climbed to the worlds peakan immortal legend.] [Fellow slave, if Xiao Han made it, so can you!] [Thats the spirit of a true man!] Han poured ink into a rousing tale, tweaking it to fit this worldleaving out specifics like what rare tonics Xiao Han ate. Four bottles, four stories. If these spread, Id be a legend in storyteller circles, he chuckled, scribbling down some cultivation arts. He wasnt just dishing out motivational fluffhed pack in real know-how. Hed taken down plenty of cultivators, amassing a stash of arts. Useless to him now, but gold for a beginner. The Huang family Day Roamer and Dai Lins hauls alone were plentymore than enough to kit out a newbie pen pal. To keep it clear, he added notes explaining terms, ensuring the wisher could grasp the basics. Still, he tacked on a warning: Figure it out before diving indont rush blind. Pen down, a red flash flared, and the paper vanished. Hope you sort yourself out and break free, Han said, sending good vibes. In the red glow, a lean silhouette flickeredface unclear, but those eyes? Sharp and unforgettable. One glance, and Han felt like they mirrored him, reflecting his whole being. The light faded. He snapped back. This wishers no pushover, he mused, shaking his head. Doesnt matter how specialtheyre out of reach. Chapter 221: Natal Artifact and a Cheat Refreshed Whoosh! The red wish bottle melted abruptly, pooling into Hans sea of consciousness. A faint crimson glow spread across it, and visibly, the sea expanded. Beyond boosting his mental strength and fortifying his soul, Han felt his mental energy toughen under the surgegaining a peculiar, elusive charm. Then, the bottles contents revealed themselves. Han stared, dumbfounded. A lumpy, irregular blob of clay? Wait, did they pack the wrong thing? This is totally Yun Duos vibe, not mine. Tianxing Province, Fang Family. The Fang family stood as the premier clan of Tianxing Province in Great Xiaa legacy tied to the empires founding. Their ancestor fought alongside Great Xias progenitor, earning unshakable trust from the imperial line. Every Fang patriarch since had served as the provinces governor, each ennobled as a duke or marquis. For generations, the Fangs reaped the bounty of this fertile land. Their estate sprawled over thousands of acresan opulent maze of courtyards and gardens, exuding grandeur. In one unassuming corner, the servants quarters satplain compared to the rest. Inside a modest room, a red flash streaked in, merging with a lone occupant. A wiry youth, gender unclear at a glance, sat there. A large red birthmark marred their face. Strip that away, and their features were delicatesoft, likely female. The youth had been meditating on their future when the red light hit. A clear, resonant male voice filled their mind, unbroken and warm. Xiao Han Thats the spirit of a true man! Then, cultivation arts flooded intechniques they grasped instantly, no barriers. Alongside the voice and arts came a power, seeping into their body. Something hidden in that red glow dissolved unseen obstacles within them. Boom! A thunderous roar echoed in their head. A faint portal shimmered into view, cracking open slightly. Streams of light poured through, merging with them. Memories surfacedThree Lives, Three Worlds Reincarnation Scripture, Unbreakable Heaven Techniqueleaving their eyes dazed. Whats this? they murmured, bewildered by the sudden influx of mysterious skills. A painting appeared in their handa portrait of that same striking guy. Are you the one helping me? they asked, staring at Hans image. No answer came. Im just your pen paldont get too attached. The portrait melted into their palm. Snapping to, they hesitated before skipping the Fang familys Foundation Art. Instead, they tried the Unbreakable Heaven Technique. For some reason, it felt second naturelike theyd practiced it a thousand times. No struggle, no pain. Success. Ecstatic, they didnt notice the red birthmark on their face shiftingfading, then reappearing, alive-like. Better a beggar than a slave, they repeated, a vortex swirling in their eyes as if it could devour the world. Their left hand clenched, gripping an invisible picture. The clay blob landed in Hans palm, radiating an odd sensation. It felt more like an artifact than random muck. He probed it with mental energy, triggering a faint glow. Then it clickedthis was an artifact embryo. Crafting an artifact wasnt simple. Gathering soul-infused materials and rare components was just the start. A cultivator skilled in True Fire or flame arts had to forge themprecise heat, neither too fierce nor too weak, testing their mastery. The materials then fused perfectly, shaped through relentless firing. You could be reading stolen content. Head to the original site for the genuine story. But it wasnt just about heat. Refining seals had to be etched inunlocking the materials potential and harmonizing them. Even after shaping, the work continued: inscribing artifact patterns and mystical runes to imbue supernatural power. Only then, if all went flawlessly, did you get a true artifact. Compared to forging martial weapons, artifact crafting was pure mystiquefit for legends. Martial artists hammered steel with sweat; cultivators spat True Fire and called it a day. The former lacked that ethereal flair. This embryo Han got from the wish bottle? It had cleared all the prep stagesa marvel one step from completion. Nurture it with soul power, vitality, lunar force, and solar essence, then etch the runes, and itd become a full-fledged artifactDay Roamer tier, no less. The key step was engraving a cultivators visualization diagram as the runes, making it a natal artifactperfectly attuned to its owner. Itd demand less energy to wield than other artifacts, yet pack a bigger punch. Even if someone else snagged it and mimicked Hans visualization, they couldnt unlock its full might. Plus, it could bear additional artslike Hans Earth Fire Seal runes. Best of all, it could evolve post-creation. Han had no clue what materials or methods birthed this embryo, but it had that rare potential. As his cultivation grew, its power would scale up. He could hunt higher-grade materials, refine their essence with True Fire, and feed itletting it upgrade itself. No refining skills neededjust True Fire and basic essence extraction. Anyone could manage that; no finesse requiredjust burn it down to the good stuff. Normal artifacts, once done, were tough to enhance. Tacking extras onto a finished piece usually broke it before it improved. Learning this embryos perks, Han couldnt put it downthrilled to bits. With this, hed never stress over lacking a handy artifact again. Itd evolve into his souls ideal matchform and function. Drift, youre the best! Han refined it, shrinking it to a soybean size under his will. His soul swallowed it whole. Nurturing forces swarmed in, but he held off on the visualization etching, dashing to Lu Qingmo instead. What now? she asked, preempting him. Aunt Mo, I was sorting my spatial pouchchecked all my artifacts. Barely use most of them. As my cultivation climbs, theyll just gather dust. Ill need new ones eventually. So, got a question. A smooth excuse. Is there an artifact that grows with a cultivators realm? Youre full of ideas, she said, nodding. Yeah, they existcalled natal artifacts. Bingo. Drifts gift fit the worlds rules. But its not something you can have now, she added. Why? Super rare? Raritys part of it. Main thing? Only Yin God Venerables can forge their own. Huh? Whys that? Han was stumpedhe was about to have one! At Yin God realm, cultivators gain Divine Fireunique to each, Lu Qingmo explained. Venerables gather divine materials, forge them with Divine Fire, etch natal divine runes, shape it, nurture it with Yin God power, and awaken its spirit with their divine essence. Thats a natal artifact. The divine essence binds it to themcoexisting exclusively. No one else can forge it for another. Below Yin God, your soul hasnt transformedno divine power, fire, or essence. You cant craft a coexisting natal artifact solo. Even if a Saint-tier cultivator lucks into awakening an artifacts spirit, its a divine artifactnot natal. Plenty of divine artifacts existevolved by chance or forged by Yin Gods without essence. They dont grow with you. Her rundown clarified it. His embryo was different, though. It wouldnt birth a spirit but was tailor-made and upgradablemaybe a unique crafting quirk or pure cheat magic. Either way, snagging a natal artifact pre-Yin God was a massive win. Itd stay relevant up toand beyondthat realm. Other cultivators scrambled for materials at Yin God; Han was cultivating his at Day Roamer. Ahead of the curve. And if Yin Gods got natal artifacts, and he had one did that make him their equal? Feeling cocky now. When you near Yin God, start prepping materials, Lu Qingmo advised. Natal artifacts outclass regular onescrucial for cultivators. Some even surge in cultivation from their artifacts feedback. Got it, Han nodded, curiosity piqued. If a Yin Gods natal artifact somehow became an immortal artifact, could it boost its owner near ascension? Theoretically, yesbut advancing a natal artifact is brutal, she said, shaking her head. Post-breakthrough, cultivators might spend years nurturing it to catch up. Ambitious ones hunt divine materials to beef up its foundation, aiming to outshine peers. Unless you start with legendary immortal-grade Sky Gold, youre stuck grinding. Thatd just need light nurturingno foundation worries. Sky Goldimmortal-tier stuffsounded easy. But it was psychic, absurdly tough. A Yin God couldnt subdue it if it fought back. Stay grounded, take it step-by-step, Lu Qingmo sighed. Back in Jiaozhou, I chased a divine material perfect for my natal artifact. Got it, gathered everything I wanted for itbut Ill never forge it now. You will someday, Han consoled. Next month, the Mountain God might see me. Well get word on the Heaven-Mending Vine. She shook her head, silent. Hope was a flimsy thing. Checking the time, Han retreated to his room. The embryo soaked up energies, nurturing itself. Once full, hed etch his visualization, and itd be born. But he couldnt focushis cheat was about to refresh. Excitement buzzed in his chest. Then, that familiar rush hit: [Cheat refresh triggered. Refreshing] [Last months cheat: Drift Wish Bottle] [Refresh in progress] [Refresh complete] [This months cheat: Cauldron of Creation] [Fate Points: 7] A brand-new cheat! His souls big leap this month bumped his fate points to seven. Too bad the rerun draw wasnt unlockedthose points were stuck gathering dust. Pain. Absolute pain. Cauldron of Creation? Han whispered, sensing treasure vibes. His soul homeland quivered. He thought wish bottle at first, then remembered it was gone. A jade-green cauldron emergedsleek, fist-sized belly, narrow neck, wide mouth, curved spout, and arched handle. Etchings of earth, plants, birds, beasts, and fish adorned it. Han grasped it, feeling its tangible weight. He could pull it into the real worldthe first physical cheat hed refreshed. A solid artifact, unlike the others. Tree Brother was more a game dungeon. Lets see what this cauldrons cooking. Chapter 222: The Cauldron of Creation Unveiled! Han had long anticipated landing a tangible treasure-type cheat. The definition of a cheat was absurdly broada weapon, a manual, a pill, you name it. Anything could qualify. With a monthly refresh, it was only a matter of time before he scored something solid. He didnt care what form it tookusefulness trumped all, and Han wasnt picky. Unlike [Dream Enlightenment] or [Gods Eye], which demanded exploration to unlock, the Cauldron of Creation spilled its secrets the moment he touched it. Information flowed from the cauldron, detailing its current powers. Hans eyes lit up. Brilliant. Snapping out of his soul homeland, he sprang into action. Aunt Mo, Im heading to the martial hall real quick! he shouted, bolting out. Lu Qingmo shook her head, unfazed. At the hall, Bai Ruoyue was still up. She blinked in surprise as Han burst in. Little Brother, what brings you here so late? Senior Sister, hand over that Snake Soul Fruit we nabbed from Black Mountain, he said, cutting straight to it. What do you need that for? Puzzled, she rummaged through her spatial pouch anyway, pulling out a wooden box and passing it over. Big plans! Han grinned, snagging the box and darting off again. This time, he didnt head back to the peach grovehe went home. Itd been ages, but he still owned a house in Heiyun Town. Property owner status, check. Once inside, he scanned for safety, then popped the box open. Out came the vivid red Snake Soul Fruitbranches, leaves, roots, all intact. A haul from their second Black Mountain tremor trip, it purged bone impuritiesa Bone Refinement gem. Fully green meant ripe; this red one was far from it, its potency weak. Han dug a small pit, planted the fruit, and aimed the Cauldron of Creations spout at it. Tilting the cauldron, a single emerald drop slid out, soaking into the fruit. Magic unfolded. The fruit glowed faintly, a hint of green creeping into its red husk. In mere breaths, every partfruit, leaves, stemsturned lush green. Ripe at last! One drop of creation essence had matured this Bone Refinement spirit plant completely. Its aura spiked, thick and potentnight and day from before. Sweet treasureabsolute gem, Han muttered, nodding eagerly, heart racing. This was one of the cauldrons powers. Its essence could ripen spirit and soul plantsseedlings, even seedsstraight to maturity. A Bone Refinement plant took one drop, thanks to Hans Day Roamer soul. The essence stemmed from solar and lunar forces, but raw sun and moon power couldnt do this. The cauldron was the keyinfusing them with creation. Melded and brewed within, they became creation essence. Stolen content alert: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences. Han could leave it out to soak up sun and moon energy naturallyor feed it himself. Left alone, itd take a full day to gather enough for a drop. His direct input slashed that time. The essences potency tied to the quality of the solar and lunar forcesand that quality scaled with cultivation. A titan could harvest lunar essence from the moon itselfway beyond surface scraps. Oh wait, Ive been to the moon. Guess Im a titan too. On his way to grab the plant, hed already juiced the cauldron with both forces. A peek inside revealed two more drops. Stashing the ripened Snake Soul Fruit, Han pulled out a brocade box holding a six-petal flowerthree white, three black. Marrow Shift Flower, a Marrow Cleansing spirit plant, another Black Mountain score. Unripe, itd been sitting in his stash. He planted it, dripping essence. Two drops later, a seventh petal sprouted, five now white hallmark of a mature Marrow Shift Flower. One more drop, and itd be fully ripe. So, three drops for a Marrow Cleansing plant, he calculated, grinning wide. Ripening spirit plantswhat a game-changer for any cultivator. And that was just one trick up the cauldrons sleeve. The essence worked on pills too. Han fed the cauldron more sun and moon energy until a fresh drop formed. Then he grabbed a pillViscera Realm cultivation fodder, looted from a foe. He rarely used these; compared to Tree Brothers pristine drops, they were riddled with impurities. Pills werent like plants. Refining them mixed in extrasminerals, beast bloodleaving residue. Overuse clogged meridians and flesh, tainting true qi, hampering breakthroughs. Impurity levels hinged on the alchemists skill and realm. Market pills? Bottom-tier junk. Near-pure ones either sat in top martial sects or got snapped up pre-forging. Regular cultivators scavenged the leftovers. A drop of essence sank into the pill. A green flash later, it glowed warmly. Hans mental probe found only pure potencyno trace of junk. Trick two: essence purified pills. Now, alongside spirit plants, Han could pop pills worry-free. Back with Tree Brother, hed doubled up on both. These two perks alone made the cauldron a rare marvel. Word got out, and Mountain-River Lifeblood List elites would storm in, scrapping for it. But the cauldron wasnt done. Creation essence had a third use: living beings. Han hadnt tested it yet, but the cauldron hinted at it. Its core power was creationso it likely granted beings a spark of that too. Catch was, it worked only once per being. Wonder if it can use solar and lunar forces others gather, Han mused. If so, he could score higher-grade essence. Decision made, he tidied up, erased traces, and zipped back to the peach grove. Testing it on a being could waithed first check if the cauldron accepted others harvested energy. One-shot deal, better make it top-shelf. Lucky for him, Saint-tier Lu Qingmo was right there. Me, gather sun and moon energy? she asked, puzzled. What for? I want to see the quality at your realm, Han said. Cultivations about yourself, she cautioned. Gathering solar energy trains the soulconnecting with heaven and earth, subtly boosting your affinity with sun and moon. Dont lean on others to harvest it for you. Plus, my yields higher than most Saintstoo potent for your stage. Itd hurt, not help. Han nodded vigorously, signaling he got it. I just want a peek, honest. She relented with a nod, used to his relentless curiosityrandom questions, sudden moves. Lu Qingmo reached out, drawing lunar essence from the sky. More, more! Han urged. Rolling her eyes, she humored him, preserving it with a trick and handing it over. Solar energy? Thatd wait for daylight. True powerhouses could snag both anytime, but she wasnt there yet. Alone later, Han pondered the cauldrons handling. A real treasure, visible to othershed need caution using it. After some thought, he settled on secrecy. Hed share the essences perks with close ones like Bai Ruoyue, but the cauldron itself? Under wraps. Unlike Dream Enlightenments ethereal naturepopping in and out, easy to shrug offa physical treasure raised questions. Whered it come from? Whered it go next month? Explaining was a hassle, risking slip-ups. It wasnt distrust in Lu Qingmo or the crewjust that some things stayed safer unsaid. The cauldrons main gig was brewing essence anywaythatd suffice. At dawn, Lu Qingmo delivered her solar harvest. Han checkedblazing, premium-grade, way beyond a Day Roamers grasp. Refining that into your soul? Youd be begging for a meltdown. He fed both high-quality batches to the cauldron, waiting with a twinge of regret. If only Moon Goddess whisked me to the moon nowstraight to the top tier. A bit later, he peeked inside. Jackpot! Essence brewed. Chapter 223: Purification and Destiny Rewritten A single drop of creation essence, indistinguishable from the earlier ones, clung to the cauldrons base. Han was back at the martial hall now. Without hesitation, he tipped the drop onto his hand. Lu Qingmo was the strongest person he had access to. Within a month, he doubted hed snag solar and lunar energies purer than hers. Yin God cultivators were out of reach, and as for the Black Mountain Gods trial and a potential audience with the deity? Even if it awoke this month, he wasnt about to ask it for something so trivial. No point in waitinguse it now, reap the rewards sooner. The essence seeped into him silently, a verdant energy surging through every corner of his body. Warm currents looped endlessly. Lightnesspure, blissful lightnesswashed over him, as if hed shed a heavy burden. His body felt buoyant, almost transcendent. Something murky in his flesh and soul evaporated under the essences touch, leaving a crystalline clarity. The sensation clued Han in on one of the essences effects on living beings. Then, a low rumble stirred his six viscera. His vision dropped, and from his perfected stomach and small intestine emerged two faint humanoid silhouettes. The figures leapt out, sat cross-legged atop their respective organs, mouths moving in unison. Muffled voices hummedtoo vague to decipher, yet solemn and sacred. Their faces mirrored Hans, nine parts identical. In his other five organs and four viscera, faint stirrings hinted at more shapes flickering briefly. As the essences effect faded, the two figures retreated into the stomach and small intestine. Through the organs, Han could still faintly sense their presence. Shock and delight hit him. He hadnt expected this from a single drop. The gods of his small intestine and stomach had manifested so vividly! Though theyd receded, their imprint lingereda surefire sign hed fully awaken them someday. He still had two divine pills up his sleeve. The other organ gods had stirred too. With higher cultivation and deeper self-exploration, hed time the pills right. Confidence swelled like never before. Lu Qingmo had never seen anyone rouse the gods of all five organs and six viscera at this realm. Well, Ill show her. On a whim, he tried a second dropnot for transformation, just to nudge those gods again. No dice. The essences one-use rule held firm. It purifies the body, washes away impuritiesbasically a backdoor boost to your innate talent, Han concluded, assessing his state. Crazy powerfulworthy of the creation tag. Everyone knew talent and foundation mattered. Items that enhanced them existed, sure, but they were ultra-rare treasuresunheard of for most, unseen by nearly all. Dragon or phoenix blood topped the fame list. Given a choice between a small talent boost or a minor realm jump, most would pick talent. A slight edge could mean a world of difference down the lineyour future hinged on it. Stolen from its original source, this story is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings. This essence would spark a frenzy if sold. Han wasnt dumb enough to try, though. Still, the murk it cleared from his body was minimaljust a speck. With all the treasures hed refined through, his flesh and soul were already near-pure, his foundation stellar, talent off the charts. Jumping from ten to a hundred offered room; ninety-five to a hundred, not so much. I thought ripening plants meant the essence packed a huge energy punch, Han mused. But purifying pills and enhancing beings? Its not about raw power forcing growth. Hed felt it firsthandits energy was wondrous, not overwhelming. It didnt brute-force plants into maturity like some reckless growth spurt. What was this creation the cauldron bestowed? He shook his head. Who cares? It works for methats enough. One drop per person I could whip up an excuse and share some with Senior Sister and the gang. Purging pill impuritiesmaybe I should offload my junk stash, trade for cultivation pills, speed things up. Spirit plants were rare, but cultivation pills hit the market oftencheaper too. Ripening plants Ive got a few unripe ones, but not many. To max this out, Id need a stockpile. Not just spirit plantsregular herbs could work too. Seeds, evenI could source those. Thoughts churned, plans clicking into place. This world didnt just have spirit plantsplenty of herbs boasted supernatural traits. Unlike spirit plants, they werent edible raw for cultivation boosts. Their powers were wild, untamedtoo harsh to stomach. Spirit plants evolved from ordinary floradogtail grass or pond weeds breaking limits through quirks of fate. Herbs, though, could be systematically farmed, refined into pills with supporting materials. Using spirit plants for pills? Extravagantfew bothered. Han stuffed Lu Qingmos harvested energies into the cauldron, dashed out of Heiyun Town, and returned later. Bai Ruoyue nabbed him on the way in. Whats with all the in-and-out today? Open your mouth. Huh? She blinked. Whatre you up to? Just do itgot something good for you. His grin looked shady to her, but trust won out. She parted her lips, teeth glinting, waiting. Han leaned in, jade vial in hand, tilting it toward her mouth. From this angle, he caught her pink tongue twitching. Adorable. Wanna poke it. The thick essence hit her tongue, melting instantly. It couldnt touch flesh or soul without triggeringplants, pills, beings, all the same. Avoid contact unless you meant to use it. Bai Ruoyue clamped her mouth shut, staring at him. Hotcomfylike Im floating. Whatd you give me, Little Brother? she pressed. Some rare juice I stumbled on, Han dodged vaguely. Just eat it. He pulled out five more vials, handing them over. One drop each. Give these to Second Brother and the rest later. Dont touch the liquiditll sink in right away. One drop per person, let them take it themselves. Got it, she nodded, then paused. Wait, the one you fed mewas that just one drop too? Yep, said extras dont work. Then why didnt you let me do it myself? Because my deliverys got better vibes. Savor the perks, he tossed out, bolting before her flushed face could retort. No cauldron revealjust treasure juice. Easy cover, and with their trust, no oned dig deeper. Later, Bai Ruoyue and the crew tracked him down, buzzing with excitement. Little Brother, after refining that juice, I feel lighterlike chains snapped off. Even my organ gods twitched! she gushed. Shen Long and the others chimed in: Ours hit harderlike a full-body cleanse. Totally different vibe now. Yeah, cultivation feels smoother too! Watching their glee, Han sighed. Jealous. No liehe meant it. Same drop, and Bai Ruoyue felt unshackled, the rest got a marrow-washing overhaul. Him? A nice shower, refreshed, but nothing wild. Jealous of you average-talent folksso easy to level up with a little boost. Guess Ill never feel that thrill. What a drag. That night, he slipped Lu Qingmo a drop. Some treasure I nabbed a while backneeds refining to use. Yunjiang Dragon Palace could handle it, so I passed it to the Dragon Maiden, he explained, fleshing it out for her. Got the juice ready today. Give it a whirl, Aunt Mo. What kind? Curiosity piqued, she inspected the vialnothing specialthen downed it. Han wouldnt trick her. The moment it hit, her expression shifted, registering the essences magic. Solid stuffwasted on me, though. One drops the limit. Mores pointless for me, he shrugged. While she refined it, Han tackled his own task. The artifact embryo still simmerednurturing was passive, ongoing. Etching runes, though, took active effort. Shapeless yet, its bond with him grew through soul nurturinga faint tether forming. Whatll the Immortal Tree visualization do? What powersll it unlock? Picturing the embryo tearing through foes, Han got to work. Runes carved onto it, lines multiplyingvaguely tracing a grand tree. As they took hold, the connection tightened, feeling like an extension of himself. Four limbs? Nah, Ive got five now! Chapter 224: Monkey King of Flower-Fruit Mountain Unleashed! Han spent an entire night meticulously etching the Grand Thousand Immortal Tree visualization onto the artifact embryo. For someone of his cultivation, it wasnt toughespecially since hed perfectly visualized the tree back in the day. When he finished, the clay-like embryo transformed. It stretched and split, shedding its muddy look for something woodier. Hans eyes narrowed. Wait a sec From a lump of clay to a tree? Based on my souls essence, paired with these runes, the artifact best suited for me is a tree? Were there any famous tree-shaped artifacts out there? He racked his brainactually, yeah, there were. Still, hed have to wait for it to fully form to know its deal. The embryo was ravenous, still gorging on energies even now. But Hans bond with it was ironcladunbreakable. The vaguely tree-shaped thing zipped around his soul homelanddiving into his mental sea, swimming freely, then hovering midairbefore nesting back in his soul to keep nurturing. Only then did he realize it wasnt just feeding. It was imprinting itself onto him, forging a primal connectionbecoming his natal artifact. Stepping out of his room, Lu Qingmo zeroed in on him instantly. That treasure juiceits extraordinary. Keep it under wraps, or youll draw trouble, she warned. She had the eye and the wisdom to peg the creation essences value right after using it. I know, Han nodded. A talent-boosting gem? The allure was insane. Theres not much left anywayjust a tiny stash. Tiny, for realonly a months worth. Lu Qingmo nodded, figuring as much. A fate-altering treasure couldnt be plentifulscarcity was its nature. Han shifted gears. Aunt Mo, Im planning to unlock the Three Yin Legacy. Out of the blue? You ready? She raised an eyebrow. You could wait till youre strongerits not going anywhere. He shook his head. Grabbing it early sets my mind at ease. A treasures only yours when its in your hands. I want it this month. He couldve delayed, but with the Cauldron of Creation in play, waiting wasnt an option. Lu Qingmo had said the Three Yin Mountain God excelled at alchemy. With a gods lifespan, its legacy might hold a goldmine of refining goodiesperfect for maxing out his new cheat. She studied him, sensing his resolve. Ill rope in some helpextra muscle, he laid out. The Huang familys guard at Three Yin Valley was an unknown quantity. Solo was too riskybetter call in backup. The Yun family? she guessed. Yeah, Ill give it a shot. She paused, then asked, If youre pulling in help, why not me? Han blanked. Good question. You never piped up when I brought it up beforeI figured you werent interested, he said. So I didnt want to bug you. That was his honest take. He hadnt been in a rush, planning to take it slowuntil now. You kept saying there was no hurry, that youd go when you were stronger, she replied evenly. I thought having that goal would push your growth. Ive got faith in your talentdidnt offer to tag along. By the time youre ready, you might not even need me against the Huangs. Han floundered, then grinned. You sure think highly of me, Aunt Mo. His spirits lifted. Since youre game, Ill ride your coattails! With her on board, no need to hit up the Yuns. He was closer to her anywayher help felt natural, no awkwardness. If you come across this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it. Nonsense, she shot him a look. Whod let you pull that? I meant leaning on you, not literally Her stare grew sharper. He gave up explaining. Guess its a generation gapwere divided by a tragic wall. Today, then? he ventured. Sure, she nodded. Ill swing by the Ghost God Division firstleave a soul fragment there so the crew can reach me. Saint-tier cultivators could split souls, attaching them to strong hostslasting a while in the world. Cool. Han sent Bai Ruoyue a quick snail-message: Off for some alone time with Aunt Mo, Senior Sisterdont crash the party. They slipped out of Heiyun Town quietly, Han leading the charge to Three Yin Valley. With Lu Qingmo, the pace was lightning-fast. Still a ways off, she halted. Smart move not rushing here solo. Whats up? Theres a Saint-tier in the valley aheadplus two mid-tier Day Roamers. No Bone Refinement martial artiststhose couldnt enter Three Yinso any Viscera folks werent worth mentioning. No threat. Hans face tightened. Good thing youre here, Aunt Mo. Even if Id dragged the Yuns in, wed be outmatched. The Yuns top visible strength was Day Roamer-tierBone Refiners wouldnt cut it here. Theyd just tip off the enemy. The Huangs are going all outlooks like they know something, he said. A Tianyue County heavyweight with a long legacy, Lu Qingmo agreed. Picking up on a past Three Yin Mountain God from some old source? Not surprising. She was spot-on. Decades back, the Huangs seized Three Yin Valley, spinning a tale for their disciples about stumbling onto its cultivation perks for ghost-taming. Only the top brass knew it was premeditatedancient texts hinted at another mountain god in Tianyues history. After digging, they pinpointed the valley, claimed it, and locked it down. They scoured it for yearspractically flipped it inside outbut found zilch tied to the god beyond the lakebeds odd energy. Over time, with no big wins, their focus waned. Still, the lakes red energy boosted ghost-taming, so they held it to bolster clan strength. A Day Roamer guard was plentyuntil one got killed recently, and the lakebed was probed. That lit a fire under them. Killing their Day Roamer was a blood feudenough for a Saint to hunt the culprit. Happening in the fabled gods domain? They went full throttle, sending a Saint-tier titan who could dominate counties. Those two Day Roamersmid-tier, Lu Qingmo noted, scoping them out before they twigged. A county overlord versus a world-class power? No contest. She couldnt break into Yin God, but her skills still towered over these scrubs. Leave it to me, Han said. Ill mop up the two fast, then grab the legacy. Fine, she agreed. Park your body with me. Youre taking the Saint Dont worryhe wont touch it. Her tone brimmed with unshakable confidence. Alright. Hans soul slipped freeonly out-of-body could he unleash its full might. Until a certain realm, the body was a dragvital, but limiting. Legend said high-tier martial-cultivation dualists could split soul and body, both acting at peak poweressentially two fighters, doubling the odds. But that was leagues beyond Yin God. Lu Qingmos mental energy wrapped his body, shielding it. Not arrogancejust certainty. After a beat, Hans soul morphedinto a demon again. Not the Sea-Overturning Jiao this time, but a God-Driving Yucana monkey-like beast. Lu Qingmo blinked. Whats this? New soul trick, he explained. Since I could turn into the Jiao, the other two secret arts started tweaking my soul too. Tested it on the down-lowheres the result. She mulled it over. The Jiao precedent made this tolerable. But what kind of secret arts were thesewarping the soul so wildly? Ease up on the shapeshiftingcould backfire unpredictably, she cautioned. No worries, Aunt MoI feel great, he grinned. Heh, Ill roll in like this, leave a few alive to report back to the Huangs. Whod tie todays Three Yin mess to us? Clearly a monkey demons doing! Even Lu Qingmo had to admitbrilliant move. Total cover. His body shimmered with dazzling light, veiling the truth from prying eyes. No gaps now, she said. Genius! They zipped toward the valley, Han packing all he needed onto his soul. Whos there?! As they neared, the valleys cultivators clocked them. A streak of light shot upa stern middle-aged man blocked their path, his Saint-tier aura flaring, churning the clouds. Lu Qingmo ignored him. Heaven and earths energy roared at her command, exploding outward. Enemy attack! the Saint bellowed, alerting the Huangs below. Anothers a Day Roamerengage! He pegged the glowing figure beside her as just a bodytwo foes total. Boom! The Saint got blasted back, charging right back at Lu Qingmo. Han didnt registerher presence was too overwhelming, demanding his full focus. No matterothers would handle the Day Roamer. Han didnt bother with that fight, diving straight into the valley. You ignore me? FineI wasnt planning to play with you anyway! Last time, hed crept in cautious. This time? He strutted like a king crab. The valleys two Day Roamers spotted him, faces twisting. One barked, What demon dares trespass Huang turf? Well skin you alive today! Hah! Im Sun the Wanderer from Flower-Fruit Mountains Waterfall Cave! Han roared, voice booming everywhere, claiming his title. Out in the wild, no shame in tossing out a nameits just an ID. All about that bold swagger! Want more aliases? Ive got plenty. Not vibing with Sun the Wanderer? Call me Wanderer Sun instead. Boom! Thick demonic qi erupted unchecked, selling his act. No fancy artsjust a straight charge at the two Huang cultivators, both in soul form. They braced, qi surging. Han clashed and broke off, then bolted out the valleys far side. Stop right there! No hesitationthey gave chase. Two intruders: one tangling with their elder up top, one down here. No trap to fearjust hunt. Outside, beyond Huang sightlines, Han hovered, watching them close in. Demon filthattacking our land? Next years your death day! Your souls ours! Big talk, small game, Han scoffed, hands flashing through seals. Whoosh! Tricolor yin fire erupted around them, climbing their soul-bodies faster than they could blink. Argh! Twin screams merged into one. Mighty Day Roamer souls crumbled, crashing down, writhing to douse the flames. The yin fire fed on them, their robust forms fueling it. Solar-derived yang qi snuffed out in seconds. In moments, they faded to phantoms. Yin Earth Fires might had spikedHan didnt need to lift another finger; their fate was sealed. These mid-tier Day Roamers? No match for his top-shelf arts. Expression cool, Han unleashed the Grand Righteous Hand Seal, slamming down. The fire would finish them, but why wait? Speed was king. No lure-the-tiger-out ploy herejust lure and slay. Chapter 225: Soul Mark and a Priceless Pill Hans soul soared skyward, diving back into the valley. Behind him, the corner where hed struck was a messyet spotless. No traces, not even ash remained. Two Day Roamer cultivators, powerless to resist, had returned to the netherworld in an instant. High above, the Huang familys Saint-tier powerhouse caught the chaos below. Rage and shock boiled over as he roared, Demon scum! The Huangs will hunt you down! Boom! Lu Qingmo slapped him mid-sentence, sending him careening sideways. Han ignored the threat. Hunt demons? Whats that got to do with me? Come at me, then! Re-entering the valley, the Huang clansmen gaped in alarm. Seeing no pursuers on his tail, terror sank in. Where was their elder? Two towering figuresgone in a blink? Stay put, and Ill spare you, Han warned, scanning the crowd. Some didnt listen. One rallied the others to attackonly to get swatted dead by Han, no fancy tricks needed. His icy gaze swept over them, silencing every whisper. Satisfied, he plunged into the valleys lake. These folks had a job: report back to the Huangs, spilling todays events and pinning the demon as the culprit. Without them, how would the truth of a demons rampage in Three Yin Valley come out? Han wouldnt let the Huangs stay in the darkthey had to know! Hed lured the Day Roamers out earlier to keep his arts under wraps. Hed be active in Tianyue County laterflashing those moves risked recognition. Tai Bai Han was a beacon of justice, untouchable by demon suspicions. Taking them outside for a clean kill left his disguise airtight. Perfect cover. Sinking deep, he reached the lakebeds stone slab and released An Lang. Whoa, that was quick! An Lang floated around, surprised. Han had briefed her on the Three Yin Valley plan en route. Before he could reply, the seven-pointed star mark on his hand flared, detaching and hovering midair. The same mark on An Langs brow followed suit. The two fused, blazing bright. Crack! The slabetched with From azure heights to yellow springsshattered. The fracture spread, splitting the surrounding stones. The entire lakebed fissured. Boom! A corner collapsed, rocks tumbling into a newly revealed cave. A light barrier sealed it, keeping lake water at baya separate realm beneath. Thats gotta be it, Han said. Master, hold uplet me scout ahead, An Lang offered, sounding brave but inching back. Han rolled his eyes. Ghostly nonsenseId be a fool to buy that. Ignoring her, he leapt in. Crossing the barrier, a rush of openness hit him. Despite being under the lake, the space glowed brightly, air crisp and naturalno dank gloom. An Lang drifted down, sticking close, one hand clutching his sleeve. Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author. Whatre you doing? Im scared of ghosts. Thats rich, coming from you. Ever think I might be scared of ghosts too? Nah, Masteryoure fearless, she said, smug as if shed cracked a code. Im a ghost. If you were scared, why hang with me? Cant argue with that. Master, looks like theres nothing here, An Lang noted. She was rightthe space was small, maybe two hundred square meters by Hans rough guess. Smooth stone floor, a light canopy overhead illuminating itbare except for a stone platform at the center. They approached. On it sat a few items, the standout being a half-meter-tall statue. The statues face lacked features, clad in black finery, exuding presence. Han fixated on it, ignoring the rest for now. Senior Three Yin Mountain God, he called out. Ha, just as I thought, a laugh echoed from the statue. To think Id meet a yin-yang-eyed cultivator after death. A figure stepped out, matching the statues garb, now with a facea refined young man, eyes deep and light-swallowing, hinting at a ghostly abyss. He studied Hans eyes, nodding slightly. Yin-yang eyesso familiar. His gaze shifted to An Lang cowering behind. Surprise flickered. A fine spirit ghostyin and yang entwined, neither fully one nor the other. Boundless potential. Sorry for disturbing your rest, Senior, Han said. I kept a low profile in life. Its been centuries since I passeddidnt expect anyone to still know me, the god replied, smiling. No disturbance here. Im long gonejust a soul imprint left behind. Not even a fragment or remnantjust a mark. I heard of you from a Xuandu Temple elder. Xuandu ah, Master Qingyang, he mused. Master Qingyangthe Xuandu elder whod met him here. Temple records praised the gods gentle nature despite his ghostly origin, free of malice. A master alchemist with a unique style, hed bonded with Qingyang over days of talk, later hosting him often. Mentioning Xuandu was a calculated nod to that rapportno beef, no risk. The two fighting out thereones a skilled cultivator. Xuandu folk, I presume? the god asked. Yep. Looking at Han, he said, With yin-yang eyes and your presence here, were fated. You hit Day Roamer youngnot top-tier talent, but your souls robust, your foundation solid. Decent. Keep grinding, and theres hope. First time since debuting Hans talent got a meh review. Feels fresh. The god didnt know his journeyprobably pegged him as starting at twelve. At twenty-two, early Day Roamer wasnt dazzling. Were fated. Before passing, I left some things. Handing them to you? Sure, the god said briskly, cutting to the chaseno wistful nostalgia rambles. His imprint wouldnt last long anyway. Youve got yin-yang eyes too, Senior? Han asked. Yep, he nodded. Born with themsaw what others couldnt since I was a kid. Tormented me. Bet you felt it too before cultivating. Nope, not me. At twenty-five, a fierce ghost got meturned me into one. Before passing, I planned to take everything to the netherworld. Changed my mind, left a setup only yin-yang eyes could crack. This valleys remote, buried under a lakeI figured itd stay hidden forever, he chuckled, shaking his head. The worlds wilder than I can predict. Hed been rightby logic, no one shouldve found it. Then came Han, the wildcard. How long since I passed? About three centuries. Long haul. Bet the worlds unrecognizable now. His form flickered, thinning out. He sighed. Gones gonethis imprints fading fast. Your names? Han. An Lang. I lucked into Yin God, claimed this mountains title. But even a gods lifespan couldnt push me furthersat down and passed when time ran out, he said. Dont expect much from my leftovers. Solo actno big sect or clan backing me. Even this statue? Villagers from Three Yin Village carved itbasic stuff. Three Yin Villagelong gone now, swallowed by three hundred years. At lifes end, I burned most of my hoard refining a pill to glimpse the Yellow Springs, breach the netherworld, extend my divine life, he continued. Han wasnt shocked. A top-tier alchemist facing mortality and a bottleneck? Firing up the furnace was instinct. Master skills, heaps of resourcescant just sit and die, right? Clearly, the gods all-in gamble flopped. Limited by cultivation and materials, that pill never fully formed, he said calmly, no regret in his tonepast it now. But my theorized Yellow Springs Pill wasnt a total bust. At the last second, I forged a prototype. Its one of my legacies. Find an alchemist better than me, track down the missing key herb, and you might get a world-class pillhelping a Yin God step into the Yellow Springs. His face lit up, as if picturing its completion. If you take my stuff, Id like you to try finishing that pillmake up for my old regret. No worries, Senior, Han vowed solemnly. If I get that prototype, Ill do everything to complete it. No hesitationthree centuries dead, any finished pill was his to enjoy. Refining for himself? Easy yes. The god nodded. Beyond the prototype, I used up too muchleftovers are slim. I wasnt just an alchemistunlike sect-backed folks, I grew my own herbs. This valley was my garden. Drained it dry back then, but I kept seeds. Figured theyd rot without care, so I stashed them. Not much use to you, though. Herbs took years to maturegreat for sects or heirs, but for the finder? Planting for someone elses shade. Han fought to keep his grin in check, barely holding it together. Chapter 226: Forcing the Yellow Springs, A Handful of Dust Seedsoh, glorious seeds. Han craved them. For others, seeds were a mixed bag. Sect folks could plant them for future disciples, sure. Lone cultivators? Tough luckselling them off was usually the only play for profit. Tai Bai Martial Hall lacked the means to start an herb garden, leaving Han in the same boat as those rogues. But he had a cheat up his sleeve. No need to spill that to the Three Yin Mountain God, though. Just a pill and some seedsthats all Ive left. Disappointed? the god asked. Your gifts are a blessing, Senior. How could I be disappointed? Han replied. The god chuckled. Youve got a silver tongue. Thats the loot, but Ive got two legacies tooalchemy and cultivation. My ghost-body cultivation wont suit you, but its perfect for your tamed spirit. He eyed An Lang with evident fondness. Her potentials deep. If Id met her in life, Id have snatched her up as a disciple. Master, take me as your student! An Lang blurted out. Hans face twitched. Well played, An Lang. The god froze, then burst into laughter. Ha! Alright, cant let that Master go unanswered. Fine, fineits yours. He flicked a finger, sending a gray-green light into An Langs brow. A yin-yang-eyed cultivator with a limitless spirit ghostfates a wild ride, he mused. Id planned a test before passing this on, but Master skips the trial. My alchemy and ghost-path legacy are yours now. Train harddont slack. An Lang looked dazed but nodded. Got it, Master. Im always grinding! Turning to Han, the god said, Shes got yin and yang in balanceneither fully one nor the other. Endless potential, but itll bring trials. If she hits Yin God and aims higher, the yin-yang backlash could kill her if she slips. Shes your spiritwatch out. Hans expression tightened. He recalled An Langs profile from Gods Eyevast potential, rocky road ahead. So this was it. Huh?! An Lang paled, then shrugged it off. Yin God feels ages away. She was barely Night Roamer-tierpost-Yin God woes didnt faze her. With your potential, its not far off, the god said, optimistic. How do we dodge that crisis? Han asked. The god shook his head. No clueI never crossed that line myself. But as a Xuandu disciple, you could ask the temple elders. Solid advice. Too bad Im not one. For my treasures, youll need a test, the god continued. Master, didnt you skip the test? An Lang whispered. For you, yeahnot him. Bring it on, Senior. Im ready, Han said, unfazed. Claiming an inheritance meant meeting some conditionsfair game. If you spot this story on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation. The god waved, lifting a tattered black banner from the platform. My natal artifactThree Yin Banner, he said, stroking it with nostalgia. When the Yellow Springs Pill flopped and my lifespan dwindled, I made a last-ditch run at the Springs. Failed, passed on the spotgodhood shattered, domain collapsed. This banner took the hit too. All my other artifacts broke then. Only this, my natal piece, held updidnt shatter outright. Its why this imprint and space lasted three centuries. A soul mark had no juicewithout a power source, itd fade fast. Three hundred years on, its crumbling. Its reserves are nearly tapped. Fixing it? Impossible. Pass the test, and its yours. It wont help much now, but its materials are rarecould save you hunting when forging your own natal artifact. Hans pulse quickened. A divine artifactcrafted from top-tier stuff, refined to perfection. Once his tree artifact bloomed, this could feed it. Ready? Go for it, Senior. The banner stirred, black qi surging toward Hans head. Before it hit, seven-colored light flared from his chestrighteous qi roaring out, blocking it cold. Righteous qi? the god exclaimed, recognizing it instantly. He laughed. Didnt expect to hand this off to someone with righteous qi. The remaining platform items flew to Hana stone box, a bracelet, a jade tablet. Whats this, Senior? Han asked, puzzled. No test needed, the god said, visibly pleased. It was the Three Yin Illusionwipe your memory, show your true colors in there. Good or evil, just or wickeditd all come out. Crooked hearts get nothing from me. Im a loner, but I dont vibe with villains. Righteous qi? Youre uprightnoble. I trust you with this. A ghost like me passing relics to a righteous soul? Lucky break. Thanks for the trust, Senior, Han nodded. Spot-onIm a stand-up guy! This god was shockingly chillsmoother than any tale suggested. Stories set me up for a letdown. The box holds the Yellow Springs Pill prototype, the god explained. Check it out, but dont pull it out casuallypotency leaks. Its sealed in absolute stonelocks in pill power best. Thats the Three Yin Braceletstorage gear. Seeds are inside, plus some low-tier pills I tossed in at the end. Couldnt use them then. Three centuries later, who knows how much kick theyve got left. My old alchemy cauldrons in there too. Pointing to the jade, he added, Thats my legacy tabletalchemy and cultivation notes. Study the alchemy if you want. Most cultivation stuffs ghost-pathnot your fitbut a few arts work for regular cultivators. Wont disappoint. A shift from earlierhe hadnt mentioned the cauldron, extra pills, or cultivator-friendly arts pre-test. Understandable move. Han nodded thoughtfully. Without An Lang, hed likely just get the jademinus the personal hand-off. The god continued, An Langs inheritance is fuller than the tablets. Pick her brain later. No An Lang? Jade only, trimmed-down version. This ghosts a goldmine. An Lang puffed up, beaming with pride. The banner pulsed, black qi flooding out the cave entrance, returning with a mass of red mist. Thats the lakebed energy? Han asked. My blood, the god said. Spilled when I stormed the Springs and failedsplattered across the lake. Three centuries turned it into ghost-absorbable power. Cultivators cant touch it. The mist shot into An Lang. Once she soaks it up, her strengthll jump, he said. Thanks, Master! she chirped. Han grinned inwardly. Her gain was his gainsmartest investment ever. Any shot at revival, Senior? Han ventured. Wed help however we could, repay your kindness. The god shook his head, calm. No need to fuss. I passed from old ageunless Id broken through or stretched my life back then, theres no coming back. Even possession wouldnt add years. Lifespans tapped outunsolvable. Three centuries? If reincarnations real, Ive spun through who-knows-how-many lives. Revivals off the table. Possession wasnt a cure-all. Soul lifespan matteredcut down early, you could hop bodies. Run dry? New flesh, same death. A shattered-soul titan with a body intact might regrow a soulbut not if theyd aged out. Master, well take your statue back, honor it daily, An Lang piped up. The god chuckled dryly. Ive been gone centurieswhats the point? The banner drifted to Hanhis final trust. Han probed itno divine spirit lingered. Noticing, the god said, Its gonedied when I hit the Springs. Han nodded silently. Shattered body, lost spiritno saving this relic. Materials itd be. Time to go, the god said, gazing upwardpast them, toward the valley. No banner powerthis placell cave soon. No need for mushy goodbyesjust leave. Han and An Lang shared a look, then bowed in unison. Theyd noticed his imprint fadingsee-through now, scenery peeking past. Senior, Ill finish that Yellow Springs Pill! Han vowed. Master, Ill train hardspread your legacy wide! An Lang added. With that, they boltedAn Lang snagging the statue. The god let them go, eyes fixed above. After a long pause, he sighed. From azure heights to yellow springspity and woe. His imprint dissolved. Boom! The space collapsed, lake water roaring in, shaking the valley. A Yin God mountain deitys last markburied here. No immortalitygod or dragon-phoenix, all end as dust. Chapter 227: Tenfold Sky Glow—My Fiercest Devotion! Han and An Lang emerged from the chamber beneath the lakebed into a scene of stark clarity. The murky red hue that once stained the lakes depths had vanishedits source energy now nestled within An Lang. From this day forward, the valley would cease to be a haven for ghosts. With the Three Yin Mountain Gods legacy claimed and the lakes spectral power gone, Three Yin Valley would fade into ordinarinessno longer a place of mystique. A stray ghost might pop up now and then, but that was trivial. Head into the ghost abode, Han instructed An Lang. She complied eagerly. Why trek when you could lounge in bed and still get around? Perfect. As Hans soul breached the lakes surface, a barrage of attacks greeted him. Whoosh! Golden-red flames erupted, melting and vaporizing the onslaught. A majestic divine bird unfurled its wingsnoble, imposing, its presence overwhelming. Phoenix fire! The fiery phoenix mimicked a spitting motion, sending streaks of flame raining down on the ambushers ringing the lake. Anyone touched by the blaze screamedbrieflybefore the unbearable heat snuffed out their lives in an instant. Hovering midair, Han surveyed the scene below. Hed anticipated an ambush upon surfacing. The sky-high battle still ragedthose below wouldnt scatter yet. Just low-tier cultivators and martial artistsbelow Day Roamer and Bone Refinement. Sneak attacks or not, they werent a blip on his radar. No threat. Phoenix firea trick hed never shown publiclywas safe to unleash. Itd eventually merge with his Yang Earth Fire, so using it now carried zero risk of exposure. Plus, a demon wielding demon flames? Totally on-brand. It cemented his cover perfectly. Some Huang clansmen still lingered in the valleythose hed spared earlier. The ambushers had been the stronger ones. He had no intent to kill these survivorstheyd carry the tale back to the Huangs. His soul ascended, swiftly sweeping the battlefield. He zeroed in on the two fallen Day Roamers bodies, snagging their spatial pouches. He even hunted for the Saint-tiers bodynothing. Likely not in the valley. Search fruitless, Han rocketed out of Three Yin Valley. The aerial clash hadnt wrapped up. All setlets roll! he shouted to Lu Qingmo. Beast! You slaughter our elder, steal our treasure, and think you can flee? the Huang Saints voice thundered like a divine decree. Han and Lu Qingmo had stormed inone pinning him, the other diving into the valley for a stretch before resurfacing. Their goal was obvious to the Saint without a second thought: the Three Yin Mountain Gods legacy. The Huangs prizeplundered. Unforgivable! Youre both staying here todaythe Huangs will never let this go! Han shrugged off the threat. Your treasure? Call itsee if it answers. As for never letting go, the Huangs had already tried snatching his loot and life in Black Mountain. That feud was old news. Lu Qingmos brow creased. Filthy mouth, she said coldly. She got seriousand the Huang Saint couldnt handle it. Already banged up from earlier, now Dead. Maybe her earlier leniency had tricked him into thinking he could trap them. Good news: dream over. Bad news: life gone. Hed lasted this long not because he rivaled a Xuandu elite, but because Lu Qingmo hadnt cared to end it fast. A Saints death pinged the Huang family HQ instantly. Early on, she hadnt known how long Hans treasure grab would take. Dropping the guy too soon gave the Huangs prep timemaybe reinforcements. Dragging it out avoided that hassle. The Saint likely sent a distress call right offstandardbut Lu Qingmo wasnt fussed. Most message spells lagged; instant receipt wasnt a thing. Death was the quickest signal. With Han back, no need to stall. Fight over, Han shot skyward. Got the goodslets head home! Alright, Lu Qingmo said, scooping him up. They vanished in a blink, leaving Three Yin Valley a wreckage-strewn mess with shell-shocked Huang survivors. Stunned and mute, they grappled with reality: their Saint ancestor, Day Roamer eldersall dead. A crushing blow to the Huangslike a thunderclap from clear skies. Minds blanked. Soon, a whistle cut the air. An old man touched down, face twisting at the devastation. He seized a clansman, barking, What happened? Wheres the vice-patriarch? The elders? The enemy? This story is posted elsewhere by the author. Help them out by reading the authentic version. Trembling, the man stammered, Killed by the enemy. Demonstwo of themhit us. Slaughtered the vice-patriarch and elders. One went lakebedtook something. What?! The elders hair bristled, eyes bulging like hed devour someone. He soul-searched the clansmanbrutal, thoroughpiecing it all together. Then he plunged to the lakebed, blasts echoing as he tore into the collapsed chamber. Decades of Huang searchingnothing. Now he stood there, and it was still empty. No gods trove, no mystic lake power thatd fueled their clan. High-tier losses piled on top. A total washlosing the farm and the barn. Argh! he roared, fury exploding, shockwaves shredding clouds and shattering the valley floor. Flower-Fruit Mountain, Waterfall Cavethe Huangs will never coexist with you! Find them! Which demon clan? Ill wipe them out! Whoever they are, theyll paylife for life! A Saint-tier was a pillarclan prosperitys bedrock. In Tianyue County, one falling was seismic, a game-changer rippling for years. Rise or fall hinged on it. Far off, Han and Lu Qingmo veered another way, bound for Heiyun Town. Leaving the valley, theyd taken a detour to throw off pursuit. Back in his body, Han flew with Lu Qingmos aid. Aunt Mo, the Mountain God didnt leave muchall ours now, he said slowly. He burned through his stash at lifes end, forging a pill to break through. Failedjust got a prototype. Its mine now, plus He recounted the lakebed chambers events to her. Lu Qingmo listened quietly, nodding. Solid haul. That Yellow Springs Pill prototype? Rare as it getsa global treasure. Word gets out, top sects and clans would bid for it. Fully refined, its priceless. Never heard of it, thougheither his own recipe or some ancient relic. Han pulled out the sealed stone box, cracking it open. Inside sat a dull, uneven pillno sheen, nothing screaming peerless treasure. A thin film coated it, likely to trap its potency. Doesnt look like much, he said, but he felt the subtle, unique power withinnot overwhelming, yet distinct. Lu Qingmo took the box, inspecting it. A true gemits essence outstrips Yin God-tier. Still vibrant, full of potential. Refining its doable. A better alchemist than him, key materials She looked at Han. Did he say whats missing? Nope. I know! An Langs voice piped up from the ghost abode. She floated out. Scanned Masters legacy. The Yellow Springs Pills not his inventionsome fluke find. She tossed Master around effortlesslythree centuries dead, no harm in it. The prototype needs a herb from the netherworlds Yellow Springs that reveals it in the living world, plus Living Spirit Water to refine it, she said. I know Living Spirit Water, Lu Qingmo cut in. Seen temple seniors use it plentyXuandus got it. An Lang nodded. Legacy says its not rare. But that herb? The linchpinand Master never found it. Lu Qingmo shook her head. Too scarcebarely pops up in history. Refining this pills a long shot anytime soon. Why, Sister Lu? An Lang asked, curious. Master tried storming the Springs for a breakthrough. Stronger folks could hit it up and grab that herb, right? Trickyreally tricky, Lu Qingmo replied. The Yellow Springs isnt a literal placemaybe a concept, a state. Hard to pin down. And a herb that reveals the netherworld in the living realm? Beyond rare. Not that rare, Han muttered, drawing their stares. Whatre you on about, Master? An Lang asked. Snap! Han shut the box. Im refining this pillSky Monarch himself couldnt stop me. Hearing An Langs herb specs, hed frozen. A netherworld illuminator? He had oneTree Brothers final-day loot: Ghostly Passage Flower. [Oddity: Ghostly Passage Flower] [A strange bloom from the netherworldflowers toward death, reveals the abyss.] Spot-on match. That day also dropped a twin: [Skyward Passage Flower][Grows in the ninth heaven, blooms to ascension, reveals the celestial realm.] Tree Bro, you held out for a grand finale. Still cashing in on your gifts today. How do I thank you? Hope the cheat rerun unlocks soononly ways a few extra axe swings. Ill put my back into itgive you a thrill. Stashing the prototypedoable with Living Spirit Water handyit just needed a master alchemist. No rush, though; Yin God breakthroughs were a ways off. Curiosity piqued, Han asked, Aunt Mo, cultivation artspost-Yin God, its the Yellow Springs? Yep, she confirmed. Soul enters the Springstotal transformation. Thats the Yellow Springs Realm. My masters there. If theres a netherworld Springs, anyone seen the underworld or reincarnation? Legends aplenty, proof zilch, she said, shrugging. Gods hit the Springs, reborn from deathwhat is it, exactly? Hard to say without reaching it. Chatting, they neared Heiyun Town. For stealth, they didnt swoop in flashyjust slipped in unnoticed. Lu Qingmo hit the Ghost God Division first; Han soloed back to the peach grove. He probed the Three Yin Bracelet with mental energyeffortless entry. Hugeway bigger than Tree Brothers 300-cubic-meter ring. Fit for a mountain god. The standout? A cauldronThree Yin Cauldron, the gods alchemy lifeline. His combat artifacts died storming the Springs; this survived pristine. Seeds lay scattered insidecareless toss-ins. A few pill bottles tooleftovers he didnt rate high, useless at the end. Problem: no labels. Han couldnt ID them. An Lang! Here! Cross-check your legacycan you figure these pills out? Mission accepted! Seven bottles total. Han scanned the legacy jades alchemy section for matches. Dragon-eye sized, purple-green, sun-moon split, scent stirs the body This ones Solar-Lunar True Spirit Pill, An Lang deduced. One per cultivator lifetimecondenses the soul-body, aids Saint-tier breakthroughs. Three left? Holy crapSaint-tier boost pills, and he didnt even mention them? Han got it nowthese scraps might be his hauls MVP for now. He doubled down on the pills. Master, this is Ghost Crossing Pillclears malice and killing intent from ghosts, restores clarity. Works on Saint-tier fiends. Two here, An Lang said. This ones Nine Yin Pillone, boosts ghost strength, refines their form. And Ghost-to-Saint Pillstwo, like Solar-Lunar but for ghosts hitting Saint-tier. Plus three Saint Heart Pillshealing, killer even for Saint souls. Two Sky Demon Pillsmartial artist stuff, made from Sky Demon Tiger bones. Bone Refinement treasure. Eyeing the six bottles, Han beamedmixed with a pang of regret. Too preciousmind-blowing haul. The regret? Three centuries dulled their potencynot peak anymore. Same for the seedsmany shriveled, vitality near-zero. Normally unplantable. Truth was, these werent the gods prized keepsakesjust toss-ins, not worth the banners fading juice. Only the Yellow Springs Pill and legacy mattered to him for posterity. With the Cauldron of Creation, reviving these seeds should be a cinch, Han mused. Pills, thoughpurging impurities is doable, but restoring lost potency? Not sure Stowing them, he skimmed the gods alchemy notes, then turned to An Lang. Study alchemy when you candont waste that setup. Become a master ASAP. Keep up incense-making too. And cultivationrefine that ghost-god power fast. Oh, and dont slack on helping me train. An Langs lip quivered, suddenly regretting her inheritance. Just kill me now. Dumping alchemy on her, Han skipped that section, diving into ghost-path arts. As promised, most suited ghostsfitting the gods roots. But with his strength and lifespan, hed cooked up cultivator arts too. Jackpot: a Yin God-tier artTenfold Sky Glow! Not a top-shelf Yin God art, but its tier shone. Master it, wield sky light, forge a Sky Glow Treasure Wheelversatile for attack and defense. Perfect balance. Sweet. Plus a few Saint-tier arts for cultivators. Han couldnt help but marvelSenior, youre a real one. An Lang, lets honor his statue more from now on. From today, he was the Three Yin Mountain Gods truest disciple. Hed give everything for himlife included, if the god just said the word! Chapter 228: Has the Creation Essence Lost Its Spark? Han tucked An Lang back into the ghost abode, letting her read while snoozing. Glancing around, he found the peach grove emptyjust him. Perfect. This is now the realm of Han, the Dark God of Ancient Nara! He pulled out a Solar-Lunar True Spirit Pill and a drop of creation essence. The pill glowed faintly. Under Hans keen senses, it held fewer impurities than othersstubborn ones, sure, but the essence wiped them clean. No surprise therehed expected it. Now he waited. With impurities gone, the essences mystic mojo didnt fade. It kept working, and soon the pill felt plump again, its sheen dazzling. Potency thatd bled out over time? Restored! Hans eyes lit upanother win for the creation essence. He grabbed all his pill haul from the trip, dousing each with a drop. Every last one emerged flawless. The Yellow Springs Pill prototype, though? He paused, holding off. It needed refining laterbest leave it raw for an alchemists touch. Plus, higher-tier pills had scant impurities anywaysome none at all. Pills soaked in creation essence lose impurities and regain lost potencybut thats it. They hit their peak, no beyond, Han mused. Ripening plants cuts years off growth, yielding mature fruit, but it wont push a Bone Refinement plant past its cap. For living beings, no realm boosts eitherjust purification, time saved Tapping his past-life know-how, he wondereddid the essence wield time itself? Lu Qingmo wouldnt be back till night, he figured. Skipping the martial hall, he trained in the grove. No Viscera-tier pills in the Three Yin stashtoo low for a Yin Gods orbit. Come evening, when Lu Qingmo returned, Han handed her the Three Yin Banner. A busted divine artifact She probed it, shaking her head. The Mountain God nailed itfuture use is raw materials only. Its last juice ran dry over three centuries. The kicker? Its spirits toastfatal for anything above Yin God-tier. When youve got True Fire, smelt it down to basicssee if it fits you. Or save it for An Lang. If she hits natal artifact stage, itd suit her. Smart call, but Han wasnt sold yet. His tree artifact came firstgotta see if it could chow down on this. Huh, these pills held up greatno potency bleed, Lu Qingmo said, eyeing the six bottles, surprised. Of coursefresh off a full spa treatment. Aunt Mo, the Three Yin Bracelets got some alchemy stuff too. An Langs sorting it, Han said vaguely, not mentioning it was just seeds or showing the bracelet. Keeping it vague now meant he could pull out herbs later, crediting the gods stash without raising brows. Stolen content warning: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences. Lu Qingmo, no alchemist herself, shrugged. Herbs and seeds? Useless to you. Keep em as keepsakes if you want. His legacys solid, thoughreal value, perfect for you now, she added, skimming the jade tablet. With this, An Langs training and fighting are setyoure off the hook. She just follows the script. An Lang used to lack artsjust three energy-harvesting tricks, short on moves. Not anymore. If you want her on alchemy, split off a wisp of your Yin Fireand later Yang Firefor her, Lu Qingmo suggested, reading him like a book. Good flames boost pill-making. She handed back the jadeno arts taken, no items touched. All Hans. Useless to herwithout fixing her issue, even a finished Yellow Springs Pill wouldnt cut it. Aunt Mo, doesnt this treasure grab feel too easy? Han asked. She pulled out the Huang Saints spatial pouchwar loot, naturally claimed. A Saint and two Day Roamers deadeasy? Not that part, he clarified. The grab itself? BrutalHuangs crew was a wall. A Saint-tier was Tianyues top dog. The Tianmu Sects three Saint goons ran rampant for yearsuntouchable, partly due to their elite roots and strength dwarfing this Huang chump, plus their shadowy MO. Solo, Han wouldve needed years of grinding to pull it off. He tried again. I mean getting the stuff from the Mountain God felt too smooth. I braced for fireworksgolden lotuses, cosmic vibesbig showtime vibes when the legacy opened. Inside, I figured traps, trials, gauntlets to snag the goods and meet him. Then hed throw curveballsswear revenge, maybe trick us with a fake stash, aiming to hijack a body for a comeback. Id fight tooth and nail, flex my skills, take him down, and claim victory. But nopetotal opposite. Kept my guard up for nothing. Aunt Mo, whyre you looking at me like that? Her stare turned odd mid-rant. Whered you pick up all that? Storybooks. That stuff happensplenty, she said. Good youre wary. Keep that up out there. But this legacy? I let you dive in solo because I had intel. Xuandu records say he passed from agedecent guy, no strength or motive for dirty tricks. Han nodded. Real stand-up Senior. Worlds got crooks and saintsyoull need to suss them out, she cautioned, tossing him the pouch. Herecleaned out anything trackable. He caught it, no fuss. Their bond didnt need pleasantries over scraps. Future life-altering stakes dwarfed this. Gotta hit Yunlong Market again, he sighed. Too much shady, useless junk piling upannoying. A thought struck. Aunt Mo, best spot to bulk-buy pills? Yunlongs Black-White Tower, the countys Ten Thousand Stars Chamber, and Crescent Moon Pill Pavilion, she listed. Crescents like Thousand Forge Armorypills instead of weapons, run by Tianyues big shots. What if I need a ton? She eyed him. Pills have impuritiesdont overdo it, you know that. For a hefty stack of Viscera-tier stuff, hit all three. That levels pricey here. She assumed martial pillsDay Roamer ones werent just costly; they were rare. Han nodded. Pill-popping cultivation? Long road ahead. Wish An Lang could master alchemy overnightchurn me out endless batches. An auto-refining cheat would be clutch. Flipping through the Huang Saints pouch, he asked, No tamed ghosts? Had onekilled it first thing, she said. Badass. After the Three Yin hauls dazzle, these normal cultivator pouches felt bland. Arts and pills paled next to the legacyno comparison. Strength-boosterscultivator or ghost? Zilch. Most used those up fast, turning resources into power, unless special cases. But one item in the Saints pouch made Han frown: another Soul-Refining Banner. Even a Saint-tier Huang used this shady gear. Top-down habit or deep clan tradition? A few materials inside perked him up, though. Since learning his artifact embryo could eat to grow, his material hunger had spiked. He pulled out a purple jade chunk. Whats this? Feels special. Purple Spirit Jadeauxiliary stuff for some Saint-tier artifacts. Decent Saint-grade material, she said. Nice. Mine now. Even a county overlords pouch only had this one gem. The Day Roamers bags? Forgettabletoo basic for his swollen coffers. Sorting it all, feeling his stash bulge, Han grinnedrefreshed and content. Beyond breakthroughs, these moments hit the sweet spot. Even training felt sharper that night. Past midnight, he grabbed a creation essence dropand froze. It was clear, like plain waterno special vibe inside or out. He hadnt grabbed the wrong thinghe was dead sure. Testing it, he dripped it on a seed. Nothing. The liquid hit the ground, inert. The creation sparkgone. Chapter 229: The Second Power It seems theres a time limit, huh Han couldnt help but feel a twinge of disappointment at the sight before him, though it was still within the realm of what he could accept. This was the result of a little experiment hed conducted. On the night the Fortune Gourd refreshed, Han had taken a single drop of its Fortune Spirit Liquid and stored it in an ordinary jade vial. He hadnt used it, leaving it untouched until now. Today marked the third day since the gourds last refresh, and that lone drop of spirit liquid, kept separate all this time, had transformed into what he saw now. It confirmed one thing: if the spirit liquid was removed from the Fortune Gourd for too long without being used, it would lose its potency. What a shame. Han shook his head. Hed been hoping that if the liquid didnt expire, he could stockpile a hefty stash of Fortune Spirit Liquid this month for future use. That way, even after this cheat-like tool refreshed and vanished, hed still reap its benefitslike having a permanent version of it. No difference at all. Sadly, there were no loopholes to exploit. Fair enough, he supposed. If the cheat tool had such an obvious flaw, why bother with a limited-time retrieval function in the first place? That night, aside from his usual cultivation, Han delved into studying the alchemy knowledge from the Three Yin Legacy. The more he knew, the betterit could never hurt. His main focus was on the medicinal seeds left behind by the Three Yin Mountain God. He had to recognize them. Otherwise, even if he accelerated their growth, hed be fumbling in the dark, clueless about their uses or value. Hed also instructed An Lang to prioritize learning about herbs, hoping she could quickly identify all those seeds. As for the Yin God Technique, Ten Directions Heavenly Light, he was already making progress on that too. At dawn, just as Han prepared to head to the martial arts dojo, he sensed a disturbance within his Soul Realm. Focusing inward, he was thrilled to discover that the embryonic artifact, which had been gestating all this time, had finally fully taken shape today! His heart leapt with excitement. The once-vague, tree-like form had now matured into a brown sapling about the length of an average persons forearm. But this tree looked odd. It had just one trunk, no branching limbs, and not a single leafjust a bare, stark shape. Uh what? Han scratched his head. This was supposed to be the natal artifact best suited for him? It looked so weird. No further refinement was needed. Over the past few days of nurturing and tempering, it had already bonded with him, becoming an extension of his very being. So, its abilities were instantly clear to him. It was a dual-purpose tooloffense and defense. When activated, the tree could unleash a beam of divine light. Offensively, this light could pierce through defensesbe it artifacts, techniques, or barriersshattering them with ease. Defensively, it could shield against a wide range of attacks: martial arts, Taoist spells, weapons, or artifactsall within its protective scope. The artifacts abilities sounded a bit vague and broad. Its true power? Thatd have to be tested in real combat. No question about it, thoughthis was a Day Roaming-grade artifact. And as a natal artifact tied to its master, it demanded less energy to wield while boasting greater potency than standard artifacts of the same level. Given Hans strength, this piece was, at the very least, top-tier among Day Roaming-grade artifacts. A beam of divine light It sounded almost too straightforward. But its capabilities were undeniable. In the world of cultivation, combat boiled down to three essentials: attack, defense, and escape. An artifact that excelled in both offense and defenseand covered such a wide rangewas already impressive. Han mulled it over, then pulled out a treasure hed looted from the Huang Familys Manifestation Realm cultivator: Purple Spirit Jade. According to Lu Qingmo, enhancing a natal artifact by fusing it with other material essences wasnt a free-for-all. The materials had to be compatible, aligned with the artifacts foundation. Trying to meld a ghostly artifact with something like Supreme Yang essence? Thatd be asking for trouble. Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on the original website. Since natal artifacts in this world were alive with spirit, they could judge for themselves whether a material suited them. Hans artifact lacked a spirit, but it still possessed this instinct. When he brought the Purple Spirit Jade close to the sapling, it trembled slightly and reached out to touch the treasure on its own. That meant the jade was a match. This wasnt the choice of an artifact spiritit was the artifact itself, existing in a state of both completion and incompletion, reacting to materials that could benefit it. Ill refine this Purple Spirit Jade today, Han decided. His natal artifact was pickyit only accepted the purest essence of materials, meaning hed need to strip away impurities or lesser components. The higher the materials grade, though, the less refining it needed. Something like Immortal Gold or Celestial Treasure? That was pure essence through and throughno refining required. Aside from his cultivation practice, Han spent the day refining the Purple Spirit Jade. By nightfall, the gem had been reduced to a puddle of purple liquid. Normally, refining material essence for crafting came with its own set of rules and finessetoo much force could ruin it, too little wouldnt extract enough. It was all about technique. But Han? He didnt fuss over that. Taking out his natal artifact, he dripped the entire batch of Purple Spirit Jade liquid onto it. In an instant, the liquid seeped into the trees trunk. Then, the artifact returned to his Soul Realm on its own, slowly digesting the jades essence. Within the Soul Realm, faint purple light pulsed across the saplings surface, flickering like it was breathing. Han couldnt help but marvel. This natal artifact is something else. I wonder if the artifacts of those Yin God cultivators work the same way. Ordinary artifacts wouldnt react like this to new material essence. To fuse fresh materials into a fully-formed artifact typically required a master craftsman, specialized techniques, and a slow, meticulous processor even a complete reforge. A total hassle. Han waited a bit, but seeing that the tree wouldnt finish absorbing the jade liquid anytime soon, he went back to cultivating. Earlier that day, hed also tried refining the Three Yin Banner. After some effort, though, hed given upthere was no budging it. Sure, this Yin God artifact was broken, but its durability was no joke. He couldnt refine it at all. Meanwhile, through Han and An Langs diligent study, theyd managed to identify some of the seeds left by the Three Yin Mountain Godstarting with the highest-grade ones. Since the high-tier herbs recorded in the legacy werent numerous, theyd tackled those first. True Yin Life-Fixing Grass, Three Winds Body-Dissolving Leaf, Celestial Gold Fruitthree Yin God-level herb seeds. Ill find a time to ripen them all. Among the seeds, these three stood out as the most precious, all at the Yin God tier. Their properties were wild and intense, brimming with strange energies. Consuming them raw would wreak havoc on body and soulthey needed to be alchemized with other materials into pills. The Three Yin Legacy included recipes for such pills, ranging from Yin God-level to Manifestation-level formulas. Those recipes alone were worth a fortune. An Lang! Whats up? An Lang floated into Hans roomstraight through the closed door, no less. Hows your alchemy coming along? Made any progress? Young Master, its only been one day. So what? Han put on a stern face. Is a short time an excuse for not learning? Talk about bullying the honest ghost! It wasnt until the next night that Hans natal artifact fully absorbed the Purple Spirit Jade liquid, merging it completely into itself. Solid. That was the first sensation Han felt when he examined the artifact after it had taken in a Manifestation-grade material. Its quality had noticeably improvedthough it hadnt jumped to the Manifestation tier. The Purple Spirit Jade was just an auxiliary Manifestation material, after all; it couldnt push the artifact to the next level on its own. The most striking change was its appearance. On the once-bare trunk, a small purple twigabout the length of a pinkyhad sprouted, adding a splash of color to the artifact. Han blinked in surprise. Was this how his natal artifact grew and advancedby sprouting new branches? No wonder it started out so bare. The real trick was waiting here all along. He could also sense clearly that this tiny twig harbored a mysterious power, distinct from the artifacts base abilities. It got him thinking. Could feeding it different materials unlock different potentials? One piece of Purple Spirit Jade wasnt enough for it to fully grow a branch. I wonder what new ability itll gain once that branch matures Han pondered. Etched with the pattern of the Thousand Immortal Tree and bound to him as a symbiotic tool, this artifact was anything but ordinary. Thats rightit was Tree Bro! If its growth pattern meant each branch brought a new ability, thatd be jaw-dropping. One artifact could end up doing the work of several. The next day, Han packed up, planning a trip to Yunlong City. It was just over a hundred miles from Black Cloud Towna short jaunt. When Bai Ruoyue heard his plan, she squinted at him suspiciously. Youre not going to see that dragon girl again, are you? Slander! Pure slander! Han huffed. Im going for legit business. If you dont believe me, come along. Fine, Ill go with you. Tricked. This time, they didnt ride horses. Instead, they borrowed Lu Qingmos flying carpet and soared off. Han had always envied that thing, and now he finally got to pilot it himself. According to Lu Qingmo, only someone at the Day Roaming Realm could sustain its long-term operation. Back then, Han hadnt known thatnow, he had the strength to handle it. Little Junior Brother, whats the deal with Yunlong City this time? Same as beforeselling stuff at the Black-and-White Tower. As they flew off, someone on the ground noted their direction, blending into the crowd. After a few twists and turns, they slipped into the Town Guards Mansion. Flying was exhilaratingno horse could compare. Once they reached Yunlong City, Han made a beeline for the Black-and-White Tower. The process was the same as last time, and he dealt with the same guy. Han laid out his haul: shady items he couldnt flaunt publicly, stuff hed never use, and trinkets with no collectible value. The old man from the tower gaped at the spread. Items from the Huang Family of Tianyue County, the Purple Flame Sect of Tianyang County, and these corpse-related artifactslikely from the Earth Corpse Sect of Tianwang County, and high-grade ones at that. Hiss. Wasnt that a spatial pouch only a Huang Family Manifestation cultivator could own? What kind of savage was this guy? Lawless didnt even cover ithow many crimes had he pulled off, specifically targeting big sects and noble families? Han had a lot to sell this time, and the quality was a step up from his last visit. Guest, how would you like to handle these treasures? Trade for goods, or sell outright? Trade for goods. Han didnt hesitate. Gold and silver? He could earn that anytimehe wasnt interested in cash. But certain treasures? Those werent always up for grabs. He stated his terms. I want as many cultivation pills as possible, plus materials for alchemy and artifact crafting. Herb seeds work too. The old man in charge paused, then nodded. Wait here. Chapter 230: Heavenly Light, Waning Moon The pile of treasures shimmered, catching the eye with its brilliance. Han waited for the old mans return, his ears picking up faint noises from outside. He listened closely. Apparently, someone else had come to offload their goods too. But since Han had arrived first, the folks at the Black-and-White Tower had stopped the newcomer in their tracks. This was shady business, after allnot the kind of deal where people could just waltz in and trade side by side like it was a farmers market. According to Aunt Mo, the alchemists at the Waning Moon Pill Pavilion dont usually take on jobs for just anyone. But with her clout, I should be able to convince one to help me out without much trouble, Han mused silently while he waited. But thats not a long-term fix. Relying on Aunt Mos name too much could tarnish her reputation. If I could offer up some rare herbs as a bargaining chip, though, no alchemist worth their salt would turn me down. Seeds might pale in value compared to fully grown herbs, but with the Fortune Spirit Liquid, Ive got plenty of room to maneuver. I could even sell off some of the pure, impurity-free pills I dont needthough thatd draw too much attention. Better not. Oh, rightsince Im in Yunlong City anyway, I could ask the Dragon Lady if theres an alchemist in the Yunjiang Dragon Palace. Lost in thought, Han barely noticed the old man return. Just like last time, the elder handed him a jade tablet for browsing. The first thing that caught his eye was the pills. Each came with an illustration and a detailed rundowneffects, potential side effects, all laid out crystal clear. The Black-and-White Tower might operate in the gray, but their dealings were straight-up honest. Good stuff was good, bad stuff was badno smoke and mirrors here. In this game, reputation was everything. The top listings were all auxiliary cultivation pills for the Flesh Realm. Han skimmed themnothing special, just run-of-the-mill stuffso he skipped ahead to the Viscera Realm section. The selection for Viscera Realm cultivation pills is kinda slim, Han remarked. The jade tablet showed only five types of pills for that realm. Of course, that was just the varietyeach type had more than one pill in stock. The old man explained, Pills for that realm are in high demand. Lots of buyers, and theyre tricky to refine. What weve got here is already more variety than most places. Han nodded, carefully reviewing the options. True Wood Pill, Five Elements Pill, Eleven Heavenly God Pill The Eleven Heavenly God Pill sounded grandiose, but it was just a pill for tempering the five organs and six viscera. Of the five, some boosted true qi, others fortified the body, and a few directly enhanced the organs. But they all shared one trait: they only aided and sped up cultivation, not enough to push a martial artist straight through a breakthrough. Plus, you couldnt pop them like candy. Two or three of any one type, and the effects would taper off to next to nothing. The True Wood Pill, for instance, strengthened the body. If you could keep chugging it with no diminishing returns, wouldnt that mean you could casually stack your physique up to the Bone Forging level with pills alone? Yeah, right. Thatd be too easy. Flipping further, Han spotted a Bone Forging Realm pillonly one kind. The Bone Forging Pill could assist a martial artist in tempering three bones, but you could only take one, max. To Han, it seemed pretty average. Back in Black Mountain, hed snagged a rare treasure called the Mountain Dragon Branch. Once refined, it could perfectly temper ten bones for a Bone Forging martial artistno assistance required. One was a direct upgrade, the other just a helping hand. And the numbers didnt even compare. The Mountain Dragon Branch was leagues above this Bone Forging Pill in value. Herbs, seeds, crafting materials Han took his time, and the old man didnt rush him, standing by patiently. No materials for crafting Manifestation-grade artifacts? Han asked. Those are too rare. The Yunlong City branch doesnt carry them, the elder replied. Han nodded and listed his requests. Six True Wood Pills, Five Elements Pills Golden Essence Fruit seeds He skipped the herbs entirelybuying seeds and growing them himself was way more cost-effective with his methods. What about those Day Roaming-grade crafting materials? Can I take a look? Han inquired. Sure, give me a moment. The old man stepped out again. Han didnt bother asking if his loot was enough to cover the trade. His haulsourced from Manifestation and Day Roaming cultivators, big sects, and noble familieswas worth a fortune. A short while later, the elder returned with four materials. Han touched each one, and his heart skipped a beat. Unbelievablehis natal artifact reacted to all four. It wanted them all. But these four materials were clearly of different natures. This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there. Two metal chunks, a vial of spirit water, and a withered branchall viable additives for Day Roaming artifact crafting. This artifact of mines got one hell of an appetitemeat, veggies, it doesnt care. Itll eat anything. That wasnt normal for a natal artifact. After a moments thought, Han waved a hand. Ill take them all! Stepping out of the Black-and-White Tower, Han spotted Bai Ruoyue in a quiet corner. No drama this timejust a smooth, uneventful trip. Senior Sister, we dont come here often. Doesnt it feel like a waste to just leave now? he ventured. Whatre you getting at? How about we drop by and say hi to the Dragon Lady? Bai Ruoyue fixed him with a stare and huffed. Thats not what you told me on the way here. Itd be rude not to pay a visit when were already in her territory, right? Were here anyway. To Hans surprise, though, when he tried calling the Dragon Lady through the conch, there was no responsejust silence. With no other choice, he flashed her token and tracked down the Yunjiang Aquatic Clan for answers. After some back-and-forth, a Day Roaming-level aquatic creature approached him with an explanation. Her Highness isnt at the Dragon Palace right nowshes in Qingzhou. Do you have urgent business with her? Qingzhou No, nothing urgent. I just happened to be in Yunlong City and thought Id stop by. When Her Highness returns, Ill let her know you came. Thanks for that. As the aquatic creature left, Bai Ruoyue nudged Han. Tough luckshes not here. Disappointed? Senior Sister, quit testing me. Qingzhou, huh. Han shook his head. No surprise thereshe ruled a vast water domain spanning the realm. Off to another province on a whim? That was her style. Hed gotten so used to seeing her often that hed overlooked how big her operation really was. The magic conch mustve gone quiet because the distance was too great. With the Dragon Lady absent, asking about alchemists in the Dragon Palace was off the table. Then Bai Ruoyue, brimming with enthusiasm, dragged him off to explore Yunlong City. By the time they strolled back into Black Cloud Town, it was afternoon. At the dojo, Han got straight to work refining the four materials hed picked up, plus purifying some pills. Young Master, Ive sorted out all the pill recipes from the legacy that work for the Viscera, Bone Forging, and Day Roaming Realms, An Lang announced, drifting in as he labored. Some of the materials for these recipes match the seeds Master left behind, but theres still a chunk we dont have. Han wasnt shocked. Even when the Three Yin Mountain God was alive, self-sufficiency in every alchemy ingredient wasnt realistic. Hed have grown the rare main herbs himself and sourced the rest elsewhere. Now, all they had were some of his leftover seedsof course thered be gaps. Did you figure out whats missing? Han asked. Yeah, theyre mostly common stuff. Should be easy to grab in the county capital. Han nodded. A trip to the county capital was looking inevitable. His plan was to ripen all those seeds into mature herbs ASAP, then refine them into pills to max out the Fortune Gourds potential. That meant a busy few days at the start of the monthafter that, he could kick back and cultivate with pills daily. Refining Day Roaming materials was a breeze compared to herbs. By nightfall, all four were processed and fed straight to his natal artifact. The artifact absorbed every drop of essence and started glowing again. Full belly. To the county capital? Han asked. Across from him, Lu Qingmo nodded. Sure, Ill go with you tomorrow. Her Ghost God Division duties mostly involved holding down the fort. Cases requiring her personal touch were rare. Lets hold off a few daysnot tomorrow, Han said. The seeds werent ripened yetheading to the capital now would be pointless. Aunt Mo, whats the usual cost to hire an alchemist? You bring your own materials. For obscure pills, you toss in the recipe toothats the bare minimum, Lu Qingmo explained. Then theres the fee. No fixed rateit depends on the pills difficulty and the alchemists demands. She paused, then asked, You seem pretty into alchemy lately? After digging into the Three Yin Mountain Gods legacy, yeah, its piqued my interest. Thats part of why I want to hit the county capital. Then head to the Waning Moon Pill Pavilion. The pavilion master theres one of the top alchemists across the nearby countiesand a Manifestation Realm powerhouse to boot. That was exactly Hans plan. Under the moonlight, Hans soul shimmered with a silver sheen, drawing in lunar essence and soaking up yin energy. His hands moved slowly, forming strange seals. At one point, the surroundings dimmed. All light vanishedswallowed up, even the moonlight gone. The darkness lingered until a faint glow sparked to life, weak at first, then blooming brilliantly to banish the shadows. The sudden radiance was blinding, stealing all attention. On closer look, it came from a circular wheel. A glowing ring hung in the air, radiant and central to everything around it. Streams of light cascaded down, cloaking Han like some divine figure. The Yin God Technique, Ten Directions Heavenly Lightmastered! Lu Qingmo stood nearby, silent. In just two or three days, with only nighttime study sessions, hed grasped a Yin God-level technique at the Day Roaming Realm She didnt even know what to say about that kind of talent. It wasnt badit was too good. Even at the Xuandu Monastery, genius disciples didnt pick up Yin God techniques that easily. It took timeplus guidance from masters and sometimes even treasures to help. But Han? Hed learned it right under her nose, brute-forcing it with sheer focusand fast. Dont you ever hit a wall or get stumped? Nope. Not really. So far, whenever Han got serious about mastering a technique or martial art, insights just poured in like clockwork. No barriers, no bottlenecks. It started after he got the Seven Orifices Exquisite Heart. He could feel it kicking in whenever he studied techniques or martial skillsan uncanny edge. Even in its earliest stage, that heart was something special. Take the Yang Earth Fire Seals cultivation methodhed cracked it ages ago. Now he was just patiently extracting pure fire essence from yin earth flames. That was slow, meticulous work. No rushing it, or hed have forged the Yang Earth Fire already. Savoring the power within the Heavenly Light Wheel, Han nodded, pleased. Worthy of a Yin God techniqueit packed a punch. Now he had more tricks up his sleeve for soul-based combat. As the wheel faded, he caught Lu Qingmo eyeing him oddly. Did I get more handsome again? You picked up a Yin God technique that fast. Im starting to wonder what could actually stump you, she said. Uh, was it that hard? Felt pretty straightforward to me. Alright then. The Earth Fire Seals a higher grade than Ten Directions Heavenly Light, and I learned that quick too, Han said, puzzled. With that as a benchmark, whys Aunt Mo surprised now? The Earth Fire Seal came with a True Intent inheritance. Thats a different beast from learning a technique like this, Lu Qingmo clarified. True Intent inheritances are prized because they let you master techniques fast and flawlessly. Late that night, his natal artifact finished digesting the four Day Roaming materials. The purple twig had grownnow middle-finger lengthand the mysterious power within it swelled. Most striking, though, was a tiny bump on the twig. Is it about to bloom or bear fruit? Han muttered. This natal artifact was getting weirder by the day. A fruit-bearing artifactwhat would it even produce? It was so bizarre he couldnt even settle on a name for it. Over the next few days, aside from essential cultivation, Han focused on herb knowledge and ripening seeds. He stored the mature herbs carefully, though it bugged him that he couldnt harvest new seeds from some of them. The Three Yin Mountain God had the skill to cycle-plant a single herb indefinitelybut Han wasnt on that level. Their cultivation and alchemy chops were worlds apart. Five days of this cultivation-and-study routine flew by. On this day, Han, Lu Qingmo, and Bai Ruoyue slipped out of Black Cloud Town unnoticed. It was supposed to be a two-person trip for him and Lu Qingmo, but Bai Ruoyue insisted on tagging alongso they let her. She wouldnt take no for an answer. Sitting beside Han, Bai Ruoyue took in the scenery and asked, Little Junior Brother, youre juggling martial arts, soul cultivation, and now alchemy. You got enough hours in the day for all that? Senior Sister, you might be underestimating my talent, Han replied, brimming with confidence. If I set my mind to it, alchemys a piece of cakewont take much time at all. But Im just interested in hiring someone to refine pills, not learning it myself. Im into crafting and forging too, but Ill leave those skills to An Lang. Bai Ruoyue nodded thoughtfully. Makes sense. That way it wont cut into your cultivation time. Keeps An Lang busy too. An Lang: Does no one speak up for me? At the county capital, Lu Qingmo personally led Han and Bai Ruoyue to the Waning Moon Pill Pavilion. The place oozed grandeuroutshining even the Thousand Soldiers Forgeand didnt bother with greeters at the door. As the trio stepped inside, a white-haired old man descended the stairs, heading their way. Hans senses sharpened. This guy Hes a big shot! Chapter 231: Young Upstart or Timeless Ally? In the quiet chamber, a wisp of green smoke curled upward, calming the mind and casting a faint, dreamy haze. Four cups of steaming tea sat beside each person, radiating subtle ripples of vital energy. Alchemy, you say? The white-haired old man paused, mulling over Hans words. Han had just laid out his intentions clearly. This man was none other than the master of the Waning Moon Pill Paviliona Manifestation Realm alchemist of extraordinary skill. Anyone capable of crafting Manifestation or Marrow-Washing pills could rightfully claim the title of master. By common standards, even those who could refine Day Roaming or Bone Forging pills earned that honor. The pavilion master, though, was in a league of his own. If Before the pavilion master could finish, Lu Qingmo suddenly produced an objectthe command token of the Ghost God Divisions overseer. The old man fell silent. Whats this supposed to mean? Trying to pull rank on me? Hmph. If thats your game, Lu Qingmo, youve misjudged me. Im not the type to bow to authority! Hed been planning to help them anyway. But Lu Qingmo clearly had no such intent. She gripped the token for a moment before speaking. Elder Ye needs me at the Ghost God Division. Ill head there nowyou all carry on. The pavilion master let out an inward sigh of relief. Thought she was about to strong-arm me. Once Lu Qingmo left, he picked up where hed left off. So, what kind of pills are you after? Something to aid cultivation, Han replied. My senior sisters at the Viscera Realm right now, so Im looking to get some pills for the Viscera and Bone Forging Realms. The pavilion master glanced at Bai Ruoyue and shook his head. At her age, with that level of cultivation? Shes got real talent. Relying too much on pills, thoughthats not the smart play. An alchemist cautioning against overusing pills? It sounded odd. But what choice did he have? These two came with Lu Qingmo, and with their kind of potential, he felt obliged to warn them. Even a master alchemist had to read the roomhe wasnt some pill-dispensing immortal. Thanks for the heads-up, Master. Well keep it in check, Han assured him. The pavilion master pondered for a moment before continuing. Normally, whipping up a few pills for you wouldnt be an issue. But youve caught me at a bad time. Im in the middle of refining a batch of Manifestation Treasure Pills, and I hit a snagran out of one key herb. Right now, Im focused on keeping that batch stable while my people scour the city for more of it. Until then, my hands are tied. If youre willing to wait, I can start on your pills once this batch is done. Hows that sound? He hesitated, feeling like he might be slighting Lu Qingmos crew, and added, Im operating with a soul fragment controlling my body right nowmy main souls tied up with the refining. I really cant spare the focus. He figured anyone rolling with Lu Qingmo would know what a Manifestation soul fragment was. For folks at his level, splitting off a fragment to multitask was par for the course. Han stayed quiet. He hadnt expected to walk into this. After a beat, he asked, How long will it take to finish that batch, Master? Three to five days if were luckyten days to half a month if not, the pavilion master replied. The herb Im missing is a tough find. Before starting, I scrounged up two stalks after ages of searching, but theyre gone now. Ive got people asking around the county capital, but whether theyll turn up anything, I cant say. I can keep the batch stable for half a month at most. If we dont find it by then, the whole things a bust. Han got it. The three to five days or ten to half a month was about tracking down the herb. If they found it, great. If not, the half-formed pill hed already poured effort into would be scrap. The story has been illicitly taken; should you find it on Amazon, report the infringement. But waiting that long? No way. Ten days or half a month would push him to the end of the monthby then, the Fortune Gourd would be refreshing. Just then, a commotion stirred outside. A young girl led a youth into the room. The girl glanced at Han and Bai Ruoyue, curiosity flickering in her eyes. Grandpa, this is Cao Qu, the top disciple of the Lingxuan Taoist Temple. Cao Qu bowed respectfully. Greetings, Master of the Waning Moon. I heard youre hunting for herbs. Ive got one herewondering if it might help? Grandpa, the Lingxuan Temple has a Snake Fate Fruit, the girl chimed in. Snake Fate Fruit? Looks like you know your stuff, kid, the pavilion master said, then shook his head. Its a decent substitute for the Mysterious Snake Fruit in some recipes, but not for the pill Im working on. Swapping herbs wasnt just about similar propertiesyou had to consider how theyd play with the rest of the mix. Some recipes allowed it; others had ingredients thatd clash with the substitute. No dice here. The girl and Cao Qu exchanged disappointed looks. Rest assured, Master, the Lingxuan Temples pulling out all the stops to find a Mysterious Snake Fruit. No promises, but if its in the county capital, well get it for you, Cao Qu said earnestly. The pavilion master nodded, appreciating the effort. Han piped up from the side. So, Master, you need a Mysterious Snake Fruit? Exactly. Its a rare herb born in a place where hordes of snakes perish, blessed by heavenly dew, and formed after ninety-nine live snakes shed their skinsa fluke of nature. The two I had came from a water domain after a lot of begging. Day Roaming-grade stuff. Noticing his granddaughters curiosity, the pavilion master gave a quick intro. These two are young talents brought by Lu Qingmo, the Ghost God Division overseer. This is my granddaughter, Mu Wan. Mu Wan nodded at them. Cao Qus eyes flickered. Only one Lu Qingmo ran the Ghost God Division in Tianyue County, so these two had to be from Black Cloud Town. Young folks tight with Lu Qingmo from Black Cloud Town? Probably the Taibai Dojo disciples his senior brother had mentioned. Han barely registered Cao Qu. When the pavilion master named the herb, a grin spread across his face. Mysterious Snake Fruit? Hed heard of it. He didnt have one, but he had something else. Ive heard theres another herb called the Mysterious Dragon Fruit? Its an evolved form of the Mysterious Snake Fruitrarer and more valuable, the pavilion master replied. Could it sub in for your pill, Master? The old mans patience was wearing thin, though he masked it. Whats with this kid and all the questions? Whether it could substitute or not, theres no way youve got oneimpossible, got it? I already said Id refine your pills later, and youre still poking around. If it werent for Lu Qingmo, Id have booted you out by now. And whats with that grin? Im short on herbs hereI cant even crack a smile, and youre over there chuckling? No tact, no sense of timing! Clueless bratsome nerve! The masters inner monologue was a whirlwind. Old in years, young at heart. In the treasure pill Im refining, the Mysterious Snake Fruit was already a fallback because I couldnt find a Mysterious Dragon Fruit, he said curtly. Hed made up his mindif Han asked one more question, he was out. A botched refining session had already soured his mood. A batch of Manifestation Treasure Pills was a huge dealmonths, maybe years of gathering materials, countless favors called in, and a ton of effort poured into it. Every rare ingredient was a piece of his hard-earned stash or a debt repaid. Now, with failure looming, he was gutted. Chatting with Han this long was already a stretch. Brother, the masters focused on his refining and not in the mood for small talk, Cao Qu cut in. If youve got business, why not take it up with Miss Mu? Lets not disturb himmessing up his work would be a big deal. His words seemed to click with Mu Wan, who shot Han a less-than-friendly look. She knew her grandpa best, and one glance told her he was getting fed up. Han flicked his eyes at Cao Qu. Stepping on me to kiss up, huh, kid? Hmph. Petty tricksnothing worth sweating over. Master, Ive got a Mysterious Dragon Fruit. Please leavewait, what? The pavilion master shot up from his chair. Master, whats wrong? Smooth as silk, he asked, Answer me straightdo you really have a Mysterious Dragon Fruit? Yeah. Among the seeds left by the Three Yin Mountain God was one for this herb, and Han had already ripened it. It was a Manifestation-grade herb, featured in several Manifestation pill recipes from the Three Yin legacy. No big deal, thoughthis was one of those rare plants that, once mature, didnt need fancy alchemy skills or high cultivation to yield seeds again. Han pulled a brocade box from his spatial pouch and opened it. Inside sat a dark fruit etched with dragon-like patterns. The pavilion masters eyes lit up. Thats ita Mysterious Dragon Fruit! Han smiled. When I heard you needed a Mysterious Snake Fruit, I had a hunch todays visit was meant to be. Meant to bedamn right it is! The old man was over the moon. Looking at Han now, that smile seemed warm, downright likable. Smile away, kidkeep it up! Love a good laughyoung folks should smile more. Ill give you this Mysterious Dragon Fruit, Master. The pavilion masters eyes practically sparkled. He grabbed Hans arm. Youre a lifesaver, my friend! Come on, lets talk inside. What a guysharp, talented, polite, refined, and full of heart. So what if he asked a lot of questions? Young people should be curiousit shows theyre eager to learn, hungry to grow. Curiositys a virtue! He loved when youngsters grilled him. If they didnt ask, and he didnt ask, how would the next generation get anywhere? Ask awaywhatevers on your mind, fire away. Dont hold back. I actually enjoy chatting with the young crowd. Sweet granddaughter, guard the door. No random interruptionsIve hit it off with this guy like weve known each other forever. Mu Wan: The pavilion master practically dragged Han off, with Bai Ruoyue hustling to keep up. Mu Wan paused, then turned to Cao Qu. Master Cao, you should head out. No random interruptions for Grandpa? Whos the random here? Not her, his own flesh and blood, thats for sure. The answer was obvious. In another roomcozier, more privatethe pavilion master got serious. Youre really giving me the Mysterious Dragon Fruit? This is Manifestation-grade stuff, you know. Good herbs need the right hands, Han said with a grin. And to me, Master, youre the perfect fit. The old man thought it over and nodded. This batch means too much to meIll shamelessly accept it. Dont worry, my friend. Once its done, Ill fire up the furnace for your pills right away. Master, the pills I wantsome of the materials arent ready yet. Id need to buy a few from you. The tough-to-find main herbs are covered, though. The pavilion master waved a hand, oozing generosity. If youve got the main stuff, Ill have my granddaughter grab the rest from the storeroom. Whatever youre short, Ill hook you up. No chargeyou and I hit it off like old pals. Moneys just paper. Han blinked. Whoa, hold upthats too much! No way, I cant accept that. (Opens pouch wider.) This guys the real dealbig heart, big moves. Hope hes got eight kids to match that vibe! Chapter 232: A Spicy Deal Fit for an Emperor Han had made his request clear from the start. He was after cultivation pills for the Viscera and Bone Forging Realms, so naturally, the materials hed prepared were tailored to those levels. A single Mysterious Dragon Fruit, if traded only for supplementary herbs for Viscera Realm pills, would be a raw dealafter all, it was two tiers above that. But if the pavilion master, Mu Dongshan, also covered the missing materials for Bone Forging or even Day Roaming pills, the math got fuzzier. Plus, hiring an alchemist to fire up their furnace wasnt free. Some cutthroat ones charged fees that rivaled the value of the finished pills. One Manifestation-grade ingredient to cover both the refining and free materials? That wasnt quite enough. Master, no waythis Mysterious Dragon Fruit isnt worth all that! Han protested, pushing back. The old mans sudden enthusiasm threw him off. More importantly, who does a losing deal? Listen, my friend, I wont sugarcoat it, Mu Dongshan said with a sigh. This batch of pills is my lifes workyears of effort riding on it. A Manifestation pill takes me at least a decade to prep for. If it fails, all that time and energy goes down the drain. The cost is too steep. Ive already botched two Mysterious Snake Fruits, and that taught me something. Unless youre a genius at the peak of your craft, refining this pill with a Snake Fruit is a long shot. Even if I got another, Id probably still fail. This Mysterious Dragon Fruit isnt just a Manifestation herb to meits the key to pulling this off. Han got it now. Normally, the Dragon Fruit was just a high-grade herb, but right now, to Mu Dongshan, it was worth an entire batch of Manifestation Treasure Pillsplus decades of blood, sweat, and tears. Compared to that, tossing in some extra materials for Han was pocket change. If he nailed this batch, hed recoup any loss and then somebig time. Dont turn me down, my friend, Mu Dongshan said, deadly serious. I, Mu Dongshan, have lived my life upright and honest. If you refuse, itll weigh on me. My mindll waver, and this batchll be toast. With the man putting it like that, what could Han do? He accepted, of course. A win-win all aroundboth sides walking away happy. For Han, trading one herb for a haul like this was a jackpot. For Mu Dongshan, snagging a real shot at refining his Manifestation Treasure Pills? He couldnt lose either. It was a grand slam for both. How long till youre done, Master Mu? Han asked. Todaytomorrow at the latest, Mu Dongshan replied, buzzing with energy. Everything else is setjust needed this herb. With the Dragon Fruit, Ive got this in the bag! That worked. A day or two was nothingHan could wait. He handed over the Mysterious Dragon Fruit with a grin. Looking forward to your good news, Master Mu. Hahaha! This treasure wont go to waste, my friendI promise you that! Mu Dongshan couldnt hide his glee. Anything you need, just tell my granddaughter. Ill fill her in. Shes an alchemist toospotting pills and herbs? No problem. Once Im donewin or loseIll start your batch right away! With that, Mu Dongshan hustled out to find Mu Wan. Bai Ruoyue sidled up to Han and whispered, Little Junior Brother, this masters a straight shooter, huh? No kiddinghes the real deal, Han nodded. Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on the original website. Soon, Mu Dongshan returned with Mu Wan. After some polite chit-chat, he dashed off to refine his pills, barely containing his excitement. Mu Wan eyed Han and Bai Ruoyue curiously. What materials do you need? Yellow Lotus Essence Han rattled off a list. Mu Wan nodded or shook her head as he went. Most of those weve got, I think. A few Im not sure about. She perked up, surprised. I know theseYellow Lotus Essence is for Lotus Heart Pills, good for tempering the heart. And Summer Bloom these are all for cultivation pills. But some of these? Ive never seen Grandpa use them. Do they work for that too? Her eyes lit up as a hunch clicked. Youve got some unique recipes, dont you? Picked up a few by chance, Han admitted openly. No point hiding ithed have to show the recipes to Mu Dongshan later anyway. No herbs without a blueprint? Good luck refining anything. Across Tianyue County and the surrounding regions, auxiliary cultivation pills for each realm were mostly the same old handful. The ones Han got from the Black-and-White Tower? The Waning Moon Pavilion only lacked the Eleven Heavenly God Pill. And here, just one pill was new to Hans collection. The Three Yin Mountain Gods legacy, though, had recipes hed cooked up over his long divine life. Those were what Han aimed to refine. One more trip to the Ten Thousand Stars Guild later, and hed have pretty much every cultivation pill circulating in the nearby counties. Viscera Realm pills packed a punchone could last days. Han figured he wouldnt even finish them before the month was up. Ill check the storeroom, Mu Wan said, turning to go. Wait up, Miss Mu, Han called. Do you sell herb seeds here? She blinked, caught off guard. Growing herbs isnt easyits not a quick fix. If youre thinking of churning out a ton of herbs fast for refining or profit, thats a pipe dream. I know. Were from a faction ourselvesjust looking to build up some reserves, Han offered, keeping it vague but sensible. Mu Wan nodded, piecing it together. Their group probably wanted to train an alchemist. She wasnt far offjust one tweak. Han wasnt raising a person; he was raising a ghost. Besides pills and herbs, the Waning Moon Pavilion does deal in seeds, she confirmed. Hang on She rummaged through her spatial pouch and pulled out a booklet. Take a lookany seeds you need, theyre in there. She started to leave but paused, adding a word of caution. Your sisters got real talent. Pills for cultivation? Watch the amountdont overdo it. Not no pillsjust dont lean on them too hard. Once she was gone, Bai Ruoyue smirked. How come she didnt warn you, Little Junior Brother? Han shrugged, deadpan. Look at mepushing thirty, clearly a washout. Pills are my only shot at getting anywhere. Hopeless cases dont dream big. Pop some pills, bulk up while Im young, maybe land a dojo gig for my retirement plan. Otherwise, when Im old and creaky, too weak to swing, Im done for. No worriesIll protect you, Bai Ruoyue laughed. Just hide behind me. Oh, Ill get behind you eventually, Han muttered. Bai Ruoyue didnt catch the double meaning. You seriously planning to grow herbs at the dojo, Little Junior Brother? Doesnt seem like theres enough space. Worth a shot, Han said. Whats the worst that could happen? Since the Fortune Gourd showed up, Han had been hooked on herb seeds. Ripened, they might not all become pills right away, but they were still wealth. Sometimes, raw herbs outvalued refined ones. When dealing with alchemists, rare herbs were goldhard currency in every sense. Even at places like the Ten Thousand Stars Trade Fair, they were hot commodities. A big stash of mature herbs would beef up Hans material reservesa serious windfall. Plus, An Langs alchemy studies needed heaps of herbs for practice. Seeds were dirt cheap compared to buying mature plantspennies on the dollar. If Han didnt stockpile like crazy this month, hed be squandering the gourds cheat-code potential. Strike while the irons hotchances like this dont come twice. Shame, thoughtop-tier seeds were near impossible to find. In Tianyue County, even Bone Forging or Day Roaming main herb seeds were scarce. After a bit, Mu Wan returned. The storerooms short a few herbs, but Ill track them down while Grandpas refining. Once hes done, well start your batchno delays. Thanks, Miss Mu, Han said, genuinely grateful, then listed the seeds he wanted. That many? Mu Wan muttered, surprised. Ill have them ready before Grandpa finishes your pills. Han nodded. Looked like theyd be in the county capital a few daysno rush. After lingering at the pavilion, Han and Bai Ruoyue headed to the Ten Thousand Stars Guild, same goal in mind: snag seeds, grab pills. With his long career plus the Three Yin haul, Hans pockets were deepno cash worries here. The two stops netted him three Viscera Realm pills he hadnt found at the Black-and-White Tower. Bone Forging or Day Roaming treasure pills? Too pricey. With Mu Dongshan already on the job, buying them wasnt worth it. Besides, high-end pills like that werent always for salebetter to toss them into the Ten Thousand Stars Trade Fair for a bidding war. Business done, on the way back to the Ghost God Division, Han asked, Senior Sister, what do you know about the Lingxuan Taoist Temple? One of the county capitals two big templesand the oldest, Bai Ruoyue shared. Among the local powers, its got the longest history, dating back to the dynastys founding. Dad once told me its a branch of a bigger faction, backed by a heavyweight lineage. Their top disciples usually get shipped off eventually. A branch of a major player? Han said, surprised. Ask Aunt Mo which oneDad didnt spell it out, Bai Ruoyue replied, then remembered something. Oh, and the Gao familyyou know, Black Cloud Towns Gao family? Gao Zhenxiongs third kid studies there. Whats his name Oh, rightGao Tong. Gao Tong? Han asked reflexively. Which generation? What do you mean, which generation? Generation gap, huh? Thick walls between us for sure. Chapter 233: A Nighttime Omen Under the Moon The sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm glow over a hearty dinner. After hearing Hans question, Lu Qingmo nodded. No exaggeration earlierits true. Before I came to Tianyue County, I dug into the lay of the land here. Ive got a decent handle on the local powers. The founder of the Lingxuan Taoist Temple was a disciple of the Flying Immortal Sect, sent here to establish a foothold and pass down their teachings. Its not just Lingxuan. Other forces in the county have big backers too. The Great Thunder Temples tied to Little Saint Temple, and the current head of the Golden Dragon Dojo trained under the True Extreme Sect. Little Saint Temple and True Extreme Sect are heavy hitters in Great Qiboth with Underworld Realm powerhouses holding the fort. The formers in Qingzhou, the latters right here in Tianzhou. Their influence stretches across one province, sometimes more. Then theres the Flying Immortal Sectnext level. Their history boasts a figure listed on the Mountains and Rivers Common People Roster. Even if that legends passed on, theyve still got an immortal artifact anchoring the sect. The Yuan familys tight with the Mo family in Tianzhous capital, and the Huang familys ancestors were offshoots of the Huang clan in Qingzhous Zaiyi County, branching out here. The Mo family in Tianzhou and the Huang family in Qingzhou? Both are top-tier noble housesbig players in their regions, easily among the elite. Han blinked, stunned. He hadnt realized so many of Tianyue Countys top dogs were clinging to even bigger trees. Guess making it big really came down to connections and clout. So theyve all got heavyweights in their corner, he mused. Little Saint Temple, the Mo familysure, they were strong, but not world-dominating. The real standout was the Flying Immortal Sect. With a past titan on the Roster, they were up there with the Xuandu Monasterytop-tier, no question. Right now, Xuandu probably had the edge, but even without an active immortal, the Flying Immortal Sect was still a giant in peoples eyes. Theyd been top dogs once, after all. Barring surprises, once the Xuandu Monasterys current master passed, theyd slide into used to be great territory too. Its pretty standard, Lu Qingmo explained. Big sects and noble families almost always send disciples to set up branches or prop up proxies outside their main turfscooping up local talent and resources to feed the machine. The best minds and wealth of Great Qi are getting vacuumed up by them, Han said, marveling. No wonder they keep thriving. The strong just get stronger, while lone wolves and second-rate factions? Theyre stuck in the mud forever unless something wild happens. Every major sect and noble house was out there hogging the worlds riches to fatten themselves up. They split the realm with Great Qis royalstechnically the empires land, but really everyones playground. Thats why even the imperial court had to play nice with local powers. Some factions might look like small-time bullies, but mess with them, and youre poking the bear behind them. Good luck with that. Bai Ruoyue frowned. What about Xuandu Monastery, then? Whys there no branch of theirs around here? Han shot her a lookhalf exasperated, half fondlike she was a clueless kid. Senior Sister, whats Xuandu Monastery to Great Qi? The state religion, duh. So, you think theyve got no presence here? Han grinned. The Ghost God Division is their presence! Lu Qingmo nodded, not dodging the point. To Xuandu, the Ghost God Divisions a talent scout and resource hub, no question. Its their reward for helping the Bai clan claim Great Qis throne. The Bai clanGreat Qis royal family. Four centuries as the state religion, four centuries of the Ghost God Division Han whistled, impressed. Anywhere in Great Qi touched by civilization fell under the divisions watchway scarier than what other top sects or families pulled off with their proxies. Han couldnt even guess how much Xuandu had grown in four hundred years, but it had to be insaneleagues beyond the rest. Xuandu Monastery might just be the top sect in the world, he ventured. Lu Qingmo shook her head. Not quite. Among the three kingdoms, Eastern Zhous the strongestoldest too. The Academy of Sages is a fathomless powerhouse. Even top-tier cults like the Heavenly Mother Sect and the World-Crossing Path dont dare push too hard there. Eastern Zhous Wu clan? Unmatched in martial prowess. If not for the Purple Sky Sovereign bursting onto the scene, theyd be the worlds number-one family. You could hear the respect in her voice for the Academy of Sages. Qis Bai, Zhous Wu, Jins Simathe royal clans of the three kingdoms, some of the mightiest families around. Pop quiz: which royal house is the weakest link? Han mulled it over, then glanced at Bai Ruoyue. Senior Sister, the royals are surnamed Bai, and so are you. Dont tell me youre some long-lost princess? She rolled her eyes. If I were royalty, your headd be the first to roll. Howd it go at the Waning Moon Pavilion today? Sorted it out, Han said, recapping the days events. Thats Mu Dongshans stylesmooth but upright. Doesnt pick fights, has friends across counties, Lu Qingmo noted, nodding without prying further. Aunt Mo, whatd Elder Ye want with you? Her eyes flickered with something odd. Its about the Huang family. The narrative has been taken without permission. Report any sightings. Whats up with them? Whats up? You tell me! Over the past month or two, theyve lost a Bone Forging martial artist, three Day Roaming cultivators, and a Manifestation master. Theyre reelingstrength slashed hard. They only had two Manifestation and one Marrow-Washing to start with. Now a third of thats gone. That kind of hits buzzing through the county capital. Other factions are circling, ready to carve up Huangs interests while theyre down. Its stirring chaos in the capital and the counties below. Huangs grip on their resource points is slipping. Elder Ye said I might need to step in if it gets worse. Han rubbed his chin, smirking. Well, damn. He hadnt done the math before, but now? Hed kneecapped the Huang family single-handedlywiped out a third of their top brass. Told you Lord Zhous petty streak was no joke. Believe me now? Hmph, serves them right, Bai Ruoyue huffed. Good work, Little Junior Brothergive em hell! She knew bits and piecesHan and Lu Qingmo rarely kept her in the dark. Theyre in for a rough ride, Han said, grinning ear to ear. Huangs pain was his gain. No doubt, Lu Qingmo agreed. They wont collapse or vanish, but theyll lose groundhave to lay low for a while. And clawing that back later? Good luck. Whats swallowed doesnt come back up easy. That night, as they settled in, Bai Ruoyue watched Han and Lu Qingmo casually take adjacent rooms, leaving her stranded. Knew it! In the dead of night, a purple light shot skyward from a corner of Tianyue City. It vanished almost instantly, smothered by another force, but the ripple woke half the cityincluding Han. Whos throwing a cosmic punch? He stepped outside, peering toward the source. It felt familiar. The Waning Moon Pavilions direction? Thats the sign of a Manifestation Treasure Pill finishing. Mu Dongshan pulled it off, Lu Qingmo said, emerging beside him. Wonder what kind it iswhat it does, Han mused, a little wistful. When would An Lang hit that level? Doesnt matter what typewith that grade, Mu Dongshans stock in Tianyue County just shot up, Lu Qingmo said. His skills probably leveled up too. Every Manifestation pill he nails sharpens his craft. Better skills? Works for me, Han said, nodding. The sharper Mu Dongshan got, the surer Hans pills would turn out. At dawn, Han bolted for the pavilion, leaving Bai Ruoyue with Lu Qingmo. The place was buzzing when he arrivedfancy robes and sect-colored garb everywhere, folks milling around. The doors werent even open yet. Han! Someone called out softly. It was Yuan Fang. Han sidled over, keeping his voice low. Here for the master? We all are, Yuan Fang explained. That refining spectacle last night lit up the city. No one dared barge in then, but every faction sent people at first light to pay respects. You here for Overseer Lu? Han grinned. Nah, just me today. His arrival turned heads. The crowd here? All reps from Tianyues nine big players. Lesser families wanting to congratulate Mu Dongshan had to wait their turnjumping the line now would be a faux pas. Most didnt know Han by sight, but Yuan Fangs call tipped them off. The Black Cloud Town prodigy, huh? Word of him spread farnot just talk. No one dared question his right to be here, though. Those in the know knew who backed him. Looking to hire the master? Yuan Fang guessed, then shook his head. He just finished a Manifestation batchhell need a breather to recharge before taking on more. If your pills arent high-tier, Mu Wan could handle it. Id rather the master do it, Han said. Ive got limited herbsneed to max out the success rate. A few overheard and snickered, saying nothing but oozing skepticism. The masters at your beck and call, kid? Who do you think you are? Send your big shot backer instead. If I get a shot at him, Ill put in a wordmaybe book you a slot later, Yuan Fang offered. Dont get your hopes up, thoughIm not my dad. Han paused, touched by the gesture. Thanks, man. The pavilion doors swung open, and Mu Wan poked her head out. Seeing the crowd, she gave a told you so look. Miss Mu, any chance we could see Master Mu now? Im here for the Huang family with a hefty gift to celebrate his triumph, Huang Mingnian said. Hans old pal looked roughless polished, more shadowed and cold. No surprise there. His familys top tier had taken a third-off hit out of nowhere, and now the vultures were circling, picking at their profits. Anyoned turn grim under that. Funny thing? Everyone here was feasting on Huangs misfortuneexcept Han, the guy whod sparked it all. Han smirked inwardly. Hanging with a room full of enemies? Tough break, Mingnian. No need for gifts. Grandpa just finished and isnt up for visitors. Come back in a few days, Mu Wan said, brushing them off without a hint of hesitation. Top faction heirs? Shed seen em all growing upno big deal. Fair enough, Huang Mingnian and the rest agreed, no complaints. Mu Dongshan was Manifestation-grade and a master alchemisttop-tier in Tianyue County. Whod dare grumble? Theyd half-expected thisprobably wouldnt see him today. But knowings one thing; skipping the visits another. The master might not care if you showed, but hed sure remember if you didnt. Then Mu Wan spotted Han, her face lighting up. She waved him over. Han, come in! Grandpa was just telling me to fetch youhes waiting! No need to trouble yourself, Miss Mu, Han said politely. The crowd turned as one, jaws dropping. This kidwhats his deal? Hes got that kind of pull? Theyd come begging and got nada, but the master was sending for him? Whats he got that we dont? Resentment simmeredfaces fell, pride stungbut with Mu Wan right there, no one dared vent. Only Cao Qu from Lingxuan Temple pieced it together. You tight with the master? Yuan Fang whispered, stunned. Han chuckled. We hit it off right away. Got anything for him from the Yuan family? Yuan Fang caught onHan was offering an assist. No need to bother What bother? Han cut in. Hand it over. After Yuan Fangs earlier kindness, passing along a gift was the least Han could do. Yuan Fang shot him a grateful look, handed over a wooden box, and watched Han head inside. Come on, hurry up! Grandpas been waitingkept nagging me to get you, Mu Wan said, her tone warmer than yesterday. Mu Dongshans success had clearly rubbed off on her. The others could only watch them go, their figures fading from view, a sour taste lingering. Were out here getting less respect than some backwoods nobody. When Han met Mu Dongshan, the old mans face showed fatigue, but his eyes blazed brighter than ever. Nailing that batch had clearly shifted something in him. Youre finally here, my friend! Mu Dongshan grabbed Han, thanking him profusely. Han laughed, half-embarrassed. Youre a legend across countieswheres the dignity? Once the gratitude settled, Mu Dongshan vowed, Rest easyIll fire up the furnace today. Five days, tops, and your pills are done. Thanks, Master. My granddaughter mentioned youre after herb seeds? Yeah, Han said. You know Im from the Tai Bai Dojo. Were thinking of growing some herbsbuilding up our reserves, opening a new path forward. Mu Dongshan nodded, getting it. Tianyues nine big players controlled all kinds of resourcesherbs were a hot commodity, and every faction was training their own alchemists. Cultivation couldnt escape that need. Better to rely on yourself than beg others. The five-day timeline factored in the seeds tooMu Dongshan planned to hook Han up big, both as a favor to him and a nod to Tai Bai Dojo. An alchemist thrives on friends, after all. Tai Bais daytime strength? Well worth the alliance. With the refining and seed deals locked, Han handed over his ripened herbs. Mu Dongshan gave them a thumbs-up. Full potency, no leakagetop quality. Then came a few Three Yin legacy recipes. The master took one look and roared with approval. Brilliant formulas! Dont worry, my friendI wont leak these or refine them for sale later. Once were done here, no one elsell know they exist. Normally, handing a recipe to an alchemist meant they could use it down the line. But Mu Dongshan had a hunch. He figured Tai Bai Dojo might lean on these unique recipes once they trained their own alchemist. After a quick think, he decided to forget themno sense souring things with Tai Bai or Lu Qingmo. Seeing new recipes, broadening his horizonsthat was reward enough. The finished pills? He didnt need em. Han thought to himself, Aunt Mo nailed itthis guys slick. But those Three Yin recipes relied on herbs the Mountain God cultivatedstuff you couldnt find outside. No substitutes yet? Good luck refining. Bet you didnt see that twist coming. Han passed along Yuan Fangs gift too. From the Yuan kid? Ill take it, Mu Dongshan said, barely glancing at it. Gifts had their own unspoken ruleseveryone knew the drill. Stepping out, Han saw the crowd hadnt fully cleared. Brother Han! Been months since we last crossed paths, Huang Mingnian said, striding up with a broad smile. Among this lotall profiting off Huangs woesHan, the one not kicking them while they were down, looked like a saint to him. Didnt expect to run into you herewhat a pleasant surprise! Han grinned back. Oh, Mingnian, Ive got plenty more surprises up my sleeve. Some might turn that smile into a scream, though. Mingnian had always had it in for himcoveting his treasures, plotting his deathbut the guy kept up a flawless front. Way smoother than his brother. Han had to hand it to himYouve got the makings of a big shot. Chapter 234: The Flame’s Tale and a Gallbladder’s Triumph Up to this point, Huang Mingnian still clung to his fa?ade. In his mind, hed never shown Han any hostilitysure, his good-for-nothing brother had crossed him, but Mingnian? Hed always kept things smooth. Even if hed secretly ordered family members to take a shot at Han when the chance arose, well, theyd never pulled it off! If his Black Cloud Town kin had actually made a move, would Han still be giving him the time of day now? No way, right? So, Huang Mingnian figured his cover was still intact. Little did he know, Han had pegged him for what he was back at the Water Essence Festival. With a birds-eye view, nothing stayed hidden. Suddenly, someone barged in close, barking, Youre that so-called Black Cloud Town genius? Han glanced overa short, wiry young guy. Yeah, thats me. Whats your deal? This is Tianyue City, not Black Cloud Town. Dont get too full of yourself. Buddy, I dont even know you. Ive barely said two words here todaywhered you get full of myself from? Whore you? Golden Dragon DojoJin Shui. Never heard of you. No need to roll out the welcome matyou can step off. Han waved him away like swatting a fly. Yuan Fang cut in sharply, Jin Shui, you looking to stir trouble right outside the Waning Moon Pavilion? Jin Shui shot Han a glare and sneered, Better hope I dont catch you somewhere else, or Ill show you what a real Tianyue City genius looks like. Clown. Strutting around at Viscera Realm like that? Lucky this is the county capital, or youd be toast. No need to waste your breath on him, Yuan Fang said. They brushed past the crowd and headed back to the Ghost God Division. On the way, Han asked, Whats this Jin Shui guys deal? Whys he got it out for me? Thats just how he isarrogant and small-minded. Everyone in Tianyue City knows it, Yuan Fang explained. Coming from families like ours, some disciples cant help but get a big head, looking down on everyone else. Jin Shui takes it to another level. Any small-town talent stepping into the capital gets a taste of his nonsense if he spots them. Han started questioning reality. Isnt that just begging for enemies? Hows a dimwit like that still kicking around the Golden Dragon Dojo? His grandpa was the old dojo master, and hes apprenticed to the current one, Yuan Fang said. Around here, that kind of behavior doesnt touch hisor the dojosstanding. A Tianyue heavyweight backed by the True Extreme Sect? Bullying small-fry geniuses was peanuts. Their clout could smooth over any mess. Han went quiet, then sighed, The worlds wildnever a dull moment. Hed been to the capital plentymet chill folks like Yuan Fang, schemers like Huang Mingnian, spoiled brats like Huang Mingri, and now this nose-in-the-air Jin Shui. Proof positive of lifes varietytheres no type you cant imagine that doesnt exist out there. The real worlds always got someone ready to sink lower than youd ever guess. Back at the Ghost God Division, Han filled Lu Qingmo and Bai Ruoyue in. Five days? Not bad, Lu Qingmo said. Support the creativity of authors by visiting Royal Road for this novel and more. A few days wait? They could handle that. Perfect timing, actuallythe county divisions got some stuff going on. I can help Elder Ye out, she added. Han perked up. Whats up? Evil cultivators and rogue practitioners are popping up all over Tianyue County, Lu Qingmo said, shaking her head. Not just the big-name evil sectssmaller groups and lone wolves caught wind of things here and want to stir the pot. Theyre not after the Mountain God, but them running wild across the counties is causing a real headache. The divisions swamped dealing with it. Han let out a breath. One domino falls, and the whole table shakes, huh? Black Clouds mess had rippled way beyond just one town. Over the next few days, Han focused on his training, occasionally hitting the town with Bai Ruoyue. Tianyue City wasnt just one Ten Thousand Stars Guild or one Waning Moon Pavilionthose were the top dogs in their fields, but smaller guilds and pill houses had their niches too. So, Han scooped up more herb seeds along the way. On the third day, he swung by the Waning Moon Pavilion again. Mu Dongshan was still refining, so he chatted with Mu Wan. Raised by Mu Dongshan and schooled in herb lore from a young age, shed grown into a solid alchemist. Noticing Hans curiosity about the craft, she asked, You thinking of picking up alchemy? Someone close to mes learning itIve caught the bug just being around it, he said. Youre a cultivator tooyou could give it a shot. If you pull it off, itd do you good, Mu Wan said. Start with the basics: herb knowledge. Then you need a technique to summon flames. Some fancy alchemy lineages even have special pill-fire techniquesthose flames beat regular ones for refining. With a flick of her hands, orange flames flared from her palm. This is our familys pill fireGrandpa calls it Waning Moon Flame. It wasnt some big secretanyone in Tianyue City who knew the pavilion had heard of it. Plenty coveted it too. But her pill fireand the flames from most techniqueswerent like Hans Earth Fire Seal flames. Pill fires and standard technique flames? Rootless, sourcelesstemporary flickers with no core. You conjure them up when needed, and they vanish when youre done, fueled by your own power. Those cant devour or refine the worlds exotic flames. Hans Earth Fire, though? Born from a technique, sure, but it had a true flame source. Once ignited, it burned on its own in his soul, whether he used the seal or not. Even Yin God cultivators divine fires winked out when unneedednothing like his. That was the Earth Fire Seals edge: a peerless technique birthing a flame equal to the worlds wonders, right from a human body. Think bigits like turning your body into a miniature cosmos, spawning an exotic flame from scratch. Master the technique to immortality, and even the starting Earth Fire could evolve into immortal flame without swallowing a single outside spark. Split it off, and itd stand as a true exotic flame, blazing eternally in the world. Han eyed the Waning Moon Flame for a moment and nodded. Pretty coollow on raw power, but its got a subtle charm. Exactlyits not for fighting, just refining, Mu Wan said, a touch proud. With pill fire, extracting herb essence or shaping pills gets a big boost. Its a technique our ancestors cooked up just for alchemy. Han thought it over. The Three Yin legacy had a pill-fire method too. Not much use to him or An Lang, thoughhed just split off a wisp of Earth Fire for her later. Flames are huge in alchemy, Mu Wan went on. Regular technique flames are mehdecent at best. The real golds in the wild, natural exotic flames out there. Her eyes sparkled with longing. Some can amp up your strength and make top-tier pills. Shame theyre so rareGrandpa doesnt even have one. Funny thingIve got a bunch. Solid herb know-how, a flame technique, plus herbs and a cauldronthats your alchemy starter pack, she said. How far you go after that? Depends on your knack and the lineage youre working with. Got the lineage covered. As for knack? Han was betting big on An Lang. Shes got itor shed better! If youre serious about learning, find a teacher, Mu Wan advised. No guide, and its brutaltons of herbs burned through just to get the hang of it. Unlike forging, though, finding an alchemy mentors no cakewalk. The Thousand Soldiers Forge took heaps of apprenticessmithings just muscle and sweat; anyone fit could swing a hammer. Alchemy? You had to be a cultivator firststep one tripped up most folks. Even then, doors didnt just open. No showing up at the Waning Moon Pavilion like its the forge, begging to sweep floors. Alchemy lineages stuck tightmaster and disciple, blood-close. Han figured An Lang could grind it out solo. Basic pills used common herbsseeds were everywhere, dirt cheap. Hed ripen a mountain of them, enough to last her through a meltdown, and still not dent his stash. Shed have to get it eventually. Evening rolled in. Under Lu Qingmos cover, Han trained in secret martial arts. Suddenly, a surge of qi sparked inside him. It rushed to his headsteadying his mind, sharpening his will, cutting through hesitation to forge unyielding resolve. Deep in his chest, one of his six viscerathe gallbladderglowed with vibrant green life. True qi poured in, then flooded back out, refined and stronger with each cycle. Breath from his gallbladder spread, coursing through his limbs and bones, bolstering his frame. In a flash, Hans presence spikedhis aura sharper, his vibe subtly shifted. Lu Qingmo and Bai Ruoyue noticed, turning to look. After a quiet beat, Bai Ruoyue ventured, uncertain, Little Junior Brother did he just master another organ? Pretty obvious, yeah, Lu Qingmo said. Half a month for one organ? So, three months to hit Viscera Realm Minor Completion? Thats eye-opening, Bai Ruoyue muttered, her face scrunching with worry. Why am I so slow? A bit later, Han wrapped up, brimming with energy. His eyes gleamed, radiating a fierce, steady intensity. The gallbladder governed resolvetied to spirit and will. Perfecting it reshaped a person deeply. Cultivation wasnt just powerit overhauled your mind, your grit, your habits, your whole approach. High-level cultivators often seemed extreme to regular folksdoing stuff that looked flat-out nuts. Their hearts and wills had soared past what most could grasp. Han wasnt there yet, but he was climbing steady. Half a month since mastering his stomach, and now another organ down. He was halfway to Viscera Realm Minor Completion. Next morning, Mu Wan showed up with good news. His pills were ready. The seeds? Sorted too. Time to roll! Chapter 235: The Dragon Gate’s Shadow The flying carpet hummed through the sky, the three of them seated side by side. This was after Hans trip to the Waning Moon Pavilion, where hed picked up his pills and seeds. Mu Dongshan had handed over the goods and then rushed off to meditate, leaving Han, Lu Qingmo, and Bai Ruoyue to depart the county capital without delay. Counting the day we arrived, five days totalnot bad, Han said, his mood bright. In just five days, hed nailed every goal on his list. For cultivation, he was set with pills for a whileno shortages anytime soon. And since their potency would fade over time, he had enough to share with Bai Ruoyue and the others without cutting into his own progress. An Lang could dive into alchemy without a care, no need to stress about running out of herbs to practice with. Perfect. Riding that high, Hans thoughts drifted elsewhere. Half the months gone alreadystill no word from the Mountain God? No need to rush, Lu Qingmo said calmly. The Yun family only said the Mountain God might have time this monthnot a sure thing. No one knows what this Mountain God trial entails. If the god decides to skip it, thats par for the course. Just keep a level head about it. Han bit his tongue. Im stressing for your sake, you know. Guess the emperors not sweating itwait, no. Im the emperor here! Bai Ruoyue chimed in from the side. Hey, Aunt Mo, if the Black Mountain God falls, can the title pass to someone else? What, Senior Sister, you eyeing the Mountain God gig? Han teased. Nah, but if it could be handed off, itd solve a lot of problems. Lu Qingmo shook her head. It doesnt work that way. Its not a divine seat born from the heavens. The Mountain God forged it with immense power and supernatural skill to ascend to godhood. A cultivator claims such a seat to become a god, gaining a divine body. But the seats tied to the god itselfone unit, inseparable. If the god falls, the seat crumbles too. This one belongs solely to the current Black Mountain God. Anyone else wanting to take up the mantle would have to start from scratch and craft their own. Youve seen the Three Yin Mountain Godno divine seat left behind. Same reason. Huh, got it, Han said, intrigued. The gods of this world werent quite what hed pictured. As they chatted, the flying carpet streaked onward. The trio slipped back into Black Cloud Town without a whisper. Black Cloud Town, your VIPs are home! Back at the dojo, the first piece of news from the others caught Han and Bai Ruoyue off guard. After the Jade Capital crew, another game-changing faction had rolled into Black Cloud Town. Tianlong Gatea first-rate power from Haizhou in Great Qi, their sect perched in the coastal province west of Tianzhou, right next to the Western Sea. Theyd brought a Manifestation Realm heavy hitter, two Marrow-Washing Realm experts, a handful of Day Roaming and Bone Forging folks, plus some Night Roaming and Viscera Realm disciples. Theyve only been here a short while and already stirred up trouble, Zhang Yuantao said. They set their sights on a courtyard in town for a base. Hans stomach dropped. Please dont tell me its my place. If you encounter this narrative on Amazon, note that it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it. The place had an ownerno plans to sellbut Tianlong Gate just took it. Tossed the family ten taels of silver and kicked them out. Phew, not his house. Bai Ruoyue frowned. Thats way too high-handed. What happened next? The family complained to the town guard. Zuo Tianzheng stepped in to negotiate with Tianlong Gate. Did it work? Zhang Yuantao sighed. Nopethey wouldnt budge. In the end, Tianlong Gate kept the house. Zuo Tianzheng relocated the family somewhere else. Talk about overbearing. Han went quiet. What a mess were in. Theyre brushing off even Zuo Tianzhengs authority and acting this bold. Tianlong Gate showing up here might spell trouble. Bai Ruoyue couldnt wrap her head around it. Zuo Tianzhengs an imperial envoyhow are they this brazen? Han shook his head. An envoys just an envoynot the emperor himself. And Zuos only Bone Forging Realm. High rank without the muscle to back it up? Some folks wont blink. Its been the talk of the town these past few days, Su Changan added. Word is, Tianlong Gates just first-rate, but even the top dogs take them seriously. Zhang Yuantao and the others piled on details, leaving Han with four words to sum up Tianlong Gate: Arrogant as hell. Day one in Black Cloud Town, their disciples had stormed every dojo and family, throwing down challengeseven the Yun family wasnt spared. Rude, cocky, and brutalthey talked down to everyone, insulted their sparring partners, and didnt pull punches. Senior Sister, Little Junior Brother, watch yourselves, Shen Long warned. Theyve already hit Tai Bai, calling you out by name. You werent here, so we brushed them off. But they wont let it go. If they catch you, theyll come swinging. Let em try, Bai Ruoyue said, her face calm, unfazed by some first-rate factions rep. Hans gears turned. Since theyve been to the dojo, theyve tangled with you guys already? I stepped upfought one of them, Shen Long said. Howd it go? Before Shen Long could answer, Shen Yu jumped in. The guy my brother foughtXiao Zhi, early Viscera Realmwent hard. Big Bro got hurt! Good thing you led us to those spirit plants, Little Junior Brother. They beefed him up, or Xiao Zhi mightve messed him up bad! Oh, and that treasure liquid you gave us? Helped Big Bro too. Han clapped a hand on Shen Longs shoulder, checking him out. Sure enoughlingering injuries. No big deal, Shen Long said, shrugging it off. He was decent, but not much stronger than me. Few days rest, and Im mostly good. That month with the gods-eye view, Hans crew had scoured the mountains, snagging spirit plants and rare treasureseveryone got a share. Their cultivation had soared, and their foundations got a boost, making them tougher at their levels. Whats a rare treasure? Its not just a cultivation shortcutit deepens your roots, juicing up your strength without a realm jump. Think denser, richer true qi or tendons tougher than the average martial artists. Thats the perk of a big break. Thanks to it, Tai Bais crew had leveled up hard. You all okay? Bai Ruoyue asked, worried. Their weakest disciples are Viscera Realmthey didnt even glance at us lowbies, He Feng said with a wry smile. No fights, no injuries. Han tilted his head. These Tianlong Gate disciplestheyre not their best, right? Probably not. They called themselves inner sect members, Shen Long said. Han nodded, getting the picture. Dont sweat it. If they show up again, Senior Sister and I will handle it. He was curious to see what these so-called first-rate disciples were made of. That night, he brought it up with Lu Qingmo. Heard about it from the division folks, she said, nodding. Tianlong Gates no slouchjust below the top-tier sects with immortal legacies or artifacts. No immortal cred? No top-tier badge. Theyre built on the Eight Dragons Scripturea soul cultivation pinnacleand the secret martial art, Dragon Immortality Body. Plus, theyve got the peerless Eight Dragons Technique and the martial Dragon Transformation. Pinnacle methods were the cream of soul cultivationcousins to secret martial arts in the physical realm. Han raised an eyebrow. They always this over-the-top? Theyve got a rep for throwing their weight aroundbad vibes all around, Lu Qingmo said. Big thing is, theyre tight with the Western Sea. Western Sea? Han perked up, then connected the dots. The one beefing with the Yunjiang Dragon Lord? Yep, she confirmed. Haizhous coastalmessy spot. Tons of factions there are linked to the aquatics. Tianlong Gates basically the Western Sea Dragon Palaces land proxy. The Western Sea Palace and Tianlong Gate swap disciples for training, even intermarry with dragonkin. Theyve got a bunch of human-aquatic hybrids. That connection keeps them shy of top-tier but not to be underestimated. Every Tianlong Gate master weds a Western Sea princesstheyre the palaces voice on land, in a way. Han mulled it over, surprised this out-of-nowhere crew had such deep roots. The Four Seas dragon clans? Any one of them was a world-class powerhouse. Their arrivals a headache, no doubt, Lu Qingmo added. Haizhous near the Western Seahard to control. The aquatic influence runs deep there; Great Qis imperial clouts at its thinnest. Plenty of Haizhou factions and beings are physically on land but practically Western Sea loyalists. Theyve got no respect for inland rules. No wonder theyre ignoring Zuo Tianzheng, Han said, piecing it together. These were amphibious typesmore in awe of the Western Sea than the mainland. With the Western Seas sway so heavy in Haizhou, Great Qi had no fix but to let it slide. Fill in the sea or wipe out its aquatics? Yeah, right. Watch your back with them, Lu Qingmo warned. Your bond with the Yunjiang Dragon Ladys no secrettheyve probably clocked it. Them showing up here? Id bet theyve got designs on the Yunjiang Dragon Palace. That could drag you in. Hans brow furrowed. Made sense. Tianlong Gate and the Western Sea Palace were thick as thievesnatural foes of Yunjiang. He had no beef with Tianlong Gate, hadnt even met them, but they were already on a collision course. Like how hed never heard of the Impermanence Hall but ended up their enemy thanks to Lu Qingmo. Gotta ping the Dragon Ladysee if shes back from Qingzhou, if she knows about this. With Tianlong Gate breathing down his neck, Han hit his training harder that night. But a little later, Lu Qingmos side stirred. Something on her started beeping again. Chapter 236: The Quest for Origin and a Knock at the Door "When I was young, I didnt know the moonI called it a white jade plate." Up in the sky, a full moon glowed. Down on the ground, there really was a jade plate. Lu Qingmo pulled out the white jade disc she used to contact her junior brother, tuning into a message from far, far away. After a moment, her face settled into a thoughtful frown. Han had already clocked the situation, sneaking up beside her with a whisper. Aunt Mo, whats the word? Did they crack the last two ingredients for the Celestial Soul Elixir? Its about the elixir, but just one ingredient, she said. Han blinked, surprised. Half a month, and theyve only decoded one? Is this ancient cipher really that tough? You bet, Lu Qingmo nodded. Even in top-tier factions, hardly anyone bothers with ancient ciphers. Too hard, and the payoffs rarely worth it. Its not unusual for a few lines to stump someone for years. My junior brother Song once spent a decade on a single text. Theres one in Xuandu Monastery thats been sitting there for five hundred yearsstill unsolved. Hans jaw dropped. Last time Lu Qingmo said ancient ciphers were a nightmare, hed shrugged it off. Now, it hit home. Even Xuandu Monasterywith its immortal-tier muscle and endless talentcouldnt crack a cipher in five centuries. No wonder so few bothered with it. No wonder Songs master was so fed up he never officially took him as a disciple. Rationally, it did seem like a waste of time and energy. But tough as it wasand as pointless as it might lookthe rewards were real for those who cracked it. Anything written in ancient ciphers was either a juicy secret from a long-dead powerhouse or a straight-up inheritance. Break it open, and youre swimming in benefits. The Celestial Soul Elixir was proof of that. So, whats the second ingredient? Han asked. Lu Qingmos frown deepened. Its not some tangible thingsomething weird Ive never heard of. In the cipher, its called Origin Qiorigin as in the source of all things. That text was ancientwho knew how old? Time had shifted names, erased stuff entirely. Her not recognizing it wasnt a shock. Origin Qi? Han repeated it, and his face shifted. He didnt just know it. He had it. Among the treasures Tree Bro dropped on that final day was something tied to it. [Rare Item: Origin Stone] [A strange rock holding faint traces of Origin Qi, brimming with endless potential] Origin Stonenot Raw Stone. Tree Bro had dropped those too, but they were for crafting. One letter apart, and Han had never figured out what this Origin Stone or its Qi did. He wasnt some peak-tier warrior sucking up cosmic vibes, after all. Whod have thought hed hear Origin Qi from Lu Qingmo tonight? Didnt that mean one of the Celestial Soul Elixirs ingredients was already in the bag? Whats Origin Qi do? Any traits? Does the cipher say where to find it? No clear traitsjust that Yin God cultivators or True Blood martial artists might sense it through their own essence, confirming its the real deal, Lu Qingmo said, rubbing her temple. It can pop up anywhere in the worldalone or clinging to stuff like rocks or trees. As for what it does, the ciphers vague. Just calls it endlessly versatile. Talk about a headache. With that kind of info, how was she supposed to hunt it down? It sounded like a lost cause. After decoding the Origin Qi bit, Song even wondered if hed botched the translation, she added. Endlessly versatile So, Tree Bro wasnt pulling my leg or skimping on detailsthis stuffs legit mysterious. Honest Tree Bro. That sealed it for Hanthe Origin Qi in his stone was the elixirs ticket. The story has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation. Jackpot! Another thought hit him, and he blurted, Aunt Mo, does the elixir need a specific amount of Origin Qi? The stones qi was described as faintnot a lot to work with. No minimum, she said. Even a wisp will do. As long as its there, the elixir worksamount doesnt change the effect. Double jackpot! Hed have some left over after brewing. Sky-Mending Vine, Origin Qi Lu Qingmo massaged her brow. Both treasures Ive never even heard of. The vine might turn up in Black Mountain, but Origin Qi? No trace, no leadwhere do I even start? And that third mystery ingredient? Probably just as rare and elusive. She sighed softly. Looks like the Celestial Soul Elixirs a pipe dream. Han seized the moment, grabbing her hand to comfort her. Aunt Mo, theres always a waydont give up. Ive got youIll track down that Origin Qi! If I dont, Ill ram my head into the peach grove! Your hearts in the right place, she said, though her tone dripped with doubt. Hans eyes glinted. Aunt Mo, if I do find it, what then? She shot him a look. What, you want me slaving away like a pack mule to thank you? Han chuckled awkwardly. Nah, not quite. Hed find a chance to whip out the Origin Stone later. Oh, forgot to askthose Tianlong Gate inner disciples, whats their deal strength-wise? In the same realm, theyre no match for you, Lu Qingmo said confidently. Tianlong Gate splits disciples into outer, inner, and true transmission tiers. Inner discipleswhether cultivators or martial artistsdont get access to pinnacle methods, secret martial arts, peerless techniques, or top-tier combat skills. Across the world, first-rate and top-tier factions basic disciples usually train with high-grade visualization charts or martial methodssame as the core heirs of Tianyue Countys nine big families. Step up to inner or chamber disciples, and they get elite-grade charts or methods. True transmission seeds? Theyre the ones tapping pinnacle methods, secret arts, and sect-defining techniques. Soul visualization charts and martial methods followed a universal five-tier scale: low, mid, high, elite, and pinnacle/secret. Han nodded. Tianlong inner disciples built their foundations on elite-grade stuffsolid, but a far cry from his own. Elite methods were rare, thoughonly a handful in Tianyue County had them, mostly from backed factions. A new question popped up. So, aside from prodigies pegged as true transmission from the jump, what about disciples climbing the ranks? Dont they end up with shaky foundations? Lu Qingmo shook her head. Not quite. The secret art Bai Tian gave you is specialgotta start from the first volume, or youre locked out. But most secret arts arent that strict. With standout talent, you can pick up from the viscera section or wherever and still make it work. For realms already passed without secret arts, big sects have fixes. New true transmission disciples spend time re-tempering those stages with secret arts, patching any flaws until theyre as good as if theyd started that wayno difference. Hans eyes widened. They could swing that? Bai Tian had stressed his art was uniquemiss the first step, and the rest was a bust. Looked like it really was one-of-a-kind. Remember way back when I told you to pick a solid soul visualization chart before the Soul Emergence Realm? Lu Qingmo asked. Yeah, Han nodded. You warned me if its too basic, Id need to swap it out before emerging, or changing it later would be a pain. True, but hard doesnt mean impossible, she said. Big-name sects can pull it off. Same as patching martial foundationsthey can swap a new true disciples chart to shore up their soul base. Its costly, thoughtakes rare treasures that even top sects wince at losing. Thats why theyre so picky about who gets true transmission status. Plus, those promoted this way have to spend time reworking earlier realms with pinnacle or secret artsslows them down a bit. Han couldnt help but marvel. The tricks these big sects and noble houses pull offwild. Thousands of years of history, bottomless resourcesthey can do stuff regular cultivators cant even dream of. Youre not lagging behind, though, Lu Qingmo said. Martial-wise, aside from missing top-tier combat arts or god-tier skills, youre true transmission material across the board. Picking Bai Tian as your master was a smart move. Without him, no secret artsfixing your foundation later wouldve been a slog. Han felt a twinge of relief. Hed picked Tai Bai partly for the familiar name. Mostly, though, it was the fifteen taels of silver in his pocketonly enough for their fees. Poverty saved my bacon. For techniques, youve got peerless onesno worse than a sects best, she went on. As for your soul chart She gave him a deep look. With your souls depth, Id bet its nothing to sneeze at. Han grinned modestly. Just average, nothing fancypretty common stuff. A tree, thats all. Theyre everywherehis just happened to be a smidge unique. Lu Qingmo didnt bite. Shed been around Han day in, day outpeeked at his soul more times than she could count. She had her guesses locked in. To her, Hans soul and technique game was true transmission calibertop of the heap, even outshining his martial side. Ahem. Bai Tian handled his martial training; she took the techniques. Compare the results, and the winners clear. Guess she was the better coachand better for him! If Tianlong Gate comes knocking, dont sweat it, she said, tossing him a confidence boost. Go all out. Tianlong Gate might strut like a top-tier outfit, but some powers they wouldnt dare cross. A factions golden ageuntouchablewas when an immortal walked among them. Minus the oddballs who lucked into immortal artifacts without ever producing one. Xuandus master? Tianlong Gateand even the Four Seas dragonstreaded lightly around him. Right now, unless some unstoppable freak showed up, Lu Qingmo had the clout to back Han up. Han puffed up, feeling ten feet tall. Dawn broke, and he headed for the dojo. From a distance, he spotted a crowd at Tai Bais gate. Theyre here, huh. Weaving through, he stepped inside and saw three strangers in matching outfits. White robes, fancy fabric, stitched with blue threads curling into dragon shapes. White with blue dragonshallmark of Tianlong Gates inner disciples. Then he noticed a fourth, sprawled on the ground, groaning low in pain. Bai Ruoyue stood over him, her face icy, eyes sharp as blades. Still want to go? Looks like Im late to the party. Little Junior Brother, youre here, Shen Yu whispered, sidling up. Whend they show? Han asked. Right when we opened the doors. Said they were here to teach you and Senior Sister a thing or two. That guyViscera Realm peakpicked a fight with her. And now hes down for the count. Among the three still standing, a narrow-eyed guy snapped, Some nerve, Tai Bai Dojolaying into a Tianlong Gate disciple like that! The floored disciple staggered up, glaring at Bai Ruoyue with murder in his eyes. Its a challengestrength talks, she shot back, unfazed. What, Tianlong Gate cant handle a loss? Thats all youve got? Bold as brass, daring to trash Tianlong Gate! another disciple roared, lunging for her. Narrow-Eyes held him back. One fight doesnt mean were beaten. He turned to Han. Youre Han, right? The big-shot genius of this backwater? Cloud River Dragon Palaces golden boy? Hans eyes narrowed. Bringing up Yunjiang right off the battrouble was brewing. Thats me. If you want, you can call me Fire too. Fire? Yup, right here, Han said with a cheeky grin. Narrow-Eyes frowned, sensing something offlike hed stepped in it. His face darkened. You know who we are. Tianlong Gates offering you a shotcut ties with Yunjiang, join us, follow our lead. What do you say? Joining Tianlongs a dream for millions. That tone, those wordstalk about looking down from on high. Guess Im not late after all. Chapter 237: A Leash Offered, A Fight Ignited Han sized up the three Tianlong Gate disciples standing before himall at the Viscera Realm, young and brimming with pride. Their lineage, talent, and strength gave them every reason to strut. From Haizhou to here, countless folks probably bowed and scraped before them. Too bad theyd picked the wrong guy to push around this time. Han wasnt about to play nice. Whats your rank? he asked coolly. Tianlong inner disciples! one barked, chest puffed with arrogance. Is Black Cloud Town Tianlong Gates turf? Is the whole world under your thumb? Do all the realms people answer to you? Han fired off three questions, leaving them stumped. Sure, theyd love to claim the world as their playground, but that was a pipe dream. Dodging the point, huh, Han? Whats your game? the narrow-eyed leader snapped. If its not your turf, whats my business got to do with you? Hans tone turned icy, hitting back hard. Does everyone need to file a friendship report with Tianlong Gate first? Talk about overreachlike a bureaucrat raised in the sea. Anything else? Hans voice stayed flat. If not, get out of the way. Youre clogging up Tai Bais training space. The guy Bai Ruoyue had just flattened bristled, fury twisting his face. Youve got some nerve mouthing off. Do you even know what Tianlong Gate is in Great Qi? Han shot back, dead serious, And do you know what I am in Great Qi? The Tianlong crew froze, rattled by his toneregal, commanding, almost majestic. Could this Black Cloud prodigy have more backing than we thought? When they didnt respond, Han cracked a grin. Im a citizen of Great Qi! Playing us for fools? A lowly peasant daring to act this tough? Han waved them off, patience gone. Youve sparred with my Senior Sister alreadynow beat it. Didnt anyone teach you its rude to loiter at someones doorstep? Hold up, Narrow-Eyes said, giving Han a once-over. Weve seen this backwaters former top dog. Now Im curious if you, the current champ, live up to the hype. Senior Sister, who won that spar? Han asked, tilting his head. Bai Ruoyue feigned confusion. Shouldve been me, but their trash talks got me second-guessing. The way theyre yapping, youd think I took the fall. Funny thing, thoughI dont recall being the one crawling off the floor. Shen Yu piped up, Senior Sister, youve been on your feet the whole time. Han chuckled. Guess this backwater outshines those fancy big cities. The jab was crystal clear. Cant even beat our hillbillies, and youre still flexing? Sharp tongue, Narrow-Eyes muttered. Han, we know you wont throw a punch, but today, you cant Who said that? Han cut him off, eyes flashing as he scanned them. I love a good fight. These clowns had stormed into Black Cloud Town acting like kingsbullying, snatching homes, picking fights left and right. If you discover this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation. First, theyd roughed up Shen Long. Now they were back, pushing their luck. Hed been itching to knock them down a peg. Whos stepping up? Han challenged. This hillbilly can spare a moment to school you. Me! one barked, stepping forward. Brothers Fang, Li, and YuI didnt get my fill last time. Let me take this round. Han eyed the guy. Youre Xiao Zhi? Thats right, Xiao Zhi nodded. Sounds like youve heard of me. Youre just Tendon Realm, but word around Black Cloud says youve got Viscera-level chops. Fighting me? Not exactly unfair. Lets see how much of that Viscera strength holds water. Hans expression flattened. Youll find out soon enough. Their attitudes and smirks had him ready to swing ages ago. But were all martial artists here, he added. Times preciouswhy waste it on petty nonsense? Ill give you one free lesson. After that, if you want another round, it wont be so simple. Youll need to dig into what my times worth. Brother Fang smirked. Beat Xiao Zhi, and were done for today. Big talk, Xiao Zhi sneered. Think were like the trash around here? Want a reward? Survive a few moves first. No weaponsId hate to end you by mistake. Han nodded. Smart call. You just saved your own skin. Lets take it outs Before he could finish, Xiao Zhi lunged, his foot cracking the dojo floor with raw force. With a feral shout, his face twisted into a snarl. No need to step outa few movesll settle it! Bursting with speed, Xiao Zhi closed the gap in a blinkan inch to a Viscera fighter might as well be nothing. Hans gaze turned cold. Digging your own grave, huh? Now Ive got to fix the damn floor too! Step, fist, swing. Boom! Xiao Zhi rocketed back faster than hed come, blasting through the dojos door and crashing outside in a plume of dust. Han pulled back his fist, tucking it behind him, eyes fixed on the wreck outside. No different from the last guy who tried me. Carry him off. One clash, and Han had Xiao Zhis measure. His body and true qi edged out the average Viscera newbie from Tianyue Countys big nine, but taking on their core disciples cross-realm and winning? Not even close. To Han, he was small fry. Inner disciples with elite-grade methodswithout a big factions backing, rare treasures, or dumb luck, their foundations only slightly topped high-grade stuff. For your average martial artist, theyre a brick wall. For Han? Meh. Bai Ruoyue and the crew grinnedtheyd seen this coming. Tianlong Gate? First-rate faction? Tai Bais got General Hangenius-slayer extraordinaire! The Tianlong trios faces shiftedshock, then grim. Youre Viscera Realm? Brother Fang growled. Some Black Cloud top genius you are. One punch flooring an inner disciple? No way he was just Tendon Realm with Viscera-level tricks, like the rumors said. He was VisceraMinor Completion at least. Outside, the crowd buzzed. Tianlongs crew had made waves fasteveryone knew them. Han from Tai Bai just one-punched a Viscera Tianlong disciple? His strengths unrealway past the hype! Wasnt he Tendon Realm? Whend he hit Viscera? Too fast! Gasps rippled through the onlookers. Han waved them off. See yourselves out. Xiao Zhi staggered back in, clutching his chest, pale as a ghost. You hid your strength? Shameless! Han fired back, What, Tianlong disciples spill their whole playbookmoves, tricks, specialtiesbefore a fight? Should I announce Im a level-99 assault master with a Bull Demon technique too? Talk about handing over the script. Xiao Zhi, stand down, Fang ordered, taking charge. Didnt expect a real genius to pop up in Black Cloud Town, he said, eyeing Han, gears turning. Months of training to this pointhes hiding something big I can request the sect elders to give you another shot at joining Tianlongstraight into the inner circle, even. Do what we say, serve Tianlong faithfully, and well let today slide. Your screw-ups? Forgiven. Fangs tone stayed lofty, his offer dripping with charity. Translation: Be our lapdog! Sure, it was just a spar, but theyd taken hits. A Tianlong disciple getting roughed uphow could they let that go? A podunk dojo kid getting to trade blows with them was an honor for Tai Bai, and he dared to push back? Even in a spar, they hurt peopleno one hurts them! Hans brow creased. Get lost. Youre making the wrong call again, Fang said. Second chances dont come thrice. Black Clouds top genius isnt irreplaceable. Han, fight me! Yu Ren stepped up, cracking his knuckles with a chilling grin. The last of the four, Viscera Minor Completion. Xiao Zhi lost to Han, Li Hai fell to Bai Ruoyueonly Yu Ren and Fang hadnt swung yet. Fang, Viscera Peak, was the strongest martial disciple Tianlong had sent to Black Cloud. I warned you, Han said. Another round with me doesnt come cheap. Yu Ren laughed, dripping disdain. Kid, you think you can set terms with us? You do what we sayno saying no. PerfectTianlong arrogance in full bloom. Try me, Bai Ruoyue snapped, eyes blazing. Anyone moves today, theyre leaving something behind. Some tiny dojo threatening us? Looking to die! Li Hai roared. This tiny dojo can bury you! Shen Long and the crew stepped up, tension crackling, fists itching. Han took a deep breath, a rare unease creeping in. Hed finally tasted the ugly side of some disciples from these ancient, world-famous factions. Overbearing, cocky, looking down on everyone. If youre begging for a loss, Han said coldly, Ill oblige. Wait for your elders to pick up the pieces! [Tai Bai] flaredsharp and deadly. He was done talking. Four Viscera punks? He wasnt scared, Tianlong Gate or not. Theyd spat in his facetime to take it. This wasnt Haizhou. This was Black Cloud Town! Shing! Sword light slashed out, streaking toward Yu Ren. Before he could react, blood bloomed across his chest. Argh! he howled, fury surging as he moved to strike back. Yu Ren, stop! Fang barked, halting him. I said if you beat Xiao Zhi, were done for today. Han sheathed his sword, locking eyes with Fang. This guy was troubleway sharper than the rest. Come back to Tai Bai, and youll leave more than apologies next time. Chapter 238: The Burden of Fame On the bustling streets, people parted like water as the four Tianlong Gate disciples passed through, none daring to cross their path. As they walked, Yu Ren glanced at Fang Cheng. Senior Brother Fang, were just letting Tai Bai Dojo off the hook like that? A Podunk dojo in the middle of nowhereaside from their master, theyre all Viscera Realm scrubs. How dare they act so full of themselves? Whatd the deacon say? Fang Cheng shot Yu Ren a sidelong look. Test the Tai Bai disciples strengthprobe them a bit, but dont stir up too much trouble. He sent you to gauge them, not to start a bloodbath. Han and Bai Ruoyue are tight with Xuandu Monasterys Lu Qingmo. Theyre not like the trash from other dojosyou cant push them too hard. You guys already went overboard back there. This place has a Ghost God Division outpost, after allstill under Xuandus watch. Yu Ren scratched the back of his head. I didnt do anything wrong, did I? If I hadnt mouthed off and played the arrogant card, how else would we have tested them? Fang Cheng didnt bother responding. Objective metgood enough. As for Yu Rens loudmouth antics and hotheaded attitude? No big deal in his book. Tianlong disciples acting cocky? Most folks just saw it as par for the course. Li Hai snorted. Heard from the deacon that Lu Qingmos a washed-up has-beenstuck at her level for life. Someone like that probably doesnt even rank in Xuandu. Whats there to fear? Washed-up or not, she could still squash you with a flick of her finger, Fang Cheng said sternly. Keep that to yourselfwatch your mouth around outsiders. Dont worry, Senior BrotherI know the drill, Li Hai grinned. Im not that dumb. I only vent to you guys. If Lu Qingmo showed up, Id be all bows and manners. But that Bai Ruoyueshes something else, he added, still reeling. I swear her strengths on par with Bone Forging Realm. Hows a freak like that hiding out in a dump like Black Cloud Town? Hed squared off with her and got flattenedclean, no muss, no fuss. Both at Viscera Peak, yet shed crushed him like it was nothing. Back at Tianlong, only the revered true transmission disciples could pull that off. Shes tough, no doubt, the others agreed. Fang Cheng mused, Bai Ruoyues probably got some rare gift or an extraordinary physique. Black Cloud Town might be a speck on the map, but prodigies with unique traits could pop up anywhere. Bone Forging-level powera real threat. And Hans off too, Xiao Zhi chimed in, still wincing, his qi churning uncomfortably. Hes got something up his sleevemasking his strength. When he struck, you could tell hes Viscera Realm, but how deep? Hard to pin down. Months to this level? Unreal. Howd he do it? Theres a secret therea big one, Fang Cheng said. I figured we could dangle a spot in the sect to lure him in, dig into his background. Too bad He glanced back at Tai Bai Dojo. Heh, cozying up to Yunjiang Dragon Palace? Thats picking a fight with the Western Seadigging his own grave. Fang Cheng smirked. A dirt-kicking nobody overreaching. That secret might just land in our laps eventually. Yu Ren frowned. Still, its tricky now. This narrative has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. If you see it on Amazon, please report it. That Zuo Tianzheng beat us to the punch, winning over half the town. Tai Bais stubborn as a mule If Zuo can sway them, so can we, Fang Cheng said, oozing confidence. Hes just an imperial lapdoghows he supposed to compete with us? Lets head back and report todays haul to the deacons. Way too arrogantway too much, Bai Ruoyue grumbled, fuming. With that little skill, how do they have the gall to strut like that? First-rate sect disciples, huh? Weaker than her, yet here she washumble, kind, the picture of grace. Han nodded slightly. Yeahjust loudmouth champs with master-level flops. Exactly! Shen Yu jumped in. Weve all got two eyes and a mouthwhy do they act like theyre born better? Whatd they say before I got here? Han asked. Nothing specialjust that they wanted to check out Black Clouds two generations of top talents, Zhang Yuantao said. They came straight for you and Senior Sister. Han shook his head. Fames a heavy load. Ive got a hunch Tianlong wont let this slide so easy, Bai Ruoyue said, dead certain. Little Junior Brother, from what they said, Tianlongs got beef with Yunjiang Dragon Palace? Han nodded and laid out Tianlongs dealtheir ties, the Yunjiang-Western Sea feud. It wasnt top-secret stuff at certain levels, but it didnt exactly spread like wildfire either. So thats the mess behind it, Bai Ruoyue said, eyeing Han. Whats your take, Little Junior Brother? The Dragon Ladys helped me out a tonIm not some two-faced snake. The Water Essence Festival, the Sky Sea Dragon Ascension Riteall thanks to her. Shed hooked him up, built a bond, treated him square. Ditching her the second the wind shifts? Thats not how you roll. Theres real heart in this worldwhy dodge it over blessings or curses? Damn rightthats the way! Bai Ruoyue and the crew backed him up. Oh, by the wayI broke through! Shen Yu piped up, beaming. Viscera Minor Completionlittle expert now! All that grind since Black Mountains haul had finally paid off. Since Han joined Tai Bai, every single one of them had climbed a realm. Impressive, Senior Sister Yu, Han said with a grin. Not as impressive as you, Little Junior Brother! She said it, but the praise clearly thrilled her. After Han lapped her, the girls mindset had chilled out big time. Youll hit Viscera before twenty, Senior Sister Yu, Han added. Thats solid talent even in a big martial sect. Shen Yus grin widened, though she waved it off. Oh, its not that great. Bone Forging by twenty? Nah, that was a stretch. Later, Han slipped away to try the magic conch again, reaching out to the Dragon Lady. Still no answer. Still not back from Qingzhou, huh By days end, word of Tai Bais clash had swept through Black Cloud Town. Tai Bais top genius one-punched a Viscera Tianlong disciple. Senior Sister crushed a same-level prodigy with ease. The insufferably cocky Tianlong crew, lording over everyone, got their egos checked hard at Tai Bai. Plenty of folks secretly cheered. Serves you right, punks! Even the countys big shots were quietly pleased to see Tianlong take a hit. Their rank put them in Tianlongs sneer zone too Time had shifted Black Clouds landscapetop dogs rose and fell. Once, the three dojos and three families ruled the rooststrutting around, admired, the towns untouchable sky. Even the officials tipped their hats. Then Black Mountain stirred, restrictions lifted, and outsiders flooded inbig fish from beyond crashing the local party. The old six powers lost their shine, no longer kings of the hill. Foreign factionslike the county heavyweightsoutclassed Black Clouds homegrown crews. They only sent Bone Forging or Day Roaming types, but it was enough to keep everyone in line. The locals clung to their dignity by a thread. Then Zuo Tianzheng rolled in, and the county bigwigs ate the same dust as the old sixknocked down a peg. The Jade Capital envoy, with his sky-high backing and powerhouse crew, claimed the top spot. His word was lawfew dared defy him. Now, it looked like Zuos arrival was just the opening act. The real playersfactions with world-spanning reachwere stepping onto the stage. Tianlong Gate might just be the first. Who knew what wild cards were next? Their entrance screamed one thing: Black Mountain and the Mountain God were hitting a tipping point. One thing was crystal clearto these incoming titans, neither Black Clouds locals nor the countys powers were worth a damn. The two groups that once ruled here? Bottom of the food chain. Funny pattern, though. Local crews flexed on lone cultivators. County bosses sniffed at the locals. Then Tianlong swept in, and everyone got a taste of their own medicine. Layer upon layer of disdain. Look down on others, and someones bound to look down on you. Thanks to the Mountain God, though, the locals had a unique edgepure Black Cloud blood. In the right moment, that could mean something. At the town guards mansion, Zuo Tianzheng kept tabs on everything. Todays news hit his ears fast. Tianlongs disciples, taken down like that His face darkened, eyes narrowing. Han, Bai Ruoyueyou two are a real pain in my side. Any word on the Sky-Mending Vine? Chu Shi, Manifestation Realm, answered quick. Not a peep from any tracking tokens. If its out there, its somewhere we cant reach. Were stuck waiting on the Mountain God Zuo Tianzheng shut his eyes briefly. Think Tianlong might move on Han over the Yunjiang Dragon Palace feud? Probably not, Chu Shi said. Lu Qingmos still around. Tianlong picks on the weakthey wont openly cross Xuandu. Shame, Zuo muttered, eyes snapping open, cold as steel. I dont want to tangle with Xuandu either, but I want that Sky-Mending Vine more. Even if its just a chance its in Black Mountain, nothingand no oneshould stand in my way. Fames always a burdensame old story. That night, Lu Qingmo pulled Han aside, dead serious. Youre Black Clouds top geniustoo bright, too loud. Until the Mountain God business wraps, troubles gonna keep finding you. Wait, why does being Black Clouds best feel like Im the worlds busiest prodigy?! Chapter 239: A Dragon’s Gift Lu Qingmos stern expression made Han half-wonder if his days were numbered. Whats going on? Today, Tianlong Gates grand deacona Manifestation Realm heavyweight named Fang Zhenxingpaid me a visit. He brought up you, she said. In a faction like Tianlong, grand deacons were the big shotsManifestation or Marrow-Washing Realm powerhouses. Day Roaming or Bone Forging types? Just regular deacons. Above them sat the elders, Yin God or True Blood tier. Lu Qingmo went on, Fang Zhenxing mentioned your scrap with their disciples. Gave you quite the glowing review. Han grinned. Guess I did you proud, huh, Aunt Mo? Any reward for me? Focus, she snapped, barely resisting the urge to yank a peach tree out of the ground and whack him with it. Reward this, reward thatall he thinks about is himself! Fang Zhenxing said youre every bit the Black Cloud top geniusno one in town can touch you, she continued, her tone growing heavy. He made a requesthopes youll consider teaming up with them down the line. They wont shortchange you. Teaming up? Han paused, piecing it together. He got Fang Zhenxings angleand why hed say it. Theyre after my shine. Looks like Tianlongs playing the same game as Zuo Tianzhengroping in Black Clouds homegrown talent for their own ends. Theyre gunning for the Mountain Gods favor too! No doubt about it, Lu Qingmo nodded, backing him up. You and Ruoyueyour reputations are too loud. Anyone eyeing the Mountain Gods blessings is bound to zero in on you. Youre right in the storms eye. Thats why shed warned him so gravely. If the Mountain Gods favoror its trialcame with a locals-only clause, Han and Bai Ruoyue stood out like beacons. Two generations of Black Clouds finest, miles ahead of the pack. Even if the blessings spread wide, thered be tiers. A trial meant the best and brightest would catch the gods eye. No way around Han and Bai Ruoyue. Han mulled it over. When the enemy comes, Ill block. When the flood hits, Ill dam it. I chose this pathcant dodge the spotlight. Unless he went full hermit, staying low-key wasnt an option. Teaming up? No chancenot with Zuo Tianzheng, Tianlong Gate, or whatever else rolls in later. Unless one person can snag multiple blessings from the Mountain God, Im not playing ball. They want us hunting Sky-Mending Vine in Black Mountain? That ships sailed. The only shot now is through the Mountain God. Its trial and favorthats the golden ticket. Im not passing it up. The bestmaybe lastchance at the vine. Lu Qingmo gazed at him, her heart a tangle, her eyes softening. Hes doing this for me. Aunt Mo, these big factions want stuff from the Mountain Gods favor, Han said. With their power, couldnt they just wait for it to fall and grab whats left? Why bother with the trial at all? Youre oversimplifying, she replied, shaking her head. The Mountain Gods a top-tier forcestronger than some sect leaders and family heads. Even the elites fear it. Even if it falls, itll likely leave traps or contingencies to screw them over. Plus, post-fall chaos means facing off against heavy hitters. No ones guaranteed to snag what they wantcould even piss off the wrong crowd or get caught in a high-stakes mess. But the trial? Low risk, young blood handles itno danger to the big shots. They score the goods, claim them clean, and other factions usually back off. Ones a dogfight in a wolf packshady spoils, no invincible champ. The others a straight shot from the sourceeasy, legit, and anyone stealing after thats begging for war. Han got it. Why slog through eighty-one trials when you can shortcut to paradise? If thats the case, he said, this Mountain God trialstill up in the airmight have some twists coming. It compromised once, letting outsiders into Black Mountain. Id bet the trial wont be Black Cloud exclusive either. Too much pressure for the god to hold that line. Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon. Youre rightlots of folks think the same, Lu Qingmo agreed. But word from the Yun family says Black Cloud natives will get an edge. That perk, that identityits what the outsiders need. Fair point. Compromise cuts both ways. You got your people into Black Mountain, but nothing above Night Roaming or Viscera. Ill let you in on the trial, but Im looking out for my hometown crewits only right. The real prizeslocals or outsiders? No contest. Han sighed. Hope this trial kicks off soon, before more Tianlong-tier players pile in. Lu Qingmo pondered a beat. If you want, you could lay low for a bit. Lay low? Where? Evil cults and rogue cultivators are popping up across Tianyues counties. You could hunt them downdrop off the radar of anyone watching. Thatd leave Senior Sister holding the bag at Tai Bai alone, Han said, shaking his head. Plus, running around out thered slow my training. Ill stick around Black Cloud. Tianlongs punks dont scare me. He was in prime pill-popping cultivation modebouncing around outside would waste time. Sure, he was under the spotlight, riding the storms crest. But the bigger the waves, the fatter the fish. For the next three days, Han buried himself in training, making solid gains. Midday on the third, Bai Ruoyue strolled back in, her clothes dusted upnot the pristine look shed left with. Han raised an eyebrow. Senior Sister, what happened? Caught a Bone Forging jerk ambushing a Viscera martial artistsnatched his spatial pouch and bolted, she said. I stepped in, took him down. Meant to haul him to the Martial Order Division, but ran into Black Cloud Guards on the way and handed him off. The Guards overlapped plenty with the Ghost God and Martial Order Divisionsperfectly fine to pass the guy to them. Out-in-the-open murder? Thats gutsy, Han said, shaking his head. When martial might breaks the law, thats the game. Lucky for him, he ran into youfates way of cashing him out. He grinned. Senior Sister, youre a badass! Hmph, obviously, she said, chin high, practically radiating imperial swagger. Just a Bone Forging newbieI handled him like nothing. Good deed done, spotlight stolenshe was riding high. Oh, and those pills you gave me? Insane, she added. No side effects, no taintjust pure gains for my body and qi. Glad theyre a hitkeep using em. All premium stuff, Han said. As they chatted, someone else stepped in from outside. Han looked up, startled. You? Whend you get back? Just got in from Qingzhou todaycame straight here. It was Ao Xuanwei, the Dragon Lady whod been off in Qingzhou! She smiled warmly. Heard you swung by Yunlong City looking for me. Once I got wind of it, I had to rush overor Id be letting down my Highness title. Han caught her drift and chuckled. Back then, it was a weird spotI couldnt just blurt out your name in front of the Yunjiang aquatics. Theyd have nabbed me on the spot. She was teasing about how hed called her Highness when hed checked in with the Yunjiang crew in Yunlong. Her smile deepenedjust a playful jab. Bai Ruoyue, good to see you again, Ao Xuanwei said, nodding her way. Bai Ruoyue forced a smile back, though her gut twisted a bit. Heard he came looking and raced over? Cozy, huh. No helping itshe couldnt muster a glare at Ao Xuanwei. Theyd met before, after all. Guess Im just too soft-hearted, she sighed inwardly. Come on in, Han said, leading Ao Xuanwei to a quiet room. Bai Ruoyue tagged along. Shed just watch, keep quiettwo women alone with a guy might raise eyebrows, but three together? No issue. Didnt expect youd zipped off to Qingzhou when I hit Yunlong, Han said. Yeah, Bai Ruoyue cut in. Qingzhous a haul. She remembered her dadyoung, brash, chasing fortune in Qingzhou. Nearly died there too. Almost no her. Some trouble brewed along the Yunjiang in QingzhouI went to sort it out, Ao Xuanwei said, letting out a sigh. What a mess. Before Han could ask, she continued, The Supreme Daos Azure Sky Divine Lord and the World-Crossing Paths Wheel King clashed at the Yunjiangs edge. Mountains crumbled, rivers split, the earth sankhundreds of miles trashed. I went with my fathers decree and his artifact to clean up the fallout. Holy Han sucked in a breath. Those two are that strong? Hundreds of milespeaks toppled, waters severed, land swallowed. Hed never seen power like that. Manifestation Realm couldnt touch it. And those titlesDivine Lord, Wheel King. When he made his mark, hed need a name that badass too. Tai Bai Sword Immortal? Or Emperor Zhou Tian? Theyre legendstop-tier powerhouses, Ao Xuanwei said. Supreme Daos a righteous sect. Centuries back, they had a figure on the Mountains and Rivers Rosterpassed on now. World-Crossing Paths an evil cult. Azure Sky Divine Lord was purging them, so Yunjiang Dragon Palace couldnt complain. But since Supreme Daos legit, they sent folks to stabilize the land, clean up the battlefield, and paid reparations to Yunjiang for the mess. Otherwise, Id still be stuck there. The outside worlds wild, Bai Ruoyue said, eyes glinting. Ao Xuanwei smiled. With your gifts, youll get there someday. So, whyd you swing by Yunlong last time? Bai Ruoyue nudged Han with a lookhis turn. Wanted to ask if Yunjiang Dragon Palace has any alchemists, he said. You need refining? Ao Xuanwei nodded. Yeah, Turtle Chancellors a master at itseriously skilled. Whatre you after? I can talk to him. Already hit Tianyue Citygot Master Mu to whip up some cultivation boosters, Han said. Shame I couldnt help, she replied. Han thought a sec. I could use some herb seeds, thoughplanning a garden at Tai Bai. Might come in handy later. Can I buy some from Yunjiang? Regular ones are fine. Aquatic herbs differed from land ones. Ripening a batch could beef up his stockpileand make An Langs day. Sure, no big deal, Ao Xuanwei agreed without a beat. Seeds? Easy. Nothing too rare, and dont just give em to me, Han said firmly. Lets trade fairI dont want you losing out. He wasnt here to mooch off her. Got it, she said. Both women admired his stance. Switching gears, Han asked, You know Tianlong Gates in town? Yeah, Ao Xuanwei nodded, unfazed. Partly why Im here. Our friendships no secretthey might target you over it. Tianlongs thick with Western Sea Dragon Palacefull allies, always against us at Yunjiang. My dads got history with Western Sea. Ive heard, Han said, thanks to Lu Qingmo. Ao Xuanwei paused, then noddedmade sense. Highness, theyve already hit Tai Bai, Bai Ruoyue cut in. Told Little Junior Brother to ditch Yunjiang, threw some shade his way. He fought one off, and they backed off. Ao Xuanweis brow furrowed. Typical overbearing nonsense. Sorry I dragged you into this. Han waved it off. Dragged? Were friendsIm not about to ditch you over a few threats and blame you. She studied him, warmth growing. Shed picked a winnertalent, strength, rare bloodline, and solid character. I brought you something, she said, pulling out a glossy white scale shimmering with light. A dragon scaletop-notch defense. Itll shield you in a pinch till help arrives. With this, if Tianlong comes at youeven if their old-timers play dirtyyoull make it through. Han stared, tempted to refuse, but she cut him off like shed seen it coming. Were friends, right? Youre catching heat from Tianlong because of meIm not leaving you hanging. Her resolve was clearhe wasnt dodging this gift today. Still, it was too precious. Blocking grand deacon-level attacks? Priceless. Han turned to Bai Ruoyue. Senior Sister, we havent even offered tea. Huh? She blinked, then caught on. Oh! Highness, sorryIll get it. She darted off in a flurry. Ao Xuanwei smiled. Sending her offwhats up? Time to sweeten the deal. Chapter 240: Farming, Beasts, and a Peaceful Realm With Bai Ruoyue out of the room, Han seized the moment to wrap things up fastbefore she could catch him in the act. He pulled out a vial. Whats that? Ao Xuanwei asked, curious. Its a treasure liquid I snagged recently, Han explained. Washes you clean inside and outboosts your natural talent in a roundabout way. Might do you some good. Fortune Spirit Liquid, of course. Hed shared it with Lu Qingmo and the crewslipping a drop to the Dragon Lady now wasnt a stretch. As long as its other perks stayed under wrapslimited to cleansing and refining ones essenceit wasnt a big deal. That effect, rare and valuable as it was, wasnt unique. Other treasures out there did similar thingsnot some one-of-a-kind secret. If word got out about this perk, folks might envy Hans luck or try to buy a few drops off him. Prove hes out, and thats thatno harm done. Hed kept it tight-lipped so far, only sharing with people he trusted. Even Ao Xuanwei, the least familiar of the bunch, wasnt about to flip on him over a single dropnot unless her brain got boiled in Lingyang Lake. But the Fortune Gourd itself? That was a whole other beast. If a sect or the imperial court got wind of it, endless streams of spirit liquid could balloon their power to insane heightsunimaginable chaos. One or two talent-boosting trinkets? No sweatbig sects probably had those stashed away. Whats terrifying is the gourds ability to churn them out nonstop, practically for free. Ao Xuanwei took the vial, popped it open, and peered inside. Ive used stuff like this beforesuper rare. You scoring this? Thats some wild luck. But most treasures like it dont do much for me anymore. Keep it for yourself. You can only use one drop per personmores useless. Ive already had mine. Oh? Her interest piqued, she accepted it. Guess Ill give it a shot. Tilting her head back, she let the liquid slide down. Her eyes lit up. Wowwhat a weird treasure, what a weird power. This stuff Its purifying my bloodline? She beamed, ecstatic. For aquatics, bloodline was everything. Hers was already top-tierusually, only a realm breakthrough could nudge it higher. Yet this drop was working on it directly. Jackpothuge jackpot. Han blinked. Bloodline? Then it clicked, like a lightbulb flicking on. Maybe this was the spirit liquids real trick. Cleansing and refiningif a bloodline-bearing demon like her drank it, the payoff dwarfed what humans got from a simple body tune-up. For a dragon like Ao Xuanwei, even a sliver of bloodline refinement was a big deal. So the Fortune Gourds a farming and beast-raising tool, huh? Her pupils narrowed to slits, a dragon silhouette flashing behind herwhite scales gleaming. A faint dragon aura rippled out. The story has been taken without consent; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident. Tai Bais trainees felt ita sudden weight on their chests, a breathless dread like doom was closing in. But Han, right next to her, didnt bat an eyeno pressure from the aura at all. He caught the full view: a stunning white dragon, every curve and scale flawless, begging to be touched. After a moment, Ao Xuanwei settled, buzzing with joy from the shift inside her. She grabbed Hans hand, gratitude spilling over. This is huge, Hanhow do I thank you? Were friendsno thanks needed, he said with a smile and a shake of his head. Just keep it on the down-low. Youve got my word, she vowed. This stays between usno third ears. Teas here! Bai Ruoyue bustled in, then froze, staring at their clasped hands. Who am I? Where am I? Whats happening? Gone for two seconds, and its like this? What are you doing? Whats next?! Is this why you sent me for tea, Little Junior Brother? No way! Han slipped his hand free, cool as ever. He was the passive one herenot his fault. Sending Bai Ruoyue off wasnt what she thought. Hed told Lu Qingmo the liquid was a treasure hed found, refined with the Dragon Ladys help. Showing it to Ao Xuanwei with Bai Ruoyue around wouldve blown the story. Bai Ruoyue set the tea down, distracted and sulky. So, youll take the dragon scale now, right? Ao Xuanwei pressed. Guess I cant say no, Han said, accepting it. It felt sturdy, warm, smooth to the touch. How it kicked in during danger, thoughhe wasnt sure. Wear it closecant stash it in a spatial pouch, she explained. Its got a lifespanblocks Manifestation or Marrow-Washing attacks three times. Each hit leaves a crack. She didnt bother mentioning Day Roaming or Bone Forging hitsHan was Day Roaming himself; he wouldnt need it against peers. If the attacks too strong, it might burn all three uses at once. So its a last-resort lifesaverdont get cocky with it. Han nodded, getting it. Dont go picking fights just because youve got a shield. Ao Xuanwei glanced at Bai Ruoyue and pulled out another gift. Bai Ruoyues close to Bone Forgingunder twenty and already there? Thats prodigy stuff. Heres a Vitality Fruitconsider it a congrats. Breaking from Viscera to Bone Forging wasnt just about tempering bonesthe big leap was true qi turning into true essence, gas to liquid. Massive upgrade, but a grind to pull off. The Vitality Fruit smoothed that shift. Hans crew had nabbed similar plants in Black Mountainstashed away for later. Bai Ruoyue snapped out of her funk, waving it off. Too muchI cant take it. Take it, Ao Xuanwei insisted. Hans catching flak from Tianlong because of meTai Bais in the crossfire too. I owe you both. And one Vitality Fruit? Doesnt touch what Hans done for me. That bloodline boost from the liquid? Worth way more than a few fruits. Bai Ruoyue shot Han a suspicious look. Whatd you do for her now? Take it, Han added. Reluctantly, she accepted, wrestling with herself. Take gifts, owe favorsnow what? Any direct clashes between Yunjiang Dragon Palace and Tianlong Gate? Han asked. Plenty, Ao Xuanwei nodded. The Four Seas dragons rarely meddle on land, and Yunjiangs aquatics dont hit Western Seaso Tianlong, tied to them, butts heads with us most. Lingyang Lakes mixed up with Tianlong too. Got it, Han said, mulling it over. Straight-up, no-nonsense bad blood. If Tianlong gets pushy, dont sweat it, she said. Ill have the palace send some muscle to Black Cloudjust in case. Shed thought it throughnot using Han, but genuinely watching his back. He grinned. In Black Cloud, they cant do much. Their disciples? Pretty average, honestly. To you, yeah, she agreed, full of faith. Unless their true transmission hotshots show, the rest are ants in your path. She hung around a bit longer, chatting happily with Han. Curiosity got him asking about big names like Azure Sky Divine Lord and Wheel King. Gotta head back to the palace, she said eventually. Ill round up those seeds and send them over. No need to trek out here yourself, Han protested. Ill send shrimp soldiers and crab generals to find you, then. After seeing her off, Bai Ruoyue pounced, grabbing Han. Little Junior Brother, what went down in there? Nothing! he yelped. Wrongly accused! It took some fast talking to calm her down. Man, Little Junior Brother, youre a magnet, she sighed. Who knows when youll ditch usTai Bais too small for you. Senior Sister, Id stick around even if you bailed, he said, voice layered with meaning. Per Lu Qingmo, once Master Bai Tian hit True Blood, he might whisk Bai Ruoyue offout of Black Cloud, off to who-knows-where. Probably some noble housemaybe not a princess, but close enough, outclassing Black Clouds backwater vibe. Then itd just be Han and the crew holding down Tai Bais honor. Hed leave eventually too, surebut he wouldnt be the first out the door. Tai Bais my homewhere would I run? Bai Ruoyue, clueless about that future, scoffed at his words. Hmph, excuses! That night, Han showed the dragon scale to Lu Qingmo. She gave it propstop-tier stuff, dragon-crafted, a solid lifeline. It screamed Yunjiang Dragon Palaces stance loud and clear. Young Master, I did it! An Langs cheer cut through his training. She zoomed over, beaming. Look! A smooth, round pill sat in her palm. You made that? Han asked. You bet! she said, chin high. Pretty great, huh? Future Pill Immortal in the making. Its a Hemostasis Pillfor external wounds. Perfect for mortals and Flesh Realm martial artists. Basic beginner pilltop seller among low-tier stuff, easy to whip up. Not bad, Han said, generous with praise. An Lang grinding solo off a legacy and getting results? That was damn impressive. Alchemys a beasttough start, brutal middle, hellish end. Okay, its just tough all over. Chapter 241: From Yin to Yang, Swallowing Phoenix to Soar An Lang flitted through the peach grove like a butterfly, humming a tune from her homeland, her joy plain as day. Looks like An Langs got a knack for alchemy, Lu Qingmo remarked. Mastering a pill through self-study in such a short time? Thats impressive. Talents greattop-tier talent would be even better, Han said, his hope for An Lang genuine. He was probably the person rooting for her hardest, eager to see her shine brighter. Every step up she took directly paid off for him. Alchemys not just about talent, Lu Qingmo said, glancing at him. It takes serious resources to back it up. Even common herbs add up to a hefty sum when you need a lot. Supporting her climb in alchemy on your own? Thats a tall order. Han grinned. Ive got faith in An Lang. And even more in my cheat code. Midnight rolled around. A nameless yin fire flickered silently before Han as he cycled through the Yin Earth Fire Seal, boosting its chill power bit by bit. Then he switched to the Yang Earth Fire Seal. Tiny sparks of pure white light drifted from the yin flame, merging into his soul. These were the refined fire essences drawn from the yin firethe building blocks of yang fire. Yin birthed from the soul, yang rising from yina seamless lineage, roots entwined. This dance would eventually unite them into the primal chaos fire. Han had been refining these essences for days, relentless in his grind. The warm glimmers sank into his soul until, at last Whoosh! A pure white flame surged from his brow. It wasnt bigfinger-thick, finger-longnor fierce. No clear traits, just a calm burn, no heat to feel. Clean as fresh paper, pure as an honest heart. Hed finally gathered enough essence to birth a flame. But this white flicker? Not yang earth fire yet. Lu Qingmo drifted over, drawn by the shift. Pure earth firenice work. You refined that essence fast. Next, keep cycling the Yang Earth Fire Seal. Infuse it with the yang qi in your soul to taint this pure flamethats how youll get yang earth fire. From yin fire to pure fire to yang fire. Thats the pathand why only Day Roaming cultivators could pull it off. Below that realm, your souls all yin, no yang spark to speak of. Only by seizing heavens yang at the Day Roaming stage could a speck of essence bloom in a pure yin soul. Han nodded, drawing the pure flame back in, forming the seal. It flowed through him, weaving across his body. Tiny red glints bled into it, staining the white with a crimson edge. Time ticked by, and the flame turned fully reda total transformation. You might be reading a pirated copy. Look for the official release to support the author. Released again, it hit palm-sizeblazing hot and bright, a stark shift from its quiet start. Radiance and heat poured out, hard to approach. In the night, it shone like a pocket sun. A stray spark hit the ground, igniting the soil. This was yang earth fireyins polar opposite. One cold and grim, turning the air into a ghostly chill with no heat. The other fierce and luminous, ready to scorch the world and banish shadows. Extreme yin, extreme yangopposites from the same root. Both flames hovered before him, red and green glows mingling in an eerie, mystical dance. Yin fire outshone the newborn yang, thoughbeefed up by two exotic flames already. Yang fire, fresh out the gate, needed daily tending to grow. Normal way, anyway. Han opted for the fast track. Aunt Mo, my yang fires solid, right? No hiccups? Lu Qingmo shook her head, impressed. Its flawless. When I forged mine, it wasnt this intense or vibrantyours has better bones. Same technique, different handsresults vary. Youve got Pure Yang Flame and Phoenix Fire, she said. Swallow them with your yang fire, and youll skip years of grindingbulk it up fast. Pure Yang Flames perks wont vanish after, right? Theyll carry over into the yang fireno worries. Pure Yang Flame boosted Bone Forging and Day Roaming cultivationa dual-purpose fire for training and fighting. Han wanted that edge preserved. Id start with Phoenix Fire, though, she advised. Your yang fires still greenweak swallowing strongs risky. Yang flames are trickier to merge than your yin ones were. Yang fires in nature were wildraw, unruly, packed with the most savage traits. Dangerous as hell. But Phoenix Fires yoursborn from you, under your thumb. Low risk to refine. Ive got a treasure to help with exotic flame fusion too. Han noddedsmart plan. Swallow Phoenix Fire first to beef up the yang base, shake off the newborn phase, then tackle Pure Yang Flame with confidence. A fiery phoenix burst from his body, circling him. This one was oddnot a natural exotic flame, but it had a source. Thats the phoenix clans magictheir innate fire outclassed most technique-born flames. Phoenix Fire, barring some ultra-rare breeds, was damn near the king of flames. Han took a steady breath. The phoenix dove into his yang fire. Boom! Flames erupted, spraying everywhere. Lu Qingmo stepped in, containing the blastotherwise, the peach grove wouldve been toast. A fierce reaction churned in the yang fireits essence exploding every second. Even fully tamed, merging fire sources sparked wild shifts you couldnt dodge. Without this techniques quirks, blending two exotic flames into something stronger would be a pipe dream. Han wrestled the Phoenix Fire down, easing its resistance. It worked. Amid sporadic booms, the phoenix sank into the yang fire, inch by nerve-racking inch. His focus was razor-sharpno room for slip-ups. This isnt playing with fireits juggling dynamite. The yang fires core swelled, flickers revealing a phoenix silhouette. No sweat on a soul body, but Han felt like he was meltingsoftened by the heat. At dawns first light, the phoenix fully merged. The wild blaze settled, no longer spitting chaos. Calm now, the yang fire had doubled in sizethough with a thought, Han shrank it back to palm-size. Still red, but deeper, hottermetal-melting, stone-crushing heat. Blindingly bright. A mortal staring too long wouldnt explodejust go blind. At its heart, a phoenix flappedthen vanished at Hans command. No one would peg this as Phoenix Fire now. Done, he said, exhaling relief as joy kicked in. One Phoenix Fire shaved off years of worka leap to the top. But exhaustion hit hard, seeping into every corner of him. Fusing it drained himmentally more than anything. Fine yang fire, Lu Qingmo said, stepping close, inspecting it with approval. Phoenix Fires elite-tierswallowing its a hell of a break. Exotic flames had ranksstronger ones meant bigger gains. Our break, Han corrected with a grin, holding out his hand. A tiny phoenix flame flickered to life in his palm. Aunt Mo, this ones yours. Before swallowing it whole, hed split off a source-bearing wisp for her Yang Earth Fire Seal. Sub-fires worked for the sealjust needed that core essence. One of her past yang fusions was a Pure Yang Flame wisp from Xuandugrown hefty over years. With a flames source in your yang fire, daily practice could fill in the gaps, unlocking its full power and jacking up the fires punch. Full exotic flame versus a wisp? Ones instant, the others a slow burn to the same end. Lu Qingmo eyed the phoenix wisp, hesitated, then took it. Back when Han first sparked Phoenix Fire, theyd agreed on thisshe couldnt say no. Pure Yang Flames next, he said. Give me a few days to recover, then Ill tackle it. Fatigue clung to his faceyang fusion was no joke. After that, hed forge his soul with yang flame. Smart move, she said. Once you wield yin and yang together in a fight, youll see this techniques real bite. Itll surprise you. No chaos fire yet, but yin-yang interplay still packs a wild punch. Two extreme, clashing forcesmost cultivators cant handle that. Her words lit a spark of anticipation in him. Yin moon, yang sunwhich reigns? Blend them, rule the realm. Arts just a yin-yang boom. Chapter 242: Black and White Enforcers: A Bone-Breaking Team-Up Exhaustion hits hard after pushing yourself too far. Soul and body intertwined, Hans all-night grind left his spirit dragging, slowing his martial training the next day. Bai Ruoyue noticed right away. Little Junior Brother, whats wrong with you? Wore myself out last night with Aunt Mo, he said. Lu Qingmo had stayed up guarding him while he forged his yang earth firebusy work for her too. You two were at it all night? Bai Ruoyues face scrunched with question marks. Training, he clarified. Oh, got it. She bought it without a second thought. By evening, Zhang Yuantao came back with unexpected news. Word is, evil cultivatorspretty strong ones, even Bone Forging levelpopped up outside Black Cloud Town. Han raised an eyebrow. From where? No clue. Zuo Tianzhengs sent the Black Cloud Guard after them, Zhang Yuantao said, laying out the details. Seems they were wreaking havoc in a village out there. Patrol spotted them and reported back. Theyve bolted already. Zuo Tianzheng swore hed avenge the villagerstrack down the culprits and bring them to justice. The Guards out in force, hunting them down. What a mess, Han muttered. He recalled the Ghost God Divisions intelevil cultivators stirring up trouble across Tianyue Countys other regions, claiming plenty of lives. If it was hitting the outskirts, Black Cloud Townthe eye of the stormcouldnt dodge it. Problem was, stopping these creeps before they struck was near impossible. You could only clean up after the damage was done. Catch them in the end, surebut the losses were locked in. Unlike Hans old world, martial arts and techniques here made keeping the peace a nightmare. For regular folks, every dawn was a gambletomorrow or the next villain, whod show first? Cultivation was the only way to grab your fate by the reins. Zhang Yuantao sighed. Hope they wrap this up quick. Next day at noon, an unexpected visitor hit Tai Baisomeone from the town guards office, looking for Bai Ruoyue with a job. After some back-and-forth, she saw them off. Whatd they want you for? Han asked, curious. Why not send the Guard? Then it clicked. Most of the Guard got tapped yesterday to chase those village-wrecking cultists. Since Zuo Tianzheng beefed up the Black Cloud Guard, the town office rarely bothered the families or dojos for help anymore. With so many locals joining the Guard, it could handle almost anything solo. Even with most of them tied up in Black Mountain keeping order, the leftovers paired with the Ghost God and Martial Order Divisions were enough. Yesterdays chaos mustve stretched them thin, though. They asked me to take down a wanted killer, Bai Ruoyue said. Some newbie Bone Forging martial artist offed someone over a treasure last night. Got spotted this morning and bolted out of town. The Guards Bone Forging crews either chasing those cultists or tied up elsewhere, so they tapped me. Her Viscera Realm status was no secretnor was her Bone Forging-level punch. Shed tangled with Long Tianya from Tenglong Dojo, flattened a Tianlong inner disciple, and just subdued a Bone Forging thug on the street. Proof was in the pudding. A Bone Forging fighter in Viscera clothingperfect pick when the Guard was shorthanded. You said yes? Yep, she nodded. Done this kind of thing before. Its in my wheelhousecouldnt say no. You sure hes just early Bone Forging? When they first IDd him, the town office clashed with him and snagged a chunk of his flesh. No mistaking his realm. The narrative has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the infringement. That flesh lets them track him with a technique too. She pulled out a mirror. This is the artifact they gave mepinpoints the guy. Two dots glowed: a steady green one and a red one zipping along. Oh, and they said he might have some technique tricks up his sleeve. Theyve coordinated with the Ghost God Divisionsomeones on the way to back me up. Han thought it over and made his call. Ill go with you. No need to drag in some random from the Division. Outside a handful of standouts, the Black Cloud Ghost God crew couldnt touch his skills. The town office wouldnt pull a Day Roaming member for thisbest theyd send was a Night Roaming cultivator. Middle of the day, sun blazing? A Night Roamer tagging along would need Bai Ruoyue babysitting themnot the other way around. Better he step in himself. You? Bai Ruoyue blinked. Ghost God Division Seventh-Rank Patrolsame clout as a county magistrate or overseer! Han said, smirking. You should be thrilled a big shot like mes tagging along, Senior Sister. By rights, a commoner like you ought to bow when you see mebut for you, Ill waive it. Show-off, she huffed, though she was glad to have him. They briefed Shen Long and the crew. When the Divisions backup showed, theyd explain and send them back to report in. Then, mirror in hand, they bolted out of Black Cloud Town after the killer. Here, Little Junior Brother, Bai Ruoyue said, tossing him two talismans from her spatial pouch. From the town officespeed boosters to catch this guy. Han caught them. They thought of everything. Of coursetheyre the ones asking. Gotta come prepared, she said. Once its done, therell be a reward. Ill snag you a cut too. Sweet deal. What if we dont catch him? Then were out of luck, she shrugged. These gigs arent mandatory. If it flops, theyll just slap a bounty on himkeep him out of Black Cloud. Fair enoughthe town office only outsourced when they couldnt hack it themselves. Do your best, no pressure. Punish failure? No oned take the jobs. Han pinged Lu Qingmo via conch mid-chase. Aunt Mo, Im out here hustling for youreward me later! What are you up to? she asked, puzzled. He filled her in, and she went quiet. Shed just heard about it herselftown office roping in a Division helper was small potatoes, handled by underlings, no need to bug her. But with Han subbing in, hustling for her kinda tracked. Be carefuldont get sloppy. Its Bone Forging, she warned. Relax, Aunt Mo, Bai Ruoyue cut in. Ive got Little Junior Brother covered! Post-call, she grinned. Few months back, I said itd happendidnt expect itd take this long. Said what? Remember your first trip outside with Yunduo? Surethe beast-taming cultivator stirring up trouble. When you got back, I said the town office sometimes hands us jobs. Id take you along someday to see it. She chuckled. Didnt think youd hit this level before we got the chance. Now he rememberedshe had mentioned it. Better late than never, he said. Right! Todays the debut of Black Clouds Dynamic Duo, she declared, voice rising. Every crooks getting hauled in! Were nailing this guy! Dynamic Duo? What kind of wild name is that? Senior Sister, doesnt that sound more villain than hero? Does it? She waved it off. Doesnt matter what it sounds likelong as were doing good. Good folks make a name good; a good name doesnt make the folk. Didnt expect Senior Sister to drop wisdom like that. Still, Han wasnt sold. Id tweak it. To what? How about Phoenix Legends? Lame as hell. Hmph, zero taste, Senior Sisterhopeless! On the mirror, the Bone Forging killers red dot crept closer, but the gap was still wide. Hed had a head start, and at that level, he could sprint like a blurbeyond mortal limits. Good thing martial artists couldnt fly yet, or theyd be screwed. This guy can move, Han muttered. Wish Aunt Mos flying carpet was here. Time ticked on, and their spirits liftedthe red dot slowed. Hes slacking off! Bai Ruoyue said, pumped. Keep running, buddywhyd he stop? Senior Sister, youre sounding like the bad guy now Maybe he thinks hes in the clear, Han guessed. He clocked the distancehundreds of miles from Black Cloud. Slowing down made sense. Martial artists werent tireless machines. The guys pace kept dropping, the gap shrinking fast. Here, Senior Sisterpop this, Han said, handing her a pill. Eases fatigue, restores qi. Long haul like this took a tollgotta be peak for the fight. Soon, Hans mental senses pingeda roaring qi and blood aura. The Bone Forging killer. Got him! The last stretch vanished in a flash. A grizzled middle-aged man came into view. He spotted them too. His face twisted, and he boltedbut seeing their speed outpace his, he stopped cold. No escaping now. Tai Bais brats? he growled, clearly recognizing them from their rep. Thats us! Bai Ruoyue stomped the ground, voice booming. You dare rob and kill in Black Cloud Town? Total disregard for the law! The law? He sneered. I hit Bone ForgingIm above all that. Whats some piss-ant law gonna do to me? Mortals bow to that garbage. Us martial artists? We run free! You kids are naivedumb as rocks! His rant laid bare his creedshared by plenty of cultivators. Ive got power, so I do what I want. No one stops me. With strength, Im beyond petty rules and justice. Otherwise, Im chained by laws without training, and still chained afterthen whats the damn point? Funny thing, thoughmost with that mindset begged for rules when facing someone stronger. Me as the line: below me, chaos; above me, order. A classic cultivator headspace. His spiel didnt faze Han or Bai Ruoyue. Evils evilfancy words dont change that. Bet you wont surrender, Han said coolly. Hope you can take a beating. Senior Sisters a beast! Cocky little shits, the manLiu Chensnorted. Ive been tearing through the martial world, killing to train, since you two were sucking on bottles! He eyed Bai Ruoyue. Viscera matching Bone Forging? Prodigy stuff. But youre still not there! Tai Bai bratsyour loots gonna make me happy. He didnt doubt her strengthtoo many saw her drop a Bone Forging thug in public. Denying it would be delusional. Didnt shake his confidence, though. Im not like those weaklings! Han? Barely a glance. Months to Viscera? Cute, but against a Bone Forging vet, he wasnt even in the game. Bai Ruoyue cracked her knuckles, itching to brawlshe lived for this. Han slapped a defensive talismanspoils from a past haulon her back. Senior Sister, youre juiced up! Little Junior Brother, back me up! She charged, terrified Han might steal her thunder. Eighteen and scared of street fights? Han scanned the area with his sensesno oddities. Solo operator, just like the town office said. Perfect. Next up: me and Senior Sister tag-team a Bone Forging kill. Epic! Chapter 243: Why Provoke the Unbeatable? Confidence can sometimes be a baffling illusion, and Liu Chen, a Bone Forging martial artist, proved it in three swift stages: Before the fight: bold boasts. Mid-battle: wild ramblings. Now: utter silence. Han watched it all unfold from the sidelines. To die at my handsa Viscera Realm genius rivaling Bone Forging? Thrilling just to think about! Liu Chen had roared at the start. How how are you this strong?! Impossiblethis cant be! Im nearly at Bone Forging Minor Completionnot some weaklinghow can I not beat you?! Those were his grand declarations and frantic outbursts. Han felt nothingexcept maybe a flicker of amusement. Bai Ruoyue, locked in combat, stayed silent, reveling in the clash. Her ferocity, though, made Hans eyes twitch. Brutal. Too brutal. The defensive talisman hed slapped on her? Overkillshe didnt need it. She looked like she was having a blast, so Han held back until Liu Chen, battered and bleeding, let out a furious bellow and yanked out a bell. Ding-a-ling! The chime rang crisp, unleashing an invisible wave straight at their minds. Han felt ita hypnotic force surging toward his soul, aiming to drag him into a dreamlike stupor. But his soul flared, radiant and unyielding, shattering the illusion without a scratch. A magical artifactexpected. The town guard had warned the killer might wield techniques, and artifacts fit the bill. Bone Forging martial artists could tap basic mental power, wielding certain tools. Bai Ruoyue blinked under the bells sway but shook it off fastbarely fazed. It couldnt even buy Liu Chen a sneak attack. But that wasnt his plan. He lungednot at her, but at Han. Kid, youre my lifeline! In a flash, he crossed ten meters, clawing for Han, aiming to snag a hostage. He couldnt win head-ondesperate measures it was. Oh, Bai Ruoyue, bringing your genius junior to hunt me was your biggest mistake! Damn it! she shouted, voice thick with fury, not fear. At the last second, Han clenched his fist, stood his ground, and struck back. Overconfidentwait, what?! A surge of raw power rocked Liu Chens arm, toppling his scheme. Han staggered back, boots gouging a trench in the dirt, shaking out his tingling hand. This tale has been unlawfully obtained from Royal Road. If you discover it on Amazon, kindly report it. He eyed the stunned Bone Forging thug and shook his head. Fair one-on-one not good enough? I was gonna let you go out with dignity, but you blew it. Youre early Viscera? Liu Chen gaped, incredulous. The Divine Ape Visualization hid Hans true stage, and hed never gone all-out in public. Black Cloud folks pegged him as Viscera Realm, but guesses variedmost bet on early, a few wild optimists, swayed by his past speed, swore he was near or at Bone Forging. Ridiculous. Higher realms slowing cultivation time? Absurd. Liu Chen saw it nowand wished he hadnt. Early Viscera, yet Hans burst matched Viscera Peak! Wounded from Bai Ruoyue, he couldnt down a near-Peak fighter in one blow. Early matching Peak? A freak! Worse than Bai Ruoyue! Whats with Tai Bai breeding monsters? No wonder two juniors dared chase him. Noon the path, strength ruled. Im the junior here. Flesh titans, Tendon ancestors, Viscera masters, Bone Forging kids, Marrow-Washing ants Whyd you mess with my junior?! Bai Ruoyue roared, sword slashing. Finding a good fights hardI rarely get to cut loose. Todays my chance, with him watching, and you poke the bear? He stuck to martial moves earlierwhat if he unleashes his soul? Whats left for me to fight? Trying to ruin my day? Then yours is toast too! Liu Chen scrambled to parry as Han barked, Senior Sister, Ive got your back! Sword light blazed, icy and sharp, chilling the air. Shes got this solo, but Im jumping intime to test Bone Forging strength! Her fury spikedat Liu Chenfueled by Hans words. Gave you a shot, and youre useless! Dynamic Duo, justice beatdown! Both wielded Tai Bai swordplayfirst joint fight, unlike their separate Black Mountain clashes. No prior practice, yet their synergy clicked, evolving into seamless precision. A duo forged by fateunstoppable. Shing! [Tai Bai] sliced the air, shrill and relentless. Liu Chen swung his blade to block. Hans raw power lagged, but no way Liu Chen could eat that strike baremartial weapon or not. Try taking a stab yourself. Bai Ruoyue followed, her strike cunning and angled, syncing with Han to trap Liu Chens guard. Outmatched, he prioritizedblade met Bai Ruoyue, true essence flared over his body, inner armor bracing for Hans hit. Cough! Blood sprayed as he lurched back, crashing hard. Han and Bai Ruoyue pressed the chaseno breather for him. Despicableshameless! Righteous my assno honor! Liu Chen bellowed. Two prodigies ganging up on a lone rogueoutrageous! Han snapped, Honor? For scum like you? You had your fair shot and threw it away! Being double-teamed by Black Clouds finest is your privilege! A blast of Bone Forging true essence roared at Han. Mid-fight, hed clocked ittrue essence trounced true qi by miles. Viscera versus Bone Forging was a steeper climb than Tendon versus Viscera. Han didnt dodgesword swung, splitting the blast like a river cleaved in two, craters exploding on either side. Bai Ruoyue darted in, her strike a terror aimed square at Liu Chen. He flailed, out of moves. One-on-one, hed lost. With Han in the mix, his doom sealed. Han even called Bai Ruoyue to ease upstretch it outso he could savor sparring a Bone Forging foe. Sticking to martial skills, he honed himself, gauging his own strength and a fresh Bone Forging fighters. Against typical Viscera foesMinor, Major, Peakhe feared no one, victory assured. But Bone Forging loomeda chasm. Not unbridgeable, yet at early Viscera, he was a step shy. That was pure martial mightsoul power and full annihilation aside. Bone Forging was a beasttrue qi to true essence, body juiced up across the board. No wonder they roamed free, status sky-high. Day Roaming cultivators often fell short. Even in top sects, they shed disciple tags for management roles. Bones matteredtemper them, and defense, burst, stamina skyrocketed. Liquid true essence? Lethal. True qi crumbled before itshattered on touch, dwarfing the Flesh-to-Tendon gap. Higher realms widened the divideby the end, it was heaven versus earth, cross-tier fights a fantasy. Bone Forging: the dawn of true power. Yet no matter the boost, Liu Chen buckled under their onslaught. Two blades zeroed his vitals; he couldnt block anymore. Escaped Black Cloud, only to fall to you bratsI wont accept it! Shink! A sword pierced his chest, severing tendons. Liu Chen hit the dirt, howling. Not deadHan and Bai Ruoyue spared him. A murderer, best caught alive for justice. If not, his corpse would do. Together, they had him. Bai Ruoyue flicked a pill from her spatial pouch into his mouth. Liu Chens aura vanishedTown Guards Martial Suppression Pill. It neutered his cultivation, true essence dormant, body rigida temporary cripple. Even post-effect, itd scar his martial path permanently. For a killer like him? No mercy needed. Two Liu Chen rasped, mouth opening to curse. Han ripped his sleeve, stuffing it in. Still barking? Chapter 244: Ambush of the Manifestation Realm! After subduing Liu Chen, Han didnt bother interrogating him. The case was crystal clearno need to dig deeper. His job was simple: haul the guy back to Black Cloud Town. Bound and gagged, Liu Chen had no chance to speak as they dragged him along. The return trip lacked the urgency of the chase, leaving Han and Bai Ruoyue at ease. This spirit plantwas it worth killing for? Han asked, pulling a green vine from Liu Chens spatial poucha Viscera Realm treasure. Probably, Bai Ruoyue nodded. The guy he killed was a Viscera martial artist fresh out of Black Mountain. Likely picked it up there. Bone Forging martial artists couldnt enter Black Mountain, and most were dirt-poor. A Viscera-grade plant, even useless for Bone Forging, was tempting enough to risk it all. Such crimes werent rare in Black Cloud Townrogue Bone Forging cultivators often preyed on weaker targets. No divine vision? Robbing beats scavenging any day. A typical Viscera fighter stood no chance against Bone Forgingdeath was certain. Treasures bring fortune and doom, Han mused softly. A find should spark joy, yet one slip turned it into tragedy. He felt it keenly. In Black Cloud, no one outshone him in treasures. This months Fortune Gourd alone could drive the world mad. A mere Viscera plant sparked greedwhat if Hans secret got out? The world wouldnt tolerate him. Hed be on the run, an enemy to all, with slim odds of escape. Good thing hed kept his real ace hiddenno one would suspect a cheat this insane. His rapid rise raised eyebrows, suresecrets were assumed. But secrets varied in scale; every sect prodigy had their own edge. As long as the cheat stayed buried, he was golden. Bai Ruoyue chimed in, This plant goes to the town guard. The rest is ours. Han shook his head. A rogue Bone Forging guynothing worth keeping. Bai Ruoyue rolled her eyes. Junior Brother, your standards are sky-high now. Dont want it? Give it to the guard. Nah, its mine by rightwhy pass it up? Standard procedure: the town guard hired folks like Bai Ruoyue, rewarding effortsuccess or not. Bigger wins meant better loot. Task spoils, barring case-related items, were theirs to keep. The plant was evidenceoff to the guard. The rest? They didnt care. Legally, itd go to the victims kin post-trial. But laws were laws, and enforcers were human. Whod end up with it? Obvious. Not Hans problem. Do your job, take your cutno greed, no meddling. Spoils plus rewardsits why folks jumped at these gigs. Great Qi, 400 years strong, knew how to grease local powers and rogues. Want help? Pay up. Even insiders got solid incentivesstinginess wasnt their style. Empty promises and ideals? Whod bite? I busted my ass cultivating to watch you dangle carrots? My swords sharp enough to take your head! Only flops fed their people crumbs. One silver a month? Laughable. A hundred gold? The factions my home. Chatting, the duo stayed in high spirits. The Dynamic Duos debut? A smashing hit. A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation. But the vibe didnt last. A figure blocked their path home. Hans ease vanished, his face hardening. Clad in a black robe, hood shadowing their face, the stranger stood firm. Han halted, grabbing Bai Ruoyue. Junior Brother, whats up? she asked. Manifestation Realm, he whispered. A crushing danger pulsed from the figurenot just any Manifestation cultivator, but a formidable one, far from the bottom rung. Bai Ruoyue paled, glaring at the robed stranger. Who are you? Early Viscera, yet dominating your realm The voice slithered out, soft and eeriefeminine, yet not quite. Black Cloud Towns birthed a monster. Join a martial sect, master a supreme art, and youd be a peerless prodigytop-tier across the world. From mortal to this in months? Remarkable. Terrifying. Unheard of, unseenextraordinary. Theyd watched the whole fightlikely from afar or via some arcane trick. Up close, even Manifestation couldnt hide from Hans senses. Random encounter or planned hit? Han kept his cool. Here for him? His crew? Just a nobody, the figure dismissed. Trueif they were allies, theyd have stepped in when Han dosed Liu Chen with the suppression pill. Theyd let him fall, only to emerge now, relishing Han and Bai Ruoyues plunge from triumph to dread. Not for Liu Chen, then Youre here to kill me, Han stated. No, the figure corrected. Both of you. Call for helpsee if Lu Qingmo from Xuandu Monastery gets here before I end you. Arrogantwildly so. But that swagger screamed unshakable confidence. Manifestation versus two Viscera kids, with Bone Forging still between? No contest. A death trap. Who sent you? Wherere you from? Han pressed. The figure had no intent to enlighten a soon-to-be ghost. Liu Chen, witnessing this twist, lit up with glee. A lone wolf, he didnt know this robed saviorbut Hans words rang clear: a Manifestation master here to kill these Tai Bai brats! Their death was his shot at lifeslim, but better than a trip back to Black Clouds gallows. Join this robed badass, be their dog, or His scheming cut short as darkness swallowed him. Han struck[Tai Bai] severed Liu Chens head, then shattered his emerging soul. No Manifestation could yank secrets from that now. Live or die, youre done. Not spiteHan just didnt want what came next leaking out. Dead menand soul-scattered oneskept quiet best. Playing clever, the robed figure intoned, unfazed. They figured Han doubted their indifference to Liu Chen, lashing out in petty revenge. Bai Ruoyue didnt question itsmall fry in a crisis. Senior Sister, listen, Hans voice surged into her mind, urgent. When I move, grab my body and rundont stop, dont look back, dont argue. Hes too strongI cant split focus. Obey. No heroics, no stubbornness. Two cant escapeone can. You go, Im free to fight. My body stays, its wrecked. Trust meIve got cards up my sleeve. I wont lie. Her fists clenched. She ached to fight beside him, but reason screamed: Hans plan was their only shot. Manifestation rivaled Marrow-Washingshe, a Bone Forging-tier Viscera fighter, was no help. Her escape gave him a chance. Playing live-or-die-together would doom them both. She couldnt flystaying to cover was pointless. Death didnt scare her; if it was hopeless, shed die with him. But there was hopeand his body needed guarding. He couldnt leave it exposed to a Manifestation foe. She had a role. It felt endless, but Hans soul sped through it in breaths. His soul leaped free. Bai Ruoyue scooped his body and bolted, slapping on speed talismans. Han sighed in reliefthankfully, no pigheaded heroine trope here. An Lang emerged, aiding her flight. Stronger now from the Three Yin Valley boostonce a match for early Night Roaming, now a powerhouse among themshe cut air resistance with mental force, turbocharging Bai Ruoyues sprint. She dialed Lu Qingmo via conch. Whats happening? Lu Qingmo cut straight. Shed already left Black CloudBai Ruoyues emergency signal, a gift from her, had triggered instantly. A Manifestation cultivators after us! Bai Ruoyues voice quaked, eyes rimming red. A pause, then a calm, steady reply: Run. Dont stay with Hanleave the fight to him. Trust him. Conch cut. Bai Ruoyue didnt slow, glancing back at Han, resolve steeling her gaze. For Junior Brothers body, I wont defy him. Butdamn it, damn it, damn it! Your souls early Day Roaming? The robed figures shock broke through. Your talent in soul arts outstrips your martial gifts? People guess you dual-cultivatebut this? Months to shatter four realms? Unthinkablea genius like you, even young immortals might pale. They ignored Bai Ruoyues flee. A Viscera fighter escaping Manifestation? Laughable fantasy. Lu Qingmo needed time to reach themplenty for ten kills. Pity, but snuffing a prodigy like you? Delightful. Killing a Manifestation master would thrill me too, Han shot back, soaring at them with fearless momentum. Brave, the figure sneered, flicking a hand. Earth roared, sky churned. Boom! A giant earthen snake erupted, jaws gaping, slamming Han and swallowing him whole. Genius or notstill an ant. The figure stepped forward, crossing vast distance to chase Bai Ruoyue. Day Roaming block that? Please. A prodigy ungrown was no threatthis world belonged to the strong. Before their second step, a dragons roar shattered the sky. Darkness fell, clouds swirled, fury brewing overhead. The Manifestation cultivators face twisted in alarm. Chapter 245: The Sacred Reversal! The sky was a brilliant blue, dotted with fluffy white clouds, but in the blink of an eye, it darkened into an ominous shade of ink-black. The once-clear heavens were now shrouded in thick, oppressive clouds, exuding an unbearable pressure that spread across the land, enveloping everything in its suffocating grasp. The man in the black robe shuddered. A chilling stiffness crept into his very soul as an overwhelming force pressed down upon him, weighing heavily on his chest. He felt itan undeniable, piercing gaze from the heavens, as if the cosmos itself had locked onto him, preparing to unleash divine judgment upon the sinner who dared defy fate. Run! The thought surged through his mind like lightning. He did not know where this crushing force originated or what danger lurked in this place, but he had no intention of staying to find out. Without hesitation, he turned and fled. Boom! Thunder roared across the sky the moment he moved. From within the massive serpent of the earth, a brilliant purple light erupted, flashing like a divine beacon before exploding violently. The dazzling burst shot straight toward him at an unimaginable speed. The black-robed man was fasthis cultivation at the Sacred Manifestation Realm ensured that. But the purple light was faster! The earth serpent shattered into countless fragments, dissolving into dust and returning to the land. And amidst the ruins, a lone figure emerged unscathed. Han. He stood there, unharmed, as a radiant white dragon coiled protectively around him, warding off all attacks. Not a single scratch marred his body. In his grasp, a white dragon scale shimmered faintly, pulsing with power. This was the source of the protective dragons might. It was a treasured artifact bestowed upon him by Ao Xuanwei, capable of blocking even the strikes of a Sacred Manifestation expert. Han hadnt expected to use it so soon. The white dragon, having fulfilled its duty, retreated back into the scale, which now bore a fine crack along its surface. One of its three protective uses had been expended. But it was worth it. Against an opponent of this caliber, it had served its purpose well. Boom! Thunderous explosions continued to resound. The source? The very purple light that had erupted from Han moments ago. Upon closer inspection, the streak of radiance was no ordinary glowit was a bolt of heavenly lightning! Majestic and terrifying, the purple thunder carried the full weight of the heavens, locking onto the black-robed man with a divine decree of annihilation. "This is... the Heavenly Thunderfire Seal?!" The man bellowed in fury, his voice laced with disbelief. "Impossible!" "How could someone of your cultivation level possibly master the Heavenly Thunder Seal?!" "No... it must be Lu Qingmo! How could she?!" His furious protests were cut short as the divine thunder struck him head-on. He tried to escape. He failed. Boom! A deafening roar shook the heavens as the purple lightning descended, consuming everything in its wake. Amidst the blinding light, hints of earthen brown flickered within the storm, interwoven with various arcane forces battling for dominance. The black-robed man roared in desperation, unleashing every ounce of his strength to resist the assault of the Heavenly Thunder Seal. Meanwhile, Han calmly reached out and retrieved a floating mystical mirror before him. This was no ordinary artifactit was a treasure obtained from Dai Lin of the Earth Corpse Sect, a sacred mirror capable of replicating the divine arts of Sacred Manifestation cultivators. From the moment he had acquired it, Han had entrusted it to Lu Qingmo, who imprinted one of her most formidable techniques upon its surface. She had debated copying a defensive spell, but ultimately, she knew better. Defense alone would never be enough. The mirror could only be used oncewhatever technique was stored within would vanish upon activation. And for an enemy formidable enough to force Han to use it, mere defense would be meaningless. The best defense was a decisive attack! However, activating such a powerful artifact took timetime that an opponent of this level would not simply grant. The use of the dragon scale was inevitable. Without it, even if Han had activated the mirror immediately, the black-robed man could have launched a desperate counterattack, dragging Han into mutual destruction. The treasure of the Dragon Maiden had indeed saved his life. A great debt was owed. In the midst of the battlefield, the Heavenly Thunder continued its relentless rampage, its fury unyielding. Han did not remain idle. He formed intricate hand seals, channeling his arcane energy. The Heavenly Thunder Seal did not discriminate. Even its wielder was not immune to its devastation. If Han ventured too close, he too would be engulfed in its merciless wrath. Even his spiritual senses dared not extend into the storm, lest they be instantly obliterated. But that was fine. There were other ways. Blazing flames of blue, green, and gray surged into the lightning-infested zone, latching onto the soul of the trapped figure within. Unauthorized use of content: if you find this story on Amazon, report the violation. Then, from the void, a deep crimson fire manifested, roaring as it surged into the battlefield. The union of Yin and Yang. The clash of fire and fire. A violent, explosive reaction beyond measure. The Yin-Yang Earthfire Seal! And as the twin flames merged with the thunder, something changed. The Heavenly Thunder Seal and the Earthfire Sealtwo sides of the same coin, bound by the same originresonated, amplifying each others might to an even greater, more terrifying level. Boom! A cataclysm erupted. A mere ember of their combined power struck the ground, leaving behind a crater dozens of meters wide. Then, a massive spectral hand appeared in the sky, gleaming with seven-colored radiance, crashing down with divine force to cleanse the land of corruption. Above Hans head, a golden wheel emerged, spinning with sacred light. It pulsed once. Blinding rays of destruction shot into the storm, adding fuel to the inferno. The Tenfold Celestial Radiance! Strike while the enemy is down. Leave no chance for recovery! The battlefield descended into utter chaos. Lightning and fire intertwined in an apocalyptic storm, holy radiance and thunderclaps shaking the very fabric of reality. The once-dark clouds had long since dissipated, but the sky was now stained a deep, foreboding purple. The land beneath cracked and withered, its moisture evaporating into nothingness. Destruction. Devastation. A calamity unlike any other. At long last, the Heavenly Thunder lost its strength and dispersed into the air. As the smoke cleared, the battlefield was revealed. Han exhaled slowly, exhaustion weighing on him. But his gaze sharpened as he took in the sight before him. The black-robed mans attire had been utterly annihilated. Beneath it, a protective battle armor remainedbut it was in tatters, barely clinging to his spectral form. Above his head, a small yellow bell hovered weaklya defensive artifact, now riddled with fractures. Then Crack. A gentle breeze passed. The bell shattered into countless fragments before even touching the ground, crumbling into dust. On the scorched earth beneath him, remnants of charred artifacts and dissipated ashes lay scattered. In the relentless fury of the Heavenly Thunder, the black-robed man had lost far more than a mere treasure. Not only did he bring out his defensive artifacts, but he even resorted to using offensive ones in a desperate attempt to weaken the power of the violet lightning. He went as far as hurling high-grade materials he had collected before, hoping to shield himself from the relentless assault. Many of these high-grade materials were incredibly tough, requiring prolonged refinement with true fire before they could be used in forging. It was evidenthe had exhausted every last resource at his disposal. His soul body was in a horrifying state. His lower half had been completely vaporized, leaving him as nothing more than half a man. A gaping hole had been blasted through his right chest, exposing him from front to back. His left arm had vanished entirely, while his right still clutched a now-dim, broken jade pendant, split in two. His features, usually sharp and androgynous, were now contorted with fury and pain. His right eye and the surrounding area had been obliterated, leaving behind a ghastly, nightmarish visage, akin to that of a vengeful ghost. Huff! He panted heavily, his chest rising and falling violently. His gaze locked onto Han, seething with venomous hatred. The Mirror of Imprint, the Yin-Yang Fire Seal, the Aura of Righteousness Heh what a genius you are. If not for this Life-Saving Pendant, I, a cultivator at the late stage of Manifestation, would have perished at the hands of a mere junior like you. Hans gaze flickered as he glanced at the shattered jade in his opponents grasp. So this was the Life-Saving Pendant? Just from its name, he could already infer its function. Had it not been for this pendant, the man before him would have been dead. What a pity. Indeed, the world was vast, filled with countless treasures. Facing enemies in the future, he could never afford to let his guard down. But where exactly did this man come from, possessing such an invaluable artifact? Even without thinking too hard, Han knew that a life-saving treasure of this caliber was extremely rare and precious. Manifestation Damn it, this guy was a whole major realm and two minor realms above me! If not for the Mirror of Imprint and the Guardian Dragon Scales, I wouldve met my end here today. My talent is not something you need to comment on. Han sneered, Do you really think you can walk away from this? With a deafening roar, the Grand Haoran Palm descended. In its center, two flames burned fiercely, exuding an overwhelming, oppressive aura. Had it not been for the Mirror of Imprint, I wouldve turned and fled at the sight of a late-stage Manifestation cultivator. But in your current state, what makes you think you can still act so arrogantly? A divine radiance cascaded down, merging with the sacred light of Hans natal artifact, purging everything in its path. Without the Mirror of Imprint, do you think you have the right to challenge the might of Manifestation?! Han, Ill kill you! The mangled soul-body let out a furious roar. His last remaining arm suddenly severed itself at the root, covered in intricate runes that flared to life. Boom! His severed arm exploded violently, transforming into a dark crimson mist, brimming with corruption and malice. The sinister fog surged forward, enveloping Han like a tidal wave, leaving him with no space to evade. After unleashing this devastating attack, the black-robed man charged forward with what remained of his body. The ground quaked beneath him, sending towering waves of dirt into the air. Boom! Explosions thundered in rapid succession. A luminous wheel spun above Han, raining down protective light, shielding him. His natal artifact hovered over his head, radiating divine brilliance, resisting the assault. A surge of golden light erupted, enveloping Hans body in a sacred glow. The clash of Daoist techniques and soul power sent ripples through the heavens and earth, energy colliding in an earth-shaking struggle. Once again, purification light flared, banishing the corrupt mist, countering the dark sorcery of the severed arm. Under Hans layered defenses, the crimson soul mist was held at bay, unable to harm him. I underestimated you, Han! The black-robed mans lone remaining eye gleamed with madness. Despite his attacks being thwarted, his determination remained unshaken, his assaults relentless. Hans heart tensed. This mans cultivation technique was, at the very least, an advanced visualization methodmost likely a top-tier one. Even in his grievously wounded state, he retained enough strength to pressure Han. If he were at full power, Han wouldnt even have the chance to flee. This brief encounter had already shown Han the sheer dominance of Manifestation-level cultivators. Compared to the Day Wandering stage, the power leap was beyond comprehension. The gap between Day Wandering and Manifestation was far greater than the gap between Bone Refining and Marrow Cleansing. In the path of soul cultivation, once past Day Wandering, challenging a higher realm became exponentially more difficult. This was because the power disparity between soul cultivators of different realms was simply too vast. And this black-robed mans sheer strength was further proof of his exceptional background. Only a handful of forces could grant top-tier visualization techniques as part of their legacy. This was no ordinary cultivator from the Tianyue Prefecturehe had to hail from one of the great sects or prestigious aristocratic clans. As for the highest-tier foundational visualization techniques? That was impossible. If he had cultivated such a technique, Han would have already used up all three of his Guardian Dragon Scales life-saving chancesand then perished. A Manifestation cultivator who built his foundation with a root-tier visualization technique was someone on the level of Lu Qingmo, a direct disciple of the Xuan Du Sect. That said, Han was not completely powerless against his current opponent. The black-robed man was in no condition to take him down easily. Between them, the boundless energy of heaven and earth churned wildly, as if it were their mere plaything. The fluctuations of their techniques were awe-inspiring, radiating for miles, shining brilliantly. But after just a few more clashes, the black-robed mans strength began to wane further. He could no longer maintain the power of the Manifestation stage. His injuries were too severe. Sacrificing his soul arm had only worsened his condition, and failing to take Han down had put him in an even more precarious state. He was slipping below the Manifestation threshold, while Hans momentum only grew stronger. The gap between Day Wandering and Manifestation was vastbut if you can no longer exert Manifestation-level strength, what do I have to fear? The black-robed man sensed his dwindling power. He was overwhelmed by frustration and rage. If this dragged on any longer, his condition would only worsen. I curse my fate! How could you possess the Mirror of Imprint?! Without it, without the Thunder Seal, killing you wouldve been effortless! Theres no if in battle! Han shouted back, If you came to kill me, then you should have been prepared to die! The Yin-Yang Fire surged forth, reducing everything in its path to ashes. Han! You are a menace! As long as you live, I will never be at peace! The black-robed man lunged at Han, forcing himself to endure the onslaught. To perish alongside a prodigy like you Before he could finish, his body detonated! A cataclysmic explosion of soul energy erupted, unleashing a storm akin to a natural disaster. Hans expression darkened. This man was utterly ruthlesschoosing to self-destruct in an attempt to drag him down as well. Chapter 246: Who Could It Be? The ground was in utter ruin, riddled with craters ranging from several meters to over ten meters wide, scattered chaotically across the area. A deep, twisted scar stretched far into the distance. At the very center lay the largest crater, where everything beneath the surface had been reduced to dust. "Whoosh!" The sound of rushing air cut through the silence as three strikingly beautiful women descended from the sky, carrying an unconscious figure. Seeing the devastated land with no other signs of life, one of them, already anxious, struggled to contain her emotions. These three were none other than Bai Ruoyue, An Lang, and Lu Qingmo, who had rushed over from Black Cloud Town. Hovering above the deepest crater, they finally saw Hans figurelying motionless on the debris. He was definitely alive. "Junior Brother!" Bai Ruoyue plummeted from the air, landing swiftly in the crater and rushing toward Han. "Are you alright?!" Her voice was filled with concern. Han looked rather batteredhis golden-threaded robe was torn, his soul appeared faint and weakened, but thankfully, he was not gravely injured. "Nothing too serious," Han replied, though he had no intention of moving. The explosion of a Saint Manifestations remnant body was not something easily withstood. Fortunately, he had forged his Natal Artifact and mastered the Tenfold Celestial Radiance. The latter was a profound Yin Spirit technique, while the former, in Hans hands, could nearly rival a Saint Manifestation Artifact in power. It had played a crucial role in protecting him. Combined with his other defensive measures, he had managed to survive the black-robed mans final desperate attack without having to use his dragon scales second defensive charge. Even in death, the black-robed man could never have imagined that Han, a mere Daywalker cultivator, possessed a Natal Artifact. Lu Qingmo knelt beside Han, taking out a healing pill. She dissolved its energy and infused it into Hans soul. After carefully assessing his condition, the tension in her heart easedonly for her anger to surge in its place. An ambush by a Saint Manifestation cultivatorthis was an incredibly perilous situation. Had Han not possessed such formidable trump cards, she dared not imagine the consequences. However, she did not let her fury show. This was neither the time nor the placeher anger was not something the people here should bear. Bai Ruoyue, still anxious, asked, "Where is that Saint Manifestation cultivator?" "Aunt Mo is here now. Even if he fled, she will track him down!" Han forced a smile, a hint of pride in his expression, before answering her question. "I killed him." A Daywalker killed a Saint Manifestation cultivator! It didnt matter whether external tools were usedthe fact remained. Bai Ruoyue was utterly stunned. Shock quickly gave way to joy as she looked at Han, her gaze filled with complex emotions. Killed by her Junior Brother Warm medicinal energy spread through Hans body like spring rain nourishing parched soil, soothing his soul, mending his wounds, and restoring his vitality. "You did well," Lu Qingmo said calmly, her voice almost eerily tranquil. "The choices you made in the heat of battle were commendable. Your performance was excellent." Then she turned to An Lang. "An Lang, check the surroundings." "Got it!" An Lang floated away. Now that Han was safe, she could finally relax. Earlier, when Han had endured the explosion of a Saint Manifestation cultivator, she had felt an intense sense of dreadher heart had truly skipped a beat. Yet, oddly enough, Bai Ruoyue and Lu Qingmo, having merged with the Wings of Heart, had remained unaffected. This was because Hans situation, while dangerous, had not yet crossed the ultimate threshold. "Ruoyue, take care of Han," Lu Qingmo instructed before adding, "Im going to inspect the battlefield." She needed to see if any clues had been left behind. Love what you''re reading? Discover and support the author on the platform they originally published on. If there were No matter who was responsible, she would not let them go. After Lu Qingmo left, Bai Ruoyue withdrew her gaze from her departing figure. Then, she whispered, "Junior Brother, Aunt Mo is really angry now." Having been by Lu Qingmos side since she was three, Bai Ruoyue knew her all too well. "Todays incident must have worried her greatly." Han could easily imagine the anxiety and fear Lu Qingmo must have felt while rushing from Black Cloud Town to this place. "Im angry too." Hans eyes narrowed slightly. This ambush had been premeditatedit was no mere accident. As they spoke, Hans soul returned to his physical body. For a soul, the body was the most suitable place to rest. Whether for healing or recovering from exhaustion, the physical body provided essential support. "Junior Brother" Bai Ruoyue lowered her head, her voice suddenly quiet. "Im sorry I couldnt help you at all." Han paused, noticing the slight redness in her eyes. "Senior Sister, youve already helped me a great deal," Han said with a smile. "Without you, my body would have been destroyed." Had he faced todays enemy alone, his soul would have remained bound to his body, unable to leave until the Heavenly Thunder Seal activated, severely injuring the black-robed man before he could engage. And during that critical moment, the black-robed man might have seized the opportunity to destroy Hans physical body. However, Hans words did not seem to ease Bai Ruoyues feelings. Han understood all too wellthe feeling of powerlessness was bitter. Especially for someone like Bai Ruoyue, who had always been strong, always the one taking care of him. After a brief thought, he reached out and took Bai Ruoyues hand. "Senior Sister, back when I was weak, none of you ever saw me as a burden. Instead, you helped me without hesitation." "If you say things like this now, wouldnt that make me seem shameless for relying on you all in the past?" Bai Ruoyue glanced at their joined hands, her face turning slightly red. Indeed that would be quite shameless. Bai Ruoyue suddenly collapsed into Han''s arms, her voice muffled as she murmured, "Little junior brother, this is the last time." "If something like this happens again, let An Lang escape." Seeing Han unharmed, she finally let out a long breath of relief. But after the overwhelming joy came an unbearable sorrow. "Nonsense!" Han scoffed. "What are you talking about? Once is more than enoughthis wont happen again." Above them, at the edge of the pit, Lu Qingmo stood motionless, gazing down at the two of them with an unreadable expression. After a brief silence, Bai Ruoyue pulled away from Han, her eyes flickering evasively. "Let''s head up first." The moment she finished speaking, Lu Qingmo descended into the pit, lifting the two of them back up. "Aunt Mo, did you discover anything?" "No signs of any faction-specific Daoist techniques," Lu Qingmo replied, shaking her head. "Let''s return to Black Cloud Town. On the way, tell me about your battle with that Manifestation-stage cultivator." She had a rough idea of how Han had defeated the enemy, but she needed the full details. At that moment, An Lang flew over, holding several charred fragments in his hands. "Young Master, Sister Lu, Sister Baitheres nothing left at the scene, not even a spatial pouch. Just these pieces they seem like some sort of material." Han shook his head. "That man self-destructed in the end. His spatial pouch must have been destroyed." It was common knowledge: once a spatial item was ruined, everything inside it was lost forever. "These fragments were left behind when he tried to block my Thunder Seal." Lu Qingmo took the pieces, wiping away the burnt exterior. A single glance was enough for her to understand. "Let''s go back first." A Daoist flying carpet materialized in the air. The three of them boarded, while An Lang returned to the Ghost Abode and set off toward Black Cloud Town. "Senior Sister and I captured the fugitive wanted by the town''s governing office. On our way back, we encountered that Manifestation-stage cultivator." "He knew a great deal about usour identities, our mission. He had been watching us from a distance as we apprehended the fugitive" As they traveled, Han recounted the events to Lu Qingmo, with Bai Ruoyue occasionally adding details. "At first, he used a Daoist technique to transform earth into serpents. Later, he manipulated the power of the land itself." "A Dharma Bell above his head, a Life-Saving Jade Pendant" "Severed-limb regeneration techniques" Han detailed everything he could remember. Lu Qingmo fell into deep thought, remaining silent for a long time before finally speaking. "None of the techniques he used are unique to any particular faction that I know of." "Earth Serpent Arts, Self-Detonation Techniques If you have enough resources, you can buy them from high-tier trading houses like the Myriad Star Chamber of Commerce or the Black-White Pavilion." If such techniques could be purchased freely, then major factions would naturally have access to them as well. There was no way to confirm his origins based on that alone. "Cunning bastard!" Bai Ruoyue gritted her teeth. It was clear that he had done this on purpose, making it impossible to trace his affiliation. "The Life-Saving Jade Pendant is a remarkable artifact," Lu Qingmo continued. "These treasures can absorb and withstand significant damage on behalf of the user." "The higher the quality, the greater the protectiontop-tier ones can even prevent death once." "Even if such artifacts can be purchased, an ordinary Manifestation-stage cultivator wouldnt be able to afford them." "If the force targeting you is within Black Cloud Town, then only Zuo Tianzheng and Tianlong Sects Manifestation-stage cultivators would have the means to procure such an item." "If the enemy isnt from within the town, then it could be one of the demonic sectsperhaps the Celestial Mother Cult or the Hall of Uncertainty." Lu Qingmo narrowed down the suspects, pointing toward a few potential culprits. "Zuo Tianzheng brought one Manifestation-stage cultivator and one Bone-Washing stage cultivator. Tianlong Sect has one Manifestation-stage expert and two Bone-Washing stage cultivators," Bai Ruoyue noted. "Once we get back, we can check their numbers. If any of their Manifestation-stage cultivators are missing, then well know it was them!" Han considered this but eventually shook his head. "That wont necessarily be accurate. These are just the forces theyve openly displayed. We have no way of knowing if theyve hidden additional experts among their entourage." For a faction of that level, sneaking a Manifestation-stage cultivator into Black Cloud Town without drawing attention was trivial. After all, Black Cloud Town was an open territoryunlike a county city, it had no protective formations. "Han is right." Lu Qingmo nodded, then suddenly turned to Bai Ruoyue with a new question. "Ruoyue, repeat exactly what the governing office said when they commissioned you for this task." "This morning" After listening to her response, Lu Qingmo''s expression darkened slightly. "Yesterday, they detected traces of demonic activity. Today, they asked for your help. And then, outside town, you were ambushed by a Manifestation-stage cultivator" "Did you sense any water-based energy or dragon-related qi on that cultivator?" The question immediately sparked something in Hans mind. "No. There was no trace of water energy or anything related to aquatic beings." Lu Qingmo nodded. "That being the case, while we cant completely rule out the possibility of deliberate concealment, the Tianlong Sect is currently the least suspicious." Most of Tianlong Sects cultivators practiced water-based techniques or dragon-related martial arts. Their unique qi differed significantly from that of terrestrial cultivators. "Zuo Tianzheng Demonic cultivators" Lu Qingmo closed her eyes slightly, while Han carefully analyzed the possible culprits. One thing was certainthis assailant was no wandering Manifestation-stage cultivator unconnected to Black Cloud Town. He was tied to this place, and to them, in ways they had yet to uncover. Chapter 247: Intimidating the Imperial Envoy, Suppressing the Heavenly Dragon Theres no such thing as a wall that doesnt let some wind through. Oftentimes, even without concrete or glaring evidence, a bit of careful reasoning can reveal a lot. Whether its Zuo Tianzheng or a faction like the Heavenly Mother Sect, both have clear motives to move against Han. For Zuo Tianzheng, its about seeking some treasure hidden in Black Mountain that could benefit himHan himself is the obstacle standing in his way. As for the Heavenly Mother Sect, their grudge with Han runs deep, an old feud thats even escalated to him offending one of their revered Heavenly Maidens. Within the sect, a Heavenly Maiden holds a lofty status, far surpassing the so-called "Taoist Seeds" or "Immortal Seeds" of other factions. Even with modest cultivation, they command the loyalty of countless followers. This guy was there when we captured Liu Chen, watching it all unfold. That means he knew exactly where we were, Lu Qingmo said thoughtfully. Its unlikely he was waiting for us in advance, but he mustve been tailing us closely the whole time. She continued, Ill look into it when I get backwhether that demon attack on the village yesterday actually happened. If it turns out to be a fabrication, then the Black Cloud Guards were deliberately drawn away, all to set the stage for Bai Ruoyue to step in today. Han mulled it over and shook his head. Whoevers behind this wouldnt dare pull off something so bold without covering all their bases. A slip-up like that? Unlikely. Mid-conversation, the three of them flew into Black Cloud Town. You two head back first, Lu Qingmo instructed, dropping them off at the martial hall before taking to the skies again. But her trajectory wasnt toward Peach Groveit was the Governors Mansion. Zuo Tianzheng, show yourself! Her sharp shout echoed through the mansion as she ignored the guards at the gate, soaring straight in from above. Her presence was overwhelming, her momentum fierce and unrelenting. Shed come straight for Zuo Tianzheng, the Emperors own envoy, and was now bearing down on him with unbridled authority! Han was stunned. The onlookers who caught sight of this were equally floored. Chu Shi, the Manifest Saint cultivator at Zuo Tianzhengs side, shot into the air to intercept her. Lu Qingmo, what are you doing?! His expression was grim, the pressure hitting him like a tempest. As Zuo Tianzhengs bodyguard, Chu Shi wasnt weak by any means. But to compare him to someone like Lu Qingmoa former True Disciple of Xuandu Temple, a bona fide Taoist Seedwas laughable. The Emperor didnt send such elite protectors on every outing. Besides, the emperors of the Three Kingdoms were all prodigies of unmatched talent and cultivation. A mere Manifest Saint wouldnt qualify to guard them. Lu Qingmo fixed her gaze on Chu Shi. A massive Mysterious Palm Seal coalesced in the air, crashing down toward him with crushing force. Chu Shis face paled as he scrambled to defend himself, deploying a renowned Taoist art of the Qi Bai Clan. Seeing this, Lu Qingmo dispelled the sealbut even so, Chu Shi was left ashen and shaken. Zuo Tianzheng emerged alongside Li Shi, a Marrow-Cleansing cultivator, his face dark with displeasure. Lu Qingmo, whats the meaning of this? he demanded, his voice low and accusing. Barging into the Governors Mansion in broad daylight, intimidating us with your aura, and even attacking my guardare you planning to take me down too? Lu Qingmo didnt even deign to respond. Her eyes flicked between Chu Shi and Li Shi for a moment. Both guards were here You know why Im here, she said flatly. Youre acting so recklesslyhow am I supposed to know?! Zuo Tianzheng shot back. Where are the demons that attacked the village yesterday? The Black Cloud Guards are handling it. Then send all the evidencetraces left by those demons, proof of their crimesto the Ghost God Division, Lu Qingmo said, locking eyes with him, her gaze icy. Youd better bring those demons back. And yesterdays attack better be realnot some story cooked up by certain people. If its the latter, Zuo Tianzheng, you know the consequences. Shock and fury flashed across his face. Lu Qingmo, are you threatening me? Take it however you like. Fearless, she stood her ground. Fine! Fine! Fine! Zuo Tianzheng seethed, trembling with rage. When I return to Jade Capital, Ill report every detail of this to His Majesty! Xuandu Temple, with its thousand-year legacy, is a pillar of the nation, a righteous sect. The Grandmaster is revered by all, beloved by the people. Yet you act like this? Just wait for Xuandu Temples punishment! His anger burned hot, and though his stance seemed unyielding, his words were carefully chosen. He didnt dare tarnish Xuandu Temples name, instead framing Lu Qingmos actions as her own, distancing the temple from her behavior. Had a Heavenly Dragon Sect member stormed in like this, hed have demanded if they were plotting rebellion. But with Lu Qingmo, he couldntand wouldntgo that far. You could be reading stolen content. Head to Royal Road for the genuine story. For any other sect or clan, if a disciple stirred trouble, he could escalate it to indict the whole group for lawlessness or poor discipline. But Xuandu Temples disciples? No matter what they dideven openly betraying the Qi Dynastyit remained their personal affair, never implicating the temple as a whole. If he dared question Xuandu Temples intentions or suggest they disregarded the Emperor, the Qi Emperor would be the first to make him regret it. You could clash with Xuandu Temples disciples, fight them to the death even, but to the Qi court, the temple itself was infallible, eternally the revered state religion. Anyone who positioned Xuandu Temple against the dynasty was an enemy. Even princes and princesses couldnt openly criticize it without facing the Emperors unrelenting wrath. Two centuries ago, a Qi princewidely regarded as the most gifted of his generation, excelling in both soul and martial cultivationwas poised to become crown prince. Blessed with peerless talent, he was expected to elevate the dynasty to new heights. But hed publicly criticized Xuandu Temple, making remarks with disastrous implications and even hinting at disdain for its leader. Before the temple could even respond, that generations Qi Emperor stripped him of his title, locked him away in the palace depths, and erased him from public view forever. Such was the warped yet unshakable dynamic between the two powers. The standoff in the Governors Mansion grew tense, with Zuo Tianzheng shielded behind his guards. Youd better hope it wasnt you, Lu Qingmo said, turning to leave with one final warning. Go ahead and report me if you want. Ill face whatever punishment Xuandu Temple deems fit. Once she was gone, Zuo Tianzhengs face twisted into something dark and menacing, his fists clenched tight. Lu Qingmo he growled through gritted teeth, as if he could crush her name itself. We failed, Chu Shi said, his expression sour. Han and Bai Ruoyue came back with her to Black Cloud Town. Neither of them died. Is a Xuandu Temple disciple really that formidable? Li Shi asked, baffled. To cover that distance and still arrive in time to save them? What is she, a Yin God Venerable? It was obviously just frustrated sarcasmLu Qingmos recent move had revealed her Manifest Saint aura clear as day. The one sent to ambush Han was Zuo Tianzhengs third guard, lurking in the shadows. What exactly happened at the ambush site, the three of them didnt know. They assumed Lu Qingmo had swooped in just in time to rescue Han and Bai Ruoyue. How else could two Visceral Realm fighters survive a Manifest Saint? If it wasnt Lu Qingmo who saved them, Li Shi wouldve bet his own headand kicked it around like a ball. But how shed made it there so quickly from such a distance was a mystery none of them could unravel. What now? Li Shi asked. Zuo Tianzhengs voice was ice-cold. We dont know what happened. Its got nothing to do with us. When I get back to the capital, Ill file a formal complaint against her. He was livid, humiliated. He was the Emperors envoy, yet shed treated him with such contempt, showing him no respect. Xuandu Temple disciples sure threw their weight around. Setting facts aside, even if he had sent someone to kill Han and Bai Ruoyue, didnt they bear some responsibility too? Sure, he mightve ordered the hit, but did that give Lu Qingmo the right to stomp all over his dignity like this? The Governors Mansion wasnt the end of it. Lu Qingmo headed straight for the Heavenly Dragon Sects foothold next. And with them, she dropped any pretense of restraint shed shown earlier. Her Mysterious Palm Seal came down hard, forcing the sects Manifest Saint and Marrow-Cleansing experts to scramble in defense. The shockwave was massiveground split, walls crumbled, and chaos reigned. Shed held back a little with Zuo Tianzheng out of some regard for the court, but with the Heavenly Dragon Sect? No such courtesy was needed. Lu Qingmo, whats this about?! they demanded. Her gaze swept over them. The sects key players were all present. No glaring oversights here either, it seemed. Do you have a Life-Substitution Jade? she asked abruptly. The three Heavenly Dragon experts were dumbfounded. You barge in here, attack us, and your big question is whether weve got a Life-Substitution Jade? Are you out of your mind? Theyd just been enjoying the drama unfolding at the Governors MansionXuandu Temples disciple clashing with the Emperors envoy was prime entertainment. But now, the spotlight had swung onto them, and the fun was over. Why would we have something like that?! one snapped. And even if we did, whats it to you? You here to rob us? Summon every Heavenly Dragon Sect disciple here, Lu Qingmo ordered, her tone uncompromising. Every last one. If even ones missing, youd better pack up and get out of Black Cloud Town immediately. You! A Marrow-Cleansing warrior started to retort, furious, but he was quickly restrained. The Manifest Saint among them wasted no time contacting the sects scattered disciples. Lu Qingmo studied the three closely. They all carried the distinct water-element aura typical of Heavenly Dragon Sect members. Before long, the disciples assembled, and she scrutinized each one. No one was hiding their strength. Her piercing gaze left them all chilled, as if she could see right through them. All your disciples are here? she asked. The lead Manifest Saint nodded, his expression frosty. Yes. Then I hope no random person pops up later, causing trouble, only for you to claim theyre one of yours, she said coolly. If that happens, I wont acknowledge themtheyll be impostors as far as Im concerned. This isnt Haizhou. This is Black Cloud Town, under the Ghost God Divisions jurisdiction. Dont make any stupid moves. Heavenly Dragon Sect members can die just like anyone else. With that, she turned and left, ignoring the simmering rage of the sects three top fighters. Shes too arroganttreating our sects honor like its nothing! one fumed. How dare a washed-up nobody act like this?! another snarled. Whyd she show up today, so furious? What happened? the third wondered. Is she telling us to keep our disciples in line here in Black Cloud Town? They traded heated words, outraged yet puzzled, grasping at guesses about her motives. Lu Qingmos double assaultfirst the Governors Mansion, then the Heavenly Dragon Sectsent shockwaves through Black Cloud Town. What was the Ghost God Divisions overseer up to? The simplest take was clear: she was fed up with the Emperors envoy and the top-tier Heavenly Dragon Sect, and tensions had erupted. These were the three most powerful factions in town right now, and this clash lit a fire under everyones curiosity. What had sparked it? Lu Qingmo flew straight back to Peach Grove. Seeing this, Han said a quick word to Bai Ruoyue and followed suit. Watching Hans retreating figure, Bai Ruoyues expression flickered, her fists clenching silently. I never want to feel this way again, she vowed inwardly. I, Bai Ruoyue, will climb to the top, step by step! Chapter 248: The Cost of Survival A stick of brown incense burned quietly, its thin wisps of smoke curling upward, soothing the mind with an air of calm. Lu Qingmo sat in her chair, gazing at the flickering flame, silent and still. Ive already sent the Ghost God Division to investigate that village supposedly attacked by the rogue cultivator, she said after a moment. Zuo Tianzheng will deliver the related evidence to them soon as well. Ill get to the bottom of this. But She paused, her tone shifting. As you pointed out, whoevers behind this dared to act so boldlytheyve likely planned every detail meticulously. Finding a flaw in their scheme wont be easy. I get it, Han nodded. Aunt Mo, dont stress too much. No matter whos behind it or which faction wants me and Senior Sister dead, they lost this round. Theyre the ones who took a hitlosing a Manifest Saint cultivator. Senior Sisters unscathed, and I only got a few scratches. No real damage done. Even if we cant pin down the mastermind yet, were not the ones who should be crying over it. Hans logic was airtight. By any measure, theyd come out on top. Not nailing the culprit right away didnt diminish their victory. Hand me the Imprinting Mirror, Lu Qingmo said. Han complied. The mirror needed a fresh imprint of a Taoist art to be usable again. You managed to take down a Manifest Saint this time, and that dragon scale played a huge role, she continued. Dont forget what the Dragon Girl did for you. Dont worry, she and I are buddies now, Han grinned. Lu Qingmo pulled out four objects and handed them to him. These are the two materials that Manifest Saint used to fend off the Heavenly Thunder Seal. Why four pieces? Simpletheyd been shattered by the thunders force. These arent ordinary materials, she explained. Theyre good enough to serve as secondary components for crafting a Yin God artifact. If Im not mistaken, theyre Earth Divine Stone and Celestial Dawn Goldboth godly materials. When you reach the Yin God stage and forge your natal artifact, these could come in handy. Godly materials? Hans eyes lit up. Just hearing the names and their rank made his natal artifact practically salivate. With these two alone, hed already struck gold this time. If every assassination attempt came with rewards like this, Han wouldve half-joked, Bring it on. Taking the materials, he frowned slightly. They feel like pure essence? Lu Qingmo nodded. Exactly. Godly materials are of such high quality that theyre almost entirely essencevery little waste. After being hammered by the thunders power, whats left is the purest core. Fire refines materials, sure, but thunder does it betterand Han was reaping the benefits. He beamed. No need to refine them himself; they were ready to feed straight into his artifact. Talk about a pleasant surprise! That guy was a late-stage Manifest Saint, collecting godly materials, Lu Qingmo mused. Looks like he had his sights set on Yin God status too. Too bad for himgrand ambitions and perfect prep didnt mean squat when you lost your life. Still, between the Life-Substitution Jade from earlier and these godly materials now, it was clear Hans ambusher wasnt some nobody. Staring at the four fragments, Lu Qingmos eyes suddenly sparked with an idea. Ive got it. What? Han asked. Ill have Junior Brother Song look into whether these materials have popped up in Jade Capital in recent yearswho bought them, if they hit the market. Godly materials are rare, even in a place like Jade Capital. They dont show up often, and when they do, people notice. We might dig up some leads this way. Han blinked, piecing it together. Investigating from Jade Capital meant Aunt Mo, youre leaning toward Zuo Tianzheng as the culprit? Several factions had motive, but zeroing in on Jade Capital pointed straight at Zuo Tianzheng. Her gaze turned cold. Hes my top suspect. Hes got the motive, the means, and the easiest access. Sure, the Black Cloud Guards were short-handed today because of yesterdays supposed rogue cultivator attack, but pulling off the rest of this plan wouldnt be simple for rogue cultivators. If they just wanted you dead, finebut whats Ruoyue got to do with them? Theyd have no way to meddle in the Mountain Gods trial. If they just wanted you dead, fine Han almost rolled his eyes at the phrasing but let it slide. Yeah, that does make Zuo Tianzheng look guiltier. Lu Qingmo pulled out her jade disc and sent the request to Junior Brother Song. Han rubbed the godly materials thoughtfully, amazed theyd sparked this breakthrough. Double win. By the way, Aunt Mo, he added, you went pretty hard on Zuo Tianzheng. Will Xuandu Temple give you flak for it? Could it mess things up for you? She brushed it off. At worst, the elders will chew me out a bit. No big deal. She hadnt laid a finger on himjust flexed some verbal muscle. A Xuandu Temple disciple clashing with͢ officials? Small potatoes. Focus on healing, she cautioned. Dont slack off, or youll risk trouble down the road in your cultivation. Support the creativity of authors by visiting the original site for this novel and more. Han nodded, though he wasnt too worried. As long as he didnt drop dead on the spot, the Nine-Orifice Golden Elixir and True Dragon Blood Soul Stone would patch him up fine. Injuries? Minor inconveniences. Those divine items could heal anything without leaving scars. Plus, he had the Yang Earth Fire fused with Phoenix Flames nowNirvana Fire, they called it. Han wasnt at rebirth levels, but recovery? Piece of cake. The Yang Fire blazed across his soul, Phoenix power seeping into every corner, while the True Dragon Blood Soul Stone poured strength in, mending him up. Dragon and Phoenix energies intertwined flawlessly, accelerating his souls recovery at an astonishing pace. Lu Qingmo watched, marveling at the dragon-phoenix synergy. Hans healing speed didnt shock hershed seen it before. Dragon might and Phoenix fire, cycling in harmony. As his injuries faded, his soul felt reborn, tougher and more solid than ever. Night deepened. Seeing Han stable, Lu Qingmo left him to it. Han wasted no time pulling out his natal artifact. The moment it touched the four godly materials, the tree-like form quivered faintly. Edible! Han grinned. His artifact was a glutton among toolsdidnt care about type or attribute, it devoured everything, unlike any other natal artifact hed heard of. But that insatiable appetite? A blessing. The artifact latched onto the materials, slowly absorbing their essence. What a feast, Han thought, amused. Four tough pieces at oncequite the stomach. He sent it into his soul realm to digest. Itd taken a full night to process a single Manifest Saint-grade auxiliary material before; two godly ones would take even longer. By morning, strolling through town, Han noticed people pointing and whispering. Listening closer, he caught snippetsthey were talking about his ambush by the Manifest Saint. He chuckled. Interesting. Besides him, Lu Qingmo, and their crew, only the mastermind knew the details. This leak didnt come from their side, that much was obvious. So the culprit was still lurking in Black Cloud Town. Even if rogue cultivators were behind it, theyd have ways to spread the word. But why? This move wouldnt hurt himitd only boost his rep. Surviving a Manifest Saint ambush as a Visceral Realm martial artist? That was legendary, a jaw-dropping feat. They were practically handing him fame on a platter. Wait. A thought struck him. Maybe fame was the pointa tactic called killing with kindness. In Black Cloud Towns current climate, being too famous could backfire, painting a target on his back. Picture this: some new faction rolls in, asking, Whos the top dog here? A random townsfolk replies, Oh, Han from Taibai, obviouslynot me! The unbeatable genius of Black Cloud, untouchable even by a Manifest Saint? A threattop-priority threat! Any group eyeing the Mountain Gods favor would think the same. Realizing this, Han shook his head, unfazed. Schemes and tricks galoreIll just keep refining myself, steady as a rock. With enough strength, this wouldnt be a trapitd be a crown. He was right. Since last night, when the rumor sprang from who-knows-where, the town had erupted. Survived a Manifest Saint ambush and held out till Lu Qingmo arrived? For real? The gap between Visceral and Manifest Saint was insanehowd Black Clouds top genius pull that off? People were dying to know how a Visceral Realm fighter lasted against a Manifest Saint. It defied martial logic, broke all the rules. Han was already a name in town; now his fame shot through the roof. The rumor also explained Lu Qingmos rampage against Zuo Tianzheng and the Heavenly Dragon Sectshe suspected them, plain and simple. The Heavenly Dragon Sect, meanwhile, was fuming. Sure, theyd toyed with the idea of eliminating Han and Bai Ruoyue if they couldnt claim them, but this? Not their doing. Yet Lu Qingmo had stormed their doorstep anyway. Talk about unfair! They call us overbearing and unreasonable, one griped, but Lu Qingmos the real bully here! Walking to the martial hall, Han tuned into the buzz. At first, it was flatteringpraise, awe, folks hyping him up as the ultimate genius. But then things took a turn. His expression soured. Fine, say I groveled and begged the Manifest Saint to spare meI can live with that. But then came the kicker: He seduced the enemy, traded his virtue, worked every trick in the book to charm the guy till help arrived. Seriously?! The ambusher was a dude! Youre the one selling your virtue! Han wanted to yell. If Im trading anything, itd be to the one saving me! He was sure the mastermind didnt start that version. Rumors just got wilder with every retelling. Was this still killing with kindness, or straight-up slander? Covering his face, Han hurried to the martial hall. Shen Yu sidled up, concerned. Little Junior Brother, howre your injuries? No worries, theyre healing up, Han said with a smile. Im toughbounce back fast. Junior Brother, the whole towns talking about you, Zhang Yuantao warned. This smells like bad intentions, putting you right in the spotlight. Han nodded. Ive got it under control. Wheres Senior Sister? Training. That night, Lu Qingmo shared the same take on the sudden rumors. But knowing Hans strength, she wasnt concerned. Good or bad, it all depended on powerstrong enough, and every downside flipped to an upside. No word from Junior Brother Song yettracking those materials through Jade Capitals markets and guilds was a slog, taking time. For three days straight, Han focused on recovery, bolstered by divine items. His progress was lightning-fast, exceeding even Lu Qingmos expectations. This kids not human, she thought. Never seen anyone this quick at everything. Once healed, his soul felt denser, forged tougher by the ordeal. True gold comes from relentless hammering. Recovery was one joy; tonight brought a second. The Magic Conch glowed faintlya call was coming. Finding a water source, the Dragon Girls voice chimed in. Han? Its me. Did the shrimp soldiers and crab generals make it to Black Cloud Town? By his count, itd been days since her last visitshe shouldve gathered the seeds he needed. They didnt, she said, a playful lilt in her tone. I did. You came yourself? Im flatteredsorry to trouble you. Last time, theyd agreed her minions would handle it. Meeting Lu Qingmo briefly, Han headed to the Yun River bank. The Dragon Girl was waiting, grinning as she handed him a spatial pouch. Took a bit longer because of the variety. I even swung by Turtle Chancellor to grab some rare medicinal seeds. Hans spirit probed the pouch, and his heart skipped. Hundreds of wooden boxes lined up inside, each labeled with detailed notes on the seeds. Most were low-to-mid-tier, but the sheer number was staggering. Plenty would serve Day Roaming Bone Refining and Manifest Saint Marrow Cleansing stages. And in the centersix boxes tagged as Yin God-grade seeds! Dragon Palaces wealth was unrealcasually doubling the Yin God seeds from the Three Yin Legacy hoard. Better yet, aside from a few high-tier seeds tricky to propagate, most were easy to reseed with basic alchemy know-how. Shed clearly put real effort into this. Hundreds of seeds werent Dragon Palaces full stash after centuries, but it was a hefty chunk. Dragon Girls generosity hits hard. This is too much, Han hesitated. She waved it off. Just some seeds. Dragon Palace has plenty left even after this. Han took a breath. Let me trade you matured herbs for them. Last time, theyd settled on him buying seeds outright. She blinked, stepping closer, her smile widening. I dont want herbs. Then what do you want? She leaned in, eyes locked on his, grin turning mischievous. Oh no, shes after me. He hadnt traded his virtue to survive the Manifest Saintbut it looked like he might have to with this dragon. Chapter 249: Senior Sister, You’re Stunning The seeds Dragon Girl had prepared for Han were nothing short of a treasure trovecarefully selected, easy to cultivate, and simple to propagate. Even among their tiers, they werent low-grade; they carried real value. The six Yin God-level seeds, rare finds in the outside world, were especially preciouscapable of being grown on land, no less. Still, nurturing Yin God-grade herbs was no small feat, demanding precise conditions and an unforgiving environment. Dragon Girl didnt expect Taibai Martial Hall to make use of them anytime soon. Itd likely be years before those seeds even touched soil. Shed chosen them as a long-term investment, a foundation for the halls future. Given how the Essence of Creation had boosted her bloodline, she didnt care whether she sold or gifted the seeds to Han. To herand to the Yun River Dragon Palacethey were pocket change. Centuries of accumulation, paired with the water tribes knack for unique talents, had left their reserves absurdly deep. When shed taken the seeds from the palace, only Turtle Chancellor had batted an eye; the rest didnt even ask. But seeing Hans conflicted, stubborn expression piqued her curiosity. She stepped closer, her smile brimming with mischief. What I want, I doubt youd give me, she teased. Han, the higher your cultivation climbs, the stronger my bloodline stirs when Im near you. Whats the deal with your lineage? Like attracts like among dragon heirs, huh? Han thought. And shes still itching to devour me! He pulled out a wilted gray herb and a golden fruit. I dont have much else to offer, so these two herbs will have to do for the trade. Heavenly Yin Fate-Fixing Grass and Celestial Spirit Gold Fruitboth Yin God-grade. Turtle Senior would know their worth. He had more than one seed of each, after all. Dragon Girl raised an eyebrow, surprised. Youve got stuff like that? Then it clicked. Looks like you stumbled onto some master alchemists legacy. No wonder hed suddenly wanted to gather seeds and start Taibais own herb garden. Han shrugged modestly. Just a little windfall. With moves that big, it feels like Im the one coming out ahead here, she laughed. No way, Han insisted, his tone earnest. I owe you big time. Without that dragon scale you gave me, I wouldnt be standing here talking to you right now. He meant every wordgratitude ran deep. Only someone whod faced that kind of danger could truly grasp how vital that scale had been. Itd saved his life. Compared to that, everything else was negotiablehed give her anything. Her expression sobered. You were in danger? Heavenly Dragon Sect? Nah, it was Han explained the whole ordeal. Guess that does make Heavenly Dragon Sect the least likely suspect, she mused. If you figure out whos behind it and need a hand, just say the word. She paused, eyeing the herbs. But those two Yin God herbs are seriously rare She pulled out a jade vial and handed it over. This is one of Turtle Chancellors specialsBlack Tortoise Spirit Pills. Works wonders for Visceral Realm cultivation and grants a touch of Black Tortoise power. Black Tortoise power?! Hans eyes widened. That was a legendary force, rivaling dragons and phoenixes. She grinned. Bit of an exaggerationits more like Black Turtle power. Boosts your physical defense by about ten percent against same-realm fighters during the Visceral stage, plus a slight strength bump. Three pills in thereone per person. Extra doses dont hurt, but they wont help either. She took the herbs; Han pocketed the pills. Turtle Chancellors favorite hobbiesbesides sleepingare alchemy and herb-growing, she said. Those two should put him in a good mood. Oh, and one of the six Yin God seeds I gave you, the Black Tortoise Pearl? Thats his creation. Its top-tier among its class. If Taibai can grow it to maturity, itll trade for a fortuneperfect substitute for the main ingredient in tons of lifespan-extending recipes. This book is hosted on another platform. Read the official version and support the author''s work. That nailed its value for Han. Power and longevityeternal obsessions of all living beings. No need to wait; hed ripen that pearl tonight. Any word on the Mountain God? he asked. Hes teetering on the edge of Returning to Heaven and Earthbasically asleep, she explained. In that state, He cant do much. The Mountain Gods favor will have to wait till He wakes up. And dont even think about sneaking into Black Mountain while Hes out. Its His divine domainsleeping or not, its laws and principles still hold. Bone Refining Day Roamers cant enter. He might bend the rules when awake, but asleep? Its an ironclad nounless youve got Mountain God blood. Got it Any guess when Hell wake? No clue. Even my dad cant predict it. Pain in the neck, Han grumbled inwardly. They strolled along the riverbank, and later she tugged him into the Yun River itself, showing off some dazzling sights. By the time Han returned, night had thickened. He deliberately swung by the martial hall, probing with his spiritand froze, surprised. Grabbing the key, he slipped inside to the back courtyard. The air thrummed with sharp, rhythmic sounds. Under the moonlight, a figure in white moved with crisp, powerful grace, practicing martial forms with a striking, forceful beauty. Bai Ruoyue. Han waited quietly nearby. It was a while before she stopped, her eyes bright, cheeks flushed, sweat soaking her training gear. Shed clearly been at it for hours. Senior Sister, its late, Han said, stepping forward. He pulled out a Cleansing Talisman, brushing it over her. Instantly, she looked refreshed. Youve been training way longer during the day lately, and now youre at it this late? Too much of a good thing can backfire. Since the black-robed ambush, Han had noticed a shift in Bai Ruoyue. She talked less, trained moreway more. Low-to-mid-tier martial artists had a daily limit; push past it, and the gains tanked while the body took a beating. Shed always been diligent, but these past few days? Shed gone overboard. He hadnt realized she was pulling all-nighters too. She flashed him a faint smile. I know my limits. Dont worry. Looking at her, Han pieced it together and sighed inwardly. He grabbed her hand, plopping down on the steps. Senior Sister, seriously, its fine. You did great that day. That was a Manifest SaintVisceral Realm fighters cant stand up to that. Its normal. If I were just a Visceral martial artist too, youd have stayed back to cover me, and Id have bolted. No question. She dipped her head slightly. Im the Senior Sister. Im supposed to face the enemy with you, not let my little junior brother buy time while Im helpless. Han chuckled, half-exasperated. He hadnt pegged her for someone so hung up on her big sister image. But how was that day her fault? The gap between Visceral and Manifest Saint was a chasmway wider than Day Roaming to Manifest Saint. Whoever could hold out longer stayed; it was that simple. If shed been stronger, shed have stepped up without hesitation. Plus, she didnt have tricks like his dragon scale up her sleeve. She knew about the scale, knew he had better odds against the black-robed figure. Still, as Taibais Senior Sister, being powerless in that crisis stung. Shed always been the protector, the pillar. But when it mattered most, shed crumbledand it ate at her. For all her usual swagger, she was just an eighteen-year-old girl. Nobodys invincible forever, Senior Sister, Han said gently. We all hit bumps on the road to growing up. Spouting life lessons again, she muttered. He glanced down, sneaking a peek at her. Senior Sister, are you about to cry? No wayyoure the crybaby! I bet you are. Been sniffling into your blankets every night lately, huh? Soaked them through, right? She flushed, glaring. Ugh, Han, youre the worst! She lunged, grabbing his neck and shoving him down, cheeks blazing as she pinned him. You cry! Youre the one crying! Hit a nerve, huh? Go ahead and let it outI wont laugh. Keep talking! She tightened her grip, her strength no joke. Han squirmed, but she doubled down, pressing her weight onto him. Cry already! Stop running your mouth! She landed two solid punches, then a few more for good measure. Han wasnt about to take that lying downhed trained in secret arts, after all. With a sly grin, he tickled her ribs. She burst into laughter, twisting and wriggling. Moonlight spilled over them, framing Bai Ruoyue as she sat back, hair tousled, smile radianta breathtaking, heart-stopping beauty. Han froze, staring. She shot him a mock-fierce glare. Whatre you gawking at? Senior Sister. What? Youre stunning. She blinked, stunned. After their scuffle, her already rosy face turned scarlet, practically glowing. W-Whyd you say that?! Han didnt answer. His hands slid around her slender, toned waist. She stiffened instantly. With a gentle pull, he sat up, bringing them face-to-face, noses almost touching. Their breaths mingled, warm and quick. Bai Ruoyues eyes darted away, flustered. Han studied herflawless, like something carved by the heavens. No hesitation. He leaned in. Her body stayed rigid, heart pounding faster the closer he got, like it might burst. Then their lips met. A jolt of pure bliss sparked through them, her faint scent filling his senses. Bai Ruoyue tensed, then melted completely, eyes fluttering shut. A breeze stirred, and they tipped back together, lost in the moment. The moon hung high, its silver light draping them like a gossamer veil. Chapter 250: What’s the Penalty for Killing an Imperial Envoy? A sharp "slap!" sliced through the tranquil Taibai courtyard, where the stillness carried a faint, honeyed sweetness. The sound jolted the silence, startling even the moon hanging high above. Bai Ruoyue pressed one hand behind her, pinning down a bold hand that had wandered to the full, firm curve beneath her clothes, stirring trouble through the fabric. She lifted it away, snapping out of her dreamy haze. Tilting her head slightly, she couldnt bring herself to meet Hans gaze, instead nestling her face into the crook of his neck. "Little Junior Brother, youre such a bully," she muttered, her voice muffled against his skin. "Your hands still up to no good. How could you pinch my" She trailed off, too flustered to finish, her cheeks flaming. But Han hadnt meant to tease her. It was practically scientificwhen kissing someone, a guys hands get restless, instinctively looking for something to do. Pure reflex. Han reined himself in, one arm circling Bai Ruoyues slim waist, the other gently tracing her backso smooth it might as well be jade. Jade, indeed, he mused. "Senior Sister, stop overthinking," he said softly. "Mm," she hummed, her reply barely a whisper, her heart bubbling with quiet joy. Whatever unease or frustration had lingered before was long gone. Its only fair for Little Junior Brother to look after me, she thought. Hes so capable, and that makes me happy. But hes such a rascalnever behaves himself. Whered he even pick up these sneaky moves? He even bit my tongue! Then, out of the blue, Bai Ruoyue asked, "Little Junior Brother, before you came to the martial hall, did you go see Ao Xuanwei?" "" Howd you guess? Han wondered. And is now really the time for that? As if reading his mind, Bai Ruoyue explained, "Youve been near her, havent you? I can smell her on you." "Ao Xuanwei just dropped off some medicinal seeds for me," Han said quickly. "Were just friendsnothing shady. It was a simple chat. Things got a little cozy, sure, but it was barely a graze. A millimeters still a gap, right?" Bai Ruoyue let it drop. She rolled over to lie beside him, moonlight spilling across her face, casting her features in a gentle glow. "Little Junior Brother, are you going to leave with Aunt Mo someday?" "I dont know. Aunt Mo hasnt mentioned me going with her." "Senior Sister, youre only eighteenno need to rush. By the time you hit my age, youll outshine me, no question." As he spoke, Han reached out and pinched her cheek. Bai Ruoyue swatted his hand away, muttering, "No manners at all. Im your Senior Sister, you know." "If Im still stuck in the Visceral Realm at twenty-two, I might as well call it quits on life." Was that a dig at me? Han thought, catching her subtle shade. Gazing at the moon perched high in the sky, he said, "Lifes long yet short. To the gods, our whole existence might just be a blip, like a mayflys day. Senior Sister, dont weigh yourself down with pointless worries." His mind flicked to the Moon Goddess, whod once said she hoped hed still be kicking when she woke from her slumber. It hinted at her endless lifespanor maybe she just figured Han wasnt likely to die of old age. "Ive got it under control," Bai Ruoyue assured him. "I wont burn myself out. The Water of Life we absorbed way back gave us a huge well of vitality, tucked away in our bodies. Training like this just taps into itno harm done." "Still, youre using up that power," Han countered. "What if you need it badly someday? Plus, keeping it in you helps nourish your body over time." "Got it," she said. Time drifted on, the vibe between them relaxed and easy, a comfortable calm settling in. "You should head back," Bai Ruoyue said at last. "Its getting late." Hans eyes twinkled with mischief. "Senior Sister, how about I crash at the martial hall tonight? I could keep tabs on youmake sure youre behaving." Find this and other great novels on the author''s preferred platform. Support original creators! He said it with mock seriousness, like it was his sacred duty. Bai Ruoyues face flushed. "Who needs you playing watchdog? Get going already." You staying here? Yeah, rightlike I dont know what youre scheming! Han sighed, a touch of regret in his eyes, but he left the Taibai Martial Hall. No choicehe couldnt go against her wishes. Before stepping into the peach grove, Han took a moment to prep, masking his scent. Couldnt be too careful. "Youre back," Lu Qingmo greeted him. "Junior Brother Song sent word." "Is it about those two divine materials, or the Heavenly Saint Revival Elixir?" "The materials," Lu Qingmo replied. "But first, about the demon attack on the village. The Ghost God Divisions been digging into it these past few days. I checked the place out myselftheres definitely signs of an evil cultivators handiwork. Its not some made-up story." "The Black Cloud Guards who chased the culprit are back too," she added, pausing. "They didnt catch the guy, but I questioned them myself. They saw traces of the evil cultivator, no doubt." So far, that part of the story held upno holes there. "The evil cultivators real," Han said, "but somethings been nagging at me these past few days." "Whats that?" "If that Manifest Saint cultivator who ambushed me was really an evil demon, why didnt he use any demonic techniques?" Han shook his head. "If he were a demon, he couldve killed me and boltedtoo fast for you to catch, Aunt Mo. Why bother hiding his moves? And what kind of demon worries about blowing their cover during a hit like that?" Back when Lu Qingmo was at her peak, even an elder from the Impermanence Hall had dared to openly snipe her, fearless of Xuandu Temples wrath. Killing a nobody like Han? No need to play coy in a "sure-kill" setup. "Plus, maybe Im not the sharpest at sensing these things, but I didnt pick up a whiff of evil cultivator vibes from that black-robed guystart to finish." "Hiding his techniques just means hes hiding his identity," Han reasoned. "He didnt use any flashy signature moves even when he died. His goals obvioushe couldnt afford to be recognized." Evil cultivators dont hide who they are. In moments like that, theyre the loudest ones in the room. "Youre onto something," Lu Qingmo agreed, then relayed Junior Brother Songs update. "The Earth Divine Stone and Celestial Gold Dust popped up on the market three times in the fifteen years I was away from Jade Capital. Different buyers snapped them up each time." "Who?" "Xuandu Temple, the Wei Family of Wei Province, and" She paused. "The imperial family." Hans eyes narrowed, brushing past the first two. "Whod the imperial family hand those materials to? Any leads?" Lu Qingmo shook her head. "No way to trace that. Its buried in imperial secrets." "The Xuandu monk who bought them already used them up," she added. "Thats enough for me" Hans gaze shifted toward the Governors Mansion. Zuo Tianzheng was already the prime suspect. This news only tightened the noose. Over the past decade-plus, the Earth Divine Stone and Celestial Gold Dust mightve surfaced more than three times across the world, but narrow it to Jade Capital and Black Cloud Town? The list shrank to one. Jade Capital. Divine materials. The imperial family. Zuo Tianzhengs past probing of Han, his years of hustling, his obsession with restoring his broken bodyall the pieces fit. Sure, this wasnt airtight proof. Plenty of excuses could explain it away. But to Han, ironclad or not, it didnt matter. "The Wei Familys a top-tier clan, practically owns Wei Province," Lu Qingmo said. "Theyve got no ties to Black Cloud Town, and they keep a low profile. No chance theyre involved." Han suddenly tossed out a question. "Aunt Mo, whats the penalty for killing an imperial envoy?" Lu Qingmo glanced at him, hesitating before answering, "Deathor nothing at all. Hes the emperors golden boy. Kill him openly, without cause, and even Xuandu Temple cant shield you. But a quiet, traceless kill? Could pin it on the Heavenly Mother Sect." Han nodded. "Lord Zuos life sure is preciousway more than a nobody like me." "Whatever youre planning against Zuo Tianzheng, talk it over with me first," Lu Qingmo warned. "Make it airtight, flawlessa clean strike." Han shot her a mock-shocked look. "Aunt Mo, whatre you talking about? Killing this, killing thatIm lost here. Im not up to anything. Black Cloud Towns under Great Qis laws, your turf. Im a model citizen!" "Lord Zuos an imperial envoy, heaven-sent. I respect him too much to mess with him. Aunt Mo, lets not stir up trouble with divisive talk." Lu Qingmo caught the sarcasm instantly and rolled her eyes. "Oh, youre the clever one, arent you? Master of words." In Black Cloud Town, Han was a "law-abiding" saint. How could he possibly step out of line? Han found a spot to cultivate, soaking in the moonlight as his thoughts raced. If you want my lifeand Senior Sistersthen get ready to lose yours. Im coming for it. Those who kill will be killed. No matter how lofty your status, death levels the playing field. When his session wrapped up, Han pulled out a magic vessela Fire-Gathering Pot. Inside was the Pure Yang Flame hed snagged months ago. The first yang fire hed claimed was finally getting its moment. This pure yang blaze wasnt the strongest, but it could still boost his souls Day Roaming stage and martial Bone Refining practice. He shouldve refined his soul with it right after hitting Day Roaming, but the Yang Earth Fire had delayed things. Now, with the Yang Earth Fire mastered, swallowing and refining the Pure Yang Flame would supercharge itand amplify the flames own power. Fully healed, the time was ripe. Under Lu Qingmos watch, Han began consuming the strange fire. Boom! A primal surgeway fiercer than when hed tackled the Phoenix Fireerupted, nearly blasting him off his feet. Flames roared upward, spreading everywhere, engulfing him in a blazing cocoon. If Lu Qingmo hadnt intervened, an ordinary peach grove wouldve been ash in seconds under that inferno. This wasnt playing with firecrackers anymoreit was a missile launch. From outside, the grove glowed red, painting the sky in crimsona jaw-dropping sight. Heat rolled off in waves, like a scorching hellscape. The air dried out, the ground cracked under the blaze. Yang fire was the opposite of yinraw heat, explosive, blindingly bright, pure masculine force. Amid this constant, violent upheaval, Han slowly refined the Pure Yang Flame, enduring the soul-searing agony. He was fired upliterally and figuratively. Chapter 251: Breakthrough to the Destiny Cavern The flames burned a deep crimson, flecked with golden sparks. Their heat could boil seas, their glow rivaled the sun. The peach grove blazed with light, the temperature soaring as if the seasonand the very landscapehad shifted. The Yang Earth Fire had successfully devoured the Pure Yang Flame, and its unleashed power left even Han slightly awestruck, radiating wild, explosive energy. Lu Qingmo observed calmly. Two yin-aligned flames, two yang-aligned flamesyour Yin-Yang Earth Fire Seal is now balanced. Thats the ideal state for cultivating the Primordial Chaos Fire down the line. Balance between yin and yangthe universal principle. Han eyed the Yang Earth Fire. Ill definitely toss more exotic flames into the mix later, but Ill keep the yin-yang balance in check. Then he hesitated. One thing, Aunt MoIm feeling hot. Uncomfortable, somehow. His face flushed, a strange glint flickering in his eyes. Looking at Lu Qingmo, a rush of wild, fleeting thoughts surged through him. She studied him, a peculiar look crossing her face. Its the yang fire you just absorbed. Plus, youre a guyyour yang energys overloaded now, stoking your inner fire. Ive never dealt with this myself. Han got the gist. In short, he was feeling frisky. Aunt Mo, what do I do about it? he asked, half-pleading. Can you help me out here? First time for everythinggotta count on you, Aunt Mo! She frowned inwardly. Help you with your excess yang energy? That sounds off. Still, she offered a fix. Use the Yin Earth Fire to balance it out. Han followed her advice, and sure enough, the heat ebbed, settling into calm. Then he moved to the next step. Lets see how this yang flame tempers the soul, he muttered, drawing the crimson-gold fire into his spirit. It flared up, scorching every inch of his soul with relentless intensity. In Taoist cultivation, the journey shifts from yin to yangstarting with the soul, then the Yin God. At the Day Roaming stage, a spark of yang essence ignites within the extreme yin of the soul, laying the groundwork for future growth. The entire Day Roaming process revolves around nurturing that yang spark, expanding and strengthening it. Long ago, a sage stumbled upon a flame that proved invaluable for soul Cultivation post-Day Roaming. Tempering the soul with it didnt just convert heaps of yin energy into ultra-pure yangit refined and purified that yang spark too. The result? A cultivators yang essence outstripped others in both quantity and quality. That flame was the Pure Yang Flamea fire of pure yang, its signature trait. Lu Qingmo had said it best: one round of its tempering could catapult even a mediocre cultivator to new heights. It bolstered the very foundation of ones cultivation. No wonder it was hailed as a top-tier Day Roaming opportunityand martial Bone Refiners could use it too, reaping equal benefits for their physiques. Xuandu Temples Pure Yang Flame, cultivated to a legendary level, was world-famous. Even cultivators from Eastern Zhou and Southern Jin trekked thousands of miles for a shot at its tempering. But even top factions, offering rare treasures, werent guaranteed a chanceit was borderline aiding rivals, and the flame was too scarce even within Xuandu Temple to share freely. Lu Qingmo watched Han temper his soul, subtle changes unfolding. Under the Pure Yang Flames heat, his ethereal, hollow soul began to take on a flesh-like solidity, shedding its ghostly vagueness. She wasnt surprisedonce a Xuandu Temple prodigy, shed undergone the same, with even better results. Their flames werent in the same league; Xuandus had birthed a fire spirit. Still, she wasnt worriedHans version, swallowed by the Yang Earth Fire, was fully under his control. No risk of it turning on him. The yang fire blazed endlessly, as if itd never burn out. But the tempering had its limit. An hour later, the flames faded, revealing Hans soul. Exposed areasuntouched by robeslacked any yin spirit chill, exuding a warm, lifelike glow. Han opened his eyes, a yin and yang flame dancing in each. Feeling his soul power surge past a bottleneck, brimming with vibrant, pure yang energy, he grinned. Day Roaming Mid-Stageyang energy coursing through. One tempering session, and hed broken through. Soul cultivation got tougher starting at Day Roamingturning yin into yang and harnessing the worlds yang force was no cakewalk. Look at sects like Earth Corpse or clans like the Huangstheir Day Roaming elders, in their thirties or forties, still hadnt peaked. Cultivators couldnt breeze through like in the first three soul stages, outpacing martial artists with ease. If Id had this level facing that black-robed guy, I wouldnt have been laid up for days, Han mused, nodding at his now-tangible soul. Soul solidification was a Manifest Saint hallmark, and this tempering had nudged him closereasing the bottleneck to forming a true soul, a step simpler than for others. With more breakthroughs, that flesh-like quality would only deepen. The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation. Pure yang energy, refined yang essence, a solid soul frame (Not the same yang energy as his earlier hormonal spike, mind you.) The Pure Yang Flame really lives up to its heavenly oddity rep, Han marveled. Naturally, Lu Qingmo replied. Its not the best for fighting compared to some exotic flames, but for boosting cultivation? Nothing else comes close. Han nodded. I get itkinda like the Fallen Heart Flame. Shame he hadnt been seduced by a heart flame earliermissed his shot at a glorious mistake. Aunt Mo, Ive felt its boost for cultivatorsworthy of its Day Roaming fame, he said, curious. But whats it do for a martial artists body? Just pump up their yang energy? That doesnt sound as impressive as what it does for cultivators. Shed claimed its benefits for Bone Refiners matched those for Day Roamerssurely more than just a yang boost. Of course its more, she explained. At Bone Refining, martial artists dont just train their bodies and true essencetheres something else they need to focus on. Whats that? Vitality, she said. In earlier stages, vitalitys just a byproductgrows passively as the body strengthens. But at Bone Refining, you need specific techniques to refine it actively. Day after day, hammering your vitality into shapeforging it like divine metal. Do it right, and you might even birth unique powers within it, fighting with vitality alone. Her tone turned stern. Post-Bone Refining, dont slack on vitality training. Strong vitality means strong powerand its key to reaching True Blood Realm, plus how strong youll be after. For Bone Refiners, tempering with Pure Yang Flame doesnt just harden the bodyit transforms vitality into pure yang vitality. Potent, brimming with potentialits boost for martial artists is every bit as good as for cultivators. Han nodded thoughtfully. Vitality power, True Blood ascentdidnt know there was a trick to it. Plenty of rogue martial artists stumble into Bone Refining with no lineage, Lu Qingmo added. They dont know vitalitys secrets, never refine itborn weaker and stuck below True Blood forever. But dont worry about the techniques. Secret Martial Arts should include themBai Tian will pass them on tomorrow. Unless his versions incomplete. Master never mentioned this stuff, Han said. Guess Ill ask Senior Sister tomorrow. Hope Masters got the matching vitality techniques, or were in for a hassle. Yang Flame refined, Earth Fire leveled up. Soul transformed, realm breached. Han was in high spiritsovernight, his strength had soared. Come morning, he hit the martial hall and asked Bai Ruoyue about vitality techniques first thing. Should be covered, she said, uncertain. Dad mentioned vitality tempering oncetold me to focus on training, said hed prep what I need when I hit Bone Refining. Sounds like a yes, Han figured. Bai Tian wouldnt skimp on his daughter. Mid-chat, his gaze drifted to her lips. Little Junior Brother, whatre you staring at?! She glared, then bolted off with a huff. Shameless! You were all in last nightwiped me out and now youre playing coy? At noon, Han got a surprise snail message from Lu Qingmo, calling him to the Ghost God Division. Remember the Huang Familys interests getting carved up by county factions after their big loss? Yeah, whats up? Han asked, puzzled. Why bring that up now? In Wangfeng County, the Huangs control a spirit mountainone of their key herb sources, pretty vital to them, she explained. The Yuan Family, Rainfall Martial Hall, and Wind Chime Taoist Temple have their eyes on itwant to snatch it outright or at least grab a slice. During their tussle, something unexpected popped up: a cavern. A cavern? Han blinked. That was a curveball. Yeah. The four groups poked around inside. Its a sprawling underground maze, decently big. Not your average holethey found treasures down there, figured its hiding more secrets. Word got out, and other county factions got antsy, rushing to Wangfeng. But theyre stuck at the entrancetheres a mist blocking deeper access. Howd the news spread? Han wondered. Rainfall Martial Hall and Wind Chime Temple leaked it, she said. Han caught on. Unlike clans, martial halls and temples had disciples with layered identitiesplenty might double as small-family scions. Too many people, too messy to keep quiet. So, Aunt Mo, you want me to head to Wangfeng? Up to you, she shrugged. After the cavern surfaced, the County Ghost God and Martial Stabilization Divisions sent teams too. Everyones piling in, finding bits and pieces around the outskirts. Turns out, it might tie to the ancient Destiny Sect. Elder Ye reached out, asking if I knew anything. Since you scored big in the Heavenly Ruinsand this caverns linked to DestinyI figured you should know. Destiny Sect? Hans interest spiked. Memories of his Heavenly Ruins trip and the Ascendant Hall flashed vividhe was hooked on that mysterious, vanished top sect. Am I too late now? Nope, she assured him. That mists still holding strongno ones gotten deeper. Tomorrows fine. The areas locked down by county forces. If you go, you can roll in as a Ghost God Patrolfalls under your jurisdiction. Honestly, not much in Great Qis off-limits to a patrol. Then Ill join the party, Han decided, thinking of Bai Ruoyue. Can I bring Senior Sister along? Last time against a Manifest Saint wasnt her faultpure mismatch. Normally, her strength crushed it. With her tagging along, shed be his Bone Refining bodyguard. Future memoir material: The Grass-Tamers Elite Guard, starring us. Sure, Lu Qingmo agreed. Have Ruoyue rep Black Clouds Ghost God Division. But Destiny Sect stuff showing up in Tianyue County? Legends say all of Tianzhou was their turf back in the day. Tianyues next to the Heavenly Ruinsleftovers make sense. Ive read Xuandu Temple recordsDestiny Sect relics have popped up across Tianzhou before. Their old sect grounds were something else. Early dynasties even considered making Tianzhou the capital, but it never panned out. She briefed him on Wangfengs situation, doling out careful advice. After the black-robed ambush, she was oddly at ease with him heading out. With the Imprinting Mirror, dragon scale, and his fresh breakthrough, he could handle a Manifest Saintmaybe even turn the tables. Paired with Bai Ruoyue, theyd cover each other perfectlyher guarding his body while his soul fought free of worry. Unless they ran into someone like Lu Qingmoor worse, beyond Manifest Saint. Then itd be pure fate screwing them, and even she couldnt save the day. Doomed, plain and simple. Leaving her, Han filled Bai Ruoyue in, telling her to gear up for tomorrows adventure. Her response? Two words: Hell yeah. No rushLu Qingmo said there was time. Han popped a Black Tortoise Spirit Pill, savoring Turtle Chancellors handiwork. Chapter 252: The Moonlit Abyss fighters loot it, or disciples scout? Disciples, Yuan Fang answered. Its uncharted down there, plus wild beasts. We need the lay of the land first. The nine factions could stomach losing Visceral Realm fighters, but Bone Refiners or Day Roamers? Too valuable to risk lightly. The Huang Family was proof of that. Underground beasts, huh? Sounds fun, Han said. Whats turned up so far? Spirit plants, rare materials, rotted weapons, beast corpses, Yuan Fang listed off, clear and concise. Also a tokenone touch and it crumbled to ash. But its shape got noted. County Ghost God folks think its Destiny Sect-related. Hard to wrap your head aroundlinked to the legendary Destiny Sect, he added. With Tianxu County next door, Tianzhous upper crust knowing about Destiny Sect wasnt odd. Can we head down now? Han asked. Yeah, its open seasoneveryones agreed to explore and take what they can. Han and Bai Ruoyue dropped in, landing amid seven or eight tunnels. They picked one at random. It was pitch-black, but Visceral Realm martial artists could see fine at nightno big deal. The passages were wide. Han pressed a hand to the dirt wall, pushing lightly. A clear imprint formed. Bai Ruoyue blinked. Thats tough. You could be reading stolen content. Head to the original site for the genuine story. Han nodded. Yupsturdy enough for a full-on brawl without caving in. Crucial detailif it were flimsy, any fight below would bury them alive. A few steps in, a tremor rippled from the left tunnel. Beast incoming, Han said. Sure enough, one charged outSinew Meridian strength, round-bodied, scaled, stubby-limbed. Bai Ruoyue dispatched it with a flick of her wrist. Nothing special compared to surface beasts. They pressed on, soon hitting a layer of mist. Hans spirit dipped infuzzy, blind, sensing zilch. Per Yuan Fangs tests, entering was safe but disorienting: no direction, no sight, no perception. Wander all you likeyoud loop back to the start. Weird stuff. Han stuck a hand into the mist. Even thinned out, it swallowed his hand from view, though he could still feel his arm. Pretty wild. Wanna step in and test it? Bai Ruoyue asked. Nah, he shook his head. They checked other tunnels, bumped into more beasts, but scored no loot. The outer zones had been picked clean by countless scavengersnada left, not even scraps. Back topside, Han chatted with Yuan Fang, scoping out the crowd. Familiar faces popped up: Heavenly Dragons inner disciples (no surprise), the Huang brothersMingnian and Mingriplus Golden Dragons Jin Shui and Spirit Profounds top disciple, Cao Qu. What caught Han off guard was the Spirit Profound Temple disciple beside Cao Qukept glaring his way, eyes dripping with hate. Thats Gao Tong, Bai Ruoyue whispered. Told you about him before. Oh, him. Han shrugged inwardly. Run into him down there, and hes toast. What about Moonview Mountain? Han asked Yuan Fang. Huang Family check it out after? After the cavern popped up, clan experts scoured itnothing off, Yuan Fang said. But with the cavern in play, we didnt want Huangs holding secrets or digging in. So its not theirs anymoretechnically joint-managed by the other eight of us now. Hans expression twitched. Huang Family, booted just like that? Without the cavern, theyd have clung to partial ownership, ceding some profitsfour-way split at worst. You dont corner a desperate dog. But this cavern flipped the scriptthey lost everything. Rough break, Han thought, biting back a smirk. Chapter 253: Monkey Fishing for the Moon Han and Bai Ruoyue slipped into Moonview Mountain. Little Junior Brother, are you serious about this? Bai Ruoyue asked. Totally, Han replied. Were just twiddling our thumbs out there. Might as well come in and do something useful. Senior Sister, youre not up for it? If youre set on it, of course Ill tag along, she said with a shrug. The mist in the cavern wasnt budging anytime soon, so Han had dragged Bai Ruoyue into the mountain to hunt for herbs. This was a spirit mountain, after allonce a Huang Family herb nursery, teeming with both wild growth and cultivated patches. Now that it wasnt theirs anymore, Yuan Fang had told Han the place was fair game. Anyone here for the cavern could wander in, pick wild herbs, no restrictions. The folks whod shown up werent small frylimiting access wouldve been pointless. Plus, the big shots were still poking around, curious. A cavern had popped up next to Moonview Mountainmaybe there was more to find? Letting people roam was a low-risk gamble. If someone scored, great; if not, no big loss. The cultivated plotsnow split among the eight other factionswere off-limits, guarded tight. Since theyd arrived early and the mist was still thick, Han wasnt keen on loitering outside. Standing around, swapping awkward small talk with a bunch of strangers? Cringe citymakes my toes curl. Better to scour the mountain with Bai Ruoyuekeeps them busy. And with the cavern right beside it, Han figured the mountain might hold some secrets too. Yuan Fang had given him a little gadget to stay in touch, so no worries about missing the action. Little Junior Brother, Ive heard some herbs cant even be sensed with spirit power. You sure youre up for this? Bai Ruoyue teased. Dont ever ask me that againits insulting, Han huffed. Every cant comes from not being good enough. Yeah, there are herbs like that, but with strong enough soul cultivation, its no problem. Im no master, but herbs dodging my spirit sense on this mountain? Rare as hens teeth. No wild beasts roamed Moonviewjust mundane critters, no threat to them. Heard the moon looks bigger and rounder from this mountain at night? Bai Ruoyue said. Yup, thats the word, Han nodded. Weird phenomenon, sure, but in a world like this, anything seemed possible. He reckoned it might be some quirky feng shui or terrain quirk behind the rumor. Travel had eaten up most of the day, plus their cavern detour. Not long after entering the mountain, night fell, the full moon climbing high. Han glanced upyep, it did look bigger than usual. Bai Ruoyue clapped his arm, buzzing. Little Junior Brother, check it outits huge now! Sure, in theory, higher ground meant a closer, clearer view of the moon. But theorys one thingearth to sky, moon beyond that? Youd need to be skyscraper-high for a noticeable shift. Hard to fathom. Whats causing it? Han wondered, intrigued. Then his soul twitched, reacting to the moon overhead. A quick inner peek revealed the Moon God Seal glowing faintly. Somethings up here. Senior Sister, lets poke around some more. Han hauled Bai Ruoyue across the mountain, even swinging by the Huangs old herb plotsthough they didnt step in. Eventually, he stopped at a peak overlooking a small pond, barely a foot and a half wide. The moon reflected perfectly in it, vivid as reality. Standing there, the Moon God Seal pulsed stronger than anywhere else. The narrative has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the infringement. Something here? Bai Ruoyue asked, puzzled. Han shook his head, staring at the pond. Nothing stood outnot to his eyes or spirit sense. The county factions had surely combed this spot already, found zilch. That said something. But he trusted the seal. Moon God wouldnt steer me wrong. Moonview Mountain He looked up at the sky, then down at the moon in the water. Ill give it a feel. Bai Ruoyue jumped in first, dipping her hand in. Ripples spread, the moon wobbling. Her fingers groped aroundnothing. Han chuckled. Senior Sister, ever hear the tale of the monkey fishing for the moon? Nope, whats it about? Its about a monkey thinking the moon in the waters the real He cut off, struck by a thought. Then he went for it, reaching for the moon in the pond. What happened next was mind-blowing. The Moon God Seal flared, and Han actually pulled the moon out of the water! Bai Ruoyues jaw dropped. She checked her own hand, then Hans, baffled. Same hands, different luck? The moon sank into Hans body. He could feel something in his palmreal, tangible. Yet the pond still mirrored the moon like nothing had changed. Bai Ruoyue grabbed at itempty-handed. Little Junior Brother, try again! she urged. Probably wont work, he said, but gave it a shot. Nadajust a regular reflection now. What is it? she whispered, leaning in, thrilled. No clue, Han admitted. It merged into my hand. Cant do anything with it, cant control it, and its not doing anything to me either. She deflated a bit. Thought wed hit the jackpot or something. Howd you pull it off? Gotta be moon-related, he said. Ive got a moon seal on my soulprobably triggered it. After snagging the moon, the seal went quiet, cementing it as the source. Youve got so many weird tricks up your sleeve, Bai Ruoyue marveled. These past months with Han? Nonstop surprises. No one saw, right? Dont worry, were clear, he assured her. They left the pond, wandering the mountain, picking herbs here and there. Some werent ripemere sprouts the Huangs wouldve left alone. Han dug them all up, leaving zilch. Stuck on Moonview, exposed to the elements, growing solo for years with no pals? Nopebetter off with him, fattened up, living cushy. As they hunted, Han mulled over the moon. If the cavern tied to the Destiny Sect, this might too. Their methods were unrealunfathomable. Gone for who-knows-how-long, yet the cavern and this water-moon stayed hidden till now. Tianxus vastness aside, no wonder ancient texts crowned them the worlds top sect. No other factionpast or presentheld that title. None dared claim undisputed supremacy, commanding all clans and races with zero defiance. None shrugged off a Mountain and River Life List powerhouse without a flinch. Eastern Zhou and the Sage Academy combined had the deepest roots and might, but undisputed number one? Overreach. The Four Seas, the Mountain-Sea Domainall teemed with unfathomable forces and list-ranked titans who bowed to no one. Pale shadows of Destiny Sects glory. Back then, it wasnt just humans or landdemons, seas, gods, ghostsall quaked under Destinys thumb. Their relics screamed mystery and power. Yet a sect that mighty vanishing overnight? Chilling as hell. Historys biggest unsolved riddle. Maybe the cavernll shed light on this moon thing, Han mused. Midnight ticked past. Three daysthirty-six hourstill the Creation Pot refreshed with his next cheat code. The pot was a clutch tool, and Han had milked it dry. Three Yin Valley, the county, Ao Xuanweis haulthis month, hed hustled to max it out. Hard work, huge payoff. The pots gains would carry him far, the best he couldve squeezed from it. Itd reset soon, but its blessings lingered. Back at the peak pond, a breeze brushed by, moonlight bathing them. Bai Ruoyue hugged her knees, chin resting on them. Wonder when Black Cloud Townll settle down. The old days were betterno drama, just happy, simple training. Han patted her headshe swatted him off. Little Junior Brother, youre getting too bold, she grumbled. Im the Senior Sistermy heads not for you to mess with. Such a diva complex. Black Cloudll find peace someday, he said. Just might not be in your lifetime, Senior Sister. Middle of the night, Yuan Fangs gadget buzzedno sound, but the message was clear. They ditched the mountain, returning to the cavern. Two new groups had rolled inunfamiliar, young, brimming with talent and swagger. From outside Tianyue Countybig Tianzhou players, Yuan Fangs voice hummed through a sound transmission. White robes with tripod patterns? Shenhua Sect disciples. Sword-and-blade chest embroidery? Dong Family from the state capital. They were headed for Black Cloud but detoured here after hearing about the cavern. Shenhua Sect? Dong Family? Han asked. How do they stack up to Heavenly Dragon? Not in the same league, Yuan Fang replied. Shenhuas decentgot Yellow Spring Realm heavyweights. Dongs a step down, just Yin God cultivators and True Blood martial artists on the books. Not Heavenly Dragons level, but still big shots looming over vast swaths of land. Yuan Fangs ping confirmed it: the caverns mist had mostly cleared. Time to dive in. Chapter 254: Between Rise and Fall, the Proud Bow Their Heads The darkness stretched deep and vast, like the gaping maw of an abyss. One by one, living beings leapt willingly into this "giant mouth," vanishing into the shadows as they entered various tunnels, their forms swallowed by the gloom. Han and his companion picked a direction at random, moving forward without Yuan Fang. That was because Yuan Fang hadnt even bothered descending into the cavern. As the saying goes, "A gentleman doesnt stand beneath a crumbling wall." The Yuan family had no shortage of people to explore these depths, and Yuan Fang had no intention of risking his own neck. The last time creatures had flooded into Black Mountain en masse, neither he nor the key disciples of other prominent families had ventured in. This time, though a few core figures from other factions had come down into the cavern, Yuan Fang remained an exception. Having visited the county capital multiple times, Han had gained some insight into Yuan Fangs standing within the Yuan family. He was being groomed as the next head of the householda far cry from the likes of Jin Shui from the Golden Dragon Dojo or Huang Mingri. His path was different, his future secured. As Han and Bai Ruoyue pressed onward, they soon found themselves facing a wall of mist. The fog had thinned considerably, faint enough that they could glimpse the scenery beyond. Thud, thud, thud! The sound of heavy footsteps echoed as Han spotted a beast charging out from a tunnel on the far side of the mist. It barreled through the last wisps of fog, unaffected by its presence. "So these beasts come from deeper within the cavern," Han mused. The creature, a visceral-realm beast, was swiftly dispatched by the pair. Curious, Han extended his arm into the thinning mistand something unexpected happened. The faint haze parted, clearing a path as if inviting them forward. He glanced at his handthe same one that had once held the moons power. "Does this thing have that kind of effect?" he wondered aloud. It seemed the artifact truly was tied to the cavern. Crossing the misty threshold, Han noticed a shift in the surroundings. The ground and walls of the tunnels bore chaotic, indecipherable patterns. The passages twisted and branched like a labyrinth, and once again, their mental energy was suppressed, unable to probe far ahead. After some time, they stumbled upon a nest carved into the cave wall. A beast lunged out, attacking them without hesitation. Its appearance was bizarre: a tiger with a tortoise shell on its back, no ears, but two long horns sprouting from its head. "Visceral realm, peak stage!" Han noted. The monster was formidable, but no match for the two of them. Once it was dealt with, Han inspected the nest. The chaotic patterns were far more prominent here, and a stone platform sat within. The beasts lingering aura clung heavily to the platform, suggesting it had been coiled there before their arrival disturbed it. "Whats this?" Bai Ruoyue asked, spotting a protruding stone near the nest. She pressed it down. A faint glow flickered along the patterns on the tunnel walls, and a shimmering curtain of light appeared, separating the nest from the passage. Moments later, however, the barrier shattered, and the patterns dimmed once more. The scene felt oddly familiar, stirring Hans thoughts. "These beasts they were probably domesticated originally," he said. "This cavernit mightve been a breeding ground." He could picture it: in some distant era, these nests housed countless beasts, confined by the press of a stone. When the Tianming Sect needed them, theyd be released to serve whatever purpose the sect required. The nest held no treasures, so Han and Bai Ruoyue continued onward. Along the way, they encountered more nestssome occupied by beasts, others long abandoned. Each had a stone platform, the same strange patterns, and a control stone to "open and close the door." They also found spiritual plants growing beside the decayed remains of beasts. "Its so vast and so complicated," Bai Ruoyue remarked after a while, her voice tinged with awe. The cavern was indeed unreasonably immense, its tangled network of tunnels a death trap for any ordinary mortal. Roar! A lion-like bellow reverberated through the air, jolting their senses and drawing their attention. Following the sound, they came upon a five-colored serpent with a lions tail and teeth more human than reptilian. Every beast theyd encountered beyond the mist had been a grotesque patchwork of features, as if stitched together from mismatched parts. The serpent was devouring two corpsesjudging by their attire, they were Yuan family members. This was the brutal cost of exploring such a place; bloodshed was inescapable. "Bone-forging realm," Bai Ruoyue said, her eyes narrowing with killing intent. Ever since the Black Mountain chase, shed harbored a deep loathing for snake-like beasts. Boom! The lion-tail slammed the ground, and the serpent slithered toward them, its blood-drenched maw gaping wide. Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings. "Looking to die!" Bai Ruoyue didnt hesitate, charging forward with Han close behind. Boom! A shockwave erupted, kicking up dust as true qi clashed. The deeper they ventured, the sturdier the cavern becamecapable of withstanding bone-forging-level combat with minimal damage. After one exchange, they gauged the serpents strength: barely at the bone-forging threshold. For it to attack them head-on was sheer recklessness. But then, in a flash of cunning, the serpents eyes gleamed, and it turned to flee without a second thought. "Whats with this stinking snake?" Bai Ruoyue exclaimed, startled but quick to pursue. Han formed the Yang Earth Fire Seal, unleashing a torrent of blazing flames that engulfed the serpents body. Its lion-like roars filled the air as it writhed in agony, unable to escape. "I was hoping to use you as a whetstone for my skillswhyd you have to run?" Han muttered, half-amused. "Why force my hand?" Bai Ruoyue shot him a mock-reproachful glance before adding uncertainly, "This snake it seems smarter than the others, doesnt it?" "Yeah," Han agreed. Typically, even bone-forging beasts were stubborn and mindless. For this serpent to flee after a single clash was unnaturalit hadnt even faced overwhelming power to justify such a retreat. Han recalled the flames, leaving the serpent a charred husk, though a faint spark of life lingered. Bai Ruoyue finished it with a clean sword strike to the head. Sensing something, Han split the skull open, revealing a moon-white, irregularly shaped crystal the size of a silkworm bean. "Whats this?" Bai Ruoyue asked. "None of the other cavern beasts weve killed had this," Han replied, lifting the stone with his sword for a closer look. "Is it unique to bone-forging cavern beasts, or just this snakes species?" The crystal held a subtle powernot strong, but holding it brought a strange clarity, sharpening the mind. "Let me see," Bai Ruoyue said. Han handed it over, then tossed a wisp of flame to incinerate the serpents body, keeping only its bones. Hed been handling every cavern beast corpse this waytoo bizarre to eat, likely the product of some experiment. Better to take only the valuable parts for crafting. Suddenly, footsteps echoed from their right. Four figures emerged from another tunnel. "Han? Haha!" one of them laughed heartily upon spotting him, his gaze then fixing on the moon-white stone in Bai Ruoyues hand, a glint of greed in his eyes. "Jin Shui," Han said, his eyes narrowing slightly. This was the same Golden Dragon Dojo member whod mocked him during his last trip to the county capital, sneering at his origins in Black Cloud Town. As a core member of the dojo, Jin Shuis presence here wasnt surprisingexploring the cavern offered both risks and rewards. Unlike Yuan Fang, who played it safe as the Yuan family heir, others were willing to gamble for the potential gains. "So this is the so-called genius of Black Cloud Town?" a woman beside Jin Shui remarked, her voice sultry as she sized Han up. "Hes easy on the eyes, at least. Wonder if his skills match the hype." Han ignored them, turning to Bai Ruoyue. "Lets keep moving." "Hold it!" Jin Shui barked. "There was a beast here just now, wasnt there? Tell me what you got. Hand over that stone for inspection." Han sighed inwardly. Jin Shui was exactly as Yuan Fang had describedalways eager to bully those from smaller places. Han had intended to let them off easy, but they were practically begging for trouble. "Senior Brother Jin, they might not be pushovers," a tall youth cautioned. "That womans likely the daughter of Tai Bais masterrumor has it shes at the bone-forging realm." "Ridiculous," Jin Shui scoffed. "Some backwater dojo producing a genius like that? Senior Brother Zhangs a prodigy at the visceral realms peak and knows the gap between visceral and bone-forging better than anyone." The one called Senior Brother Zhang glanced at Bai Ruoyue. "I may be at the visceral realms limit, but I wouldnt claim bone-forging strength. Small-town folks lack visionits not surprising theyd exaggerate." "Do as Junior Brother Jin says, and Ill promise not to hurt you," he added. Han shook his head, exasperated. If Bai Ruoyue werent here, hed have let loose a few choice curses. "If your brains not working, try reading moreknowledge is power," he said coolly. "And if its waterlogged, spend some time in Tianyang County. The heat there might dry it out. Good dogs dont block the roadever heard that one?" "How dare you!" Jin Shuis face darkened. "I just wanted a look at your haul, but now it seems you need a lesson." "Senior Brother Zhang, grab that stone from the woman!" Jin Shui lunged at Han, his visceral-realm minor-stage strength surging. "Courting death," Han muttered. With a single step, he threw a punch, the air exploding with force. Their fists met, and Jin Shuis eyes bulged as blood rushed to his face. Before he could be flung back, Han grabbed him and landed another blow square to his chest. Bang! Jin Shui flew back a dozen meters, crashing hard and coughing up blood. On the other side, Senior Brother Zhang hadnt even made a move toward Bai Ruoyue before it was over. The three remaining dojo members stared in shock and furyJin Shuis defeat had been swift and brutal. Han glanced at the writhing, groaning Jin Shui. "I ran into you outside the county capital today, and sure enough, Ive seen what the geniuses of the city amount to. Weak as a chickdisappointing. Nothing special." He threw Jin Shuis own words back at him. "You dare act so arrogantly before me!" Senior Brother Zhang roared, charging forward. "All of you, take them down!" "Been waiting for this!" Bai Ruoyue shot back, darting forth like an arrow, her sword aimed at Zhang. The other two rushed Han, their momentum fierce. The tall youth had hesitated earlier, but with the fight underway, his allegiance to the dojo left him no choice. Blades flashed with impressive powerboth were visceral-realm peak-stage fighters. Among the four, Jin Shui, despite his bluster, was the weakest. Han drew [Tai Bai], his top-tier weapon, which held its own against any blade. A fine weapon was nothing without a stronger wielderand Han was that. Clang! The clash rang out, reverberating through the tunnels. Despite facing two peak visceral-realm opponents, Han held the upper hand. Their arms went numb, forcing them back several steps, blood churning uncomfortably in their chests. "How can someone fresh into the visceral realm be this strong?!" the woman, Senior Sister Li, gasped in disbelief. Han didnt respond, stepping forward with a sword strike that radiated lethal intent. Today, hed test the mettle of these county capital "geniuses." A scream pierced the air from the other side. Senior Brother Zhang, moments ago so confident, had lost an arm to Bai Ruoyues blade, his body riddled with bloody wounds. Han almost pitied himthe man had been honest about lacking bone-forging strength. An admirable confession of his own weakness, though reality offered no mercy for it. The gap between visceral and bone-forging was a chasm; the former could be slaughtered with ease. Terrified, Zhang turned to flee. Han notched an arrow, loosing it with a thunderous twang. It pierced Zhangs chest faster than he could run, dropping him dead. Even at the visceral realms peak, hed have fallen to Han in a straight fightlet alone after Bai Ruoyues mauling. Escape was a fantasy against Hans Sky Vault Bow. Meanwhile, Bai Ruoyue pivoted, cutting down the tall youth with a single, precise strike as he recoiled in panic. Senior Sister Li had already been subdued. In mere moments, the skirmish was over. Han surveyed the scene calmly. "Geniuses?" he said. "Thats just the baseline for facing me." Chapter 255: No Mercy at the Abyss’s Edge The four disciples from the Golden Dragon Martial Hall lay stacked in a corner, their low groans echoing faintly through the cavern. Senior Brother Zhang clung to the last thread of life, teetering on the brink of death. No one bothered to finish him offhe wouldnt last much longer anyway. That fragile glimmer of survival came from his perfectly refined organs, a testament to his mastery of the Visceral Realm. Yet, even that wasnt enough to make him immortal. The tall young man, his legs shattered and abdomen pierced, leaned against the earthen wall, eyes closed in silent resignation. Senior Sister Li, pale as a ghost, clutched her neck where Bai Ruoyues strike had nearly taken her head clean off moments earlier. Jin Shui pressed a hand to his chest, coughing up blood nonstop. Hans attack had ravaged his internal organs, leaving him in agony. Han, spare us, Jin Shui pleaded, blood frothing at his lips. Were disciples of the Golden Dragon Martial Hall. My master is the halls leader. If you kill us, they wont let it slide. Let us go this time, and I swear we wont come after you once were out of here. Han looked at Jin Shui and let out a soft, mocking chuckle. I thought your arrogance was carved into your bonessomething genuine, a real disdain for me deep in your soul, Han said. If that were the case, I mightve actually respected you a little. If Jin Shui had held onto his pride even now, spitting defiance in Hans face despite his dire straits, Han mightve spared him a shred of admiration. But nobeneath the bluster, he was just a coward, a fool coasting on the prestige of his background, nothing more. Jin Shuis face twisted as he begged harder. I was blind before, Han. Please, let me go. I swear I wont retaliate. If I see you again, Ill steer clearI promise! Han ignored the groveling and picked up the stone hed pried from the giant serpents skull. Holding it up, he asked, Do you know what this is? He hadnt missed the glint of greed in Jin Shuis eyes when theyd first crossed paths. The man had clearly been after this moonlight-hued stone. Jin Shui hesitated. Without a second thought, Han swung his sword, driving it through the mans palm. Ahh! Jin Shui screamed, but Hans expression didnt flicker. No amount of wailing could sway him. Pity now would only invite betrayal laterHan knew that all too well. I dont know! Jin Shui blurted out instantly. But Ive got one just like it! Whered you get it? Han pressed. If I tell you everything, will you let me live? Whoosh! Another sword strike, this time skewering Jin Shuis other hand. You think youre in a position to bargain with me? Hans voice was ice. Bai Ruoyue stood silently to the side, keeping watch over the other two survivors. She let Han handle Jin Shui without interference. In her eyes, his ruthlessness was flawlesshesitation here wouldve disappointed her. If Han had shown mercy, shed have dragged him back for a stern lesson. No more! Ill talk, Ill talk! Jin Shui caved, a far cry from his usual swagger. I found it the first time I came down into these caverns. I dont know what it is, but it drives the wild beasts crazy. They go berserk when they see itits gotta be some kind of treasure. Thats all I know, I swear! The beasts go mad for it Han mulled that over. What else have you found down here? he asked. Nothing! Once the mist cleared, we ventured deeper. All we saw were beasts and their dens. Han nodded, lost in thought. This cavern was massivewhat could lie at its deepest point? Seeing Han fall silent, Jin Shui seized the chance to beg again. Han, I was wrong. I know I messed upplease! The author''s tale has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon. Han shook his head. No, you just know youre about to die. With a single thrust, his sword pierced Jin Shuis heart. The mans robust vitality kept him twitching for a few moments, but it was futile. Han, the Golden Dragon Martial Hall wont let you off! My master will avenge me! Jin Shui spat with his dying breath, eyes blazing with resentment as he slumped lifelessly. You wont be around to see that day, Han replied coolly, turning to the remaining two. Do it, he said. The tall youth, eyes still shut, trembled but didnt beg. Compared to Jin Shui, his quiet resolve was leagues ahead. Han sighed inwardlyif Jin Shui had listened to this guys warnings from the start, none of this wouldve happened. Fate was a cruel thing. Han ended him quickly, granting the most dignified death he could. Letting him go wasnt an optionsure, hed tried to rein Jin Shui in at first, but hed still fought Han later. Once you raised a hand against him, you were an enemy. Mercy didnt factor in. Senior Sister Li, though, was a different story. Terror consumed her as she shrieked, Dont kill me! Ill do anything you saymy bodys yours if you want it! Hans face remained a mask of indifference as he lopped off her head, finishing what Bai Ruoyue had started. Your body? he thought disdainfully. What use do I have for some cheap seductress? Women only slow down my sword arm. As for Senior Brother Zhang, hed already breathed his lastno need for Han to lift a finger. Han dealt with their souls next, erasing every trace of their existence. With a burst of yang fire, he incinerated the four bodies, their ashes melding into the cavern floor, forever entombed. Man, shitty teammates really get you killed, Han muttered with a shake of his head. If Jin Shui hadnt stirred up trouble, these four mightve survived a bit longer elsewhere in the cavern. Now, they were just ghosts in the abyss. Since hed already acted, leaving them alive wasnt an option. Letting them go would only invite revenge latera rookie mistake Han wouldnt make. With four spatial pouches in tow, Han and Bai Ruoyue moved on. Rifling through Jin Shuis belongings, Han found the stone hed mentioned. Aside from a slight difference in shape, it was identical to the one from the serpents skull. Still, even with two, he couldnt figure out their purpose. The pouches held some decent lootspiritual herbs, pills, and martial weaponsbut nothing groundbreaking. Coming from a dominant faction in the county capital, these four hadnt scored any earth-shattering treasures. Han and Bai Ruoyue had seen far better; this haul was useful but hardly exciting. After sorting through it, Han ditched the pouches. Spatial gear couldnt be nested, and strolling out with these in plain sight wasnt an option. They pressed deeper, encountering more beastssome at the Bone Refining Realm. Together, they cut them down without much trouble. Every Bone Refining beast, regardless of type, had a moon-white stone lodged in its skull. Beyond that, the cavern seemed unremarkablejust endless, dizzying tunnels. They crossed paths with othersdisciples from the Wind Howl Temple and Thunder Rain Monasterybut no fights broke out. Both sides eyed each other warily and parted ways. People like Jin Shui were, thankfully, rare. Little Brother, somethings off, Bai Ruoyue said suddenly. It feels like weve walked far enough to reach Wangfeng County. Could this cavern stretch all the way there? Thats insane! Han shrugged. Beats meIm new here too. But weve come this far, so we might as well keep going. Their cultivation kept them steady, and with the mist gone, getting lost wasnt a concern. They took a few detours, but overall, they were heading deeper. After another grueling half-hourlong enough to numb even Hans legsthe endless maze finally shifted. The countless passages dwindled until only one remained, leading to the caverns heart. They followed it to the end, where shadows of others flickered into view. Some had arrived ahead of them. Han scanned the crowddecent numbers, but far more were missing. Some might still be wandering the labyrinth, though he suspected most had perished. Roaming beasts and cutthroat cultivators made this place a death trap. Their arrival drew stares, but no one spoke up. At the passages end lay a vast open space. In one corner stood twelve figures in ancient garb, eerily still. Hans senses sharpened as he studied them. No trace of lifeno breathing, no energyyet their faces and exposed limbs looked like real flesh, not stone. Were they corpses? Statues? Something else? Beyond them, at the far end, loomed a bronze gateten feet tall and over sixteen feet wide. Whatever secrets this cavern held, they were likely behind that door. Looks like weve got a decent crowd now, a voice rang out. Lets give it another shot, everyone. It was a cultivator from the Shenhua SectMin Xing, a striking figure with a commanding presence. Im Min Xing of the Shenhua Sect. Youve all seen it: if we want answers about this place, weve got to open that gate. Weve tried before, but our strength alone wasnt enough. We need to work togetherpool our power and see if we can crack it! Han nodded slightly. Made sense. They were stuckbrute force was their only play. This wasnt some trial ground like the Ascension Hall, designed for outsiders. The cavern screamed Tianming Secta relic of their inner workings, not meant for easy access. But with the sect long gone, raw power might just do the trick. Brother Mins right, Fang Cheng from the Tianlong Gate chimed in. We need to team up. A Dong family member echoed the sentiment. With the three strongest factions on board, no one objected. Who wouldnt want in after making it this far? Han kept quiet, no interest in stealing the spotlight. The group gathered before the towering bronze gate, its grandeur undeniable. Under Min Xings direction, they launched a unified assault. Most here were Visceral Realm cultivatorstough enough to survive the journey. Boom! The combined force slammed into the gate, unleashing a sonic blast that left ears ringing. The impact reverberated back, a textbook case of Newtons third law: every action has an equal reaction. The gate stood firm. Disappointment flickered, but no one gave up. They hit it again. This time, something shifted. The twelve lifeless figures in the corner stirred. Chapter 256: The Realm of Destiny’s Echoes The twelve corpse-like figures suddenly stirred, faint tendrils of an inexplicable aura seeping from them. The once-empty expanse grew heavy, oppressive, as if the air itself thickened with unseen weight. One by one, their closed eyes snapped opencold, emotionless, devoid of any spark. Their gazes swept over the gathered crowd, pressing down like an invisible force. Hans mind raced. This felt familiar. It reminded him of the two gatekeepers in the Ascension Halla man and a woman, eerily similar to these twelve. Were they puppets too? Intruders, a voice cut through the silence, have you come for the Legacy Mandate? Among the twelve, a young-looking figure stepped forward. A scar ran across his forehead, resembling a third eyean uncanny mark that drew attention. He spoke with an air of detachment. The crowd exchanged uncertain glances. Legacy Mandate? What did that even mean? Someone mustered the courage to ask, Senior, whats this Legacy Mandate you speak of? The Third Eye youth replied coolly, It is the will passed down by the Tianming Sect. That clicked for some. A legacy, perhapsa remnant of the Tianming Sect left behind in this place? Min Xing, ever bold, stepped up. Were here for exactly that. How do we claim this Legacy Mandate of the Tianming Sect? The youths gaze swept over them. To enter the Ding Six Beast Arena, the Realm of Destiny, you must bear a Stone of Revelationor defeat us, the beast guardians. Stone of Revelation? The term hung in the air, unfamiliar. Questions erupted immediately. The Beast Arena holds scattered Stones of Revelation, the youth explained. They also form within the bodies of Bone Refining beasts. Hans thoughts snapped to the moon-white stones he and Bai Ruoyue had pried from the skulls of those Bone Refining beasts. Could it be? Is this the stone you mean?! someone shouted, holding up a similar rock. Jin Shui had found one outside the misty zonesproof that luck could favor even the weaker ones. The Third Eye youth gave a curt nod, confirming it. A ripple of excitement spread through the group. Several clutched their own Stones of Revelation, faces lighting up. Senior, Ive got a Stone of Revelation! How do I enter the Realm of Destiny? one called out. Ive got one too! another chimed in. The clamor grew. Six of the puppets moved forward, positioning themselves at the bronze gate. Their hands pressed against it, glowing faintly. With an eerie silenceno creak, no groanthe massive gate began to slide open, revealing a void of utter darkness beyond. From outside, nothing could be seen. Those with Stones of Revelation may enter the Realm of Destiny directly, the youth declared. A few cheered and surged forward, only to be stopped short. Fang Cheng from the Tianlong Gate stepped in their path. Senior, Fang Cheng asked the Third Eye youth, does one stone grant entry for just one person? A slight nod. And if I trade for someone elses stone, can I use that to get in too? Another nod. Fang Cheng turned to the crowd, raising his voice. Everyone, Im Fang Cheng, an inner disciple of the Haizhou Tianlong Gate. My group of four is short two Stones of Revelation. Im willing to trade treasures for themany takers? The stones were hard-woneither through strength or dumb luck. Fang Chengs crew clearly lacked the muscle to dominate the caverns, and their luck hadnt been stellar either, netting them only two stones. This content has been misappropriated from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere. The alternativefighting these beast guardianswasnt even on the table. The twelve exuded a crushing presence. When theyd first awakened, their mere stares had felt like mountains pressing down on everyone. The Bone Refining beasts roaming the outer caverns were tough, but these guardians? Theyd be leagues stronger. Why guard anything otherwise? Challenging them seemed less appealing than scouring the caverns for more stones. Min Xing from the Shenhua Sect and Dong Weiyu, the Dong familys leader here, echoed Fang Chengs plea. Each faction had a stone or two, but they all wanted their entire groups inside the Realm of Destiny. The weight of these three major powers made some hesitate. No one wanted to part with their stones, yet they feared crossing these juggernauts. Plus, their own affiliationsmost hailing from county-level dominant factions or deeply tied to themmeant personal gain wasnt the only stake. The Legacy Mandate tied into the fates of their backers. They werent free to decide alone. While the others wavered, Han and Bai Ruoyue strode toward the gate, stones in hand. Xiao Zhi from the Tianlong Gate called out, Han, Bai Ruoyuegot any spare Stones of Revelation? Han glanced at him. Sure do. Xiao Zhis face brightened, but before he could speak, Han continued, Oh, thousandstens of thousands, even. Want some? Xiao Zhis expression darkened. Two or three extra stones? Maybe believable. Thousands? Han was obviously screwing with him. Just before stepping through the gate, Han paused and asked the Third Eye youth, Senior, was this place built as a legacy site by the Tianming Sect? The youth met his eyes. When Tianming fell, all was reduced to the Legacy Mandate, preserved to be passed on. So it wasnt originally a legacy siteonly after the Tianming Sects collapse did it become one. Hans curiosity piqued. This guy knew the sect was gone? The Ascension Hall gatekeepers had been clueless, prattling about elders and spirits, even telling Han to wait for sect disciples to escort him to the Hall of Ten Thousand Paths. Wait for whatghosts? This Third Eye youth seemed sharpermore awarethan those two. Lost in thought, Han and Bai Ruoyue crossed the threshold. Darkness swallowed them whole, their figures vanishing. Panic flickered through the crowd. What if it was first-come, first-served? If they lagged, would the Legacy Mandate slip away? The three major factions didnt waitstronger disciples grabbed stones and rushed in, while the rest kept haggling with the holdouts. Inside, the darkness snuffed out all senses. Han stayed calm, pressing forward. Then, a faint heat pulsed from the Seed of Transformation in his body. A sensation of weightlessness followed, and light flooded in. When his vision cleared, Han froze. He stood in a room, alone except for an elderly figureanother puppet, motionless like the twelve outside before theyd awakened. Worse, Bai Ruoyue was gone. A twinge of worry hit him. Hope shes okay. Greetings, Lord, a voice rasped. The old puppet stirred, speaking. Lord? Me? Han blinked. What if Master wasnt wrongam I some reincarnated big shot? Who are you? Han asked. Ding Six Beast Arena, Guardian of the Realm of Destiny. Human-Spirit Grade Puppet, Ding Liuling. So, a puppetbut not like any Han knew. Why call me Lord? All Tianming Sect puppets must address the Tianming Immortal Seed as such. Hans brain stalled. Immortal Seed? Me? Wheres the warrior who came with me? Shes seeking the Legacy Mandate, Ding Liuling replied. Did you bring me here? A nod. Can you bring her here too? No. Can I contact her? Not before inheriting the Legacy Mandate. Han stared at Ding Liuling, the exchange growing stranger by the second. This puppet was aliveor damn close to it. Do you know whats happened to the Tianming Sect? The Ding Six Beast Arenas legacy function activated, the beast grounds decayed Tianming Sect must have fallen long ago. Then why peg me as an Immortal Seed? If its been that long, shouldnt they all be dead? Your power, Ding Liuling said. My memory identifies it as something only a Tianming Immortal Seed would possess. Han frowned, piecing it together. He meant the Seed of Transformationthe top reward from the Ascension Hall. Back when the sect thrived, an outsider earning that mightve been inducted as an Immortal Seed, groomed for greatness. But with Tianming gone, Han hadnt joined anything. Yet Ding Liuling still recognized him as one. That same surreal vibe from facing Black-and-White Brother and Blind Sister crept back. Are you a puppet or a living being? Im a Human-Spirit Grade puppetimbued with specific memories by my creator, tasked with specific duties. I can converse within limits, but Im not alive. So the Tianming Sect had even higher-grade puppetsliving ones, maybe? Even this Human-Spirit version was uncanny. It looked human, talked human. Han nodded, getting it. In his past lifes terms, Ding Liuling was like a humanoid programa Taoist puppet A.I. No wonder the sects collapse didnt stop them. As long as their bodies held and energy flowed, theyd last. Dead things outlived the living, especially in a dormant state with minimal drain. Why bring me here? Tianming fell. Per my creators command, I must pass down the Legacy Mandate of the Ding Six Beast Arena. Beast grounds? You mean those wild beasts outside? A nod. Wild beasts are born chaotic, mindless. The Ding Six Beast Arena was built to change that. The Tianming Sect sought to awaken their intellect, then meld the strengths of many beasts into oneintelligence like a demon, a body like a dragon or phoenix. Thats a beast. But before it succeeded, Tianming crumbled. Han went quiet, at a loss for words. Melding beast traits into one? Hed seen itthose patchwork monsters out there. Awakening beast minds, crafting lifelike puppets, maybe even living ones Biological experiments and artificial life? What was the Tianming Sect? Chapter 257: Bearing the Mandate of Heaven Forever! Once, Han saw the Tianming Sect as the pinnacle of historya supreme ruler whose commands none dared defy. But this trip to the Ding Six Beast Arena threw him for a loop. The sects reach stretched far beyond what hed imagined. No wonder theyd dominated the worldnot just through raw power, but by dabbling in what could only be called research. Han studied Ding Liuling, the puppet before him. After figuring out its mechanics, his unexpected presence here started to make sense. You want to hand me the Legacy Mandate of this place? Han asked. Precisely, Ding Liuling replied with a nod. If no better option arises, the first to arrive in the Realm of Destiny would claim it. But none are more suited to inherit the Legacy Mandate than a Tianming Immortal Seed. Hans emotions churneda mix of disbelief and elation. Hed come here cautious, expecting to scrape by with whatever scraps he could find, maybe clawing his way through fierce competition. Never in his wildest dreams did he think hed hit the jackpot right off the bat. Hed braced for a brutal struggledragon versus tiger, blood and sweat for every reward. Instead, hed strolled straight to the finish line. Ding Liulings logic was clear enough. To this seemingly clever yet rigidly programmed puppet, time and circumstance didnt matter. Han hadnt joined the Tianming Sect, but the Seed of Transformation in his body screamed Immortal Seed. In its mechanical mind, that made him the rightful heir. Its purpose began and ended with the Beast Arena; whatever happened at the sects main gates was beyond its scope. It wasnt so different from the Ascension Halls gatekeepersthough this puppet was leagues above those mute, sleep-and-slay drones. For the countless explorers scouring the caverns, Ding Liulings choice would reek of favoritism. Han agreedit was blatant cheating. Shameless, even. And he loved every second of it. He could already picture the othersbattling through the bronze gates realm, scouring every corner, enduring trialsall for a prize hed snatched without breaking a sweat. The thought sent a sly thrill through him. When they finally arrived, only to find the grand prize gone? Theyd probably choke on their own rage. So, what exactly is the Legacy Mandate of the Ding Six Beast Arena? Han asked. Since its founding, Ding Liuling began, its tone flat and unchangingclassic puppetit encompasses all the experience and Taoist techniques of beast creation, along with a small stockpile of related materials. Its lifeless eyes didnt so much as flicker. And the crowning achievement of the Ding Six Beast Arena in the beastcrafting arts, as it stood before the Tianming Sects fall. When Tianming collapsed, the Mandate endured. The orthodoxy lives on, its spirit eternal! Ding Liuling capped it off with what sounded like a slogan. Han got it now. The Tianming Sects sun had set, but its legacy scattered like stars across the land. Though its orthodoxy was dead, it persisted in another formburied in places like this, waiting for someone to dig it up and bring it back into the light. These remnants werent your typical cultivation inheritances, but their value was undeniable. They offered a glimpse into the ancient sects secrets. According to Lu Qingmo, Tianming-related relics had popped up plenty of times in history. Some factions mightve even risen from those ashes. Take this beastcrafting legacymaster it, and any groups power would soar. In that sense, had the Tianming Sect truly vanished? Why was the Ding Six Beast Arena preserved? Han asked. I dont know, Ding Liuling replied. Apparently, that was beyond its memory banks. Han had a theory, though. Maybe its distance from the sects main stronghold spared it from the destruction that claimed the rest. Are there many beast arenas like this? How does this one rank? The Ding series are all beastcrafting sites, Ding Liuling said stiffly. I cant specify their number. The Ding Six Beast Arena can reliably produce Bone Refining beasts. Manifestation Realm beasts are possible but raresuccess is unlikely. The lower the number, the higher the rank. Han nodded. Stable Bone Refining beasts were already impressive. Ding Six didnt sound top-tierfive others outranked it at least. If Ding marked beast arenas, what about Jia or Yi series? What were they cooking up? How do I claim the Legacy Mandate? Han asked, not about to turn it down. Sure, his Immortal Seed status was a fluke, but if Ding Liuling bought it, that was good enough for him. Hed come for Tianming relicswhy play coy now? Help support creative writers by finding and reading their stories on the original site. The knowledge and techniques of beast creation are stored in my puppet core, Ding Liuling said, voice unwavering. Ill give it to you. The Arenas greatest achievement is here. It pointed to a brocade pouch at its waist. A spirit beast bag? Han guessed. More precisely, a beast bag crafted by the Tianming Sect. Han paused, then asked, What happens to you without your core? My mission will be complete. In other words, itd die. When you leave with the Legacy Mandate, the Ding Six Beast Arena will collapse, Ding Liuling added. Since Tianmings fall, everything here has existed solely for this moment. Han blinked, surprised. I cant take you puppets with me? Puppets cant leave the Arena. When the legacy function activated, we became bound to this placepreserved for as long as possible. The Arena sustains our bodies and spirits. Without it, wed have rotted away long ago. So thats how theyd lasted. Han hadnt considered that angle. Please, Lord, carry the Mandate forwardbear the will of Tianming forever, Ding Liuling said. Han nodded silently but didnt take the legacy just yet. Whats between the bronze gate and this room? Old chambers for crafting beasts, roamed by some of their kind. While I slumbered, natural treasures mightve spawned. Can I see outside from here? Ding Liuling brushed a wall, and another lit up with flickering imagesdozens of them. A sprawling network of chambers unfolded, explorers weaving through them. Some hunted treasures; others fled beasts. Han watched, speechless. A bio-lab with security cams? Made sense. Some feeds were dead, though. Time wore down parts of the Arena, Ding Liuling explained. Some Taoist mechanisms failed. Fair enoughneglect broke the cameras. Han spotted Bai Ruoyue, safe and moving through the rooms, and relaxed. How much do you know about the Tianming Sect? Han asked, his curiosity about the ancient titan burning. My memories tie only to the Ding Six Beast Arena. My creator didnt load me with broader sect knowledge. Then tell me about this place back in the day. The Ding Six Beast Arena was overseen by Venerable Dinglin and Martial Venerable Yuandao, with True Master Boling handling operations Ding Liuling answered every question it could. Han suspected its cooperation stemmed from his Immortal Seed status. Through its tales, he pieced together the Arenas pastpowerful even at rank six, boasting Yin God True Blood experts and a slew of skilled underlings. It rivaled a state-level clan like the Dong family. A mere lab of the Tianming Sect matched a regional powerhouse. Whats a Stone of Revelation? When the first beasts were created, Dust of Spirituality was implanted in their brains. At Bone Refining, it grows into a Stone of Revelation, awakening their intellect. Later generations didnt need implantsby Bone Refining, the stone formed naturally. So the sect had birthed a new beast lineage, just not the ultimate one theyd aimed for. Feeding beasts Stones of Revelation boosts their smarts too, Ding Liuling added. No wonder the Bone Refining beasts here outwitted regular ones. Theyre also used in puppet crafting for sharper responses. Han nodded. The beast project might tie into other Tianming experiments. Theres a Moonview Mountain nearby, he said. A weird pool at its peakalso Tianmings work? Yes, Ding Liuling confirmed. It aided beast creation. Lunar energy helps awaken intellect. But thats a side effect. Its true purpose ties to the Tianming Moon Plan. Whats that? To craft a moon greater than the eternal one in the heavens, controlled by the sectthe Tianming Moon. Hans jaw dropped. Details? Did it work? I dont know specifics, control methods, or its success. The Moon Mountain near Ding Six is a tiny cog in that plan. A grander moon? What was the Tianming Sect up toand why? Han thought of the moon fused into his palm. Not the Tianming Moon, surelybut what role did it play? Was the plan finished, or did it die with the sect? His curiosity deepened. Elsewhere, explorers flooded the Realm of Destiny, raiding chambers. Some found treasureseven Bone Refining spirit plants, thriving despite the sealed underground. Senior Brother Fang, Li Hai from the Tianlong Gate said, buzzing with excitement, if we snag the beastcrafting methods, its a huge win! Maybe even a shot at true disciple status! Fang Chengs eyes gleamed. Theyd been at it a while, piecing together scraps of records. Beastssmarter, stronger than regular onescould be a game-changer for their sect. We have to get this legacy, Fang Cheng said fiercely. Anyone who tries to take it dieseven Shenhua Sect disciples. No mercy. Securing it meant glory for the Tianlong Gate. Killing rivals? The sect would handle the fallouttheyd be rewarded, not punished. They smashed into another chamber, looting what they could. Time had weakened everythingold Taoist tricks had faded. Meanwhile, Bai Ruoyue raced through, searching for Han. The realm buzzed with activitysome struck gold, others lost their lives. Han saw most of it on the screens. Sitting back like this, watching them scramble? Pure bliss. They dreamed of the legacy, unaware hed already pocketed it. Their struggles were for nothing. How long will the Arena hold after I take the legacy? Han asked. It collapses the moment you leave. Plenty of time to maneuver, then. With no more questions, Ding Liuling handed over the beast bag. Hans mental probe revealed an egg in a vat of reddish water, plus some materialsthe Arenas peak achievement. Not a mature beastthose wouldnt survive the agesbut an egg, preserved by Tianmings uncanny arts. Its life force was faint, nearly gone, as Ding Liuling had warned. Time was a gamble; a dead egg was still useful for study alongside the legacy. Ding Liulings chest split openno blood, just metal beneath lifelike skin. A cube the size of a Rubiks floated out. Please inherit the Ding Six Beast Arenas Legacy Mandate. Han took it, nodding. Thank you. He stashed it in his spatial ring. The puppets chest sealed. Bear the Mandate of Heaven forever! it declared, then shut its eyes, lifeless. Mission complete. Han laid it down gently, draping a white cloth over it. These puppets couldnt leavealive or dead. Their bodies, fragile despite appearances, relied on the Arena. Outside, theyd crumble. Best to let them rest here, vanishing with the place. At the screens, Hans gaze settled on a blood-red flower in blooma rare treasure born naturally over the eons. He left a message in the room, then used Ding Liulings method to exit, heading for Bai Ruoyue. Soon after, the screens showed her crossing paths with a group. Chapter 258: Heavenly Martial Arts! Slaying the Dragon! Bai Ruoyue stepped out of a chamber, a gleam of joy lighting her face, the earlier urgency fading from her expression. But shed barely gone a few steps when two figures emerged from around a corner. She halted. Fang Cheng and Li Hai from the Tianlong Gateone at the peak of the Visceral Realm, the other a solid mid-tier. Bai Ruoyue? Fang Cheng blinked, caught off guard. He glanced around, noting Hans absence. I thought you came in with Han. Whyre you alone now? Bai Ruoyues voice was ice. Whats it to you? Li Hai chuckled, a mocking edge to it. What, did you two stumble on some treasure and fall out over splitting it? Trash talk from a filthy mouth, she shot back. Fang Chengs eyes narrowed. He didnt buy the idea of Han and Bai Ruoyue turning on each other. This place was a death trapbeasts everywhere, strong ones too. Splitting up for no reason just invited trouble. Which meant What did you find? Wheres Han? he pressed. No comment, Bai Ruoyue replied, moving to slip past them. Fang Cheng stepped into her path. Youd better cooperate, he said coolly. Dont think being Bone Refining makes you untouchable. He knew her strength and wasnt fazed. Why should we answer to you? Bai Ruoyues gaze turned frosty. Tianlong Gate disciples sticking their noses where they dont belong, huh? Watch your tone! Li Hai snapped. This isnt Black Cloud Town, Bai Ruoyue. No ones here to back you up. Answer Senior Brother Fang, or else His eyes glinted with malice. Bai Ruoyue nodded, as if mulling it over. Youre rightthis isnt Black Cloud Town. Took me a second to realize that Whoosh! A sword flashed through the air. Bai Ruoyue struck first, slashing at them both. Since you know no ones here to protect you either, how dare you yap like dogs in my face? Boom! Fang Cheng and Li Hai reacted in unison, deflecting her strike. True qi erupted, scattering debris across the floor. Shed held back in Black Cloud Town, but herelawless, untamedshe wouldnt. Did they really think her blade was dull? Courting death! Fang Chengs face hardened. A spear materialized in his grip, thrusting straight at her. The wide space favored his weapons reach. Clang! Metal screamed as their clash forced Fang Cheng back several steps. Tianlong Gates inner disciplesnothing special, Bai Ruoyue taunted, her smile sharp. She didnt hold back, pouring everything into her assault. Fang Cheng wasnt weakoutclassed by her, sure, but capable of tangling with Bone Refining foes. Among peers, he outshone Li Hai by a mile. No wonder he led this crew. Quite the Taibai prodigy! Fang Cheng growled, his expression darkening. He and Li Hai charged together, a united front against her. Sword qi flared, spear shadows danced, winds howled, and the air crackled with force. If this is all Tianlong Gates got, your declines inevitable, Bai Ruoyue sneered. Arrogant! Fang Cheng roared. Attack us, Bai Ruoyue? Youll pay for this today! He leaped back, spear slashing the air like a dragons tail. Stolen content alert: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences. An ominous aura descendedmajestic, oppressive, suffocating. A faint dragons roar echoed, and twin lights sparked behind Fang Chengdragon eyes. A blue dragon silhouette coiled around him, then merged into his body. His presence surged, skyrocketing. The spear in his hands shimmered with a dragons phantom, its tip morphing into a snarling dragon headregal, ferocious, hungry for blood. A dense, bone-chilling pressure flooded the space. The heavens shifted, the realms energy funneling into the dragons form. Bai Ruoyue felt a shiver down her spinedanger loomed. Heavenly Dragon Transformation! The dragons growl sharpened, piercing the air. The spear, wreathed in ruinous power, lunged at herits dragon roaring, towering over all, a sovereign force tearing through the world. Fang Chengs strength flipped from outmatched to overwhelming. Tianlong Gates signature Heavenly Martial Art: Heavenly Dragon Transformation! Bai Ruoyues face tightened. This was her first brush with a Heavenly Martial Artits might defied reason. A technique that let you punch above your weight, its mere execution set it apart from ordinary skills. In Fang Chengs hands, a Visceral Realm peak cultivator, it was jaw-dropping. Boom! The dragon devoured everything in its path, the spear striking without hesitation. The shockwave shoved Li Hai back, a mid-tier Visceral cultivator awestruck. His eyes burned with longingenvy for Fang Chengs mastery. Beyond raw skill, this technique was why they followed him, why they feared nothing despite Bai Ruoyues Bone Refining power. Under Heavenly Dragon Transformation, even a genius like her should fall. Li Hai couldnt learn itreserved for true disciples, Fang Cheng was an exception. Thats why he led this Tianlong crew to Black Cloud Town. The dragons rampage could shred early Bone Refining foesVisceral cultivators couldnt even get close. Fang Cheng smirked, certain Bai Ruoyue was done for. No rookie Bone Refiner could survive this. But thena piercing screech. Fang Chengs scalp prickled as he dodged, too late. Pain seared his arman arrow lodged in his flesh. He yelped, stumbling back. The dragon faded, dust settled, and the chaos stilled. Bai Ruoyue emerged unscathed. Above her, a radiant wheel hovered, casting ten beams of celestial lighta shield that had blunted the dragons fury. Han appeared behind her, one hand steadying her back, the other lowering a bow. Senior Sister, hope Im not late. The bow vanished as he stepped forward, aligning with her. The glowing wheel dimmed and disappeared. Bai Ruoyue glanced at him, joy flickering beneath her cool facade. Youre early. A few more minutes, and Id have handled them solo. Han grinned. Everything about Senior Sister was softexcept that stubborn mouth of hers. His smile vanished as he faced Fang Cheng and Li Hai. You two thought about how youre gonna die? Spill it. Not that Ill grant your wishes. Fang Cheng yanked the arrow free, glaring at Han. Nice defensive spell. Impressive soul cultivation. Heavenly Dragon Transformations solid, Han replied. Shame the users a letdown. Hed felt its powerundeniable. In Bai Ruoyues hands, itd crush early Bone Refining foes, boosting her a tier to slay across two realms. Han lacked such martial arts. If he learned it, even fresh in the Visceral Realm, he could challenge Bone Refiners. But Fang Cheng? Even juiced up, he couldnt handle Han and Bai Ruoyue togetherespecially with Hans soul techniques. Mid-tier Day Roaming, prodigy-level at that. His soul couldnt fully flex without leaving his body, but stopping Fang Cheng? Childs play. Han, a sneak attack?! Li Hai fumed. Han ignored him. With a burst of force, he vanished from Bai Ruoyues side, reappearing before Li Hai. Taibai gleamed, its edge bone-chilling. The speed stunned Li Hai. He blocked the strike but got flung back, crashing hard. A fair fightwhat then? Han taunted, slashing again, cold light reflecting in his icy stare. Meanwhile, Bai Ruoyue lunged at Fang Cheng, her ferocity unleashed. Slash! Li Hai took a hitblood sprayed, flesh tore, bone peeked through. Youre barely Visceral! A nobody from Taibai Martial Hallhow are you this strong?! he bellowed, incredulous. Im a Tianlong inner disciple! How do you match me?! Tianlong disciple? Hans face was stone. Utterly useless. I let you off last time at the hall. No gratitudejust more trouble. I warned you: cross me again, and youd leave something behind. That something was their lives. A whistle cut the air behind him. Hans senses caught Fang Cheng bolting. Senior Brother Fang, save me! Li Hai shrieked. With Fang Cheng fleeing, how could he face Han and Bai Ruoyue alone? Thought Id give you a few more minutes to live. Guess you didnt value it, Han said, pressing Li Hai. A massive hand of righteous qi materialized, slamming toward Fang Cheng. Bai Ruoyue didnt sit idleher sword qi swept after him. Han focused on Li Hai, exploiting his panic to finish him. His soul cultivation outstripped them, but martial prowess needed honing too. With the upper hand, hed show off his combat chops. A Tianlong inner disciplemid-tier Visceral, top-tier foundation, wielding at least Marrow Cleansing-grade skills. A worthy sparring partner. Weapons clashed, fists met flesh, blood surged, true qi roared like a river, kicking up waves of force. When Bai Ruoyue returned, Hans swordplay flowed relentlessstrike after strike, no room to breathe. Spare me! Im Tianlong Li Hais plea cut off as Han beheaded him. Over by Bai Ruoyue, Fang Chengs mangled form dragged behind herhalf-crushed. Under her Binding Hand Seal, hed crumpled. Shed just tidied up with a couple extra stabs. Tianlong Gate, she said. Thats it? Chapter 259: Heaven and Earth in Harmony ed, key memorieslike Tianlong Gate techniques and insider infowere sealed behind brutal restrictions. Even someone like Lu Qingmo couldnt crack them. A sects foundational secrets were guarded with paranoia-level care. Li Hais accessible memories, though, lit a cold fire in Hans eyes. After their last clash at the Taibai Martial Hall, that jerk had badmouthed Lu Qingmo behind her back, calling her a useless cripple. Whoosh! A gust of wind scattered Li Hais soul to nothingno Tianlong expert could call it back now. Fang Chengs soul was trickierlayered with even tighter seals. Han pushed hard to pierce the outer barrier, catching a fleeting glimpse before the restrictions triggered, obliterating the soul entirely. Li Hais protections were childs play by comparison. That brief peek, though, weighed on Hans mind. Fang Chengs got serious backing in Tianlong Gate. How serious? Bai Ruoyue asked. Among the Tianlong crew in Black Cloud Town, theres a Manifestation Realm cultivator named Fang Zhenxinghis third uncle, Han said. His fathers a True Blood Realm elder in the sect. His mothers a Manifestation cultivator too. True Blood Realm, Bai Ruoyue echoed, her tone sobering. That was beyond even her fathers level. Bai Tian had been in seclusion for nearly two months, still silent. And heres the kicker, Han continued, his voice shifting. His grandfathers the peak master of Gulong Peak in Tianlong Gatea Yellow Spring Realm powerhouse. What?! Bai Ruoyue froze. So weve royally pissed off a Yellow Spring Realm master? Pretty much, Han admitted, then shook his head. But its not as bad as it sounds. Fang Cheng barely saw his grandfather and wasnt favored. The Gulong Peak Master has plenty of kidsFang Chengs mom isnt one of the prized ones. The old man rarely shows his face, so hes not likely to come to Black Cloud Town over this. Bai Ruoyue exhaled in relief, only to tense again. Even so, his parents arent pushovers. No worries, Han said breezily. We deeply regret Fang Chengs death at Tianlong Gates hands. The culprits a mysterystrong, elusive. What a shame, right? After all, we never even crossed paths with him down here. If you come across this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it. Bai Ruoyue blinked, then nodded. Youre right, Little Brother. Weve been together the whole timedidnt see a soul. Fang Cheng dead? Nothing to do with us. Claim we did it? Thats slanderpure slander! The Heavenly Dragon Transformation was a reward for some big contribution Fang Cheng made, pushed through by his elders, Han explained. Combat martial arts werent like secret artsthose were strictly for true disciples. But combat skills? Rack up enough merit, and exceptions could be made. Shame we only got the name, not the method, he added. A technique like that was exactly what he needed, but extracting it from Fang Chengs soul was a pipe dreameven for a Yellow Spring Realm master. Good thing your soul cultivations top-notch, Little Brother, Bai Ruoyue said gravely, recalling the Transformations might. That moves unrealits edge is brutal to counter. Its strong, no doubt, Han agreed. But it guzzles true qi and taxes the body hard. Fang Chengs Visceral Realm couldnt handle a second round. You need Bone Refiningsublimated qi and a transformed physiqueto wield it without breaking. His own moves like the Righteous Hand Seal and Earthfire Seal werent cheap either, but his soul reserves were monstrously deep. Plus, those techniques had quirksEarthfire tapped real flames, and the Hand Seal leaned on his righteous qi, giving him an edge. No wonder he bolted, Bai Ruoyue mused. He was running on fumes. Dead men dont need our attention, Han said, lifting their spatial gear with a grin. We hit the jackpot this time. Fang Chengs ring has something good. What? Bai Ruoyue leaned in. A True Blood-grade martial art! Han pulled out a book, its cover emblazoned with four bold words: Heaven and Earth in Harmony. Bai Ruoyues eyes widened. Shed never touched anything this high-level. Its a spear technique Fang Cheng was studying. His True Blood Realm dad was training him personally, but since he came to Black Cloud Town, the old man gave him the manual to keep refining his spearwork. Han marveled inwardlyFang Cheng had a hell of a father. Most Tianlong disciples, even with enough merit for a True Blood art, wouldnt get to carry the manual around. But an elders son? Rules bent quietly. Spear stuff, huh? Too bad its not swordplay, Bai Ruoyue said, deflating. Swords were her thingthis was useless to her. Dont sweat it, Han chuckled. We cant learn it anyway, spear or not. Use it, and were screaming to the world we killed Fang Cheng. Theyd have to sell it off somewhere. A True Blood-grade arts value was no jokeeasily tradable for another of its rank, tailored to their styles. In a roundabout way, theyd scored a perfect fit. Bai Ruoyue caught on, her face lighting up. Forget the rest of the lootthis alone was a windfall. Even my dad doesnt have anything this good, she said. Little Brother, youre richer than him now. My treasures are yours too, Han replied, unfazed by sharing with her. Shell be mineheart and alleventually anyway. Chapter 260: The Blood Blossom and the Shifting Ages Since entering the caverns, Han and Bai Ruoyue had ditched several spatial pouchesitems considered rare outside. Now, Han casually tossed aside an even rarer spatial ring. Thats just how they rolledbold and unbothered. Tianlong Gate disciples sure have deeper pockets than those from the Golden Dragon Martial Hall, Han remarked. After tidying up any loose ends, he transferred the haul into his own spatial ring. Li Hais pouch was decent but unremarkable. Beyond a handful of Tianlong Gates exclusive cultivation pills, nothing caught Hans eye. Most of it would probably end up pawned off at the Black-and-White Tower. Fang Chengs ring, though? A goldmine. Alongside the Heaven and Earth in Harmony spear manual, it held a trove of treasures: cultivation pills spanning Flesh Refining to Bone Refiningleftovers from his early days and prepped by his parents for his next breakthrough. There were several martial weapons too, plus high-quality materials Han figured could forge Origin-grade gear. He even found rare items to speed up true qis conversion to true essence and bolster itgifts from Fang Chengs folks for his Bone Refining ascent. Stuff like that didnt show up at the countys Ten Thousand Stars Chamber. The rest of the loot was plentiful and valuable too. Best of all, nearly everything suited Han and Bai Ruoyue at their current levelperfect synergy. From Fang Chengs memories, Han learned hed been ready to break into Bone Refining but held off for this Black Cloud Town trip. A big score here, paired with his connections, couldve netted him major rewards back at Tianlong Gatemaybe even a shot at true disciple status. Too bad for him, it all went up in smoke. Han toyed with a token in his hand, inspecting it closely. Cast from iron, one side bore a twelve-petaled flower, the other a single word: Incense. Whats that? Another treasure? Bai Ruoyue asked. Han shook his head. No clue. Fang Chengs soul didnt spill anything about it, and its not a Tianlong Gate token. Looks ordinaryno special vibebut he kept it stashed carefully. Might as well hang onto it and see, she suggested. As they chatted, they reached their destination: a sealed chamber, its door shut tight. Bai Ruoyue slammed her palm against it, aiming to force it open. Bang! Her hand stung red, but the door didnt budge. Wow, thats tough! she exclaimed, surprised. Brute force wont cut it here, Han said, stepping up. He traced his fingers along the door in a specific patternthe key. With a rumble, it swung open. You little sneak! Making me look dumb! Bai Ruoyues cheeks flushed, embarrassed by her earlier reckless swing. You were just too eager, Han teased. Inside, a blood-red flower swayed gently, its allure almost hypnotic. Whats that plant? Bai Ruoyue asked. Ten Thousand Blood Spirit Flower, Han replied. Back when the Beast Arena was active, this room processed dead beastscountless dragged here, from Flesh Refining to Marrow Cleansing tiers. The floor, worn by time, still bore faint red stains. Sealed for who-knows-how-long, this flower finally bloomed. Maybe its not the firstothers couldve sprouted and withered in the dark, unseen. The flowers emergence wasnt a fluke; the Tianming Sect had planned for it. Ding Liulings records noted that beast graveyards like this could spawn various spirit plantsidentifiable once they appeared. Plus, it was a safe zoneno beasts wandered in. A cultivated treasure, courtesy of Tianmings foresight. Bai Ruoyue wrinkled her nose, imagining a whiff of blood despite the centuries. Whats it do? Big stuff, Han said with a grin. Not for now, thoughwell need it when we hit Marrow Cleansing to forge True Blood. It supercharges the process, yielding stronger, faster results. This things the essence of blood spirit energy. Her eyes widened. A True Blood-grade spirit plant? Pretty much. Tianming didnt mess around with their projects. Its why Han zeroed in on this spotnothing else hed seen on the monitors matched its worth. He plucked the flower and stowed it carefully. The Legacy Mandate and this flowerthe Beast Arenas top prizeslanded in his lap without a fight. Lifes lonely at the top, he sighed dramatically. If you spot this story on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation. Huh? Bai Ruoyue tilted her head. Whys grabbing treasure as easy as eating or drinking for me? No challenge at all, Han lamented, feigning distress. Im constantly plagued by how smooth things gomakes me feel inadequate. You get that, Senior Sister? Its tough on the soulno thrill, no fun. Id love a taste of nightmare mode! Just a thought, thoughif it got real, hed rather not. Hey, dont take it seriouslyIm kidding! Bai Ruoyue clenched her fists, itching to pin him down and teach this smug, gloating brat a lesson. She had more than one hard spot to show him! Should we head out, Little Brother? she asked. Cant yet, Han said, shaking his head. If I leave, this place collapses instantlyburying everyone inside. Wed step out, and boom, mass grave. Too obviousitd scream Im up to something. So were stuck? Han flashed a sly smile. Relax, Ive got a plan. Come ontheres more loot I spotted. Lets see if its still up for grabs. At the mention of treasure-hunting, Bai Ruoyue perked up. Cultivation, fighting, and scavenging were her holy trinity. Shed drag Han to the county or Yunlong City, banking on his gut to snag deals. Fifteen minutes later, they ran into a groupthe Dong family from the state capital. Han tensed, wary of another Huang Mingri type from a big clan. Dong Weiyu, their leader, seemed surprised to see them but offered a warm smile. You two must be the Taibai Halls star pupils from Black Cloud Town. Real standoutscream of the crop. Im Dong Weiyu from the state capitals Dong family. Ill be in Black Cloud Town for a bithope we can be friends and chat more down the line. Han returned the grin. Youre pretty impressive yourself, Young Master Dong. Black Cloud Towns happy to have you. Dong Weiyu laughed and stepped aside. Wont hold you up. Catch you later! They parted amicablyno sparks flew. As Han and Bai Ruoyue faded into the distance, a Dong disciple asked, Brother Yu, why so polite with them? Dong Weiyu shook his head. Word from Tianyue City says these Taibai kids arent small fry. Ones rumored to match Bone Refining while still in Visceral, the other hit Visceral in months and caught Xuandu Temples eye. Even if the hypes off, theyre rare talents. No grudge, no stakeswhy stir trouble? You think theyve got the Legacy Mandate? another asked. They all shook their heads. Its barely been a day in the Realm of Destiny. No way someones nabbed it already. The Dong crew moved on, still hunting the beast legacy. Little Brother, he seems decent enough, Bai Ruoyue noted. Worlds biggotta run into a normal guy eventually, Han quipped. Not every pompous jerk could cross his path, right? They zipped around, nabbing treasures Han had memorized from the monitors. They met othersno fightsuntil the Huang family showed up. A few quick moves, and Han added more kills to his tally. Two Visceral Huang fighters? Childs playdone in moments, effortless. Satisfying. Half a day later, someone found Ding Liulings room and the missing legacy. Word spread fast, along with a message: The Mandate is taken. One day from now, the caverns collapse! Panic hit. The disappointed and furiousthose whod missed outfelt the clock ticking. This cavern was deep and strange. If it caved in, burying them, survival odds were slim. Cautious types bolted; others raced to scavenge what time allowed. Han had left that note to nudge everyone out, setting up his clean exitno suspicion. Those who ignored it and got trapped? Not his problem. His safety came first. With the monitors as his guide, he and Bai Ruoyue snagged more loot and took down several Bone Refining beasts. Ding Liuling had tipped him offtheir stones were versatile, so he stocked up. Half a day flew by. They reached the cavern entrance early, joining a crowd waiting to see if the collapse was real. Spotting a few head topside, Han seized the moment, leading Bai Ruoyue up. Boom! As they surfaced, a roar erupted below. The ground quaked, caving in chunk by chunk. Its collapsing! someone yelled. People swarmed up, then bolted away from the sinking earth. Staying near a crumbling cavern was a death wish. From a distance, they watched the ground buckle, explosions ringing outdazzling bursts amid the chaos. Beyond natural collapse, some internal Taoist arrays had detonated too. The pit deepenedone foot, ten, dozensuntil a massive crater yawned, dozens of yards deep and vast across. Soon, groundwater and rain would turn it into a lakea dramatic mark in Wangfeng Countys history. Seas turn to fields, fields to seastimes relentless dance. Senior Brother Fang and Li didnt make it?! a shocked voice cut through. It was Xiao Zhi from Tianlong Gate, disbelief etched on his face. Four had entered; only two stood here. Murmurs rippledTianlong disciples, dead below? Greed, maybe, keeping them too long? Whatever the reason, it was big news. Wheres Junior Brother Jin Shui? Golden Dragon Martial Hall folks stirred, their headcount off too. Huang Fenghuas group? Yuan Lis squad? Most factions had lossestension thickened the air. In the caverns, missing allies couldve been elsewhere. Now, with the collapse, they were likely gone. That giant pit didnt look survivable. Yu Rens face twisted. How could Senior Brother Fang fall here? Bone Refining beasts were the worst down therewith his strength and backing, he couldnt outrun them? With Fang Cheng MIA, howd they explain this to Deacon Fang Zhenxing? Yu Ren and Xiao Zhi traded looks, scanning the Shenhua Sect, Dong family, and Hans duo. Min Xing, Dong Weiyu, Handid you see Senior Brother Fang in the Realm? All shook their heads. Yu Ren zeroed in on Han and Bai Ruoyuerivals with the power to pull it off. Youd better not have touched him, keeping him from escaping, or else Hans brow furrowed. Which eye of yours saw us go after Fang Cheng? Weve been treasure-hunting the whole timemet plenty of folks. Ask around. Any scratches on us? If wed fought him, you think wed be spotless? Use your head! Yu Ren paused. Fang Chengs prowess was no secret. Even with Bai Ruoyues Bone Refining edge, a clean kill was unlikelyboth sides wouldve taken hits. Han and Bai Ruoyue looked unruffledno wounds. Maybe it wasnt them. He snorted, clamming up, his mood stormy. Han shot him a chilly glance. Ill let your rudeness slide this time. No proof, and youre barking at me? Yeah, I did itbite me. Chapter 261: The Art of Awakening Spirits The disappearance of numerous disciples cast a pall over the gathered factions. Frustration simmered, but they were powerless. The caverns had been treacherousyet no one had witnessed those missing being slain by others. Revenge wasnt even an option without a target. Who got the Legacy Mandate? someone finally asked, breaking the tense silence. Eyes darted around, scanning faces with suspicion. Han and Bai Ruoyue joined the game, sizing up the crowd with hawk-like intensity. Who was it? Come on, step up if youve got the guts! The unspoken challenge hung in the air, fueling their irritation. Just then, figures descended from nearby Moonview Mountainelders from various factions, joined by deputy commanders from the Ghost God Division and the Martial Stabilization Division. In Tianyue County, these were heavy hitters. Their presence alone pressed down on most of the crowd. The caverns gone, declared Yuan Yihan, the Ghost God Divisions deputy commander. The Legacy Mandate is with one of you. Whoever has it, use it wiselydont squander it on evil. Exactly, chimed in the Martial Stabilization deputy. If the bearer hands it over to the court, the rewards will be generous. Silence greeted the offer. Everyone here hailed from major factionssurrender a prize like that to the court? For what, a fancy banner and a few coins? Besides, most hadnt even snagged it. The experts gazes swept the group like lightning, hunting for clues, but they came up empty. Han kept his expression neutral, betraying nothing. Yeah, its meso what? Huang family disciples, with me, a Bone Refining elder barked. Other factions followed suit, peeling away from the scene. As they left, Yuan Fang swung by to greet Han. Next time youre in the county capital, Ill host you, he said, then sighed. The Legacy Mandates owner is a mysterythis isnt over. Everyones going to keep digging. No one lets something like that slip away. True enoughthese werent pushovers. If not for the clout of their backings, those Day Roaming and Bone Refining cultivators mightve resorted to force. But with elders watching and tensions high, coercion wasnt an option. Han nodded gravely. Totally. Anything tied to the Tianming Sect is too rare to pass upId kill for it myself. Too bad Im just one guy. Even if I knew who nabbed it, I couldnt get a peek. Such a shame. He let out a theatrical sigh. Man, if only Id gotten it. Right? Bai Ruoyue jumped in. If Little Brother had it, Taibai Martial Hall would be soaring! Senior Sister, Han said, turning sage, finding it is my fortune; missing it is my fate. No point in forcing it. Since someone swiped it under our noses, weve got to chalk it up to bad luck. Maybe the one who got it deserves it moresome things you cant chase. Yuan Fang nodded, impressed by Hans composure. Well said. Whoever took its hiding deeptracking them downs a long shot. He bid them farewell and left with the Yuan clan. Han unfurled his flying carpet, whisking Bai Ruoyue back toward Black Cloud Town. A few onlookers watched, their eyes glinting with curiosity. Suspicion lingeredtwo prodigies like them couldve pulled it off. On the way, Bai Ruoyue clicked her tongue. Little Brother, youre a naturalfortune and fate, all smooth and convincing. Its just the truth, Han replied, deadpan. Snagging the Mandate was my good luck. She dodged that bait, switching gears. This trip was a blast. We nabbed the best loot and took out Fang Cheng and Li Haitalk about settling scores! Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon. Her excitement was palpable. To her, slicing up those two felt more satisfying than the Mandate itself. Hey, watch your words, Han corrected. We only killed beasts down thereno people. Dont go spreading rumors, Senior Sister. She grinned. Oops, my bad. Glancing back, she added, Think anyonell try to ambush us? Nope. Why not? The Mandate, the missing discipleswere prime suspects, and no elders are tagging along. Because of your strength and my carpet, Han explained. This things too fastBone Refiners cant touch us; they dont fly. Only Day Roamers could catch up, but with your Bone Refining power, theyd struggle to take us down quick. Fail to kill us, and theyd piss off Aunt Mo for good. No ones that dumb. Makes sense, Bai Ruoyue agreed. This is Aunt Mos carpet. Whats hers is mine. Shameless. Back at the peach grove, Han recounted the Beast Arena saga to Lu Qingmo. She nodded thoughtfully. The reward you earned at the Ascension Hall ended up paying off in that cavern. Fates funny that way. As for offing those Tianlong disciples She paused, considering. Ive heard of the Gulong Peak Mastercrazy strong, second only to Tianlongs sect leader. But this? Too small to drag him out. Fang Chengs dad, thougha True Blood Realm elderthats trickier. If he shows up in Black Cloud Town over this, itll be a headache. Keep the kill under wrapsdont breathe a word, and dont flash Fang Chengs loot around. Someone sharp might connect the dots. Han noddedhed already clocked that. Aunt Mo, what about selling Heaven and Earth in Harmony at the Black-and-White Tower? Theyd take it, she said, but Yunlong Citys branch isnt high-tier enough to cough up something matching a True Blood-grade art. For that, youd need the state capitals Tower or the countys Ten Thousand Stars Chamberand even then, theyd have to pull strings for resources. Better to wait. Han agreed. The Chamber wasnt as discreet as the Tower, which had a rep for guarding secrets with bloodhistory backed that up. Its why they were the go-to for fencing hot goods. Heres the Ding Six Beast Arena Mandate, plus the plant and egg, Han said, presenting the cube, the beast egg, and the Ten Thousand Blood Spirit Flower. Lu Qingmos tone turned stern. Guard that flower wellitll be a game-changer for forging True Blood. If Bai Tian had something like this during his breakthrough, hed be out by now, with blood far stronger than his peers. Got it, Aunt Mo. The flowers peak effect hit during the True Blood transitionfull-fledged True Blood cultivators could only use it to boost vitality, not their blood itself. Still, as a breakthrough-grade spirit plant, its value was sky-high. The egg Lu Qingmo shook her head. Barely a flicker of life. Hatching it with what youve got? Near impossible. Methods existed, sure, but the bar was steepand in her eyes, Han had zilch to work with. Ill give it a shot, Han said, undeterred. Its the Arenas top beastcrafting feat. If it hatches, it might surprise us. He had an ace up his sleeve: the Creation Spirit Liquid. Its three known effectsrestoring decayed pills, enhancing demon bloodlinessuggested it could revive the egg too. If it could fix a pills potency, why not a beast egg? Maybe even push it beyond its original potential. Go for it, Lu Qingmo said, pulling a few items from her ring. These are odds and ends I picked upgood for healing spirit beasts, packed with vitality. They might help a bit, even with a beast. Han accepted them without fusshed repay her later. Have you checked the Mandate? Partway, he said. Didnt finish on the way back. Hed skimmed itbeastcrafting notes: what beasts were, how to make them, care tips. In past-life terms, it was lab data, experience logs, and brainstorming scraps. Useless to him or Taibai Hall nowthey lacked the muscle to pick up where Ding Six left off. Big sects or clans could swing it; the resource drain was too steep for small fries. If he hatched the egg, though, the nurturing bits might come in handy. Lu Qingmo probed the cube with her mental energyno ownership lock there. After a moment, she sighed. Tianming didnt crack this nutmodern factions pulling it off? Slim chance. Blending the best beast bloodlines and bodies, sparking intelligence, birthing a new raceits borderline creation. Spans multiple Taoist fields too. One person cant wield this alone. Taoist arts split into combat, alchemy, formations, seals, and more. Beastcrafting demanded beast-taming know-how and deep bloodline expertisepro-level stuff for dedicated teams. The Mandate favored factions over lone wolves. But these non-combat Taoist arts in here? she added, intrigued. Pretty clever stuffworth a look. Tianmings depth is unreal. Theres even a near-Yellow Spring-grade technique. Han took it back, diving in. Soon, his eyes lit upnot at the near-Yellow Spring art, but another gem: The Art of Awakening Spirits and Nurturing Divinity. Vital in beastcrafting, it ignited spirituality and intellect in beasts. Per the notes, it worked on rare inanimate objects toopair it with specific treasures, and you could birth a divinity within. Hans mind raced to his natal artifact. Normal ones already had spiritscould this be his chance? Chapter 262: The Ferocious Super Beast Unleashed! A Yin God cultivators natal artifact naturally possessed a spirit, but Hans was a bit of an outlierdifferent from the norm. Still, a spirited artifact was a huge perk, and Han had been itching for it. So, he dove deep into studying The Art of Awakening Spirits and Nurturing Divinity. To use this techniquewhether on a beast or an objectyou needed four specific treasures: Dust of Spirituality, Spirit-Birthing Water, Soul Essence Liquid, and a Stone of Revelation. Gather those, and for a beast, casting the art would spark its intellect and nurture its spirit. For an object, though, there was an extra step. You had to split off a wisp of your soul, infuse it into the item, and only then could the technique and treasures take effect. Beasts, even dim-witted ones like wild brutes, were alivethey had some innate spark. Objects? Dead as dirt. You had to plant that spark yourself. By merging your soul fragment into the item and guiding the treasures power, youd forge a spirit seed. Once it hatched, the object gained its own spirit. Sounded straightforward, but it was riddled with hurdles. First off, the treasures: Dust of Spirituality and Stones of Revelation were Tianming Sect exclusivesthe former a crafted concoction, the latter grown from the dust inside beasts. Spirit-Birthing Water and Soul Essence Liquid cropped up naturally in the world, but they were rare as hens teeth. Then there were the quirks of awakening. Beasts were one thing, but objects? They couldnt be too big. Their quality had to be top-notchno spirit would sprout from a hunk of scrap iron. And the kicker: merging your living soul with a lifeless thing. You had to become one with ityou are it, it is youto coax out that spirit seed. Anyone could guess how dicey that got. Even if you pulled it off, youd still need to nurture the spirit afterward. Han didnt flinch, though. He was pleased with the technique. For most, soul-item fusion was a nightmare, but for him? No sweat. His natal artifact was already an extension of his soulpart of him. Merging was a breeze, and pulling back out was just as easy. The required treasures? Ding Liulings beast bag had them allstandard gear for beastcrafting. His artifact was compact and brimming with potential. This art might as well have had his name on it. Beyond Awakening Spirits, the Mandate packed other techniques: Beast Taming, Beast Enslavement Seal, Beast Speech, Roar of Frenzya whole toolkit for handling critters. Some leaned darker, too. Blood Extraction Curse drained a beasts bloodline. Blood Transfusion Curse grafted it onto another. Soul Split-and-Merge Curse could shatter or fuse souls. Then there was the healer: Sacred Heart Curse, a rapid fix for internal and external woundsbody or soul. Master its basics, and you could reattach limbs; push it deep, and regrowth was on the table. A slew of quirky side arts rounded it outno combat stuff, but they blew Hans mind. High-grade, too. That was Tianmings cloutonly a titan could dream up this stuff. The experimental data was useless to him, but these techniques? Theyd beef up his arsenal big time. Sacred Heart alone was a goldminehis first healing art. And it was the near-Yellow Spring-grade gem Lu Qingmo had flagged. Made sense: beast experiments meant injuries galore. A killer healing art kept test subjects ticking. After sorting through the Mandates techniques, Han couldnt help but blurt, Tianming Sectdamn, theyre the real deal. Just one Ding Six Beast Arena had handed him a treasure trove. Jackpot. You could be reading stolen content. Head to the original site for the genuine story. This Mandatell be a solid ace up your sleeve as you roam the world, Lu Qingmo said earnestly. Study the useful artsespecially Sacred Heart. A near-Yellow Spring technique? Thats rare. Han nodded. If any of these catch your eye, Aunt Mo, feel free to learn them. He was generousunlike core legacies, this wasnt soul-bound. Countless could tap it; her studying wouldnt cramp his style. It was night. After a quick cultivation session, Han jumped into the Mandates arts. First up: Beast Taming. If that egg hatched, hed need it to rein in the beast. The Mandate had a Beast Enslavement Seal too, but that was a brutal shacklehurt the beast bad. Han passed on it; legit taming was the way to go. Arts like Beast Taming or Ghost Control didnt carry strict rankseasy to pick up, though high-tier versions could get wild. He spent the night grindingBeast Taming, Sacred Heart, Awakening Spirits. With his knack, progress was lightning-fast. Come morning, he slipped into a quiet room at the martial hall, pulled out the frail beast egg, and dripped a single bead of Creation Spirit Liquid onto it. Rise and shine, my little beast! The emerald drop sank in, and the egg flared to life. Its near-dead vitality surged back, fast and fierce, radiating an intense aura. The liquid deliveredbig time. Han threw up a mental barrier, shielding the room from prying eyes. Thump! A heartbeat pulsed from within, faint at first, then booming. The egg gleamed, radiating life and wholeness. Han stared, pondering. It was alivenow what? Howd he hatch it? Crack! A split appeared, widening fast. The egg shattered. Han leaned in, anticipation buzzing. The Ding Six Arenas crowning beastwhat would it be? Majestic? Ferocious? Terrifying? Maybe downright eerie? A fuzzy head poked outblack-and-white fur, eyes glinting with smarts. Awoo! it yipped, a high-pitched, babyish roar. The super beast wriggled free, landing on all fours. Black-and-white fur, perky ears, stubby tailpalm-sized and adorable. It locked eyes with Han, who blinked back, stunned. His brain cracked like the egg. That look, those colors, that vibe Whyd it scream dog? Han shut his eyes. Illusion, right? He peeked againstill there, dog-like as ever. The critter scampered over, wagging its tail, tongue lolling, nuzzling his leg with a happy Woo-woo-woo! Han grabbed it by the scruff, lifting it. Its legs paddled the air, fearless, cozying up to himno Beast Taming required. He rubbed his forehead. The more he looked, the more it screamed dogspecifically, a breed from his past life: Husky. Wolves and dogs had distinct gazes; he knew the difference. This was no wolf. The Arenas top creation? he muttered. Did they grab the wrong egg? Are you a dog? Woo-woo! It squirmed, one paw pointing at the eggshell, the other at its mouth. Han got itit wanted to chow down. He paused, impressed. This pup was sharppacked with spirit. Before letting it feast, he cast Beast Taming, binding it as his own. It showed no aggression, but better safe than sorry. The beast didnt resistyipped gleefully, legs flailing. Released, it crunched through the shell, savoring every bite. With each piece, it grew a smidge, fur shinier. By the end, it hit one-and-a-half palms, then bolted back to rub his leg and roll around. I hatched a damn egg-dog. Han scooped it up, inspecting. Oh, a girl pup too. You understand me? Got any tricks? Woo-woo-woo! Good thing you dont bark Woof-woof-woof! What the hell did Ding Six cook up? Han sank into thought. This beast wasnt ordinary. Tiny, sure, but he sensed a raw power coiled in its framedense flesh, sturdy bones. No average bloodline here. Dog or not, it wasnt some mutt. Maybe its looks masked a wilder essence. Hed dig into the Mandate later for clues. Whatever you are, youre hatched and mine now, he said, patting its head. Lets name you. Yap if you like it. Little Black? Silence. Blade Bro? More silence. Smart pupno brainless brute. Knock-knock-knock! A rap at the door. Little Brother, someones here for you, Bai Ruoyue called. Woo-woo-woo! The pup piped up. Han shot it a look. What, you wanna be Little Brother or Someones Here? Chapter 263: Ascending to Manifestation Han stepped out of the quiet room, gripping the pup by the scruff of its neck. Bai Ruoyues eyes sparkled the moment she saw it. Little Brother, whats this? A dog, Han said, handing it over. Play with it for a bit. Oh, rightwhos looking for me? People from the Shenhua Sect and the Dong family. Theyre here to visit Taibai Martial Hall. Third Brothers been hosting them, but they asked to meet you too. Bai Ruoyue took the pup, gleefully ruffling its head. The little beast squirmed, yipping and pawing toward Han, as if begging for a rescue from her enthusiastic clutches. Help me, master! Pretty clever little thing, she chuckled. Yeah, Senior Sister, mind it for meIll be back. No worries, off you go! She didnt even glance at him, totally engrossed in tormenting the pup. The visitors from Shenhua Sect and the Dong family werent here to stir troublethey were downright friendly, chatting with Han like old buddies. Compared to the Tianlong Gate crews attitude, these folks were a breath of fresh air. Whatever their true intentions, they kept it polite, so Han matched their vibe. A good start for future dealings. After seeing them off, Han dug into the beast Mandate, hunting for intel on his new pet. He found itand his brow creased hard. The so-called pinnacle of Ding Six Beast Arena was a mashup of every standout beast bloodline from the Arenas historywild ones, demon strains, all stuffed into this egg. A genetic free-for-all, basically. The egg itself came from the Arenas most successful, mightiest beasta prime vessel for this bloodline chaos. Logic said such a wild mix shouldve floppedeither dead on arrival or some deformed mess, hardly a top achievement. But there was a twist: the Arena team had used a treasure hauled from Tianming Sects main base to balance and fuse the mess into something cohesive. Instead of dying from clashing bloodlines, the egg thrived. The catch? That made its outcome a total wildcardwhat kind of beast, which bloodline, what species? No one knew. Hans drop of Creation Spirit Liquid had tweaked it further, shifting its essence again. Pinning down its race? Good luckno precedent here. Calling it a dog wasnt wrong, though. But Han leaned toward qilin. Yepthe treasure that tied it together was a drop of qilin true blood. Qilins were mythicrarer than dragons or phoenixes these days, more fable than fact. Yet their repute and power were rock-solid, matching or even topping those legends with a unique mystique. Qilin: bringer of fortune. Han hadnt dreamed Tianming had something like that stashed away. True blood wasnt just any sludgeonly the king of orthodoxies could hoard such a prize. One drop had birthed Ding Sixs ultimate creation. Reading that, Hans excitement spiked. This pups roots were unrealqilin blood plus a Spirit Liquid boost? Its future shimmered with potential. Thats a super beast right there! When he tracked it down, the pup was romping with Bai Ruoyueno trace of its earlier panic, now a shameless lapdog, all wags and grins. She tossed stuff; it darted to fetch. Hans face darkened as he yanked it up by the scruff for a serious talk. Youre a qilin, got it? A qilin! No more acting like a mutt! Woo-woo-woo! it whined. Bai Ruoyue snatched it back, cradling and petting it. Qilin? she asked, wide-eyed. For real, Little Brother? Looks like a puppy to me. Its from that beast egg I got, Han explained. The Mandate says its fused with qilin true blood. Whoa, this little guys got a backstory! She held it up, locking eyes. Its gaze sparkled with pure clarity. The story has been illicitly taken; should you find it on Amazon, report the infringement. All day, aside from training, Han studied the pup. It was a hyper bundle of energy, glued to Bai Ruoyueshe loved playing with it. But when Shen Long and the others tried petting it, the pup bristled, wary and standoffish, nothing like its instant bond with her. Only after Han vouched for them did it warm up, mingling with the crew. Still, it clearly favored Bai Ruoyue over everyone but Han. That night, back at the peach grove, it met Lu Qingmo and went full docileno guard up at all. Han was floored. What drove its instincts? Instant trust with Mo and Bai Ruoyue, but caution with Shen Longs gangdespite all being close to him? Pondering, he landed on two possibilities. One: Mo and Bai Ruoyue had shared intimate moments with him. Two: both bore the Wing of the Heart. Either could explain it. Qilin blood? Lu Qingmo stared at the puptongue out, spinning circles, flopping to show its bellyand went quiet. This is a qilin? Han coughed, sheepish. Its a new bloodline mixed with qilin true bloodsome quirks are normal. Thats what the Mandate says. If its really got qilin true blood, its no lightweighttons of potential, she conceded. Nowadays, qilins are a mytheven in the Mountain-Sea Domain, no sign of them. Maybe we humans just cant dig deep enough to know. But that bloodlines promise is undeniable, especially fused with other top-tier demon and beast strains. Its ceilings a mystery. Han sighed. Too bad its a babycant do much for me yet. A pure juvenile qilin wouldve been a game-changer, but this mix, with just a drop of true blood, wasnt flexing much muscle now. Keeping him amused was more its speed. Dont sleep on qilin blood, Lu Qingmo warned. Beasts like that grow fastand if it taps that bloodline, itll surge ahead in no time. She shook her head. Its an auspicious beast. Even if its not a pure qilin, keeping it close could bring good vibesput simply, it boosts your luck. Neat perk Han trailed off. He had other luck tricks already. Too many tools, too many toyslifes tough. Im off to train. Aunt Mo, mind it for me? The pup lunged to follow, but Lu Qingmo pinned it with a mental nudge. Once Han sank into cultivation, she scooped it up, teasing it with a finger, a rare smile slipping out. What woman could resist a newborn, fluffy, adorable pup? Qilin bloodhope you evolve into the real deal someday. An Lang drifted over, eyeing it with curiosity. The pup didnt flinchcool as ever. Mid-training, Han checked his natal artifact. Itd been munching on the Earth God Stone and Celestial Gold for daystough Yin God materials, packed with juice, keeping it quiet. Now, only scraps remained. Tonight, itd finish. Only then could he use Awakening Spirits. At midnight, a tremor rippled through his soul. He peered inward. A small tree zipped out, hovering in his soul realmtransformed. The stubby branch had grown into a full, glossy purple trunk, radiating power. The artifact had ascendedsublimated. Just looking at it screamed authority. As its master, Han felt the shift: its core had evolved. Once a Day Roaming-grade tool, itd gorged on Day Roaming and Manifestation treasures, plus two Yin God materials. Now, it was a full-blown Manifestation artifactwhile he was still Day Roaming. Natal artifacts were specialless drain, more punch. Freshly ascended, it could rival gear seasoned Manifestation cultivators had nursed for years. Joy surged in Han. His first Manifestation artifacta big deal. But the transformation wasnt done. A tiny bud sprouted on the purple trunk, green and yellow, glowing softly. It swelled, blooming under his gazeinto a sword. Yellow hilt, green blade, light dancing across it. Earths weight and skys majesty hit him, shouting its extraordinariness. Han froze. A tool blooming like a tree was odd enoughnow it fruited a sword? His artifact was wild. He sensed total control. With a thought, the sword detached, swelling to normal size, exuding a fearsome aura. Another nudge, and it shrank back onto the trunk. What if it keeps eating materials, sprouting branchesand more gear? One artifact, multiple formspretty handy. No more worries about limited gear options. It was a pure attack weaponManifestation-grade, born from his artifact. Two Manifestation tools in one go. Wielding it tapped the artifacts divine light, boosting its might. Plus, the swords birth tweaked that lightalready amped by the ascent, it now had a perk: extra juice against swords or sword arts, offensively or defensively. Blocking a non-sword hit at ten? Itd stop a sword at eleven, twelve, or more. Sword-slayer, sword-shield vibes. Han grinnedperfect. Swords ruledʿ gearfast, precise, lethal, easy to craft. Hed just become their nightmare. Sweet haul. The sword had room for moreetch a Taoist art onto it for another kick. Its my natal artifactsticking with me forever. The arts gotta be elite, or itll drag it down. Choice was clear: Earthfire Seal or Righteous Hand Sealhis top-tier arts. He mulled it over. Yin-Yang Earthfire flared; rainbow Righteous Qi swept his soul realm. The sword drifted between them. Would it pick? It plunged into the Righteous Qi. Huh, its got taste. Earthfire faded; the qi swaddled and refined it. Han held off, thinking. Etching Righteous Hand means a trip to the Academy of Sages someday The Hand Seal was a public gem from the AcademyDay Roaming and Manifestation tiers only. Higher secrets stayed locked there, near-impossible to snag outside. Plenty of road ahead. Ive only got these two killer artsHand now or Fire later, but Ill need Hand when the next branch grows. No difference. Ill grab the rest somedayalive and kicking. Lets roll, crew! Decision locked, he didnt hesitate. He carved the Righteous Hand Seals chants, meanings, and methods into the blade, bathing it in endless Righteous Qi. The sword morphed visiblyready to rumble. Chapter 264: The Seven-Treasure Wonder Tree: A Priceless Prize cts need or not, well hook you up with hefty rewardsresources to get you both to Marrow Cleansing, courtesy of Shenhua Sect and the Dong family. Pull it off, and theres rarer loot waiting. Dong Weiyu chimed in. What Min Xing said goes for us too. My elders and I can swear a binding oathno backing out. Just as Han had suspected. Their talent and strength were the drawwhy else the repeat visits? He sighed inwardly. Shenhua and Dong played nice, unlike Tianlong Gates strong-arming. Their offer was juicyfull Marrow Cleansing support even if they flopped? Thats real sincerity. But their ask Sorry, not happening. Compared to the potential Sky-Mending Vine, their goodies were pocket change. Even if Xuandu Temples head honcho showed up, Han would still call that name. Really sorry Han turned them down, Bai Ruoyue echoing him. They had a fight they couldnt dodge. Min Xing and Dong Weiyu were bummed but not shockedLu Qingmos Xuandu ties loomed large. If she had her own Mountain God agenda, these two wouldnt play ball with outsiders. Obvious enough. Dong Weiyu tried again. What about Taibais other disciples? Any interest in chasing the Mountain Gods favor? Wed be honored to work with them too. Han and Bai Ruoyue swapped a glance. Cant decide for them, Han said, but well ask and let you know either way. Enjoying this book? Seek out the original to ensure the author gets credit. After sending them off, Bai Ruoyue rallied the crew and laid it out. Shen Long frowned. If we go for the Mountain Gods stuff, arent we just competing with you and Senior Sister? Shen Yu patted his arm, giggling. Bro, wake upyoure no match for them. Theyd mop the floor with you in a few moves. What competition? Ouchstraight to the heart. Too early to say how itll shake out, Han said with a grin. If it works out, everyone could take a shot. Maybe the Mountain Gods feeling generous and showers Black Cloud Town with goodies. But teaming up with Shenhua Sect or the Dong family? Id hold off and think it over. Why? Bai Ruoyue asked. Han flipped it back. Are we tight with them? Nopebarely met them yesterday. Are they the last big outsiders hitting Black Cloud Town? No way. There you go, Han said. If theyre smart enough to pitch a deal to Second Brother and the rest, later arrivals will too. Theyre offering perksothers will match or top it. Whos got the best deal? Too soon to tell. If Second Brothers crew wants to pair up with outsiders, no rushscope the field first. Heads nodded as it clicked. Bai Ruoyue smirked. Little Brother, youre sneaky. Its just that weve got no ties with them, Han said, unfazed. No bond, so profits the priority. Two days of chit-chat didnt mean squathe wasnt about to tank his own gains for that. Youd have to brainwash him first. Little Brothers right, Zhang Yuantao agreed. Right now, barring the Yun family, were the only free agents in townnot roped into Zuo Tianzhengs camp. Thats our edge. No need to jump the gun, but it might tick off some factions. No avoiding that, Han shrugged. Pick any side, and someones unhappycant please everyone. After hashing it out, Shen Long and the crew had a game plan. Night fell fast, and Han felt a weird jitter in his gut. Past midnight, his cheat device would refresh. Chapter 265: Cheat Device Reset: A New Dawn The monthly reset of Hans cheat device was fast approaching. It wasnt his first rodeo, but the nerves still hit him hard. No, scratch thathe still felt the thrill of his very first reset every time. Does the first of each month somehow stop being a first? Every cheat device so far had been a game-changer, their importance beyond question. Each one had turbocharged his growth, bending fate itself to pull off feats others deemed impossiblemiracles in the eyes of the masses. Well, except for the Heaven and Earth Bank. That one didnt quite deliver the Earth Tiger Armor or anything flashy. Still, it had its usepadding the count of past cheat devices for that sweet encore feature. Sure, it wasnt useless back then; Han couldnt blame it entirely. Hed just been a regular Joe at the time. If hed crossed over into an immortals body, the Bank mightve dropped immortal stones or cosmic credits right out of the gatestraight to the top. Heres hoping this reset spits out something thatll rocket me to ascension, Han muttered to himself. Not too much to ask, right? Totally reasonable. You seem distracted, Lu Qingmo noted, picking up on his restless vibe. Months almost over, Han sighed. Just hits me how fast time flies. Been on this cultivation grind for a while now. Lu Qingmos gaze turned odd. Five months, topsthats a while to you? Youve got a lot of feelings about it, she said dryly. Han waved it off. Youll get it when youre my age, Aunt Mo. She blinked, thrown. When Im your age? Whos older here? Was he suggesting shed rewind to youth? Waitwas he calling her old? By the way, Aunt Mo, today the Shenhua Sect Han shifted gears, recounting the days events. Your takes spot-on, Lu Qingmo said, nodding at their earlier group decision. More factions will roll in, and plenty will want to team up with you guys. Waiting it outs smartersomeones bound to up the ante for a shot at the Mountain Gods favor. For regular talents, pairing with big outsider groups could actually pay off more. Han got her drift. For folks like Shen Longsolid Black Cloud Town talentsthe Mountain Gods blessings might net them a treasure or two. Valuable, sure, but if a faction matched Shenhuas offer to Hanfull resources to Marrow Cleansingthatd outshine it. They werent town superstars; even if they scored divine loot, it wouldnt be earth-shattering. Selling it probably wouldnt fund a straight shot to Marrow Cleansing either. The Mountain God was mighty, but not every gift was a fortuneHe wasnt unloading His whole estate on His deathbed. He had descendants, allies. The Yun family would scoop up most of the haul. Special needs? Gods stuff wins. Otherwise? Teaming up elsewhere made more sense. Speaking of, Tianlong Gates making moves too, Lu Qingmo added. Han perked up. Tianlong? Whatre they up to? Poaching from Zuo Tianzheng, she explained. After that riverside duel, night showdown, and insight test, Zuo Tianzheng snagged some of Black Clouds sharper talentsnot on your or Ruoyues level, but still standouts. He got here first, cherry-picked the best, but latecomers arent backing off. Tianlongs been sweet-talking those recruits, dangling perks to ditch Zuo and join them. The narrative has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the infringement. Anyone bite? Not yet, but its only a matter of time, Lu Qingmo said with a sly smile. A slot at the Emperors Academy wont hold hearts forever. Zuo was the top dogthe only game in townback then. Now? Not so much. Equal offers might not sway them, but if someone triples the Academys value She didnt finish, but Han caught the gist. People chase profit. Nothings unsellablejust a matter of price. Three words: Show me the money. Other Black Cloud factions had panicked, letting Zuo snag the early lead. If todays chaos had hit back then, a vague join the Academy pitch wouldnt have hooked anyone amidst the bidding war. But if Zuos picks jump ship to other factions, wont that burn bridges with him completely? Han asked. Tianlong doesnt sweat offending an imperial envoy, Lu Qingmo said. And the ones coming to snag a piece of Black Clouds pie wont either. If those talents bail, someonell shield them from the fallout. Offending an envoy wasnt the same as offing one, though. Unless you were a reckless rogue cultivator, even Tianlong wouldnt dare touch Zuo outright. Hans grin widened. Hope the other factions turn up the heat on Lord Zuo. Sharings caringwhy should he hog all the towns talent? Lu Qingmo shot him a look. Youre the top prize theyre after, Mr. Number One. Han got dead serious. No dice. Im yours, Aunt Moalive or dead, Im clinging to your coattails. Not just coattailsIm aiming higher Quit the nonsense, she said, brushing it off. After wrapping up the days Taoist training, with some time before midnight, Han dove into The Art of Awakening Spirits and Nurturing Divinity. Like most utility arts, it lacked a fixed rankeasy to pick up with decent talent. For Han? Piece of cake. The real grind was gathering the treasures and casting it repeatedly to spark that spirita slow burn, not a quick fix. In his soul realm, a wisp of soul split off, slipping into the One-Treasure Wonder Tree. No resistancesmooth as silk. Merging felt like coming home; he synced with the tree effortlessly, taking full control. None of the fusion woes the art warned about fazed him. Thats the perk of a natal artifact. Back in Tianming Sects heyday, Yin God cultivators used this art to nurture divinities in their natal gearamping up spirit and strength. Before all the beast experiments, it was a Yin God exclusive, a prized gem. Their artifacts already had spirits, skipping the soul-merge step. It was a must-learn, giving Tianmings venerables an edge over outsiders. It had limits, though. Higher-tier artifacts demanded rarer, top-shelf treasures for awakening and nurturing. Once the divinity hit a certain peak, the art tapered off. Han was nowhere near that ceiling. Post-merge, he pulled four treasures from his spatial ringDust of Spirituality, Spirit-Birthing Water, Soul Essence Liquid, and a Stone of Revelationplus a jade bowl. He dusted the bowls base with the powdery Dust, added a drop each of Water and Liquid, and stirred with mental energy. Fifteen minutes later, he poured in Soul Essence Liquid to half-fill it, dropped in the Stone, waited another fifteen, topped it off with Spirit-Birthing Water, and sprinkled more Dust. Then, he summoned Yang Earthfire, simmering the mix without melting the bowl. The Mandates recipe wasnt toughjust precise. Done right, it cooked up a batch of Spirit-Awakening Nurturing Liquid for the art. The brew bubbled, the Stone melting visibly. The murky liquid faded to crystal claritydone. The One-Treasure Wonder Tree materialized, shrank, and dunked into the bowl. Han wasnt worried about Lu Qingmo snoopingit was late, he was in his room, and she wasnt some creep spying on him at night. Recalling the art, he chanted, formed seals, and traced runes in the air. Symbols branded the tree; the liquid rippled on its own, lending it a refined, spirited glow. His merged soul fragment sensed wisps of unique energy seeping innot boosting the trees grade or power, but pooling around him under his guidance. More runes flared, etching onto his soul, drawing the energy in until it vanishedno more runes, no more juice. The batch was spent. Checking his soul, Han nodded. A shift, but not enough. This art was a marathonmultiple rounds, steady progress, no instant wins for beasts or artifacts. Luckily, the Mandates leftover treasures were plentifulenough to awaken the One-Treasure Wonder Tree, no doubt. Time ticked by. He whipped up another batch and kept at it, relentless as ever. Cheat devices? Barely a blip in his rise. Talent and grit did the heavy lifting. After burning through another dose, it happened againfamiliar text flashed before him. [Cheat Device Refresh Available. Initiating Reset] [Last Months Cheat Device: Creation Pot] [Resetting] [Reset Complete] [This Months Cheat Device: Eternal Life Taoist Fruit (Non-Unique Cheat Device)] [Fate Points: 7] The seventh reset since crossing over lit up his vision! Chapter 266: Mortal Flesh, Immortal Span! [] [This Months Cheat Device: Eternal Life Taoist Fruit (Non-Unique Cheat Device)] [Fate Points: 7] Last month brought no major breakthrough, so Hans Fate Points stayed steady at sevenfittingly, matching his seventh cheat device. A number humming with a strange, willful vibe. Those points? Visible, tantalizing, but useless for now. Eternal Life Taoist Fruit? Han murmured, zeroing in on the note after the name. Non-Unique Cheat Device? Did that mean there were piles of these out there? A flood of info hit his mind, clarifying the concept. Non-unique didnt mean others wielded this exact cheat devicesomething this bizarre was his alone. It meant the Eternal Life Taoist Fruit didnt need the encore draw to pop up again. Future monthly resets could spit out a fresh one, no strings attached. The first sixlike the Great Thousand Immortal Treelacked this tag, marking them as one-offs, exclusive to the encore pool. This months prize was a standout. Where do these cheat devices even come from? Han wondered. Is there a warehouse stuffed with Eternal Life Taoist Fruits somewhere? Curiosity gnawed at him. Whats this thing do? The text shifted, revealing more: [Eternal Life Taoist Fruit: A fruit of boundless longevity. Your lifespan stands stilltimes blade, lifes decay, all burdens fall upon it!] Got itepiphany unlocked! This months cheat was a fruit forged from ten thousand years of lifespan. While active, any drain on his longevitynatural or otherwisegot dumped onto the fruit. It took the hit; his own clock froze. No matter how much it burned through, Han stayed untouched. The info faded, the reset wrapping up. Han scratched his head, muttering, Eternal Life Taoist Fruit why does this feel like those longevity hacks from the immortal protagonists in my old lifes novels? Those leads had endless years to outlast the ages. It jogged his pre-reset wish: Gimme a cheat for instant ascension. Good news? It kinda made him immortal-like. Bad news? Only in lifespan. And not just immortal-liketen thousand years blew past any known record in this worlds solid history, myths aside. Even the Yang God realm, fabled for deathless longevity, was a fairy tale with no proof anyoned hit it. For this month, Han outstripped mythic powerhouses in one arena. Was this cheat clutch? Hell yeahten thousand years dumped on his twenty-two-year-old self was as good as eternal life. But it only lasted a month. After soaking up thirty days of wear, itd vanish with the next reset. Immortal for a blinkmore like a one-month life extension. That non-unique tag clicked: the fruit held ten thousand years, shedding a month left it at 9,999 years and eleven months. A future reset could bring a brand-new one, full tank. But if the encore draw snagged it later, hed get this used-up versionunless he drained it dry first. A zeroed-out fruit wouldnt reappear in the pool. Wouldve preferred a straight-up Forever Fruit or Longevity Fruit, Han grumbled. Wait, nothis setups actually better for me. A true Longevity Fruit would scream high-tier but lock as a one-shot dealused once, gone for good outside encore draws, leaving no wiggle room. The Eternal Life Taoist Fruits non-unique status gave him two paths to snag it again. A month of ten thousand years or true longevity? Same diffone life couldnt burn through that anyway. Gotta squeeze this cheat for all its worth, Han mused, brain churning. Letting it just offset natural aging was a waste for a spry guy like him. A months trickle? Pointless. Does Lord Han need an extra thirty days? Beyond natural decay, it covers all lifespan hits Ideas sparked. He couldnt let the fruits longevity just tick away passivelyhe had to push it. Time to court death a little. Checking his body, he found no trace of the fruittypical. Some cheats, like the Heaven and Earth Bank, were ghost-like toojust cash, no form. Didnt matter; it worked, and thats what counted. Decision made, Han bolted out, banging on Lu Qingmos door. It swung open on its ownshe wasnt asleep. Whats up? she asked, eyeing him. I I just remembered some questions. Like what? Stolen from its rightful place, this narrative is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings. As cultivation climbs, our lifespan stretches too, right? She nodded. Obviously. Hit either the Taoist Yin God or Martial True Blood realm, and your lifespan jumps big-time. Even short of that, youre looking at a hundred years baseline. Manifestation or Marrow Cleansing folks keep their strength into old ageblood and body dont tank too hard with a little help from treasures. Aging wasnt just a martial artists curse; cultivators faced it too. Flesh faded faster than soulwhen the body couldnt hold the spirit, game over. Day Roaming or Bone Refining eased that late-life slump; Manifestation or Marrow Cleansing made it a non-issue with decent loot. That was for old age, not deaths doorstepmonths left meant no treasure could lock in vitality. Yin God or True Blood? Whole new ballgame. Manifestation or Marrow Cleansing gets you a century Han ran some quick mental mathpast-life calculus flexingand grinned. This month, his lifespan equaled a hundred generations of those cultivators stacked together. Score! A hundred years isnt long, Lu Qingmo said, shaking her head. Take the demon clans Age Emperorover five centuries and still kicking, nowhere near tapped out. Lifespan talk stirred her own worries. It was her lingering hang-up with Han. Stuck at Manifestation, shed max out at a century without longevity boostswrinkles creeping in late-game, beauty fading to white hair. Hans talent, though? Hed breeze past that hurdle and keep climbing. Shed be gray while he stayed in his prime, youthful and endless. Later, shed waste away on a cot, a husk, while he, blazing like the midday sun, watched her goalone by a cold grave. Heart-wrenching stuff. Beauties and heroes dont get white hair in the tales. For high-tier cultivators, a decades age gap was nothingAge Emperor types laughed at ten years. The real kicker? She couldnt keep pace, doomed to watch him soar, then him watching her fade. The Sacred Revival Liquid offered a slim hope, but slim it stayed. Han missed her inner turmoil, too busy praising his fruit. Lifespan champ, youre killing it! So, theres gotta be ways to burn lifespan in this world, right? Lu Qingmo frowned. Why ask that? With so much lifespan, letting it just slip away naturally feels like a waste! His logic threw her. Natural lifespan draina waste? Wasnt that just lifes cycle? Did he think speeding it up was somehow less wasteful? Burning lifespan means dying faster, she warned. Avoiding extra loss is the best deal going. Han, you good up there? Oh, Id love to torch ten thousand years right now! He caught his slipLu Qingmo didnt know he was sitting on a lifespan goldmine. Not what I meant, he backpedaled. Just curiousgot any tricks that eat lifespan, Aunt Mo? Her look got weirder. Whatre you plotting? Nothing! Just wondering, wanna see. Kid, thats a dangerous train of thought. Anythingarts, martial moves, artifactsthat chews through lifespan is forbidden stuff, she cautioned. Mess with it, and youll only screw yourself. Im not messing around, Han said, all sincerity. Do I look like Im done with life, Aunt Mo? Im young, got tons to live forno way Id touch forbidden junk. Just hit me out of nowhere, got curious. The Eternal Life Taoist Fruit was unexplainabletrickier than any prior cheat. Ten thousand years in this world? Pure madnessnobodyd buy it; theyd think hed lost it. Even if he stormed the Heavenly Mother Sect screaming, Ive got ten grand to live! those heretics would peg him as a nutcase. We butcher evil arts and still dont end up this loonyyet a righteous kids gone off the deep end? Whos the real villain here? Xuandu Temples gone too far. Lu Qingmo studied him, saw he seemed sane, and nodded. I do have one forbidden art that uses lifespan. Whats it do? She paused, then said, Burns all your remaining years to force a breakthrough past cultivation bottlenecks. Hans eyes lit up, then widened in shock. Given her situation, he pieced together why shed nabbed it. Aunt Mo, you In my darkest, most desperate days, when I couldnt accept my limitsyeah, I considered it, she admitted calmly. Force a break with forbidden arts, see if itd work. But over the years, I let it go. Wouldnt have remembered it if you hadnt asked. Han went quiet, gathering his words. Aunt Mo, the futures longdecades of twists and turns, endless possibilities. If youve dropped it, dont look back. If I can talk about it with you, its proof Ive moved on, she said. Besides, even using it wouldnt guarantee a breakthroughjust a chance. Fail, and the backlash hits instantlylifespan gone, dead on the spot. What, its not a sure thing? Hans excitement deflated. Of course not, she said, eyeing him like hed lost it. If it were, every Manifestation cultivator stuck at a wall could blast to Yin God, pile on more years, and keep going. No art like that exists. Fair pointif burning a Manifestation lifespan guaranteed Yin God, itd be a steal; Yin God meant more life. Thatd flip it from forbidden to miraculoustoo good to be true. Even if it works, scorching your life to force it wrecks your foundation, she added. Youd be weaker than peers, stuck foreverno more progress. Hans interest tanked. No guarantee, crippled base, no growth? Poison, not power. The fruit could eat the lifespan cost, but the side effects would still slam him. Pass. Still, he couldnt resist. Cant it use lifespan for training instead? Nope, she shot down. Its built to smash bottlenecksnothing else. Whats with you? Nothing Han mulled it over. A rare lifespan artcouldnt let it slip, even if he wouldnt use it yet. Seeing a forbidden art up close? Worth it. Aunt Mo, to keep you from ever circling back to that burnout plan He squared up, radiating honor. Hand that forbidden art overIll hold onto it. Cant let you stray down that path! Chapter 267: I’m Not Crazy—Promise! Hans plea was airtight, dripping with convictiona heartfelt appeal that could move mountains. Lu Qingmo didnt buy a word of it. Still, if he wanted it, shed hand it over. With a flick of her spatial ring, she produced a jade slip and passed it to him. Youre curiousfine, take a look. Just dont practice it, she warned. Truth be told, she wasnt worried about him using it. This forbidden art was for smashing through cultivation bottlenecks, and Han wouldnt need that anytime soonhis path was obstacle-free. He wouldnt burn his lifespan for kicks, right? Thats why she felt safe giving it up. A little extra knowledge never hurt a cultivator. Sacrificial Life Path-Breaking Art Hans mental energy dipped into the jade slip, skimming its contents. Lu Qingmo hadnt fibbedit did exactly what shed said. Then a question popped up. Aunt Mo, since this art burns all your remaining lifespan, if I torched ten thousand years, wouldnt that guarantee a breakthrough? Great questionbold, innovative, trailblazing. Dont ask it again. Forget that this art cant handle ten thousand yearswho in the world lives that long? she countered. Only mythic Yang God cultivators might hit that mark, and those fairy-tale titans wouldnt need a trick like this. All lifespan arts have capsboth the technique and your body can only take so much. Burn a set amount, get a set boost, then it fizzles out. No infinite scaling. Same goes for lifespan-fueled training arts. Ugh, so annoying. Thats where Hans head was at. All he wanted was to die a littleshave off a few centuries. Why was that so hard? This world wont let me live right, and now it wont even let me die right! I need to hunt down some lifespan arts, he decided aloud. Lu Qingmo blinked, then her face tightened. Youre off tonightwhats with this obsession? Come here. For what? Han stepped closer. She pressed a hand to his forehead, a surge of power coursing through him, probing every corner before receding. Soul out, she ordered. Alright. She repeated the process on his spirit. Whats this for? Han asked, puzzled. No demonic possession, no glitchesbody and soul are clean. So why are you acting like this? Han was speechless. Aunt Mo, Im not nuts. Im wide awakenever been sharper, honest. Im just super curious, thats all. When something catches my interest, it sticks with meI cant relax until I figure it out. Think backhavent I been like this before? Lu Qingmo mulled it over. Yeah, he had a track record. Every now and then, hed toss out random, seemingly irrelevant questionsstuff way outside his laneshowing a weird passion for oddball trivia. Those quirks were harmless, though. This time, hed latched onto something taboo. She sighed inwardly. Too much free timehis brains running wild. If youre bored, go learn alchemy with An Lang instead of daydreaming all day. Hans soul snapped back into his body. He grabbed her hand. Trust me, Im just hooked on lifespan artsno way Id use them to drain myself. Unauthorized content usage: if you discover this narrative on Amazon, report the violation. Just the Eternal Life Taoist Fruits stash, thats all. With this cheat active, his own lifespan was locked solidno burning it even if he tried. Once I snag some lifespan arts, you can check me dailysee if Ive messed around. Id never lie to you! Lifespan damage showed up fast unless patched up quickeasy to spot. But the fruit? Invisible to any probe. That sealed itLu Qingmo bought his story. Back in his room, Han schemed quietly. Combat, cultivationwhatever it takes, Ive got to burn some lifespan this month. Skimp on using it, and itd feel like a loss. He had a plan to track down lifespan arts too. At dawn, he hit a water source and fired up the magical conch to ping the Dragon Maiden. Yunjiang Dragon Palace had centuries of hoardingsurely theyd have something. Hed tap her network, see what shook loose. No freeloading, thoughthanks to multiple cheats and helpful donors, Han had some serious assets now. He could trade fair and square, no shortchanging her. Lifespan-draining arts or artifacts? Her voice crackled through the conch. Weve got stuff like that in the palace, but you know what that means, right? Just want a peekAunt Mos got my back, she wont let me go wild, Han said, name-dropping Lu Qingmo. It workedshe caved. Made sense with that logic. Ill dig around and have someone deliver it. No hassle neededjust buzz me when you find something. Im heading to Yunlong City next. Fair enough. Conch off, Han buzzed with hope. Come on, Dragon Maiden, blow me away. All that lifespan, untappedit was like ants crawling under his skin. Little Brother, you look chipper, Bai Ruoyue noted, clocking his glee. Cause Im immortal now. Youre getting lazier, she teased. This late, and youre still half-asleep? Han shot her a smug sidelong glance. Foolish mortal. Anyway, Im off to Yunlong City soon. To see Ao Xuanwei again? Its legit business, he clarified. You meeting her, though? Yeah. Her cheeks puffed up. Senior Sister, Black Cloud Towns crawling with outsiders nowthings are shaky. Let me handle this solo run. He added, Stay here and hold down the fort at the hall. Her pout deepened. Ugh, everyone thinks Im in the way. With a sigh, she turned, her back radiating gloom. Go on, thenIll guard the hall alone. The hall did need a anchor, and she knew it. Im leaving Galaxy with you, Han offered. Galaxy popped out of the beast bag, catching Hans eye signal and getting the memo. Woo-woo-woo! It scampered over, hopping onto her shoulder, nuzzling her cheek. Her sulky face melted. Stay safe! Im not heading out yet. Still, Han left Taibai Martial Hall, weaving through Black Cloud Town. At one point, he paused, catching snippets of roadside chatter. More factions rolling in, huh Last night, a fresh wave had hit townbig players. The Mo family, a top clan from Tianzhous state capital, and True Extreme Sect, a heavyweight sect from the same turf. Han knew both names from Lu Qingmo. The Mo family matched the Dong familys cloutstate-level eliteand backed the Yuan family. True Extreme Sect rivaled Shenhua Sect, boasting Yellow Spring Realm powerhouses. Even the current Golden Dragon Martial Hall master in the county capital hailed from True Extreme Sect. Besides Zuo Tianzheng and Tianlong Gate, all the big dogs hitting Black Cloud so far are Tianzhou locals, Han mused. Shenhua Sect and True Extreme Sect are just disciplesno biggie. Mo and Dong families lag behind those sects. If Master breaks through, hed be True Bloodsame league as their top guns Mid-thought, he reached his stop: the Yun family estate. The guards knew himMiss Yuns buddyand ushered him in, one darting off to fetch Yun Duo. A maid brought tea; hed barely sipped when footsteps pattered in. Han-Han! Yun Duo bounded over, beaming. Whatre you doing here? Dinner time? How do I even answer that? From anyone else, itd sound like a brush-off. From Yun Duo? She legit meant food. Got business, Han said. Hoping to see the Yun family head. Oh, looking for Dad, huh? No hint of letdown. Wait hereIll grab him! She zipped off, practically skipping, carefree as ever. Han stayed putrushing after her might pressure Yun Yuannan if he was busy or unwilling. Better let Yun Duo scout it out. She didnt return, but Yun Yun did. Han? She strolled in. Heard you were herefor Yun Duo? Nah He explained; she nodded, then studied him. Youve gotten stronger again? Made some gains, he admitted. Last outing with her crew, hed refined two of his six organs. Now, one shy of full masteryperfect cycle, edging into Visceral Realm mid-tier. Soul-wise, hed jumped from early to mid-Day Roaming. Solid boost. Yun Yun went quiet. Every meet-up, this guy leapfrogged his last self. Shed long ditched any rivalry, but the mixed feelings lingered. Soon, Yun Duo bounced back with good news. Han, lets goDads waiting! He followed her to the main hall. Nephew Han! Been a minuteyoure sharper, more dazzling than ever, Yun Yuannan gushed. Han braced for the next line: Marry my daughter already! Chapter 268: One Slap, Ten Years of Life! After some polite small talk, Yun Yuannan cut to the chase. So, Nephew Han, what brings you here today? Nothing majorjust feeling like my lifes too long and itching to stir things up a bit. Lately, Ive gotten curious about lifespan stuff, so Han laid out his purpose. Yun Yuannan blinked, clearly thrown and puzzled. Who just randomly gets hooked on something like that? This isnt a joking matter He paused, then asked, Does Commander Lu know? Its all under Aunt Mos watchIm only digging into this with her okay. She checks me daily, Han explained. Lu Qingmos approval was like a golden ticket, swaying anyone who might raise an eyebrow. Yun Yuannan relaxed, chalking it up to Han having some wild brainstorm. Geniuses were tough to figure outwhat went on in their heads was anyones guess. Still, he made a mental note to double-check with Lu Qingmo later. Lifespan arts? The Yun family might have some, Yun Yuannan said. Yun Duo can take you to the library latercheck the oddball skills section. As for lifespan-draining artifacts we dont have any. No need to trade for it, thoughjust a few dusty techniques nobody uses. Not worth much. No way, Han said, his tone firm. Im already barging in with this requesttaking them for free would make me a shameless mooch. Uncle Yun, youve been so good to me; I cant push it further. If Master found out I was that rude, hed kick me out of Taibai! Then, with a playful grin, he added, I plan to stick around Black Cloud Town. If I pulled that, Yun Duo might not even call me her friend anymore. Even a fair trade tipped the scales in Hans favorYun Yuannan was cutting him a break because of their ties. Han was the one asking, after all. Trying to walk away empty-handed would be dumber than a bag of hammers. He was genuinely grateful for the even exchange. Id never ditch you, Yun Duo piped up. Its just a few techniquesHan, youre too polite. Yun Yuannan chuckled, shaking his head. Bai Tians got some years on him, and landing a disciple like you? Thats his good fortune. Work out the trade with Yun Yun later, he said. Han nodded. Yun Yuannans tone shifted. Youre Black Cloud Towns top genius nowthe symbol of our talent. Dont slack off in your training. Youve got to set the bar high, show those outsiders weve got real players here. A glint of deeper meaning flickered in his eyes. Being the brightest star means more eyes on youmore tests. With cultivators flooding into Black Cloud, you cant fall behind. Down the line, we might need our number one to step up big. Only the top dog gets rememberedeveryone roots for the champ. Im counting on you to shine even brighter. Han caught the undertonethere was more to this. Another months passedany word from the Mountain God? he asked straight-up. Yun Yuannan gave a slight nod. Our ancestor should make a move this month. Work hard, NephewIm rooting for you. Black Mountains treasures belong to Black Cloud Town. Outsiders want a piece? Over my dead body, right? This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there. Absolutely, Han said, nodding hard. Black Mountains been part of Black Cloud since forever! Dont worrythose out-of-town hotshots wont know what hit em! Yun Yuannan roared with laughter, waving him off. Head to the libraryI can tell youre itching to go. The Yun sisters led him out, and Han mulled it over. Yun Yuannans words had layers. Being Black Clouds top dog didnt just draw outsider heatit might catch the Mountain Gods eye too. Made senseif the God was favoring His hometown, who better than its number one genius? And it sounded like Han might have to square off against those foreigners later. No biggieless about him wanting to, more about them not letting him off the hook. Crowns heavy when you wear it. He didnt mind the titlebring on the surprises (or scares). Strengthening himself was a no-brainer either way. Han, youre youngdont go down a dark path, Yun Duo chimed in. Those techniques? Look, dont touch. The youngest calling him young was kinda funny, but her concern was real. Too bad Han was set on breaking that promisehe was here to mess around. The librarys where we keep our arts and skills, Yun Yun said. Those lifespan ones are niche, so Dad remembered them. Otherwise, wed be digging through stacks. A centuries-old family like the Yuns having oddball stuff wasnt weirdbig clans collected everything, useful or not. Thats what depth looked like. With the sisters leading, no one stopped them. They breezed into the library, heading straight for the quirky skills section. Han, well help! Yun Duo volunteered. Han scanned the shelvestitles right on the covers. Amplification Artboosts your voices range. Classic oddball territorymostly useless in everyday life. Soon, he spotted a lifespan art: Moths Flight. Burn ten years for a temporary power spike? Disappointing. Only ten years? Thats chump changenext guyll think I cant afford more. Should be a century minimum! It burned ten per use, with a cooldown til the boost wore off. I found a martial skill, Yun Yun called out. Well hand them over together. Cool, thanks. After combing the section, four books sat before himMoths Flight included. Just these four, Yun Yun said. More than I expected, Han replied, flipping through the rest: two martial skills, one Taoist art. The martial ones were combat-focused, burning lifespan for strengthone five years, one three. Weaker than Moths Flight. More burn, more boom, naturally. The Taoist art was another barrier-breaker, like Lu Qingmos, but crappier. Han nixed it fastbig lifespan cost, shaky odds, and it trashed your foundation. The fruit could eat the years, but he wasnt here to tank his future. Pointing at the breakthrough art, he said, Not into these barrier-busting forbidden ones. Translation: hed take the other three. You couldnt stack these lifespan burnersnot because the years ran dry, but because the body couldnt handle it. Each had a unique flow and duration; doubling up risked a meltdown, like qi deviation on steroids. He wanted all three not to combo, but to test their flavorsdifferent burns, different vibes. Three or five years? Peanuts next to the Eternal Life Taoist Fruit. Whats wrong with cashing in a few years for fun? Time for the trade. Yun Yun hesitated to take his stuff, but Han insistedfirm and fair. With his stash, swapping for these was a breeze. After some chit-chat with the sisters, he said his goodbyes. Back at the hall, he drilled martial skills while tinkering with his new forbidden goodies. When the Mystic Conch buzzed, he lit upDragon Maiden was quick. Solo, he took off on his Taoist flying carpet for Yunlong City, studying the arts mid-flight. Meanwhile, in Black Cloud Town, Yun Yuannan checked in with Lu Qingmo about Hans request, getting a yep, I know in return. After he left the Ghost God Division, she shook her head. Hes actually chasing this stuffand acting on it. Wild. En route to Yunlong City, Hans aura flared, surging hard. A Righteous Hand Seal materialized, slamming the grounddust exploded, leaving a massive crater. Feeling his boosted state and eyeing the damage, he nodded, pleased. Hed just test-fired a basic Moths Flight. One slap, ten years of lifedamn, thats something else. Hed underestimated itthe boost was legit, juicing his whole baseline. Ten years was a hefty price tag; a Manifestation cultivator could only swing it a handful of times before tapping out. Life-or-death stuffno one sane would waste it otherwise. Han? Cool as a cucumberno flush, no wheeze. Ten years gone, zero vibes. The fruit ate the costhis own vitality didnt flinch. Big sects, noble clans, their genius prodigies and immortal seeds? Han grinned, brimming with swagger. All bark, no bite! Im playing with my life herewhatre you lot messing with? How do you match a guy gambling years away? Chapter 269: Forbidden Path or Highway to the Heavens? A lone skiff glided across the lake, wisps of faint smoke trailing behind it, lending a dreamlike shimmer to the scene. Han stood aboard, gazing at the nearing island at the lakes heart and the Yunlong Pavilion perched atop it. Ao Xuanwei waited on the shore, her smile warm as she greeted him. Youre here. Figured it was about time. Stepping onto the island, Han recalled this as the spot where hed first met the Dragon Maiden. They strolled toward the pavilion, and she asked, What sparked your sudden interest in this stuff? Just hit me one dayhuman lifes got an expiration date. Got to overthinking, chatted with Aunt Mo, and found out there are all sorts of tricks out there that tap into lifespan. Got hooked, he said. Birth, aging, sickness, deathits the way of the world, Ao Xuanwei replied, shaking her head. Even the Four Seas Dragon Sovereigns and the Phoenix Age Emperor cant dodge it. No point in us dwelling on itweve got plenty of years ahead, and weve seen sights mortals couldnt dream of in a lifetime. Youre so youngwhyre you even thinking about this? Random brainwave, Han shrugged. How could I not? Ten thousand yearswell, minus ten now. Nine thousand-plus years just sitting there, unused. Its driving me nuts. You dont get itno one does! Heard a Tianming Sect cavern popped up in Tianyue County? she asked. Yeah, a beast arena they left behindpacked with a beast Mandate, Han confirmed. Ao Xuanwei sighed softly. Tianming Sectso mysterious. No telling how much of their stuff is still out there, shaping countless people and factions. If they hadnt vanished overnight, who knows what the world would look like? No one could guess. Historys mightiest orthodoxyhard not to be awestruck, Han agreed. That beast arena in Tianyue County? Pretty run-of-the-mill for Tianming Sect back in the day, she said. Someone once snagged an immortal artifact from one of their hidden sites. Hans jaw dropped. An immortal artifact? For real? Immortal artifacts were beyond rarefactions wielding them ruled as todays overlords, able to stand toe-to-toe with giants like Xuandu Temple. The powerhouses on the Mountains and Rivers Life Chart might fade, but a well-kept immortal artifact endured foreverthe ultimate trump card. Finding one in a ruin sounded like a fairy tale. What kind of insane luck did that take? Who nabbed it? Did the story get out? Han pressed. Oh, it spread like wildfireeveryone knows, Ao Xuanwei said with a grin. The guy who got it from that Tianming site was none other than the founding emperor of Southern Jins Sima clan. That artifact, the Luoshen Fan, was what let them overthrow the old regime and take the throne. Southern Jins Sima clanthe weakest of the Three Kingdoms Han hadnt pegged them for such a wild stroke of fortune. The Three Kingdoms royals sat at the worlds peak, each with immortal-grade aces up their sleevesHan wasnt shocked by that. No way theyd hold power without it. But the Sima clans artifact having such a fantastical origin? Mind-blowing. Dont sleep on the Sima clan, Ao Xuanwei cautioned. Jin might be the underdog, but the Sima arent pushovers. Han chuckled. Me, look down on them? Theyre a royal dynastyIm just a Visceral Realm scrub. Even at their weakest, theyre way out of my league. He could scoff at their style, surebut their raw power? Untouchable. Waitif thats true, Tianming Sect had more than one immortal artifact, right? Han realized. Naturally, she nodded. Records from that era are scarce, and Tianmings secrets barely trickle down. But whats been dug up suggests every major external siteoutside their main strongholdmightve had an immortal artifact guarding it. Han whistled. So one of their hideouts could match a modern overlord faction? Thats what you call historys top dog! Pretty much, she agreed. But those sites were rareeven for Tianming Sect, only a handful existed, and theyre damn near impossible to find. In all of history, just two have surfaced. Ones where the Sima clan scored; the other was already looted clean by the time anyone got thereno trace of who took what. Still a mystery. This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there. Han mulled it over. Sounds like Tianming Sect hasnt totally kicked the bucket, then. Anyone snagging their Mandates or treasures could be carrying their torch, in a way. True, but no one owns up to itnobody wants that tie, she said. Han blinked, then got it. Because of how they went down? Exactly. A juggernaut like Tianming Sect wiped out overnight? Chills the bones. People steer clear, scared of whatever did it. Han fell silent. Even the scraps history uncovered hinted at Tianmings jaw-dropping glory. Wiping them out in one night wouldve been like smashing todays top factionsXuandu Temple, the Academy of Sages, all of themcombined. And that was just a guess; the real Tianming was likely even mightier. The secrets and terror behind it? Too vast to fathom. No one could handle that heat. Man, when do I get my hands on an immortal artifact? Han sighed, envy dripping. Im a Tianming Immortal Seed, right? Handing me one of their immortal toys to inherit isnt too much to ask, is it? In this post-collapse era, Im the legit heir! Tianming ancestors, open your eyes! Their chat carried them into Yunlong Pavilions Quiet Harmony Room. Ao Xuanwei had tea brought in, then said, I poked around the Dragon Palacefound some stuff youre after. With a light swipe of her left hand across the table, items spilled out. Beyond arts and martial skills, theres other lifespan-using gear too. Oh? Hans heart skippedDragon Palace delivering again. Take a look. Shed brought books, jade slips, even thin sheets of some mystery material. Life-Devouring Pill? A pill recipe caught his eye, and he dove in. Only usable below Yin God or True Blood, with sky-high crafting demandsmultiple Yin God-grade ingredients. You needed at least fifty years left to swallow it. Effect? Slashes your remaining lifespan to one year, boosts you a full realm, but locks your cultivation forever. Caps out at Manifestation or Marrow Cleansingno crossing the Yin God-True Blood wall. Crazy potent, but useless as hell. One year leftwhat could you even do? And no growth after? One years a lifetime now, huh? Han passed on it fast. Most lifespan gimmicks were brutal, shady stufffine for burning years, but not at the cost of his future. The palace had three such pill recipesnone made the cut. But the fourth? Intriguing. Reverse Fate Pill. This one didnt eat the users lifespanit ate the alchemists. Craft it with rare materials, then, at the final step, the alchemist brews a lifeblood using a special method from the recipetwenty years worthand spits it onto the pill to finish it. Had to be willing, no grudges, or it flopped. The effect? Reverts your physical state for a pseudo youth rewinda second golden age for cultivation (ages twelve to eighteen)and slightly boosts talent. Not extra years or literal de-agingyou stayed your age, just got that prime malleability back. Mostly for late-starting mortals craving cultivation, though it worked for practitioners too. To Han, it sounded nutsan alchemist coughing up twenty years so some newbie could hit rewind and get a tiny talent bump? Get outta here. But his eyes lit up. Jackpot pill! Twenty years? Take ithell, take fifty, keep the change! Hed volunteer, no coercion needed. For a taste of twelve-to-eighteen cultivation vibes, hed fork over two centuries without blinking. Lifeblood? Hed spit itlet an immortal try stopping him. If his cheat didnt reset monthly, he wouldnt burn the Eternal Life Taoist Fruit so freely. A decade-long cooldown? Thatd be a lifeline when his natural years ran dry. But monthly? Save what? He couldnt exhaust it now if he tried, and itd only buy him a month later anyway. Plus, it wasnt uniquemight pop again. Better cash in early. Beyond the recipes, most lifespan arts were combat-focusedmartial skills and Taoist arts, burning from six months to fifty years. The fifty-year one could let a non-prodigy Manifestation cultivator punch up a tier. Thats the terror of life-fueled power. A regular Manifestation cultivatorold by thenwould croak post-burn. Celestial Ascension Artuse it, ascend to the heavens. A thirty-year martial skill, Life-Cutting Six Forms, slashed both your life and the enemys. Han loved em bothand the rest too. Hed study them all, picking the right burn for each foe this month. Early Bone Refining punk? Three yearscall or fold. Dont? I lose three; you lose everything. Two more arts blew his mind: Life-Nurturing Artifact and Life-Resting Martial Path. Life-Nurturing Artifact: Burn lifespan to nurture a tool. Lifespans your root, tied to vitalityfeeding it to an artifact supercharges it, deepens your bond, syncing mind and tool for unreal power. Life-Resting Martial Path: A martial fragment using lifespan to speed minor realm gainsnot a forced breakthrough like Lu Qingmos art, just a daily training boost. Downside? Lifespan cost. Burn twenty years for what five years of normal grinding could outdohuge loss. Its about quick power now, not tomorrow. Lifespan arts screamed shadynothing upright cultivators touched. Han skipped the barrier-busters here too, but Life-Resting puzzled him. Does speeding cultivation with lifespan mess up your foundation? Ao Xuanwei, whod been watching quietly, answered, Its like using lifespan as a spirit plant or cultivation treasureno root damage. But its still your coreburning it dents your vitality, no question. Takes hefty treasures to patch that up, and its not worth it unless youre desperate for a fast boost. Plus, this Life-Resting things weirdits a fragment my dad scored. Lord Dragon nabbed it? Hans eyes sparkledbig origin vibes. Yeah, and it didnt start as a cultivation aid, she said. Dad deduced it was originally a life-slicing artfirst hit shaved the enemys lifespan. He figured the full version was a beast, maybe Tianming-linked. Han hadnt expected that name again. Its too broken to shine or fix, she continued. Palace experts tweaked it into thisswapped enemy-slicing for self-slicing, barely adding the cultivation boost. Even then, its weakfirst use packs the punch, but repeat burns hit a cap fast. By normal standards, itd been butcheredterrifying foe-killer turned into a self-harming dud. But Han beamed. Perfect! Effect weak? Capped? Didnt carelong as it worked. Speeding cultivation, no root damage, no future costwhat more could he ask? A hacked-up fragment didnt need to be fancy. Vitality hit? Fruits burning, not memy lifespans locked. Talk vitality loss to the Eternal Life Taoist Fruit! Chapter 270: So, An Lang, What’s the Price? After poring over the array of techniques Ao Xuanwei had brought, Han made up his mind and promptly shared his choices with her. She was caught off guard but felt a flicker of relief. It seemed Han was genuinely just curious about these lifespan-related artseager to explore them, not to use them. After all, if he really meant to tap into them, one or two would suffice. Whod need a whole pile? What kind of lunatic burns through lifespan with a dozen different moves? Sampling the vibe of various year counts like its a tasting menu? Since youre interested, take them, Ao Xuanwei said. These are copies I preparedfeel free to keep them. Theyre not cheap Han mused, pondering what he could offer in trade. She didnt brush him off. She knew Hans stance on thishe wouldnt shortchange her or let her take a loss. If she tried gifting them outright, she half-expected hed flat-out refuse. You mentioned Tianming Sects hidden sites earlier, she said. Are you interested in that beast arenas Mandate? Her eyes sparkled as she smiled. I knew it was you. Han grinned back. Sounds like you pegged me for it from the start? She nodded without hesitation. I had faith in you. Once I heard you were there, I had a hunch. No one else had the chopsyour talent and luck put you leagues ahead. You were the prime candidate to snag that beast Mandate. Guilty as charged, Han admitted with a nod. Spilling the beans to her wasnt a big deal. Like shed said, shed suspected him from the jump. And this beast Mandate wasnt some priceless heirloom to Yunjiang Dragon Palace. The Sima clan had scored an immortal artifactthat was top-tier Tianming loot. The Ding Six Beast Arenas haul? Small potatoes by comparisonnot worth a powerhouse like the palace batting an eye. The so-called beast Mandate is mostly beast-creation know-how and related arts, Han explained. I picked up one techniqueAwakening Spirits and Nurturing Divinity. It boosts beast intelligence or cultivates spirit in certain artifacts. Natal artifact? Ao Xuanwei guessed instantly. Yep. Aunt Mo confirmed it works on themup to Yin God-grade ones, max. Thats a valuable art, she said with a nod. For Yin God cultivators, the spirit in their natal artifact is everything. A nurturing technique like thats no small deal. She mulled it over. Im interestedcould use it when I hit Yin God. But its too precious to trade for these lifespan arts. It was a fair swap, honestly. To her, though, the stuff shed offered was mostly useless to Han, while Awakening Spirits was a practical gem for hervalue skewed in her favor. Take what you need, Han said. With our bond, why sweat the small stuff? Weve got a long road aheadonce were in our prime, a casual favor between us will dwarf this trade by miles. Their friendship was built to last, destined to deepen. Nitpicking over every exchange would sour it. Shed helped him tons back in the daynow he could return the favor. Give and takethats how it worked. Sucking up benefits without giving back, holding grudges instead of gratitude? Not his style. Im not here to play the saintly martyr. Her smile widened. Fair point. If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it. Han handed over Awakening Spiritsno copy, just the original for her to study. It needs some treasures to work. Ive got sparestake them too. The beast bag from Ding Liuling had heaps of those four treasuresway more than hed ever burn through solo. That stash fueled a whole arena; it wasnt skimpy. Spirit-Birthing Water? Soul Essence Liquid? She recognized two, glancing at him with a slight purse of her lips. These four arent cheapand youre giving me a lot. Worth it for you, Han said. She paused, then relented. Guess Ill shamelessly accept. But studying this artll take me a bithope you dont mind waiting. No rush, he waved off. I was planning to poke around Yunlong City anyway. Take your time. Want an escort? Nahtoo flashy. A water clan tagalong would scream his Dragon Palace ties to anyone with eyes. After leaving the pavilion, Ao Xuanwei summoned a stunning clam spirit, whispering instructions. Head to the palace and grab Yes, Your Highness. Han hit Yunlong City and beelined for the Black-and-White Tower, offloading a batch of low-end junk treasures before asking about lifespan arts. The answer thrilled himyep, and plenty of em. Made sense: the shadiest crewslike rogue cultivatorshoarded forbidden stuff. The Tower wasnt outright evil, just gray, but it rubbed elbows with the dark side plenty. When the manager hauled out the goods, though, Han frowned. Lots overlapped with what he already hadcombat arts burning one, five, ten years. Hed grab different burn times, but duplicates? Pointless. Then he spotted a real twisted one: Life-Devouring Ghost. Ghost artlet your spirit chomp your lifespan to juice itself up. Same vibe as Life-Resting Martial Path, just flipped to the ghost side. What kind of headspace birthed this? Fed up with livingor so obsessed with their ghost theyd trade years to beef it up? Han couldnt guess. But he thought: Jackpot! He snapped it up fast. With a master like me, An Langs in for a treat. If he fed her his lifespan, shed be flooredtears of gratitude, right? Locked down! Leaving the Tower, he wandered Yunlong City, keeping an ear on his treasure-sensing Buzzing Stone. He stumbled across a Day Roaming-grade artifact materialnice, but his Manifestation-level One-Treasure Wonder Tree didnt even twitch. Too picky nowDay Roaming scraps werent worth its time. He stocked up on herbs and seeds insteadhis Creation Spirit Liquid, fresh from the reset, had three days before it fizzled. Day onehed use it. Back at the pavilion, Ao Xuanwei was still holed up in the Quiet Room. Han raised a brow. Awakening Spirits that tough? Felt easy to mepicked it up quick. The clam spirit led him to another quiet room, where he summoned An Lang and handed her the Reverse Fate Pill recipe. Whats the crafting difficulty on this? She studied it, then shook her head. From a pro pill-ghosts eye, its not hardexcept that final lifeblood step. Han rolled his eyes. Pro? A month of alchemy and youre struttin like a peacock. Master, this pills effect is wild, but no oned brew ittwenty years lifespan as the cost An Lang trailed off, eyeing him warily. Whyre you showing me this? Guess. His face stayed blankcold, even. Ive raised you this long. Time to step up. You get it, An Lang. Her ghostly face paled. She zipped behind him, kneading his shoulders, whining, Master, no wayI cant! Thatd wreck memy body wouldnt hold up! Master, were human and ghostdifferent paths. Ive got yin lifespan; this pill might backfire bad. Hmph, Han said, voice dark. Raise a ghost for a thousand days, use it in a pinch. Cant doesnt cut it. Wahhh An Lang wailedthen Han tossed her a book. Heres a ghost art. Master it, and youre off the pill hook. Fail? You know whats coming. Her sobs stopped cold. A quick peek at her faceno tears, not a hint of red. I cried. I faked it. Life-Devouring Ghost Skimming it, she gasped. Master, how can I practice this? No wayIll grind normally; I cant eat your lifespan! His expression hardened. No art, you brew the pill. Whys it gotta be lifespan stuff? Cause Ive got reasons I cant dodge. She zipped through the art, then hesitated, asking softly, Master something wrong? Hans mind shifted. With a heavy sigh, he said, Youve seen itmy weird powers, freak luck. She noddedalways by his side, she knew his oddities inside out. An Lang, those perks dont come free. Now its payback time. This pill, this arttheyre my fix. If neither pans out, my lifespans in for something nasty. With the pill, youd only nibble my years via the artbut skip it, and the fallouts grim. Too much lifespan to burnsuch a terrifying burden. An Lang froze, then nodded slowlyit clicked. No free lunch, right? She went quiet, torn, before finally saying, Master, give me time. Ill try the pill. Han glanced back. Her pale ghost face was setdetermined. She pressed close, resting her head on his back. Im still young anyway. Cold ghost flesh, warm sentiment. Chapter 271: Sugar Mommy Offensive Sometimes, in this world, a ghost can feel warmer than a human. No heat, no bloodjust a cold, spectral shellyet it can still radiate a springlike glow. Han reached out, patting An Langs head gently, his voice soft. Just master Life-Devouring Ghost. Skip the Reverse Fate Pill hassle. No wayIm brewing that pill, An Lang huffed, her tone stubborn. How could I feed on your lifespan, Master? Youve got to. Han chuckled. I was pulling your leg earlierno trouble here. Actually, I hit the jackpot. Youre the one fibbing now, she shot back. Good news doesnt involve me sucking your lifespan dry. Losing years isnt a perkits a curse. Youre just sparing my feelings, lightening my load. Im brewing the Reverse Fate Pill! Now youre writing your own script, huh? Im seriouslearning Life-Devouring Ghost helps me out. No way, no way! Im sticking to the pillwont touch that ghost art! An Lang snapped. First time as a ghost, and Im not turning into some backstabbing wraith. Stop playing me, Master! Hitting the rebellious phase, are we? Well hash this out after Yunlong City, Han said. Learn the ghost artwhether you feed off me or not, just get it down, okay? He switched tactics. Once youve got it, you cant siphon my lifespan unless I say yes anyway. A ghost master held all the cardseven with a twisted art like this, no spirit could sneak a bite without permission. An Lang drifted in front of him, curiosity buzzing. Why was Han so dead-set on this? Got it? Got it. Then off to nap. He tucked her into the ghost abodeher rare downtime while he was out and about. Back in Black Cloud Town, shed be swamped, no chance for shut-eye. Stowing the abode, Han shook his head. She just doesnt get my good intentions. Objectively, An Lang was the least likely to betray himbound by life and death in the truest sense. Aside from the cheat device secret, he rarely hid much from her. With Lu Qingmo and others, hed cook up excuses, but An Lang? No need. Acting weird or wild around her was fineghost-taming arts plus the Oathstone from Tree Bro locked her loyalty tight. Even if nabbed, no soul-search could pry Hans secrets from her. Ghosts were the ultimate trusty sidekicksno exaggeration. Sure, for a few rare moves, hed block her senseskeep her in the dark. Next, he dove into studying his forbidden arts, but to his surprise, Ao Xuanwei stayed MIA. It wasnt until the moon rose, silver light spilling over, that her footsteps echoed outside the Quiet Room. Sorry to keep you waiting, she said, stepping in. She handed back Awakening Spirits and slid a spatial pouch his way. Whats this? Han asked, puzzled. Stuff I had fetched from the palace, she explained. Theres a special item in thereHarmony Fusion Liquid. Its a game-changer for reforging weapons. Blends new materials seamlessly, cuts crafting difficulty way down, and fuses everything perfectlyno clashes, just a stronger weapon. Your swords still standard-gradewith this, some Origin-grade materials, and a master smith, you could bump it up to Origin-tier. This tale has been unlawfully lifted without the author''s consent. Report any appearances on Amazon. Origin-grade weapons were Marrow Cleansing territoryleagues above standard fare. Lower realms could wield them too, thoughany cultivator with true essence could max their power. Bone Refiners, even Visceral folks like Han, would hit harder than with regular gear. But Origin weapons were raremost Bone Refiners couldnt dream of affording one. Han figured hed still be swinging his standard Taibai at that stageunless someone dropped a gift in his lap. Fat chance in Black Cloud Town these days, barring that one guy. Top-notch standard gear usually sufficed for Bone Refiners anyway. Staring at the pouch, Han gave a wry smile, piecing together why shed taken so long. Youre dead-set on letting me cash in, huh? She hadnt handed him an Origin weapon or top-tier materials outrightjust a liquid that smashed the bottleneck for upgrading Taibai. Perfect balancenot too little to feel like a tease, not too much to spark an awkward gift-giving spiral where hed owe her back. Ao Xuanwei blinked innocently. Not sure what you mean. Han laughed helplessly and took the pouch. Damn it, Im falling to this dragon heiresss sugar-coated barrage! Its latestay for dinner? she offered. Ive been lost in that art all day, neglecting you. Give me a chance to make it up. What could Han do? Say no? Fat chancehe agreed. Her night feast was a spectaclenot mortal grub, but spirit-infused delicacies brimming with energy. The drinks? Spiritual wines, every sip a boost. To bottom-rung rogue cultivators, this spread was a pipe dream. Same for Hanhis first thought as he sat down? Freaking class divide. This is Nine Phoenix SoupDads daily favorite, Ao Xuanwei said. Over heres Jade Spirit Emperor Bamboogrows only where heavens energy pools, harvested at dawns first dew for the tenderest tips. The rest? Tossed. And thisTwelve-Color Chicken, raised eighteen years on pills and medicated baths for peak flavor. She rattled off each dish with gustonot bragging, just sharing like it was no big deal. To her, this was standard farenothing worth flexing over. Only nabbing something rare by her standards might spark a boast. Han nodded silently. Fancy stuffnever even heard of it. The cost and value of this meal? Mind-boggling to anyone who hadnt peeked behind the curtain. This wasnt eatingit was chowing down on cash and treasures. Dragon clan extravaganceeye-opener for sure. Damn, this is a straight-up money offensive! Heres Red Flame Winegreat for martial training, tempers your body and true qi, she added. No mundane bites hereevery morsel fueled cultivation. One glimpse showed the whole picture: how could rogue cultivators ever catch up to sect elites? Sure, not every bigwig disciple ate like Ao Xuanwei, but their daily grub wasnt mortal slop either. What you ate shaped your future. They gorged on spirit herbs, pills, and treasure feaststhen theres you, scraping by. Catch up on grit and air? Unless fate handed you a golden ticket, rogues stayed rogues. Like Hans past lifestudying was the masses only ladder, but without a break, reality crushed it flat. Rogues and scholars could climb, shift their stars, but flipping the heavens? Tall order. Still, anyone claiming cultivation or study was pointless was either dumb or shadydont buy it. Cultivation cracked mundane hierarchies, sure, but it built a steeper, tougher ladder in its place. What could Han say? Dig inhit the rich folks where it hurts! Post-feast, he felt a buzzhalf-tipsy. A clam spirit tidied up, leaving the room spotless. Ao Xuanwei, cheeks faintly flushed, studied him. After the Tianhai Dragon Ascension Assembly, it hit meyou needed those exotic flames. Practicing Earthfire Seal, right? Howd you guess? She smiled. Commander Lus masterpiece art caused a storm when it surfacedtop prodigies swarmed to claim it. She snagged the core inheritanceno secret there. A supreme art like that? Even big sects and clans see it as a cornerstonegrabs attention. Good thing the cores restricted, or Xuandu Temple adding another widespread supreme art mightve rattled some cages. Han thought backhigh-born foes hed faced clocked Lu Qingmos art fast. Thunder and Earthfire Seal wasnt exactly hush-hush. No worries about it drawing heat, thoughthe core inheritance was soul-locked; no search could crack it. Oh, after Tianhai, Xu Xian didnt head back with you, Han said. Dragon Palace folks say anything? The assembly buzz wouldve reached Yunjianghis fake ID too. A genius recruit not brought home? Odd. Dragon cub growing wingstrouble brewing? I cleared it with Dadno issues. No one else piped up, she said, pausing. He did ask if Im planning to snag a groom. Groom? Han snapped sober. Whats she getting at? A hint? Cool itdont overthink. Getting pegged as a cocky fool would suck. Chapter 272: "Stop Burning It—I’m Freaked Out!" Glancing at her meltdown, Han shook his head. Still greencant handle the big leagues. Your grits lacking, An Lang! Its just external junkburned and done. Checking his tally, hed torched a few roundsbarely a third of a percent of the Eternal Life Taoist Fruit. To drain it this month, hed need 330 years a day. No way hed keep that pacejust a demo for An Lang. When it wrapped, she flopped on the carpet, limp, eyes vacant, muttering, Gonna die soon bodys breaking no more burning Han patted her head. Quit freaking out. Whyd you do that?! She bolted up, yelling, Thats too muchhow could you?! Not just meyoure next, he said. Master Life-Devouring Ghost, then chow down on my lifespansuck as much as you want. Am I good to you or what? He leaned in, coaxing, No ghost master out theres feeding their spirit like thisIm betting my life on you. Step upcraft incense, brew pills. Without me, whod burn this much for you? The story has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation. An Lang stared, lost. Why, though? Humans going this nutstossing lifespan like confettihad to be madness or a death wish. She couldnt see another angle. Dont digjust suck, Han said. No harm to meAunt Moll check me back home; youll see. No need to swear her to secrecyhis will as ghost master locked her lips. The carpet zipped into Black Cloud Town, An Lang still dazed. Peach grove. SurpriseBai Ruoyue was there. Spotting Han, she hit him with, Back late, huh? Caught mepatrol duty! Stayed for dinner, he said. Mission accomplished? Lu Qingmo asked. Yeptraded some arts with Ao Xuanwei, Han volunteered. Aunt Mo, check me out. An Lang perked up, watching eagerly as Lu Qingmo ran her hands over him, nodding. Vitality steady, lifespan intactno signs of burning. An Langs jaw dropped. ImpossibleI saw him torch it like crazy! Lu Sis, look closer! Hans face stayed coolzero shock. Pfft, just spare change. An Lang clammed up, dreamlike, smart enough not to blurt questions in front of everyone. She knew whose side she was onwhose boots she licked. That night, Bai Ruoyue crashed at the grove. Back in his room, An Lang shot him a look. He nodded. Spillno onell hear. Master, whats going on? SimpleIve got no lifespan worries short-term. No loss, no fallout. Hows that possible She couldnt wrap her head around it. Dont sweat ithows Life-Devouring Ghost coming? Easy artquick to pick up. Then hustlenail it tonight and start sucking. For real? Suck away! Chapter 273: Gods of the Six Organs Unleashed! Little Brother, whatre you doing in the secret chamber? An Langs whipping up a special pillbig commotion. Outsided disturb everyone. Its quieter in there. Oh. Little Brother, whyre you ducking into the chamber again? Got a hunchneed a quiet spot to mull it over. That place fits the bill. Alright. Little Brother, what shady stuff are you up to? Days locked in theredoing something sketchy? Come on, Senior Sister, what mischief could I pull solo in a chamber? Just training hard, thats all! Youd better be. For five days after returning from Yunlong City, Han flipped his routineholed up daily in Taibai Martial Halls underground chamber, out of sight, ultra hush-hush. Naturally, Bai Ruoyue noticed, hounding him about what he was sneaking off to do alone in there. What else? Playing with his life, obviously! The Life-Resting Martial Path didnt harm his foundation. For others, slashing lifespan might sap vitality and potentialbut for Han? Pure fun, no strings attached. On the fifth evening, he sat cross-legged in the chamber. Inside him, six lightseach a different hueflickered, pulsing like a heartbeat, steady and rhythmic. An aura blanketed the space, thick and oppressive, a coiled dragons might simmering beneath the surface, waiting for its moment to soar. Peering inward, his six organs glowed, radiating their unique elemental vibesgallbladder, triple burner, bladder, large intestine, small intestine, stomachall flawless, shimmering with a misty, dreamlike sheen. Their energies linked, forming a perfect cycle, churning divine essence, boosting his body at breakneck speed. With each loop, his true qi grew sharper, its essence climbing. No doubt about itin five days, Han had perfected his final organ, the large intestine, locking the six into a seamless cycle and breaking through to mid-Visceral Realm. Thats what lifespan-burning got him: a leap forward in record time. Mastering the last organ wasnt like the first fiveit wasnt just refining one piece but tying them all together into a flawless loop, a full realm jump. Without Life-Resting, hed have hit this mark sometime this month, surebut when? No telling. Forbidden arts were a cut aboveonly downside was the lifespan cost. For Han? Pocket change. With the six organs complete, the perfect cycle felt worlds apart from before. Every facet of his beingstrength, speed, you name itsurged in an instant, ballooning his power. Sometimes, a hairs breadth made all the difference. Perfect versus almost? Night and day. Five organs perfected would crank it up even moresix and five cycles merging into one grand, flawless whole. Right now, mid-cycle breakthrough, Han was up to something else. His mind sank into the six organs, sensing them, reaching out. Faintly, six blurry figureslike little peoplesat within, hazy and surreal. The gods of the six organs. If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. Please report it. He pushed, coaxing them awake. They twitched, faint replies whispering back. Han didnt let up, staying the course. Then, their glow dimmed, teetering toward dormancy. An Lang, hovering nearby, sprang into action, popping a pill into his mouth. At that moment, footsteps approachedsomeone entered, sat across from him, watching closely. That unmistakable regal vibe and, uh, standout curves? Bai Ruoyue, no question. [Earth-Grade Pill: Six Organs Divine Pill] [Briefly links to the six organ gods, granting unique powers. For rare prodigies, a slim chance to permanently awaken their spirits.] A prized Earth-grade pill hed hoarded! He had a Five Organs version too, but thatd wait. The pill melted on contact, six vibrant streams flooding his body, slamming into his organs. Their divine light flared, blindingly bright. Yuan Jun A chant echoed from withininaudible to Bai Ruoyue and An Langbut six glowing figures projected outward. So this is the six organ gods? Bai Ruoyue murmured to herself. Han had seized this perfect-cycle moment to awaken themand hadnt forgotten Bai Ruoyue, deep in the same quest. Post-breakthrough, hed told An Lang to fetch her once he took the pill, letting her observe and spark her own insights. She was a pro at this organ-god gamedeeper than Han. During her month of dream-proving, shed downed god pills like candy, staying god-awake near-constantlyhundreds of them. Han couldnt match that; hed only hit Visceral Realm in the dreams final days. Still, he was confident now. Above his six organs, six little figures satnaked, male, faces mirroring his, eyes shut. Tiny halos, each tied to their element, glowed behind their heads. Chanting grew clearer within, yet muffled, like it hummed from another plane. Han poured his mind and will into them, probing their divine essence, tracing their origins. The organs light swelled, gulping cosmic energy like a bottomless pitelevating their tier, perfect atop perfect. Roots deepened, potential swelled, his very life force evolving. God-tier boost! Bai Ruoyue watched, transfixed, revelations blooming as she tied it to her own past, banishing fog with fresh clarity. Time ticked on. The gods light peaked, their forms sharpeningteetering on stepping out into reality. Legend said high-tier cultivators could push organ gods to manifest as guardian avatars, fighting alongside them. Just a talelike the gods themselvesrarely seen awakened at Visceral Realm. Today, that myth might turn real. Thenthe chants froze, the light locked. Epiphany hit Han like a thunderclap; his mind yanked back. In a void-like space, a psychic voice boomed, rattling his core: Not waking now? When, then? Wake up! Rise! Now! It echoed inwardno mortal ears caught itbut in the gods realm, it roared like thunder, impossible to ignore. Snap! Six pairs of eyes flicked open, gleaming with wisdompiercing, pure, radiant. God! God God! Six shouts rang out, overlapping, chanting God in unison. Threads spun from each, linking themsix gods, one heart. Divine light cascaded, cloaking the organs, shielding their true forms. Six gods guard six organs! Cosmic energy calmed, but faint tricklespurer than the normkept flowing in: essence of vitality. It forged through the organs, then rose to feed the gods, fattening their power. A perk of awakened organ godsself-sustaining essence absorption, no effort from Han. The organs themselves transformed at awakeningalive with divine sparks, no longer mere flesh. Temples for gods. After a while, the light settled, but the gods stayed perched, reciting cryptic chantsblessings, prayers, or cheers? Han peered inward. With a thought, the gods sank back into their organs, nesting in their divine domains. Dormant yet awakehazy, hidden from the world, a perfect secret. Thanks to Dream-Proving, Creation Pot, a final drop from Great Thousand Immortal Tree, and his relentless grind, the six organ gods were hispermanently. Looking back, the grind hit hard. Hed asked Lu Qingmono pills for organ-god insight existed, shed said. Add his cheat devices? Insane prerequisites. Smooth as it looked, the setup was brutalunique to him and his crew. He opened his eyesand flinched back. Bai Ruoyues face was inches away, wide eyes boring into him. Little Brother, this is why youve been sneaking off to the chamber for days? He froze, then nodded. You nailed it, Senior Sisterjust meditating on the six organ gods. Nothing shadygreat spot for it. Your excuse rocksmine now. Chapter 274: Spotlight Stealers and Stage Hogs Bai Ruoyues eyes narrowed with suspicion at Hans explanation. Whyd you have to sneak around to sense your six organ gods? Little Brother, youre hiding something shady. Han jumped in quick. An Lang, shes calling youhear that? He did have a ghostAn Lang, living proof (or dead proof, rather). Bai Ruoyue huffed, glaring at him, her face inches away. Han quirked an odd grin. Senior Sister, if youre that eager, Ill swing by tonight. An Langs right herecool your jets. She froze, then flushed red, catching his drift and flashing back to last time. Bam! A fist slammed into him. No respecttalking to your Senior Sister like that! An Lang watched from the sidelines, intrigued. Weird vibes. They tidied up and left the chamber. Little Brother, howd you break through already? Bai Ruoyue asked, stunned and baffled. Its been whatdays since you mastered two organs? Thats nuts. Youre speeding uphow? Totally makes sense, Han said, cool as ever. Senior Sister, hows my talent? Unheard of, unseenmind-blowingly unreal. There you go, he said, throwing up a playful shrug. With talent like mine, a random epiphany or explosive leaps no big deal, right? She had no comeback. Fair pointno issue there. Something felt off, but she couldnt argueHans track record backed him up. When word spread that Han had hit mid-Visceral Realm, the others were flooredmore than Bai Ruoyue. No wayhows he pulling this off? Little Brother, this breakthroughs making me look bad, Shen Long said, scratching his head. No worries, Bro, Shen Yu chimed in, deadpan. Once the gap widens even more, youll get used to itno more awkwardness. Sweet sister, is that your idea of comfort? Stabbing me with a smile? Back when Shen Long first met Han, he was Visceral entry-level, while Han was still Flesh Refiningeasy pickings by the Yunjiang shore, fending off the pig sniffing around his sister. Now? Hans mid-Visceral, and Shen Longs still stuck at square one. Guess Ive got no face left at Taibai. Sure, Shen Long hadnt stagnatedhed refined a few more organs since then. But next to Hans warp-speed climb? Snail pace. No biggieeveryones progress looked sluggish beside him. Zhang Yuantao marveled, Little Brother stepped into Visceral Realm and could already tangle with late-stage pros. Now, with all six organs perfect and cycling flawlessly, his powers spiked. In Visceral Realm, hardly anyones his matchmaybe even Bone Refiners arent out of reach. Spot on, Shen Long agreed. Hes top three at the hall now. No Bone Refiners here, but Senior Sister and Little Brother outshine them anyway. Shen Yu piped up quietly, Even before this, Little Brother was top threewhod outrank him? Shen Long bristledshes tearing me down like that? Doesnt she know whos boss?then let it slide. What could he do? She was his sisterhed eat it. If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation. Hans leap stirred the crewchatter buzzed hot. He Feng grinned. With Little Brothers strength now, he could sweep those outsider disciples in Black Cloud Townno competition. Hmph, all show, no substance, Bai Ruoyue snorted. Big egos, small skills. Theyre from major sects and clans, Han said with a laugh. A little swaggers par for the course. He got their arrogancethey had the chops to back it. Simple rule: strut all you want, just dont be a dumbass about it. In just five days, six more factions rolled in after True Extremity Sect and the Mo clan, Zhang Yuantao sighed. Master always said big sect and clan disciples might show up someday, but we never saw emfigured theyd skipped us. Didnt expect them all piling in this month, wave after wave. Black Clouds shifting every day. Han recalled Yun Yuannans wordsthe Mountain God would likely stir this month. These factions are sharp, he said, shaking his head. They only pop up when it countsshowing early wouldve been pointless. Since the month kicked off, outsider factions had swarmed in, proving Yun Yuannan right. But its not peak time yet, Bai Ruoyue added. Among these out-of-towners young blood, the real core disciples havent shown. Just inner disciplesapprentice-level grunts. Han smirked. True prodigies? They save the grand entrance for lastgotta flex their status, right? Whats my rank? Mingling with inner-door scrubs and petty deacons? Please. Deacons and senior deacons might outmuscle true prodigies now, but rank-wise? Not even close. Some even pledged loyalty to their sects prodigies, lapdogs on a leash. Exceptions existedpost-Day Roaming or Bone Refining, some prodigies climbed from deacon gigs, grinding their way up. Those were a different breed. Dont care how many factions or bodies show upjust dont mess with us, Bai Ruoyue said. These five days, Black Cloud Town had been a whirlwindsix factions crashing the stage. Four were Tianzhou locals with Yin God or True Blood heavyweights: the Guo and Shen clans from the state capital, alongside the Dong and Mo clans, the big four ruling the citys family scene. Two were Tianzhou sects, matching the clans clout. The last pair? Little Sage Temple from next-door Qingzhou and Tianzhous Yellow Maple Valleyboth near Shenhua Sects level. In Tianzhou, sects reigned supreme; the four clans, the family front-runners, couldnt touch them. Each region had its own flavorLu Qingmos Wei Region, for instance, flipped the script: the Wei clan owned it, every sect, clan, and hall bowing to their whim. Shen Yu giggled, hugging Bai Ruoyues arm. With you and Little Brother here, whod dare mess with us? Shen Long stayed quiet, sulking. Ugh, failing as her big-bro heromy bad. These five days werent free of outsiders knocking on Taibais doorsome to woo, some to spar. All got sent packing. Han and Bai Ruoyues strength shut down the riffraffno one dared push it. Outmatched, their tough talk fell flat, and their elders wouldnt dare step in openly. Taibai held its ground, but other local halls and clans? They ate dirt. The outsiders first move was picking fights with Black Clouds talentstesting their mettle like it was a playbook. Results? Predictable beatdowns. Still, those with grit came out tougherHan envied that. Transformations sweetnot like me, where scrapping these guys is a foregone conclu-sion. Annoying. Other halls had decent disciples, but against wave after wave of sect elites? Outclassed. Losses piled up, spotlighting Taibais unbowed stancemaking rivals like Tenglong and Kuangdao look downright shaky. Taibais two-gen genius duo crushes all! Rivals crash and burndull as dishwater! Taibais rep soared, outshining the restcompetitors floundering only made them glow brighter. Since that Yun family visit, Han stopped dodging outsider scraps. They wanted a piece? Finetime to show Black Clouds top dog had bite. Stake that flag! That night, back at the peach grove, he froze. A gaggle of chattering beauties swarmed the placehis eyes nearly popped. His arrival drew their stares, a flurry of curious gazes. A poised, elegant woman beside Lu Qingmo chuckled. This must be Black Clouds top genius, Han, right? The giggling girls hushed under her look. This is Yan Yanran from Tianzhous Suzhen Palace, Lu Qingmo introduced. Greetings, Senior Yan, Han said. No need for formalities, Yan Yanran replied with a refined smile, then turned to Lu Qingmo. Its getting lateI should head out. Lu Qingmo nodded, seeing her off. When she returned, Han asked, Aunt Mo, whos she? Whys she here? Suzhen PalaceTianzhous true overlord, she said coolly. A top-tier orthodoxy, basically running the show there. So, Xuandu Temples league? Yep. Han sucked in a breath. Big boss alert! First top-tier crew to hit Black Cloud Town. Tianlong Gate didnt even rank closeHizhou lacked any orthodoxy that big. Dont underestimate them, Lu Qingmo warned. They only take female disciples, but thats no weakness. Suzhens mystic arts are world-famous. Whod dare scoff at a top factions disciples? Han said wryly. Whyd they swing by? I knew their former saintessvisited Suzhen Palace a few times. Shes gone? Han asked. Why former? Lu Qingmo gave him a weird look. Shes ascended to insane heightsnow a high-up, not a saintess. Theyve got a new one. Han cringed, resisting a facepalm. Dumbass question! Aunt Mo, I hit mid-Visceral Realm, he said, switching gears with the good news. But instead of joy, her brow furrowed, eyes sharpening. Whatd you do?! He pouted, wounded. Youre yelling at me?! Chapter 275: True Blood at the Door—Pushing Too Far! Lu Qingmos piercing gaze bore into Han, as if she could slice through his clothes and see straight to his core. Han met her stare for a beat, then spoke up. Aunt Mo, Im sharing good news, and youre yelling at me? He leaned into the act, playing up the hurt and woe for all it was worth. Whats the big deal? I just burned a littlenothing crazy! Howd she spot that pie-chart flicker in his eyes? Somebody teach me that trick! Days since you mastered your water-aligned organshow many? Her expression softened, but her tone stayed sharp. I know your Visceral Realm pace inside out. Howd you hit mid-tier today? Did you use a forbidden art? Anyone else mightve just marveled at his speed, no questions asked. But Lu Qingmo? Shed been with him day in, day outknew his rhythm cold. Steady progress, then bamthis toughest, slowest final step blasted through in days? Somethings fishy. Hans recent moves were an open book to herno sudden windfalls, just a haul of forbidden arts. Bai Ruoyue had mentioned his chamber lock-ins too. When things get weird, theres a reason. The truth was screaming at her. Facing her grilling, Han ached to shout, Yes! Youre spot-on, Aunt Mo! But no way hed fess up. I know youre freaking out, but chilllet me spin this slow. It all started back then. To grasp the cosmic twist of fate, check the Journey West for the key. Fine, fine, Aunt Modoubting me like this! He feigned outrage, stepping closer. Check me yourselfsee if Ive touched a forbidden art. She didnt hesitate, pressing a hand to him, probing every inch with precision. Then her edge melted away. You actually broke throughand no forbidden arts She shook her head, incredulous. How? Why not? Han pushed the act harder. Impossible stuff happens to me all the time, right? Fair pointmaybe it did. I even woke the six organ godslocked em in for good. Isnt that more impossible? Guess Im the frog in the well now. Aunt Mo, youve wounded mesuspecting me like that, he wailed, head tilted back in mock despair. I rush to share the good vibes, and this is how you treat me? Wheres the basic trust between us? My hearts breaking! Lu Qingmo saw through the theatricstoo over-the-top to fool her sharp senses. Still, she owned it. My badI spoke out of turn. Then make it up to me, Han said, dropping the mask with a sly grin. Slimy guy move! What do you want? He went for it. Thunder Seal. She nearly laughed through her irritationwhats that brain of yours cooking up? Thunder Seal? Thats not what youre really after, and Im not calling it out. Earthfire Seals plenty for you now, she said, leaving the door crackednot a hard no, just a not yet. Who else would get Thunder Seal if not him? Fine Han sidled closer, whispering a fallback. No waypick something Her refusal cut off as he wrapped her in a hug. She stiffened, ready to pull away. Aunt Mo, just a sec, he murmuredhalf-hypnotic, half-dreamyeasing her resistance. Im helpless against you. You know, I jolt awake from nightmares every night. Only now do I get a breather. She snorted, amused despite herself. Awake all night, huh? Nightmares my footsmooth talker. After a stretch, she patted his backlet gobut he didnt budge. Youre not playing fair. I totally am! Releasing her, his hands slid down naturally, brushing her curves. Her face flared red, glaring at himitching to knock some sense into that smug mug. Han blinked innocently. Whatd I do? Support the creativity of authors by visiting Royal Road for this novel and more. Keep the six organ gods hush, she warned. If word gets out, itll draw greedy eyes. No worriesonly the tightest lips know, he assured her. Rare feats like that sparked curiosity about the howand leaks could spell trouble. Post-soul training, Han zipped to An Lang, diving into alchemy with her. He wasnt aiming to master itjust needed enough skill to brew the Reverse Fate Pill. Whats a recipe without the chops? Lu Qingmo watched them go, a silent smile tugging her lips. Little man, big schemesalways plotting. Next morning at the hall, outsiders were waiting. Young Master Han, finally! A plain-faced middle-aged man perked up. Whore you? Yuan clan, he said, flashing a token Han recognized. Whats up? On Young Master Yuan Fangs orders, Im here with a heads-up, the man said. Tianlong Gates Fang Zhenyus digging into Fang Chengs deathhit up every major faction in Tianyue City already. Next stops likely Black Cloud Town. Fang Zhenyu? Whos that? Han played dumb, all huh? Fang Chengs dadTrue Blood Realm, Tianlong elder from Gulong Peak, the man clarified. Hes hell-bent on answers. Came to our Yuan clan toopushy as hell, demanded to soul-search our disciples. I know Fang Cheng didnt make it out of the cavern, Han said, puzzled. But whats that got to do with me? Never saw him down therenot my doing. His dad can dig all he wants; it wont lead to me. The man shook his head. Just passing on Second Young Masters word. Message deliveredIm off to report back. Han watched him go, shrugging, then hit the back courtyard. Bai Ruoyue approached; he signaled with a glance and spoke up. Yuan clan guysays Tianlongs Fang Zhenyus chasing his sons killer. Pointless telling usweve got zilch to do with Fang Chengs death, she said, nodding. Yuan Fangs probably just tipping you offworried Fang Zhenyu might lash out if he hits a dead end. Straight arrow fears no shadows, Han said with a light grin. That night, back at the grove, he spilled it to Lu Qingmo first thing. Aunt Mo, Fang Zhenyus hunting Fang Chengs killer! He knew who Fang Zhenyu was, obviouslybut in front of that Yuan guy, hed played clueless, keeping it neutral. The man claimed Yuan ties, but who knew? Could be Fang Zhenyus plant testing him. Slip up, and hed be toast. Yuan tokens werent foolproofsnag one off a corpse, easy. Yuan Fang sending a heads-up made sense and didnt. So Han kept mum about Fang Cheng at the hall, even with Bai Ruoyue. Better safe than sorry. Only here, with Lu Qingmo, could he spill freeher presence locked out any True Blood eavesdropping. No chaos, no panic, she said coolly. Let him dig. Its all buried in the cavernwhod pin it on you and Ruoyue? Plenty of Bone Refining beasts down theretheyre the real threat. Im not sweating it, Han replied. Just wary hell pull something sneaky. Stick to Black Cloud Town for now, she advised. Here, even if Fang Zhenyu shows, Ive got you covered. At dawn, mid-training, a chilling surge rippled from one edge of town. Han vaulted onto the halls roof, peering that way. Manifestation vibes and Marrow Cleansing might mingledtopped by a monstrous, crushing aura dwarfing both. Black Cloud wasnt hugeespecially to Manifestation or Marrow Cleansing pros. That unleashed energy? Anyone with decent cultivation felt it. The rest of Taibai joined him up top. Zhang Yuantao squinted. Thats the Dong clans turf? Someones picking a fight with the Dong clan? Theyre state capital big shots! Shen Long gaped. Han and Bai Ruoyue swapped a look. That overwhelming force stomping Manifestation and Marrow Cleansing? They had a hunchTianlong elder Fang Zhenyu. The Dong clan had been in the cavern too. The ruckus didnt lastquieted fast. Black Clouds current mash-up of factions kept everyone on edge; a full-blown brawl would draw a pile-on no one could tankespecially with Suzhen Palace in town. Tianzhous top dog wasnt one to cross lightly. Back in the courtyard, Han said, Bet that was Fang Zhenyu stirring the pot. Bai Ruoyue blinked. Bold movethe Dong clans no pushover. With Tianlong Gate backing him, as long as he doesnt burn bridges, hes probably fine, Han shrugged. Uh-oh, Shen Long clapped his hands. You two hit the cavernhe wont swing by Taibai next, will he? Hes not some immortal, doing whatever he pleases, Han laughed, unfazed. Hed seen this coming since learning Fang Chengs dad was True Blood-tier. A sons death? Pops would move mountains. Haizhou to here in daysright on schedule. Regret icing Fang Cheng? Nopeguy swung first; self-defense wasnt optional. Han kept training, cool as everno fretting over Fang Zhenyu. Later, a commotion erupted at the gate. Shen Yu peeked out, then bolted back. Senior SisterTianlong Gates here! Bai Ruoyues face tightened; she and Han traded a glance before the crew marched out. Tianlong folks loomed at the entrance, bristling with menace. A middle-aged man in plain white robes stood centerrugged, authoritative, but his eyes simmered with gloom. Flanking him were familiar facesdisciples and deacons from Tianlongs Black Cloud stintplus a few sharp, unfamiliar youths. Im Fang Zhenyu, the man rasped, voice gravelly. Tianlong inner disciple Fang Chengs father. His stare pinned Han and Bai Ruoyuea True Bloods weight crashing down, locking their bodies taut. Just a look, and the pressure was suffocating. You twowere you in Wangfeng Countys cavern last month? Yeah, Han nodded. Fang Zhenyus face stayed stone-cold, not a ripple. Open your spatial pouches or ringslet me inspect everything. No hiding, no shuffling. Then drop your defensesmy Tianlong Taoist experts will soul-search you. Well see if youre tied to my sons death. If youre clean, Im gone. Resist? Dead mens souls still talk. The Taibai seven stiffenedthose demands were outrageous. Spatial gear was a cultivators private vaultletting outsiders rummage through it was a gut-punch of humiliation. Back at Black Mountain, snake-bit and desperate, Han had cracked Bai Ruoyues pouchand even with their bond, hed explained it fast. This Tianlong crew demanding it? Straight-up insult. Soul-searching? That wasnt even treating them as human. No soul wards? Your whole lifememories, secrets, thoughtslaid bare. Whod stomach that? Even the gentlest search dinged your soulpainful as hell, like someone gutting you, yanking out organs raw. Worse, your souls at their mercyone flick of malice, and youre dust. Tianlong Gatearrogant bastards! Chapter 276: Sword Strike Showdown! Han eyed the Tianlong Gate crew, every one of them oozing arrogance, acting like the world owed them everything they demanded. Even with requests so outrageousdownright humiliating, borderline murderousthey strutted like kings. And why wouldnt they? With a True Blood elder in tow, who in Black Cloud Town could they possibly fear, aside from the mysterious Mountain God? Soul-searching wasnt rare among cultivatorsstandard fare for mortal enemies locked in irreconcilable feuds, caught and cracked open by their foes. If Han and Bai Ruoyues killing of Fang Cheng had been exposed, with Fang Zhenyu holding ironclad proof, Han wouldve gritted his teeth and taken the soul proberetribution for a sons death, fair enough. Hed still fight it, mind youhe wasnt wrong here. Fang Cheng had provoked them repeatedly, even attacked Bai Ruoyuewhat choice did he have but to end him? Down in that cavern, Fang Cheng made his play and paid the price. But right now? No way Han was bending to Fang Zhenyus demands. The guy had zero evidencetreating them like confirmed killers from the jump. Well, finetwo can play that game. They were Taibais enemies now. Han shook his head firmly, rejecting the demands outright. Those terms are way too rude and over the line. Cant agree. Insolent! a young Tianlong disciple barked beside Fang Zhenyu. You dare defy my masters orders? Hans brow twitchedsame old smug mug. Fang Chengs crew had that vibe back then, and now Tianlongs whole squad carried it too. They could dish it outordering folks around, swinging bladesbut everyone else? Supposed to just roll over and take it. Tianlong Gates big, sure, but Taibai Martial Hall isnt your lapdogyour rules dont apply here, Han shot back. We dont kiss boots either! A puny, unranked hallbottom-tier trash, barely a blip in Daqidaring to mouth off like this? the youth sneered. My master gracing you with words is an honor you dont deserveknow your place! Hand over your spatial pouches and tie yourselves upnow! The Taibai seven met Tianlongs glare with icy stares of their own. Bai Ruoyues voice cut through, cold as steel. Taibai might not match Tianlongs clout or fame, but were not spineless pushovers. These rude, bullying demands? No chance were agreeing. Want to throw your weight around because were smaller? Bring itwell see. Soul-search us? Over our dead bodies! As the hall masters daughter, no one spoke for Taibai louder than herevery word she spat was the halls will incarnate. Fang Zhenyus gaze swept over themsharp as a blade, heavy as a mountain, pressing down like a tangible force. The seven felt it hit: bodies sinking, bones creaking, blood stalling, hearts slowing to a crawl. Yet not one flincheddefiance burned in their eyes. Plenty of backbone, Fang Zhenyu said, but pointless. Im searching your souls todaytruth comes out, one way or another. Hans resolve flared, voice steady. Come try it! Clueless fools, Fang Zhenyu muttered, shaking his head. Ungrown geniuswhats it worth? Tianlong Gate sure loves flexing its muscle, a voice called from afar. Lu Qingmo stepped out of the air, landing at Taibais gate, facing off with Tianlong. First Tianyue City, strong-arming everyonenow Black Cloud Towns your playground? She locked eyes with Fang Zhenyu. Done with Taibai, whats nextShenhua Sect? Someone uninformed might think Tianlong runs Tianzhou. Stolen story; please report. Anyone who went into that Wangyue Peak cavernIm not letting a single one slide, Fang Zhenyu said. Im just avenging my son. His pattern was clearhit the weakest first: county clans, easy pickings; then the Dong clan, Taibai, and finally Shenhua Sect with its Yellow Spring heavyweights. Lu Qingmo, you meddling in this? he asked. And if I am? Her tone stayed cool. Black Cloud Town isnt Tianlong turfIm the Ghost God Division Commander here. Youre shielding themXuandu disciples, are they? Bai Ruoyue grew up under my watch; Hans a seventh-rank Ghost God Inspector, she replied. Youre moving on them? Fang Zhenyu stepped forward, voice chilling. My only sons dead. Who killed him? Them? Got proof? Im finding out! Then show it, she snapped, voice stern. No evidencejust barging in to soul-search a seventh-rank inspector? Tianlongs got some nerve. Hey, I suspect youre cozy with the Heavenly Mother Cultdrop your guard, Fang Zhenyu, let me search your soul. Clean slate if youre innocent. He glared, teeth gritted. Xuandus just as high-handed. Not happy? Her voice edged up. Take it up with our Temple Masterlet Tianlongs head honcho chat with him. Hell teach you some manners. Fang Zhenyu went silent, then relented slowly. Fineno soul-search. But they open their spatial gear, and my Tianlong cultivators extract their cavern memories for me to see. Thats my final offer. It wasnt soul-searchingjust memory projection. Needed their cooperation, no resistance, recalling the moment for a high-tier cultivator to pull it out and display. Han laughed. Look at this guyknows the softer way but starts with the hardball anyway. No chance! he shot down. His memories? Off-limits. Secrets galoreif they spilled, Black Cloud would quake, ripples hitting the whole damn world, drawing every eye. Plus, he and Bai Ruoyue practiced forbidden artsexposed, theyd be mobbed. Lu Qingmo doubled down. Not a single demand of yours gets a yes from me. Today, Im finding out if theyre tied to my sons death! Fang Zhenyu roared. You cant stop me! Im not here as a Tianlong elderjust a father hunting his boys killer. Translation: if Lu Qingmo blocked him and he struck, itd be personalno Tianlong banner. She smirked inside. Oh, claim the elder title when it suits, ditch it when it stinks? No free lunch, buddy. I saidno deal, she stated firmly. Want to swing at me? Go ahead and try. Im just Manifestation-tier, but a True Blood like you? Not scared. Different stakes from facing the Impermanence Hall ghost elder back thenthat guy went for the throat, no holds barred. Fang Zhenyu? Public stagehe wouldnt dare kill an Xuandu prodigy. Holding back meant no full throttle. Fang Zhenyus eyes shut briefly, Fang Chengs face flashing byhis only son, diligent, loyal, racking up merits, humble despite his shine. True prodigies praised him as a gentleman; elders got his respect. A kid that good, Tianlongs future, snuffed out in a cavern. No killer, no vengeancehowd he face his son in the afterlife? Howd he tell his wife? Xuandu disciple or not, hed dig. If its not these two, Ill spare themapologize to you after, he said. Third Brother, nab em when I move. They play nice, go easy. They dont? Soul-searchdead or alive. No sugarcoatingstraight orders. Hed pin Lu Qingmo; his Manifestation-tier brother, Fang Zhenxing, would mop up these Visceral punks. Whatre they gonna do about it? Tianlongs muscle and grit on full display. Han sized up Fang ZhenxingManifestation-tier. Once a towering wall, but now? With his tricks, not untouchable. Exposing cards, thoughtricky. Life-or-death? Hed hit like thunder. Whoosh! A righteous gale whipped up, bone-chilling, frosting the air. Fang Zhenyus control was razor-sharplethal power locked tight, no stray ripples hitting bystanders. Still, the vibe alone, contained or not, rattled hearts a hundred meters offlike a mountain on their chests. Unleashed? Most around would drop dead instantly. True Blood energyleaps beyond Bone Refining or Marrow Cleansingsublimed to a new plane. Fang Zhenxing didnt flinch either, lunging at Han and Bai Ruoyue to bag em for the soul rip. Lu Qingmos eyes iced overshed counter. True Blood? Bring it! Shing! Air tore aparta longsword streaked from the distance, blindingly fast, a blur aimed at Fang Zhenyus heart. Its aura roared, slicing through all, laced with tangible gales. Fang Zhenyus face shiftedhis strike at Lu Qingmo pivoted to block. Clang! Flesh met steel with a metallic ringTrue Blood toughness on display. The sword ricocheted, but its gale burst outward. He struck again, quelling the gusts to shield his crew. Thensome gales morphed, coiling into a finger faster than Fang Zhenyu could blink, jabbing Fang Zhenxing. Bold move! he roared, swingingbut caught off-guard, he couldnt fully stop it. Boom! Thunder cracked; Fang Zhenxing flew back, his armmid-strike at Hanshattering to dust. Blood sprayed as he crashed, howling, gravely wounded. Who? Fang Zhenyu whipped around, locking onto the swords origin. Who dares meddle with Tianlong Gate?! Footsteps approached, a figure emerginggasps erupted. No way! Him?! Chapter 277: Duel to the Death! The crowd on the street parted instinctively, clearing a path as murmurs rippled through. Heads craned, eyes fixed on the figure approaching from the distancea tall, black-robed man with a chiseled, resolute face, radiating grit and vigor. Whispers buzzed; many recognized him. He was no stranger in Black Cloud Towna name that carried weight. Clang! The longsword Fang Zhenyu had swatted away quivered, slapping the ground before zipping back to its owners hand. He strode up to the standoff, his voice ringing out clear and bold. Its meBai Tian, Taibai. Dad! Master! Bai Ruoyue and the crew burst with joy, their faces lighting up with uncontainable excitement. Its really himthe Taibai Hall Master, gone for two months! But this Tianlong guys True Bloodhows Bai Tian packing that kind of punch?! No way hes trading blows with a True Blood! The onlookers erupted, disbelief crashing over themthis was the guy behind that insane stunt? Lu Qingmo glanced at Bai Tian, a flicker of relief settling in her chest. Taibai Hall Master, Bai Tian? Fang Zhenyus gloomy eyes widened with shock. Youve broken through to True Blood? He couldnt wrap his head around it. A backwater hall mastereven with some youthful wanderinghowd he climb this high? Fang Zhenyu had clawed his way up Tianlong Gate, hitched himself to the Gulong Peak Masters daughter, and leaned on his father-in-law to snag True Blood and an elder gig. This Bai Tianwhats his deal? Tianlong Gatehere to soul-search my disciples? Bai Tian shot him a sidelong look. Get lost! His roar exploded outward, rippling like thunder, rattling souls to the brink. Clouds overhead shredded apart, the street cracked underfoot, and folks clutched their ears against the piercing echo. Taibais crew felt a rush of clarity. Han studied his master, gears turning. Wait a secMasters the real main character here, isnt he? Young prodigy, out adventuring, facing death, scoring epic breakshis tale had to be a wild ride. Then, instead of flexing that fortune, he slipped back to Black Cloud Town with a kid in tow. Somethings up there. Plus, since Han joined Taibai, Bai Tian had swooped in clutch twiceloaded backstory, clutch saves, and a daughter? Textbook protagonist vibes. So whats that make me? A glance at Bai Ruoyueoh crap, Im the rogue stealing the girl. But thennah, Im safe; rogues dont die easy. A peek at Lu Qingmodouble crap, Im the rogue king. Nah, that seals itIm the real lead. With Bai Tian back, True Blood strong, and Lu Qingmo on deck, Han relaxedplenty of room for wild tangents now. One Fang Zhenyu? Whats he gonna do? Game over. Fang Zhenyus face darkened, cool mask slipping. Bai Tian, youre blocking Tianlong Gates business? Lu Qingmo chuckled. Oh, now youre Tianlong again? The sarcasm drippedearlier, hed dodged the elder tag to dodge blame; now he waved it proud. Youd dare touch my disciples? Bai Tian stepped forward, aura blasting like a volcano, shaking everyones coreFang Zhenyus included. Fresh to True Blood or not, no one scoffed. Reaching that tier meant no weaklings; even top prodigies struggled to leap tiers here. Fang Zhenyu? No prodigy in his youth. Bai Tian might not outmatch him yet, but bypassing him and Lu Qingmo to nab Han and Bai Ruoyue? Pipe dream. If you spot this story on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation. Lay a hand on my disciplesTianlong or not, bring it! Bai Tian stood firm, zero give. They mightve killed my son, Fang Zhenyu growled. Bai Ruoyue dashed to her dad, spilling the Tianlong-Fang Cheng saga quick. Bai Tian sneered, Well, well, well! Didnt think youd stoop to bullying Taibai like thistime to settle that score? Exploring danger zonescasualties happen, he added. That caverns crawling with Bone Refining beastsVisceral deaths? Par for the course. Yet Tianlong pulls this stunt after the fact. Guess your disciples are forged from immortal goldtoo precious to scratch. Right! Bai Ruoyue jumped in. Next time we hit a danger zone with Tianlong around, everyone else should just back offgive em the floor! If they die, no excuses to harass the rest of us with threats and bribes. Just gotta convince those beasts to roll over for your discipleswonder if theyll buy Tianlongs clout. The father-daughter tag-team echoed out, striking a chord far and widefolks nodded along. Damn straight! Tianlongs tyranny was nutswhat if your kid got munched by a beast? We all gotta die for it? Even non-cavern vets felt the sting. Tianlongs crew glared daggers at Bai Tianno one dared yap now. Fang Zhenyus hotshot disciple, all bravado earlier, zipped itTrue Blood fear kicking in. Tianlong pride, huh? Taibais seven had faced Fang Zhenyu head-onLu Qingmo and Bai Tian absentwithout blinking. Ha. A light laugh cut through. Figures popped up on nearby rooftopssharp, standout types. Teens filtered into the street below. The laugh came from Yan Yanran, Suzhen Palaces poised leader. Tianlong Gatebig flexers, huh? she said. Clueless folks might think this is HaizhouWest Sea turf. Her tone dripped with displeasurethis is Tianzhou, pal. Shenhua Sects elder, a calm old man, eyed the scene from above. Wonder if Elder Fangs planning to soul-search my disciples too? he mused aloud. If so, Ill have em cooperatesearch away. Min Xing. Here, Master. Tell your dadElder Minwho rummaged your soul. This old cootll apologize for failing to shield you. Yes, Master. Anyone could hear the sarcasmShenhuas duo was pissed. No shockTaibai down, theyd be next. Fang Zhenyus face flickeredfury bubbling. Shenhua Sect wasnt Tianlong-tier, but not pushovers either. His father-in-law could flex Tianlongs full weight, but him? Just a Gulong Peak elder. Other factions watched, cold and unimpressedHaizhous deal was old news: Tianlong, West Seas lapdog, siding with them over locals. Get out, Bai Tian barked, shooing Tianlong off. Taibais too small for your grand asseslinger, and I wont play nice. Han mentally high-fived his masterdamn, hes got guts! Fang Zhenyu exhaled, cooling off. If Im not welcome, Ill bouncebut! He zeroed in on Han. Ive heard plenty about Black Clouds top genius. My disciples wanna spar He shifted to Bai Tian. Youngsters scrappingHall Master Bai wont nix that, right? Taibais the top dog heresurely youre not dodging a challenge? Hai Zhen! Here, Master! The cocky youth from earlier stepped up, bellowing, Tianlong inner disciple Hai Zhen requests a lesson from Black Clouds finest! Han sized him up pegged. Brother Han, Hai Zhen grinned, a sly edge to it, hoping for a friendly bout today. Not free? Ill swing by tomorrowor whenever works. Facing you, the top genius, has been my dream since I heard your name. Black Clouds big shot wouldnt duck a fight with me, right? His intent was crystalIm on you til we clash. From the steps, Han looked down at him. Whatre you to call me brother? Hai Zhens face darkened, mouth openingcut off by Hans shout. Wish grantednot a spar, though! He locked onto Hai Zhen, voice booming. Deathmatch! It tore through the air, echoing across the area. A spar? Kid stuff! You want a fight? Lets make it life-or-deathfate decides! The crowd gasped. Tianlongs crew paled. Fang Zhenyu squinted; faction leaders blinked in shock. Hai Zhens expression flippedglancing at Fang Zhenyu, getting nada. Still, he caught the drift. Youre serious about a deathmatch? What, scared? Han taunted, eyebrow cocked. Beat it out of Black Cloud then! Finedeathmatch it is! Hai Zhen bit down. Qi law banned private brawls, but for grudges too deep to bury, the court had a fix: deathmatcheslegal kills. File at the magistrate, get Ghost God and Martial Stabilization Divisions to witness, then slug it out. Winner takes alllosers loot included. Grudges die with itno revenge after, or youre defying Qi law. With the call made, folks scrambled to fetch officials and Martial Stabilization reps. Han gave Hai Zhen one last look, eyes drifting shut. Tianlongs smug faceshe was done with em. Seeking death? Hed oblige. Im pissed now. Chapter 278: Ascendant Apex Showdown Three strikesfelled a pseudo-Bone Refiner from a top-tier faction. He slid into Taibais ranks; they parted naturally, slotting him in. Silence gripped the sceneno one spoke, still reeling. Then, a sigh broke itYan Yanran, her eyes on Han, a mix of awe, recognition, appreciation. She got why Lu Qingmo mentored this kid. Supreme prodigy, martial immortal seedundisputed. Her verdict carried weighttop praise for youth. No one argued; lips stayed shut, but hearts agreed. Fang Zhenyu stared, face flickering, then steadied. True prodigymy disciple couldnt match him. Nothing to say. He turned. Were out. Tianlongs crew quietly gathered Hai Zhens body, leaving his weapon and pouch, tossing gold for the streets ruindeparting in somber silence. More talk? Just fuel for mockery. As they cleared out, the crowd snapped alivevoices erupting. No wayHan won? Three strikesnormal swing, powered-up, then Taibais acedropped a peak Visceral! Mid-Visceral, three hits for peakthats Bone Refining strength, no question! Freakoutshines Bai Ruoyue! Months in, and hes this nutsunreal genius! Supreme prodigy, immortal seedBlack Clouds top dog, legit! Not just Black Cloudworld-class! The fights shockwave blew mindsjaws dropped, eyes popped. Everyone whod seen it buzzed, buzzing uncontrollably, gazes locking on Han amid Taibais crewemotions swirling. The genuine version of this novel can be found on another site. Support the author by reading it there. Faction leaders felt it deeperbroader horizons sharpened their awe. Marrow-tier art, three strikes crossing realms to kill a pseudo-Bone Refiner with Yin God moves Shenhuas elder replayed it, shaking his head. Supreme prodigy indeed. True Extremity, Little Sage Templeall mirrored the thought: Han of Taibai earned that title. Black Cloud birthed a dragon! Zuo Tianzhengs eyes dimmed briefly before he congratulated Taibai. Hall Master Bais True Blood masterytop-tier. Your disciples a prodigy too. Impressive. Hans the clear victor here. Bai Tian nodded. Lord Zuos fair. He faced the crowd, voice booming. Folks, Im fresh from seclusionhalls got a mess to sort after this. Gotta handle itsorry I cant host now! Swing by Taibai later; Ill make it up. No trace of his earlier Fang Zhenyu smackdownpure friendliness now. No one dared underestimate him, thougha True Blood outranking most of their backers. Hall Masters too kind, Shenhuas elder said, bowing. True Bloods a big dealcongrats! Todays off, but Shenhuall visit soon to celebrate. No bother now, others echoed, bowing out with their disciples. The crowd thinned toobut word of this would blaze through Black Cloud fast. One tale ends; another kicks off. Aunt Yan, hows Han that strongsupreme prodigy vibes? A Suzhen girl gawked, still reeling. Yan Yanran sighed. True dragons from the sticks are rarebut weve stumbled onto a legend. Hans beyond supremein the top tier of sect and clan prodigies, his talent and strength reign supreme. The girls jaw dropped. Aunt Yanyou mean hes on par with the Saintess? Yan shook her head. The Saintess is unmatched. But against other factions elite seeds? His roots hold up. Think about itTaibai cant teach supreme arts or god-tier skills. Crossing one minor realms prodigy-tier; twos supreme a full realm? Thats supreme among supreme. Mid-Visceral with Bone Refining mighthes there. Give him a god-tier art someday? Unthinkable heights. Chats like this echoed among True Extremity and beyond. Supreme prodigy, immortal seednone who saw it disagreed. Chapter 279: Relentless Revenge In a side room of the Tianlong Gates commandeered outpost in Black Cloud Town, only Fang Zhenyu and his brother Fang Zhenxing remained. The elders face was a storm cloud, silent for so long that Fang Zhenxing hesitated to break the tension. Crack! Suddenly, the wooden table under Fang Zhenyus hand shattered into dusta wisp of his aura slipping out, too much for the wood to bear. Big Brother! Fang Zhenxing jolted, voice sharp with concern. Chengs deathits got to be tied to those two brats from Taibai, Fang Zhenyu snarled, fist clenched, venom dripping from every word. Did you spot something, Big Brother? Fang Zhenxing asked. You saw Hans strengthsolid Bone Refining tier. Bai Ruoyues on par, Fang Zhenyu said, eyes blazing with murder. Cheng had Tianlong Transformation up his sleeve, but against two Bone-tier fighters? No chance. Of everyone in that cavern, only those Taibai punks had the juice to take him down. Since Han had just flashed mid-Visceral Realm prowess, Fang Zhenyu assumed hed been at that level back in the beast arena too. It tracked, in his mindhis logic felt bulletproof. He had faith in his sons skills and Tianlongs signature supreme art, but Hans freakish talent and Bai Ruoyues proven Bone-tier grit were undeniable. They couldve done it. No way Han was just entry-Visceral a few days ago, right? Fang Zhenxing paused, tempted to argue. It didnt have to be Taibaicouldve been cavern beasts, Shenhua Sect pulling tricks, or some hidden trap. Sure, Taibais duo were prime suspects, but rationally, Fang Zhenyus hunch leaned on shaky, hole-riddled guesses. By now, though, his brothers grudge against Taibai wasnt just about Fang Chengs death anymorehis disciples loss, the humiliation of being stonewalled, the beef with Bai Tianall piling onto a broader vendetta. Even if Taibai wasnt guilty, Fang Zhenyu wouldnt let it slide. Reason was out the window. Fang Zhenxing saw it clear as day but kept his mouth shutno point clashing with his brother now. Fang Cheng was family, Taibais shine screwed Tianlongs interests, and Hans Yunjiang Dragon Palace ties? A thorn in their side. So, Big Brother, whats the play? he asked. Bai Tians jumped to True Blood out of nowherewere stuck against Taibai now. True Blood ruled Black Clouds surface gameno one could touch that tier here without a posse of equals, and Tianlong couldnt pull that off under everyones noses. Fang Zhenyus mood darkened further. A nobody hall master hitting True Bloodtheres gotta be more to it. Fang Zhenxing nodded harddamn right theres a catch. How else? Hed had Tianlongs resourcesway cushier than Bai Tiansand still languished at Manifestation, Yin God a distant dream. Bai Tian, some rural grunt, pulling this off? No way. Big Brother, Bai Tian wandered off youngtrails cold, no one knows what he got into, Fang Zhenxing mused. Maybe he scored a jackpot out there? Report it to the Gulong Peak Masterhed bite at that. Reading on Amazon or a pirate site? This novel is from Royal Road. Support the author by reading it there. A True Blood breakthrough perk? Thatd hook some big shots. Whatever he got, its spent now, Fang Zhenyu said, mulling it over before shaking his head, a sinister grin creeping up. Nohe didnt snag anything out there. But we will report him to the sect. Picture this: a local Black Cloud nobody, no talent near Hans levelwhat pushed him to True Blood here? Fang Zhenxings eyes lit up. The Mountain God! Exactly, Fang Zhenyu nodded sharp. Report it like this: even if Bai Tian got a windfall out there, say he didnt. His True Blood jump? One reasoncolluding with the Mountain God. Anyone eyeing that deity wont let a Mountain God-groomed True Blood walk. Once the gods toast, Bai Tians done too. At the magistrates office, Zuo Tianzheng stared at the deathmatch pact, fixating on Hans bold, sprawling signature. Bai Tian, True Blood Han, supreme prodigy he muttered, fingers tighteningcrumpling the hide into a wad. Marrow-tier Li Shis eyes still flickered with awe. Taibai Martial Halls got some wild luckspawning talents like these. Yeah, wild luck, Zuo Tianzheng echoed, stashing the pact, his gaze icy. But for us? Bad news. Forget the rivalry theyll sparkjust Qian Shis botched hit on Han isnt wrapping up clean. Were top of Lu Qingmos suspect list. With Hans momentum, if he digs into it later Some roads, once taken, had no U-turnsjust a straight shot to the end. No walls airtight in this worldhit a certain tier, and most secrets cracked open with enough digging, even if only traces surfaced. Zuo didnt regret siccing killers on Han stakes, his paths lifeline. Wipe out all of Taibai for a better shot? Hed do it. Regret? Only that Han slipped the noose. Manifestation-tier Chu Shi frowned, puzzled. Whatd Bai Tian snag on his travels to hit this peak? And Han, Bai Ruoyuetodays strength probably ties to him too, Li Shi added. But our intel says no Bai Tian popped off out there in decades. Zuo shook his head. He got something back then, surebut the Mountain Gods in it too. Before we rolled in, he and that Meng clan dud hit Black Mountain with Elder Mu tagging along. They likely met the godBai Tians jumps tied to that. Elder Mu Chu Shi and Li Shi tensedname alone carried heft. A titan shielding Zixiao Heavenly Monarchs untrainable youngest, crossing him meant facing the monarchs wrath. Doesnt matterBai Tians True Blood now, Zuo said, decisive. Were out of moves. Tell Yujingits time. Black Mountains the emperors. The Sky-Mending Vine, if its thereIm claiming it. A True Blood dares block His Majestys plan? Call in the enshrineswipe him out. Bai Tians breakthrough and Hans deathmatch brewed a storm that swept Black Cloud Town. Some factions fired the news back to their sectsrecruitment offers for Han spiked, matched by kill plots. Cant snag em? Smash em. Classic logic. A supreme prodigy was a sects goldminea future powerhouse, rarer than ore veins or herb fields. Bai Tians True Blood clout, though, quashed the darker schemes. Not invincible, sure, but in todays Black Cloud? Big stick. Beyond-True-Blood tiers wouldnt show yetnot til the Mountain Gods endgame. So, malice simmered downgoodwill took over. Factions clocked it: Taibais just a hallits disciples would scatter eventually. Opportunity knocks! Big shots schemed deep, but for Black Clouds rank-and-file cultivators, today boiled down to two words: Badass. No fussjust pure awe. Taibai, from master to disciples, put Black Cloud on the mapthree strikes felling a Tianlong disciple, staring down an elder, unbending. Legendary stuff. Pride swelled town-widemost revering Taibai like a ceaseless river. Best martial spot in Black Cloud? East Towns Taibai Hall! Outside noise didnt faze Taibais crew. Han slicing a Tianlong disciple? No biggiewhy fuss over that? Outsiders with their fancy legacies flipped out more than they did. Little Brothers this goodduh, thats just how it is. Taibais shining star. Theyd forgotten their own jaw-dropped shock from Hans early daysnow they smirked at the outsiders disbelief. Master, congrats on breaking through, Han said. Bai Tian smiled faintly. Been True Blood a few days already. Han blinked. Waityou timed the rescue on purpose? Chapter 280: Forging a True Saint in the Crucible of Gossip! Bad habitsblatant, shameless bad habits. Han didnt mince words in his criticism of such behavior. After my breakthrough, I quietly observed Black Cloud Town from the shadows, Bai Tian explained. Once I got a rough grasp of the situation, I decided to spend some time consolidating my newfound strength, all while keeping a discreet eye on the town. He turned to his audience and added, So today, Fang Zhenyu had no chance of touching any of you. So, hed been lurking in the background all along, watching. Father, where did you go into seclusion? Bai Ruoyue asked, her curiosity piqued. In the Yun familys secret domain, Bai Tian replied. Its the safest place around. Plus, there are some supplementary techniques there that offer a bit of help and completely mask any disturbances from my breakthrough. The Yun family, huh Han mused. At first, it caught him off guard, but the more he thought about it, the more it made sense. A breakthrough wasnt a trivial matterBai Tian couldnt just pick any random spot to hole up in. Safety came first. If hed passed over even the hidden chamber beneath Tai Bai, it meant hed found somewhere even more secure. In all of Black Cloud Town, nothing topped the Yun familys domain. It seemed Bai Tian had struck some kind of private deal with them too. The descendants of the Mountain God might look like they only had a handful of Bone Refining Day Wanderers on the surface, but anyone with a bit of insight knew there were deeper waters beneath. Yun Yuannans one heck of a actor, Han said with a chuckle. He had to hand it to the Yun family headhis poker face was impeccable. All those past visits, and Han hadnt picked up on a thing. Truly worthy of being the patriarch. Not that he thought Yun Yuannan had done anything wrong. It was just a casual observation. Bai Tian smiled warmly as he gazed at his seven disciples. Lu Qingmo had already left after wrapping things up, leaving only the Tai Bai crew behind. Every so often, you lot manage to surprise me, he said. Whether its your progress in cultivation or something else, youve all done brilliantlynear perfect, really. Taking you on as my disciples is honestly my good fortune. Bai Ruoyue puffed out her chest, beaming with pride. Of course, Father! Youre blessed to have us. And once Little Junior Brother and I become family, youll be doubly blessed! Her cheeks flushed slightly at the thought. It wasnt her fault for dreamingdespite the influence of extraordinary powers in this world, where women werent seen as lesser than men and many customs differed from Hans past life, some things stayed the same. A hug or a kiss here wasnt just a casual gesture; it was a commitment. Back in the world Han came from before crossing over, such acts had practically turned into polite hellos. Here? Try pulling that and calling it etiquetteyoud be lucky not to get a fist to the face. With Masters breakthrough, Tai Bai Martial Hall can sleep easy now, one disciple chimed in. Seriously! A True Blood Realm hall master? You wont find one in all of Tianyue Countyat least not openly! another added. Master, youre the best! The group buzzed with excitement. In this world, a cultivators status hinged on talent and strength, but until you became a powerhouse yourself, your background was what mattered most. Bai Tians breakthrough was a clear win for everyone. Bai Tian ruffled Shen Yus hair, opting not to deliver any grand lectures. Sure, there were always bigger fish and higher skieshe might dominate Black Cloud Town as a True Blood now, but the future was anyones guess. Still, as their master, his job was to hold up the sky for his disciples. Whatever stronger foes or greater dangers lay ahead, those were his burdens to bear, not theirs. His seven disciples were already exceptionalflawless, even. Any shortcomings werent their fault; theyd stem from him failing to give them the best environment possible. Bai Tian only took in geniuses as disciplesa common practice under the heavens. But he went further, doing everything in his power to ensure those geniuses had the resources and opportunities to shine, maybe even surpass their natural limits. Love what you''re reading? Discover and support the author on the platform they originally published on. Well except for his youngest disciple. Bai Tian turned to Han, clapping a hand on his shoulder. Han, youre good. Really good. He struggled to find the right words. Gushing too much would make him sound like a brown-noser instead of a master, so he kept it simple, letting his genuine approval shine through. At this point, youre ready to graduate, he said. The Bone Refining Day Wanderer stage was the unspoken graduation line for sects and clans across the world. Hans martial prowess might not be there yet, but his strength already was. Nah, still early days, Han replied with a grin. Youve got a few more years of teaching me left. Bai Tians expression softened with emotion. Theres not much left for me to teach you. Honestly, I havent taught you much at all. With your talent, Im not the one to guide you. He could confidently say hed played a big role in shaping his older disciples into who they were today. But Han? Beyond the basicsmartial initiation, secret techniques, some cultivation pointersBai Tian hadnt done much. Hans talent was so overwhelming it left him at a loss. Of course, that was just Bai Tian being modest. Anyone with a functioning brain could see hed taught Han plenty. It was just that Hans sheer brilliance created a gap that made Bai Tian feel out of his depth. Father, youve taught Little Junior Brother less than I have, Bai Ruoyue teased with a huff. After he joined, you went off to Black Mountain, and not long after you got back, you were in seclusion again. Im the one who raised him up! Id say hes half my disciple at this point. Go on, Little Junior Brothercall me Master! Hans face twisted into an odd expression. Was his senior sister into role-playing or something? Talk about a thrill. Zhang Yuantao piped up, Master, this breakthrough took so longdid anything go wrong along the way? Bai Tian shook his head. No hiccups, thankfully. Thanks to Hans dream ability from way back, I anticipated every possible snag and cleared every hurdle. Condensing true blood, though, is a grind without the right rare treasures to help. Youve got to hammer your essence, body, blood, and even your spirit over and over, refining them into something sublime. Its not a quick process. Youll see what I mean when you get there, he added. In Bai Tians mind, with his guidance, five of his disciples could reach the peak of the Marrow Cleansing Realm and touch the True Blood threshold. Whether they broke through would depend on their own luck. Without some massive stroke of fortune, that was as far as he could take them. Why five? Because the other two were destined to soar far beyond him. Ive got a Ten Thousand Blood Spirit Flower, Han said quietly. Aunt Mo said its useful for condensing true blood. Bai Tian froze, then let out a heartfelt sigh. Ive heard of that legendary plant. Using it during a True Blood breakthrough wouldnt just boost the refinementitd cut the time down significantly. Your luck is unreal, Han. Guard that treasure wellitll come in handy down the road. His youngest disciple was a marveltalent, character, luck, the works. Still in the Visceral Realm, and hed already snagged something this rare. Items that aided a True Blood breakthrough were even scarcer and more valuable than those used for True Blood cultivation. Bai Tian could already picture Han breezing through that stage, no two-month slog of nonstop blood-condensing like hed endured. His own breakthrough had been relatively swift, thanks to the experience gained from Dream Enlightenment, but some martial artists took six months or even a year. That brutal reality was why Bai Tian hesitated to claim he could push Han beyond his natural gifts. The kids talent and fortune were so staggering, he didnt dare make bold promises. As far as he was concerned, not holding Han back was victory enough. Coaching a prodigy like this to exceed their potential? Bai Tian felt too small for thatmaybe some legendary immortal could pull it off. By the way, Master, Han said, Aunt Mo mentioned that at the Bone Refining Realm, you start tempering your blood and theres a specific method for it? Yep, Bai Tian nodded. I figured neither you nor Ruoyue would hit Bone Refining by the time I came out, so I didnt bring it up earlier. His guess had been spot-on. Once you two reach that stage, dont worry about blood-tempering techniques. The secret martial arts you practice have matching methodsperfect for you both. He turned to Shen Long and the others. Theirs wont suit you, but Ill set you up with top-tier blood-tempering methods too. No ones getting left behind. Shen Long and the rest quickly thanked him. Bai Tian might not take many disciples, but he spared no effort for the ones he didalways giving them the best he could offer. Whats a blood-tempering method like? Han asked, intrigued. They vary, Bai Tian explained. Back when I was traveling, I saw the Divine Hammer Methodcondenses a ethereal hammer to pound your blood into shape. Then theres the Blood Field Method, forming a field to pool your blood and nurture a seed of vitality, watering it over time. For you two, the secret martial arts come with the Eight Trigrams True Furnace. Its a special processgathering unique forces to forge a furnace in your body, lighting its flames, and tossing your blood in to be tempered a thousand times over into pure gold. Thats what they call Forging a True Saint in the Eight Trigrams Furnace! The others just found it fascinatingly mystical, but Han froze. Forge an Eight Trigrams Furnace? He glanced at the names of his secret martial artsBull Demon, Flood Dragon Demon Future ones were easy to guess. Was this blood-tempering method really meant to pair with them? Why did it feel like he was walking into a trapor straight-up signing his own death warrant? No need for a magic circlethed be jumping into the furnace himself. Wild. Im looking forward to this Eight Trigrams Furnace, Han said, his tone tinged with something wry. Could it refine him some fiery golden eyes while it was at it? Catch me up on whats happened since I went into seclusion, Bai Tian said. I scoped out Black Cloud Town for a few days after coming out, but it wasnt enough to get the full picture. He definitely didnt know the specifics of what Han and the others had been throughthose were their little secrets. Chapter 281: Heaven, Earth, and Man: The Ranking of Power A lot can happen in two monthsenough to make Han seriously wonder if Bai Ruoyue was some kind of trouble magnet. Himself? No way. Absolutely not. After hearing about Zuo Tianzhengs antics, Bai Tian gave a slight nod. This Zuo Tianzhengs been busy. Showing up in Black Cloud Town right after I went into seclusion talk about bad timing. If Zuo had arrived just a bit earlier, hed have faced Bai Tian at the Marrow Cleansing Realm. Now, hed be dealing with the freshly minted True Blood Realm master of Tai Bai. That guys no saint! Bai Ruoyue declared without hesitation. Beyond the strong suspicion that Zuo had sent assassins after them, his everyday behavior alone was enough to sour her opinion of him. Han filled Bai Tian in on the ambush theyd survived, laying out their final conclusions about who was behind it. That really happened? Bai Tians expression darkened, a faint wave of relief washing over him. Yeah, it was dicey, Bai Ruoyue said. Good thing Little Junior Brothers so stronghe turned the tables on that Manifest Saint cultivator and saved me. Thank goodness for you, Han, Bai Tian said, his voice heavy. If not for you He couldnt even finish the thought. Bai Ruoyue was his only daughter, his emotional anchor for years. Losing her was unthinkable. Hed only emerged from seclusion a few days agoback when Han and Bai Ruoyue were ambushed, he was still deep in the process of condensing his true blood. Did you dig up anything else? Bai Tian asked. We traced it as far as the two divine materials, but the trail went cold after that, Han replied. That wont happen againnot here in Black Cloud Town, Bai Tian said, his tone brimming with unshakable confidence. Once the group had brought him fully up to speed on everything that had happened, Bai Tian couldnt hide his satisfaction. Every single disciple had kept pushing forward, never slacking. The seven of them were tight-knitno petty squabbles, just camaraderie and mutual support. They tackled every challenge as a united front. Disciples like these? He couldnt ask for more. Bai Tian looked at each of them in turn, a thousand words on the tip of his tongue, but in the end, he just nodded. Hed noticed something: ever since taking Han on as a disciple, Tai Bai had come alive. The others had been swept up in experiences theyd never have encountered otherwise, snagging opportunities and undergoing transformations. Their bonds had deepened noticeably. This youngest disciples arrival had breathed new life into Tai Bai, pushing it to new heights. Master, Han said, I overheard some folks from the Heavenly Dragon Sect saying Tai Bais just a no-name martial hall, not even ranked. Whats this rank thing about? If Hai Zhen had only called Tai Bai insignificant, it couldve been brushed off as trash talk. But mentioning ranks suggested there was more to itdisdain, sure, but not just empty scorn. The others turned to Bai Tian, equally puzzled. By Great Qi law, Tai Bai Martial Hall is indeed unranked, a no-tier hall, Bai Tian explained. Same goes for every other martial hall in Black Cloud Town. In Great Qi, anyone wanting to open a martial hall has to register with the local authorities. They check your strength, whether youve got a martial system worth teaching, and if you own a plot of land for the hall. In smaller places, the bars not high, but the paperworks a headache. Only if everythings in order do they greenlight you to open shop and teach. Han nodded. It made sense. Martial halls here were like schools from his old lifemost students trained for a few years, then graduated. They could move on to bigger sects, join a familys payroll, or, if they were lucky, stay on as instructors. Starting a school wasnt a cakewalk; it demanded approvals, credentials, and connections. Unless your strength was so overwhelming that no one dared block you. But most halls start out unranked, Bai Tian continued. In Great Qi, martial halls are split into four tiers: unranked, plus Heaven, Earth, and Man. What? Bai Ruoyue balked. With your old strength, Father, Tai Bais still unranked? What does it take to hit Man-tier? Its not that my strength was lacking, Bai Tian said, shaking his head. The ranking happens once every ten years in the state capital. Ten years ago, you were only eight, Ruoyue. Tai Bai barely had any disciples back thennothing to evaluate. So weve never had a shot at ranking. But this year, its time again. Silence fell. Ten years ago, thered been no chance. They couldnt exactly send an eight-year-old Bai Ruoyue to fight for Tai Bais honor. Whats the perk of ranking? Shen Yu asked, wide-eyed. Great Qis got actual laws for this? Thats intense. Did you know this text is from a different site? Read the official version to support the creator. There are perks, Bai Tian confirmed. Even unranked halls get some love from Great Qi law. The empire encourages martial artists to open halls, teach the common folk, and bolster the nations strength. If Great Qi were the only dynasty around, it mightve kept its people weak to cling to power. But with three kingdoms vying for dominance, foreign tribes on the prowl, and demons running rampant, this was a time to flex some muscle. Whether Great Qi dreamed of conquest or not, it sure didnt want to be conquered. And cultivators? They were the make-or-break factor in the empires survival. Given the stakes, Great Qi was all for martial halls popping up. At the very least, they were training Qi citizens. Halls were a safer bet than sects or noble families, toothose groups might put clan or sect over country, no telling where their loyalties lay. Any hall that earns a rank gets rewards from Great Qiyearly ones, Bai Tian said. Money, weapons, techniques, resourcesyou name it. Its all to help halls train better disciples. Ranked halls carry serious clout, too; even local officials have to show respect. Even the lowest Man-tier halls get hefty prizes, so every hall dreams of making it big in the decennial ranking. Shen Long and the others gaped. Great Qis that generous? Han, meanwhile, mulled it over. He got itgovernment subsidies for schools. Shady diploma mills, regular colleges, elite universitiessupport scaled with status. A no-name principal versus one from a top-tier school? Not even in the same league. Great Qis always been big-hearted on this, Bai Tian affirmed. But couldnt sects or families just throw together a hall right before the ranking to scam some rewards? Han asked. Gaming the system for handouts was an old trick. Bai Tian shook his head. Great Qis thought of that. There are strict rulesrequirements to even enter the ranking, plus teaching obligations afterward. Bai Ruoyue perked up. So if Tai Bai joins this years ranking, what tier could we hit? Father, youre True Blood nowcould we snag Heaven-tier? No chance, Bai Tian said flatly. Heaven-tier demands a hall master or teacher at the Earth-Piercing Realm. Those halls dont even bother with the ten-year ranking. If an Earth-Piercing cultivator opens a hallor an existing one produces someone who breaks throughthe imperial court showers them with rewards right away and slaps on the Heaven-tier label. There arent many of those in all of Qi. Earth-Piercing Realmthats the step after True Blood? Han asked. Yep. The real pinnacle of martial arts, on par with the Yellow Spring Realm in sorcery. Reach that, and the worlds yours to roamno one wouldnt bow to you, Bai Tian said, a hint of longing in his voice. Join the imperial court, and youre an honored elder overnight. Sign up with a top sect, and youre untouchable. For a powerhouse like that to open a hall and take on students? Its a boon for Great Qi and the locals. If hed had the talent to hit that realm back in the day, a lot of obstacles wouldve vanished. Bai Ruoyue mightve even met her mother by now. Or he mightve ended up a kept man somewhere. The bars that high? Bai Ruoyue muttered. If Heavens out, what about Earth-tier? Bai Tian shot his daughter an exasperated look. Forget Earth-tierwed be lucky to scrape Man-tier. What? Your True Blood Realms that embarrassing? she pressed. Its not just about my strength, Bai Tian said, resigned. Man and Earth tiers judge the hall master, the teaching staff, and the disciples. My power clears the bar for both, but Tai Bais too lean. Lean was an understatement. Beyond him, there wasnt a single other instructor. To regular students, Bai Ruoyue and the others might count as teachers, but the ranking didnt recognize them as such. Bai Tians strength wasnt the issuehed never be the weak linkbut compared to long-established halls, Tai Bai was a bare-bones operation. Only an Earth-Piercing cultivator could make Great Qi overlook everything else and crown a hall Heaven-tier. True Blood? Not quite there, though it still came with some perks. Because Im True Blood, even if we dont meet the full criteria, Great Qi will toss us some rewards every five yearsless than what ranked halls get, Bai Tian added. It was a nod of respect to True Blood cultivatorsnot as lavish as Earth-Piercing treatment, but a sincere gesture of encouragement. Stronger folks always got privileges; no one griped about that. The gap to ranked halls was real, though. Man-tier halls got annual rewardsBai Tians setup meant waiting five years for a smaller haul. He left out one detail: for a True Blood cultivators hall to not even hit Man-tier was a bit of a humiliation. Most Earth-tier halls topped out at True Blood masters, and they did just fine. Being the odd one out? That stung. Really not even Man-tier? Bai Ruoyue said, deflated. Its not impossible, Bai Tian replied. A martial halls core is teaching. Staff matters, but the disciples you produce matter more. Train someone undeniablesomeone who can dominate the rankingand even if the rest falls short, you could get a special exception. Exceptional ranking came down to two paths: an overwhelming powerhouse or a genius who left everyone in awe. All eyes slid toward Han. He glanced around, flashing a humble smile. No need for cheers or hype. Hans got the chops to push Tai Bai into an exception, Bai Tian said with a nod, though he shook his head a moment later. But theres still time to decide if well head to the state capital for the ranking. Dont let it distract you. Why wouldnt we go? Bai Ruoyue blurted, flustered. To her, this was a golden chance to boost Tai Baionce every decade. Missing it would be a travesty. Bai Tian didnt answer, which only riled her up more. What do you do when your dads being stubborn? Han stepped in to calm her. Masters got his reasons, Senior Sister. No need to stress. Even if we skip this one, ten years from now, well shoot straight to Heaven-tier. Way more impressive. A decade was plenty. With enough gritand maybe a tiny nudge from his cheat codeEarth-Piercing wasnt out of reach. Bai Ruoyues temper flared fast but faded faster. Father, just how badass is True Blood? She pivoted, practically bouncing with excitement. This was her first brush with that level of power, and she was hooked. Hard to sum up, Bai Tian said, glancing at her. The big changes everyone knows are two: true blood and true vigor. Youve heard about condensing true bloodits not just a one-and-done deal. It keeps evolving, with different paths to refine it. Im still figuring it out myself. Then theres true essence morphing into martial vigorcrazy strong, totally over-the-top. One burst of vigor, and a Marrow Cleansing cultivators toast. That jogged their memory of Bai Tians earlier sword strike. The blade got blocked, but the vigor clinging to it smashed Fang Zhenxing, a Manifest Saint, into the dirt. The gulf between Manifest Saint-Marrow Cleansing and True Blood-Yin Spirit was crystal clear. No wonder True Bloods could sit as elders in major martial sects. Bai Tian even released a wisp of true vigor for them to check out. It was denseterrifyingly so. To Han and the others, it didnt feel like energy; it was more like forged metal, a divine weapon. The power packed inside could wipe Tai Bai off the map without breaking a sweat. That a human body could refine energy to this leveland withstand itwas mind-boggling to any normal person. And vigor? Just one piece of the True Blood puzzle. These guys were practically a different species now. Chapter 282: Unveiling the Master’s Past Tai Bai Martial Hall was buzzing with joy. Since Han joined, it wasnt often that master and disciples were all together like this. Now, with Bai Tians triumphant return at the True Blood Realm, the mood was downright electrichard not to feel elated. Bai Tian, drawing on his new True Blood perspective, offered the group some pointers on their martial paths. The higher the realm, the closer one got to the essence of martial arts, and the easier it became to spot the root of any flaws. A strong cultivator wasnt guaranteed to be a great teacher, but theyd at least have some solid experience under their belt. Imagine a Skin-and-Flesh Realm dabbler whod read a couple of books, proclaiming themselves a theory guru and trying to coach a prodigybetter not to ruin the kids future. Some things you just cant grasp from pages alone. After a round of guidance and check-ins, Bai Tian beamed with pride at his seven disciples progress. The atmosphere was warm and cheerful. How to celebrate? With a feast, naturally. That evening, Han stepped out of Tai Bai and noticed the street damage from his clash with Hai Zhen hadnt fully healed, though the ground was back to normal and the debris cleared. He strolled toward the peach grove, and despite the night, some passersby recognized him. Gasps and whispers followed. Thats Han! Clearly a standout among menan unrivaled genius! Brains and lookshes like something divine! Word of the showdown at Tai Bais gates had spread through Black Cloud Town in half a day, boosting Hans fame and Tai Bais prestige to new heights. One bold soul ventured a greeting; Han flashed a friendly smile backapproachable, a far cry from the intimidating figure hed cut against Hai Zhen. That guy? Han remembered him clearlythe one whod called him a divine talent. Fair praise deserved a warm response. Under the townsfolks watchful eyes, Han slipped into the peach grove. Aunt Mo, you bolted out of there today, he said. Lu Qingmo glanced at him, then away. I had no business sticking around. Youre late tonight, she noted. Master was giving us some martial pointers, Han said with a grin. True Blood Realms no small feat, Lu Qingmo conceded, giving Bai Tian a rare nod of approval. Rising to that level from his roots? Thats exceptional. Plenty of sect prodigies and noble heirs never made it that far. True Blood meant looking down on most of the world. Aunt Mo, I didnt embarrass you today, right? You fought with martial skills, not my sorcery. Nothing to do with me, she replied, her tone cool and detachedshe taught the mystic arts, after all. True, but even in a martial brawl, my soul gave me an edge, Han countered. Dual cultivation of soul and martial arts, with both at similar levels, meant that even without tapping the other path directly, its strength still subtly boosted him. A robust soul and steely mind amplified his physical power and fortified his bodya passive perk, understated but real. Hans ability to punch above his weight in martial arts came from a mix of talent, luck, secret techniques, and soul cultivation. Every piece mattered. Guess Ive burned every bridge with Fang Zhenyu now, he added. Lu Qingmo shook her head. That bridge was ashes the moment he tried to soul-search you two, you refused, and Bai Tian and I stepped in. Your deathmatch with his disciple was just one spark in the fire. You did well, she said. No point playing nice with a destined enemydont hold back. Her voice took on an odd lilt as she murmured, Heavenly Dragon Sect Master mentioned the martial hall ranking, Han said. But it seems like hes not keen on joining. The decennial ranking? For Tai Bai to stand out, itd be up to you and Ruoyue to shine and force an exception, Lu Qingmo replied, sounding like she knew Bai Tian inside out. The imperial court sends overseers to the ranking event. Man and Earth tiers dont have strict quotas, but the standards are steep. This years the one. You could be reading stolen content. Head to Royal Road for the genuine story. Bai Tians reluctance means hes likely planning to take Ruoyue and leave. Where to? Han pressed. Jade Capital. The next day, Han tracked down Bai Tian and cut straight to it. Master, once the Black Mountain mess is over, are you leaving Black Cloud Town? Bai Tian, mid-stroke on a sheet of paper, paused and looked up. So she told you. Aunt Mo didnt say much, Han said, shaking his head. Just that you might take Senior Sister to Jade Capital. Thats itno details. Hed pressed Lu Qingmo the night before, but shed told him to ask Bai Tian directly if he wanted answers. With a soft sigh, Bai Tian set his brush aside. Since you know, I wont hide it. Yeah, Ive got that in mind. Now that Im True Blood, Im not top-tier worldwide, but Ive got some standing. So Ive been thinking about taking Ruoyue to find her mother. They havent seen each other in seventeen years. Seventeen years meant Bai Ruoyue had been one when they partedtoo young to remember her mom, probably just off the bottle. Unless she was some born sage, gifted with innate wisdom. What about her mother? Shes from Jade Capital, Bai Tian said, stepping to the window and gazing out, lost in thought as if he could see the distant city thousands of miles away. Born to the Ling family there. Not on par with the likes of the Meng or Wei clansglobal heavyweightsbut still a renowned name. Her talent outshone mine by miles, and she trained in the Ling familys secret martial arts. Her strength was something else. Were you forced apart? Han asked. It was an obvious question. Yeah, Bai Tian nodded. External pressures and Ling family politics. Seventeen years ago, they dragged her back, and I took Ruoyue to Black Cloud Town. Even if Id wanted to go with her, the Ling family wouldnt have it. He gave a wry smile. Seventeen years apartI was in my twenties back then. They told me if I didnt have what it takes, I should never set foot in Jade Capital or darken the Ling familys door. They wouldnt acknowledge the kid either. Thats what their elders said. Against a prominent clan like that, Bone Refining or Marrow Cleansing didnt cut it. True Blood, though? That might just do. Han fell silent. A split marriage, a fractured familyit wasnt something hed lived through, but he could feel the pain woven into it. Now that youre True Blood, its time to head to Jade Capital and reunite with her, Han said. It was only human, and though Bai Tians departure would mean parting ways, Han backed him fully. True Blood, huh, Bai Tian mused, his voice thick with reflection. I never thought Id hit this level after seventeen years apart. Back then, I was full of ambition, dreaming of storming the capital, but reality and ideals dont always align. Without that Black Mountain trip with the Meng duo and the luck I stumbled intowithout your helpI mightve been stuck for another decade. Two, even. He shook his head. Too late by then. The Yin Spirit barrier, the True Blood thresholdthese were chasms. Bai Tian was over forty now. In Marrow Cleansing terms, waiting another ten or twenty years would leave him pretty long in the tooth. Bai Ruoyue would be grown by then. But now, theres hope, Han said. Yeah, hope, Bai Tian echoed, a rare spark lighting up his faceone Han had never seen before. A reunion with his wife, a mother meeting her daughter: pure bliss. What happened back then? Hans curiosity gnawed at him. I told you once about my travels at eighteen, Bai Tian began. I ended up in Qingzhou and ran into that mess with the Heavenly Mother Sects Chi Yao Goddess. Since the topic was out, Bai Tian seemed ready to lay it all bare for Han. I remember, Han said. Bai Tian had nearly died at Chi Yaos hands, powerless to fight back. I was this close to being finished by her when Ruoyues mother swooped in and saved me. Han nodded quietly. Classic damsel-saves-hero vibe. Her names Ling Yue. Paired with Bai Ruoyues name Han couldnt help but think: Guess the parents were the real love storykid was just a bonus. After that, we got to know each other, Bai Tian went on. Circumstances kept throwing us together. The secret martial arts you train in? Ling Yue and I snagged those from a hidden site in Qingzhou. As Bai Tian unraveled the tale, Han pieced together their past. Heroine saves hero, followed by chance meetings, shared adventures, and even scoring secret martial arts together. Naturally, they fell hardhead-over-heels, no turning back. Then came Bai Ruoyue. From her birth to her first birthday, Bai Tian and Ling Yue lived their happiest days. Even now, recounting it, Bai Tians eyes softened with a tender glow. It was like a dreamtoo good to be true. But when Bai Ruoyue turned one, the dream shattered. The Ling family showed up, yanking them back to reality. Ling Yue had a fianc. It wasnt that shed hidden it from Bai Tian. The truth was messiershe hadnt even known about it herself. Before that day, she didnt know her betrotheds name, face, or hometown. Total stranger. The bombshell dropped when the Ling family rolled in and laid it out. Ling Yue balkedhow could she agree to some random engagement? She was in her early twenties, married, with a kid, and now they spring this on her? It was absurd. Her fianc? Some big shot from the Dong family in Jiangnan. The Dong familytop-tier clan, produced powerhouses on the Mountains and Rivers Life List, still wielding immortal artifacts, lording over Jiangnan, Bai Tian said, his face grim. Even the Ling family didnt want to cross themtheyre outmatched. That engagement wasnt originally Ling Yues. It was an old deal between the families, meant for someone else. Somehow, it landed on her. Han got the gist. His masters wife was a sacrificial lambcaught in a freak twist of fate, saddled with a promise that wasnt hers. Thats where the tragedy kicked off. Chapter 283: Enemies Everywhere Before Even Stepping Into the World Small factions have their petty woes, but big players arent immune to trouble eitherits just the nature of the game. Conflicts universal. Take the Yun family, for instance. Yun Duo, the patriarchs daughter and Lu Qingmos nominal disciple, has a status side branches can only dream of. The best resources flow her way, and her opinions carry weight. But Bai Ruoyues mother, Ling Yue? She got hit with a disaster she never signed up for. That engagement? It wasnt even hers to begin with. Yet under the familys decree, it became her burden. With a kid already in the picture alongside Bai Tian, expecting her to honor some random betrothal was a pipe dream. Ling Yue flat-out refused, even threatening to die rather than comply. Word didnt reach Jiangnan back then, but its hard to imagine the Dong family agreeing to tie the knot with her under those circumstances anyway. That day, we fought to stay together, Bai Tian said, but they took her anyway. No amount of pleading changed a thing. Is she okay? Han asked. Have you heard anything about her over the years, Master? Bai Tian nodded. Shes a Ling, so her lifes not in danger back there. Safe, sure, but her standing and situation? Bound to have shifted. As for updates, I cant reach her myself or get a read on Jade Capital. But Lu Duguan checks in every so often with a shes fine. Theyve been close since childhoodbest friends. Part of why Lus here in Black Cloud Town is because Ling Yue asked her to keep an eye out. As long as shes alright, Han said. He knew the details were a tangled messLing and Dong family drama, Bai Tian and Ling Yues desperate struggle, the Ling clans stance, the engagements backstory, and how it all shook out. It wasnt something you could unpack in a few sentences. Digging deeper felt intrusivelike asking Bai Tian how he begged the Ling family. Not his place. The broad strokes were enough. Then a thought struck him. When Meng Hao left, he warned me to watch out for the Ling and Dong families and keep my ties to you under wraps. Whats that about? Did the Dong family find out later? Bai Tians face clouded. I heard it from Lu Duguan after the fact. Yeah, the Dong family caught wind of it. The engagement was looming, but the Ling family ran out of eligible candidates. Someone spilled the beans to the Dong sidemade it public, even. They were furious. Cracks formed between the two families, and the Dong started leaning hard on the Ling. The Ling took a hit, the Dong lost face, and the list of people holding grudges against me and Ling Yue just kept growing. Now Han got Meng Haos warning. With tensions like that, being Bai Tians disciple put him in the crosshairs. But hold uphe hadnt even stepped into the wider world yet, and he was already racking up enemies. The Dong family, the Ling family, the Heavenly Mother Sect, the Impermanence Hall What gives? Sure, none of this was Bai Tian or Ling Yues faultthey were just living their lives, madly in love, when some ancient engagement theyd never heard of crashed down on them. Victims, plain and simple. But the fallout? It landed squarely on their shoulders. Whos the guy from the Dong family in this engagement? Han asked. Do you know, Master? Dong Shengtian, Bai Tian said slowly. I didnt know him at first, but Meng Hao mentioned him when we were in Black Mountain. Hes a standout from the last generation in the Dong familyhigh up now. Meng Haos advice? Take it seriously. If certain folks in the Dong or Ling families peg you as my disciple, they might not attack outright, but they wont be friendly either. Back when I was traveling, I used disguises and aliases, so not many know my real roots. A thorough investigation could crack that cover, but the worlds big, and one engagements fallout is just gossip to most. The Dong family tried hunting Bai Tian down but dropped it for reasons unknown. Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author. Han nodded. His master was a seasoned playerback at Landscape Temple, Bai Ruoyue had nabbed some of Bai Tians old river-and-lake gear to disguise him and Su Changan. Han had suspected Bai Tian was a pro at playing chameleon, and now it checked out. Dont tell Ruoyue or the others yet, Bai Tian added. Ill break it to them myself once Ive made up my mind. If Han hadnt asked, he wouldnt have opened up now. Got it, Han said. But Master, if you and Senior Sister head to the Ling family, will it be dangerous? The Dongs been putting serious pressure on them. Bai Tian went quiet for a moment, then said, Its something Ive got to do. He shifted gears. When I first started Tai Bai and took on disciples, I had an ulterior motive. I hoped to find someone exceptional enough to handle what I couldnt. Over the years, that pipe dream fadedI faced reality. Finding a disciple in Black Cloud Town to rival the prodigies of major sects or clans? Near impossible. Counting on them to step up for me was a long shot. Then came Hanhis talent and feats a jaw-dropping shock, pushing Bai Tian to True Blood and giving him the power to tackle it himself. Back when the dream burned bright, no disciple showed up. Now that hed let it go, Han walked in. Lifes funny like thatwhen youre lost in the mountains, a hidden path opens up. But at True Blood, he didnt need a disciple to carry the torch anymore. Plans? They never keep up with the twists. Han spoke earnestly. Master, if you take Senior Sister and go, Ill track you down someday. Any injustice, any snagIll pitch in. No way hed let Bai Ruoyue slip away. As for Bai Tian taking the whole Tai Bai crew to Jade Capital? Han mulled it over and saw the snag. Bai Tian wasnt heading to the Ling family for a cushy life. Its a prestigious clanloaded with power and resourcesbut none of it was his. Hed be a guest at best, living under their roof, facing a slew of headaches. Dragging all of Tai Bai along? A logistical nightmare. Bai Ruoyue had Ling blood and solid talentenough for them to grudgingly accept her. The rest? No standing, and Bai Tian couldnt look after them all. Theyd just catch flak from the Ling folks. I need to think it over, Bai Tian said, clearly torn. Whether I go to Jade Capital or not, Ill make sure Shen Long and the others are set. You, though He looked at Han. Your talents off the charts. Im not sure where your future lies. Making plans for you might just hold you back. A disciple this extraordinaryalmost freakishleft Bai Tian at a loss. A genius like that was destined to roam the world, make a name in Great Qi, not rot in one spot. Maybe he ought to hash it out with Lu Qingmo. Han waved it off. No worries, Master. Ive got a handle on my futureplans in place. A monthly cheat code meant hed never end up begging on the streets, no matter how things shook out. Good to hear, Bai Tian said with a nod. And dont stressBlack Mountains still unresolved. Im not going anywhere yet. Han knew Bai Tian had some deal cooking with the Yun family. Their sharp hearing picked up footsteps climbing the stairs. In the hall, Han didnt keep his senses on high alert, but a martial artists instincts were razor-sharp. Senior Sisters here, he said. Right on cue, Bai Ruoyue poked her head through the door. Father, Little Junior Brotherwhatre you talking about? Giving me some training tips, Han replied smoothly. Oh. She turned to Bai Tian. Father, someones here for youfrom the Shenhua Sect. Im good on questions for now, Bai Tian said. Ill head down too. Send them up. Once the Shenhua Sect folks went upstairs, Han whispered to Bai Ruoyue, Masters gonna be swamped these next few days. Everyone and their mother will want to pay respects. Obviously, she said, brimming with pride. My dads True Blood! None of these big shots have an elder that level here right now. A self-made True Blood master with a prodigy disciple? Of course hed draw a crowd. Up in the room where Han and Bai Tian had talked, the Shenhua Sect visitors laid on the flattery thickostensibly for Bai Tians breakthrough, but their chatter kept circling back to Han. Top factions had their own prodigies; lacking one spelled trouble, a sign of fading glory. But whod say no to a ready-made star? Han nailed itafter Shenhua left, other factions rolled in, one by one, like clockwork. Never overlapping, almost as if theyd coordinated it. Their disciples attitudes toward Shen Long and the crew softened toono more puffed-up superiority. With Han? It was a mixed bagthey couldnt lord over him anymore. Some even looked up to him now. Their pedigrees didnt mean squat against his talent. These sect and clan kids knew it: Black Clouds top genius could waltz into any elite faction and get crowned a seed of the pathexcept maybe Suzhen Palace, unless he pulled some wild yin-yang reversal trick. Next to that kind of potential, being an inner disciple was small potatoes. The shift in status stung. They werent used to it. Theyd swaggered in from their sects and clans expecting to flex on a bunch of nobodies. Sure, most were small frybut who couldve guessed a dragon was lurking among them? Shouldve stayed home and spared themselves the trip. Chapter 284: Tools to Defy the Immortal Realm For a full day, Tai Bai Martial Hall buzzed with activityvisitors streaming in and out. It was the kind of scene where scholars traded grand ideas and no riffraff dared show their face. But Han? He couldnt care less. At first, hed humor the young hotshots tagging along, claiming they wanted to meet him. After a while, though, it got old fast. He pawned them off on Zhang Yuantao and slipped into the secret chamber to train. They were cutting into his precious lifespan-burning time! Every minute he lost was days of lifecould they even afford to pay him back? The effects of this Life-Resting Martial Art are definitely fading, Han mused to himself. It wasnt some orthodox lifespan-burning techniquejust a patchwork method hed pieced together from a fragmented martial text. I wonder what the complete version wouldve been like. A technique that slashes lifespan directly? Thats wild. Even in its broken state, the text hinted at the full versions potentialpractices too risky to try. Yun Jiang Dragon Lord had speculated on its peak power: a single move that didnt wreck the body or soul, just drained life itself. The victim would be fine in every other way, except their years would vanish into thin air. That kind of trick deserved the label mind-blowing. Too bad the original was losttied to the Destiny Sect, no less. Han figured hed never see it whole in his lifetime. By evening, he emerged from the chamber to find Bai Ruoyue and the crew gathered, all grins. Curious, he sidled up. Whats so funny? Senior Sisters blooming like a flower over there. Got good news, obviously, Bai Ruoyue said. Junior Brother Sus hit the peak of the Sinew Realm! No way! Han turned to Su Changan, sizing him up. The guys physique had bulked up noticeably. Congrats, Fourth Senior Brother! Peak Sinew Realm means the Visceral Realms just around the corner. He ran the math in his head. Su Changan had broken into Greater Sinew Realm back in the first week of the month Han snagged [Gods Perspective]. Nearly four months later, hitting the peak made sense. Normally, with his talent and zero resources, itd take longerbut Tai Bai had been anything but normal lately. I owe this pace to you, Little Junior Brother, Su Changan said, beaming. Those spirit herbs we nabbed in Black Mountain, plus the treasures and pills you split with us last month? Huge help. Last months cheat was the [Cauldron of Creation], purifying pill impurities. Han had splurged on a haul of pills and shared the wealth with the gang. Boosting his crew without skimping on his own training? He was all in. They were a solid, trustworthy unitthe stronger they got, the faster they hit Visceral Realm, the better it was for him. In Tianyue territory, Visceral Realm was no small frycapable of handling real business. Even county martial overseers were just that level. Nah, its your hard work, Fourth Senior Brother, Han said, brushing off the credit. He glanced at He Feng with a grin. If Fourth Senior Brothers at the peak, Fifth Senior Brothers not far behind, right? Su and He had reached Greater Sinew Realm around the same time, with similar talent and resources. If Su was there, He couldnt be far off. Sure enough, He Feng nodded with a smile. Five days, tops. Cue another round of thanks to Han. Theyd said it plenty, but the gratitude never faded. Without him, theyd still be a year-plus away from this point. Shaving that time off? Priceless. Senior Sister, didnt we snag some herbs in Black Mountain that boost the jump to Visceral? Han asked. Already handed them over, Bai Ruoyue said with a smirk. With treasures like that, it wont take them long. Sinew to Visceral wasnt a quick hopusually a month or so, steady and slow. But with rare goodies? Whole different story. Give it ten days, maybe two weeks, and six of Tai Bais seven would be Visceral Realm fighters. Thats a stellar success rate. After wrapping up with the days guests, Bai Tian came downstairs, caught the news, and was in high spirits. He promptly passed Su Changan the Visceral Realm training method. The five others got top-grade techniquesBai Tians wild adventures had scored him secret martial arts, but nothing ultra-elite. Still, these methods built a foundation solid enough to carry them far. They werent low-tier by any stretchmost martial artists out there scraped by with bottom-rung stuff. Post-lesson, Bai Ruoyue piped up. Father, check us outsix Visceral Realm folks soon, plus me and Little Junior Brother. Thats gotta give us a shot at the hall ranking, right? Skipping it would be such a waste! Ever since Bai Tian dropped the ranking bombshell, itd been stuck in her headshed mulled it over all last night. Growing Tai Bai into something big was her dream. Shed grown up here; it was home, tied to her heart in a way nothing else was. Thats why shed been so pumped about Han joining and cheered every strength spike in the group. To her, Tai Bai was on a golden pathkeep grinding, let her and Han shine, and itd soar. Bai Tian at the top, her and Han making waves, Shen Long and the rest holding it down? Picture-perfect future. A top-tier Tianzhou hall in the making. Support the author by searching for the original publication of this novel. Only catch: building it that way would take time. The ranking, though? A fast track to glory. Even snagging Man-tier would flood them with resources and fame, drawing more students. Free imperial goodieswhy pass that up? Halls train fighters for Great Qi, the state chips in support: win-win. Tai Bais rise would be a cakewalk. Miss this chance? Unthinkable. But her dad, the hall master, didnt seem sold on it. Bai Ruoyue was practically fumingwishing she could grab Han, take the reins, and drag them to the ranking herself. Too bad that wasnt an option. So shed nudge Bai Tian, hoping to sway him. The others were tempted too, but they deferred to Bai Tianunlike Bai Ruoyue, who wouldnt let it go. Han tugged her arm. Senior Sister, Masters got his plans. Chill out. She shot him a glare, muttering, Picking his side over mine, huh? Come on, were familytheres no sides here, Han said, exasperated. Back at the peach grove, Lu Qingmo asked, So, Bai Tian filled you in? Yeah, the gist of ithim and my masters wife, Han said. Masters wife Lu Qingmo felt a weird pang. Why did the pecking order feel so tangled lately? Aunt Mo, whats the deal with the Ling-Dong engagement? Howd it end up on Senior Sisters mom? Bai Tian didnt know the full scoopthe Ling folks who took Ling Yue hadnt bothered explaining. I dont know where it started, Lu Qingmo said. Some old pact between the Ling and Dong families, I think. It was meant for Ling Yues generation, but it shouldve fallen to another branch. That lines been big in the Ling clanproduced a once-in-a-century genius a hundred years back, now a major player. The original bride was supposed to be that geniuss granddaughter, Ling Zhu. But Ling Zhu didnt want to marry into Jiangnan. She begged her grandpa to get her out of it. The engagement couldnt be axed, and among that generation, only Ling Yue had top-tier talenteveryone else was meh. So Ling Zhus grandpa shifted it onto Ling Yue. For a pact between powerhouse clans, looks and talent were non-negotiablesending a dud would be a slap in the face. The Dong familys clout meant the Ling wouldnt dare. So, normally, Senior Sisters family wouldnt have been split up for years, Han said. Right, Lu Qingmo nodded. After the switch, the Ling sent folks to track down Ling Yue, who was out training. And then She trailed offthen they found Bai Tian and baby Bai Ruoyue. The engagement was toast. The Dong family flipped out, and Ling Yue, the breaker, caught heat from both sides. Shes been locked down in the Ling estate ever sinceharsh punishment, no stepping out. The Ling family Lu Qingmo sighed. She was powerless here. If she hadnt crashed and burned back in the day, if shed climbed high in Xuandu Temple, she mightve had a say. But she was a wreck herself. A Manifest Saint from Xuandu, even a seed-level one, couldnt make the Dong or Ling blink. She was done in their eyes. Plus, technically, it was Ling family business. Tell the Dong it was Ling Zhus fault, not Ling Yue? Pointless. Damage was doneno way the Dong would just shrug it off. Ive got ways to check on Ling Yue over the years, she said. I pass word to Bai Tian now and then that shes okay. But okay is all she is. The Dongs external pressure, the Lings internal resentmentits made her life rough. And none of its her fault. Silence settled. After a long pause, Han spoke softly. It all boils down to strength. Exactly, Lu Qingmo agreed. Every problem ties back to not being strong enough. She gave him a heads-up: When youre out in the world, if your identity slips, watch out for the Dong family. Theyre no jokefamous, dominant among clans. Theyve got the Eastern King Mirror, an immortal artifact, and the Eastern King Immortal Command Array guarding their turf. Even immortal-realm powerhouses cant crack it easily. Theyve got root techniques, secret martial arts, top-tier sorcery, and godlike skillsrulers of Jiangnan. Han nodded solemnly, taking it dead seriously. Lu Qingmo had schooled him on the big players before. Factions like the Dong family or Suzhen Palacelacking active immortal-realm mastersstill ranked top-tier alongside Xuandu Temple and the Saints Academy thanks to immortal gear and arrays. Their home bases boasted terrifying formations, refined over generations into near-immortal status. Pair that with near-immortal experts wielding ancestral artifacts to run the show, and they could tangle with the real dealimmortal-realm foesby pooling the factions might. A few outliers lacked killer arrays but had other tricks up their sleeves. Beating a living immortal? No shot. Surviving one? No problem. Thats the backbone of why the Dong family and their ilk sat at the top. Once Xuandus temple master passed, theyd be in the same boat. Sure, on paper, the Dong matched Xuandus rank, but in a real scrap out in the wild? Xuandus crew had the edge. A living immortal could roam and flex; a static array couldnt. Immortals had ways to mess with you if they wanted. So even among the elite, there were tiers. Most immortals wouldnt bother hard-charging a faction fused with people, gear, and arraystoo messy. The worlds big, fractured, but connected. Smash one faction today, and others might start sweating, feeling the ripple. Plus, youre not the only immortal out therescrew up attacking a stronghold, and some creep like the Heavenly Mother Sects boss might pounce. Stakes that high, with that many variables? One misstep, and the whole board could flip. Thats why the Time Empresss solo takedown of the Ancient Divine Palace was legendary. Busting their mountain array, shattering their immortal artifactfew top factions had gone down like that in history. Whatever her beef was, as an outsider, human powerhouses let her swing and walk away for a slew of reasons. But the big one? Her strength. No one wanted to tango with her. If shed slipped up, the eras Mountains and Rivers Life List heavyweights wouldve happily hunted a phoenix. An immortal phoenix? One of the rarest prizes under the sky. But there was only one Time Empress. What she pulled off, no one else could. Top factions werent to be trifled withespecially not by Han right now. Aunt Mo, he said, you mentioned near-immortal experts. If one burned ten thousand years of life, could they bust through a top factions mountain array? Lu Qingmo stared. Youre really hung up on this lifespan-burning thing, huh? Chapter 285: A Case That Shakes the Heavens Lu Qingmo never did answer Hans question. Was he just messing with her at this point? In a jade bowl, the clear, translucent Spirit-Awakening Nourishment Liquid was slowly absorbed by the Marvelous Tree. Incantations transformed into intricate runes, flowing into the trees core. Then, in a sudden moment, the shrunken tree quivered, and the jade bowl crumbled to dust. A faint glow radiated from the Marvelous Tree, exuding an aura that felt different. Alive, vibrant, brimming with vitality. Inside the tree, every incantation symbol Han had infused since he began working on the artifact converged, forming a glowing orb the size of a fingernail. The power of the Spirit-Awakening Nourishment Liquid permeated every inch of the tree, saturating it with a nurturing, spiritual energy. The orb pulsed, flickering between light and shadow as if it were breathing, gradually drawing in that pervasive spiritual force until it consumed it all. Then the orb started to moveits path erratic, unpredictable. Zoom out, though, and a pattern emerged: it was weaving through the fragment of Hans soul hed embedded in the tree. As it traveled, that soul shard dimmed, as if the orb were siphoning off some ethereal essence`, the innate wisdom all living beings possess. Finally, the orb slipped out from the center of Hans soul fragment, leaving it faint and fragile. His consciousness snapped back, breaking free from the perfect fusion with the artifact and withdrawing from the tree. The soul shard returned to his body like a swallow to its nest. Han shook his head. It didnt damage the core of this soul piece, but itll need a few days to recover. He had plenty of healing tricks up his sleevepotent onesso this kind of wear and tear didnt faze him. The Marvelous Tree floated up, resizing to normal. Han could sense the shift: it was alive now, a stark contrast to its former lifeless state. That glowing orb inside? A spirit seed, birthed through the Spirit-Awakening Nourishment Method. Step oneSoul Gathering into a Spirit Seedwas complete. Next up: nurturing it. Once the seed grew strong enough, a faint spirit would naturally emerge from within. Step two: Spirit Nurturing. Step three: using rare elixirs and sorcery to raise the spirit within the artifact. Gather, awaken, nurturethree essential phases to breathe life into a dead object. No shortcuts. If the target were a living beast or a Yin Spirit artifact with an existing soul, you could skip the first two steps and jump to nurturing. But Hans natal artifact was a special case: tied to him, yet spiritless from the start. He had to build it from scratch. Stowing the Marvelous Tree in his Soul Realm, Han slipped into secretly cultivating his Life Artifact. Using lifespan to nurture itthats what made it a Life Artifact. Unlike the Life-Resting Martial Art, this could be done discreetly in his Soul Realm, safe from Lu Qingmos prying eyes. Normally, even hidden cultivation would tip someone offburning lifespan causes obvious fluctuations in your state. But Han? He wasnt normal. No one could tell what he was up to, and the lifespan drain stayed under wraps. Shimmering wisps of light drifted into the Marvelous Tree, subtly transforming its essence. The freshly formed spirit seed basked in the lifespans power, growing brighter and stronger. Across from him, An Lang sat quietly, cultivating her Life-Eating Ghost, steadily siphoning his years. Yeah, Han was feeding a ghost with his own body daily now. Honestly, he was probably the only ghost master like this in the world. An Lang was touched to tears, but she lived in constant dread. Every day after her session, shed rush to check on himmaking sure he was still kicking, terrified shed accidentally drained him dry. The past few days had been so bizarre, she felt numb. Watching Han burn through his lifespan nonstop? It spooked even a ghost. Lu Qingmo kept saying it was fine, but An Lang half-wondered if she secretly wanted Han gone. Still, sucking up the young masters life force? An Lang couldnt deny it felt exhilarating. At dawn, a commotion outside the pavilion jolted Han awake. Stepping out, he spotted Yun Duo arriving solono Yun Yun in sight. He had a hunch what was up. Yun Duo showing up at this hour usually meant trouble. She wouldnt barge in over some random cultivation question. Unauthorized reproduction: this story has been taken without approval. Report sightings. Youre just in time, Yun Duo said. Something urgent came upneeds both of you. Whats going on? Han asked. Where are we headed? No specific spot, Lu Qingmo cut in. Head out of Black Cloud Town toward Qinghua County. Use your spiritual senses to scan the area for anything suspicious. Anyone who raises a red flag, nab them and haul them back here. What happened? Yun Duo asked, puzzled. Qinghua Countythats where I found that Heavenly Mother Sect hideout before, right? Han said. Trouble there again? Qinghua sat right next to Black Cloud. Yep, and its a big mess, Lu Qingmo confirmed. Last time we hit the county seat, I told you the chaos heres been rippling out, throwing Tianyues counties into disarray. Han nodded. I remember. It came up on their last tripYe Lao and Lu Qingmo had hashed it out. Black Mountain had drawn a flood of out-of-county cultivators into Tianyue, a mixed bag of troublemakers. Some stirred up chaos en route to Black Cloudmurders included. Worse, evil cultivators slipped in, skipping Black Cloud to wreak havoc across the counties, practicing dark arts and demonic techniques. Local forces couldnt handle itcounty overseers topped out at Visceral Realm, with Sinew Realm as their backbone. They had to call the county seat for backup. Tianyue City reacted fast, dispatching teams from the county government, Martial Stabilization Office, and the Ghost and Spirit Divisions, rallying local factions to stabilize the region and crack down on the riffraff. Lu Qingmo had even suggested Han duck out to patrol the counties if he wanted to dodge the heatget out of Black Clouds vortex. Hed passed. Until Black Cloud settled, Tianyues chaos would simmer. Most folks didnt know it, but the counties had been a mess for a while. Tianyue City poured in resources, but wiping out every threat? Tall order. The worlds interconnectedBlack Mountains storm couldnt leave the surrounding areas untouched. Thatd defy logic. Itd dragged too many into its orbitwilling or not, directly or indirectly. Ye Lao sent word last nightgot it just now, Lu Qingmo said. A few days back, Qinghua County picked up traces of evil cultivators. The authorities were on it, but She paused, a cold fury flashing in her eyes. Last night, those bastards made their move. Over two hundred dead in Qinghua County! Hans gut lurched. Two hundred-plus? In the county seat?! Yun Duos eyes widened, disbelief written all over her face. Right in the damn county seat! Lu Qingmo snapped. A civilized hub under Great Qis laws, and overnight, over two hundred slaughtered by evil hands. A colossal casebound to draw every eye and spark a full-on manhunt. Whos behind it? Han demanded. Whos crazy enough for this? From the scenes clues, looks like Heavenly Mother Sect followers, Lu Qingmo said, her voice icy. Heavenly Mother Sect Han muttered. A cult like that deserved to be wiped out. You cant guard against thieves foreverplaying defense always leaves gaps. Word from Qinghua to the county seat says theyd sniffed out leads and were closing in, Lu Qingmo explained. But the evil cultivators panicked, triggered their setup, and unleashed that massacre. Then they fought their way out. Took losses, but plenty survivedscattered and slipped the net. The county seats livid. Yuan Yihan and a deputy from the Martial Stabilization Office already left with a crack team for Qinghua. Since its close to Black Cloud, Ye Lao wants us to pitch inhunt these creeps down. Im on it, Han said without hesitation. Me tooIll go with Han! Yun Duo chimed in. Lu Qingmo nodded. Not just you two. Ive alerted the Ghost and Spirit Division and the Martial Stabilization Officetons of folks are mobilizing. If those rats head this way, we nail them. Any descriptions? Features? Han asked. Nope, Lu Qingmo said. So anyone who pings your gut, grab them. Better to nab the wrong guy than let the right one slip. Any mix-ups in the field? The courts got your back. She fixed Han with a look. And youve got a knack for sniffing out evil cultivators if you run into them. Han caught her driftshe meant his Righteous Aura. Depends if theyve practiced dark artsshifted their vibe, he said. If theyre Heavenly Mother Sect but running normal martial or sorcery skills, I might not clock them. Still gives you an edge over most, Lu Qingmo said, fair as always. Their strengths within your range, but dont get sloppy. Theyve got martial artists and cultivators mixed in. Yun Duos presence doubled as a chance for Han to watch her backLu Qingmo cared about her disciple, even if she didnt show it loud. Got it, Han said with a firm nod, then took off with Yun Duo, bolting from the peach grove. They hopped on a flying carpet and shot out of Black Cloud Town. They werent alonewithin minutes, squads of others roared out in all directions. Time to hit hard and hit fast! Chapter 286: "Kindly Tie Yourselves Up, Please" Once outside Black Cloud Town, Han got his bearings and took off on the flying carpet, speeding into the distance. Han, do you think well catch those creeps? Yun Duo asked. No clue, Han said, shaking his head. Nobody knows which way they bolted. But Black Clouds close to Qinghua County, so theres a decent shot. Heres hoping we find them Hans voice trailed off. Evil cultivatorsespecially Heavenly Mother Sect followersnever got a shred of sympathy from him. And this bunch? Beyond ruthless. He didnt know the two hundred-plus who died in Qinghua County, but that didnt dampen the fury and killing intent simmering in his chest. Fellow citizens, practically neighbors, slaughtered like thatany sane person would be pissed hearing about it. Those jerks are pure evil! Yun Duo fumed. How could they do this? Killing so many innocent people who never did a thing to them! They deserve to rot. If I nab them, theyll regret crossing me! They sure do, Han agreed, his gaze fixed on the horizon, voice low and sharp. Thats why cults like the Heavenly Mother Sect and the Salvation Path are wanted across all three kingdoms. If their hideouts werent so damn elusive, top-tier powerhouses wouldve stormed their gates ages ago. Wiping out evil sects, smashing their mountain arraysits a crowd-pleaser, the kind of thing that gets cheers, not pushback. Historys littered with examples: any evil faction dumb enough to expose its base got swarmed and crushed in no time. Evil cultivators and demonic nutjobs? Most folks hate their guts. They dont care about your pedigree or play by rulesif they spot a chance, theyll wreck you without hesitation. Even a sect like the Heavenly Mother Sect, with an immortal-realm bigwig holding it down, would be toast if its location leaked. The Xuandu Temple Master, the Purple Sky Sovereigntheyd be kicking down the door by sunrise. But if you cant root them out completely, those creeps can still make you think twice. Take their Heavenly Maidenshigh-ranking, untouchable. They pop up in public sometimes, and nobody dares touch them. Let them walk away, or kill one, and the sects payback would be a nightmare. No mountain gate to hit, their people slinking around like ghoststoo slippery to pin down. Factions like that? Theyre the ultimate pain in the ass of the cultivation world. Yun Duo, if you spot anything weird, dont hold back, Han said. Dont worry, I wont hesitate! she replied, pulling out a wheel-shaped artifact. She hopped onto it, floating up slowly. Han, lets split upitll cover more ground. Bigger chance well find something! Her fighting spirit was on fire. She had her own flight gearpar for the course with the Yun familys heft. Her wheel looked like something a Night Wanderer could handle, less demanding than Hans carpet. Lower bar, though, meant it wasnt as impressive. Han mulled it over and nodded. Alright. Take thisif anything pops up, hit me up. He handed her a transmission snail, walking her through how it worked. He had three baby snails: two locked with Lu Qingmo and Bai Ruoyue, the third kept free for emergenciesflexible use, like now. Cool! Yun Duo said, snagging the snail as her wheel carried her off. Han spread his mental senses wide, pushing them to a crisp, precise limit. He tracked Yun Duos retreat until she hit the edge of his range, then buzzed her snail. Youre at my sensory border now. Dont go fartherstart sweeping that way from there. This story has been taken without authorization. Report any sightings. Splitting up was fine, but her safety came first. This distance struck the balance: wider search, quick response if trouble hit. No accidents on his watch. Whoa! Your range is insane! Yun Duos voice crackled through the snail. Han, you hear me? Loud and clear. Its really instantwild! A few taps echoed from her endshe was fiddling with it. Oh, Han, my big sis says thanks for that treasure liquid last time. Worked wonders. Shell keep it hush-hush, wont spill to anyone. No need to thank me, he said. She meant the Creation Spirit Liquid hed brought back from Yunjiang City after meeting the Dragon Maiden. It stayed potent for three days outside the Creation Cauldron. By the time he got back, it was on its last legs. He hated waste, so he brainstormed a final use. Herbs were maxed out, pills toopeople were the next best bet. Yun Duo popped to mindLu Qingmos disciple, his buddy, closest to him outside Tai Bai. One drop for her made sense. Then he thought of Yun Yunafter all their shared gigs, she deserved one too. A little payback for the Yun familys help, especially with the Ascension Hall and lifespan tricks. That place had left a mark on him. Two drops for the sisters? Fair playtheyd earned his trust over time. Too bad Bai Tian got out of seclusion a few days late; the liquid was kaput by then. Han had double-checked the timelineeven if Bai Tian skipped the lurking and bolted straight back, itd still be expired. Close call, no dice. Han, your lucks unrealscoring stuff that refines sinews, boosts talent, Yun Duo said. I gave a drop to Her Highness, the Dragon Maiden of Yunjiang Palace, he replied. Name-dropping the palace kept the sisters from questioning the liquids originstheyd fill in the blanks themselves, making it all click. Yun Duo wouldnt shut up. Youre totally a Chosen One. Who told you that? Books. With the Destiny Sect in history, Chosen One hit weird. Focus on training, not random reads. Scan properly. Chill, Ive got thismultitaskings a breeze, she said. Han, everyones calling you Black Clouds true dragon nowthe towns greatest genius ever. Dont forget the Mountain God elder. I wouldnt dare compare to them. My dad says the Mountain God ancestor was about your level back in the daypretty close. Han-Han, if you get super strong someday, will you ditch Black Cloud? Never see us again? Who fed you that one? Thought it up myself last night in bed. Sleep at night, not overthinkstunts your growth. Snail in hand, Yun Duo yapped nonstop, her chatter relentless. Han went numb. It took him back to their first missionbarely knew each other, yet shed been fearless, talkative, question after question. Hed forgotten that quirk over time; today jogged his memory. And through the snail? She was somehow chattier. Tech could turn shy folks into keyboard warriorsor make social butterflies even louder. Still, they stayed sharp. Any living thing with a whiff of oddity? Theyd swoop down, flash their Ghost and Spirit Division creds, and grill them. That badge carried weight across Great Qimade things smooth. Scanning took focus, so they didnt blitz, but flight kept them moving. Time ticked by. Hans senses snagged on a dense forestnormal enough, except something wasnt. Yun Duo, get over here. On my way! She hushed her voice, drifting in stealthily. Whats up? That direction, Han said, pointing. Lets check it out. They flew toward the woodsa decent sprawl. Two people in there, Han said. Ones got strong blood energymartial artist. The others likely a cultivator. Yun Duo nodded. I feel them too. But their vibes seem fine? No evil or demonic tinge. Skills shaped a cultivators aura, even their personality. Low-grade dark arts or demonic tricks often twisted folks into cruel, warped messes. Heavenly Dragon Sect folks were a classic casedragon or water vibes, loud and proud, thanks to their dragon-linked arts. Everyone knew dragons oozed arrogance. Picture a demon clan meeting: dragons telling phoenixes to stand, phoenixes snapping back, dragons calling everyone trash. That energy. Auras can be faked, Han said, gliding into the forest. Soon, he spotted them: a guy and a girl, young, good-lookingpicture-perfect pair. The guy was sharp, the girl stunning, both rosy-cheeked and clear-eyed. Healthy vibes, like noble heirs from a scholarly clanno evil cultivator stench. The guy looked up, voice firm. Who goes there? Han signaled Yun Duo to hold back, landed, and flashed his badge. Black Cloud Ghost and Spirit Division. Routine check. Oh, Ghost and Spirit Division officers, the guy said, easing up. Whats this about? Han stepped closer, eyeing them. You two look like law-abiding folksno need to sweat. Just a couple questions. Ask away, officer, the guy said. The girl stayed mute. Han smiled. Mind tying yourselves up and coming with me? Shing! Before the words settled, a sword flashedgorgeous, lethal, and aimed to kill. Chapter 287: Shadows of Sinister Magic The young man and womans faces twisted in shock as a deadly sword strike bore down on them. True energy erupted from the womans bodyblood-red and sinister. What had been an elegant aura turned eerie in an instant. Caught you red-handed! Han barked, his grip tightening on the blade. Hed held back on that first swingotherwise, at this range, the pair wouldnt have had time to blink before he cut them down. As the sword arced, his Righteous Giant Hand Seal shot out, lunging for the man beside her. Boom! A shockwave blasted outward, splintering nearby trees. Birds caught in the blast dropped dead, their bodies bursting into bloody mist mid-fall. The forest groaned as trees snapped one after anotherthe woman coughed blood, sent flying, crashing through trunks. Peak Visceral Realmnot bad, Han sneered, his eyes blazing with killing intent. He launched forward, charging straight at her. Her cultivator buddy? Already nabbed by the Hand Seal, pinned to the ground with zero fight left. The seal held firm, crushing him flat despite his thrashing. A Night Wanderer cultivatorHan couldve dusted him in one move if he hadnt wanted him alive. The woman didnt even glance backbolted without a second thought. She barely made it a few steps before a piercing whistle sliced the air behind her. Her skin prickled; she spun, sword up to block. Clang! Metal shrieked. Her hands went numb, the blade slipping from her grasp. Before she could react, a dazzling flash streaked acrossTai Bai rested against her throat, blood trickling. She froze, daring not to move. Her glare at Han dripped with venom. Who are you? Her voice rasped, harsh and grating like stone on steelexplaining her earlier silence. Mixing it up in Tianyue County and you dont know me? Han quipped. Tai Bai danced, tapping her body, channeling true energy through the sword to seal key acupoints. Spotting and blocking meridiansa basic skill for any legit martial artist, taught at Tai Bai. Not fancy acupoint tricks, but clogging the right spots with foreign energy did the job. Yun Duo floated down from above. The clash had cleared a wide swath of trees, giving her a landing pad. Evil cultivators? she gasped, gawking at the woman. At least ones practiced dark arts, Han said. Whether theyre the Heavenly Mother Sect crew from Qinghua County? Not confirmed. Dark arts were a given, but that alone didnt nail them as sect membersno ID stamped on their faces. Some stumbled into evil techniques by chance, building their path from there. Tianyue had its share of other cultist creeps too. Still, these two were undeniably shady. In times like these, drastic measures were fair gamesnagging them for dark arts alone? Han had no qualms. Harsh, sure, but for the sake of Qinghuas two hundred-plus dead, hed play hardball. A quick mental scan revealed the womans surface looked fine, but she was nursing internal injuriessome from their scuffle, others older. More suspicion piled on. Heavenly Mother Sect? Han pressed. No answer. Whoosh! The Hand Seal dragged the other guy over, still clamped tight. Who are you? Whyd you attack us?! the man yelled. Were not with the Heavenly Mother Sect! Is the Ghost and Spirit Division this high-handed?! Your word doesnt settle it, Han shot back, nodding to Yun Duo. She caught his drift, pulling ropes from her spatial pouch and trussing them up tight. Once they were secure, Han stepped away, muffling sound, and buzzed Lu Qingmo via snail. Aunt Mo, nabbed two. Ones got dark arts training, but their IDs are still up in the air. Dark arts, huh? Lu Qingmo paused, then asked, Where are you at? Almost to Qinghua County. Keep searching forward, then head there. Let the local authorities ID and grill themsee if they tie to last night. If theyre clean of that but still evil cultivators, hand them over for processing. Got it, Han said, cutting the call. He knocked the pair out with a quick trick, then hoisted them up, flying toward Qinghua with Yun Duo in tow. Reading on Amazon or a pirate site? This novel is from Royal Road. Support the author by reading it there. Han, howd you clock them as trouble right off the bat? Yun Duo asked, curiosity piqued. I didnt pick up a single weird vibe. He grinned. Maybe I got luckyblind cat stumbling on a dead mouse? She shook her head. No way. Youre not the type. You dont move without being surethis was no fluke. Han blinkeddidnt expect her to have that much faith in him. I did catch something beforehand, he admitted. Their dark-arts power tripped my senses, tipped me off they were off. I held back on the first strike, waiting to see if theyd confirm it. They didmy hunch was spot-on. The trigger? His Righteous Aura. When his mental lock hit them, it stirred, flagging them as suspect. Righteous Aura and evil filth were natural enemiesdark cultivators rarely hid from someone packing it. Unless they wielded top-tier dark artslike Heavenly Maiden legaciesstraight-to-the-top stuff, free of the low-grade junks side effects. But those were rare. Thats why evil cultivators avoided Eastern Zhouits key cities had Saints Academy-righteous treasures and arrays, hypersensitive to dark vibes with brutal killing power. Southern Jin? Thats where they thrived. With his Righteous Aura tingling, Han hadnt hesitatedsword out, no second-guessing. Reckless? Maybe, but he trusted it. His Seven-Orifice Exquisite Heart backed it up. If theyd fought clean, hed have pivoted. But the auras dark-arts radar? Razor-sharp and dead-on. Yun Duo kept her wheel humming, linked via snail. Han, youre unrealnothing seems to faze you. Learn more, build your toolkityoull be a force too, he said, then added, When youre out in the world someday, remember this. Stay sharp with everyone. Evil cultivators, bad applestheyre crafty. Looks or vibes alone wont always cut it. The worlds full of weird tricksdont get fooled. Spotting dark arts by aura was rare these days. Evil types caught onhated as they were, most masked up. Few strutted around screaming villain! like idiots. Hans past Heavenly Mother Sect run-ins? Normal on the surface, vibe-wise too. They could brush past you in a crowd, undetectable. Righteous Aura was an outlier. Some only showed their true colors in a fightothers even fought nobly. Telling evil apart? A perennial headache. Plenty got burned missing it. And then theres the flip side: upright skills, clean power, but a rotten heart. Trickier stillprime trap material. The worlds a messy place. Han just wanted Yun Duo to grow up safe, no nasty surprises. The last stretch to Qinghua was quietno more Righteous Aura pings. They met up at the county gate, then headed to the local Ghost and Spirit Division. Han sensed a familiar presenceYuan Yihan, the deputy chief. He wasnt hiding; his aura flared wide, a beacon for anyone with cultivation, signaling his presence to spook lurking rats. But it felt off from Hans memory. Deputy Yuan, Han greeted, clocking him in person. It clickedYuan had broken through. Yuan Fang once said hed been stuck at peak Day Wanderer for years. Now? Manifest Saint. A new heavy hitter for the county division and the Yuan clanworth a party in Tianyues nine factions. Han kept mumhe didnt want Yuan guessing his soul cultivation level. Weaklings cant peg the strong. Yuans grim face softened seeing them. Qinghuas mess had the county seat raginghed rushed over under pressure. Thanks for pitching in. Black Clouds Ghost and Spirit and Martial Stabilization crews are out hunting too, Han said. Yun Duo and I moved fast, swept straight here. He gestured at the captives. Caught these two en routedark arts confirmed, IDs pending. Deputy Yuan, maybe have Qinghuas folks take a look? Yuans eyes lit up. Well done, Patrol Hanyoure a lucky charm! Helped us nab Soul Demons shard last time, now this. Ill put in a good word for you! He called out for last nights intercept team. Several filed inincluding an old face: Zhao, ex-chief of Qinghuas division, now deputy, likely demoted over the sect hideout fiasco. Fiends! one guy blurted, stealing the rooms focus. You know them? Yuan asked. They were in last nights massacreslaughtered civilians, broke out of Qinghua! the man said. Shes a peak Visceral martial artist, longsword user. Hes a Night Wanderer cultivator. She took a hit from Round Moon Hallshould be injured. Han noddeddetails matched perfectly. He roused the captives. The mans face flickereddespair, then venom. The woman stayed stoic, her glare at Han mixing hate with relief? Still denying youre Heavenly Mother Sect?! Yun Duo shouted. Youve been IDd! Ha! The man burst into manic laughter. Heavenly Mother Sect? They deserve to dieall of them! So do we! Han stared, cold as ice. Confirmed killers from last nightno point wasting breath on them. Utter scum. Good you know it! Yuans eyes flashed. He yanked the mans soul out and dug inrough and ruthless. The guy screamed, agony ripping through him, Yuans search tearing at his essence. After a bit, Yuan tossed the faded soul back into its shell, musing. Not Heavenly Mother Sect, but they were in on last nights bloodshed. Han frowned. Wasnt it pinned on the sect? We nabbed sect membersconfirmed involvement, Yuan said. But this guys soul had no wards. I saw everything. No restrictions. That clinched itno sect ties. Sect souls always had locks, weak or strong, shielding their secrets. Yuan summed it up. Theyre a coupleordinary martial artist and cultivator once. Their kid got snatched by an Impermanence Hall monk, soul fused with eight other infants into a Nine Evil Ghost Infant. The monk and a sect pal used it to leash themforced them into dark arts. Theyve been Hall lackeys for years, hands bloody. Recently, under sect and Hall orders, they holed up in Qinghua with others and pulled off last night. As he spoke, the woman shut her eyes; the man kept laughing. Silence gripped the room. So, last nights culprits included Impermanence Hall mixed with the sect? Han asked. Exactly, Yuan said. Hall monks are ghostsleave no tracks. We missed them last night. Heavenly Mother Sect, Impermanence Halltwo big evil players moving. Han pondered. Whats their angle? Chaos for kicks, or something bigger? Yuans face darkened. More than that. His memories show theyve spilled blood across Tianyues counties beyond Qinghua. These cults have been stirring the potway more than we thought. Beneath the already choppy waters, a deeper shadow loomed. Chapter 288: Seeking a Swift Reckoning To date, Black Cloud Town had only encountered evil cultivators twice. The first was during Hans [Gods Perspective] trek into Black Mountain, where he crossed paths with a Heavenly Mother Sect lunatic whod massacred a slew of martial artists. The second came just before Han and Bai Ruoyue were ambushedan evil cultivator raided a village. There was also that Impermanence Hall monk scheming to set up a Yama Domain, but that was clearly aimed at Zuo Tianzheng. Beyond those incidents, the towns frequent turmoil stayed within the realm of ordinary chaosnot the handiwork of dark practitioners. Oddly enough, evil cultivatorswho typically thrived on stirring the pot and looting the chaoshad been unusually quiet this time. It baffled people. No self-respecting fiend would skip a golden opportunity like this, so their absence raised eyebrows. But last nights carnage and todays revelations hinted at something sinister. Those vermin hadnt stayed awaytheyd just been brewing trouble elsewhere, lurking in Tianyues counties instead of storming Black Cloud. Looks like these creeps are plotting something big, Han said to Yuan Yihan. Does the county seat have a plan for this? Yuan nodded. Weve got contingency measures in place. Tianyues unrest was foreseeableits been simmering for a while. Ill report this to Chief Ye, and the county seat will dispatch more manpower to bolster each countys defenses. The deputy chiefs from both divisions might be away from the city for a stretch. Well need to nudge the major families for extra hands, thoughrelying solely on the countys two divisions to cover every county is a stretch. We might even need to call on neighboring counties for support. The Qinghua massacre laid bare the gravity of the situation. Visceral Realm fighters, once a rare sight in Qinghua County, were about to become commonplace. Counties had already been reinforced with decent muscle from the seat before thisotherwise, last nights killers wouldnt have bothered fleeing; local forces wouldve been helpless, incapable of capturing or taking down any of them. But with Qinghuas bloodbath and Yuans fresh intel, ignoring it wasnt an option. Tianyue spanned thirty-two countiesguarding them all with serious firepower using just the countys two divisions? Unrealistic. The seat couldnt be left undefended either. So, theyd lean on private factionscommunity and authority working hand in hand. In sheer numbers, the countys Visceral and Bone Refining ranks couldnt match even one of Tianyues nine major players, especially the two dominant clans. Centuries of lineage, generations of growth, and a knack for recruiting outsiders gave them a hefty roster. Blood ties ran deepestdynasties and sects could fall, but as long as humanity kept reproducing, clans would endure. Hans brow furrowed with concern. If the county scatters its forces across the counties, wont that leave the seat vulnerable? What if someone seizes the chance to stir trouble thereor pulls a feint to draw us out? Thatd be a disaster. The seat outweighed the counties in importance. Risking it to secure them could cost more than it gained. Yuan flashed a self-assured smile. The seats locked down by the Tianyue Five Spirits Radiant Array, plus a court-gifted relic anchoring it. Together, theyre unstoppable. As long as the governor and division chiefs stay put, running the array, no ones dumb enough to try anythingeven if were spread thin. True Blood Yin Spirits? Theyd hit a brick wall. Han nodded. Fair pointthe Five Spirits Array. Lu Qingmo had clued him in about it on his first trip to the seat. He glanced at the bound couple, paused, then asked, Deputy Yuan, whats the verdict on these two? Death, Yuan said, no hesitation in his voice. Sure, theyd been coerced, pawns in someone elses gamebut last nights Qinghua slaughter, along with their past crimes under the Impermanence Halls orders, was undeniable. The story has been illicitly taken; should you find it on Amazon, report the infringement. Han didnt argue for mercy. Instead, he pivoted. The Hall monk controlling themwas he in Qinghua last night? Yeah, a Day Wanderer monk. Slipped through our fingers, Yuan replied. Slaughtering babies for ghost infants? Absolute scum. Murder flared in Hans eyes. He stepped toward the woman, Tai Bai gleaming as it slashed down. A drop of blood and a strand of hair flicked onto the blade; he pocketed them. Whats that for? Yuan asked, puzzled. Theyre guilty as sin, no question, Han said. But some deserve it more. Yuan and the others caught his meaning. The couple stared, but Han ignored them, turning to Yuan. Were heading outgonna keep scouting the area. If we nab anything, Aunt Lu will pass it to Chief Ye. Much obliged, Yuan said with a nod. Things are hecticI wont hold you up. Han and Yun Duo stepped out. A faint Thank you slipped from the woman. Han faltered for a split second, then kept moving. On Qinghuas streets, he spotted Martial Stabilization officers escorting captivesescapees from last night, snagged in the all-out manhunt. Hans team wasnt the only one racking up wins. They left the county, took a detour back to Black Cloud, and kept sweeping. Han, are you going after that ghost-infant Hall monk? Yun Duo asked. He nodded. Gonna give it a shot. No idea if Ill track him down, though. He buzzed Lu Qingmo via snail, briefed her, then asked, Aunt Mo, can I hunt that creep with what Ive got? She pondered it. A mothers bond runs deepblood and hair should track her child under normal circumstances. But her kids a ghost infant now. Its a toss-upI cant promise itll work. Get back here; Ill try. On my way. Ghost infants mimicked a childs form, but they were hollow shellssouls long gone, twisted into controlled monstrosities by dark arts. The mans memory of seeing their kid? A delusion, a flimsy balm for his pain. That child died the moment it was forged. These evil bastards are pure filth, Yun Duo growled. Targeting babieskilling nine of them? They belong in hell. Han, Im coming with you! He shook his head. If I pinpoint that creep, Im going solo. Hes a Day WandererId be worried about you. Im safer alone. Yun Duo wasnt one to argue senselesslyshe got it, though she hated sitting it out. Her wheel zipped off. On the carpet, Han gazed over the sprawling land and boundless sky, his expression unreadableno joy, no grief. That womans thanks? Wasted breath. His decision had nothing to do with them. Not pity, not revenge, not some soft spot. The world brimmed with pitiful souls and their talesnone of that was his load to carry. He couldnt fix it all and never aimed to. To him, they were just two guilty strangers, not worth a ripple in his heart. This impulse, this choice? No deep motive, no compassion. He just felt like killing. Plain and simple. Live between heaven and earthact when it suits you, hold back when it doesnt. Where the mind sparks, the heart follows, and the sword strikes. With this kind of power, why not wield it? Brawl for glory, snatch treasuressure. When something rubs you wrong, unsheathe and swingdamn straight. All he craved was a clean, sharp release. Anyone who soured his day? Hed give them a swift exit. Cant deliver it now? No biggieLord Zhous got a grudge list and a long memory. Todays unfinished business would get settled down the line. Especially this guyan Impermanence Hall monk, ticking him off just right. With Lu Qingmos beef against the Hall, this creeps clock was ticking. The return sweep turned up nadaexpected. If Han had to nab every Qinghua killer himself, whats the point of the authorities? Might as well slap a crown on him. Back in Black Cloud, he and Yun Duo parted ways. Shed grab Yun Yun, she said, and theyd hunt more culprits togetherher way of pitching in since she couldnt chase a Day Wanderer. Spirited kid. Han hit the peach grove, handing the womans blood and hair to Lu Qingmo. She got to work. He had tracking sorcerybits and pieces from big shots whod gifted him their waresbut it couldnt touch her Xuandu Temple skills or cultivation. Best left to the expert. Enter the trusty wooden frog. Its tongue twisted, pointing a direction. Its working! Hans pulse spiked. Lu Qingmo nodded. Mother and child, blood-boundhard to break. Looks like that creeps still in Tianyue. Didnt hightail it last night? Hes not slipping out today. Han took the frog. Fair warning: if the ghost infants wrecked or someone else nabbed it, youre out of luck. Its tracking the infant, not the monk. With her caution ringing in his ears, Han flew solo out of Black Cloud again. Times up, you twisted punkIm coming for you! Chapter 289: A Thousand-Mile Hunt for Evil This time, Han didnt need to split his focus or pace himself for Yun Duo. He cranked the flying carpet to its limit, tearing through the sky like a comet, leaving mountains and rivers blurring behind him in an instant. He glanced at the wooden frogs pointernot Qinghua County, and a good stretch beyond it. Pretty good at running, he muttered. But if they hadnt bolted far enough by now, they werent getting away today. An Lang, play it by ear when the time comes, Han said, reaching out to her in the Ghost Dwelling. Master, could you spell it out a bit clearer? An Lang replied. What exactly am I supposed to do? Play it by ear didnt click for herwhat ear was she listening for? Finewatch my cues. I dont get your cues! Useless ghost. How did I end up binding you? I mustve been out of my mind. Back home, youd have been swindled and sold off for parts by now. Do what I tell you when I tell you! Oh, that I get. Wind roared as Han rocketed forward. He reckoned hed covered a thousand miles alreadynot that it took long. With his soul cultivation fueling the artifact, the speed was unreal. A jet, basically. A small river came into view belowten to twelve feet wide, crystal-clear, thick with water grasses. Han spotted a fisherman working the banks from afar, a village faintly visible in the distance. He checked the Ghost and Spirit Divisions map: Big River Village, Little Grass River. Flying past, he suddenly noticed the frogs tongue loop back, pointing behind him. He halted midair, scanning Little Grass River from above, then eased back slowly. At one spot, the tongue flipped forward again. It was just a basic gadgetno fancy AI here. Tongue-wiggling was as smart as it got. Han peered down at the river. This stretch ran deeper, with shadowy nooks. The fisherman was a good distance off, so Han descended, his mental energy surging into the water like a battering ram, probing below. The moment it hit a certain point, his Righteous Aura flaredstronger than last time. It didnt twitch for no reason; there were triggers. Clever hiding spot, he said. His mental force poured out, a raging dragon churning the depths. The water turned murky in seconds, water grasses shredded to bits. Boom! The surface exploded, two figures bursting out, auras blazing. One hovered in the air, the other landed onshore. Two of them? Hans brow creased. His senses pegged thema Day Wanderer and a Bone Refiner. Both reeked of evil, nothing righteous about them. Bonus catch, he mused. The airborne one was a woman; the shore guy, a one-eyed man. Whered this kid come from, sticking his nose where it doesnt belong? the woman snarled, her eyes glinting with murder. One-Eye, though, clocked Han right away. Tai Bais Han? Han gave him a once-over, cross-referencing Yuan Yihans soul-search intel. Heavenly Mother Sect. Didnt expect youd know me. Qinghuas bloodbath was a joint Heavenly Mother Sect and Impermanence Hall jobtwo ringleaders. Now both were here. One-Eye sized Han up, laughing. Of course I know you. Your heads worth a fortune. Lady Su Tiannu herself name-dropped you. Bet shed be thrilled if I hauled it back. Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on the original website. Hans face stayed blank. Su Tiannu digging up his identity wasnt a shockhed gone in as Jia Ming, loud and proud, to infiltrate their hideout. The fallout was messy; getting sniffed out was par for the course. Whatevershe was just the sects new Heavenly Maiden, still green. He wasnt sweating it. Bring your head back, and Qinghuas two hundred-plus might cheer too, he shot back, summoning An Lang. A ghost-tamer? Thats your big move? the woman sneered. Over your head, kid. You old hag, youre toast! An Lang snapped, trash-talking on sight. Masters sending you straight to hell! As she yapped, the carpet shot up and zipped far off. Die, you creeps! she hollered from a distance. The carpet peeled out, leaving Hans soul hovering alone. One-Eyes face tightened, realization hitting. Day Wanderer? Han, youve been playing it close to the chest, he said. Everyones so dazzled by your martial skills, they missed your soul rank. Day Wanderer or not, the woman scoffed, he cant take us both, can he? Wanna bet? A wail pierced the airyin energy billowed. A naked infant appeared on the womans shoulder: blood-red eyes, oversized head, long tongue lolling, three arms, body etched with eerie runes. Its smile was chilling, a nightmare in flesh. Good boy, Mommys got a treat for you, the woman cooed, patting its head with a disturbingly gentle look. The ghost infant screeched and charged Han, the woman unleashing sorcery right behind it. On cue, One-Eye swung from below, conjuring a lions head of true essence that roared toward Han. Mid-stage Day Wanderer. Fresh Bone Refiner. Han clocked their levels cold. The Heavenly Light Wheel flared behind him, the Marvelous Tree hovering overhead. Golden light shimmered across his soul, cascading in radiant shields. He reached out, snagging the ghost infant mid-lunge. It didnt dodgesped up, jaws gaping, revealing jagged, bloodstained teeth. Boom! Sorcery and martial strikes slammed his defenses. His grip closed on the infant, soft white light spilling from his hand. The Purify Heaven and Earth Mantra boomed across the battlefield. The ghost infant thrashed, shrieking, but Han didnt flinchpurification power flowed steady. What are you doing to my baby?! the woman howled, her face warping as she dove at him. One-Eye leapt, his jump freakishly high, closing in. Hans free hand slashed the airbrilliant, multicolored light erupted, vast and unstoppable. Daily scripture recitals had beefed up his Righteous Aura; it wasnt static anymore. The ghost infants struggles weakened, its blood-red eyes clearing, monstrous traits fading. In moments, it looked normalits smile human, innocent, giggling as it reached for Hans face. His stern mask softened. But the infants hand never made itits form dissolved into light, scattering into the sky. Not a childs soul anymore, but a fused abomination cleansed by Hans power, returned to its essence. Back to where it belonged. Under the mantra and Triple Light Blessed Mirrors double whammy, Han had forcibly purified the ghost infant mid-fight, stripping the enemy of a key weapon. If theres an afterlife, that kid might get a decent shot, blessed by the light. The purification faded. Han eyed the pair. Standing here tanking your hits, and you still cant touch me. Weak. His surging Righteous Aura left them reeling, looking worse for wear. Yin Spirit sorcery and Manifest Saint-grade natal artifacts? Defense on a whim. Hans raw strength just made it absurdly effective. You dared do that to my child! the woman shrieked, her voice a piercing wail, face twisted in madness. Han met her gaze, fire flickering in his eyes. Cold yin flames erupted around her out of nowhere. Agh! She screamed, agony searing every inch of her soul-body. Flight failed her; she plummeted. Han didnt bother with hera mid-tier Day Wanderer, same realm as him, didnt need both yin-yang flames. One yin blast handled it. He turned to One-Eye, whod already dove into the river, slicing through water and weeds like a fish. A Day Wanderer shouldnt outpace a Bone Refiner, yet hed bailed the second she fellno hesitation. All that big talk, and he was the fastest runner. His agility underwater tipped Han off. Human-demon hybrid? Water clan blood? Han snorted. Parlor tricks. He plunged in, water spraying dozens of feet high. His soul morphed into the Sea-Overturning Demon Flood Dragon. The Water-Repelling Pearl shard stayed in his ring, not soul-carriedbut no matter. Hed always been a natural in water. One-Eye banked on his bloodline edge to escapeor at least offset Hans strength with terrain. Too bad he didnt count on Han being a triple-threat: land, sea, air, no sweat. Spotting the dragon soul, One-Eye panicked. A half-demon outswimming a flood dragon? Fat chance. He shot out of the waterstraight into a waiting Righteous Law Sword. Shing! Light streaked, air shredded. True essence flared, blood energy boiledbut it couldnt stop a Manifest Saint-grade righteous blade. The evil in him melted like snow in a furnace under the swords aura. It punched through, sending him crashing into the river, only for dragon-force to hurl him skyward again. Up or down, nowhere to run! Chapter 290: The Third Tremor Shakes the Earth! The flood dragon reverted to human form, and Han strode through the air toward the one-eyed man. Meanwhile, the woman, scorched by yin fire, had plunged into the river at some point, hoping to douse the flamesa futile fantasy. The yang energy in her soul-body dwindled under the relentless blaze. The Righteous Heaven and Earth Sword returned to hover above the Marvelous Tree. Though pierced, the one-eyed mans Bone Refining vitality kept him going. He didnt flee this timeinstead, he charged Han head-on. No escape above or below. The woman staggered out of the water, her face twisted in madness, lunging at Han with a soul-body radiating reckless fury, teetering on the edge of self-destruction. Heavenly light cascaded down, divine radiance shielding Han. A crimson flame erupted from him, engulfing her. Boom! A mushroom cloud bloomed in the sky, snuffing out life and sin in one blast. The explosions shockwave triggered massive collapses along the riverbanks, turning the water into a murky mess. Simultaneously, the Righteous Giant Hand Seal slammed down. The one-eyed man didnt even graze Han before being pinned to the ground. Hand-shaped craters scarred the surroundings. In moments, a Day Wanderer and a Bone Refiner were either dead or brokenhelpless against Han. This was him barely trying, a casual flick of the wrist. He couldve ended it instantly with yin-yang earth flames, incinerating everything. But letting them go out too quick? Too easy a mercy. Yin fires torment was agony incarnatethe Impermanence Hall monk tasted it. Shed tried to self-destruct, but Han wouldnt grant her that escape. Hovering over the pinned one-eyed man, Han looked down. One live catch was enough. An Lang swooped in on the carpet, buzzing with excitement. Master, youre unstoppable now! Hans mood lifted, a grin breaking through. If I wasnt, wouldnt this chase just be me signing my own death warrant? At mid-stage Day Wanderer soul cultivation, few in that realm could touch him. Normally, Day Wanderers didnt outclass Bone Refinersbut Han defied norms. Against him, a Bone Refiner like One-Eye had no shot. Beyond the raw power gap, one fact sealed their doom: he could fly. Even setting soul aside, his martial prowess had hit Bone Refining levels too. Boom! The Hand Seal exploded, finishing One-Eye off. Han swooped in, snagging his soul and locking it up. Then he dove into the river, zeroing in on where hed first sensed the pair. A underwater cave awaited, sealed by a light barrier keeping the river out. Inside, a small space held a figure sitting stillthe womans spitting-image body: her physical shell. Thought so, Han said. Roaming Tianyues counties, she wouldnt ditch her flesh. Soul gone, the body was dead anyway. He shattered the barriera talisman stuck to the cave walland water flooded in. A wisp of yin fire from his fingertip reduced the corpse to ash. He nabbed her spatial pouch. Spoils of warcant let those go to waste. Lets head back. The carpet streaked off, leaving a ravaged battlefield behind. A thousand miles of vast terrain stretched beneath him. On the way, Han tried soul-searching One-Eye but gleaned next to nothing. A Bone Refining Heavenly Mother Sect members soul had tight bansnear impenetrable. The scraps he got, though, sobered him up. As suspected, the sect hadnt just hit Qinghuatraces dotted other counties. One-Eye alone had bloodied five. Their real goal? Locked away. The sect was busy in the shadows, no doubt. After scrubbing the spatial pouches seals, Han dug inand his expression iced over. The Hall monks pouch held a soul banner, not for refining but for storing masses of souls. Inside, over twenty lingereddazed, mindless mortal souls. He roused one with sorcery, learning they were Qinghua victims, snatched post-massacre. Over two hundred died, yet only twenty-odd souls herediscounting natural dissipation, a chunk were still missing. Given her ghost infant craft, Han could guess where theyd gone. Soul-swallowing fueled such abominationsthe more, the better, the faster they grew. The Triple Light Blessed Mirror shone, and Han ushered the souls to the afterlife. After purging the pouches vile junk, he sifted throughdisappointing. Nothing stellar. For his current level, the loot was meh, mostly twisted dark artifacts. Back in Sinew or Night Wanderer days, this haul wouldve been a jackpot. Times change. If you spot this tale on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation. Back at the peach grove, Lu Qingmo probed One-Eyes soul too. She shook her head. No dicetoo locked down. A sect grunt like him couldve met elders; theyd slap on the bans themselves. Yin Spirit-level bans were tough, but the real kicker was Heavenly Mother powera mysterious, tricky force few outsiders understood, bolstering their defenses. Best we alert Ye Laoget more boots on the ground to lock down the counties, Han said. Deputy Yuans probably already on it. Lu Qingmo nodded, firming her resolve. You nabbed the Qinghua ringleadersbig credit coming your way. He shrugged. Credit wasnt his driverthough it didnt hurt. Leave the rest to us. Head to the hall, she said. Fair enough. The catchable were caught; the rest had likely bolted far. Todays round-trip clocked near three thousand milesthankfully, the carpet made it quick. At the hall, Bai Ruoyue sidled up. Youre latewhat happened? Qinghua County Han gave her the rundownno secret there. She flared up. Those monsterszero shred of humanity! Expecting humanity from thems a stretch, he said. Evil sects might spawn a rare decent soul, but most were pure malice. In Tai Bais secret chamber, Han trained solo. Bai Ruoyue found his obsession with the room odd, but he fed her a half-baked excuse that held up. As he moved, true energy surged through him, roaring like water. A faint blue glow bloomed at his abdomen, soft and nourishing. All his energy poured into it, then flowed back outrefined, sharper. Vital essence flooded his body, boosting his physique, feeding back into the glow. After a while, he eased off, eyes gleaming with satisfaction. Congrats, Masteranother breakthrough! An Lang chimed in. Hed just perfected his kidneysone of the five viscera. Barely five or six days since hitting Lesser Visceral Realm, and hed leapt forward again. Post-Visceral, his pace had slowedperfecting one organ used to take half a month. Five viscera were tougher than six bowels, yet Han flipped the script, outpacing his old rate. Half a month per bowel; five days per viscus! Master, you sure this trainings fine? An Lang fretted. She knew why he was so fastburning lifespan. No issueyouve felt it, totally normal, he waved off. Its been dayswhyre you still freaking out? She gaped. Burning lifespan, and Im the weird one? Lifespans the real dealspirit herbs cant touch it, he said, thrilled with this months cheat. Hed cracked it: anything could be fuel if it fit. This miracle stemmed from Life-Resting Martial Artsand his borderline insane grind. Literal life-on-the-line effort. Nobody could out-hustle him this month. Ignoring An Lang, he savored the perfected kidneys perks. Viscera or bowels, cultivators picked their orderno fixed rules. Han chose kidneyswanted that robust kick. Kidneys stored essence, governed growth, development, reproduction. Perfected, his stamina spikedplus some unmentionable boosts. Every kidney-mastered martial artist was a powerhouse, never lacking in vigor. They also managed breath, bone marrow, hairs luster, opening ears and lower orificesamped-up energy absorption, tougher bones, sharper hearing. Each realm jump wasnt just powerevery facet grew. Bone Refiners could spot details miles off with naked eyes. Han loved it. A perfect kidneyhappinesss root. Night fell over the peach grove. Han sat before the Three Yin Cauldron, yang fire roaring, refining herbs. He was tackling alchemy, aiming to master Life-Reversing Pills. Not his first rodeosince snagging the recipe, hed carved out daily practice. An Lang and Lu Qingmo watched, tossing pointers. An Lang, a newbie alchemist ghost, had a months head starther talent shone, outpacing Han. Lu Qingmo, though, topped them both, steeped in tricks from her pill-master third senior sister. Han had already churned out viable pillsofficially in the game. Herbs melted into liquid in the cauldron, merging under his mental nudge as he fired off pill-sealing gestures to balance and spark their potency. Rumble! The ground joltedpeach trees swayed, rustling loudly; the pavilion trembled. Bang! An explosion rocked the cauldron. Hans face darkened, then he scanned around, eyes narrowing. Earthquake? Minor quakes were no biggie, but in Black Cloud Town, they meant something else entirely. The Mountain God! He glanced at Lu Qingmo, who nodded. Third tremor whats it signaling now? she mused, peering toward Black Mountain, its peaks veiled in night. Will it be like the secondtreasures spilling out? Han asked. No clueCloud Clans the ones to ask, she said. His snail buzzedBai Ruoyue, asking about the quake. Senior Sister, check with Masteris this like the others? A pause, then her voice crackled back. Father doesnt know either. The grove wasnt aloneevery corner of Black Cloud buzzed, folks debating, scheming. The shaking stopped, but the ripples didnt. Everyone wanted to know: hows the Mountain God holding up? Some had already bolted for Black Mountainlast quake brought riches; this one might too. Why not rush in? Han stayed put. Whether the third tremor would shower treasures or not, his current strength couldnt handle Black Mountain anywaynothing to do there. Lu Qingmo seemed restless; Han clocked it, piecing it together. Why not hit up the Cloud Clansee whats up? Last time, shed gone for the Sky-Mending Vine, but the Mountain God was asleep. Now, awake with the quake, it was her long-awaited shot. She hesitated, then shook her head. Lets wait till morning. Right after a quake, begging for treasures feels off. Each tremor marked the Mountain Gods worsening statebad news for the Cloud Clan. The night stayed restless, tension gripping the town. But before Lu Qingmo could act, Yun Duo showed up at the grove. Teacher, the Cloud Clans asking for you. Chapter 291: A Forbidden Realm, No Meeting with the Divine Teacher, my dad sent me with a message, Yun Duo said, her ever-cheerful grin lighting up the room as if worries didnt exist for her. Hed like you to swing by the Cloud Clansays theres something important to discuss. I dont know the details, though. She peeked past Lu Qingmo, curiosity sparking. Is Han around? Right here, Han replied, stepping out from the pavilion. Yun Duos smile widened. Perfect! Saves me a trip to Tai Bai Hall. Dad wants you to come too. Whats he need me for? Han asked. Yun Duo shook her head, all honesty. No clueIm just the errand girl. Lets go, Lu Qingmo said, taking the lead. Yun Duo deliberately slowed to walk beside Han, her questions tumbling out like a stream. Han, did you nab that big bad guy yesterday? Caught himtwo, actually, plus Woohoo! She let out a little cheer. Youre amazing! Lets see them try their nonsense now! Han chuckled, hoping shed keep that bright spirit forever. As they strolled through Black Cloud Towns streets, Han sensed a shift in the air from yesterdaypeople hustled about, urgency in their steps. Snippets of hushed chatter floated by, all buzzing about the Black Mountain quake. Lots of folks have already headed into Black Mountain Han murmured. Dont sweat it, Yun Duo whispered back. I asked Dad if we should go in like last timehe said no need. Han nodded, piecing it together. This third tremor wasnt like the second. Made sensethe first quake had just stirred chaos without much else. Passersby eyed the trio, clocking their Cloud Clan-bound path. Whats Hans group doing at the Cloud Clan now? one muttered. Think the Cloud Clans got inside scoop? Of course they dotheyre Mountain God descendants! Point is, theyre not spilling. Tai Bai Halls pretty tight with them, huh? Under a barrage of stares, Han, Lu Qingmo, and Yun Duo entered the Cloud Clan estate. Yun Yuannan awaited them in the main hall. Once Han and Lu Qingmo settled in, Yun Duo scampered off. I invited you here today, Chief Lu, about that matter you raised last time, Yun Yuannan began. You felt last nights quakethe Mountain God ancestor woke up then too. Weve passed your request along to them. Appreciate the effort, Lu Qingmo said politely, but Yun Yuannan shook his head. But Hans gut tightened. Here comes the catch. Nothing good ever followed that word. The ancestor cant meet anyone right nowor rather, you cant meet them, Yun Yuannan said, his face shadowed with sorrow. Why not? Han blurted out. The ancestors on the brink of falling, Yun Yuannan explained. Their divine path is crumbling. The residual thunder of a failed tribulation cant be contained anymore. Their vicinity is saturated with assimilative heavenly forcesthe divine domains shattering. Getting close is dangerous. Where they are now is a forbidden zoneno one can approach. Even us Cloud Clan folks cant see them; we only connect through the fraying domain. Stolen from its rightful place, this narrative is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings. Han glanced at Lu Qingmohe wasnt up on god stuff. She sighed softly. I get it. The Mountain Gods mastery is profound, but that forbidden assimilative zone around them? I cant withstand it. So gods near death did trigger this kind of mess. Han recalled what Lu Qingmo and Bai Tian had said after the second quake: Black Mountain was under the Mountain Gods sway. Quakes and treasure spills werent blessingsthey signaled trouble, a loss of control over their domain. The mountain was their ascension foundation; tremors shook that core, leaking their essence as loot. Each quake worsened their stateand then looped back to hit them harder. But the ancestor said theyve always respected the Xuandu Temple Master, Yun Yuannan added. So, while you cant meet them, Chief Lu, if youre okay with it, you can tell me what you need, and well relay it. Lu Qingmo hadnt spilled about the Sky-Mending Vine to the Cloud Clan beforeshed wanted to ask the Mountain God herself. Now, that was off the table. I need a Sky-Mending Vine, she said. I wanted to ask the Mountain God if Black Mountain holds such a treasure. Sky-Mending Vine? Yun Yuannan frowned. Never heard of itwhats it do? No surprise thereeven Lu Qingmo hadnt known of it until the Celestial Saint Revival Liquid surfaced. Shed scoured ancient texts for her own fix and still come up empty. Rare stuff. Heres the deal Han jumped in, describing its traits. We heard it might pop up in a blessed place like Black Mountain. Yun Yuannan nodded, piecing it together. Anyone with a whiff of Lu Qingmos past could guess her angle. Ill pass the info into Black Mountain, but I cant promise its there. I understand, Lu Qingmo said. Blessed lands had a shot at spawning treasures like thathigher if graced by cosmic boons or spirit springs. Still, no guarantees. Han piped up again. Uncle Yun, whyd you call me here? That matters settled, Yun Yuannan replied. The ancestor woke this time and promised to look out for Black Cloud Town oncegive the hometown folks a boost. Hans heart leapt. Finally! Whats the plan? Whens the Mountain Gods test? he asked. They didnt specify, Yun Yuannan said. Timings end of the montheverythingll clear up then. End of the month? Got it, Han said, nodding. With the [Ten Thousand Lifespan Dao Fruit], he was feeling pretty solid. What about the outsiders? He trailed offeveryone got the gist. Yun Yuannan sighed. Cant help itsome things demand compromise. But rest easy: Black Clouds the ancestors roots. They wont abandon ityoull have the edge. Han had figured as much. Nephew, your talents top-notch, your strength unrealthe ancestors heard of you, Yun Yuannan said. Come months end, Ill be watching you shine. Han didnt downplay it, brimming with confidence. I wont let the Mountain God or you down, Uncle Yun. No point in modesty when it wasnt called for. Yun Yuannan turned to Lu Qingmo. Chief Lu, whats Xuandu Temples game plan? She shook her head. Ive been reporting Black Clouds goings-on to them, but no clear ordersjust keep things stable. Im in the dark on their intentions. Xuandu Temple had been a ghost so farbarely there. Logic said theyd be first on the scene if they cared, but the imperial envoy and other factions had shown up while the state religion stayed MIAexcept for Lu Qingmo. Han itched to see the world-shaking Xuandu Temple Master, a Mountains and Rivers Life List titan, in action. Would they show? Soon, Yun Duo popped back in, calling Han out with a quick gesture. Whats up? he asked. That guy from Jade Capitals at my house! she blurted, all urgency. Jade Capital guy Han puzzled, then laughed despite himself. You mean Zuo Tianzheng? Cant remember his name, huh? Wheres he at? Whats he want? In another lounge, Yun Duo said. No idea why hes hereSecond Uncles handling him. Wait, shouldnt you tell your dad? Han blinked. Second Uncle said to clue you guys in firsttell Dad after youre done chatting. Hans mind ticked. Sounded like the Cloud Clan wasnt exactly rolling out the red carpet for Lord Zuo. Fair enoughthey were descendants of a past dynastys general; cozying up to the current dynastys lapdog wasnt their style. He relayed it to Lu Qingmo and Yun Yuannan. The latter chuckled. My brotherll keep Zuo comfydont worry about him. Nephew, if youre bored, take a stroll with Yun Duo. The estates got some nice views. Yeah, Han, Ill show you around! Yun Duo beamed, dragging him off. Wandering the Cloud estate, a question hit Han. Yun Duo, Ive never seen your grandpas generation here. Hed visited a few timesalways younger folks or Yun Yuannans age, never older. Yun Yuannan was around Bai Tians years; his parents generation couldnt all be gone. Yun Duo bounced along, answering cheerily. No idea! Grandpa and them come back once a year, then poofgone again. No clue where. I asked Dad, but he wont spill. Han suspected the elders were holed up in Black Mountain. He didnt press her, thoughfamily secrets werent his to dig into. Soon, another Cloud Clan member rushed up with news: Suzhen Palace folks had arrived too. Yun Duo scratched her head. Whys everyone showing up? Its never been this busy. Han grinned. Maybe they heard your foods killer and came to mooch. She mulled it over, then nodded sagely. Youre rightit is pretty tasty. Han had no comeback. Pure, adorable, and blissfully clueless. Chapter 292: "Youre Not the Right Master for Her" leaving the Cloud Clan, Lu Qingmos first words caught Han off guard. Im planning to take Yun Duo as my official disciple. What sparked this all of a sudden? Han asked, puzzled. Lu Qingmo shook her head. Its not exactly sudden. Shes been my nominal disciple all along, but with my personality, I wouldnt just leave her hanging. Weve been together three yearsI know her well. Making it official feels like the natural next step. When Han first met Yun Duo, shed already been with Lu Qingmo for two and a half yearsback in the [Great Thousand Immortal Tree] days. Now, that had stretched to three. Official disciple, huh? Thats great, Han said. Yun Duos solidgood talent, good character. He had no qualms with Lu Qingmos decision; it seemed like a win all around. Have you told the Cloud Clan head? he asked. Not yet, she replied. But three years ago, when Yun Duo came to apprentice, we talked about itstart her as a nominal disciple, then see how she does. Its been in the cards since then. Got it, Han said, piecing it together. Todays events likely nudged her decision along. The Cloud Clan hadnt guaranteed a Sky-Mending Vine, but their willingness to help showed sincerity. Taking Yun Duo officially wasnt a quid pro quoLu Qingmo bringing it up now meant shed do it regardless of the vine. Nominal versus official disciple? Night and day, especially with Lu Qingmos clout. Becoming her official disciple meant Yun Duo would truly join Xuandu Temple, part of Great Qis state religionan identity the temple would recognize. As a nominal disciple, shed only been tied to Lu Qingmo, not the temple itself. Claiming that title back then couldve landed her in hot water. Some lax masters took dozens, even hundreds of nominal disciples, barely caring if they lived or diedunfazed even by their murders. A saying floated around the cultivation world: Nominal disciples arent real disciples. Thats the general vibeexceptions aside. A good master might still mentor a nominal disciple seriously, like Lu Qingmo with Yun Duo. Ill check with the Cloud Clan, Lu Qingmo added. If theyre on board, when I leave Black Cloud Town, Ill take Yun Duo with me back to Xuandu Temple. Take her with you Han froze. Master and Senior Sister were leaving. Aunt Mo and Yun Duo too. And Bai Tians plans for Shen Long and the othersif those sent them far off When that day hit, theyd all be gone. Just him left. A tangle of emotions stirred, but Han masked it, shifting gears. Aunt Mo, Ive got a suggestionnot sure if I should say it. Spit it out. If youre taking Yun Duo to Xuandu Temple, I dont think shes the best fit as your disciple. Lu Qingmo frowned. Not a fit for me? Yeah, Han nodded. I feel like shed vibe better with your junior brotherSong, right? Didnt you say hes all about mastering crafts? Theyd make a perfect master-disciple pair, dont you think? Lu Qingmo opened her mouth, then shut it, stumped. He had a point. Unauthorized tale usage: if you spot this story on Amazon, report the violation. She knew Yun Duos quirks and passions inside out after three yearsbetter than Han did. He didnt even know Yun Duo once asked her how to whip up bizarre concoctions, leaving Lu Qingmo flustered. Stuff like beast dung experiments? She had zero clue. But for her century-plus-old, white-haired, bushy-bearded Junior Brother Song? That was childs playhed been there, done that. Lu Qingmo mulled it over, seriously weighing whether to hand Yun Duo off. Finally, she shook her head. No, Ill take her as my official disciple. She can learn from Song later if theres a chance, but apprenticing under him directly? Not happening. Her talent doesnt match his. If she gets too distracted by crafts, itll hold her back. Cultivation ranks what matters most. Unless youre a freak of nature, stick to the grind and climb the ladder. She headed to the Ghost and Spirit Division; Han returned to Tai Bai, breaking the news about the Mountain Gods end-of-month test. Sweet! Bai Ruoyue rubbed her hands, hyped. Weve got to flex Tai Bais rep hard! With so many out-of-towners around, a strong showing from Tai Bais disciples could spread their name across statesher dream come true. Mountain Gods test Shen Longs eyes lit up. Wonder what perks well get. Ten-odd days leftnot sure Ill hit Visceral Realm in time, Su Changan mused. Might be better staying at peak Sinew, Zhang Yuantao said with a grin. If you break through, youre just starting Visceral. If the tests tier-based, peak Sinew could give you an edge. The crew nodded. Makes sense. Han laughed. We dont even know what the test is yet. Just go with the flowbreak through if its time. No need to hold back on purpose. Bai Tian strolled over. Any word on this quake? Nope, Han said. Cloud Clans not going inunlike last time. Bai Ruoyue pouted. Thought Id tag along with Little Junior Brother to snag treasures again. Han sighed. Senior Sister, that was gut instinctnot a sure thing this time. [Gods Perspective] was gonehe couldnt waltz into Black Mountain with a sack for loot anymore. Good thing this third quake wasnt a repeat of the second. Missing out on stuffing his pockets with rarities wouldve stung. Less profits a straight-up loss. I believe in youyoull pull it off, she insisted. Enough with the blind fan-girl hype. Bai Tian added, Shenhua Sects been by more than once lately. Theyre big on youreally pushing for you to join their backers. Hans lack of Xuandu Temple ties wasnt hush-hush. A wild prodigy like him? Everyone except Heavenly Dragon Sect was drooling to recruit him. No bad blood? Befriend and woo himstep one. Once he picked a side, attitudes would shift. Join Mo Clan of the state capitals four families, and the other three, former buddies, would turn hostileeyeing him as a threat, grudge or not. Position and profit dictated the game. Han wouldnt touch the four familiesTrue Blood Yin Spirit-tier groups knew they couldnt lure him anyway. But their backers? Thats the real play. You dont sit at that table without connections. Whats their offer? Han asked, intrigued. True Seed status, martial and sorcery rewards, apprenticeship under Yellow Spring or Earth-Piercing masters, resource stipends, Bai Tian said with a chuckle. Theyd take Shen Long and the gang toosecond-tier treatment below True Seeds. If Im in, theyd roll out the red carpet: top elder perks and support to grow Tai Bai. Han frowned. Thats it? Kinda skimpy. If I joined some faction not even here, theyd dig up my creds and slap True Seed on me anyway. Masters? Someoned take me. Shen Long and them? Their talentd clear big sect trials for inner disciple slots on their own. You joining them? Theyd be the ones cashing in. Weak saucezero sincerity. If he trekked to Eastern Zhous Saints Academy, the perks would blow his mind. Bai Ruoyue piped up, Little Junior Brother, your standards are sky-high! Bai Tian smiled. Suzhen Palace is off-limits, Heavenly Dragon wont touch you. Other factions lag behind those twothis is their ceiling. What, you want them to name you heir on the spot? If they threw that in, Id think about it, Han quipped. Laughter erupted. Dream big, huh? Bai Ruoyue clapped. For the Mountain God test, weve got days leftgrind hard, everyone! Lets show Tai Bais flair. Ohkeep it under wraps, just us. No worries, Senior Sisterweve got it, they assured. Yun Yuannan pulling Han aside was a clear favorfueling their training with extra hype. Night fell. Han sat before the Three Yin Cauldron, diving into alchemyno interruptions, solid vibe, decent haul. No fire-wood affinity nonsense herejust cultivators with flames could hack it; martial artists too, later on. Alchemy hinged on fire, mental focus, control, perception, and tradition. Hans yang fire was elite; Three Yin Mountain Gods legacy was plenty. The rest? Talent helped, but cultivation was king. At his level, he picked it up fast. In his room, Han eyed the Marvelous Tree hovering before him, lost in thought. Beside the branch bearing the Righteous Sword, a new knob had sprouted. Hed seen this beforethe first branch started the same. But he hadnt fed it anything lately Chapter 293: The Emperor’s Secret Edict and Traces of the Sky-Mender A Manifest Saint-grade Marvelous Tree didnt bother with Day Wanderer-tier materials anymore. Toss them in front of it, and it wouldnt even twitchits tastes had gotten picky. In all of Tianyue County, Manifest Saint-grade resources were rare as hens teeth, and Han had no reliable way to snag them. So, since its last upgrade, the tree had been starving. Yet today, out of nowhere, a new knob sprouted Han mulled it over and landed on a guess. Did it grow this from my lifespan? Nothing else made sense. He hadnt fed it crafting materials latelyjust nurtured it with his life force. Lifespan can push the Marvelous Tree to sprout another branch? It sounded far-fetched, almost unreal. Life-nurturing was supposed to enhance potential, not mimic physical materialsboosting a Day Wanderer-forged artifacts shot at reaching Manifest Saint status. Sure, Hans natal artifact was already on that track, but this trick still beefed it up, deepened their bond, and turned it into a unique life artifact. Actually growing a branch, though? That was a curveball he hadnt seen coming. He examined the new knob closely. It differed from the first branch at this stagehow exactly, hed only know once it matured. What a wild natal artifact, he marveled. Crafted, yet evolving like a natural tree. Cheat-code gear lived up to its hype. Pulling out the Life-Reversing Pill recipe, Han pored over its techniques. It wasnt a tough pill to crafthed be ready to try in a few days. Low difficulty aside, its obscurity meant some ingredients werent your garden-variety finds. Rifling through his stash, he had most coveredjust missing two. For an offbeat recipe, nailing nearly everything spoke volumes about his stockpile. The gaps? Harmful Fruitmore poison than herb, shriveling muscles if eaten, rarely used, so hed skipped it. And Red Heart Waternot a plant, but a treasure that torched your heart while jacking up your mind, pure torture. Not something he couldve ripened last month with the cauldron. Swapping those with the Dragon Maiden was a no-gothe recipe came from her. Mentioning them would tip her off. Hed already put out feelers, though; by the time he started refining, theyd likely turn up. The pills materials werent ultra-rarejust tricky to gather. The real kicker was the lifebloodtwenty years of lifespan for one dose, worth more than any herb or trinket. For a prodigy like Han, twenty years could mean unthinkable heights, making the pill a dud for most. Time ticked by. Han figured Lu Qingmo wouldnt sleep easy tonight, probably fixated on the Sky-Mending Vine. At dawn, Yun Yuannan showed up at the peach grove, his voice carrying in. Lu Qingmo welcomed him straight to the pavilion. No beating around the bush, Yun Yuannan said. I relayed the Sky-Mending Vine thing to Black Mountain yesterday. Got a response this morning. Han and Lu Qingmo leaned in, waiting. They say its possible, he continued. After hearing about it yesterday, the ancestor did a quick divination. But they said this vines a divine oddityself-concealing, slippery as hell, tough to pin down. It even shifts spots while growing, chasing better turf. Self-concealing divine relic Han had heard the term before, but this was his first brush with it. Sky-Mending Vinehiding the heavens secrets, Lu Qingmo nodded. Itd have cloaking chops for sure. Seeing her get it, Yun Yuannan pressed on. The ancestor tapped the divine domains power for a deeper read and pegged a few spots in Black Mountain where it might be. Still needs nailing down, though. A healthy Mountain God couldve mapped Black Mountain like the back of their handspotting anything was childs play. Even a self-hiding vine wouldnt faze them if they cared to look. Only peer-level or superior rarities could slip past. But now? The gods domain was cracking, their divine seat splinteringold tricks were off the table. A faltering domain and a light probe yielded a shaky maybe. Flexing power or smiting foes was easier than treasure-hunting sometimes. Naturally, the Mountain God wouldnt go all-in herejust a cautious nudge to keep their condition stable. Barely scratching the surface, this was still a decent haul given their state. Han knew it was his cue. So, at months end, when the Mountain God blesses Black Cloudif I catch their eyecould Aunt Mo check those spots? Yun Yuannan chuckled, shaking his head. Why wait? If youre up for it, you can head into Black Mountain right now. Han blinked. Now? This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there. Uncle Yun, you might not knowIm Day Wanderer rank now. Breaks the entry rules. The Cloud sisters knew his soul level and swore to keep it hushunclear if theyd told Yun Yuannan. Day Wanderer? Yun Yuannans jaw dropped. Okay, the sisters hadnt spilledtight-lipped as promised, earning those treats hed slipped them. I figured your martial talent was jaw-dropping enough, Yun Yuannan said, awed. But your soul sorcery knack? Unreal. From mortal to Day Wanderer in no timemind-blowing Not just Day Wanderermid-stage, capable of clowning Bone Refiners. No need to overshare that, though. Yun Yuannans gaze brimmed with admiration. Too bad Han was Bai Tians disciple and didnt seem keen on tying the knot with the Cloud Clan. A shameif this genius were theirs, the Mountain God would have a worthy heir. Day Wanderergreat, fantastic, Yun Yuannan said. With that soul rank, Im even less worried about you going in. Hans eyes lit up. Can we bend the rules? Bai Tian sidestepped, pivoting. Guess why Zuo Tianzheng hit up the Cloud Clan yesterday? Before they could answer, he dropped it. To get into Black Mountain! He came post-quake to beg the ancestors permissionpulled out a Great Qi Emperors secret edict and stacked promises to swing it. Zuo Tianzheng wants in too Han clicked it together. Hes hunting something! Did you say yes? he asked Yun Yuannan. Yun Yuannan sighed. With the emperors edict out, how could I not? You can snub Zuo the envoyeven square off against himbut ignoring the emperor? Different beast. Hed come before, asking the same, but I brushed him offancestors asleep, tough luck, he added. Night before lasts quake blew that excuse. After checking with the ancestor, I caved. His two Manifest Saint-Marrow Cleansing guards cant tag along, though. So, if youre game, you can head in now. Ill give you those spots the ancestor flaggedgo scout. Lets wait Lu Qingmo started, but Han cut in. Im going! he declared. Ill check those spots earlywant answers sooner. Lu Qingmo eyed him, dead serious. This trip wont stick to the outer or mid zonesdangerous stuff. Han grinned, brimming with confidence. With my strength, I can handle most risks. Dont worry, Aunt Mo. Add the [Ten Thousand Lifespan Dao Fruit]s lifespan-burning edgeunless luck totally tanked, hed be fine. He wasnt that cursed. Worst case, hed chug some luck and dodge the jinx. Lu Qingmo held her tongue. Can I go anytime? Han asked. Yun Yuannan pulled a token from his spatial ringblank save for a single word: Permit. Carry this init overrides Black Mountains rules, he said. Keep it on you entering; stash it in your pouch after. Besides you and Zuo Tianzheng, Suzhen Palace, Shenhua Sect, and others will send Day Wanderer-Bone Refiner folks in too. The ancestor figured, if the royals get a pass, might as well open it up. You might bump into others, but dont sweat iteach factions capped at two. Zuos case might flex a bit. Han nodded, unfazedno backing down. He got the logic: fairness trumps scarcity. Day Wanderer-Bone Refiner bans held when universal; letting Zuo in via imperial edict while locking others out would stir gripes. Were fine with nothing, but whys he special? The Mountain God played it smartlifted the ban, capped the numbers, kept Black Mountains locals mostly safe. Otherwise, Shenhua Sect could flood it with Bone Refiners, and the wildlifed be toast. Yun Yuannan handed over a book-sized wooden slab. The spots possibly holding the Sky-Mending Vine are marked herefollow the guide. Han took itdefinitely an artifact. Its smooth front lit up with dots when he nudged it: one green, several white, linked by black lines. A map. White dots are your targets, Yun Yuannan cautioned. Watch out heading theredangers wont show on this. It looks like a straight shot, but you might hit impassable zones. Detour as needed. Got itthanks for the heads-up, Uncle Yun. Not the smartest GPSno Turn left in 500 meters, beware of beasts alerts here. Whats Zuo Tianzheng after? Lu Qingmo asked. Yun Yuannan shook his head. Didnt sayjust emperors business. Couldnt prydiggings poking at imperial secrets. He smiled. Even if those spots lack the vine, theyll have decent treasuresits no scrub land. Grab what you can, no hesitation. Dont take it, and itll end up in a beasts gut or someone elses haul. Better you than them. Han thanked him sincerelyYun Yuannans care was real. This trip wouldnt leave him empty-handed; it was practically a Cloud Clan gift, just needing his pickup. Yun Yuannan paused, then pulled another tokendifferent, with a cloud on one side, Cloud on the other. Whats this? Han asked. Cloud Clan ID, Yun Yuannan said. If demons in Black Mountain come at you, check if they revere the ancestor. If yes, flash thisrespect guaranteed, no hassle. If not, run. Showing it thens asking for trouble. Han got itlife insurance with a catch. Are there demons in Black Mountain that dont worship the Mountain God? Yeah, Yun Yuannan nodded. Black Mountain predates the ancestors ascensionhad demons aplenty. Over centuries, some got won over, revering them; this token keeps them in line. Others stayed hostile, seeing the ancestor as a foe. Why not wipe them out? Han asked. With the ancestors power, itd be a breeze, Yun Yuannan said, shaking his head. But theyre left for a reasonunder control, no threat to the ancestor. Han dropped itprodding further hit Cloud Clan secrets. Yun Yuannan warned, Dont try commanding beasts with it. Han and Lu Qingmo laughed. Beasts brains wouldnt clock a token. Prep and head in, Yun Yuannan said. Ive got to bouncethose folks are probably hounding me for tokens already. They escorted him out. Back inside, Han grinned at Lu Qingmo. Aunt Mo, Black Mountains got that vineId bet on it. She nodded, buying it. Yun Yuannan said maybe, but the ancestor pinning spots screamed clues. No vine traces, no spots to guess. Self-hiding or not, it had to exist first. Hope was legitunless a beast had chowed it down, leaving echoes. Worst-case wiggle room kept Yun Yuannan cautious. I thought wed wait for the Mountain Gods test to snag it, Han said. Didnt expect this twistearly scoutings a game-changer. Pre-test vine intel plus a test reward? Jackpot. Chapter 294: "All Because of You" Han stood alone beneath the peach tree, silently admiring the blossoms. The peach flowers here bloomed vibrantly year-round, a feat made possible through the subtle workings of Taoist techniquessuch a small trick was well within their capabilities. He had been about to leave when Lu Qingmo called out to him, asking him to wait a moment. She wanted to prepare something for his safety. A short while later, she emerged from the pavilion and handed Han a spatial pouch. Whats inside? Han asked, extending his spiritual senses into the bag. The contents came into view as if before his very eyes: a pale pink suit of battle armor, a cyan jade bracelet, and a talisman. This is a Life-Bearing Talisman, Lu Qingmo explained. Its similar to the life-substitution jade pendant used by that Manifested Saint cultivator who once ambushed you. When youre hit with an attack you cant withstand, it can absorb a portion of the damage for you. But rememberit can only take on damage, not save your life entirely. Han nodded, understanding the distinction. Absorbing damage was one thing; cheating death was another. Lu Qingmo continued, The Vajra Bracelet, when worn and activated, releases a Vajra Protective Light. It can shield your physical body when your soul leaves ita true Manifested Saint treasure. No need for complex refining; just imprint it with your mark, and its ready to use. Treasures like this were distinct from ordinary artifacts or martial weapons. A Manifested Saint treasure was exceedingly rare, likely something Lu Qingmo had kept for her own use. As for the armor, she went on, its a Manifested Saint-grade artifact. When worn by your soul, it offers excellent protection against harm. Battle armor artifacts typically served one purpose: defense. Han, however, grew curious and asked, Whats it called? Shed named the other two itemssurely this one had a name too. It was so pink and delicate, almost cute in its design. It doesnt have a name, Lu Qingmo replied. Ive already undone the imprint on it. Refine it yourself before heading into Black Mountain. Itll add an extra layer of safety. Huh? Han blinked, caught off guard. Aunt Mo, is this your personal artifact? The thought hit himthis was something Lu Qingmo had worn close to her body day and night. And now it was going to be on him? He could almost feel the lingering warmth. Yes, she confirmed with a nod. Han stared at the soft pink armor, picturing Lu Qingmo wearing it. The contrast was strikingher cool, aloof demeanor paired with something so dainty. He couldnt help but chuckle. Whod have thought Aunt Mo, so serene and detached, had this side to her? Lu Qingmos expression remained steady, though her fingers twitched slightly. She could tell from Hans look exactly what was running through his mind. Aunt Mo, do you have a thing for pink? he teased. It was a gift from my master, she explained. She decided everything about it. That made sense. But if I take this, wont you be left without anything to wear? Han blurted out, only to realize how that sounded. He quickly corrected himself. I mean, without a defensive artifact. The bracelet and talisman toothese are all your treasures, right? If you give them to me, youll have nothing left. Lu Qingmo shook her head. Im staying in Black Cloud Town. Theres no danger here that requires them. You need them more. Her tone grew firm. Your safety comes first. Even if you dont find the Sky-Mending Vine, its not a big dealjust make sure you come back unharmed. She sighed softly. If this were years ago, I couldve given you a Yin Spirit artifact. With a divine weapons protection, your safety wouldve been guaranteed. But when I came to Black Cloud Town, I left my Yin Spirit artifacts back at Xuandu Temple. If you find this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the infringement. Han hadnt expected that. It sounded so final, almost reckless. When you return to Xuandu Temple someday, will you be able to reclaim them? he asked. Yes, she nodded. The divine artifacts granted by the temple were returned, but the ones my master gave me and those I acquired during my travels are mine. Theyre being held by my senior sister, whos nurturing them for me. Given Lu Qingmos talent and status back then, owning Yin Spirit artifacts was only natural. Most true disciples of top-tier sects had similar privileges. If thats the case, why not bring them to Black Cloud Town? Han wondered. With divine artifacts, your strength would be even greater. Theyre unnecessary here, she replied, shaking her head. Enemies I cant handle wouldnt be stopped by Yin Spirit artifacts either. For me, their boost isnt significant. Besides, leaving them with my senior sister has its benefits. Xuandu Mountain is a blessed place, and her cultivation surpasses mine. With her nurturing them, their quality has likely improved over the past decade. Keeping them with me wouldve only held them back. Han nodded silently, piecing together more than shed said. Back then, Lu Qingmo must have been disillusioned, fleeing to Black Cloud Town with little hope of recovery. Entrusting her artifacts mightve been a veiled farewellshed lost her drive, and rather than let them waste away with her, shed given them to someone she trusted. Fifteen years ago, before the Mountain Gods fall, shed likely assumed her days of guarding Black Cloud Town would be permanent. Unless her master emerged from seclusion, her life wouldve been spent raising Bai Ruoyue, detached from the outside world, until her end. Back then, Bai Tian hadnt even reached Marrow Cleansing, let alone True Blood. Thered been no hope of returning to the Ling family. But fate had other plans. Hans rise, Bai Tians breakthrough, and Lu Qingmos renewed hopeeverything was turning for the better. Things were looking up! Han didnt press her about the pastitd only stir up unnecessary sorrow. Instead, Lu Qingmo offered a few more words of caution, her concern evident. The Sky-Mending Vine mattered, but compared to some things, it paled in importance. Oh, by the way, Han said, shifting gears, I was just thinkingZuo Tianzhengs so eager to enter Black Mountain himself, risking everything. Does he already know theres a treasure he needs in there? Who can guess what hes thinking? Lu Qingmo shook her head, then smiled. But Id say hes only heading in because you forced his hand. Forced him? How? Han asked, puzzled. From the start, he set up the Black Cloud Guard and recruited talents from every family. Its clear he had no intention of going in himself. He was preparing for the Mountain Gods trial, hoping to get what he wanted through proper channels. But youyoure too exceptional, and theres no way youd work for him. Right now, no genius in Black Cloud can outshine you in the trial. His original plan fell apart. If he still wants his prize, going in himself is probably his best shot. Hed hoped to play the mastermind, reaping rewards from the sidelines. But the other talents in Black Cloud Town? Utterly unreliable. So, he had to step up himself. Hans grin widened. Thats not my fault. I cant help being this good. You cant blame me for existing, right? Over the next few moments, Han began refining the armor. As he did, he noticed four tiny characters etched near the collar. When he made them out, his expression turned odd. Maidens Heart. That was the inscription. He glanced at Lu Qingmo, sitting nearby. Was this its name? No wonder shed dodged the questiontoo embarrassed to say it aloud. A grown woman with a pink armor named Maidens Heart? Han fought back a laugh. Lu Qingmos hand on the table clenched slightly. But Hans amusement didnt last. A realization hit him. Waitif she was lending him Maidens Heart, that meant hed be wearing it. His composure cracked. Him, in this? The contrast was absurd. Pink and a tough guydid they even go together? Under Lu Qingmos watchful gaze, Han left the peach grove and headed to Taibai. He told Bai Tian and the others about his plan to enter Black Mountain. The ground just shook not long ago, Bai Tian warned. Going in now could be risky. Yeah, Bai Ruoyue chimed in. Last time we went, it was crawling with wild beasts. She nodded in agreement, then added, Little Junior Brother, how about I go with you? We could watch each others backs. Her suggestion was predictable, but Han turned it down. Ill move faster alone. If trouble hits, its easier to escape. Senior Sister, you should stay at the dojo and train with Master. Solo, he could flee skyward if needed. With Bai Ruoyue, hed be held back. Plus, having someone else around would limit his trump cardthe life-burning technique. If shed reached Bone Refining, shed be a solid ally, even at the early stage. Beasts were easier to handle than humans, after all. But she hadnt. This trip would take him deep into Black Mountaintoo dangerous for her. Bai Ruoyue sighed. Youre right. Id only hold you back right now. Since its for Aunt Mo, you have to go, but be careful. She still remembered their last venture into Black Mountain, when shed been the strongest of the group, leading them fearlessly. Times had changedHan had surpassed her. It stung a little. The others chimed in with well-wishes, urging him to stay safe. Got your healing pills? Yep. And your Taoist talismans? Dont forget those. Dont worry, Im fully prepared. Bai Ruoyue kept fussing, and Han smiled warmly, touched by her care. Finally, he stepped out of Taibai alone, blending into the crowd until he vanished. Bai Ruoyue lingered at the entrance, her gaze fixed on the distance. Have faith in him, Bai Tian said. When has he ever let us down? She nodded. Her trust in Han was unshakable, but worry gnawed at her all the same. Soon, Han reached the edge of Black Mountain, the Yun familys token tucked against his chest. The forest loomed deep and dark, like a maw ready to swallow him whole. With a single step, he entered its jaws. Chapter 295: "Bigger is Better" Hans entry into Black Mountain didnt go unnoticed. He was too famous noweveryone in Black Cloud Town knew him. Every move he made drew immense attention, especially since hed come straight from Taibai. Hiding his tracks? Easier said than done. Curious onlookers flocked to Taibai, only to find Bai Ruoyue and the others still there. Whispers spread like wildfire. Why had Han gone into Black Mountain alone? Was he honing his martial skills? Or chasing some treasure hed gotten wind of? The recent earthquake had already piqued interest, and Hans actions only fueled the buzz. Soon, another wave of people rushed into Black Mountain, determined not to be left behind. Some even had ulterior motivestreasure wasnt their goal; people were. Han didnt mind being spotted. So what if his presence was exposed? Even with the loosened restrictions on entering Black Mountain, the newcomers were mostly Day Roaming Bone Refiners. He wasnt afraid of them. Strength gave him confidence. Besides, Black Mountain was vastfinding him in there would be like looking for a needle in a haystack. Once inside, Han pulled out his navigation artifact, pinpointed the nearest target location, and set off. This earthquakes a lot worse than the last one, he muttered, weaving through the forest and scanning his surroundings. The landscape was a messancient trees snapped in half, the ground split open with fissures. Outside Black Mountain, across the Yun River, the tremors had only rattled buildings lightly. But here, deep within, the destruction was far more severe. Bones buried for who-knows-how-long had been unearthed by the upheaval. Han moved swiftly. In the outer regions, with his current cultivation, he had little to fear. Even if wild beasts ganged up on him, hed come out unscathed. That said, beasts were beastsstubborn as ever. A Flesh Realm wild boar charged at him, snorting furiously, only to be sent flying with a single kick. It squealed like it was being butchered, scrambled to its feet, and bolted off into the woods. Han smirked but didnt give chase. Beasts only fled when they sensed a real threatsurvival instincts kicking in late. Hed held back on that kickwell, held his foot, really. If hed wanted to, he couldve ended the pig right there. But these low-tier creatures werent his target, nor could they harm him. No point in pointless slaughter. Flesh Realm beasts were useless to him anyway. Now, if itd been something like that Three-Colored Deer hed encountered before, he wouldnt have let it slip away. Kill what needs killing, spare what doesnthe acted on instinct, no guilt weighing him down. As he pressed forward, occasionally checking his navigation tool, the beasts around him grew stronger. Hed reached the midsection of Black Mountain, where Visceral Realm creatures roamed freely. Here, Han dialed back his boldness. A swarm of Visceral Realm beasts could still pose a threat if their numbers piled up. Then he hit a snaga cliff loomed ahead. The navigation artifact didnt mark obstacles like this. Han eyed the cliffs length. Detouring around it would mean a long, time-wasting loop. But going straight through? That meant dealing with the trouble waiting below. Yep, there was a beast down there. Its aura was strongBone Refining Realm, no doubt. The terrain, the situationit reminded Han of his last trip into Black Mountain, chasing that Death Wraith Corpse. He sent his spiritual senses downward, and instantly, a piercing screech erupted. The beast below was alerted. A massive eagle soared up from the cliffs depths, wings spanning nearly ten meters. Its sharp eyes glinted with bloodlust, exuding raw ferocity. In that same moment, the Sky Bow materialized in Hans hands. As the eagle burst into view, an arrow streaked through the air, followed by two more in rapid succession. All three hit their mark, blood spraying as the eagle staggered mid-flight. Enjoying the story? Show your support by reading it on the official site. Skreee! it shrieked, eyes blazing with rage as it barreled toward Han. A blast of true essence erupted from its beak, obliterating every tree in its path. Dust and wind whipped up in a frenzy. Han drew Taibai from its sheath, the blade gleaming coldly. He stood his ground, locking eyes with the charging eagle. Shing! The sword slashed horizontally. The eagles talonshard as steel and gleaming menacinglylashed out. Those claws could shatter stone and grind metal to dust. But Taibai? A top-tier martial weapon. Boom! True qi clashed with true essence, the explosion leveling nearby trees and carving a crater into the earth. The cliffs edge trembled, chunks of rock crumbling away. Whoosh! A magical sword shot from behind Han, aimed at the eagle now mere feet away. Its instincts screamed danger, and it twisted mid-air, but the blade still pierced through. Han seized the opening, slashing Taibai across the eagles belly. Flesh tore open, guts spilling out. The eagle wailed, flapping desperately to retreat, but Han leapt onto its back and yanked out the three Sky Arrows embedded in its body. It rolled wildly in the air, wings thrashing to shake him off. In seconds, it cleared the cliffand Han, riding it, crossed over too. Eagle-riding hero! Whoosh! Yang Fire erupted across the eagles body. It plummeted, crashing into the ground with a thunderous boom, rolling helplessly as the flames fed on its robust vitality. Han drove Taibai through its skull, ending it. The fire burned briefly before he recalled it, leaving a tantalizing scent of roasted meat wafting through the air. Well-cooked. An Lang, check its nest for any spiritual plants, Han ordered, releasing the ghost girl and pointing her to task. Got it, An Lang replied, drifting down the cliff. Next, Han let Yinhe out of the beast pouch. The dog wagged its tail furiously as he gestured to the roasted eagle. Barbecues on the menu today. Hed brought Yinhe along specifically for thisfresh, firsthand beast meat. The black-and-white pup, ears perked and eyes sharp with intelligence, had grown noticeably bigger lately, thanks to a steady diet. Han sat down, pulled out a knife, and carved off a chunk of meat to eat. Hed been trekking for a whiletime for a break and a bite. Bone Refining beast meat was just the thing to recharge. Yinhe gnawed away at its own corner, chomping happily without bothering Han. No seasoning, sure, but beast meat was naturally deliciousinfused with heaven-and-earth vitality, maybe even flavored by spiritual plants. Unless it was some odd species, it was a gourmet treat. No parasites to worry about either. Master, theres nothing down there, An Lang reported, floating back up. No big deal. We didnt come for that anyway. While Han and Yinhe ate, An Lang, being a ghost, could only watch. Being dead had its perksno grease, no meat, pure health guaranteed. Han finished, but Yinhe kept going. He dozed off for a bit, and the dog was still eating. Alright, thats enough. One meals not your whole day, he said, grabbing Yinhe by the scruff, wiping its greasy face, and moving on. After more travel, he neared the first white dot on his map. Oddly, Visceral Realm beasts thinned out, replaced by more Bone Refining ones. He was in the midsection, edging toward the deeper zones where roars of powerful creatures echoed through the trees. Here, Han stayed cautious, keeping a low profile. He avoided Bone Refining beasts unless absolutely necessaryfights got loud, and noise drew attention. Last times snake-beast fiasco was a harsh lesson. Stealth was the game now. He checked the navigation artifact, frowning slightly. The first spot that might have the Sky-Mending Vine is the closest, but its right on the border between the mid and deep sections. The rest are even farther in. Looks like going deeper is unavoidable. An Lang, drifting beside him, piped up. What if you get lucky and find it right here? Shed been chatting with him on the trek to break the monotony. Han shook his head. Not likely. Treasures like that either exist or they dont. Luck doesnt change facts. At last, he reached the first white dot. Staying vigilant, he scoped out the destination from afara swamp. Black Mountains got every terrain imaginable, he mused. In the swamp, he sensed not one, but two powerful presencescold, predatory, heavy. Bone Refining Realm, and top-tier at that. This place had owners. He didnt dare probe with spiritual sensestoo risky if they were sensitive to it. Instead, he hid and observed with his eyes. In a corner of the swamp, he spotted them. Hiss. Han sucked in a quiet breath. Two monstrous swamp pythons. The larger one stretched nearly thirty meters, the smaller around twenty. At their widest, they spanned several meters. A thirty-meter-long, multi-meter-wide python? If it reared up, itd tower as high as a ten-story building from his past lifetoo big to even fit through some windows. That put it in perspective. Han rubbed his temples. What did this worlds beasts eat to get so massive? But that was the way of wild beasts. Unlike demons, who shrank as they gained intelligence and cultivated mystical powers, beasts grew bigger with each rank. Strength, vitality, raw physicalitythat was their path. Bigger was better. Might was beauty. And pythons were already naturally huge. Han mulled over how to handle them, then beckoned An Lang closer. See those two beasts? She nodded. Go take them out. An Lang froze. Huh? Me? Chapter 296: "I Too Crave Blood!" Idiot, come hit me if you dare! A playful voice rang out over the swamp, instantly rousing the two massive swamp pythons. Their icy, serpentine eyes snapped upward. There, hovering in the air, was a white-skirted ghost girlmischievous and ethereal. An Lang formed a seal with her hands, ghostly energy surging as she conjured a small mountain, several meters wide. Whoosh! The mountain plummeted, whistling through the air, growing larger and fiercer by the second. Directly below lay the two swamp pythons. Boom! It crashed into the marsh, sending mud and sludge spraying everywhere, obscuring the view and splattering high into the air. A foul wind whipped up as one of the pythons lunged skyward through the muck, its gaping, slime-drenched maw aiming to swallow An Langthe cold, intrusive presence it sensed. Spotting that dark, dripping mouth, An Lang darted higher, then bolted into the distance. A faint, eerie glow shimmered beneath her feetshe was using a Taoist technique. Both the mountain seal shed just dropped and this escape spell came from the Three Yin Mountain Gods inheritance. Before fleeing, she lobbed another small mountain down at them, taunting, Dumb snakes! The ground quaked as the two colossal beastseach dozens of meters longsurged forward, churning the swamp into twin trenches. Hiss after hiss erupted from their mouths, blasts of venomous breath aimed at An Lang, but she dodged nimbly. A flyer versus ground-dwellers? She had the upper hand. It was the classic edge a Day Roaming cultivator held over a Bone Refining martial artist. Cant beat you? Finebut good luck catching me up here! The pythons stormed through the forest, flattening trees into splinters, their ferocious auras scattering nearby beasts. Dumb snakes! Clumsy oafs! Whats the point of all that meat? Haha, come get me! Hit me if you can! An Lang kept up her barrage of mockery, luring the pythons farther away. Nearby, a tree shimmered and shifted, revealing Hans figure. Those two pythons are at least Peak Bone Refining, he mused silently, before darting into the swamp. His spiritual senses fanned out, swiftly scanning every inch of the area. This was his plan: let An Lang bait the pythons away, then sneak in and raid their lair. Facing two Peak Bone Refining pythons head-on? Way too daunting. With their massive size and tenacious vitality, a fight would drag onlikely drawing a swarm of other beasts to the chaos. So, brains over brawnlure the snakes out and strike their base. Han wasnt just muscle; he had smarts too. Against humans or smarter foes, this trick wouldnt work so easily. But these were beastspredictable and primal. Soon, his eyes lit up. Hed found something. A vine, slithering through the swamp like a snake itself, radiating a faint spiritual aura. Treasure! Han sprang into action, digging it upmud and allwithout pausing to inspect it closely. Into the spatial pouch it went. After a thorough sweep to ensure nothing was missed, he bolted. Once safely distanced, he sent a signal to An Lang via the snail device. She didnt pick up, but the message got through. Moments later, An Lang swooped in, exhilarated despite her disheveled stateno injuries, though. Master, did you score? No Sky-Mending Vine, Han said, shaking his head. But I nabbed a vine-like treasure. Good enough! An Lang beamed, puffing up with pride. So, howd I do? Brilliant! Youre the bestmy lucky charm, Han praised without holding back. Then, with An Lang in tow, he made a quick getaway. Faintly, roars and hisses echoed from behindthose pythons were furious, but their thief was long gone. Their rage was wasted. No hiccups? Han asked. Nope! An Lang shook her head. Those snakes were toughmost beasts cleared out wherever they went, too scared to block them. Later, some birds showed up, but I tossed out those Beast-Luring Pill fragments you gave me. After that, no one bothered meeven the snakes went chasing the scraps. The Beast-Luring Pill was irresistible to wild beasts; even fragments worked wonders. Han had tested it last time in the mountainBone Refining beasts couldnt resist it. Hed prepped An Lang well for her decoy role. With those fragments, her escape was a cinch. If you spot this story on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation. Of course, her own strength was key. Ghostly Taoist techniques, fueled by siphoning Hans lifespan daily, had boosted her from Night Roaming to a level where she could hold her own in a Day Roaming fight. That was rapid growth. Paired with the artifacts Han provided and the pill fragments, her mission was foolproofthrilling, but never truly perilous. Thanks to the unique bond between ghost and master, theyd never lose each other in Black Mountain, no matter how far apart they strayed. Normally, beasts wouldnt care about ghostsno flesh, no vitality, just a cold, lifeless husk. Why would creatures obsessed with raw power and bloodlust bother? But provoke them in their face, and its a different story. Well clear of the swamp, Han pulled out the snake-like vine. Jet-black, branchless, its surface wrinkled like fine scales. At its tip bloomed a pristine white floweruntouched by the swamps filth, pure as snow. Master, whats this? An Lang asked. No idea. Han dialed Lu Qingmo on the snail device, described the find, and waited. Swamp, giant pythons, a flowering vine Lu Qingmo pondered, then clicked. It might be a Heavenly Snake Vine. Whats that? A valuable treasure. The vine itself isnt directly usable for humansgood for alchemy or crafting. But for snake-kind, its a jackpot. It boosts strength and potential, supposedly unlocking a trace of Heavenly Snake bloodline. Heavenly Snake? A potent snake lineage, on par with true dragons. Some snakes dont aim to become flood dragons or dragonsthey stick to their serpentine form, pursuing the Heavenly Snake path. Most aquatic or demonic clans dreamed of dragonhood, but that wasnt the only route. With enough progress, common carp or snakes could rival true dragons. So its useless to me now? Not quite, Lu Qingmo said calmly. If its really a Heavenly Snake Vine, that flower can be consumed by humans. Itll grant you Heavenly Snake vitality. Heavenly Snake vitality? A figure of speech. Once you hit Bone Refining and cultivate a vitality technique, itll let your vitality take the form of a Heavenly Snake. You could wield it in battlepretty impressive for vitality mastery. Han got it: a vitality boost with an extra trick up his sleeve. Since vitality training post-Bone Refining laid the groundwork for True Blood, this flower was a real prize. But you cant just eat it, Lu Qingmo added. It needs snake gall, blood, and powdered bone to work properly. From the snakes guarding it? No, any snake beast will doeven Flesh Realm ones, she said with a hint of amusement. Though the higher the rank, the better the result. Phew, thats a relief. Han hung up, staring at the vine, lost in thought. Snake gall, huh An Lang, does the Three Yin Mountain Gods inheritance have any pill recipes using Heavenly Snake Vine? Nope, not that Ive seen. Fair enough, Han said. Looks like we need a top-tier snake beast to make the most of this flower. Those two dumb snakes from earlier seemed perfect, An Lang said earnestly. Han shook his head. Well see. Black Mountains crawling with snake beasts. Glancing at the darkening sky, he noted the sun dipping low. Been in here almost a full day. He released Yinhe from the pouch, planning to rest and grab a hot meal. But to his surprise, Yinhe zeroed in on the Heavenly Snake Vine, drooling and whining, pawing at Han and pointing to it. Han blinked, catching on. You want to eat it? Yinhes head bobbed eagerly. Isnt this just for snakes? An Lang wondered. Yinhes a dogwhys it interested? Woof! Woof! Han mulled it over, then pieced it together. Yinhes a beast bred by the Destiny Sect, blending all sorts of bloodlines, tuned with kirin true blood. Maybe its got some snake lineage mixed in? Huh, that tracks. He called Lu Qingmo again, explaining the situation. Let it try, she suggested. With Hans nod, Yinhe pounced, chomping at the vines base. Watching this, Han felt a pang of absurdity. What kind of dog eats vines? Talk about roughing it Master, Yinhes so good, An Lang said. It didnt just dig init waited for your okay. Han smiled. True enough. Yinhe was sharp, picking up on his every intent and even catching bits of others words. Was it the Destiny Sects breeding, or the Creation Spirit Liquid? Either way, it stood apart from wild beasts. After nibbling about a tenth of the vine, Yinhe scampered off, barked twice, shut its eyes, and conked out. Han got the message: it was done with the vine. Interesting. Good news for him, though. Yinhe got its fill, and plenty remained for later use. As Han, An Lang, and Yinhe rested, elsewhere in Black Mountain, an old acquaintance leaned against a tree, eyes narrowedZuo Tianzheng. Beside him stood two others: a Peak Bone Refining martial artist and a Peak Day Roaming cultivator, both elite hands hed brought from Jade Capital. With Black Mountains loosened rules, each faction could send two Day Roaming or Bone Refining experts. But thanks to a secret imperial decree, the Yun family let Zuo Tianzheng bring a thirdcourtesy to the emperor. Zuo Tianzheng himself was Peak Bone Refining. This trio was a force to be reckoned with. Hed initially planned an all-Peak Bone Refining squad, since Day Roaming cultivators lagged in raw combat power. But a flyers utility in certain situations won out, so he mixed it up. This lineup could handle even a common Marrow Cleansing beast without breaking a sweat. In Zuo Tianzhengs hand was an ancient mirror, a groove at its top holding a fingernail-sized shard of dried wood. Lord Zuo, the cultivator said, judging by the beasts around, were nearing the midsection. No reaction from the Heaven-Net Earth-Web Mirror yet? For some reason, Zuo Tianzhengs group moved slower than Hans. They hadnt hit the midsection, while Han was already at its deepest edge, verging on the back half. Zuo Tianzheng shook his head. Not yet. Lets rest a bit, then push deeper. With this Sky-Mending Vine fragment, if theres any in Black Mountain, the mirror will sense it. Well take it slow, hit every spotplenty of time to cover our bases. That shard in the mirror? A piece of Sky-Mending Vine. No doubt the Great Qi royal family had once claimed at least a partial oneor maybe a whole one, used up, leaving just this scrap. Wonder what that Taibai Hans up to, coming in alone? Who knows? Probably sharpening his martial skills. With Bone Refining strength, no genius in Black Cloud Town can touch him. The two chatted casually, aware of Hans entry. At the mention of that name, Zuo Tianzhengs gaze drifted from the mirror to the shadowy woods. Taibai Han, venturing in solo? Hope we cross paths in here. What I couldnt finish before, I might just settle myself. Shame its only youif Bai Ruoyue had tagged along, itd be perfect If not for this unruly prodigy popping up in Black Cloud Town, defying control, would hean imperial envoy, the emperors emissaryhave to risk Black Mountain himself? Meanwhile, the man on his mind was roasting a bird. That eagle from earlier was massivestill plenty left to eat. Zuo Tianzheng? Han didnt give him a second thought. Black Mountain was huge; the odds of meeting were slim. And if they did? Sure, Zuo Tianzheng might want him dead. But has he ever stopped to wonder if Han wants him dead too? Chapter 297: "Buried Under a Thousand Brutes" Suffocating darkness, oppressive fullness, no skyonly earth. Han was currently underground, his strength surging as he carved out a cramped space just big enough to hold him. Master, are we safe yet? An Langs voice echoed from within her ghostly abode. Youre asking me? Who am I supposed to ask? Han shot back. After what felt like an eternityhis breath growing shorthe activated his Earth Escape Technique again, fleeing far from the spot hed been hiding in. Whoosh! Bursting out of the ground, Han gulped air greedily, scanning his surroundings in an instant. No danger in sight. That scared the life out of me, An Lang said, drifting out and patting her chest. It wasnt as impressive as Bai Ruoyues, but still held its own. Han checked his navigation artifact. Lets move. Were almost at the next spot. It was dawn now. After snagging the Heavenly Snake Vine and resting, theyd trekked through the night. Deeper into Black Mountain, the danger spiked. Unless it was a cub, Visceral Realm beasts were nowhere to be seen. Han stayed on high alert, avoiding fights with any beasts. His spiritual senses stretched to the max limit Black Mountain allowed, meticulously probing every nook and cranny, wary of anything too strong to handle. Sure, some beasts reacted wildly to spiritual probing, but those were rare. No way hed ditch his senses just for a few oddballs. Progress slowed to a crawl in these depths. Luckily, the stronger the beast, the bigger its territoryso the area wasnt too crowded, leaving Han room to maneuver. But not long ago, hed hit his closest call yet in the mountain. Two Bone Refining beastsa bird and a tigerwere locked in a brutal fight right on his path. Han hung back, waiting for them to finish, hoping to swoop in for some leftovers. Then, out of nowhere, a Marrow Cleansing beast showed upapparently the birds mate. One glance at it, and it spotted him. No hesitationHan bolted, diving underground with the Earth Escape Technique and sprinting through the soil. That led to his breathless emergence moments ago. Hed lingered beneath the surface for ages, dodging that monstrous bird, before daring to pop up. Master, good thing youve got that Earth Escape trick, An Lang said, still shaken. Otherwise, wed be bird food. Han felt a rush of gratitude too. Against flying beasts, burrowing was a lifesaver. Flying to escape? Thatd be suicideoutpacing a Marrow Cleansing bird was a pipe dream. Fly from land beasts, dig from flyers, Han said with a grin. Perfect combo. Shoutout to Dai Lin from the Earth Corpse Sectnot only did he gift Han the Imprint Realm, but also this clutch escape technique. Good thing it was just a beast, too. After another half-hour of travel, the green dot representing Han overlapped with the second white dot on the navigation artifact. Theyd arrived. Gorgeous, An Lang breathed, awestruck. Han nodded. Absolutely stunning. Before them sprawled a sea of flowersvibrant, dazzling blooms of every kind, their faint fragrance wafting over even from a distance. This was the second potential spot for the Sky-Mending Vine. If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it. Han crept closer, stopping at a safe range. Master, sense any big beasts? Hans expression turned grim. No standout powerhouses here. But weve got a bigger problem. Look at those honey-gathering bees. Above the flower sea buzzed strange beeseach the size of a babys fist, flitting about collecting nectar. Every one was a beast, their auras modest individually. Compared to the heavy hitters, they were weaklings. But one bee? No threat. A swarm? Terrifying. They could fly, so An Langs distraction ploy was useless here. Even if she tried, she couldnt lure them all away. Han would rather face a single, overwhelming beast than a horde like this. Master, what do we do? An Lang asked. Got any ideas? She trailed off as Han just stared back. I asked you, and now youre asking me? Beeseven beastly onesfear fire Han mused, but a glance at the surroundings made him nix the idea. With his Yin-Yang Flames, a fire attack might work wonders. But this was a sprawling forest. He could start a blaze, but stopping it? Not a chance. Start a forest fire, and hed be in deep troubleliterally and figuratively. Plus, he owed the Yun family for the Mountain Gods intel on the Sky-Mending Vine. Torching Black Mountain would be a disasterhed never face Yun Duo again. Nope, bad plan. If only we had something that didnt mind bee stings and could tank their attacks, An Lang sighed. Too bad you didnt snag a puppet from the beast arena. No pain, no problemjust send it into the flower sea. No fear of stings, no pain Hans eyes lit up. No puppet, sure, but he had something close. An Lang, youre a genius! I could kiss you! Her ghostly face flushed, and she ducked her head. Master, what are you saying? Im still an innocent maidenhow could you tease me like that? Though if its you, I wouldnt mind. When she looked up, Han was already strides away. She blinked, caught off guard. Then she saw him release a Green Zombie. After a moments thought, he suited it upslapping on a high-grade inner armor and a helmet. Whats this for? she asked. Zombies dont feel pain. Let it take the stings, Han said, meticulously arming the corpse with every defensive trinket hed scavenged from generous donors over time. Since Taibai had no second cultivator, Han always took his zombies when he wasnt at the dojo. Couldnt risk an accident hurting Bai Ruoyue or the apprentices. Now, it was paying off. Sting all you wantpoison or not, a zombie wouldnt flinch. Once fully geared, Han smeared it with various concoctionssome fragrant and alluring, others brightly colored. Hed met plenty of helpful folksevil cultivators includedand picked up a stash of toxins along the way. Imagining the bees swarming this armored corpse made him smirk. An Lang shook her head. Master, youre ruthless. No need for honor with beasts, Han shrugged. He pulled out a Beast-Luring Pill fragment, crushed it to powder, and dusted it over the zombie. This stuffs a game-changer. Shame Ive only got one leftgotta stretch it. This was its third use, always just a pinch. Frugality was his motto. Prep done, he stashed An Lang in her ghost abode, sent the zombie charging into the flower sea, and darted toward it from another angle. Roar! A guttural corpse howl rang out, grabbing the bees attention. The zombie stomped through the blooms, a breeze carrying its scent across the area. Then it bolted, fast as lightning. Bzzz! A deafening buzz erupted as every beevisible and hiddenswarmed out, hooked by the Beast-Luring Pills aroma. Individually weak, they couldnt resist it. A dark cloud filled the sky, chasing the zombie relentlessly. Their simple beast mindskill-on-sight instincts plus that irresistible scentleft them blind to anything else. From his hiding spot, Han unleashed his spiritual senses, scouring the flower sea. An Lang popped out too, lending her own effort. In a few breaths, Han strode to the center. There, amid the oddity, bloomed a striking red flower. Within a meter around it, nothing else grewno flowers, no weeds. The stem supporting it was as thick as an adults arm, like a small tree, etched with winding, binding-like marks. A treasure flower. Han dug it up, soil and all, and stashed it. An Lang flew back, a beehive floating before her. Master, jackpot! she crowed. Han gaped. Shed outdone himlooted their whole damn home. He loved it. Lets bounce! Stuffing the flower and hive into his spatial pouch, he grabbed An Lang and ran. Soon, the bees returned. The missing flower and hive sent their buzzing into a furious crescendopure rage. But with no way to track a spatial pouch, their anger had nowhere to go. Han sensed briefly, then headed in one direction. Soon, a fallen figure came into viewthe Green Zombie, his trusty decoy. Man, thats rough, An Lang said, wincing. The gear Han had given it was trashedmetal corroded, armor shattered. The zombie itself was a wreck: pockmarked flesh, chunks missing, bones exposed, even its head half-rotted. Pain wasnt an issue, but those bees packed a punch beyond stings. Hundredsthousandsof relentless attackers piling on, tearing it apart. Brutal. Han tucked it into the corpse pouch. Hed patch it up latercouldnt let a hero go to waste. Fixed up, itd still work for him. Chapter 298: "Strikes of Luck and a Fox Encounter" Mmm, smells amazing, An Lang murmured, her ghostly face lighting up as she inhaled deeply. Youd probably say the same about a fart, Han muttered under his breath. An Lang shot him a glare. Master, thats crass! The fart in question was just a polite dodge around the obvious. Han had cracked open the beehive, revealing golden honey insiderich, vibrant, and mouthwatering. Its scent was irresistible, even hooking a ghost like An Lang. Packed with spiritual essence and potent vitality, it was clearly a cultivation treasure. An Lang, you really outdid yourself snagging this hive, Han said, praising her. This honeys all thanks to you. Back there, hed been laser-focused on the treasure flowerhoney hadnt even crossed his mind. Good thing An Lang had the wits to grab it, or theyd have missed out. When I was alive, I loved sweets, An Lang said, a nostalgic glint in her eyes. Honey was one of my favorites. Lucky for me, my family could afford itotherwise, Id have been out of luck. Shed been gone over five years now, drowned after a misstep. It sounded odd to say, but time softened everything. The melancholy of death, the shock and denialit had all faded. Her body was dead, sure, but as a ghost, her consciousness lingered. Sometimes, it almost felt like she was still alive, blurring the line between life and death. That was pretty standard for ghosts. Some didnt even realize theyd died until someone pointed it out. Dont worry, Han said, offering comfort. Someday, youll taste food again. Whatever you crave, Ill track it downmaybe even raise a hive of demon bees just for you. Ghosts and humans were worlds apart. Mortal food was edible for a ghost like An Lang, but it morphed into something elseyang flavors turning yin, nothing like what shed savored alive. To the living, that yin taste was lets just say hard to stomach. Ghosts didnt eat with their mouths anywaythey absorbed the foods essence. But a Manifested Saint-level ghost? That was different. Their ghostly forms could mimic the living, tasting yang delights like it was nothing. An Lang rolled her eyes. Demon bees? Who knows if their honeys even ediblemight come with nasty side effects. She was a proper lady at heart, sharp and sly, but years with Han had rubbed off on her. Shed picked up a bit of his wild streakthough Han would never admit hed influenced her. Five years cooped up in a lamp could mess with anyone, right? Han pulled out the treasure flower. Inside its petals sat a red, translucent gelsoft and springy. But that wasnt what caught his eye. He zeroed in on the stem, marked with deep, winding grooves, as if something had coiled around it tightly, leaving faint black traces at the edges. Pensive, he measured the marks and landed on a figure: three feet, three inches, and three fractionsan exact length if straightened. An Lang noticed his focus. What, some bug wrapped around it before? Han chuckled, shaking his head. Not a bug. Probably what were after. The Sky-Mending Vine measured three feet, three inches, and three fractionscolorless and transparent, with black-tinted edges. It matched these marks almost perfectly. Per the Mountain Gods intel, divine objects hid themselves and even moved, seeking ideal growth spots. This flowers stem mightve once hosted the vine before it wandered off. An Langs jaw dropped. Thats wilda vine that moves on its own? Not too shocking, Han said. Think about folkloreginseng that runs away. You need tricks to catch it. A treasure like the Sky-Mending Vine moving around? Par for the course in this weird world. Either way, its good news, he added, grinning. These traces boosted his confidence that the vine was indeed in Black Mountain. He glanced at the navigation artifact. The remaining spotsespecially the deepestnow seemed the most promising. Without hesitation, he dialed Lu Qingmo on the snail device to share the update. This narrative has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. If you see it on Amazon, please report it. A long silence followed, broken only by her steady breathing. The vines trace hit her hard, stirring a whirlwind of thoughts. Dont rush, she finally said. Take it slow and stay safe. Relax, Aunt Mo, Han replied, brimming with optimism. These last steps? Ive got it covered. Then he shifted gears. By the way, any idea what this flower is? And the honeywhats it do? I dont know that flower, Lu Qingmo admitted. But honey like that usually aids cultivation. Youre deep in there nowthose bees arent your average critters. Their honey should boost true essence and temper the body, even up to Marrow Cleansing. Other perks depend on the bee species, but those two alone make it worthwhile. Han wasnt fazed by the unknowns. A treasure that enhanced Marrow Cleansing essence and physique was rarehard to come by even in Tianyue Prefecture. Scoring it was a win, flower or not. Lu Qingmo not recognizing the flower didnt surprise him. Xuandu Temple disciples werent walking encyclopedias. The world was vastno one, not even the temple master, could claim to know it all. Hanging up, Han had An Lang lift him into the air, soaring over ancient trees to get his bearings. Far off loomed the true Black Mountain, piercing the skya genuine blessed land. Where they were now was just its outskirts, yet still teeming with mighty beasts. Only the Mountain God and its chosen could dwell on the true peak. What lay up there? Few knew. Top sects like Suzhen Palace operated similarlytheir gates nestled in blessed lands, the outer regions serving as training grounds or resource hubs. But their domains outclassed Black Mountain by leagues. Blessed lands varied wildly, from the pinnacle to the barely qualifying. The Mountain Gods marked spots didnt reach the true peak, though the deepest came damn close. Back in the forest, Han pressed on, cautious as ever. Along the way, Marrow Cleansing beast auras grew frequent, jolting him with dread. His pace slowed further, often hunkering down for ages to confirm safety before moving. Marrow Cleansing beasts in Black Mountain? Way out of his league. He had tricks to handle them, sure, but using them would draw a mob, sparking a desperate chase. Surviving that? A coin toss. Night fell as he reached the third potential spota waterfall, nearly dried up. Below, a shallow puddle sat, its trickling stream swallowed by the earth before it could stretch far. What once roared down now dribbled in feeble strands. From behind a boulder, Han peeked out, sizing up the falls. An Lang poked her head above his, their faces stacked like a totem pole. After a while, she whispered, Master, no beasts here? Seems that way Han wasnt sure. He sensed no beastly presencea rarity that threw him off. No beasts meant he could just stroll in and explore. Was it really that easy? Master, send the zombie to scout, An Lang suggested. Youre working that corpse to death, Han quipped, but he released the Green Zombie anyway, letting it shamble over. Nothing stirred. No reaction. Han couldnt believe it. This simple? He edged forward, reaching the waterfalls base without a hitch. Used to rough patches, this sudden ease felt alien. Still, he wasted no time, scouring the area for anything off. No vines, no grassjust rocks everywhere. His senses honed in on a spot midway up the cliffa long, three-foot-plus groove. Soul slipping free, he floated up for a closer look. Nothing else grew there. Crack! A faint sound rang out as he chipped at the rock, revealing a small hollow. A flash of dark red caught his eye. Heart racing, he hammered harder, shattering more stone until the prize lay bare: a head-sized, irregular chunk of dark red metal. Was this why the Sky-Mending Vine grew here? Han wondered, clearing space to extract it. Fiery patterns swirled across its surface, exuding heat. He didnt linger on itinto the spatial pouch it went. A quick rummage confirmed nothing else remained. With An Lang, he left, found a safe spot, and dialed Lu Qingmo. Sounds like Molten Ruins Gold, she said. Pretty rare stuffTrue Blood-grade material, perfect for crafting top-tier martial weapons. So, like Yin Spirit divine materials? Han asked. Can it work for artifacts? Nope, not soul-based. Damn, Han sighed, hoping to feed it to his One Treasure Wonder Tree. No matterhe was a martial artist too, and this would serve him well. True Blood-grade stuff was as coveted as divine materials, hot commodities even in elite sects. No danger, big rewardwhats to complain about? He wished every stop was this smooth. No sweat this time, so lets keep the momentumon to the next! Han declared, waving them forward. The fourth spot wasnt as far. Barring surprises, theyd make it before dawn. By midnight, under a shroud of darkness, Han and An Lang reached a valleys edge. He glanced at itnot his target, but something about it felt off. A misty haze clung to it, laced with an odd aura. Hed studied Earth Corpse Sect texts on terrain and geographynot a master, but he knew the basics. This place has some secrets, he muttered, eyeing it briefly before turning to leave. The Sky-Mending Vine took priorityside quests could wait. But then, a figure flickered at the valleys mouth, darting onto a tree. Hans sharp eyes locked onto it: a palm-sized fox, staring back with bright, curious eyes. Its snow-white fur glowed faintly, a living lantern. A fox in Black Mountain? Normal enough. What stunned Han was its frail vitalityso weak he could crush it with one punch. In this deep zone, how could anything be that feeble? Waitno beastly vibe. Instead, a subtle, unique air. Han pieced it together. Human? the fox spoke, its voice young and childlike. Who are you? Howd you get here? Han nodded inwardly. Bingoa fox demon. A young one, sure, but where theres a cub, theres a parent lurking nearby. A midnight run-in with a fox demon in the wilds? Things just got interesting. Chapter 299: "Seven Sites Conquered, Three Trials Unyielding" Human? The glowing-furred fox spoke human wordsclearly no mere beast. Are you a demon? Han asked, eyeing it. Hed known demons lurked in Black Mountain, but his prior trips had only pitted him against wild beasts. Hed started to think the demon clans stuck to the true Black Mountains outer reaches, rarely seen. Yet here one was, its frail vitality making sense nowdemons, unlike beasts, didnt bulk up their bodies. Demons and beasts were like cultivators and martial artists among humans, except beasts were all brawn, no brains. Demons honed their souls, awakening intellect and mastering Taoist arts, not flesh. Folktales of snake demons repaying kindness or white foxes knocking on doors? Those were demonssoul-focused, body-second. Sure, some rare demons doubled up, excelling in martial vitality too, but Lu Qingmo had told Han that was a steep climbway tougher than human dual cultivation. Inheritance was the kicker. Humans, at least, had access to basic, universal teachings. Demons? Not so much. Lumped as demonkind, their clans varied wildlysnake demons and bird demons were apples and oranges. Without a lineage to guide them, dual-gifted demons were out of luck. Only major clans, like dragons and phoenixes, reliably churned out prodigies. High, pure bloodlines meant they could dual-cultivate if they chosenatures unfair perk. True dragons and top-tier phoenixes were born for it, their innate talent the envy of all. Ao Xuanwei was one such dual master, and rumor had it Emperor Sui was toosoul and martial prowess both unfathomable. Technically, dragons and phoenixes werent demons but distinct races, though history tangled them up with demonkind, blurring the lines. Ancient legends even claimed dragons, phoenixes, and kirins once split the worlddragons ruling the seas, phoenixes the skies, kirins the earth. Just myths, though. Kirins were near-extinct, phoenixes holed up in the Mountain-Sea Realm, and dragons clung to the Four Seashardly a peaceful reign, with sea clans bowing or rebelling. Neither dragons nor phoenixes rivaled humanity now. I asked first, the fox piped up, its young voice firm. Grandpa says thats polite. Han chuckled. My bad, then. Yes, Im humancame in from outside Black Mountain. Outside? The fox tilted its head. You mean that Black Cloud Town place? Han blinked, surprised. You know Black Cloud Town? Grandpa told me! What kind of fox are you? Han pressed. Demonkind was a sprawling messtigers, leopards, jackals, wolves, all bundled together, each splintering into sub-clans. Tigers alone had white tigers, celestial demon tigers, snow tigers No one could tally every demon lineage; their bloodlines were a labyrinth compared to humans. Grandpa says not to tell strangers what kind of fox I am, it replied, dead serious. Han didnt mind, grinning instead. Smart grandpa. Kids need to be cautious out heredont trust just anyone, or you might run into trouble. So, are you a good guy or a bad guy? the fox asked. Im not exactly good, Han said, but Im not bad either. Huh? The fox squinted, puzzled. Wait, are you not human then? An Lang snickered beside him. Before Han could reply, three more light-flecked shapes darted into viewlarger white foxes, about calf-high, their wary eyes lacking the little ones innocence. Little Yun, back to Grandpa, the lead fox called, its voice aged and weathered. The small foxLittle Yunhopped off the tree and scampered to their side. Grandpa, Daddy, Mommy, its a human! He says hes from Black Cloud Town outsidethe one you told me about! The fox on the right yanked Little Yun close, clamping its mouth shut. No harm intended, Han said quickly. Im just passing through, stumbled on the little one. Ill be on my way. He got it nowthis valley was their home, and hed wandered right up to their doorstep. If youre just passing, go ahead, the old fox said, voice low. We Radiant Fox Clan arent hosting outsiders right now. Need directions out? I can point the way. Han paused, mulling over Radiant Fox Clan. It rang a bell. Then it clicked. Back in his Flesh Realm days, using a water-repelling pearl shard to scour the Yun Rivers depths for spiritual plants, hed found a demon skeleton. Tucked in its seventh rib was a jade slip with a techniqueSpirit Fusion Arttied to the Radiant Fox Clan. Hed tapped his souls adaptability to mimic their traits, mastering it to break through to Full Visualization and then Out-of-Body, saving him months. Whod have thought hed meet them here? Lu Qingmo had mentioned demons dwelt in Black Mountain, after all. He studied the four foxes, brow furrowing. Something was off. Senior, he said, youre Radiant Fox Clan? Indeed, the old fox confirmed. Whats on your mind? If youre Radiant Foxes, where are your horns? The skeleton hed found had a horn on its skull. Was this old fox pulling his leg? Horns on foxes? Little Yun broke free, yipping, Were not rhinos! Han blinked. Fair pointhard to argue. But the old foxs gaze sharpened, a subtle pressure radiating, pressing down on him. Hed felt this before outsidefaced it in combat, even. A Manifested Saint aura. This was a grand demon. Tension coiled in him, senses on edge. Had he called out a bluff and pissed it off? Youve seen horned Radiant Foxes? the old fox asked, voice heavy. Han shook his head, backtracking. No, just heard rumorsRadiant Foxes have horns, stand out from other foxes. The old fox fell silent, its expression shifting, then pressed, With your martial strength, you shouldnt be this deep. Youre a cultivator too, arent you? Over twenty, likely Day Roaming at least. It hadnt pierced his souls leveljust a hunch, but a damn good one. Without knowing his past, pegging him as Day Roaming by age made sensestandard for his years. Visceral martial artists couldnt reach here; dual cultivation was the only explanation. No Manifested Saint vibe, so Day Roaming fit. Outsiders, aware of his short cultivation time, never guessed hed hit Day Roaming already. Ignorance stumbled into truthwhat a twist. Whats your point, Senior? Han asked. Black Mountains sealedno Day Roaming cultivator should get in. Howd you manage? You know about the entry limits? Han was taken aback. Gods decree, the old fox said. Made sense. The Mountain God had laid down rules months agoold news these demons still clung to, missing the latest updates. Han flashed the Yun family token. The mountains opened up more. With a Yun family token, its like the Mountain Gods nodDay Roaming cultivators and Bone Refining martial artists can enter. The old fox dipped its head. Divine grace, then. Enjoying this book? Seek out the original to ensure the author gets credit. Han seized the moment. This fox revered the Mountain Godpart of Yun Yuannans faithful demon faction? If they didnt, knowing he had the Gods blessing, they mightve attacked already. You worship the Mountain God? he asked. The old foxs eyes gleamed with fervor. Every Radiant Fox, top to bottom, is a loyal follower of the great Mountain God! The other two adult foxes mirrored that zeal, even Little Yun showing inklings of it. Han noddedhis cultivation let him spot genuine devotion. The old fox was Manifested Saint, but the others werent; they couldnt fake it past him. A strong soul could peek into hearts, sniffing out lies. One question, Han said, pointing ahead. Whats that way? It was the fourth spots direction, not far off. The old fox sized him up. The one on its left growled, Human, time to go. You dont belong here. Han sighed inwardly. Guess he had to flex. He pulled out the cloud-etched Yun token, proof of his tie to the family. Im here with the Yun familys blessing, guided by the Mountain God. No more playing coyIve got VIP status! Sure enough, the three adult foxes froze, then stood upright, front paws clasped in respectful salute. Greetings, Emissary of the Mountain God! Han pocketed the token, smiling. Im tight with the Yun familyno bluff. Tight enough theyd probably marry me off to one of their daughters if I said yes. The old fox dropped its aura, turning harmless, suspicion fading. We were rude earlierforgive us, Emissary. This title was clutch. No worries, Han waved off. I didnt flash my creds upfront. That direction, the old fox said, answering his earlier question, has fierce beasts along the way, then a valley called Wolf Valley, home to a wolf demon clan. Wolf demons? Han frowned. How strong are they? Do they follow the Mountain God? Rage flared in the old foxs eyes. Two Manifested Saint wolf kings rule therebarbaric heathens who defy the Mountain God! Unbelievers with two Saint-level kings? Han hoped the fourth spot wasnt near that messtalk about a headache. This Fox Valley is our clans home, the old fox added. If youve got time, Emissary, come sit a spell. Nah, Han declined. Got business that waytight schedule, cant linger. Until he nabbed the Sky-Mending Vine, he wouldnt rest easy. He headed off with An Lang, the four foxes watching him go. Once he was out of sight, Little Yuns mother scolded, No more wandering! Its dangerous out there, especially with outsiders rolling in now. You lucked out meeting the Emissarywhat if its a villain next time? What would I do if you got hurt? Stay put from now on! Got it, got it, Little Yun mumbled.
Staring at the rocky valley ahead, then at his navigation artifact, Han fell silent. What a damn coincidence. An Lang peeked over, brows knitting. Master, thats Wolf Valley, right? The fourth dots smack in therewhat now? Han mulled it over. Tricks for beasts wouldnt work on demonsnot a whole clan of them. Lure them out? More like walking into their jaws. If push comes to shove, we skip it, he said. No way in? We detour. Find the vine elsewhere, and we dont need to bother with Wolf Valley. Two Saint wolf kings and a pack of demons? Too dicey unless he had no choice. An Lang nodded. Fair plan. But what if the other spots come up empty? Hans gaze darkened, fixed on the valley. Then weve got no choice but to go in. For the vine, hed negotiate with those wolvesor worse. Whos there? a gruff shout rang out. A gray wolf appeared at the valleys mouth, sniffing the air before locking onto Han, miles away. Han blinkedsharp senses for a demon clan. Human?! The wolf snarled, baring fangs. Some outsider dares trespass? Youre dead! Its bellow echoed, alerting the valley, then it leapt skyward toward Hansoul-form, not flesh. Hans face tightened. These wolves werent friendly like the foxes. Hed just glanced from miles off, not even close, and they wanted him dead? He turned and bolted, shaking the wolf off. It could only glare as he vanished. Master, talkings off the table with these jerks, An Lang huffed. I forgot, Han said. Humans and demons rarely get along peacefully. The Radiant Foxes are the exception, not the rule. Human-demon strife ran deep, ancient as dirt. Meeting in the wild usually meant fists flying, not words. If talk was out, Han didnt mind fighting. He wasnt a saintnor a villain, as hed told Little Yunbut his own interests came first. He owed the Mountain God and Yun family this trip. Against God-fearing demons, hed hold back. But these renegades? No qualms about drawing blood. The next spot was farther off. By the following night, Han and An Lang arrived, peering at the sceneand froze. Two tigersone black, one whitelounged beneath a massive ancient tree, eyes shut in rest. Their auras hit like a storm, peak-level, dwarfing every beast hed faced. Hed felt this oppressive might once before, when Bai Tian emerged from Black Mountain to crush the Gao family. Unforgettable. These werent Peak Marrow Cleansing, but damn closeHigh Marrow at least. Vines dangled from the tree, but from afar, none matched the Sky-Mending Vines traits. Hard to be sure without a closer look, though. He retreated quietly with An Lang. Those tigers are nightmares, he grumbled. No regular tricks will cut it. Near-Marrow beasts like that? An Langs flight wouldnt save herone swipe, and shed be toast. A leap could snatch her mid-air; her speed wouldnt match. Beasts might lack witsprep right, and you could outsmart thembut only if the gap wasnt a chasm. A fledgling Day Roaming ghost versus High Marrow tigers? Brute force trumped all. Even siccing wolves on them wouldnt work. Wolves strong enough to tangle with these tigers would eat Han and An Lang first. Plans crumbled before raw power. These tigers owned that poweramped by Black Mountains terrain, a beast-infested maze hamstringing an outsider like Han. Fight them? Fine. A horde? Hed burn out fast. Damn it, Han muttered. Anywhere elseno beast swarmId take them on. Burning lifespan again? An Lang caught on. Master, ease updont overdo it. Not here, Han sighed. Wouldnt work anyway. Send the zombie? An Lang offered. Han tapped her head. Im not feeding tigers a snack. Checking the artifact, he decided, Seven spots total. Three down, two blocked, two left. Lets hit the rest. By dawn, luck smiled at the sixth spotno terror beasts. He unearthed a purple stone, buried deep, its vibe rivaling the Molten Ruins Goldanother top-tier find. By noon, he reached the seventh and final spot, closer to the true Black Mountain. The sight shut him up. A dense forest sprawled, half-high weeds choking the ground. Wolves lounged or stood among thempotent auras all. The two leaders matched the tigers might but were worse: a pack. Beyond the alpha pair, lesser wolves oozed Marrow Cleansing pressure. One look, and Han turned tail. A wolf pack holding the seventh spot? Nopenot touching that. Hed rather face the tigers or Wolf Valley than this. Master, what now? An Lang asked. Wolf Valley, tiger den, wolf pack Han rubbed his temples. Three brutal hurdles. Wolves everywherewhy so many damn wolves? After a beat, he said, Ive got a hunch. Not sure itll pan out. Whats the play? Backtrack first, Han replied, keeping it vague, and headed out. Familiar paths sped their return. By nightfall, he stood at Fox Valley again, making a small ruckus. Senior Radiant Fox around? Whoosh! The old fox appeared, startled. Emissary, youre back? Whats up? Heres the deal, Han said. Beyond the wolf demons in Wolf Valley, anything special there? The old fox blinked, confused. Special? What do you mean? Han paused, then explained, Im here for something specific. The Mountain God divined a few spots where it might be. Wolf Valleys onebut those demons block me. The old foxs eyes widened, tinged with awe. The Mountain God divined for you? Thats some favor. It pondered, then offered, Why not come in? We can talk it over. Standing out here feels rude. Han eyed the valley. Stepping in Hold on, Senior. He ducked aside, dialed Lu Qingmo, and asked her to check with Yun Yuannan about the Radiant Fox Clan. They seemed devout, but first impressions warranted caution. Foxes were sly, after all. Soon, she called back. Yun says he knows themGod-fearing and sincere. You can trust them; they wont harm you. Cool. Han returned, bowing slightly. Sorry for the delay. Ill take you up on that. Im Hu Tutu, the old fox said. No need for SeniorIm not worthy. Wait, whats your name? Han blanked. Hu Tutu? He glanced at its earsnormal-sized, unlike the others. Emissary? Oh, right, Han snapped back. Ill call you Elder Hu then. And drop Emissary, Han added. The Mountain Gods gift doesnt make me that. Names Han. Alright, Young Master Han, this way. Han followed Hu Tutunot Big-Ear Tutu, mind youinto the valley. As he crossed, ripples shimmered, a thick barrier parting with a flick of Hus tail. Our gate array, Hu explained. Keeps outsiders and beasts at bay. Last time, I didnt mentionits why I pegged you as a cultivator. Only one could see this valley. Martial artists or beasts? Theyd miss it entirely. Han nodded. So his dual nature wasnt just a wild guess. Makes sense. Most demon clans here have arrays like it, Hu added. Beast-proofing. No wonder hed spilled itstandard gear. With beasts everywhere, its a lifesaver, Han agreed, a thought sparking. Can it be portable? Sure, Hu said. With an array tool, but its weaker. Hide from Marrow Cleansing beasts? Nope, Hu clarified. Masking a still valleys easyno life to betray it. Living things? Too tricky for a pared-down version. No invisibility. Han sighed. Figureshiding a rock beat hiding a person. The valleys array likely tapped the terrain too; a portable knockoff couldnt match it. Invisibility Wait. He had that! The Invisibility Talisman from his treethree uses, then gone. Hed stashed it since his Out-of-Body days, unused. If it cloaked him fullyscent, aura, allit might crack his problem. But against Manifested Saint demons and Marrow Cleansing beasts? It was an Out-of-Body dropoutclassed now. A flub could be fatal. Stick to the plan. Shaking it off, Han took in the valley. Lush grass, blooming flowers, a lake with fish and shrimp, fruit-laden treesa paradise of birdsong and fragrance. Recluses would kill for this. Spacious and brimming with vitality, it was a cultivation haven. Wood huts dotted the area, caves tucked away, all sereneno foxes scampering about. Night deepened. A flicker of firelight caught his eyeHu led him there. Up close, a bonfire blazed, dozens of glowing white foxlings circled around, their fur tinting red in the glow. One stood upright, scribbling on a wooden board with a claw. This words earth, it said, pointing. Whats under us. Earth! Yip! The foxlings chirped back, soaking in the lessonmostly yips, one managing human speech. Han nearly jolted. Fox demons in school? Even they knew to start education young. Chapter 300: Moon-Chasing Wolves and Horned Light Foxes Hans arrival interrupted the Light Foxes study session. Next to the tiny Light Fox cubs, Han, a human, towered like a giantimpossible to miss. Its you! a small, youthful voice called out. Han traced the sound and, despite the cubs looking nearly identical, picked out Xiao Yunthe only one who could speak human words. The rest still yipped in foxish nonsense. Just then, several larger foxes stepped from the shadows, eyeing Han cautiously. This is the Mountain Gods emissary, HanYoung Master Zhou, Hu Tutu announced. I invited him to Fox Valley as our esteemed guest. The big foxes nodded, their wariness fading, and they melted back into the dark. A Mountain God emissary, personally welcomed by Hu Tutu, was reason enough to relax. Glancing at the cluster of cubs, Han smiled. This scenes something else. Reading and learningits a fine thing. Hu Tutu bowed his head slightly. Youre too kind, Young Master. No, I was the clueless one before, Han said with a grin. Reading brings understanding and awakens the spirita true path for all. Humans who skipped books turned dim and muddledtough to teach. For demons, it was even more pronounced. They had their own cultures and legacies, though Han had never seen anything like this before. Compared to wild beasts, the difference was night and day. Exactly, Hu Tutu agreed. Even demons should study the sages words and grasp the worlds truths. Legends say that when the old sages spoke, plants gained awareness, beasts sat still, and all spirits heard the Way, turning into demons. Our Light Fox Clan craves that wisdom. Stories even tell of beasts serving as sages disciples, reaching immortalitya dazzling era. Han longed for that too. Tales of sages lecturing were pure wondermasters of universal truths with incredible powers. One talk could enlighten countless beings, boost their strength, mend feuds, and reform the wicked. Demons often learned human speech not just because humans ruled today, but because the sages teachings were a draw. From simple words, they glimpsed deep insights; from texts, they felt the sages will. For demons, this was keyunderstanding lifted them above savagery, smoothing their cultivation. Studying human language and classics was a must for any clan with a heritage. Too bad true sages were gone. Even the Sage Academys top name on the Mountains and Rivers Roll was just a sub-sage, too modest to claim the real title. The Academy supposedly upheld the sages legacy, but even its immortals wouldnt dare match the ancients. But whys Xiao Yun the only one here speaking human? Han asked. Because Im the best! Xiao Yun darted to Hu Tutus side, eyes sharp with pride. Im the smartest Light Fox! Her talents top-notch, Hu Tutu said, patting her head with a paw. Do foxes need to refine some throat bone to talk like us? Han asked, intrigued. A throat bone? Hu Tutu chuckled, shaking his head. If there were some spare bone jamming up the throat, messing with life, wouldnt every demon drop dead young? Han flushed a bit. Fair enough. Thanks, past-life storybooksleading me astray. Hed half-thought demons had some literal bone to dissolve before speaking. On reflection, a bone stuck in the throat wouldve been a death sentence. This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report. With a strong soul and sharp mind, a demon can start learning human words and try speaking, Hu Tutu explained. Without some lucky break, it hinges on cultivation and insight. Switching to an outside tongue means rewiring a lotits no breeze. So far, only Xiao Yuns pulled it off among the young ones. Xiao Yun lifted her head high, practically glowing with smugness. Han nodded, getting it. Like picking up a foreign language, just with a bigger jump. Hed loved languages in his old lifea solid habit worth praising. Especially that one from the land of cushy days. Emissary, wheres that big sister who was with you? Xiao Yun tilted her head, curious. Xiao Yun, back to your lessonsdont pester Young Master Zhou, Hu Tutu said, nudging her away. After the fox meet-and-greet, Hu Tutu led Han into a two-story wooden lodge and offered tea. The whole setup felt downright noveltalking foxes, cubs gathered to study, and now a fox brewing tea. Human quirks, all foxed up. Watching Hu Tutu steep the leaves was a trip. Sorry for the simple welcome, Hu Tutu said. Han waved it off, then shifted to Wolf Valley talk. Hu Tutu sorted his thoughts before answering. Wolf Valleys got dozens of Moon-Chasing Wolf demons. They worship the moon, their blood humming with lunar powerTaiyin Moon Force, their big thing. The top dogs are the Wolf King and Queen, both Sanctified Great Demons. Last I crossed those two creeps, the King was Late Sanctification, the Queen Early. The valleys layouts like ours, but its packed with beasts theyve tamedfor chow and cub training. Late and Early Sanctification Han pressed, Whend you last see them, Elder Hu? Five years ago. Hows their bloodline rank among demons? Bloodlines were everything for demonsstrength and ceilings tied to them. A Late and Early Sanctified pair was nasty, but a killer bloodline on top would make them a real pain. The Moon-Chasing Wolf bloodlines pretty solid, Hu Tutu said. Too broad to pin down. Against a true dragon? No chance against a true dragon, Hu Tutu snorted. More like a run-of-the-mill jiaolong. They get a boost under moonlight, though. That clicked for Han. A basic jiaolong? Low-tier scrubs, then. Any standout spots in Wolf Valleylike spiritual plants or treasure zonesyou know about, Elder Hu? Ive got some scoop, Hu Tutu said easily. Theres the Moon-Receiving Sacred Spring, core to their legacy. Plus a Moon God Tree that pops out Moon God Fruit every so oftentheir clan prize. Moon God Tree? Big talk for a name, Han said, shaking his head. As a moon god fanboy, hed need to scope that out. Besides the spring and tree, theres other loot, but nothing tops those. Han nodded but kept the lesser stuff in play. What if the Sky-Mending Vines hint was tied to something the wolves missed? You know Wolf Valley inside out, huh, Elder Hu? Were sworn enemies with the Moon-Chasing Wolves, Hu Tutu said. Since settling here, weve tangled plenty. You pick up stuff over time. Settling here? Han caught the hitch. The Light Fox Clan wasnt always here? Hu Tutu sighed, a touch of gloom in his voice. Nope. We used to live closer to the Divine Mountainrich land. The clan was way bigger back then. At our height, we nearly won the right to thrive there. Then disaster hit, we fell apart, and the leftovers ended up here. These cubs came later. The Divine Mountains Black Mountain, right? Whats the entry ticket? Any demon clan that spawns a Yin God Realm Demon Venerable can ask the Mountain God to move in. So the Light Foxes had been hotshots once, almost birthing a Yin God. Hans mind ticked, flashing to the skeleton and Spirit Fusion Method hed snagged from Yunjiangs depths. Lu Qingmo had said it was huge for demonsletting them tap ancestral True Will, merging souls to draw old power. A root legacy, basic but essential. Yet the Light Foxes version had been buried at Yunjiang for who-knows-how-long. This sparked an idea in Han. His plan might just pan out. Stymied by wolves, tigers, and beasts, hed clocked that his own juice wouldnt cut it against those three. Hed need backup. Deep in Black Mountain, with no humans around, the Mountain God-loving Light Foxes were his top pick for a deal. He hadnt been sure itd worktoo dicey, especially as a faux-Yun. But now, he had a thread to pull. Outside the valley, I mentioned a horned Light Fox, and you got worked up, Elder Hu, Han tested. Whats the deal with them? Hu Tutus gaze turned nostalgic. Its no secretlots of clans know. Weve only had one horned Light Fox, thanks to a fluke twist. He was our brightest star, later our strongest. He nearly hit Yin God, pushing us to new peaks. Then trouble brewed. Word of his final seclusion slipped out, and enemies pounced. The Horned Light Fox came out, smashed them, but got hunted down and disappeared. We lost tons of powerhouses in that mess and slid downhill. Han listened quietly, sighing inside. Thats the wrong playbook. Shouldnt the Horned Light Fox have broken through at the clutch, wiped the floor with everyone, and locked down all foes? No hero vibes there. Chapter 301: Into the Fire for You, Young Master At this point, Han had come to a realization. The skeletal remains he had uncovered beneath the Yunjiang River were most likely those of the most exceptional and powerful member of the Light Fox Clan from years past, as described by Hu Tutu. The Horned Light Fox had been forced out of seclusion, resolved a portion of the crisis, only to be hunted down afterward. The outcome of that pursuit was painfully clear. The hope of the Light Fox Clan, destined to lead them to greater heights, now lay as a corpse sunken in the Yunjiang River. What remained uncertain was the fate of the demon clans that had chased him back thenwhether he had taken them down with him in a final stand or if they had returned to Black Mountain victorious. In those days, my Light Fox Clan boasted more than a handful of saints among our demons, Hu Tutu said, his face shadowed with sorrow. But after the chaos, only I managed to escape with a few others. The rest either perished in battle or were captured by other demon clans, enslaved and bred in captivity. He continued, his voice heavy, Our clans fur is radiant and lustrous. They say some deep-dwelling demon clans use Light Fox pelts as rugs or fashion them into garments, flaunting them shamelessly. This is a grudge that can only end in blood! Han glanced at Hu Tutu. Indeed, the Light Fox Clans fur was extraordinaryeach fox pure white and faintly glowing, a temptation few could resist. Fortunately, they lived deep within Black Mountain. Had they been discovered by humans outside, their striking appearance would have likely driven them to extinction, hunted relentlessly by the powerful and wealthy for profit. Han could already imagine the frenzy such pelts would ignite among the elite. For the Light Fox Clan, however, it was an unbearable tragedy. Still, something puzzled him. Why had Hu Tutu opened up so freely during their very first meeting? Sure, Han had asked questions, but the old fox hadnt needed to share that much detail. Truly a deep-seated hatred, Han said, nodding in agreement. He then pulled out his navigation artifact. This is a tool I acquired from the Yun family. It guides my path forward. Here His finger landed on a white dot marking the location of the Black-and-White Tigers. There are two tigersone black, one white. Does Elder Hu know anything about them? And here His finger shifted to the seventh position, where a wolf pack resided. A wolf pack holds this spot. Have you heard of them? These demon clans were the true rulers of this domain. The Black-and-White Tigers, and a wolf pack Hu Tutu stood on his hind legs, studying the route on the artifact and estimating distances. I know of these tigers. The white one is slightly stronger, at the peak of the Marrow-Washing Realm, while the black one is around the Great Achievement stage. They likely live beneath an ancient tree draped in vines, right? Exactly! Han confirmed. Then thats them, Hu Tutu nodded. Theyre called the Heaven-and-Earth Twin Tigers, a rare breed of beast. From birth to death, the two stay inseparablethe white representing the heavens, the black the earth. The vines on their tree are valuable, known to us as Mysterious Vines. Theyre incredibly toughfireproof, waterproof, immune to blades and axes, and they even block spiritual energy and true essence to some extent. Perfect for crafting vine armor. Theres a house in Fox Valley covered with vines just like those. Hans eyes lit up. Does Elder Hu have a way to lure the Twin Tigers away? Usually, I handle it myself, Hu Tutu replied. I draw them off, giving the other Light Foxes a chance to harvest the vines. With my Late Sanctification Realm cultivation, distracting and holding off the Twin Tigers isnt an issue. If An Lang tried to draw their aggro, hed be dead in seconds. But for Hu Tutu, with his strength, the tigers posed no real threat. Even against aerial beasts, they couldnt touch him. In this region of Black Mountain, a Late Sanctification cultivator could survive almost anythingunless they were reckless or swarmed by a beast horde. As for the wolf pack, I dont recall them, Hu Tutu admitted. Young Master Zhou, could you describe the area they occupy? After Han shared the details, Hu Tutu mused thoughtfully. I know the place you mean. In my memory, it was the territory of a few lion beasts. Seems its changed hands over the years. Such shifts were commonplacesurvival of the fittest, natures law. Is there some treasure there? Han asked. Theres a special kind of stone you can eat, Hu Tutu explained. Eat? Han blinked, thrown off by the idea of consuming a rock. Yes, eat. If youre injured, swallowing one speeds up recovery for both body and soul. If youre unharmed, it strengthens your physique and boosts your vitality. Eat three, and youll gain Stone Skin. Stone Skin? In battle, a layer of stone-like light coats your skin, offering incredible defense against weapons, fists, and true essence. The demon clans here call it Stone Skin. Amazing! Han praised. It was a lifesaving treasure, no doubt about it. Elder Hu seems very familiar with these places. Most demon clans in Black Mountain gather resources like these to bolster their strength, Hu Tutu said. Those beasts might look like they own the land, but in truth, every demon clan has their eyes on it. Talk about kicking a guy when hes down! Han couldnt help but pity the beasts. Despite their numbers, they were outmaneuvered by the cunning demon clans lurking in the shadows. Any clan with a Sanctified Great Demon could swoop in and claim a share of their spoils, leaving the beasts raging helplessly after the fact. Stolen novel; please report. The fake lords of the land: the beasts. The real masters: the demon clans. Since the Light Fox Clan had experience with this, Han saw an opportunity for a deal. If he could get what he needed, all his current troubles might just melt away. Before he could speak, Hu Tutu took the initiative. If Young Master Zhou wants to check out the Twin Tigers and the wolf packs territory, I can help. Oh? Han studied the old fox, noting the sincerity in his eyesno trace of jest. If Elder Hu is willing to assist, Id be deeply grateful. But please, be upfrontwhats the cost? When you mentioned the horned Light Fox outside the valley earlier, you mustve known something, Hu Tutu said eagerly. Tell me everything you know about Hu Yingjun, and Ill do everything in my power to aid you. Ill even swear it to the Mountain God! Wait did he just say Hu Yingjun? Hu Yingjun? Han echoed. Yes, the horned Light Fox. Hans feelings were a tangled mess. Hu Tutu and Hu Yingjunwhat a pair of unfortunate names. Pardon my curiosity, but whats your relationship with this Hu Yingjun, Elder Hu? Im older than him. Hu Yingjun was my junior. Despite being younger, Hu Yingjun had surpassed Hu Tutu in cultivation, a testament to their difference in talent. But now Han understood why Hu Tutu had been so forthcoming earlierhed been laying the groundwork for this. The Light Fox Clan had only one horned fox, and Han, an outsider to Black Mountain, had mentioned it. That meant he knew something. Hu Tutus candor was all for the sake of digging up news about Hu Yingjun. Hed probably had this in mind when he invited Han into Fox Valley. Crafty old fox. But that worked out perfectlyHu Tutus goals aligned with Hans own. Hed intended to use Hu Yingjun as a bridge to strike a deal with the Light Fox Clan. This was a win-win. I did stumble across some information about Senior Hu Yingjun by chance, Han said plainly. Hes passed away. I found his remains outside Black Mountain, at the bottom of the Yunjiang River. I dont know if youre familiar with it, Elder Hu, but thats where I discovered his bones. Hed taken human form, though his hands and that single horn still bore the Light Fox Clans traits. At the bottom of Yunjiang dead Hu Tutu repeated softly, closing his eyes. Grief etched itself across his fox-like face. The Light Fox Clans former hope had fallen, their dream of revival shattered. Until today, Hu Tutu had clung to the faint possibility that Hu Yingjun might return one day, perhaps as a Yin God Demon Venerable. But reality was merciless. After a moment, he steadied himself and asked, Where are Hu Yingjuns remains now? He was one of us, after all. If possible, Id like to bring his bones back to Black Mountain for a proper burial. I buried him outside Heiyun Town, Han replied. Its a secluded spot, no marker. No one will disturb him. Youve already laid him to rest Hu Tutu nodded. Thank you, Young Master. Han fixed his gaze on Hu Tutu and dropped a bombshell. From Senior Hu Yingjuns remains, I retrieved a jade slip inscribed with a secret technique called the Spirit Fusion Method. Are you familiar with it, Elder Hu? Hu Tutus expression shifted. The Spirit Fusion Method?! His eyes flickered with emotion before he let out a sigh. Yes, I know it. Its one of the core legacies of the Light Fox Clan. Ever since we lost it, our younger generations have lagged behind other demon clans in potential. Cultivation and breakthroughs became far harder without it. To be honest, Young Master, Id hoped to recover it from Hu Yingjuns remains. Han gave a knowing smile. You didnt mention that earlier, did you? If he hadnt brought it up, the old fox mightve let it slide. But Han didnt mindhiding something this significant was understandable. Nor did he fear Hu Tutu turning on him over it. Beyond the Yun familys token, Hans own trump cards ensured that, if it came to a fight, Hu Tutu couldnt stop him. Hed followed the old fox into Fox Valley not just because of Yun Yuannans words, but because he had the strength to protect himself from any ill intentions. I want to reclaim the Spirit Fusion Method for the Light Fox Clan, Hu Tutu said, bowing deeply to Han. Please, Young Master, make it happen. Whatever you ask, Iand the entire Light Fox Clanwill do our utmost to fulfill. The old fox was shrewd, avoiding any claim that it rightfully belonged to them or that Han was obligated to return it. Han helped Hu Tutu up with a gesture. Elder Hu, youre too serious. The Spirit Fusion Method belongs to the Light Fox Clan by right. Returning it to its owners is only natural. Well if Hu Tutu wouldnt say it, Han would. He felt no attachment to giving it back. Hed already mastered the technique, and it was a bloodline secret tied to the Light Fox Clan. Aside from his own unique soul, no one else could use it. To anyone else, it was a useless collectibleimpractical without the right bloodline and soul origin. Keeping it in his storage pouch just took up space. But to the Light Fox Clan, it was priceless. That said, Im in a bind, Han continued. I came to Black Mountain for something I must obtain. I wont leave without it, so Ill have to shamelessly ask for your help, Elder Hu. Ill assist you with all Ive got! Hu Tutu replied without hesitation. Just say the word, Young Master, and we can set out now. Ill personally distract the Twin Tigers and deal with the wolf pack at that other spot. As for Wolf Valley Hu Tutu paused, uncertain. I can lure out the Moon-Chasing Wolf King and Queen for a fight, letting the other Light Foxes tangle with their pack. But the valleys covered by an array. Sneaking in quietly would be tough. Any disturbance, and the Wolf King would notice, rushing back to activate the array. With only me at Sanctification Realm in our clan, taking on two Sanctified wolf demons He couldnt do it. It wasnt unwillingnesshis strength just fell short. The Moon-Chasing Wolves were the trickiest of the three targets. Though their raw power ranked below the Twin Tigers and the other wolf pack, their difficulty was on another level. Han frowned. Cant we negotiate with the Moon-Chasing Wolves for a chance to enter the valley? Hu Tutu shook his head. Young Master, theyre brutal, bloodthirsty, and despise humans. My clan has a deep feud with them toocommunications impossible. Entering Wolf Valley through normal means? Out of the question. Recalling how a Moon-Chasing Wolf had chased him after a mere glance from miles away, Han nodded grimly. They werent the negotiating type. Then lets start with the beasts, Han decided. If I find what I need at those two spots, we can skip Wolf Valley. If not His gaze deepened. The Sky-Mending Vine had to be in Wolf Valley. Storming it would become inevitableand casualties unavoidable. Deal! Hu Tutu agreed instantly. When do you want to leave, Young Master? Now! He couldnt wait any longer.
Roar! A tigers bellow shook the forest, the sound waves visible as they flattened trees into splinters. A single roar carried such might that any mortal or low-level cultivator caught in its path would burst into a mist of blood, their soul scattered to the wind. This was the power of the Marrow-Washing Realms kings of beasts! One black, one white, the two massive tigers charged forth, covering vast distances with each stride, pulverizing every tree in their way. Each landing left a crater in the earth. The forest trembled, the roars unrelenting, silencing all other sounds. When the kings of beasts moved, every creature fled. In a real fight, other beasts might join in, but with the tigers in hot pursuit, it was a different story. High above, a white-haired old man soared through the air, deftly dodging the Twin Tigers attacks with ease. It was Hu Tutu, in human form, his soul state on full display. Under his taunts, the Heaven-and-Earth Twin Tigers chased him farther away. In the shadows, Han darted forward, reaching the ancient tree that served as their lair. Alongside him were a few Day-Wandering Realm Light Foxes. Since they were luring the tigers away, the clan might as well harvest some Mysterious Vines while they were at it. A foul stench hit them, wrinkling Hans nose. Seriously? Did the Twin Tigers just relieve themselves anywhere without a shred of care for their own dens hygiene? Chapter 302: The Final Stand Han climbed the massive ancient tree, meticulously searching every nook and cranny. The vines here numbered in the hundreds, if not thousands, most of them a vibrant green. Young Master Zhou, only the black Mysterious Vines are mature and truly useful. The green ones are still growingharvesting them would be pointless, a woman beside him advised, her Day-Wandering Realm cultivation evident. This was Xiao Yuns mother. As she spoke, she deftly sliced through mature black vines with a stone-crafted longsword. Naturally grown Mysterious Vines were remarkably resilient, but the demon clans of Black Mountain, having lived here for generations, had mastered the art of harvesting them. Han nodded. While his primary goal was to find the Sky-Mending Vine, he didnt pass up the chance to collect some Mysterious Vines as well. Why leave a treasure trove empty-handed? According to Hu Tutu, high-quality Mysterious Vine armor could provide solid defense in Marrow-Washing Realm battles, earning it the title of a Marrow-Washing treasure. Long ago, one demon clan had even crafted a Mysterious Vine Divine Armor usable by True Blood Realm warriorsan exceptionally sturdy piece that offered significant support. Yet the method to forge such divine armor remained a closely guarded secret, known only to that single clan. Neither the techniques nor the required materials had ever leaked out. The Light Fox Clan possessed only the knowledge to craft standard Mysterious Vine armor, and Hu Tutu had promised to share that recipe with Han afterward. So, these vines were undeniably valuable. But to Hans dismay, the one thing he sought most eluded him. Among the countless vines draping the ancient treegreen and black alikenone matched the Sky-Mending Vines traits. Fearing his spiritual senses might miss something, he even inspected hidden spots with his own eyes. Still, nothing. Why does this tree produce so many Mysterious Vines? Han wondered aloud. A male Light Fox nearby offered an answer. This isnt an ordinary treeits a rare treasure tree, a unique species. The area itself is extraordinary, rich with spiritual essence, making it a prime spot for treasures like the Mysterious Vines to grow. So, doesnt that mean the tree itself is even more precious than the vines? Han asked. Not quite, the fox replied with a nod. The vines are the trees essence. The tree is just the hosttoo massive to transplant, and it wouldnt survive elsewhere anyway. The trunks widest point didnt even resemble a tree; it was more like a towering wall. In a place like Black Mountain, moving it would be impossible without the Mountain Gods intervention. The land here played a crucial role in its growth too. As the saying went, People thrive when moved; trees die. The tree was colossal, and Han climbed to a height where the other foxes couldnt see him. A theory brewed in his mind. If traces of the Sky-Mending Vine had once appeared here, this tree had to be special. Yet after a thorough inspection, it seemed unremarkable aside from its vine-bearing natureunlike other trees that bore fruit. Focused on finding any sign of the Sky-Mending Vine, Han soon noticed something odd. High up, obscured by a cluster of vines, was a circular hole roughly the size of a single vine. Holes in trees werent unusual, but the blackened edges on either side of this one caught his attention. Those marks they felt familiar. Could the Sky-Mending Vine have grown here once? Did that mean this spot held some unique significance? Neither his eyes nor his spiritual senses detected anything unusualit seemed no different from the rest of the trunk. But Hans fixation on the Sky-Mending Vine, coupled with having seen similar marks elsewhere, made him pause. Anyone else mightve dismissed the hole as trivial. After a moments thought, he sliced into the spot and dug deeper. A black-green bead emerged, its aura reminiscent of the Mysterious Vines. What kind of treasure was this? Han studied it for a breath or two before swiftly pocketing it, keeping quiet. Still, no Sky-Mending Vine. Soon after, a Light Fox called out, urging them to leaveHu Tutu was about to shake off the Heaven-and-Earth Twin Tigers. Han had no objections. Hed scoured the area thoroughly, securing a decent haul of Mysterious Vines in the process. The group departed the vine-laden tree and, after a short wait, reunited with Hu Tutu. No mishaps had occurred on either end, and a smile spread across Hu Tutus face. Young Master Zhou, shall we head to the wolf packs territory next? Han nodded. When they arrived, they repeated the strategyHu Tutu provoked the wolves, but this time, the accompanying Light Fox demons joined in. Unauthorized usage: this narrative is on Amazon without the author''s consent. Report any sightings. The wolf pack was numerous, and Hu Tutu alone might not draw them all away. A group effort was the safest bet. With his strength, he could easily protect his kin from harm. Han slipped into the dense forest alone, guided by Hu Tutus intel to the spot where those miraculous stones formed. Known as Guardian Stones among Black Mountains demon clans, their origins remained a mystery. Hu Tutu had mentioned that powerful clans once traced their source, concluding only that the area was uniquely suited to their creationa natural treasure birthed by the land. Han scoured every inch and found just eight Guardian Stones. Their scarcity was no surprise. As for their source? He came up empty-handed. If Black Mountains demon clans hadnt unraveled that secret after countless attempts, expecting to crack it in one go was wishful thinking. When he left the area, his expression was grim. Still no Sky-Mending Vine. Huff. Exhaling softly, Han headed to the rendezvous point to wait for Hu Tutu and the others. Of the seven locations the Mountain God had provided, hed explored six. The gains were substantial, but not what hed come for. Wolf Valley The situation was clear now. If the Mountain Gods guidance held true, the Sky-Mending Vine had to be there. Hed have to face the Moon-Chasing Wolves after all. Han shook his head. If only hed teamed up with Fox Valley the moment hed spotted Wolf Valley, he couldve skipped these last three detours. But hindsight was useless. Without checking those spots, he couldnt have ruled them out. When Hu Tutu and the others arrived, Han spoke before the old fox could. Elder Hu, lets head back to Fox Valley first. Hu Tutus heart sankhed already guessed the outcome. With a Sanctified Great Demon like Hu Tutu leading the way, their return was swift. Theyd set out under cover of night and returned before dawn broke. Once the other Light Foxes dispersed, Han cut to the chase. I didnt find what I needed at those two places. Then whats your plan, Young Master Zhou? We have to go to Moon-Chasing Wolf Valley, Han said without hesitation. The Sky-Mending Vine was within reachhe wouldnt give up now. Hu Tutu fell silent for a moment before replying, I gave you my word, Young Master, and I wont go back on it. If youre set on going, Ill rally the entire clan to assist you. Han studied the old fox, then asked, Elder Hu, have you ever practiced the Spirit Fusion Method? Yes, Hu Tutu nodded. Back when I was young, before the Light Fox Clan fell into ruin, we were still at our peak. Then you must remember its contents, right? Hans implication was clear: if Hu Tutu knew the method, why not just write it down himself? Why the desperate pursuit of that jade slip? Hu Tutus desire to reclaim the Spirit Fusion Method made sense, but his fervorluring away the Twin Tigers was one thing, low-risk as it waswent as far as risking his entire clan against Wolf Valley. Something felt off. Hans cautious nature made him wary of hidden motives. Youve seen the Spirit Fusion Method yourself, Young Master, Hu Tutu explained with a bitter smile. It requires manifesting the True Will of our ancestors and merging ones soul with their spirit, drawing out the ancestral power in our bloodline. But that step is excruciatingly hard. The young ones have barely begun their cultivationthey cant even speak human tongues, let alone summon ancestral intent. Even with the technique, they couldnt succeed. He continued, That jade slip isnt just a recordit was crafted from our ancestors bones using a special method, imbued with their power. Its one of a kind. Only with it as a medium can the Spirit Fusion Method be mastered. Beyond that, its vital for our clans later cultivation stages, especially the leap from Day-Wandering to Sanctification. It lets us tap into that ancestral power and transform it into something real. Hans mind clickedeverything fell into place. The technique mattered, but the jade slip itself was the true prize. Now he understood why Hu Tutu was so invested in helping himand why he could trust the old foxs intentions. How long can you hold off the Moon-Chasing Wolf King and Queen, Elder Hu? Its hard to say, Hu Tutu admitted. The Wolf Kings strength rivals mine. If those two beasts fight decisively, it might end up with him pinning me down. For most cultivators, facing two opponents at once was a tall order. Holding them off? More like getting held back. Han mulled it over before saying, I have a stealth technique. When the time comes, please do your best to stall them, Elder Hu, but prioritize your own safety. If my stealth fails His gaze turned icy. Well storm Wolf Valley head-on. Even a Sanctified Great Demon isnt unbeatable. Hu Tutus heart jolted. This human outsider could take on a Sanctified Great Demon? By the way, attacking Wolf Valleywont that provoke retaliation against Fox Valley later? Id hate for a mutually beneficial deal to backfire on you. Hu Tutu chuckled. Our clans would love nothing more than to wipe each other out. One attack wont change muchjust deepen the hatred a bit more, and its already irreconcilable. That was part of why hed agreed so readily. If it were a neutral clan, hed have hesitatedmaking new enemies wasnt wise. But the Moon-Chasing Wolves? Fair game. Han nodded, his mind racing with plans. The Moon-Chasing Wolves didnt revere the Mountain God. According to Yun Yuannan, the Mountain God hadnt eradicated them for a reasonsome greater purpose. Knowing that, Han understood how to approach them. The Mountain Gods design Elder Hu, you know the Moon-Chasing Wolves well. Whens the best time to strike? Hu Tutu glanced at the sky. When the moon fadesthats our moment. With that, he left to prepare for the showdown with the wolves. Young Master, should I step in? An Langs voice echoed from the Ghost Dwelling. No need. Ill entrust the Diamond Bracelet and a few other treasures to you. While I infiltrate Wolf Valley, guard my body. No oneno foxgets near it. The Diamond Bracelet, Lu Qingmos protective artifact, boasted unquestionable defensive power. In Fox Valley, aside from Hu Tutu, no one could breach it until its energy naturally faded. With An Lang and this treasure safeguarding his physical form, Han felt secure. A gust of eerie wind brushed past, and Han glanced at the doorway. A little girl with braids peeked in, ducking back when he spotted her, only to pop out again moments later. Han smiled. Xiao Yun? Howd you know it was me? her childish voice chirped. Because I know youre the sharpest little fox aroundonly you could take human form. This was Xiao Yuns soul. She puffed up proudly. Youre rightI am the best! What brings you here? Your grandpas not around. Her eyes darted slyly. Then Ill wait for him. Han grinned, seeing through her excuse. Xiao Yun had grown up in Fox Valley, rarely encountering other demon clans, let alone a total stranger like him. Her curiosity was natural. From the moment hed caught her spying at the valleys entrance, her lively, restless nature had been obvious. Their chat flowed casually until she suddenly asked, Whats the world outside Black Mountain like? Its not exactly a fairy tale, Han replied. Lots of bad people out there, greed running wild. Everyones chasing endless desires. For many, just surviving is a struggle. Compared to that, Fox Valleys like a paradisepeaceful and perfect. Xiao Yuns face fell, a flicker of disappointment in her eyes. Han didnt mind. Better she be disillusioned than starry-eyed. He wasnt about to spin tales of a wondrous outside worldthatd be a scam. If she got curious enough to sneak out and ran into trouble, whod take the blame? He wasnt about to risk a little foxs safety over careless words. As they talked, Xiao Yun gradually edged from the doorway to his side. By dawn, Hu Tutu returned. Han locked eyes with the old fox and gave a slight nod. It was time. Ill strike from the shadows! Chapter 303: A Game of Twenty Years’ Life In Fox Valley, the air was thick with tension. Behind Hu Tutu stood several Day-Wandering Realm foxesevery high-ranking member of the Light Fox Clan, save for those left to guard the valley. The clans elite had mobilized in full force. The younger foxes had long been shooed off to bed. What was about to unfold wasnt suitable for their innocent eyes. Han appeared before the Light Foxes in his soul form, his physical body resting safely in the wooden hut behind him. An Lang clung protectively to it, ready to defend it with her life. He couldve hidden An Lang in the Ghost Dwelling, leaving his body seemingly unguardeda test to see if the Light Fox Clan harbored any ill intentions. But Han dismissed the idea. Never tempt fate with human natureor demon nature, for that matter. Young Master Zhou, Hu Tutu said, well draw out the Moon-Chasing Wolf Clans heavy hitters soon. Thats your window to move. Rest assured, we wont retreat until youre out. The other Day-Wandering foxes nodded without protest. Hu Tutus authority was absolutewhether they were survivors hed led through past chaos or younger ones born later, none dared defy him. After the older, equally powerful foxes perished, hed naturally risen to lead the clan. With final preparations made, Han, the humans, and the demons charged out of Fox Valley, racing toward Moon-Chasing Wolf Valley. As they neared their target, the group halted. Han split off from Hu Tutu and the others, approaching from a different angle. Activating his invisibility talisman, he vanished from sight. Neither eyes nor spiritual senses could detect himthe space around him was a void. Satisfied with his condition, Han edged closer to Wolf Valley. He didnt rush in recklessly; instead, he waited in silence. Soon, Hu Tutus voice rang out. Wolf Xing! The shout echoed around the valley, reverberating within its depths. Han saw the valley light up as two powerful presences stirred, moving swiftly. From his position, separate from Hu Tutu and the foxes, he couldnt see what was happeningonly sense the commotion. Probing with his spiritual senses now would be unwise. Hu Tutu, what brings you here? a robust male voice boomed. Here to grovel before our Moon-Chasing Wolf Clan, perhaps? Ill give you that chance. Han listened, feeling an odd pang of secondhand embarrassment. Fighting alongside someone named Hu Tutu? It was bizarre, to say the least. The enemy leader was Wolf Xingcool and commandingwhile their side had Hu Tutu. They werent even in the same league, stylistically speaking. Cut the chatter, Wolf Xing, Hu Tutu snapped. Today, Im here to avenge the Light Foxes youve slaughtered! A chilling female laugh cut through the air. Hu, you old fool, have you lost your mind? You think you can take revenge with just your decrepit self? It had to be the Moon-Chasing Wolf Queen. Perfect timing, actually. Well bury you here today, wipe out the Light Fox Clan, and turn every last one of you into our blood feast! Her words gave way to a surge of energyexplosions roared, lights flashed, and shouts filled the air. Even from his vantage point, Han could see the sky glow with the clash. The fight had begun. His moment had arrived. If you spot this story on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation. Hu Tutu knew the Moon-Chasing Wolves well, and the reverse was truethey were no strangers to each others strengths. Wolf Xing would never suspect a human sneaking into their valley at a time like this, leaving their surroundings unchecked. If Hans invisibility talisman could bypass the array shrouding Wolf Valley Wolf Hong, youve broken through to Mid Sanctification?! Hu Tutus voice carried a note of shock. Trouble? Meanwhile, Han reached the valleys edge. A familiar sensation washed over him, like passing through a membranesimilar to entering Fox Valley. Haha, Hu, you old relic! Didnt expect today to be your lastWhos there?! Wolf Hongs triumphant cackle turned into a furious snarl. Han sighed, his form flickering into view. Trouble on his end too. The Out-of-Body Realm talisman wasnt strong enough to slip past the valleys array undetected. So much for a gentle approach. The battlefield erupted with a deafening boom. Air split apart as a figurea woman in a black dress, her eyes sharp with malicematerialized before Han. A human?! Wolf Hongs shock morphed into rage as she pieced together his intent. Hu, you filthy fox! Colluding with humans to stab your own kind in the back! Hans slip-up halted the distant skirmish. Wolves and foxes alike rushed over, facing off midair. Own kind? Hu Tutus tone was icy. Since when were Light Foxes and Moon-Chasing Wolves kin? Wolf Hong, when you ambushed my people and devoured them, you didnt call us family then! Wolf Xing, a imposing middle-aged man, fixed his gaze on Han. Youre the human who passed by our valley before? Thats him! a Day-Wandering Moon-Chasing Wolf piped up. Han recognized itthe same one that had hunted him last time. Wolf Xings face darkened. Hu Tutu, you owe me an explanation for this. Otherwise, none of you are leaving here alive! Hu Tutu sneered. Wolf Xing, even without today, with Wolf Hongs breakthrough, how long would you have waited before coming for my clan? Their blood feud spanned countless clashes, with heavy losses on both sides. If either gained the upper hand, mercy wouldnt even cross their minds. Hu Tutu felt a flicker of relief. Hans presence had tipped him off to Wolf Hongs advancement. Without that heads-up, a surprise attack from these two wolves couldve spelled his doom. Youre sharper than you look, old man, Wolf Hong said with a sinister grin. Han glanced around, then shot into the air, calling out, Everyone, hear me out! Facing Wolf Xing and his mate, he said, Give me some facelet me into Wolf Valley just once. Agree, and we can avoid this fight altogether. He was dead serious. Im doing this for your own good. Shameless human! Wolf Hong spat. A Day-Wandering cultivator demanding face from us? Ill teach you your place! Its been ages since I last tasted human flesh. That flavor nostalgic. Thanks to you, old fox, Ill savor it again today! With that, she struck. A ferocious wolf head materialized, charging at Han with overwhelming force, stirring the surrounding energies. Hu Tutus face paledhe lunged to intervene. The Spirit Fusion Method was still with Han! But Wolf Xing blocked him effortlessly. Both at Late Sanctification, the Light Fox bloodline held a slight edge, but not enough to break free quickly. Han sighed again, standing still as his aura shifted dramatically. Boom! The sky roared as the wolf head exploded in a dazzling burst. The shockwave ravaged nearby trees and ground, leaving a cratered mess. A fierce, surging presence swept away the dust, leaving the three Sanctified demons on edge. Han hovered midair, hands clasped behind his back, bathed in celestial light that shielded him from harm. His aura had transformedwild, commanding, laced with an enigmatic undertone. Wolf Hong stared, incredulous. Burning your lifespan? Are you insane?! What grudge did they even have? Theyd never met beforewhy go this far? All shed wanted was a bite. Was that worth this? Madman! Hans expression remained calm, as if his lifespan meant nothing. Mid Sanctification lets see how you hold up for a few years worth, he said casually, burning twenty years without bothering to specify the exact toll. His offhand tone made Wolf Xing and the others question their senses. A few years of life, tossed out like it was mere seconds? With a wave, radiant beams cascaded downstunningly beautiful, streaked with rainbow hues. But beneath that beauty lay lethal intent. The Divine Light of the Mystic Tree! A sword of law soared upward, merging with the light to strike at Wolf Hong. The air grew heavy, oppressivean immense pressure locked onto her, stiffening her limbs. The boost from Hans burned lifespan was staggering, overwhelming even a Mid Sanctification demon like her. Thump, thump! A law drum appeared in Wolf Hongs handsher Sanctified artifact. She unleashed its power alongside her Moon-Chasing Wolf techniques, countering the Mystic Trees light. Shing! But the divine light swept through every defense, the Grand Sword of Heaven shattering all resistance. Wolf Hongs eyes widened in panic. Wolf Xing, help me! Now it was Hu Tutus turn to intercept, perfectly timed. Whoosh! The light washed over everything, dimming the world. The drum flared, expending its energy in a desperate stand, but it was futile. Bang! A crash echoed, followed by a scream. As the light faded, the scene came into sharp focus. Wolf Hong lay sprawled on the ground, one arm gone, her soul form cracked. The drum, dulled, rested beside her. Han gazed down at her, earnest. I told yougive me some face. Why wouldnt you listen? The foxes and wolves erupted in shock. The sight rocked them to their core. A Mid Day-Wandering cultivator defeating a Mid Sanctification demon so effortlessly, even with burned lifespan? Unthinkable. Obviously because Im just that good, Han thought smugly. Ill kill you! Wolf Xing roared, eyes bloodshot with fury. He was livid! And then Hu Tutu held him back. Chapter 304: Crushing a Clan, Sky-Mending Vine Secured! When rage consumes a person, it burns hot. The same holds true for demons. Wolf Xing put on quite the show of fury, but it didnt matter. The Light Fox bloodline outclassed the Moon-Chasing Wolves, and in a one-on-one fight, he was no match for Hu Tutu. Unless, of course, he decided to gamble his life like Han had. But Wolf Xing couldnt play that gamenot when Han could always outlast him by double. Wolf Hong struggled back into the air, her eyes brimming with hatred. Who are you? Did the Light Fox Clan hire you specifically to take us down? What did they offer you to fight this hard? We Moon-Chasing Wolves can give you morebetter than they ever could! Even Hu Tutu, wrestling with a berserk Wolf Xing, paused to ponder. Yeah, what did we even give this Young Master Zhou to push him this far? Waitno, they hadnt given him anything beyond a fair trade. So why had he gone all-in, burning his lifespan like that? I told you from the start, Han said evenly, I just wanted to take a look inside Wolf Valley. If youd let me in earlier, I mightve been gone by now. Dream on! Wolf Xing roared, transforming into his true Moon-Chasing Wolf form. Wolf Hong moved toonot toward Han, but straight for the valley. Whoosh! Before she could reach it, a wall of chilling flames sprang up in her path, boxing her in as the fire surged around her. If I were you, Id stay put, Han warned, gliding toward the valley. Fighting the Moon-Chasing Wolves wasnt his goalentering the valley was, and always had been. Suddenly, intricate patterns flared across the valleys rocks. A shimmering barrier rose, enveloping Wolf Valleythe clans grand array, the same one that had thwarted Hans stealth earlier. Hu Tutu had explained it: with a few wolves left to guard the valley, the array effectively added another Sanctified Great Demon to their ranksone specialized in defense. It paled in comparison to Tianyue Citys formations, but for the Moon-Chasing Wolves, it sufficed. In this region, Sanctified and Marrow-Washing cultivators were the ceiling. Arrays were complex, yet most Black Mountain demon clans wielded themnot out of innate talent, but because a powerful clan had pioneered and shared the knowledge long ago. Others simply copied it, tweaking it over time. A clan-protecting array Han eyed the barrier with mild curiosity. How many years of his life would it take to crack this? A colossal, rainbow-hued handprint materialized in the sky, descending slowly. The air rippled, and the barrier warped under its weight. With twenty years of lifespan burned, the Grand Righteous Handprints power was jaw-dropping. Wolf Hong, watching from afar, felt her heart skip. This human was absurdly strongfacing him, she felt like the weaker one. The barrier bent but didnt break. Han nodded approvingly. Quite the sturdy turtle shell. A pained yelp rang out. Han turned to see Wolf Hong force her way through the ghostly flames, staggering into the valley. The cost was steepunquenchable fire clung to her, searing her with relentless agony. Hovering within the valley, she formed seals with her hands, streams of light shooting out to various points. The array shifted, its strength visibly surging. With a Sanctified Great Demon at its helm, the formation reached its peaka supercharged turtle shell. Already akin to a defense-specialized Sanctified expert, it grew even tougher with Wolf Hongs power. Youre dying here today, human! Her voice dripped with venom, her killing intent palpable. Young Master Zhou, you shouldnt have let Wolf Hong reach the valley, Hu Tutu sighed. With your lifespan burning, you cant sustain this state long. She can stall you out with that array. And when it fades At your Day-Wandering Realm strength, youd be a sitting duck. No need to worry, Elder Hu, Han said with a smile. What makes you think I didnt see this coming? Hu Tutu blinked, baffled. Whats that supposed to mean? Youre burning your life awayshouldnt you be racing against time to wrap this up? Whats your plan when the clock runs out? This narrative has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. If you see it on Amazon, please report it. Han answered with action. The massive handprint ignited with twin flamesYin and Yang. Fire flared, fused, then exploded. A blazing inferno erupted, shifting to stark black and white. It engulfed the valley like a fallen sun, transforming it into a sea of flames. Han kept it contained, shielding the surrounding forest, but the sheer forcecapable of rending heaven and earthstunned everyone. Hu Tutu and Wolf Xings clash halted abruptly, both demons forced back, retreating from the valley. The Day-Wandering foxes and wolves scattered, trembling in awe. A single stray spark, they felt, could reduce them to ash. Han watched the Yin-Yang flames rage, a calm confidence swelling within him. It was as if nothing in the world could stand in his way. Bring on the Tianmu Cults leaderhed crush them too! A delusion, of course. His composure stemmed from near-endless lifespan reserves. In Black Mountain, no one could trap him. Waiting out his burned state? The Moon-Chasing Wolves would die of old age first. The flames subsided, splitting back into distinct Yin and Yang, retreating into Hans body. The barrier over Wolf Valley was goneshattered by the Yin-Yang clash. A formation manned by a Sanctified Great Demon and a handful of wolves, broken in one strike! Han nodded slightly. The Age Emperor had breached the Ancient Divine Palaces array alone. Hed just smashed the Moon-Chasing Wolf Valleys. Round it up, and he was basically on par. Such was the might of peerless techniquesand Hans foundation, amplified by twenty burned years. Twenty years was no small thinga fifth of a Sanctified Marrow-Washing cultivators total lifespan. Discounting childhood, frail youth, and decrepit old age, a prime lifespan was roughly sixty years. Han had torched a third of that peak vigor. The valley lay bare before him. Over a dozen Moon-Chasing Wolf demons sprawled in their true forms, scattered and feeble. The arrays collapse had backlashed against its controllers. Lucky for them it existedwithout it, theyd be more than just reeling. Wolf Hong, armless, lay in a crater, immobile but still vocal. Impossible! How can a Day-Wandering cultivator be this strong?! How many years did you burn?! Her body was mush, but her tongue stayed sharp. Han glanced at her, hands behind his back, gazing down at the demons. Can I have some face now? Hed come for one thing: respect. Human! Wolf Xing bellowed, but Hu Tutu blocked him before he could act. Wolf Xing didnt move, though. Staring with bloodshot eyes, he shouted, Take whatever you want from Wolf Valley! The Moon-Chasing Wolf Clan wont stop you! Translation: surrender. Heres your face. One man had subdued an entire clan! Han smirked. Demons were trickier than beasts, but sometimes easier to handle. A battle with beasts wouldve drawn a swarm of ferocious monsters by now. Even if he crushed one, others would charge fearlessly, overwhelming him with numbers unless he made every last one taste near-death. With demons, strategy was tough, but raw power could force a quick yield. Wisdom was a strengthand a weakness. Ignoring Wolf Xing, Han unleashed his spiritual senses, scouring every inch of the valley. He spotted herbs aplenty, even a small mineral vein. A clear, sweet spring caught his eyebrimming with mystic energy, unobstructed by debris. Likely the Moon-Receiving Sacred Spring Hu Tutu had mentioned, vital to the clan. Paired with the Moon God Trees fruit, it baptized young wolves, forging their foundations and benefiting grown ones too. His senses probed the springs depthsno Sky-Mending Vine. Then he found the Moon God Tree. Han could only say the name was a stretchit had zilch to do with any moon god. The Moon God mark on his brow didnt even twitch, unlike the moon-in-water at Wangyue Peak near the Beast Arena. Lame. Still, the tree towered nearly level with the valleys rim, its lush branches laden with moon-white leaves. A few tiny fruits hung there, far from ripe. Hed searched the rest of the valleyno Sky-Mending Vine. So, standing before the Moon God Tree, he doubled down, scanning with both spirit and eyes. This was his last shot. If it wasnt here, either the Mountain God had miscalculated, or some beast had eaten it. High up, where branches tangled thickly and leaves blocked all view, his spiritual sweep turned up nothing. But his eyes caught a fleeting glimpsesomething pure white? The trees leaves were moon-whitea subtle but distinct difference from stark white. Fully alert, Han didnt miss it. Reaching in, he parted the knotted branches. His heart raced. There, in a small clearing kissed by faint light, a vine appeared. Its roots pierced the tree, coiled into a spiral rather than stretching out. Han gauged it instantly, and excitement surged. Three feet, three inches, and three fractions long; colorless and transparent with black edges; nine leavesfour green, four purple, one whiteeach etched with patterns of water, fire, wind, earth, and more. This matched the Sky-Mending Vines description from the Heavenly Saint Revival Elixir recipe! Hed found it! Now his spiritual senses could detect it, though they couldnt before. Was the Moon God Tree shielding it? The thought flickered and faded. Donning jade gloves and wielding a golden knifeprepped in advancehe approached the vines base. Harvesting required gold to cut, roots and all, and jade to store it. No other materials could touch it, or its potency would fade. Fussy stuff. He carved a bowl-sized chunk from the treenegligible damage for its sizeand gently extracted the vine, placing it in a large white jade box. Stepping back, he fought the urge to whoop in triumph. Days of wilderness survival, dodging beasts, outsmarting them, and crushing a demon clanall for this. The satisfaction was unreal. Aunt Mo, wait for me! His soul emerged, composure restored. Outside, the Light Foxes and Moon-Chasing Wolves had ceased fighting. Han scanned the scene and flew toward Hu Tutu. Mid-flight, his aura plummetedlike a deflating balloon, the wild edge gone. The lifespan burn had run its course. Every eye turned to him. Everyone knew the post-burn crashweakness, vitality drained. Meeting their stares, Han grinned. Still want to test me? Wolf Xings bloodshot eyes flickered with emotion, but he held back, silent. With the array broken, he couldnt take on the Light Fox Clan alone. Even if Han was spent, Hu Tutu remained. Oh, one question, Han added casually. Does the Moon God Tree block spiritual senses? No, Wolf Xing growled, reluctant. No? Then it wasnt the treeit was the vine itself. Hidden by cover, it evaded detection. Some quirk of its nature? In the prior six locations, hed gone beyond spiritual scans, physically checking suspicious spots. That habit had paid off. Hu Tutu swooped in to support him. Elder Hu, lets go. Man and foxes headed back to Fox Valley, leaving a fuming Wolf Xing and his silent pack. A mighty Moon-Chasing Wolf Clan, brought low by a Day-Wandering human! Even their sacred tree bore his marka scar that wouldnt heal anytime soon. Humiliation! Chapter 305: Departure from the Mountain! The trek back to Fox Valley wasnt without incident. Han and his group crossed paths with a few wild beasts, lured by the chaos at Wolf Valley. No negotiations were neededfists flew, but they shook off the pursuers, leaving the creatures to roar their displeasure into the wind. Young Master Zhou, are you alright? Hu Tutu asked, his voice tinged with worry. Han brushed it off with a casual wave. Im fine. Didnt burn much lifespanjust a small hiccup. Hu Tutu let out a sigh. Why risk so much, Young Master? Youre in your primesquandering your years like this isnt worth it. With your strength, you mightve held Wolf Hong in check without torching a single day. Hu Tutu wasnt blind. Hed seen Hans brilliance in that Yin-Yang fusion movean awe-inspiring flame technique unlike anything hed encountered. Its sheer power spoke volumes about Hans talent, a level Hu Tutu could scarcely fathom. Before, his kindness had been partly due to the Yun family token and Han bearing their lost legacy. Now, he genuinely admired Hans gifts and might. This human, stumbled upon by chance, had a future far beyond what an old fox like him could dream of. Crossing paths with him was a boon for the Light Fox Clan. Yet that was precisely why Hans lifespan-burning antics baffled him. What could possibly outweigh ones own life force? If he knew Han had burned twenty years, hed probably keel over in shock. Twenty years? Unimaginable. No one truly got Hanno one could. Lifes a solitary climb, cold as snow, he thought wryly. This thing matters more to me than you can imagine, Han said with a grin. A few years? Id trade centuriesmillennia, evenif it meant securing it. Youre a man driven by heart, Young Master, Hu Tutu replied, shaking his head. He didnt quite buy it but let it drop. It wasnt his lifespan on the line, after all. Hans talk of centuries or millennia? He dismissed it as bravado. As if youve got that much to burn Even the longest-lived races didnt boast such reserves at Day-Wandering Realm. Back in Fox Valley, Han sensed a second presence in the room with his body, alongside An Lang. No alarm bells ranghe already knew who it was. Sure enough, Xiao Yun, the little fox, was perched there, eyes wide as An Lang regaled her with stories. Youre back, Young Master! An Lang chirped. Did you beat those big bad wolves? Xiao Yun asked, curiosity sparkling in her gaze. Han drifted into his body and nodded with a smile. Of course. Just a few pesky wolvesnothing to it. Before Xiao Yun could press further, Hu Tutu entered, gently ushering her out. Young Master Zhou he began. Heres the Spirit Fusion Method, Han said, handing over the jade slip. Hu Tutu had poured his all into helping him; Han wouldnt renege. The slip was useless to himreturning it to its rightful owners felt fitting. Crafted from their ancestors bones, it carried deep practical and symbolic weight for the clan. Hu Tutus hands shook as he accepted it. After all these years, the Spirit Fusion Method is back with us. Bless the Mountain God, bless our ancestorsand thank you, Young Master Zhou. Youre our eternal benefactor and friend! Tucking it away, Hu Tutus joy was palpable, his gratitude overflowing with kind words. And why wouldnt he be thrilled? The raid on the Moon-Chasing Wolves cost the Light Fox Clan nothingno lives lost, no injurieswhile their rivals were left reeling. With the Spirit Fusion Method reclaimed, their future gleamed brighter. This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it. When the thanks tapered off, Han smiled. Elder Hu, Ive got what I came for. I wont overstay my welcomeIm heading out now. Why not rest here a few days? Hu Tutu urged. Let me play the proper host. Youve done so muchId feel rotten not repaying you. Youre too generous, Elder Hu, Han said, chuckling as he shook his head. Im itching to get home. Someones waiting, and after days in the mountains, my familys probably worried sick. Hu Tutus tone turned wistful. If homes calling, I wont keep you. But if you ever get the chance, Young Master, Fox Valleys always open to you. He pulled a fox-shaped wooden carving from his spatial pouch. Alive or not, I swear youll always be our most honored guest. Follow me, please, he added, stepping out. Curious, Han trailed him. Xiao Yuns mother approached with a tray bearing a wooden box. Hu Tutu opened it, revealing a glowing six-leafed herb. This is Radiant Grass, he said. It strengthens the souls yang energy and boosts wisdom. Its as vital to us as the Moon-Receiving Spring and Moon God Tree are to the wolves. Please, take it. Elder Hu, I cant Han protested, noting the longing in the other foxes eyes. This herb was rare, reserved for those with great deeds or prodigious talent. Their deal had been squarehe wasnt one to overreach. But Hu Tutu wouldnt budge, and Han relented. After a moments thought, he pulled a stack of books from his spatial ring. Youve treated me with honestyI cant just take without giving. These are righteous classics. They might help the young ones sharpen their minds and grasp deeper truths. Hu Tutus eyes narrowed as he took them, sensing their unusual aura. Pardon me, he muttered, flipping one open. His face lit up. This could these be the fabled classics imbued with Righteous Qi? Fabled? Thats a bit much. Han nodded. Theyve got Righteous Qi, yeah. Too preciousfar too precious! I cant accept Hu Tutus eyes shone with yearning, but he shook his head. To him, these books dwarfed the Radiant Grass in value. For demons, righteous texts were transformativeyounglings raised on them would grow razor-sharp and wise, a boon beyond words. Hed only heard whispers of such treasures, never seen them. Han gave an odd smile. Not precious at all. Keep them. To him, they werent. Hed copied them himself. Lacking a proper cultivation method, hed built his Righteous Qi the hard wayreciting and transcribing sage words. His copies naturally carried that energy, brimming with subtle magic. Back at Black-White Tower, hed paid for such texts. Now, he could churn them outpractically free, anytime he pleased. To him, they were trivial. To the world? Priceless. The Sage Academys yearly output fetched fortunes. Han had accidentally stumbled into a money-making gigwriting books to scrape by if push came to shove. Hu Tutu finally stowed them, his gratitude hitting new heights. Young Master Zhou, a true gentleman! Everyone, Im off, Han said with a grin. Till we meet againif fate allows. He crouched to pat Xiao Yuns head. Study hard, little one. Hu Tutu and the foxes saw him off a short way. Elder Hu, no need to go further. This is good. With that, Han and An Lang headed off, their figures fading into the distance until they vanished from sight. Hu Tutu sighed deeply. Young Master Zhous a godsend for our clan. Mark this: dont harm humans lightly. If you meet him, show him the respect youd give me. Yes! the foxes chimed. Grandpa, I wanna be as cool as that human big brother! Xiao Yun yipped. Hu Tutu ruffled her head, his senses lingering on the jade slip and classics in his pouch. You will be, Xiao Yun. With the Spirit Fusion Method back, these texts, and her talent, the Light Fox Clan might reclaim its peakor even claim a spot on the Divine Mountain! Her ability to speak so young marked her as their future star. And then there was Wolf Valley Their foes were battered, their array in ruinsa perfect opening. Hu Lielei, Hu Tutu said to a male fox, youve been at Day-Wandering Peak for years. With our ancestors legacy back, youll be the first to tap into their True Will. I hope it lifts you to Sanctification. Dont worry, FatherI wont let you down! Hu LieleiHu Tutus son and Xiao Yuns dadnodded, eyes ablaze. Hed never practiced the Spirit Fusion Method. This shot at a breakthrough was golden. The foxes slipped back into the valley, mist cloaking it from prying beasts. Far off, Hans steps were buoyant, An Lang floating beside him. Both were riding high. Young Master, shouldnt we tell Sister Lu about the Sky-Mending Vine? An Lang asked. Nah, Han said, smiling. Ill surprise her face-to-face when were out. No navigation artifact needed nowhe knew the way like the back of his hand. You didnt tell that little fox the outsides all rosy, right? Nope. I told Xiao Yun how I died. Lets skip that topic. Bit weird. The journey back felt liberating. Even the air tasted sweet. To Han, this mountain trip had its bumps but had gone off without a hitch. Leaving now? Smooth sailing. What could possibly go wrong on the way out? Chapter 306: A Chance Encounter on the Path Eager to leave the mountain, Han and An Lang didnt linger or detour for more treasure hunts. This trip had already yielded plenty beyond the Sky-Mending Vinerare finds and crafting materials aplenty. They were content. Young Master, do you think something might go wrong when we head out? An Lang mused. Smack! Han lightly tapped her head. Ow! What was that for? An Lang yelped, clutching her head with a pout. Stop jinxing us! Cant you wish for something good? Han shot her a sidelong glare. Enough with the accidents. Lets just get out safe and sound. I was just saying An Lang mumbled. By midday, Han halted abruptly, his gaze fixing on a direction with a complicated expression. What a coincidence, two voices said in unisonHans, and another from the spot he was staring at. Whats so coincidental? An Lang asked, craning her neck but seeing nothing where Han looked. Han pinched her cheek, exasperated. You really are a jinx! Maybe you should study curse techniques instead! Young Master, dont think ghosts dont have tempers! An Lang flailed, trying to retaliate, but Han easily subdued her. Quit messing around. You actually called it this time. I called it? Han didnt move forward, standing still. Moments later, An Langs expression shifted tooshe sensed something and finally grasped what Han meant. Three figures emerged through the dense trees, stepping into view of the man and ghost. Han? Lord Zuo. The reason for Hans what a coincidence and his pause was none other than Zuo Tianzhengthe very man whod spotted him too. Among the trio was a Day-Wandering Peak cultivator. An Lang instinctively covered her mouth. Did I really jinx this? But I think my mouths pretty sweet Zuo Tianzhengs demeanor was calm as he sized up Han and An Lang. Id heard you entered Black Mountain too, he said slowly, but I didnt expect youd make it this deep. This place is dangerous. Reaching here at Bone-Refining Realm is impressive. Han, you truly are Black Cloud Towns prodigy. Zuo had indeed considered running into Han in Black Mountain, but as they ventured deeper into this Marrow-Washing beast-infested zone, hed given up hope. No way a Bone-Refining cultivator, even a genius, could handle Marrow-Washing foes. Coming here seemed like suicide. So, hed shifted focus to hunting the Sky-Mending Vine. Their slower pace came from relying on a broad-search artifact, unlike Hans laser-focused trek straight to his target. Han had been roaming the depths for days while Zuos group only now crept into this areaand with little to show for it beyond some minor spiritual plants, trivial next to the vine. Yet finding Han here? It struck Zuo as fates whimsy. No trace of him in the outer zones when hed hoped to meet, and now, in the depths where hed abandoned that thought, here Han was. A twist of dark pools and bright blooms. Black Mountains core wasnt vast. With their perception ranges, the odds of crossing paths on an exit-entry route were at least sixty to seventy percent. Just luck, Han said with a faint smile. Got through without tangling with anything too nasty. Nothing compared to your strength, Lord Zuo. Zuo glanced at An Lang, clocking her ghost-taming nature but dismissing her. A petty spirit, no threat. Love this story? Find the genuine version on the author''s preferred platform and support their work! Youre remarkable, Han, Zuo said. Across the realm, youre a top-tier talent. Great Qi and His Majesty need people like you. I sincerely invite you to join the royal family. Serve the Emperor, and Ill personally recommend yougranting access to the Heaven-Bearing World-Suppressing Scripture and the Emperors Divine Fist. His Majesty would nurture you with the highest honors, paving your way to power. A marquis title would be yours when you rise. What do you say? The Heaven-Bearing World-Suppressing Scripture was the Qi Bai clans bedrockan unrivaled secret art, famed across the world, a straight shot to immortality. The Emperors Divine Fist, meanwhile, was their peerless technique. Great Qis founder had forged the dynastys vast domain with those fists, piling up a body count of powerhouses to cement its bloody renown. Lu Qingmo had mentioned these tidbits to Han in passing. Whether the Qi Bai clan hid more secret arts was anyones guess, but these two alone had swept the realm, securing their elite status. Lu Qingmo may have taught you techniques, but I know you havent joined Xuandu Temple, Zuo continued. Come to the royal family. Whatever Xuandu offers, we can matchbetter, even. The royal familys the true master of Great Qi! And with Xuandu as the state religion, joining us aligns with them toono strain on your bond with Lu Qingmo. Han, I hope youll think it over. Hans smile never wavered, listening intently, though his heart stayed unruffled. Xuandus gifts, the royals can match? They gave me a partner! Can you hand me one too? Great Qis got nothing for menot even an elephant, let alone a match! Ive long admired the royal family, Han said smoothly. But my futures already set by Chief Lus plans. Ill have to disappoint you, Lord Zuomy loss, I suppose. Still, I was born and raised in Great Qi. Even if I dont join the royals, my hearts with the nation. If Great Qi ever needs me, Ill give my all to help. His words rang earnestno trace of deceit. He was a Qi man, loyal to his homeland against outsiders, no question. But aiding Great Qi didnt mean aiding the royals. Great Qi belonged to all its people! Zuo stared at Han for a long moment, then sighed. Fair enough. To each their own. I wont force you. At that, the man to Zuos right lowered his gaze, poised to act. But a flicker in his peripheral vision shifted his expression. The ancient mirror in his handignored while they focused on Hannow showed something new. Pity, such a pity, Zuo said, shaking his head. Han, I had high hopes, but this choice The man tapped Zuos shoulder, cutting him off, and nodded at the mirror. Zuo turned, saw the change, and fell silent. His face hardened as he snatched the mirror, double-checking it. Hans brow twitched. Whats going on? Whats the deal? Zuos gaze locked onto Han, his earlier calm replaced by a fiery intensity that made Han uneasy. Whats he staring at? Han, in Black Mountain, did you come across a vine-like treasure? Zuo asked, describing it roughly. Hans expression didnt shift, but his pulse quickened. That sounds way too much like the Sky-Mending Vine. Waithes after it too? Nope, havent seen it, Han said flatly. Im just Viscera-Refining Realmweak sauce. Getting this far was pure luck. How could I stumble on something a big shot like you needs? Zuos grip tightened on the mirror, knuckles whitening, eyes flickering as he weighed something. Hand over your spatial pouch and ring. Let me check. His demand was bluntrude and harsh. Lord Zuo, are you in your right mind? Han shot back. How does a Yujing envoy like you spit out something like that? Great Qis laws protect every citizens private property! The peoples belongings are sacred and untouchable! Hans tone shed all pretense of respect. Give me the pouch, Zuo said, his face chilling. Do it, and Ill give you a chance. A chance? Han sneered. Another shot at ambushing me? No thanksIll pass on that kind of chance, Yujing envoy, royal lackey. He laid it bare, no more masks. The ambush reeked of Zuos handiwork, and meeting here in Black Mountains wilds? Han didnt buy that Zuo would just let him stroll by. Lawless lands bred sin, unleashing the beast in mens heartsespecially now that Zuos target seemed to be the Sky-Mending Vine too, and hed sniffed something out. Could Han hand it over? Hell no! There was one vine, hed nabbed it fair and squareit was his. Ambush? Zuo gave a low chuckle. Whatre you on about? Im not following. I suspect youve stolen His Majestys treasure. Cooperate. And if I dont? Hah. Zuos laugh grew louder. Then Ill have to offend you. No daylight here, no Lu Qingmoand you? Just a Viscera-Refining runt. Prodigy? Pfft. The last word dripped with mockery. A genius who hadnt grown was worthless. Hans face went cold, dropping all facades. Viscera-Refining still beats you stagnating at Bone-Refining. Heard you had an accident, left you busted up. Wonder what parts broken? If youre sick, get it fixed! Zuos smile vanished, his expression darkening. You know a lot, huh? Take him. Slap his mouth. At his command, the Bone-Refining Peak cultivator to his left sprang forward. The air cracked, shadows blurredhe materialized beside Han in a flash, too quick for normal eyes, unstoppable force in tow. The gust alone could shred flesh, cratering the ground. Boom! Fist met palm in a thunderous clash. The Bone-Refining fighter flew back faster than hed come, smashing through an ancient tree. In that split second, Hans soul had leaped out. Before him, a rainbow-hued handprint lingered, fading after repelling the attacker. He swept a glance over the trio, ignoring their stunned looks, and spat two words: Thats it? Chapter 307: In Black Mountain, I Slay an Envoy! Vitality surged, true essence churned. The Bone-Refining Peak martial artist shook off the numbness and pain in his hand, his eyes brimming with disbelief. His current position felt like a dream. What had just happened? A Bone-Refining Peak expert like him, knocked back head-on by a mid-tier Day-Wandering cultivator? How could a Day-Wandering soul have such combat powerespecially one below his realm? Nowait. How long had this kid even been cultivating? How could he already be Day-Wandering?! Day-Wandering? Zuo Tianzhengs expression tightened, his heart reeling with shock. Han, I didnt expect you to hide so deep. Your martial achievements alone are staggering, but your soul path outshines even that. Impressivetruly impressive. A genius like you? Ive lived decades and barely seen a handful. Zuos seasoned perspective made the scene before him a gut punchalmost too much to swallow. Impossible echoed in his mind, the rawest reaction. Dual cultivation of soul and martial arts wasnt rare. Plenty across the realm had talent in both. Hed seen it before. But Han? How long had he been at it? From a mere mortal to a Bone-Refining prodigy in under six monthsthat alone was jaw-dropping. Now, his soul talent seemed to eclipse even his martial gifts. It was beyond comprehension. A persons energy and time were finite. No matter how gifted, six months shouldnt yield such heights in both paths. Relentless, sleepless training couldnt explain it. This wasnt just talenttime itself wouldnt allow it. Talent mattered, but some feats demanded more than raw potential. Focus on one path, and the other suffered. If Han had trained since childhoodor even started at eighteenZuo could buy it. But six months? Even a reincarnated immortal might not pull that off. What resources or legacy did Black Cloud Town have to churn out a freak like this? There had to be a secreta life-altering, heaven-defying secretburied in this kid. If Zuo could seize it, even without the Sky-Mending Vine, he might mend his flaws and climb to heights hed never dreamed of. Greed flared in Zuo Tianzhengs chest, unstoppable. Han, your talents astounding. Ill give you a chancelet me plant a seal in your soul, and you can keep forging your legend as a peerless genius. Noisy. Han waved dismissively, and the Grand Righteous Handprint slammed down, winds howling endlessly. An Lang, in sync, pulled Hans body back, clearing the battlefield to shield it from the fallout. The Grand Righteous Handprint? With that power, youve cultivated Righteous Zuos insight was sharp, but his words drowned in the roar. Clang! A long blade sang, crisp and piercing, rattling the soul. A slash of blade qi ripped out, paired with a low shout and a dragons roar. Dust billowed, the rainbow hand shattered, and Hans eyes flickerednot with alarm, but delight. Zuo Tianzheng stood firm, blade in hand. Its edge gleamed with lethal intentmerely looking at it felt like sharpness itself lunged at you, capable of slicing through anything, yet sturdy enough to block any assault. A Primordial Martial Weapon? Han asked. Youve got some knowledge, Zuo replied, his tone icy. As the Emperors envoy, once his savior, it wasnt odd for Zuo to wield a Primordial Martial Weapongear typically reserved for Marrow-Washing martial artists. Before Suzhen Palace stirred things up, Zuo was likely the only Bone-Refining fighter in Black Cloud Town with such a blade. No surprise from Yujings former genius. Lord Zuos strength lives up to the hype, Han said, genuine respect in his voice. This envoy likely trained in secret artswhether he had a peerless divine skill was unclear. But it meant Zuo wielded Marrow-Washing-level power, and not the weak kind. A prodigy whod grown up with the Emperor, his techniques, skills, and gear were anything but ordinary. Han exhaled softly. Truth be told, this was within his expectations. Zuos brow furrowed. Hans appraising tone grated on him. With a slight push off his feet, he vanished, charging Han. The other Bone-Refining fighter moved too. The Day-Wandering Peak cultivator snapped through hand seals, summoning wild winds that twisted into a roaring wind serpent, lunging at Han. A wind-based technique! Before the attacks landed, Han shot skyward. The Sky-Light Treasure Wheel unleashed beams of light, shielding his soul form. Then, a vague, lofty aura erupted from him, white flames flaring around his soul body. Under that ethereal pressure, the wind serpent wailed and crumbledpathetic. Zuo and his ally, already at Hans throat, were forced back, unable to advance, retreating step by step. To their senses, Han loomed impossibly vast, like a god gazing down. They felt smalldespite outnumbering him and holding higher realms. Help support creative writers by finding and reading their stories on the original site. Burning lifespan? Zuo froze, then grinned, laughing wildly. Han, youre torching your own future! At your level, this boost means at least twenty years gone. Youre twenty-twolose twenty, and what futures left? Idiot! Hans face stayed calm as Zuo cackled. Twenty years? No. Hed used the supreme lifespan-burning technique from the Dragon GirlSoaring Immortal. One use cost fifty years. Against Wolf Hong, a mid-tier Sanctified demon, twenty years had let him toy with her. Now, at fifty, his soul felt ready to burst. He was strongscarily so. An unripe genius? Not this month. He was a powerhouse nowa lifespan-fueled juggernaut. This fight? Fifty years to start. If that didnt cut it, hed pile on more. He was all in. Pathetic mortals cant fathom a noble lifespan-burner like me. Lord Zuo, I respect youdont let me down! My futures TBD, Han said coolly. But yours? Done. Shing! The Righteous Sword of Heaven and Earth slashed forth, clearing all obstacles. Sword qi streaked, leveling the area, scraping the ground shallow. A strong wielder made the weapon stronger. Zuo and his crew paled, sensing death. That strike was a killer. They teamed up against the sword, but it was futileswept aside like dry leaves. The Bone-Refining fighter took a bone-deep gash, his soul cracking. Zuos robe tore, but an inner armor soaked most of the hit. Hans eyes lit up. Nice gear. Zuos heart jolted. How could the gap be this wide? Three seasoned fighters, and one move screamed they were outmatched. How many years did you burn? Han, are you insane? Zuo couldnt wrap his head around it. This desperationwin or not, Han might drop dead after. Was the grudge that deep? Burning too much lifespan wasnt just a numbers game. Lose too much too fast, and the vitality drain could wreck the body beyond repairdeath the only end. Normally, a technique like Soaring Immortal was a mutual kill. Fifty years was too steepno second chances. Soaring Immortal? More like Ascend to the Grave! Just a casual swing, and you blocked it, Han said, unfazed. Lets see if you can surprise me next. No techniquesjust raw swordplay. The trio saw the chasm between them. This Han was a lunatic. Fight! The Bone-Refining fighter roared, his aura spiking wildlygrim, but climbing fast. Oh? Hans eyes gleamed. Not lifespan-burning, but a desperate move with heavy fallout. Not his problem, though. Now its getting fun, he grinned. Lord Zuo, beloved by Black Cloud Towngot any tricks like that up your sleeve? Zuos face darkened, silent, but the other cultivators aura surged too. As royal guards from Yujing, such last-ditch moves were standard. To the royals, guards lives were expendable. Han nodded approvingly. Good. Spirited. The Righteous Sword whirred again, rainbow light swirlinggrand, righteous, unstoppable. Boom! Zuos trio flew back again, composure shattered, panic setting in. Lunatic! Monster! Thats your limit? Han taunted, one hand behind his back, gazing down. Even going all out, you two cant touch Sanctification or Marrow-Washing power. Your skills? Trash. Zuo glared, then sent a silent order to his men. They charged againno retreat. Emperors God-Slaughter! A shout shook the skies. Invisible forces gathered, forming a crowned figure in yellow robes. Heaven dipped, earth shranksole supremacy. The phantom swung its blade, brilliance erupting, kingly dominance flooding the space. Secret power boiled, fueling the figure. A supreme blade qi sliced across the world. The phantom dissolved into light, merging with the strike, boosting it further. Great Qis royal heavenly martial artEmperors God-Slaughter Six Forms! Heavenly arts let low-realm users tap cosmic might, unleashing insane powerhence the name. It melded human strength with heavens, enabling cross-tier fights. Now, it wasnt just you killingit was heavens hand at work. The Bone-Refining fighters bones popped, blood soaking him instantly. A self-ruin move like Hans Form and Spirit Extinction, paired with a reckless strike akin to Sword Without Self, pushed his power higher. Not as refined as Hans version, thoughif Han used it at that realm, hed hit early Marrow-Washing with near-zero cost. This guy, stacking two suicide moves, barely brushed that level. Form and Spirit Extinctionworthy of Tree Bros last gift. Too bad it was martial-only. The Day-Wandering cultivator didnt back off either, going all-in. Han chuckled, conjuring a sky-blocking palm. It shimmered in rainbow hues, wreathed in gray-blue-green flames. The palm crushed down, shattering the emperors blade, snuffing the blood-soaked strike, and flattening the desperate technique. Boom! The forest quaked. Miles away, beasts bolted, birds scatteredlike a mini earthquake. Aah! An Lang shrieked, then cursed furiously. Youre dead! Han didnt glance back, trusting her to handle it. Just a cheap shot at his bodynothing with An Lang, a near Day-Wandering ghost, and the Diamond Bracelet guarding it. As expected, earth spikes erupted near his body, laced with a hidden soul shard from the Day-Wandering cultivatora sneaky earth-soul technique. A light barrier on Hans body blocked it all, unharmed. An Lang, pissed, vaporized the shard. Even a Sanctified soul fragment couldnt beat Yuan Yihanlet alone this weakling. As the dust settled, Han drifted down. Two bodies lay smashed into the earthpasted by that palm, lifeless. Zuo Tianzheng was gone. Han smirked, eyeing the fleeing figure. Lord Zuo, slick moveslipping away from that hit. Near the corpses, a cracked puppet bore Zuos auraa legendary death-substitute item, a step up from Lu Qingmos damage-soaking talisman. One-time use, though. Fitting for the Emperors golden boy. Too bad it was a one-shot. Light flared under Hans feet, and he vanished, overtaking Zuo in a blink. Ground-pounders couldnt outrun a flyerespecially not Han at this power level. Han, youd really wipe us out? Im the Emperors envoy! Zuo barked. Lord Zuo, youre a vetspare me the clichs, Han shot back. Especially because youre the Emperors man, youve got to die here! Zuo flung out beads that exploded with decent punchenough to nick a careless Marrow-Washing fighter. Useless against Han. He shrugged off the blasts, a handprint forming silently in the sky, pinning Zuo in place. A talisman flared, splitting Zuo into fleeing phantoms. Pointless. Another treasure followed. Han marveled. Compared to the Sanctified ambusher from before, Zuos stash was leagues richer. But it couldnt change his fate. Wait. Hans gut sank. Damn ithes burning through my loot! Smack! Zuo fell under the sky-blocking hand, no real hassle for Han. Still alive, thoughbefitting a royal-bred genius. Far tougher than his dead pals, just barely clinging on. Without lifespan tricks, Han wouldnt have matched him. Lord Zuo, Han said calmly, I gave you a chance too. If Zuo had let him walk at the start, Han wouldnt have struck. In this perfect kill zone, restraint wouldve slashed Zuos odds as the ambush mastermind in Hans eyes. But Zuo grabbed what he thought was his moment, not Hans olive branch. Zuo stared up, barely movingevery breakable bone already snapped. Han, lifespan backlash will drag you down with me. Dying with a prodigy like you? I break even. Han grinned. Wait for me to die? Keep a seat warm in the underworld. Chapter 308: All Men Are the Same Then wait for me in the underworld. If there really was such a place, and if Han one day cultivated to a point where he could stroll into it alive, hed visit Zuo Tianzhengif the guy hadnt reincarnated yet. Maybe hed even chat with the King of Hell, pull some strings for a decent next life. Looking down at the broken Zuo Tianzheng, Han felt a sudden pang of reflection. Back when he first heard of and met this imperial envoy, Zuo had been a figure of awe and dread. Before the Yujing envoy arrived, Han had fretted over what kind of man would show up and how it might disrupt his life. When Zuo did appear, he was all force and flairdecisive, imposing, radiating authority. Also, insufferable. Lounging with beauties as chairs, resting with them as pillows, feet propped in their lapsindulgence dialed to eleven. Back then, Zuos every word and whim could shift Black Cloud Towns tides, deciding the fates of its people. One thought could bless many or doom others. He was the towns axiseveryone revolved around him. No one dared defy him openly; even his detractors bit their tongues in his presence. Only when bigger players rolled in did his grip loosen, but he remained a cut above. Now, though? This lofty envoy lay ruined. The turnaround was impossible not to marvel at. Han hadnt started out aiming to cross Zuo. When those Wuchang Hall creeps ambushed him, Han had been pissedhell, hed even killed one of Zuos attackers, avenging him in a way. Fate, though, had a twisted sense of humor, turning two men with no personal beef into enemies. It wasnt hatred at firstjust circumstance and profit, step by step, pushing them to this point, then the ambush sealed it. Lord Zuo, people are all the same deep down, Han said softly. Even an emperor, in some moments, is no different from a beggar. Get killed, and you die. In deaths face, emperors and beggars are equal. This worlds folks, shaped by their ways, often held a shred of reverence for the Emperor. Not Han. Emperor? The Qing dynastys long gone. You dare insult His Majesty! Zuo rasped, fury flaring. Loyal to the end, no matter what. Just stating facts, Han said, shaking his head. Then, as if struck by a thought, he added, Lord Zuo, Im a soft-hearted guy, so Ill let you in on something. The Sky-Mending Vine? Its mine. You were a step too late. Zuos eyes bulged, raw unwillingness surging, but before he could spit another word, the Righteous Sword of Heaven and Earth soared again, snuffed his life out. The Emperors envoy, Zuo Tianzheng, was done. A spark of red flame flicked from Hans fingertip, landing on the body. It blazed fast, reducing Zuo to ash. The other two got the same treatment. A breeze swept through, scattering them into the ether. Of course, Han pocketed Zuos soulsome questions needed answers. Same with the Bone-Refining fighters. The cultivators soul, though? Wiped out in the fightsoul-based combat meant no leftovers. Two was plenty. Two spatial pouches, one spatial braceletHan scooped them up. Zuos Primordial Martial Weapon and inner armor? No way hed leave those. Burning fifty years of lifespan had juiced him up too much, and with peerless techniques in play, Zuos crew hadnt had time to self-destruct or trash their gear. Back at early Day-Wandering, Han had taken down a wounded Sanctified cultivator. Now, mid-tier, even without burning life, he was a force. Add fifty years, and hed dominated from start to finishvictory locked in. Soaring Immortal demanded death per useits boost had to be massive. Fifty years to steamroll Zuos trio? Anything less wouldve been fake. This narrative has been purloined without the author''s approval. Report any appearances on Amazon. Pity they hadnt pushed him harderkind of a letdown. Surveying the wrecked forest, Han pondered, then blasted it a few more times, reshaping the terrain to mask the fight. An Lang floated over with his body. Han slipped back in, his aura fading to normal. She watched him like a hawk, tense as hell, until his face stayed rosy and his breath leveled outno wounds. Young Master, youre really okay? she pressed. What could be wrong with me? Her question almost made him feel like hed lostlike he was the one down and out. But Zuo said you burned too much lifespanyoud die from backlash. You buying his word or mine? Han tapped her head. Youve been siphoning me for yearsdont you know how tough I am? How much Ive got? This little burns nothing. True An Lang nodded, then gaped. Young Master, youre a freak! How do you burn that much and stroll away fine? A little ghost like you cant grasp my magic, Han smirked. Stick aroundplenty more to gawk at. Roar! A bellow cut through. Hans face shifted. Lets movebeasts are closing in. The fight was quick but loud enough to rile the locals. Picking a direction, Han earth-escaped a stretch, then bolted. Earth escape was handy, but not constantsome beasts lived underground. Hed once crashed into one mid-tunnel; chaos ensued. Reaching a safer spot, Han pulled out Zuos and the fighters souls, probing their memories. The fighters was a busttoo many hardcore seals, barely any juice. Hed mostly holed up in the garrison since arriving, occasionally aiding the Black Cloud Guard. Nothing useful, and he seemed clueless about the ambush. The artifacts called the Heaven-Net Earth-Web Mirror, Han muttered. Zuo got a Sky-Mending Vine fragment from the royals Zuo hadnt known the vine was on Hanspatial rings hid itbut the mirror sensed its lingering aura. To Zuo, that meant contact. Next, Zuos soul. Barely starting, Han felt it turn chaotic and volatile. Alarmed, he chucked it. Boom! It blew up midair. Han stared, dumbfounded. Zuos soul seals are nutsself-destructing like that? An Lang jumped. Young Master, you good? Fine. Zuo was a martial guyhis soul was weak and messy. The blast was puny. Not a total loss, though, Han sneered. Caught a scrap of recent memory. The ambush on me and Senior Sister? Zuos doing. Among the Yujing crew, he had a hidden Sanctified cultivatorMaster Qianthe one who hit us. Thats all he got before the seals kicked in and trashed it. Royal-grade secrecytight as hell. These seals outdo the Tianmu Cults. Whos the real evil faction here? It was really him? An Lang fumed. Bastard deserved it! Hes already toast, Han said, sending the other soul off too, then sinking into thought. Next steps are tricky, though. Zuo was Yujings envoy, the Emperors man. Him dying in Black Cloud Town Great Qis royals No regrets about killing Zuo. The guy wanted him deadHan wasnt about to play nice over some title. No sense in that. Plus, with bad blood this deep, sparing Zuo just meant waiting for him to call in reinforcements. Kill or be killed. Still, trouble was troubleand this was big. An Langs face grew grave. She got the stakes. Back when she was alive, killing a county envoyor even a magistrates childhood buddywouldve flipped a region upside down. An imperial envoy? Way worse. Young Master, this cant leak as your doing, she warned. No kidding. If it does, Im a fugitive, Han said, rubbing his brow. No staying in Great Qi then. Gotta talk to Aunt Mo first. Was gonna surprise Sister Lu when we got out An Langs expression twisted. Now its less surprise, more heart attack. When Lu Qingmo picked up the snail call, Han stayed quiet too long. She spoke first. Its been days since you last checked in. Whats up? No Sky-Mending Vine? Her tone was gentle. No worries if you didnt find it. Come outsafes all that matters. The worlds big; I can hunt elsewhere later. Han sighed. Aunt Mo, theres something I need to tell you. What? I killed Zuo Tianzheng. Dead air on the other end. You killed Zuo Tianzheng? Lu Qingmos voice wavered. Even a standard Marrow-Washing martial artist couldnt take him. How? Uh just fought and fought, then he was dead. No way hed say he burned fifty yearsLu Qingmo might storm Black Mountain herself. She went quiet again, digesting it, then shifted gears, calm and sharp. Did you get his spatial pouch? Yeah, a bracelet. Check it in Black Mountain. Anything sketchyanything that might trackdont touch. Destroy the whole bracelet. Dont bring it out. Anything else? A blade, an inner armor. Burn them with yang fire, she said, firm and fast. Wipe every tracereduce them to raw materials. Her instructions were crisp, methodicalerasing all evidence. This had to be airtight. Chapter 309: No Task Too Tough in This World Yin and yang flames blazed, fierce enough to smelt gold, forge iron, and liquefy stone. Lu Qingmo had hammered Han with a slew of warningshow to tie up every loose end. Top priority? Zuo Tianzhengs blade and armor. Both were standout pieces, high-grade gear, meaning they were damn tough. Tough, though, wasnt eternalor beyond reforging. Primordial Martial Weapons came from fire; melting them back down was fair play. Yin fire and yang fire tag-teamed, pounding the blade and armor with relentless heat. The yin-yang dance triggered shifts too obvious to spell out. If theyd still been tied to an owner, synced with their will and pumped with true essence, Han wouldnt have had a shot. Now? No sweat. To speed it up, he even burned more lifespan to amp his power, boosting the flames. An Lang watched, staring at the sky, lost for words. Folks, who gets this? My Young Masters literally torching himself. Lets see how loaded the Emperors envoy really was Han muttered. After some effort, hed wiped Zuos mark off the spatial bracelet. Probing inside, its space outclassed his own three-hundred-cubic-unit ring. First up: books and jade slips. No heavenly martial arts, huh, Han said, half-bummed, half-figured. Unless you hit a freak stroke of lucklike Lu Qingmo scoring a peerless techniqueno outfit would let a disciple haul heavenly martial arts or divine skills around. Too dicey. So many cultivation logs and oddball stories Gathered while chasing a fix for his flaw? Han mused. An Lang, copy these down. The logs were a treasure trove of rare tidbitsstuff you wouldnt find floating around. True or bunk, youd have to sort that out, but they had real worth, big-time. An Lang zipped through, mental pen blazing, transcribing fast. Bunch of pill recipes tooweird ones. Zuo put in work to patch himself up, Han noted, pulling two. Record these too. Quirky, sure, but these two used stuff he knewYin God-tier herbsproof of their heft. Soul-Awakening Pill? Damn. Han whistled. The effect was wild: granting soul cultivation talent and cracking open the soul realm, making someone a dual-path contender. Martial arts were simplerhand anyone a method, grit, and grub, and theyd get somewhere. Even the slowest might scrape by after decades, barring total wrecks like Meng Hao, a rare heaven-doomed type. Soul techniques? Different beast. No hard rules, but they needed raw talent. No gift, no diceever. Soul cultivators all had that wisdom root. A pill rewriting fate like this? Mind-blowing. The ingredients, thoughscarce as hell. Some, Han didnt even recognize. He snail-called Lu Qingmo. Love this novel? Read it on Royal Road to ensure the author gets credit. Soul-Awakening Pill? she echoed, floored hed latch onto this after icing Zuo, chill as ever. Its legitIve heard of it, she confirmed. But its near impossible to craft now. Check the recipeneeds Sky Pool Water, right? Yeah. Nobodys seen that stuff in centuries. Plus, its a nightmare to refineYellow Spring Realm pros would balk. Dont sweat it too much. She added, Post-birth soul talent boosts arent that wild. Every eras got people pulling it off. Huh? Han blinked. Dual-path talents that common? Nah, its brutal, Lu Qingmo laughed. Guess whos usually doing it, though? The immortals on the Mountains and Rivers Roll. Non-immortals need crazy luck or cosmic breaks. Made senseevery era had its immortals. Any immortal, pre-ascension, might stick to one path, she said. But once they climb, they can flip itpick up the other paths talent and blast off. At that level, its a breeze. Below it? Like scaling the sky. So the Xuandu Temple Masters an immortal in both soul and martial? Han gawked. That hardcore? Nope, Lu Qingmo said. Top-tier folks can snag the other paths talent easy, but ascending in both? Never heard of it. Word is the Age Emperor mightve dual-ascendedunmatchedbut its just talk. Shes been off in the Mountain-Sea Domain, out of sight for five hundred years. Nobody knows her deal, and were not digging into that league. Han got it. No tasks too toughjust need luck and juice. Immortals had insane tricks, but dual-path ascension was a ghost even among them. The Rolls top ten? No solid word anyone doubled up. What a goal. When would he hit immortality? Snail dropped, Han eyed the second big recipea healing pill, also Yin God-tier. The rest were weaker, but he clocked that Zuo had nabbed most of the Soul-Awakening Pills stuffminus Sky Pool Water. Score. Yin God herbs aplentyeven without the pill, hed hit the jackpot. Lord Zuo, youre a gem, Han murmured. Clearly, Zuo had aimed to whip up the pill and jump to soul cultivationmartial road blocked, so pivot. Too bad. Han memorized the recipes, then chucked them back into the bracelet. Fatal Bladea Yin God-tier martial skill withǰ notes. Royal stock, likely, he said. Shame its off-limitstoo risky. He copied it anyway. Good stuff, but Zuos ties meant Han could only peek at its logic, not train it. Six Dragons Blood-Nurturing? A blood-boosting methodroyal too. Han sighed. The better these were, the more it hurtuntouchable. Hed have to unload them later, way later. Zuos bracelet also had bottles and jarsmostly healing pills, plus some sleazy bedroom enhancers for women. Lust-stoking crap. Nasty. One jade vial caught his eye: three Marrow-Washing Pills, boosts for hitting that realm. No other cultivation pillsZuos condition didnt call for them. Han checked them with the Three Yin Mountain Gods pill-test trick. Cleanno tracking vibes. Still paranoid, he snail-called again. Aunt Mo, if I grab Zuos lootno markscould fate tricks pin it? Nah, she said, dead certain. Most fate techniques need a hook and get jammed easy. Theyre not perfecthigher realm, more gear, more ties, harder to read. Black Mountains a natural scramble too. Royals crank out pills like those all the timetons out there. No ones tracing a handful. Relieved, Han kept just the Marrow-Washing Pills. The bracelets other lootrandom treasuresstayed mostly untouched. Less he took, less exposure. The other twos pouches? Chump change next to Zuos. Whatever. They burned time copying knowledge stuffmemorizing or transcribingthen stashed the originals back. Han lumped the three spatial items together, yin-yang flames slamming down. A big boom later, they were toast. Wrecked or lost? Who cares. Once the blade and armor melted to base slag, Han finally chilled. Lets roll. Breathing out, he checked the sky and headed for Black Cloud Town with An Lang. Six days in the mountainmess cleaned up, time to bounce from this dump. Young Master, think our road aheadll be An Lang started. Han slapped a hand over her mouth, glaring. Jinx! Zip it! Chapter 310: He’s Slandering Me! With a single step, Han left the dense forest behind, the vast expanse of the world opening up before him once more. Stretching out as far as the eye could see was a flat, unbroken plainno towering ancient trees, no swarms of wild beasts. Im out! Young Master, see? I told you Im not a jinx, An Langs smug voice chimed in through their mental link from her ghostly abode. Back in civilized lands, she couldnt exactly strut around openlybetter to stay tucked away. Han rolled his eyes. Oh, sure. Like we werent chased by beasts a dozen times? Thats not my fault! An Lang grumbled. Who tromps through Black Mountain without getting hounded by something? Han ignored her, striding toward Black Cloud Town. Day seven. As he entered, heads turned. Word of his return from Black Mountain spread like wildfire. Han didnt carehe made straight for the peach grove. Zuo Tianzhengs mess needed a deep dive with Lu Qingmo. Knowing hed emerge today, shed skipped the Ghost Division, waiting for him amid the blossoms instead. When Han reached the groves heart, he spotted her silhouette, lost in the flowers. Aunt Mo, Im back! Lu Qingmo turned, her expression calm, sizing him up. As he drew near, she rested a hand on his shoulder, checking him over. Dont worry, Aunt Mosafe and sound, not a scratch! Han grinned. After a long moment, she pulled back, nodding slightly. I was worried youd burned your lifespan to take down Zuo Tianzheng. Shes got a sharp eye. An Lang floated out, wisely keeping mum, drifting off to a corner to cultivate. As for Lu Qingmos words? Oops, ears mustve glitcheddidnt hear a thing. Han puffed up, all righteous indignation. Against a guy like Zuo Tianzheng? No need to burn anything. Besides, I promised you, Aunt Mothose lifespan tricks? Just for study, not for reckless use. Not reckless at alltotally calculated burns. The snails too vague. Tell me everything about killing Zuo Tianzhengevery detail, no skipping, she said. Alright. Han nodded, digging into his memory. So, I No way hed spill the real deal about offing Zuo. Fifty years of lifespan? Dont you dare make that upIll deny it. Check me if you wantno missing years, no drained vitality. When he finished, Lu Qingmo fell quiet, then let out a soft sigh. His target was the Sky-Mending Vine too, and you crossed paths. Talk about fate. The one who sent killers after you and Ruoyue? Him alrightZuo Tianzheng. Good riddance. Her eyes flashed with killing intent. No scolding Han for daring to slay an envoyjust pure satisfaction. Some folks, once theyd done certain deeds, flat-out deserved it. Sure, from their angle, Zuo had it coming. But this? Couldnt leakever. Even if Zuo struck first and Hans kill was payback, thinking that made it justifiable to shout from the rooftops? Thats a one-way ticket to the grave. Power didnt care about your reasons, and neither did might. This stays buried, Lu Qingmo said, dead serious. In Black Mountain, you never saw Zuo Tianzhengor any human. His deaths got nothing to do with you. Yujings probably caught wind already, but youre cleanyou didnt do a thing. A guy like Zuo wouldve left soul lamps or some life-check trinket back in the capital. He drops here, theyd know there. Han nodded, flashing a grin. Yeah, its got zero to do with me. No bad blood with Zuo Tianzheng, right? Sure, I got ambushed, but Im betting that was the Tianmu Cults creeps. And the kicker? His smile widened. Aunt Mo, Im just a Viscera-Refining newbie. Lord Zuo could tangle with Marrow-Washing typesme, hurt him? No way! Even if my soul realm got outed, I still couldnt take down his crew. Viscera-Refining Small Success against Bone-Refining Peak? Thats straight-up slander. Mid-tier Day-Wandering against Zuos squadand unscathed? Thats even wilder slander. Bring a top-tier sects golden child herethey couldnt pull it off either! If anyone says I did it, Id have to askwhat kind of genius do you take me for? Ive got a smidge of talent, sure, but it hasnt bloomed into that kind of strength yet. People cant just throw accusations around. Im just a kid still finding his feet! Enjoying this book? Seek out the original to ensure the author gets credit. Lu Qingmo nodded. Youre making a solid case. If you hadnt told me yourself, Id never buy it. Whod believe a guy training less than six months could pull this off? Nobody. Zuo didnt believe it even as he bit the dust. Lu Qingmo played it cool now, no shock in sightshed already worked through it. When Han first snail-called her with the news, that long silence? Her mind had been a storm. Sleepless night, reeling from the hit. Now, shed settledat least enough to fake calm. Couldnt let Han think she was some small-timer, right? Ive got one worry, Han said, shifting gears. What if Zuo sent a message out before he went down? No need to stress that, Lu Qingmo said with a faint smile. Black Mountains cut off from the outsidemost signals dont make it. Your snails a freak exceptionI still cant figure out how it works, its that weird. Zuo was a Bone-Refining martial guy, not a cultivator. Fancy, instant messaging tricks? Out of his league. This place is a haul from Yujingtheir comms gear needs a Sanctified cultivator to spark it up. His guards? Probably still clueless, waiting for him to stroll back with the Sky-Mending Vine. As a Xuandu disciple, even her messages to a junior in Yujing lagged a day. Zuos crew couldnt beat that. Good, Han said. With that, the envoy hit was locked down tight as it could get. Hand over what you got from Zuo. Sure. Han passed it over. Lu Qingmo wasnt after itshe just double-checked for trouble. All clear. Zuos dead, Yujings gonna stir, she said. Factions are piling into Black Cloud Town, the Mountain Gods rumbling, and theyll send someone to dig into this. Zuos death wont go unprobed. Will they mass soul-search? Han asked. Lu Qingmo mulled it, then shook her head. Suzhen Palace and others hit Black Mountain toono way theyd pull that card. Too many players, too much heat to handle. When you fought Zuo, no outsiders saw, right? Han shook his head, dead certain. Not a soul. Zuos crew moved slow compared to Han, sure, but other factions Bone-Refining types lagged harder. Han was fastestpinpoint target, solid strength, and a bag of tricks. Zuos trio trailed close, laser-focused on the vine, no distractions, and decent muscle. Other Bone-Refining folks lacked Zuos juiceslower was normal. They wouldnt just barge into Marrow-Washing beast turf either. Then youre golden. No proof, too many threadsYujings investigators wont dare overreach, Lu Qingmo said. Just no clue who theyll send. Whoever it is, Black Cloud Towns not the same sandbox Zuo rolled into. He couldve ruled the roost back thennot anymore. Han smirked. True that. The Mountain God? Han wasnt sweating it. In the old days, Black Mountain shenanigans wouldnt slip past it, but times had changed. Once were out of here, dont breathe a word about Zuos death to anyone, Lu Qingmo warned. Forget it happenedforget the guy. Act like youre clueless. Maybe give Baitian a heads-up so hes braced, but thats itnot even Ruoyue. Its not about trustfewer in the loop, better. Theyre young, green. Got it. Han handed back the three treasures Lu Qingmo had lent him, then broke into a grin. Enough downer talk, Aunt Mo. I hit all seven spots the Mountain God flaggedguess how it went? Hed skimped on details earlier, sticking to the Zuo clash. Preceding stuff? On holdnailing the kill cleanup took priority. Id bet it went well, she said. Smart as ever, Aunt Mo. Check this. Han pulled a jade box from his spatial ring, easing it open. Lu Qingmos heart skipped, breath catchingthen she froze, staring at him. What am I looking at? An empty box? Haha! Han laughed bright. The box was bare. Oops, wrong one. He swapped it out fast. This time, something nestled insidesomething Lu Qingmo knew cold, a sight shed dreamed of countless times. The Sky-Mending Vine. Mission accomplished. Snagged it from a demon clans turf. Lu Qingmo gazed at the vine, speechless, thoughts swirling. Han chuckled. Dont zone out, Aunt Mo. He handed it over. Keep it safelose this, and good luck finding another. With it, the Heavenly Saint Soul-Reviving Liquids in reach. Nice work, she said softly, her demeanor warming. You mustve dodged a lot of bullets for this. She stashed the vine quick, barely glancing at it, her eyes lingering on Han instead. A smile crept up. That jittery kid who used to bow and scrape before me? Now hes a lone wolf pulling off stuff even I couldnt. Looking back, Im glad Ruoyue dragged you to me. She hadnt expected thisteaching a kid on Ruoyues plea would pay off this big. Thank goodness Ruoyue wouldnt let up back then. Sweet girlworth every bit of doting. Gotta thank Senior Sister, yeah, Han agreed. Without her, we wouldnt be here. Back in the day, only a handful in Black Cloud Town rated a meet with Lu Qingmofresh-on-the-path Han sure wasnt one. Tell me about your mountain triptake your time, she said, eager for the seven-day scoop, worried hed taken lumps. Well, it all starts with An Langs big jinx mouth Young Master, I can hear you! An Langs indignant voice cut in. Talking smack behind my back? Not cool! Im no gentleman, Han shot back. Im a sage. And whyre you eavesdropping? Hmph, fineIm out. Lu Qingmo smiled, waiting for Hans tale. Not much danger, really. You know me, Aunt Mofolks call me the Great Strategist. Great Strategist? Uh a fancy way of saying super smart. So, after I went in By the time he wrapped up, a good chunk of time had passedtalking his head off took effort. Didnt expect the Spirit Fusion Method you snagged earlier to tie in like this, Lu Qingmo marveled. Every bite and sips got its fate, huh? Borrowing strengthsmart move. When I first got it, Aunt Mo, you sounded like you knew the Light Fox Clan? She nodded. Xuandus got records on Black Mountains demon clans. The Light Foxes are mild, sharp-witted, open to enlightenmentno beef with humans. Spot on. Strong-arming the Moon-Chasing Wolves without wiping them out? Good call, she said. The Mountain God lets those disrespectful clans hang around for a reasonClan Leader Yun said as much. Going all-out to crush them mightve rubbed the God wrong. Theyre weak anyway, stuck in Black Mountain, checked by the Light Foxesno threat to you. No point pissing off the God over them. Same page, Han said. Two Sanctified demons? No sweatcrossing them didnt faze him. After hashing it all out, Han leaned in closer. Aunt Mo, guess what? The Sky-Mending Vine wasnt my only haul. You mean the Sky Serpent Vine, Control Stone, unnamed flower, and such? Those are rare goodies, no doubtsolid haul. Han shook his head, all mysterious. Nah, nah. Those are nice, but next to my other score? Small potatoes. Lu Qingmo perked up. What is it? He locked eyes with her. She glanced away, then back, hooked by two words. Origin Stone. Chapter 311: Treasures Unveiled and Tensions Rising Was it "source"? Or perhaps "origin"? Lu Qingmo wasnt quite sure what Han meantor rather, she could scarcely believe what she was hearing. So many fortunate events in a single day? Han pulled out a fist-sized stone and set it on the table. This stone contains source energythe exact kind required for the Heavenly Saint Revival Elixir. Lu Qingmos heart jolted. She couldnt resist asking, Is it really source energy? Absolutely, no question about it, Han replied with a confident nod. Shu Ge would never steer him wrongif it said this was the source, then it was the real deal. Lu Qingmo reached for the source stone, probing it with her senses, but nothing extraordinary stood out to her. Han piped up, Aunt Mo, youre forgetting what the Heavenly Saint Revival Elixir notes say. Only Yin Spirit cultivators or True Blood warriors can detect source energy. The words had barely left his mouth when Han inwardly winced. Waitif that was true, how had he identified it as a source energy stone? Oh well, hed just toss out a quick excuse. It wasnt a big deal anyway. I found this source stone in Black Mountain, Han explained. The moment I laid eyes on it, I knew it held source energy. Its intuition. Yep, intuition. Pretty incredible, huh? In the distance, An Lang scratched her head, puzzled. How did I miss this? Whether An Lang knew or not didnt mattershe wouldnt call him out. Han had been meaning to reveal the source stone for a while, but the timing hadnt been right before. After all, pulling out a rare treasure like this out of nowhere while lazing around at home wouldve looked suspicious. Now, though, he had the perfect chance to bring it into the light. Aunt Mo, you could have Master verify it. Hed be able to confirm if its source energy. I trust you, Lu Qingmo said firmly. If you say it is, then it is. Han grinned. Good to know youve got faith in me. With two of the three treasures for the Heavenly Saint Revival Elixir secured, our odds of refining it have shot up. Aunt Mo, it might not be long before youre back in top formmaybe even stronger than ever. Speaking of which, any word on cracking the info about the third treasure? Lu Qingmo shook her head. Not yet. Junior Brother Song hasnt sent any updates. No hurry, Han said breezily. Two out of three puts us ahead of the game. The Heavenly Saint Revival Elixir Lu Qingmo murmured, her thumb brushing lightly over the source stone. I never thought wed get this close so soon. She paused, then added, The Sky-Mending Vine and this source energyyou found them both for me. I Han cut in with a playful smirk. Whats this, Aunt Mo? Are you about to get all formal with me? Who said anything about formalities? Lu Qingmo shot back, a rare spark of mischief in her eyes. If I really wanted to thank you, Id just hurry up and teach you the Thunder Seal. Han laughed. Im already counting the seconds. Without [Dream Enlightenment], passing down the Thunder and Earthfire Seals would have to happen in the real world now. Recalling the last inheritance session, Han fought to keep his grin from spreading too wide. Oh, by the wayAunt Mo, could you check out these treasures I nabbed from Black Mountain? He spread them out: Sky Serpent Vine, an unknown rare flower, odd bee honey, Molten Ruins Gold, Mysterious Vine, Mysterious Vine Wood Bead, a purple stone, Guardian Stone, and Radiant Grass. There were other spiritual plants and treasures too, but none matched these in value, and Han could identify those himself. The Sky Serpent Vine flowerdid you harvest blood, gall, and bones from a serpent beast? Lu Qingmo asked. Yeah, Han replied. I took down a serpent beast on my way out of Black Mountain. The Sky Serpent Vine flower needed a serpent beasts blood, gall, and bones to be effective, and Han hadnt overlooked that. On his way out, hed burned some lifespan and ambushed a giant snake to secure them. You might be reading a stolen copy. Visit Royal Road for the authentic version. Excellent, Lu Qingmo said. Once you hit the Bone Refining Realm and start cultivating vitality, you can put it to use. This flower, thoughI dont recognize it. Ill ask Junior Brother Song later to see if he can figure it out. The bee honeys quality is solid. It can boost true essence and strengthen the body. Plus She scooped up a soybean-sized dab and popped it into her mouth. No effect on the soul, but it does restore physical energy. A pretty decent find. In short, it was great for recovering vitality after using lifespan-draining techniques or moves like the selfless sword strike. If you want to use it for cultivation now, dilute it with water first, she advised. The bees that produced it were tough, so the honey was suited for the Bone Refining and Marrow Cleansing Realm. With only true qi and no true essence, Han would need to thin it out. The Molten Ruins Goldyep, Im rightcan be forged into a True Martial Weapon, Lu Qingmo continued. And this purple stone? No clue what it is. Well check with Junior Brother Song, but its probably another martial forging material, likely as good as the Molten Ruins Gold. A True Martial Weapon? Han asked, curious. A weapon crafted by True Blood warriors, refined with their inner true qi and blood, Lu Qingmo explained. Nurtured by martial true blood, its like a life-bound weaponthough it doesnt have the free-moving spirit of a divine artifact. Then its useless to me for now, Han said, shaking his head. Whatever the purple stone was, if it rivaled Molten Ruins Gold, he couldnt make use of it yet. True Weapons werent something Master Yuan from the county city could forge. The Guardian Stones a neat one. Three pieces can grant Stone Skin, Lu Qingmo noted. Im planning to give three to Senior Sister, Han said. Hed collected eight Guardian Stones total. Refining three unlocked the Stone Skin ability, but refining more after that only aided healingan effect he didnt need, given his other recovery options. Letting Bai Ruoyue gain Stone Skin would make the most of it. As for the Mysterious Vine Armor Lu Qingmo studied the Mysterious Vine and its Wood Bead, then reviewed the crafting method Han got from the Light Fox Clan. If Im guessing right, forging a True Weapon-grade Mysterious Vine Divine Armor depends on this bead. Inner armor that could withstand True Blood power would definitely be True Weapon-tier. This bead clearly holds more of the treasure trees essence than the vinemaybe even the trees core, she mused. But the Mysterious Vine Divine Armor She shook her head. Youd need at least a True Blood-level forger to even try crafting it. In this world, a strong cultivator wasnt always a master forger, but a master forger was always a strong cultivator. Whether it was enchanting divine artifacts or nurturing weapons with true blood, realm was everything. Sky Moon County doesnt have a forger like that, Han said, glancing at An Lang in the distance with a sigh. What a waste. She couldnt even refine divine pills or incense yet. Counting on An Lang was a fools errand. An Lang felt a sudden chill run down her spine. These treasures youve gatheredSky Serpent Vine, rare flowers, bee honey, Molten Ruins Gold, Guardian Stonestheyre the kind of stuff Manifestation and Marrow Cleansing cultivators would spend years roaming far and wide to find, Lu Qingmo said, genuinely impressed. Your luck is unreal. All thanks to the Mountain Gods pointers, Han said with a grin. The spots it picks outhow could the loot there be anything less than top-notch? Speaking of which, Black Cloud Towns been buzzing these past seven days, hasnt it? Lu Qingmo nodded. Several new factions have rolled in. The big players are the Flying Immortal Sect and the Cui Family. The Flying Immortal Sect? The one tied to Lingxuan Daoist Temple? Yep, Lu Qingmo confirmed. Theyre the top dogs in Dao Prefecture, the state south of Sky Prefecture. Theyve produced Immortal Realm masters before and still house the immortal artifact, the Celestial Pot. The last sect leaderwho tried and failed to talk Emperor Sui out of wiping out the Ancient Divine Palacewas one of their Immortal Realm experts. He passed over four hundred years ago. Han paused. If he did the math, the Great Qi Dynasty popped up not long after that sect leaders death. The Cui Family rules Qing Prefecture. No Immortal Realm experts, but theyve got the immortal artifact Purple Qi Banner holding things down, and theyve churned out powerhouses generation after generation, she went on. Sky Prefecture borders three states, and now all three of their hegemons are in Black Cloud Town, each led by Yin Spirit or True Blood-level venerables. The Heavenly Dragon Sect ruled Sea Prefecture. Not a top-tier faction, just first-rate, but Sea Prefecture was an oddball with no supreme lineages. Tied tightly to the Western Sea, they were the undisputed champs there. All the states in Qi territory were technically under Great Qi, but sometimes these local hegemons had more sway than the dynasty. Still, unless pushed, they wouldnt pick a fight with Great Qi. Dynasties rose and fell, but these factions stood firm. Besides those two top-tier groups, a few first-rate factions have shown up too, Lu Qingmo added. From Sea Prefecture, theres the Primordial Ocean Domaina local outfit that doesnt get along with the Heavenly Dragon Sect or the Western Sea. Then youve got Sky Prefectures Ten Paths Hall, Dao Prefectures Qingyuan Monastery, and Qing Prefectures Sky Sound Valley. Five first-rate factions, three top-tier lineagesall converging here. Han whistled. Thats a crowd. Enough to split between them? Eight factions, plus the Mountain God and Black Mountain itselfis it really that big a draw? A blessed cave-heaven land is worth it, Lu Qingmo said. Claim it, and you could easily start a new branch, with endless resources to churn out powerhouses. Black Mountains a prize worth the trip. Whoever takes it could climb a whole rung higher in a century. That rung higher didnt mean jumping from first-rate to top-tierjust going from average first-rate to a stronger one. For these ancient factions, its rarely about short-term wins, she explained. Theyre all about the long gamesecuring their lineages future. Owning a cave-heaven land, given enough time, brings benefits beyond imagination. Its a different beast compared to what it means for an individual. Han rubbed his chin, thoughtful. Guess if I ever start my own sect, Ill need to snag a cave-heaven land too. Lu Qingmo stared at him, speechless. Arent you getting a bit ahead of yourself? But these factions dont have much to do with me. How many prodigies did they bring? The younger generationthose were the ones Han needed to watch. A few true disciples and dao seeds, for sure, Lu Qingmo said. The Flying Immortal Sects Suo Immortal Dao Child, the fourth son of the Cui Familys current head, a true disciple from the Heavenly Dragon Sect And then theres the Saintess of the Pure Truth Palace. Shes the one to keep an eye on. The Pure Truth Palace has more than one true disciple dao seed, but only one Saintess. Shes the one who outshone all the others and earned the approval of their immortal artifact. Han nodded silently. Perfecthis blood was already starting to boil. Chapter 312: Chains About to Break Han sat down with Lu Qingmo to catch up on everything that had happened in the seven days hed been away. Surprisingly, as moreand strongerfactions poured into Black Cloud Town, the chaos had actually dialed down a notch. Three top-tier powers and five first-rate factions had arrived, each bringing Yin Spirit or True Blood-level venerables. Add Bai Tian into the mix, and with so many heavyweights around, no one dared stir up trouble. The last thing anyone wanted was to annoy one of those venerables. Bai Tian had played a big role in this. Hed paid visits to the elders of each faction, speaking as a local True Blood warrior. Some scoffed, dismissing him as a lone martial artist with no backing to rival their prestige. But others agreed that keeping things calm made sensetoo much noise and disorder would only grate on everyones nerves. Then there were the true disciples and dao seeds whod arrived with these factions. Unlike the rowdy inner disciples from before, their demeanor was a cut above. They didnt mingle much, rarely showing their facesordinary folks wouldnt catch a glimpse of them. As Lu Qingmo put it, they oozed confidence. A first-rate faction was a sprawling machine, teeming with inner disciples of all stripessome good, some bad, a mixed bag. That was par for the course. But true disciples and dao seeds? They were a rare breed, raised on the finest resources and the best guidance. Their mindset and conviction set them leagues apart from the rank-and-file below them. Good or bad in character, they all shared one trait: they didnt waste time on small fry. I need to swing by the martial hall, Han said. You should, Lu Qingmo agreed. An Lang, you stay here! With that, Han left the peach grove and headed straight for the Tai Bai Martial Hall. Lu Qingmo stayed behind, sitting alone, lost in thought. Sky-Mending Vine, source energy She whispered the names of the two treasures, a spark of light gradually igniting in her eyes. Now, she could see a real, tangible hope of recoveryno longer trapped in her current state. And if her souls wounds healed, the worries that had once weighed her down would vanish like smoke. Han had a long road ahead, with plenty of lifespan to spare. If she recovered, she could match that. The biggest barrier between them would crumble. No more fears of a beauty fading into twilightthey could roam the world together, side by side through the long years, growing old in each others company. A decade or so age gap? That was nothing. A smile crept onto Lu Qingmos face. She felt lighter than ever, as if most of the shackles binding her spirit had snapped. The dark clouds overhead seemed to part, sunlight streaming down, warm and comforting. Just one more treasure to go. Once they had it, they could refine the Heavenly Saint Revival Elixir, and shed be free of all her burdens. Lu Qingmo wasnt one to dither or second-guess. Her past actionspreparing to burn her lifespan to break through, leaving for Black Cloud Town, entrusting her divine artifact to the Xuandu Templeshowed her decisiveness. But some problems couldnt be ignored, no matter how resolute she was. She didnt care what others thought and trusted her master would back her. Yet her own predicament had gnawed at her, dimming her spirit. If that could truly be resolved, she wouldnt hesitate. The Xuandu Temple had no rules against marriage, after all. Deep down, Lu Qingmo knew the source stones appearance was a bit fishy. Hans current cultivation level shouldnt have let him detect source energy. And the odds of finding both the Sky-Mending Vine and source energy in Black Mountain? Slim, even with heavens luck on his side. But it didnt matter. She trusted Han. If he didnt want to explain, that was fine. She knew he had her best interests at hearthe was looking out for her. You found both treasures for me How am I supposed to thank you? An Lang. Here! Come over for a sec. At the Tai Bai Martial Hall, Bai Ruoyue and the others had gathered around Han, fussing over him and asking if hed run into any danger in the mountains. Han shared some of the more thrilling bits of his adventureluring beasts, fleeing for his life, identifying demons, battling wolves. His tales were packed with excitement, drawing gasps and wide-eyed stares from the group. Did you find what you were looking for? Bai Ruoyue asked. This story originates from a different website. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there. With me on the job, how could I fail? Han replied with a grin. They didnt know exactly what hed gone into the mountains forjust that it was something Lu Qingmo needed. Shen Long and the others didnt pry; it wasnt their place. In hindsight, it was better they didnt know. After all, Zuo Tianzheng had been after the Sky-Mending Vine too. One slip of the tongue couldve spelled trouble. A little later, Han asked, Is Master upstairs? Yeah, Bai Ruoyue nodded. Just him up there. I just got backI should go see him. When Han stepped into Bai Tians presence, his first words made the older mans hand tremble. Master, I killed Zuo Tianzheng. Bai Tian, whod been scribbling something, snapped his head up. What? You heard me right. The imperial envoy from Jade Capitals dead. I did it. After Han laid out the whole story, Bai Tians expression turned grave. So the one behind your ambush was him. Despicable. He sighed. Well, whats done is done. But you have to follow Lu Qingmos lead on this. It cant get outdont breathe a word of it to Ruoyue or the others. No need to panic. Just act like it never happened. Han nodded. He wasnt rattledhis mind was calm as ever. He hadnt done anything wrong, after all. He died yesterday No idea if his escorts outside know yet. Your trip out of the mountains wont stay under wraps. If someone comes asking questionsor tries to haul you indont go with them alone, Bai Tian warned. Let me know right away, or tell Lu Qingmo. Dont give them a chance to strong-arm you. Relax, Master. Im sticking around this timemartial hall to peach grove and back. Even if they want me for questioning, I wont let them pull anything shady. Good, as long as you get it, Bai Tian said with a nod. Black Mountains crawling with wild beasts. The places you went? Marrow Cleansing-level beasts roam there. Zuo Tianzheng and his crew were just Bone Refining and Day Roaming realmdying to a beast isnt unusual. It really wasnt. They didnt have something like the [Longevity Dao Fruit] to burn through in a pinch. Nature and chaos beasts didnt care about titles or status. Even Meng Hao, son of the Purple Sky Heavenly Lord, would get devoured by a beast if he wandered into Black Mountain alone. Was Zuo Tianzheng somehow more special than a Heavenly Lords kid? After wrapping up the rundown, Han went to find Bai Ruoyue again. Watching his disciples retreating figure, Bai Tian let out a quiet sigh. This youngest disciple of his was full of surprisessome delightful, others downright shocking. Killing an imperial envoys no small thing. Even if no one knows, suspicions bound to creep in Bai Tian mulled it over alone. For the imperial court, suspicion alone could be enough to pin a crime. Zuo Tianzhengs two Manifestation and Marrow Cleansing-level guards knew about the ambushthat was the root of the grudge and the doubt. When the court came for someone, they didnt always bother with reason. Theyd drag you off, torture a confession out of you, or use cultivation techniques to rip the truth from your mind. To make them play fair, you needed one of two things: raw strength or powerful backing. Only then could you avoid being hauled off and persuaded into guilt. Zuo Tianzheng had it coming, but Han couldnt afford to get caught up in this. Bai Tian shook his head, feeling a flicker of relief. Good thing hed broken through to the True Blood realmit gave him some room to maneuver. With Lu Qingmo, a Xuandu Temple disciple, in the mix, things should stay under control. At least here in Black Cloud Town, even an investigation into Zuo Tianzhengs death wouldnt spiral into blatant injustice. Han tracked down Bai Ruoyue and handed her three Guardian Stones. What are these? she asked. Something tasty, he teased. Bai Ruoyue shot him a skeptical look. Theyre rocks. Seriously edible? Shed read plenty of bookshe wasnt fooling her. Sure, at the highest levels of the Sun-Swallowing Technique, you could absorb rocks and dirt to survive. But whod actually eat stones just to get by? Would I trick you? These are treasures, Han said, popping one into his mouth. It was wildonce the Guardian Stone hit his tongue, it didnt feel hard or dry. It turned soft and chewy. Han refined three in a row, then channeled his true essence. A faint gray glow spread over his skin. With a thought, he could shift the glow wherever he wantedcovering his whole body, pooling in his hands, or anywhere else. It was flexible. This was Stone Skina battle-ready shield against enemy attacks, like wearing an extra layer of armor. According to Hu Tutu, itd hold up through the Marrow Cleansing realm. Bai Ruoyue reached out, touching the Stone Skin, feeling it carefully before marveling, Its so tough! Pretty cool, right? Han said. With Stone Skin, plus inner armor and true qi shielding, thats three layers of defense. Attack power aside, this seriously ups your odds of staying alive. You had to survive to fight another dayliving was the top priority. Bai Ruoyue started munching on her own Guardian Stones while Han slipped off to the underground chamber. Time to crank up the heat! No denying itseven days in Black Mountain had thrown a wrench into his cultivation routine. But it was just a week, no big loss. After finishing his session, Han made a quick trip to the Yun family. The two missing ingredients for his Reverse Fate Pill had been entrusted to the Yun family to gather. Itd been over ten dayssurely theyd tracked them down by now. Plus, he had something to discuss with Yun Yuannan. The cheerful Little Cloud floated over to greet him. Han swapped some fun Black Mountain stories with her, then scored the two pill-making materials he needed for the Harmful Body Fruit. There was plentymore than enough for his needs. The ingredients werent especially rare, just obscure and off the beaten path. Little Cloud led him to Yun Yuannan. Seeing you back safe and sound finally puts my mind at ease, Yun Yuannan said with a smile. I was worried Id have no way to explain myself to your master otherwise. Got to thank Senior Mountain God for looking out for me, Han replied politely, before getting to the point. Uncle Yun, I came today with a request. Go ahead, speak your mind. When Aunt Mo and I came asking about the Sky-Mending Vine, please dont mention it to anyone outside. It ties into something private for hernot something we can share. If anyone asks, just say I went into Black Mountain to temper my martial skills. Yun Yuannan agreed without hesitation. He wasnt the type to gossip. Han breathed a little easier. That knocked out one more potential loose end. He trusted Yun Yuannans wordthe Yun sisters were tight-lipped too. When they promised to keep a secret, it stayed locked down, not even reaching their own father. If word got out that he and Zuo Tianzheng were both after the Sky-Mending Vine, hed be the prime suspect. Luckily, Zuo Tianzheng hadnt blabbed to manyonly a handful knew his goal. Leaving the Yun family, Han ran through everything again in his head, making sure hed covered all his bases. Hed done everything he could. It should be solid now. Chapter 313: Defying Fate The yang fire roared, fierce yet contained within a manageable range. One by one, the medicinal herbs began to melt, their potency simmering and bubbling Bang! A sudden explosion echoed from the Three Yin Cauldron. Hans expression didnt flickerhe stayed cool as a cucumber. Just a tiny slip-up in alchemy. No big deal. Failures just the stepping stone to success, right? While he cleaned out the cauldron, Lu Qingmo seized the moment to ask, Whats with you and alchemy this month? Youre hooked. Han replied, Ive been thinking latelylifes all about having a solid skill to stand on. Something to anchor you, you know? Over in the corner, An Lang, mid-cultivation, rolled her eyes so hard they nearly popped out. Lu Qingmo, hes pulling your leg! Hes actually trying to whip up that crazy Reverse Fate Pill! Fair point, Lu Qingmo said, handing him a jade vial. The Sky Serpent Vine flowerIve processed it for you. Once you hit the Bone Refining realm, you can take it and refine it directly. Han popped open the vial. Inside was a dark red liquid that looked anything but appetizing. Not tasty, surebut useful. Im kinda pumped to tap into that vitality power, he said. When Han got back to his alchemy, Lu Qingmo slipped out, leaving him to focus. Truth be told, he wasnt jumping straight into the Reverse Fate Pill yetjust warming up his skills. Spitting out lifespan blood in front of Lu Qingmo would be a tough one to explain. Hed wait until he was confident, then head to the martial halls underground chamber to get serious. At his current realm, Han could go a whole night without sleep and still be raring to go. After a full night of tinkering, hed gotten a decent handle on the Reverse Fate Pill. Say what you willhis talent wasnt just in cultivation. He had a knack for other stuff too. Was it innate, or had something changed him along the way? The Seven Apertures Exquisite Heart probably had a lot to do with it. Come morning, Han made his way to the Tai Bai Martial Hall. But just as he reached the entrance, someone called out to him. Excuse me, is this the Tai Bai Martial Hall? Han turnedand wow, he was floored. Standing before him was a stunning woman. Her features were like a paintingflawless skin, perfect proportions, ethereal eyes, and a refined, graceful air. Her figure was elegant and captivating. She rivaled Bai Ruoyue in beauty. Yeah, this is the Tai Bai Martial Hall, Han said. Whats up, miss? She didnt answer right away. Instead, she sized him up, then asked, Youre Han from Tai Bai, right? Thats me. Something I can help you with? She flashed a faint smile. Not really. Ive just heard so many tales about Black Clouds top prodigy, so I wanted to see for myself. They say you hate evil like its your sworn enemy, love playing the hero, and have talent spilling out your ears. Meeting you now, Id say the hypes spot on. Han blinked, totally thrown. Whered you get hates evil and hero type from? What, did he just look like a walking pillar of justice? Well, she had good taste, at least. Mind if I ask where youre from? he ventured. No one worth mentioningnot worth dirtying your ears over, she replied with a light curtsy. Looking forward to our next meeting. Before Han could press further, she turned and glided off. Watching her go, he frowned slightly. Something about her was off. He could tell she was a cultivator, no doubtbut her realm? Completely unreadable. That vibe, that presenceshe wasnt from some run-of-the-mill background. Her behavior, though? Weird as heck. Han shook his head. Mysterious types were par for the course now, with all these factions flooding Black Cloud Town. Some rolled in loud and proud, others kept it low-key. As he turned back, he caught Bai Ruoyue leaning against the martial halls entrance, eyeing him. Little Junior Brother, who was that? Busted. I dont know her, Han said honestly. Dont know her, huh? Looked pretty cozy chatting her up. Cozy? I didnt even crack a smile. Bai Ruoyue gave him a look, then spun on her heel and headed inside. Morning, Teacher Bai! A cheerful voice piped up, and Bai Ruoyue nodded in response. Han glanced overa boy, maybe twelve, already at the Flesh and Skin realm. Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon. New face? Han asked. Dont think Ive seen him. With his memory sharper than a tackhe never forgot a face hed seen even oncethis kid wasnt in the vault. Yep, newbie, Bai Ruoyue said. Names Qian Duoduo, son of a rich family in town. Just turned twelve. Showed up at Tai Bai right before you headed into the mountains seven days ago. Qian Duoduo Solid name, Han said with a grin. Kids got talent. Took him seven days to step into the martial path and cultivate inner breath. Han nodded. Not on his level, sure, but for Black Cloud Town? Top-tier potential. Dad doesnt seem keen on taking him as a disciple, though, Bai Ruoyue added. I brought it up with him, but he told me to stay out of itnot to make promises to martial hall trainees on a whim. Said hes got his own plans. She frowned, puzzled. Weird, right? With Qian Duoduos talent, youd think hed at least start sizing up his character, maybe prep to take him on as a disciple down the line. What if Dads standards shot up after seeing how crazy your talent is, Little Junior Brother? Whatever Master says, just roll with it, Han cautioned. Dont go rogue. Bai Tian was already mulling over becoming a live-in son-in-lawno way hed take on more disciples. No amount of talent would sway him now; his heart wasnt in it. He wasnt about to drag a disciple along to the Ling family. Barring any surprises, Han figured hed be the one to close the shop for Bai Tian. Bai Ruoyue shot him a sidelong glance. Me, go rogue? Never. Youre acting like hes your dad now, Little Junior Brother. Totally on his side. Han chuckled, checked their surroundingscoast clearthen leaned in and whispered, Hes our dad. Hey, watch it! Bai Ruoyues cheeks flushed as she swatted him with a light punch, though inside, she was secretly delighted. Little Junior Brother, you know how many people have signed up for the martial hall lately? Makes sense, Han said. Masters a True Blood warriorBlack Clouds top local cultivator. Of course folks are flocking in. On paper, at least, Bai Tian was the strongest around. Its not just that, Bai Ruoyue said. A ton of them are here because of you. When they sign up, they keep asking if they can get as badass as you. At this rate, well need to expand the place. Expansions up to Master, Han warned. Dont go calling shots on your own, Senior Sister. Build it now, and when they all head back to Jade Capital, itd be a waste of bricks. Hmph, just wait. One day, Ill be the one running this joint, she huffed. Han figured hed probably take the reins before she ever got the chance. Down in the underground chamber, after wrapping up his cultivation, Han pulled out the Three Yin Cauldron. Time to get serious about the Reverse Fate Pill. No one would barge in herehed already told Bai Ruoyue and the others hed be refining a pill, and they wouldnt disturb him. Everyone knew alchemy didnt take kindly to interruptions. Whod guess he was cooking up this kind of madness? Yang fire surged from the cauldrons vents, swirling inside. The Three Yin Cauldron glowed faintly. The cauldron was primed. A three-vent cauldron like this wasnt tied to rankit was all about the alchemists preference. As a treasure from the Three Yin Mountain God, it was top-notch. Han and An Lang were still rookies, no fixed habits yetjust feeling their way into it. Han tossed in the first herb, his mental focus seeping into the cauldron. He tracked every shift in the herb, testing how different flame intensities refined it, zeroing in on the sweet spot. This wasnt his first rodeo. With a soul tough as nails and total control over the yang earthfire, hed racked up plenty of experience. He could nail every detail with pinpoint accuracy. As the yang fire danced, the dry, grass-like herb started to burn away. Tiny gray flecks of powder seeped outthe essence taking shape. The impurities? They got flicked out through another vent with each flicker of the flame. He couldve torched them to nothing with a bigger blaze, but that risked scorching the herb mid-refinement if he wasnt careful. Once the essence was fully extracted, Han shunted the gray powder to a corner of the cauldron and tossed in the next herb. New herb, new flame temp. He had to recalibrate, find the perfect point all over again for a flawless pull. For someone with a deep cultivation base and a rock-solid mind, this step wasnt too toughjust a matter of practice. Time ticked by, and Han refined every ingredient the Reverse Fate Pill called for. Next up: fusion. Blending all those essences together while roasting them with fire. This part? Way trickier than extraction. Han shifted the gray powder to the flames center, giving it a gentle three-minute roast on low heat. Then he added a glob of green liquid, merging the two. The instant powder met liquid, they churned in the fire, turning black and sticky fast. The flames temp shifted constantlysmall tweaks, sure, but critical ones. No room for slip-ups. Extracting was simple: find each herbs sweet spot. But fusing two essences? That changed the gamenew properties, new balance, way more complex. Different herbs had different heat tolerances, so he had to wield the flames with absolute precision. In the tight space of the cauldron, one spot might need a blaze while another needed a simmer. At the right temp, the essences woke up, hitting that fusion-ready state. Han flicked out a pill techniquea glowing rune sank into the merging essences, harmonizing and sparking them. Now it was multitasking time. One by one, the essences melded together. The Three Yin Cauldron flickered bright and dim as the heat shifted nonstop. Pill techniques flowed, guiding and shaping the mix. Finally, a lumpy, round blob floated in the cauldron, tumbling in the flames. One last techniquea flashing runeshot in. The fire flared hard, hitting the perfect temp Han had sussed out over days of trial and error. The blob glowed faintly, rounding out in the heat until it settled into a pristine, flawless pill. The Reverse Fate Pills base formdone. Now for the big finish. Hans face flushed red, like blood was rushing to his head. Then a vivid red droplet oozed from his brow. The moment it emerged, the chamber filled with a mouthwatering aroma. A faint pulse of vitality rippled out. This was the lifespan blood, nurtured per the Reverse Fate Pills unique method. Han had started prepping it days after getting the formula. An Lang gawked at the blood, speechless. Twenty years of lifespan in that blood Youre actually going for it, Young Master? Han didnt reply, letting the blood drip onto the pills base. In an instant, the whole thing turned a vivid red. The flames died down, leaving the pill glowing brighter by the second. Only then did Han spare An Lang a glance. Twenty years? Peanuts, he said dismissively. Hed need to crank out five hundred Reverse Fate Pills to burn through the [Longevity Dao Fruit]. Not that hed ever make that many. The lifespan blood fused with the pill, triggering some weird reaction. This step didnt need his inputit just did its thing. Thats why the pill wasnt considered hard to refine. The real kicker was the lifespan bloodthe years poured into it. An Lang drifted over, eyeing the blood-red pill with curiosity. So this is the treasure pill that takes twenty years to make? Is it really that amazing? Well find out soon enough, Han said. If it works, Ill whip one up for you too. What? No, notwenty years is way too much! I dont care what you thinkI care what I think. Its settled. Once the pill was fully formed, Han studied it closely, frowning. Its too obvioustoo many giveaway traits. Doesnt look like a legit pill. If I handed this to someone, theyd spot somethings up right away. A pill forged with lifespan? No way thats legit by any stretch. The Reverse Fate Pill was blood-red through and through, with a fresh, bloody scent that practically begged to be eaten. For cultivators at a certain level, blood didnt stinkit turned sweet. Han popped the pill. A massive wave of heat erupted inside him. At first, it was a cozy warmth, but it quickly ramped up to scorchinglike he was roasting over a fire. Still bearable, though. As the heat kept flowing, Han felt something shift in his bodyhard to pin down, but real. It was like a weight lifted, burdens vanishing. He buzzed with energy. Back to twelve years old! So this is what it feels like to be at the prime age for martial training? Han savored it. Pretty sweetunlike anything hed felt before. The golden window for martial arts was twelve to eighteen, but this didnt mean hed age back up in six years. The Reverse Fate effect lasted twenty years, locking him in that peak training state the whole time. No surpriseit tied straight to that chunk of lifespan blood. Twenty years from now, hed hit nineteen. By then, hed be forty-twomaybe even an immortal. Whether his body was still in prime shape wouldnt matter much. Immortal transformations blew all this out of the water. Even hitting True Blood or Yin Spirit realms, with their lifespan boosts, changed the math. A forty-year-old with a hundred-year cap wasnt the same as one with two hundred. Not bad at all, Han said. An Lang, you should give it a shot. Youre an old ghost yourself. Ghosts didnt have prime training ages, but as his ghost, she deserved the good stuff too! Chapter 314: Every Saintess, One Soul After a few slip-ups, Han finally churned out three more Reverse Fate Pills. By then, night had already fallen. He handed one to An Lang. Ghosts didnt scarf down pills like living folks. They ate the qi, the energynot the physical shell. In the mortal world, during annual offerings to the dead, if a departed soul had turned into a ghost, theyd quietly siphon the essence of the food from a plane unseen by the living. As An Lang sucked in the pills power, the Reverse Fate Pill slowly dulled, losing its sheen. Once every drop of potency was drained, moldy patches bloomed across its surface. With a light press, it crumbled to ash. Feels pretty wild, An Lang said, patting herself with a bemused look. Shed died around sixteen and spent five years in that lamp. If her mortal and ghostly lifespans stitched together seamlessly, shed be twenty-one now. Glancing over, she caught Han smearing something on the remaining two pillsthick, gooey, yellowish stuff, maneuvered with his mental focus to coat them entirely. Young Master, whats that for? Giving the Reverse Fate Pills a disguise, Han said. Cant just hand them out looking like thistheyd scream trouble. A pill this shady? One glance, and anyone would know it was bad news. His cover? The beast honey. Slathered on thick, it masked the pills true nature. Unless someone probed hard, whod guess what lurked beneath? Evil pill? Dont slander me. Its a candy dropsweet as can be. Tell me its not delicious. Once the candy was ready, Han zipped off to deliver one to Bai Tian. Master, this is a pill I snagged from Zuo Tianzheng. I tried one myselfpretty useful. Thought it might do you some good too. Bai Tian was in his forties. Sure, as a True Blood warrior, forty was still young, but Han figured he could use a little extra youth. At first, Bai Tian waved it off, insisting Han keep it for himself. Dont worry, Master. Zuo Tianzheng had a stash of these things. Even if I give one to Senior Sister and the others, Ive still got plenty left. After some coaxing, Bai Tian relented and popped the pill. He didnt even inspect it closelyjust trusted Han implicitly. Of course, his realm helped too. He could sense if something was off or harmful in an instant. The pill felt finefragrant, promising, a clear winner. Once it kicked in, his eyes widened. Its like my bodys shed a few years. For a martial artist below True Blood, this could rewind them to peak conditionhuge boost for cultivation. Bai Tians insight was spot-on. Han nodded. Thats about the gist of it. Bai Tian beamed at him. This could offset some of the downsides of your age, let your talent really shine. Its a big deal for you. Zuo Tianzheng, huh? Royal stock sure comes with some fancy goodies. Oh yeah, good ol Lord Zuoloaded and generous to a fault. Dead Lord Zuo? Even better. Back at the peach grove, Han bounded over to Lu Qingmo, buzzing with excitement. Aunt Mo, Ive got something awesomeand tasty! Bai Ruoyue and the others were still young; hed whip up more for them tomorrow. Tasty? What is it? Open your mouthIll feed it to you. Han didnt dare hand the pill over outright. Lu Qingmo was a cultivator and knew alchemy. If she gave it a quick scan, hed be toast. Bai Tian had eaten his without a second thoughthe didnt know pills from pebbles. This narrative has been purloined without the author''s approval. Report any appearances on Amazon. Lu Qingmo stared, bemused. Feed me? What is it? I can handle it myself. Its seriously good, Aunt Mo. Trust me, Im not messing around. She shook her head. Im not saying youd pull somethingjust that feeding sounds a bit odd. But if its a trick and it tastes awful, youre in for it. Translation: she was game. Her lips parted slightly, though her gaze flicked away, feeling a little ridiculous. At her age, getting fed like this? Han hadnt expected her to roll with it so easily. Aunt Mo, a bit widerI cant get it in. In a flash, he slipped the pill into her mouth, his fingers brushing her lips in the process. Before she could protest, she was already refining the flood of energy surging through her. Once it settled, she pieced together its effects. A pill? With this kind of power? What else? Han grinned. Not like its a candy drop. It does feel like one, thoughyou coated it in honey. Thisd be better for you to take. I already had one. Lu Qingmo was puzzled. Why slap honey on a perfectly good pill? Someones coming tonight, she said, shifting gears. Who? The Saintess of Pure Truth Palace. Speak of the devilright on cue, a gentle voice called from beyond the grove, requesting an audience with the host. Lu Qingmo invited her in. Han tilted his head. Whats the Pure Truth Saintess doing here? When she first arrived in Black Cloud Town, she sent word shed visit me when she had time. Looks like she picked tonight. A figure approached, and Han clammed up, curiosity simmering. The Pure Truth Saintess stepped into view, and wowshe was a vision. Calling her a celestial fairy wouldnt be a stretch. Her grace was unmatched, her beauty otherworldly, yet she radiated warmth, not aloofness. One look, and you couldnt help but like her. Every inch of her was perfection. But as Han took her in, his mind drifted to the woman hed met that morning at the martial hall. Comparing them, he realized they were neck and neck. That sparked a flicker of suspicion. Who could stand toe-to-toe with the Pure Truth Saintess? That strangers identity had to be something big. While Han mulled it over, the Saintess finished a quick chat with Lu Qingmo and turned to him with a radiant smile. Greetings, Young Master Zhou. Han snapped back, addressing her as Saintess. Just call me Jiang Yanyao, she said lightly. He nodded, then stepped back, letting her and Lu Qingmo talk. He didnt know her, after all. Hows your master been these years? Lu Qingmo asked warmly. Shes doing well. She still mentions you often, Jiang Yanyao replied. Her masterlast generations Saintesswas Lu Qingmos old friend, a tidbit shed shared with Han yesterday. Barring any twists, every Pure Truth Saintess was destined to become Palace Master, ruling over this top-tier lineage. So this woman before him? Future lord of the Pure Truth Palace. The Saintess gig didnt come with a set term. A new Saintess had to emerge before the current one stepped down. Sometimes decades passed without a change; other times, a new Saintess took over in just a few years. If the reigning Saintess hit the level to run the palace and no new one showed up, shed appoint a proxy Saintess after taking the throne. The real title stayed vacant until a true successor appeared, and the proxy got the boot. Quality over quantityno compromises. If two Saintesses were close in age, the Palace Master role got a fixed term. Once the previous Saintess hit her limiteven if she was still in her primeshed step aside for the current one, roughly her peer. The big reason? The palaces immortal artifact, the Tai Su Mysterious Truth Diagram. Per Lu Qingmo, this thing was a live wireway more active than the dormant artifacts other top factions enshrined. Becoming a Pure Truth Saintess had two hurdles: outshine all your generations true disciples and earn the Diagrams nod. The first could waitthe second was the dealbreaker. Even a fresh recruit could be tapped as Saintess if the artifact picked her. Itd happened beforea little girl, barely through the gate, not even started on cultivation, and the Diagram flew right to her, locking her in as Saintess. Some schemers caught wind and tried sending spies, hoping to snag the artifacts favor and seize the palace. No dice. Never worked. The Pure Truth Palace stood like a fortress, thriving stronger every day. Get the artifacts blessing, train up a bit, and crushing your peers became a breeze. A new Saintess always became the previous ones discipleno one else could claim her. Outsiders had no clue how the Diagram picked its girls, but its taste was flawless. Every Saintess turned into a world-class powerhouse, fiercely loyal to the palace, no exceptions. That made the Pure Truth Palace a rare beastzero infighting over the Saintess or Palace Master roles. Cut out a ton of internal rot. No point in fighting; the Diagram called the shots. Some grumbled, sure, but their opinions didnt count. The Palace Master wielded the artifact; the up-and-coming Saintess got its protection. Troublemakers couldnt pull any strings. Over a millennium, the palace had fully embraced this system. In Pure Truth, the artifact was infallibleits authority towered over everyone. A quirky lineage, no doubt. Lu Qingmo and Jiang Yanyao kept the vibe light. Every so often, Jiang tossed a comment Hans way, peppering him with praise. After about half an hour, the Saintess bid her farewell and left. Aunt Mo, whats Jiang Yanyaos cultivation level? Han asked, curiosity piqued. I couldnt read her at all. Lu Qingmo shook her head. Neither could I. But a Pure Truth Saintess always dual-cultivates dao arts and martial pathsits been that way for every generation. Even you cant tell? Han said, shocked. Saintesses carry the artifacts power as a shield. How could I see through an immortal artifact? She sighed. Across the world, only Pure Truth Saintesses get this perkevery one of them travels with immortal power guarding them. Other top factions had their momentssome prodigy might catch an artifacts eye and score a protective boost. But none did it as consistently as Pure Truth. No one else could copy that trick. Reviving an artifact or tapping its power wasnt childs play. Pure Truth Saintessnow thats a cushy gig, Han said, a touch envious. Wonder if theyd bend the rules and take a Saint Son for once? Good or bad, thats up for debate, Lu Qingmo replied. You know theres a legend about Pure Truth among the top factions? Whats that? She spoke slowly, Every Pure Truth Saintess theyre all the same person. All just reincarnations of the palaces founder. Hans eyelid twitched. No way, really? Just a rumorno ones ever proved it, Lu Qingmo said, shaking her head. But the Tai Su Mysterious Truth Diagrams antics do lend it some weight. All the same person A chill crept up Hans spine. That was downright eerie. Chapter 315: Visitors from Xuandu Temple History had proven it time and again: every Saintess chosen by the Tai Su Mysterious Truth Diagram was the perfect fit to carry on the Pure Truth Palaces legacy and wield its immortal artifact to its fullest. No one knew where the rumor about all Saintesses being one person started, but some folks genuinely bought into it. Han mulled it over, then spotted a flaw. Hold upthis theory doesnt really add up, does it? Forget the pastright now, there are two Saintesses alive at once, past and present. If its reincarnation, how could two incarnations exist together? I cant answer that one for you, Lu Qingmo said with a chuckle. Are you taking a legend seriously now? Han went quiet. Werent you the one who brought it up?! Yeah, fairits just a story, he conceded. If youre into it, though, theres another legend tied to the Pure Truth Saintesses. Spill it. This one actually leaked out from inside the palace. They say when three thousand Saintesses have taken their place, the Pure Truth Ancestor will return as a supreme immortal. Hans face scrunched up with question marks. Three thousand Saintesses? How many years would Pure Truth need to rack up that many? Thats way too out there. Not as out there as youd think, Lu Qingmo countered. Because theyre getting close. The Pure Truth Palace has been around foreverway longer than Xuandu Temple, longer than most factions in the world. Close? Han asked. What number is Jiang Yanyao, then? Generation two thousand nine hundred and ninety-nine. Whoa! Han jolted. He hadnt realized Pure Truth had already cycled through that many Saintesses. How many eons had they weathered? So, when the next Saintess shows up, the ancestors supposed to come back? Its a legend. Even if its just a tale, anyone with an agendas bound to keep it in mind, Han said. The next Pure Truth Saintess is gonna draw a lot of eyes. Legends always had some root, especially one tied to a factions founder. It was too big for people to ignore. Who was the Pure Truth Ancestor? How strong was she? Known as the Tai Su Mysterious Truth Upper Immortal. As for her strength? No clue. After all that time, who could say? Lu Qingmo smiled. A thousand years from now, youll be a legend too. Han rubbed his chin. True. With my flair, Im definitely going down in history. Late that night, Han was in his room, quietly burning lifespan, when he caught a stir outside. Stepping out, he bumped right into Lu Qingmo. Aunt Mo, sounds like someones calling for you? Lu Qingmo stretched out her senses, and her expression shifted instantly. Whys he here? Who? A senior brother from Xuandu Temple. Looks like hes a Yin Spirit realm elder now. Senior brother? Han perked up. Someone from Xuandu Temple! Lu Qingmos master had five disciples: four official, one nominal. Ahead of her were two senior sisters and a senior brother; behind her, the slacker Junior Brother Song. But her second senior sister was long dead, and her eldest senior brothermarried to the second sisterhad vanished years after his wifes passing, his fate unknown. Love this novel? Read it on Royal Road to ensure the author gets credit. So this surprise senior brother couldnt be her direct siblingjust a fellow disciple from her generation at Xuandu. Lu Qingmo headed out, Han trailing close behind. Soon, three figures stepped into the peach grove. One was a tall, middle-aged man with a square face and a stern, upright vibe. Another was a chubby young guy, maybe eighteen or nineteen, with sharp, lively eyes. The last was a handsome, lean youth with a warm, easy smile. Senior Brother Jiang, Lu Qingmo greeted. The middle-aged man studied her briefly, then let out a sigh. Junior Sister Lu. The two youths beside him bowed at once. Greetings, Uncle Lu. Lu Qingmo glanced at them. Your new disciples, Senior Brother Jiang? Jiang Yingyu, he said, nodding at the chubby one. A clansman of mine. Took him on three years ago. Then he gestured to the handsome youth. Wang Zainot my disciple, but a new dao seed in the temple. A genius on par with what Lu Qingmo once was. Han eyed Wang Zai briefly, unbothered, but zeroed in on the chubby kid. Jiang Yingyu? Sounds like speaking English. Does he have a brother named Jiang Guoyuspeaking Chinese?out there somewhere? Senior Brother Jiang, rushing to Black Cloud this latedid the temple send you to handle the Black Mountain mess? A Yin Spirit cultivator like me? Hardly qualified, Jiang shook his head. With all these factions bringing Yin Spirit and True Blood elders, the temple just sent me to uphold the Ghost God Divisions authoritymake sure no one looks down on it and starts breaking rules. Also to give some temple disciples a taste of the field. A few more came with me, but theyve gone off to find a place to crash. The Ghost God Division and Xuandu Temple were thick as thievesthe higher up you went, the tighter the knot. State-level division heads were Xuandu disciples, and the big boss at the Jade Capital HQ was one of the temples top dogs. Lu Qingmo fell quiet for a moment, then nodded. With tensions brewing and heavy hitters piling in, the Ghost God Division could use someone like you holding the fort. Facing off against all those Yin Spirit and True Blood types, she didnt have much edge. Genius or not, that was the past. Now, stuck at Manifestation realm, shed inevitably get underestimated. Jiang waved it off. Youre still running Black Clouds Ghost God DivisionIm not meddling in the details. Just here to keep the rabble in line. As for Black Mountain and the Mountain God, the temple elders have their own plans. We dont need to sweat itjust do our jobs. Xuandu Temple hadnt shown its face or made a peep, but that didnt mean theyd forgotten Black Cloud or written off Black Mountain. In Great Qis turf, what the court could handle, the state religion could too. What the court couldnt? The religion still had it covered. One more thingI came with some royal folks. They mentioned the Qi Emperors envoy to Black Cloud Town died two days ago. You know anything about it? Hans heart skipped, but his face stayed blank. Here it wasthey were sniffing around, and even Xuandu Temple had caught wind. Lu Qingmo feigned confusion, then surprise. Zuo Tianzhengs dead? I had no idea. He went into Black Mountain days ago and never came out. Everyone in town figured he was still poking around in there. He died inside? Is this for real? Solid intel, Jiang nodded. His life-lamp back with the royals snuffed out. But he went into Black Mountain? Jiang frowned, puzzled. Why would an imperial envoy handpicked by the Qi Emperor go in himself? Lu Qingmo shook her head. Beats meI dont have the details. Zuo Tianzheng and I werent exactly chummy. Weve had our beef. He wouldnt clue me in on his plans. You two had a grudge? Nothing majorjust a little friction. Everyone in Black Cloud knows. Jiangs brow furrowed. You havent been in Black Mountain lately, right? Cant get in, she said. Mountain Gods rulesno Manifestation or Marrow Cleansing cultivators allowed. His frown eased. Good enoughno issue there. Did the royals ask you to dig into it? Nope, Jiang said. They just mentioned it to me. But since the emperors guy croaked here, the Ghost God Divisions got some duty to help out. Tomorrow, the royal crewll probably swing by to ask you about it. Since youre in the dark, just play along. Got it, Lu Qingmo agreed without hesitation. Ill give them my full cooperation. Shed go all out to nab the culprit! Then she asked, Any orders from the temple for me this time? Jiang nodded. Once Black Mountain wraps up, they want you back. Youre a Xuandu disciplelingering out here too long without a solid reason doesnt fly. Ill think it over. Truth was, she didnt need the temples nudgeshed already planned to head back, especially after snagging the Sky-Mending Vine and source stone. That resolve had only hardened. The Heavenly Saint Revival Elixir was so closejust one piece left. No way shed let it slip. Whatever the third treasure was, Xuandu Temples resources would make tracking it down a breeze. Plus, even with all three in hand, refining the elixir needed a top-tier alchemist. Her third senior sister, still at Xuandus Mysterious Law Mountain, fit the bill perfectly. Returning to Xuandu was a no-brainer. It was her ticket to pulling off the elixir. With business sorted, silence settled between Lu Qingmo and Jiang, like theyd run out of small talk. Jiang broke it first. This your disciple? he asked, eyeing Han. Jiang Yingyu and Wang Zai turned too, both flashing friendly grins. Lu Qingmo shook her head. Ive guided Han in dao arts, but I havent taken him as a disciple. Hearing Hans name, Jiang didnt bat an eye. Hed just rolled into Black Cloud tonight and come straight hereclueless about Hans rep or talent. Greetings, Senior, Han said politely. Jiang nodded. Its late. I just stopped by to see you, Junior Sister Lu. Ill catch you at the Ghost God Division tomorrow. Safe travels, Senior Brother Jiang. No need to see me out. She didntjust watched the trio leave. Aunt Mo, you and this Senior Brother Jiang not exactly tight, huh? Han ventured. Their vibe was all businesszero catching up, straight to the point. Even then, they barely chatted. In and out, brisk as could be. Jiang didnt even stick around as long as Jiang Yanyao had. His names Jiang Hengchuan, from a big clan in Cold Prefecture. Joined Xuandu Temple as a kid, Lu Qingmo explained. Among our generation, were just acquaintances, really. Years back, he asked me for the Thunder and Earthfire Seals. The Jiang family offered a hefty price, but I turned them down. After that, our already lukewarm tie got even cooler. Still, hes a straight shooterno bad blood over it. Sending him here makes sense. Han exhaled in relief. Just a neutral connectionno beef. How Xuandus folks got along with Lu Qingmo mattered a lot. If someone she clashed with had shown up, it couldve stirred up trouble down the line. Chapter 316: The Investigation Outside the peach grove, the night air hung still. Second Uncle, Junior Brother Lin sent wordtheyre over Jiang Yingyu began, pointing eastward. Jiang Hengchuan nodded. Lets link up with them, then. And call me Master. Right, Seconder, Master. As the trio walked, Jiang Yingyus curiosity bubbled up. Master, this Uncle Luwas she the dao seed who had that accident back in the day? Yes, Jiang Hengchuan confirmed. If you ever cross paths with folks from the Impermanence Hall, your first priority is self-preservation. If youve got strength to spare, dont go easy on those crooked cultivators. Those twisted freaks see us orthodox sects as their mortal enemies. Got itwipe out evil, no mercy! Jiang Yingyu declared. Then he hesitated. Master, our Jiang family and Uncle Lu were not on bad terms, right? No such thing, Jiang Hengchuan said, shaking his head. Its all old historyno grudges, no ones at fault. Dont overthink it. He glanced at Wang Zai, whod been lost in thought. Ive brought you to see Junior Sister Lu. From here, your personal business is your ownI wont step in, and I cant. A word of advice: shes not one to change her mind easily. Thanks, Uncle Jiang, Wang Zai said with a slight nod. Did you get a read on the guy next to her? Visceral realm martial artist, early twenties, soul cultivation unclear, Jiang Hengchuan replied. But sticking around her place this late? Hes gotta be tight with her. Were all Xuandu Temple folkssome lines shouldnt be crossed, and cant be. Otherwise, with her temperament, she might never come back to the temple. Privately, Jiang Hengchuan found it odd. In his memory, Lu Qingmo was aloofrarely mingling with men unless necessary, let alone late at night. As a Yin Spirit cultivator, he could tell Hans presence in the grove wasnt a one-off. His traces were everywhere. Had a decade-plus changed her that much? Rest assured, Uncle Jiang, I know my limits, Wang Zai said smoothly. Senior Brother Wang, Jiang Yingyu piped up, narrowing his eyes, you tagged along with Master to see Uncle Luwhats your angle? Hed clocked it earlier: Jiang Hengchuan had planned to meet Lu Qingmo solo, sending the others to find lodging. But Wang Zai had asked to join, and with his status as a dao seed, Jiang obligeddragging Jiang Yingyu along too. Wang Zai smiled and shook his head. No anglejust admiration for Uncle Lu, thats all. Jiang Hengchuan stayed quiet. He saw right through Wang Zai. Lu Qingmo had been gone from Xuandu for fifteen years, stuck at Manifestation realmher fame long faded. Wang Zais age? Fifteen years ago, he was still a kid learning his letters. Anyone still fixated on her was either an enemy, a friend, or after something obvious. The three drifted off, each wrapped in their own thoughts. Inside the peach grove, Lu Qingmo turned to Han. Since the royals are sending people to investigate, theyll probably hit Tai Bai Martial Hall tomorrow. Her tone was firm. Stay putdont wander off. Keep within Bai Tians sight so the royal folks cant pull anything rough. Han nodded. He got it. Hed hashed this out with Lu Qingmo and Bai Tian plenty over the past two days. They had a game plan, rehearsed in his head a dozen timesno room for panic. Lord Zuos gonewhat a tragedy, Han said, deadpan. Should I send a wreath tomorrow? Dont stir the pot, Lu Qingmo warned. Once this news spreads, who knows how big the ripple will be. That jogged Hans memory. Before that riverside martial bout, Zuo Tianzheng promised hed take his pick of talents back to Jade Capitalstraight into the Emperors Academy. Now? Looks like hes breaking that promise. No one left to head backhed be checking into the underworld instead. Back then, no one saw this coming. The ambush hadnt even happened yet; Han never imagined itd end like this. Zuo Tianzheng didnt have to sweat picking talents anymore. Whether anyone went back was up to the incoming royals now. With so many factions flooding Black Cloud Town, the local prodigies had options aplenty. The Emperors Academy was off the table, but other paths were open. Zuo Tianzhengs favor had once been a golden ticketnow it was more like a leash holding them back. This narrative has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. If you see it on Amazon, please report it. Good or bad for them? Too early to tell. Aunt Mo, your Senior Brother Jiang hit Yin Spirit at his agehows his talent stack up in Xuandu? He didnt just break through, Lu Qingmo said. He was a true disciple back in the day, made a name for himself. Hes a couple years older than me. Ive been out of the loop on temple gossip, but he probably reached Yin Spirit years ago. When I left, he was already at Manifestation peak. With his talent, cracking the Yin Spirit barrier? Three years, tops, barring any mishaps. Dao arts are brutalforming a Yin Spirits tough, but merging your soul into the Yellow Spring? Thats a whole other beast. Even for true disciples, its no overnight feat. Hes likely gone far in Yin Spirit, but Yellow Spring? No telling whenor ifhell get there. Across the worlds lineages, tons of true disciples get stuck at the Yellow Spring gate for decadessome never cross it. Thats normal. Han blinked. Yellow Springs that hard? Insanely hard, Lu Qingmo said, her face grave. Anyone who gets that far is no slouchall top-tier talents. But reaching Yellow Spring isnt just about talent anymore. It takes timetons of itand its a near-death gamble. Xuandus past true disciples? Not many hit Yellow Spring, and even fewer go beyond. You might not see one surpass it across multiple generations. Of course, those masters lived long enough that even if generations of disciples flopped, the lineage wouldnt break. Rare, but not a crisis. Bai Tians a True Blood warrior now, she added, but without a massive stroke of luck, he could grind twenty years and still not touch the Thorough Earth barrier. Odds are, hes stuck there for life. The roads rough, Han sighed. He knew the higher you climbed in cultivation, the steeper it got. But Lu Qingmos master had secluded himself for eighteen years and failed to break through, and now a Xuandu dao seed like Jiang, a decade into Yin Spirit, was still there. When geniuses like that struggled, it painted a stark, intimidating picture of late-stage cultivation. Geniuses? Everyone at that level was one. The Yellow Spring gate didnt careit was built to stop them cold. Han pondered, then asked, Anyone ever blaze through those stages fast? Oh, sure, Lu Qingmo nodded. Most famous lately? The Purple Sky Heavenly Lord. Youngest of the ten immortal-realm masters on the Mountains and Rivers Life List. His rise is legendary. Yin Spirit to Yellow Spring? Took him just a few years to smash that wall. Niceprecedents set, Han said. Lu Qingmo raised an eyebrow. Whats that supposed to mean? Han straightened up, dead serious. Since its been done, when I blast through those gates at lightning speed, the worldll just have to deal with it. Confidence is a virtue. Night passed. By the time Han hit the martial hall, Shen Yu was waiting at the door. She bolted over the second she spotted him. Little Junior Brother! Some officials are here for you! Right on scheduleand fast too. Han kept his cool, even tossing in a puzzled look. Officials? What for? They got a job for me or something? No clue, Shen Yu said, shaking her head. Masters with them nowhead straight to him. She leaned in, whispering, These guys arent small fry. Even Masters treating them super serious. Weird, Han muttered. Officials Master takes that seriously? I wouldnt know them. Up the stairs he went, stepping into the room. Four people sat inside. Bai Tian was one. The others? A white-haired old man with closed eyes, a stern, imposing guy radiating authority, and a sharp-eyed young dude. Master. Youre here, Bai Tian said, jumping in with intros. You three, this is my disciple, Han. Han, these are envoys from Jade Capital. This is Elder Bai, royal blood. This is Commander Yang from the palace guard, and his top student, Young Master Jin. Han greeted each one politely. Elder Bai and Yang oozed powerstronger than Bai Tians True Blood flex. Veteran Yin Spirit or True Blood, no question. Jin, the young guy, was Bone Refining realm in martial arts. Soul cultivation? Couldnt tell. Im Jin Zhan, he said, his bright, piercing gaze locking onto Han like it could unravel every secret. Han met it with a calm, knowing look. Whatre you staring at? Brother Zhou, you went into Black Mountain a few days back? Jin asked. Yeah, Han said straight. Got out two days ago. Something up? Whatd you go in for? Fought some beasts to sharpen my martial skills, hunted for spiritual plants and treasures to boost my cultivation. Every word was truebeast battles, treasure hunts, all real. You know what happened to Zuo Tianzheng? Hes dead. Han was an honest guyanswered what he knew. Howd you know? Bai Tian cut in, frowning. I just heard it from Elder Bai and themwhered you get it? Last night, Senior Jiang from Xuandu Temple dropped by Aunt Mos place, Han explained. Said the Ghost God Divisions gotta help investigate and find the killer. I was there, heard it all. Jin mulled that over, then pressed, You went in before Lord Zuo. Did you run into him in there? Nope, Han shook his head. For real? No point in lying. I heard laterLord Zuo went in with two Bone Refining guys and a Day Roaming one. Way stronger than me. Even if they entered after, theyd probably outpace me. Black Mountains huge. If they passed me, howd I catch up to bump into them? Im just a Visceral realm martial artist. Jin didnt push back, switching tracks instead. Heard you and Hall Master Bais daughter got ambushed by some unknown Manifestation cultivator once? Whole town knows that story, Han said. Any guesses who sent them? Jins eyes stayed glued to him. Han didnt flinch, meeting his gaze head-on. Evil cultivators, Heavenly Dragon Sect, and He dropped the last name. Lord Zuo. Preposterous! Commander Yang barked. Zuo Tianzheng was the Qi Emperors envoywhy would he stoop to something so vile? I believe Lord Zuo wouldnt either, Han said smoothly. But back then, in Black Clouds setup, only three outfits couldve sent a Manifestation cultivator. Just going by the facts for my guess. Commander Yang, Bai Tian interjected, my disciples just being straight with youwhy get riled up? Hes answering everything, cooperating fully. No holding back. Hall Master Bais right, Elder Bai said, cracking his eyes open slightly and nodding. No blood tie between him and Bai Tiansame surname, different roots. No rule said a royal familys name was off-limits to the masses. Yang clammed up, saying no more. Jin nodded. Brother Zhous a straight shooter, no doubt. Were just here because youre the only one who came out of Black Mountain from the same day as Lord Zuo. Had to check in, thats all. He was His Majestys envoycant let him die without answers. I get it, Han said. Lord Zuo busted his hump for Black Clouds stability and growth since he got here. I admired him for it. Now that hes dead in there, weve gotta get to the bottom of it. Glad you see it that way, Jin said, shifting gears. Day before you went in, you and the Ghost God Divisions Head Lu hit up the Yun family. Day you went in, Yun Yuannan met with you both. What was that about? Aunt MoHead Lus nominal disciple is Yun Yuannans daughter, Han replied. Those two days, it was about taking her on as an official disciple. Because of that, Yun Yuannan gave me some pointers for my triphelped me score big in there. He and Lu Qingmo had synced up with Yun Yuannaneveryones story matched tight. Can you recall your route through Black Mountain? Jin asked. Whod remember that? What a dumb questionBlack Mountain was a sprawling maze, most of it looking the same. No landmarks, no markerswhod track their path? Trying to trip me up, huh? Han played ball, answering everything thrown at him. Dead guys the VIP, right? No embellishments, no tricksjust plain, simple truth. No fancy wordplay to throw them off. More you say, more you risk. Try to outsmart them with clever talk, and you might spill more than you mean to. Honest Han, thats me. Chapter 317: Suspicions and Lung Perfection At the window, Bai Tian stood watching as Elder Bai and the other two vanished down the street. The questioning was over, and Han had played his partcooperative to a fault. With Bai Tian there, they wouldnt dare snatch him up. Han lounged back, sipping tea leisurely. Master, staring at them so openlywont they notice? At their level, perception was razor-sharp, borderline divine. Nah, Bai Tian said, shaking his head. Those three ooze presenceplenty of folks are gawking. Plus, that questions selling your Master short. True, Han grinned. Youre a True Blood badass, after all. Before I got here, whatd they say to you? Bai Tian stepped away from the window. They broke the news about Zuo Tianzhengs death, asked my take. Then they thanked me for keeping Black Cloud steadypitched me a sweet deal to join the Great Qi royals in Jade Capital on behalf of the throne. Thats about it. Theyd never guess youre actually heading to Jade Capital, Han said. Just not for the royals. Bai Tian sidestepped that. You handled yourself well back there. Based on your words alone, no oned tie you to Zuo Tianzhengs death. But dont let your guard downkeep it airtight. Relax, Master, Ive got this. Han left the room, only to get swarmed by Bai Ruoyue and the crew, all buzzing with questions about what went down. Jin Zhan stayed quiet, lost in thought, until theyd walked a good distance. Then he spoke up. Elder Bai, Masterwhats your read on this Han? Elder Bai replied, Pretty honest. Didnt seem to hide much. Hes Visceral realm, been at it maybe half a yeardamn impressive, Commander Yang said. Hes dabbling in soul cultivation too, but pulling this off in martial arts that fast? Not easy. His soul power, though Yang shook his head. With that strength, if hed run into Zuo Tianzheng in Black Mountain, he wouldnt have walked out two days agohed be dead by Zuos hand. Yang wasnt buying Han as the killer. The gap in raw power was just too wide. As for the ambush on Han and Bai Ruoyue, Zuo Tianzhengs two guards had already spilled the beans to Elder Bais teamclean confession. The trio didnt bat an eye. No opinions, no fuss. Assassinations? Royals did it plenty. Hell, every faction under the sun targeted rival prodigies. Just dont get caught. Looks like hes in the clear, Jin Zhan said. Even if he wanted to use beasts to take down Lord Zuo, pulling that off with his strength? Slim chance. But Ive got two nagging doubts about him. Oh? Elder Bais tone was gentle. Whatd you spot, Little Jin? First doubts about that ambush, Jin Zhan said, breaking it down. Zuo sent Master Qian to take out Han and Bai Ruoyuetwo Visceral realm kids. Howd they hold off a Manifestation cultivator until Lu Qingmo showed up? Even if theyre both prodigies, maybe Bone Refining level, facing Master Qian? One move, and theyre toast. Yet they lasted til rescue. Doesnt add upa big red flag. Means Han or Bai Ruoyues got something up their sleeve to fend off a Manifestation cultivator. If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. Please report it. At least enough to stall for a bit. Still, that wouldnt touch Zuo and his crewso its just a suspicion. Makes sense, Elder Bai nodded. Go on. Second doubts his cultivation speed, Jin Zhan continued. A twenty-two-year-old with zero prior training, no hint of talent, joins Tai Bai Martial Hall and hits this level in half a year? Thats world-class prodigy stuff. He shook his head. Its nuts. This is Black Cloud Town, not Xuandus Mysterious Law Mountain. His masters a fresh True Blood, Lu Qingmos just Manifestation. No big backinghows he doing this? Whatevers fueling that speedcould it juice up his combat too? Jin glanced at Elder Bai and Yang. Cases like this? Always means theyve stumbled into some major opportunity. What Hans got, what it can dono one knows but him. Thats where I see the cracks. Clear those up, and hes off the hook. A monthly cheat refresh? No outsider could dream that up. But it didnt stop them from pegging Han as a guy with secretssome kind of windfall. Happened all the time in this world. Purple Sky Heavenly Lord climbed to immortality unstoppablepiled up opportunities young, even got hunted for a few. The Sima clan of Southern Jin found the Destiny Sects secret stash, nabbed an immortal artifact, and founded a dynastyclassic windfall. Every true disciple and dao seed from the big lineages had their own talesdivine artifacts, ancient techniques, old souls whispering advice, freakish physiques. History was lousy with it. Some nobody shoots to the top, or a regular cultivator vanishes and comes back transformed? Jackpot, guaranteed. Prodigies with secrets werent rareElder Bai and crew had seen it a million times. How big those secrets were? Only the holder knew. Sure, theyd seen it plentybut that didnt kill the itch to covet those goodies. Reality just kept their greed in check. Yang clapped Jin Zhans shoulder, grinning. Sharp analysis, kidspot on. Theyd clocked the same holes, but Yang brought Jin along to sharpen him up, so he let him talk. Plus, a Yin Spirit and True Blood vet didnt stoop to grilling a kid like Han themselvesstatus and all. Jin Zhan sighed. Shame Bai Tians True Blood too, and Hans cozy with a Xuandu disciple. Cant just drag him off. Bai Tian breaking through here in Black Cloud? Hes got secrets of his own. Outside the Yun family, Tai Bai Martial Halls the shadiest local outfit. Lu Qingmo and Bai Tian were Hans shield. If hed been from Tenglong or Mad Blade halls, hed already be in cuffs, getting squeezed hard. Those two joints wouldnt faze Elder Bais team one bit. No rushtake it slow, Elder Bai said. Well swing by the Yun family next, then wait for Pure Truth Palace and the others to come out of Black Mountain. Door by door after that. Whoever dared kill His Majestys man pays with their life. At the Yun family, they got the same line from Yun Yuannan: I dont know squat. Back at Tai Bai, Han had no clue Jin Zhan had flagged his two big red flagsand wouldnt care if he did. Unless they had a cheat like the Fortune Gourd, theyd never sniff out his hacks, no matter how hard they dug. Some cheats even he didnt fully getwhere they hid, how they worked. Go ahead and poke aroundfind nothing. I got here through pure grit! After todays cultivation wrapped, a soft golden glow bloomed from Hans lungsgentle, not blinding. His kidneys chimed in, glowing too, syncing with the lung light. That lung glow carried a vibe of flawless completionsolid, unbreakable. With each breath, his true qi surged stronger, his body shimmering with golden flickers. Han took a deep inhale, holding it forever before letting it rip. When he did, the chamber whipped up like a gust hitwild stuff. One hell of a breath! Congrats, Young Master! Lung perfected, another leap forward! Unmatched talent, one-of-a-kindtrue immortal material! An Langs cheers rang out, piling on the flattery. Han smirked. Brown-nosing ghost. Three days out of Black Mountain, three days of focused training, and boomlung done. Those wild days in Black Mountain werent downtime. Fighting beasts, sprinting for his lifeit all counted as training. Six days in the chaos, three days refining, and here he was. Two of the five viscera downspeed so insane itd shock the world. Hed barely hit Visceral minor completion a hot minute ago. Even Bai Ruoyue, pre-Han, took months per organ back when she was the star. The five viscera? Way tougher. Han? Days per organ now! Say that out loud, and folksd call it a fever dream. But theyd never guess the priceliteral chunks of his life torched. Han flexed, feeling his state, and nodded, pleased. Lungsmetal in the five elements, the canopy of the organs. They ruled breath qi. Perfected, they sucked in heaven-and-earth essence like a vacuum, and one breath lasted agesstamina through the roof. Lungs also drove qi generation and flow, tuning the whole system. Huge perks for cultivation and combat. Tied tight to the other four viscera, perfecting it juiced up everything. Mood soaring, Han yanked out the Three Yin Cauldrontime to cook! Good vibes stackedfive Reverse Fate Pills popped out today. Thats a clean hundred years of lifespan burned. Blazing through itfeels good. Same drill: slather on the honey, turn em into candy drops. An Lang watched, heart pounding. Young Master, youre burning more and moremaybe pump the brakes? Theres still time to back off. She was legit spooked. Just what shed seen? Hundreds of years gonenine Reverse Fate Pills, plus the Flying Immortal Technique eating the lions share. She was terrified shed just drop dead out of nowhere. Chapter 318: Heaven’s Shift, Clan Annihilation A few hundred years of lifespanenough to outright burn out several Manifestation or Marrow Cleansing cultivators. An Lang and Han were in this together, life and death entwined. How could she not be scared? To her, Han was spiralinggetting way too reckless. A bit too extreme. Han ignored her. Long hair, short sightjust take what I give you and quit yapping. In the peach grove, Lu Qingmo rolled in late that night. Her first words upon arrival: The royals hit up the Ghost God Division today, grilled me about Zuo Tianzheng. Han watched her, waiting for more. They know I put the screws to Zuo after that ambush on you, she said. Han nodded. They asked me who I suspectedI told them straight. As long as you didnt slip up, Lu Qingmo said. Only hitch is, they also asked how you held off a Manifestation cultivator until I got there. Han grinned, already clocking the royals angle. By their logicand common senseme and Senior Sister shouldve been dead under Master Qians hands. No way wed last til you showed. Me walking out alive? Thats the weird part. Suspicious. Bet theyre also wondering why Im cultivating this fast. Dont sweat it, Lu Qingmo said. They cant force your secrets out. If anyone asks how you stalled that Manifestation hit, stick to our script. Forget them, Han said, pivoting. Youre back late tonight, huh? Senior Brother Jiang brought some Xuandu disciples to the Division, she explained. Wanted me to slot them all in, give them stuff to do. She shook her head. Most of them are greenfirst time out of Xuandu. Its about building experience. Totally legitXuandu disciples had pull in the Ghost God Division. Aunt Mo, youre full-on Uncle status now, Han teased. Guess Im getting old, she sighed. Thats not what I meant! Setting me up, huh? Manifestation cultivators live a hundred yearsyouve got decades left, Aunt Mo! Once you refine the Heavenly Saint Revival Elixir and hit godhood, youll be young forever. Han pressed on: Doesnt the elixir heal soul wounds and make up for the fifteen years you lost? You might not just hit Yin Spiritcould jump straight to Yellow Spring! Not that easy, Lu Qingmo said with a wry smile. Speaking of that, Ive been meaning to ask something. Whats up? Whys the lifespan for Manifestation and Marrow Cleansing cultivators just a hundred years? Han was genuinely stumped. Some rare mortals, if they dodge sickness and disaster, hit a hundredeven over it. Manifestation and Marrow Cleansing are crazy strong, but they cap at a hundred? Thats nuts. For those realms, a hundred years was a hard stopbam, youre done. Not like mortals who might squeak past to 105. Unless you popped something like a lifespan-boosting spirit, it was game over. If you spot this narrative on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation. Weird as hellcultivate your ass off, and youre still outlived by a lucky peasant? That question bugs a lot of cultivators, Lu Qingmo said. Most cant answer it. But you can? She nodded. The Temple Master explained it once. Because the heavens changed. Heavens changed? Whats that mean? She didnt answer straight, sidestepping instead. You know some old Xuandu texts say cultivators back in ancient times lived way longer? Night Roaming or Visceral realm? A hundred years, minimumsomething only the rarest mortals hit, but they always made it. Day Roaming or Bone Refining? At least 150 years. Strong foundation, top-tier power? Up to 200. Manifestation or Marrow Cleansing? Minimum 200, with the best hitting 300. Yin Spirit, True Blood, Yellow Spring, Thorough Earthall the same. Lifespans dwarfed what we get now. Immortal-realm masters like the Temple Master? Back then, you could call it near-immortality. Even godslegends say a Yin Spirit-level god had a lifespan so long its hard to fathom. Hans jaw dropped. Three hundred years? What the hell happened to tank it like this? Just heavens changed? Three hundred versus a hundrednight and day. In his old world, 300 years could watch a mortal dynasty rise and fall. A hundred? Peanuts next to their power. Yeah, Lu Qingmo said. That long-lived eras ancienttoo old for anyone to have lived it. We just glimpse bits in the records. Then, out of nowhere, cultivators lifespan caps dropped. No reason in the textsjust happened. Boom, its like this now, and everyones used to it. No trace of when or why the cap shrank. Manifestation at 300 years? Pure myth now. But every top lineage knows its no myth. Every immortal on the Mountains and Rivers Life List has said something like the Temple Master: Heavens changed. Thats why lifespans shiftedwhy a Manifestation cultivator might not outlive a mortal without some rare booster. Han was floored. This was some deep, hidden lore. It wasnt that Manifestation cultivators couldnt handle more yearsits that heaven wouldnt let them. Whyd this even happen? he muttered, baffled. Who doesnt want more time? He sure did. If this was still that ancient era, hed be Day Roaming in soul power200 years easy with his foundation. Now? Even one more breakthrough, and its still just a hundred. Sucks. Talk about feast or famine. The [Longevity Dao Fruit] had so much lifespan he couldnt burn it allheck, it might not even be the only one. Who knows how many eons its packing? Yet cultivators today were stuck with this measly cap. Whered that [Longevity Dao Fruit] even come from, anyway? Ancient times, heavens shiftwhats that actually mean? Lu Qingmo shook her head. No idea. The Temple Master just said thatdidnt elaborate. But since every immortal on the list echoes it, we trust the ancient era in those texts was real, not just stories. Han sighed. Knowing this, a hundred years feels so damn short now. Who jacked my extra lifespan?! Well with the [Longevity Dao Fruit] tanking times toll this month, hed get 100 years plus a month at Manifestation. Small win, right? Youll hit Yin Spirit and True Blood for sureno need to stress, Lu Qingmo said. Even a hundred years can be a blastway better than a mortals lot. Manifestation lords over countiessame lifespan as a peasant, but lived a thousand times better. Its not just lengthhardness and quality count too. Han hit his solo cultivation, still chewing on this heavens shift thing. Gut said there was a massive secret behind it. Pretty much everyone who heard this thought the same. Next morning, Yunduo bounced into the peach grove again. Got stuff to do today? Han asked. Nope! she chirped, grinning. Dad sent me to drop something off for you. She handed him a talisman paper. Its got what Dad wants to tell youI didnt peek! Uncle Yuns got a message for me? Han took it, and Yunduo darted off to Lu Qingmo. Teacher, teacher! Whenre you making me an official disciple?! Shed caught wind of itlittle girl was hyped. Official disciples needed a proper ceremony, unlike nominal ones. The Yun family was prepping. Once ready, shed formally bow in, joining Xuandus ranks. Watching her skip off, Han smiled, then probed the talisman with his mind. His expression froze. Yun Yuannans opening line hit like a thunderclap: The Moon-Chasing Wolf Clan is wiped out! Sudden and explosive as hell. Han dug into the rest, soaking it all up. When he finished, the talisman crumbled to ash. He stood there, eyes flickering, until Yunduo left all bubbly and Lu Qingmo strolled over. Whats up? Han exhaled slow. Good news. Last time I was in Black Mountain, snagging the Sky-Mending Vine from the Moon-Chasing Wolf Clan? Theyre gone now. Wipes out my last loose end. Gone? Lu Qingmo blinked, surprised. Who did it? Yun family? NopeLight Fox Clan, Han said, his tone odd. They got their Spirit Union Technique back. In just days, a Day Roaming peak fox tapped their ancestral power and broke through to Manifestation. Few others got a boost too. Then their chief, Hu Tutu, pouncedtook out the Wolf King and Queen, crushed the Moon-Chasing Wolf Clan flat. Wolf Valleys theirs now. Han had smashed Wolf Valleys array, and it wasnt fixed. The Wolf Queen, crippled by Han, took days to crawl back from deaths doorstill a wreck. Meanwhile, the Light Fox Clan gained a Manifestation beast. One side sank, the other soaredMoon-Chasings doom was sealed. Light Fox bloodlines outclassed Moon-Chasings anyway. One-on-one, the Wolf King couldnt touch Hu Tutu. The wounded Queen? Freshly broken-through Hu Lie Lie still outmatched her. Blood feud ran deepyears of slaughter on both sides. Moon-Chasing at its weakest, Hu Tutu pounced hard and ended it. Lu Qingmo paused, then sighed. Well that is good news. Chapter 319: All Risks Erased, The Cui Clan of Clear River Back then, Han had spared the Moon-Chasing Wolf Clan, wary of meddling with whatever plans the Mountain God might have for the demon clans. But the worlds a funny placeturns out the wolves still bit the dust, taken out by their old rivals no less. And it tied straight back to Han. Wolf Valleys weakness? His doing. The Light Fox Clans power-up? Thanks to him returning their Spirit Union Technique. Guess the doomed are doomed. Still, he didnt swing the axe himself. The wolves end came from Black Mountains internal demon squabbleslinked to him, sure, but not directly his mess. No chance of ticking off the Mountain God. Yun Yuannan passing him this intel wasnt about blameit stemmed from the royals hitting up the Yun family yesterday over Zuo Tianzhengs death. They were fishing for clues, figuring the Yun clan might know something since Black Mountain was the Mountain Gods turf. Too bad the gods fadedcant see everything in the mountain anymore, no help to offer. But Yun Yuannans no fool. Piecing together Han and Lu Qingmos chats with him, hed sniffed out a hunch. So yesterday, hed pinged Black Mountain, telling them to scope out the Light Fox Clan. Thats when they found the Moon-Chasing Wolf Clan wiped out. The Yun familys mountain contacts grilled the foxes, getting the full story. The Light Fox Clan spilled about Hanbut kept mum on him burning lifespan for power. Before leaving Fox Valley, Han had asked Hu Tutu to keep that under wraps. If the Yun family ever asked, just say hed used some special trick to juice up temporarily. As the guy whod handed back their core heritage, their forever VIP, Hu Tutu wasnt about to say no to that small favor. No lies eitherjust vague wording. Lifespan burning? Totally a special trick. Kept Hu Tutu comfy and Hans secret safewin-win all around. When that tale trickled out of Black Mountain to Yun Yuannan, a lot went unsaid but understood. Hed sent Yunduo with this message, adding hed already told the Light Fox Clan: if outsiders ask about Han later, just play dumb. Black Mountains massive, demon clans aplenty. Yun Yuannan only zeroed in on the Light Fox Clan because he knew Han had tangled with them. Outsiders? Clueless. Whod bother with the foxes? If they say never saw him, no ones digging deeper. Yun Yuannans move screamed one thing: Nephew, chillIve tied up the loose ends in Black Mountain for you. No leaks, no cracks. Once Han got the gist, thats why he called it good news. Whatever special trick hed pulled to smash Wolf Valleys array, if the royals caught wind of that kind of power, hed rocket to suspect numero uno. Strength like that could absolutely take out Zuo Tianzheng in Black Mountain. Around Black Cloud Town, Han had already scrubbed every tracenothing funky to find. But the Wolf Valley raid? That was the lone snag. Royal bigshots couldnt waltz into Black Mountain, and those who could wouldnt cross paths with the Light Fox Clanso the snag was kinda theoretical. Still, a risk lingered. If hed known hed run into Zuo Tianzheng after Fox Valley, hed have told Hu Tutu to hush up his whole visit from the jump. Too bad hes no prophet. Now, though? Flawlessno weak spots left. Locked down tight. The Light Fox Clan moving fast actually bailed me out big time, Han said with a laugh. Returning the Spirit Union Technique? Paid off. The foxes could keep his secret; the wolves sure couldnt. Good thing the Moon-Chasing pack was toastnot a single yapper left to spill. No stragglers to worry about eitherthis was clan war, brutal and thorough. The Light Fox Clan didnt mess around. Their wipeout didnt just blind the royalsit kept the Yun family in the dark about his lifespan trick too. Thank the stars the foxes struck before the royals showed up. A sip, a peckfates got its ways, Lu Qingmo said, smiling faintly. Maybe this is payback for handing back the Spirit Union Technique clean and quick. Reading on this site? This novel is published elsewhere. Support the author by seeking out the original. Call it good karma for a good guy. Depends who youre good to, Han shot back. Help a decent sort, you get rewarded. Help an ungrateful jerk? Nadaor worse, they bite you back. Your mouths always got something to say, Lu Qingmo chuckled. Yun Yuannans been solid to youthink theyll get their reward? Damn right! Han didnt hesitate. Ive got every favor logged up here he tapped his headand Ill pay it back tenfold, hundredfold, down the line. No need to wait, reallyhed already hooked up the Yun sisters with Fortune Spirit Liquid this month. Thats a jackpot right there. But he wasnt keeping score. If he could help the Yun family later, he wouldfull stop. Anyone whod been good to him, who he vibed with, hed never nickel-and-dime. If its in his power, hes in. That said, hes no sucker either. Lu Qingmo gave him a loaded look. Yun Yuannan probably doesnt care about payback. What he really wants? You joining the family. Aunt Mo, quit testing me. Han straightened up, all righteous. Im family with you forever, Aunt Mo! Hed noticedshe was loosening up lately, tossing out lines shed have dodged before. Good sign! Today at Shen hour, Yunduos officially bowing to me as a disciple at the Yun place, Lu Qingmo said. You should swing by. Shen hour? Cool, Ill drag Senior Sister along. Works. Han hit the martial hall and pitched it to Bai Ruoyue. She was all in. I knew Yunduod go official with Aunt Mo ages ago, she bragged. With Aunt Mos style, its all or nothing. Once she takes someone on, shes not half-assing it. Nominal disciple? Just a pit stop. As long as Yunduos got a clean heart, it was only a matter of time. She puffed up, proud of her foresight. Senior Sister, youre a real genius, Han said. She squinted. Whys that sound like shade? Shade? Nah, pure praisebig brain! He slid the topic elsewhere. Howd that candy drop treat you yesterday? Her eyes lit up. Awesomecultivations picking up speed. Feels like Im young again! Youre still young. Nineteen soonprime time for a Reverse Fate Pill. Little Junior Brother, whered you snag that pill? Its wildeveryones raving about it. Crafted by a seriously epic alchemist, he said. A bit later, He Feng tracked him down. Someones here for you. Who? Cui family, He Feng said. From what weve dug up, its the fourth son of their headCui Yaozhi. Clear River Cui Clan? Han nodded, ready to meet him, but he gave He Feng a once-over and grinned. Brother He, your cultivations coming alongVisceral realms right around the corner. Haha, all thanks to you, Little Junior Brother! He Feng beamed. After Su Changan, hed hit Muscle and Vein peak toonow gunning for Visceral. Tai Bais seven? Minus Shen Yu, the youngest, the other six were all closing in on Visceral. A Black Cloud Town legend in the making. Han stepped into the guest room. A refined, noble-looking young guy stood there flashed a slight smile when he walked in. Brother Zhou, sorry for dropping by unannounced. Brother Cui, youre too polite, Han said, grinning back. You showing up? Makes this place shine. Clear River Cui Clanfamous worldwide. Im honestly flustered youd come to me. Cui Yaozhi seemed chill, so Han didnt mind laying on some charm. The Cui Clan ruled Qingzhoufolks tagged them Clear River Cui since their base was in Clear River County. Too many Cui families out there, even in Qingzhouadding Clear River pinned it down. Brother Cui, sit. They settled in, and Shen Yu slipped in quiet-like with tea. No servants at Tai Baiguests meant disciples handled the grunt work. Usually Shen Yu. Ive been in Black Cloud a few days, Cui Yaozhi said, that faint smile still on. All I hears your legend, Brother Zhoumind-blowing stuff. Seeing you now? Rumors didnt oversell it. Youre a dragon among men, a bona fide prodigy. Brother Cui, youre too kind. The vibe set, they hit it offtrading compliments, chatting cultivation, swapping stories. You here for the Mountain God thing too, Brother Cui? Part of it, Cui Yaozhi said, sipping tea and shaking his head with a smile. Also wanted to check out prodigies from other spots, see the worlds best in action. Mountain Gods bounty? Nice if I get it, no biggie if I dontcant force it. Everyone loves treasure, but to me, people outshine any prize by a mile. Meeting you, Brother Zhou? Already a solid haul. Brother Cui, youre a wise one. Cui Yaozhi didnt seem to have an agendajust here to vibe with Black Clouds breakout star. No talk of teaming up for the Mountain God trials. Not even a hint. Sparring? Out of the question. All smooth sailing. Finally, Cui Yaozhi stood. Meeting you today, Brother Zhou, I feel like Ive found a kindred spirit. If you ever hit Qingzhou, swing by Clear Riverlet me play host. Han teased, What, I didnt host you well enough here in Black Cloud? Cui Yaozhi laughed, waving it off. Not at alldont twist my words! Catch you later, Brother Zhou. Safe travels, Brother Cui. Han saw him out of Tai Bai. Bai Ruoyue sidled up right after, curious. Whatd that fancy clan kid want? Just a meet-and-greetmaking friends, Han said. No business talk. Pretty laid-back, huh? Han smirked. Clear River Cui Clanworld-class name, deep enough pockets to let him kick back. With their foundation, a bust in Black Mountains no skin off their nose. Then he sighed. Man, the gap between peoples wild, though. Some Heavenly Dragon Sect inner disciples strut around like they own the placearrogant as hell. Cui Yaozhi, a legit Cui heir, doesnt even flex half as hard. Different breeds, for sure. At the Cui Clans temp base, Cui Yaozhi rolled back in. A Yin Spirit elder, Cui Xian, piped up. Yaozhi, howd it go? That Tai Bai Han as good as the hype? Cui Yaozhi mulled it over, then nodded. Real presencesteady, confident, brimming with spirit. Didnt see him fight, but hes got that prodigy spark. Your eyes never off, Cui Xian said. Guess its legit then. Worth keeping in touchcould be a wild card. A prodigy popping out of a backwater like this? Bound to surprise us. Top lineages birthing prodigies was par for the course. But a gem from the sticks? Thats something else. Hans not with Xuandu Temple, right? Another Cui piped up. Nopechecked hard. No ties beyond Tai Bai Martial Hall. Interesting, Cui Xian mused. Whats Lu Qingmo thinking? Forget what shes plotting, Cui Yaozhi said with a laugh. Hans solidhanging with hims all upside. No need to pitch joining Cuijust pure friendship works. Heard hes tight with the Meng familys little prince too. Your call, Yaozhihandle it how you see fit. He nodded, turning to the other Cui disciples, tone firm. You heard meIm not saying grovel to Han. Cuis got its pride. But I dont wanna see any of you flexing your name and acting like hotshots either. Hes low-born but a top-tier prodigy. No need to kiss upjust dont be dicks. The crew nodded quickyes, sir. Not like the Cui Clan feared some unripe prodigy. A thousand years of legacy, churning out prodigies left and rightno room for fear. But no fear didnt mean disrespect or picking pointless fights. Ignore him if you wantfine. But starting beef for no reason? Brain-dead move. Whats king in this world? Talent. A faction lasting a millennium had its own savvy way of playing the game. Enemies aplenty, surebut friends too. Cui Xians question lingered, thoughone plenty of folks shared: A wild prodigy like this, mentored by a Xuandu disciple, and hes not in Xuandu Temple? Makes no sense! Whats Lu Qingmo up to? Not taking him as a disciplewhats her endgame? Chapter 320: The Origin Divine Pool At the Ghost God Division, Jiang Hengchuan was grilling Lu Qingmo with a question not unlike what others were pondering, his tone thick with confusion. Junior Sister Lu, Han started cultivating under your wing, right? Yeah, Lu Qingmo nodded. Ive never privately taught him any Xuandu Temple dao arts. Not just dao artsshe wouldnt casually spill Xuandus exclusive secrets either. The knowledge shed shared with Han might be high-level, obscure stuff, not common chatter, but it was all fair game for anyone who reached a certain tier. No breach of Xuandus rules there. She could confidently say she hadnt crossed a single line. Then why not teach him Xuandus dao arts? Jiang pressed. Senior Brother Jiang, I havent forgotten the temples rules. You could take him as a disciplethen it wouldnt break any regs, Jiang Hengchuan said, genuinely stumped. Hes been by your side, learning from you. You know his talent, his strength better than anyone. A prodigy like that, and you havent roped him into Xuandu Temple? I dont get it. Any lineage would kill for a genius like him. Hes tight with us alreadywhats your play here, Junior Sister Lu? That first night in the peach grove, Jiang hadnt clocked Hans dealdidnt care. Sure, the kid seemed close to Lu Qingmo, but so what? Then he dug into Black Clouds scene, heard Hans story, and bamhe cared a lot. A nowhere town like this birthed a talent like that? And hes cozy with a Xuandu disciple? Jackpot! Its like a free prodigy fell into their lap! But finding out Han wasnt Lu Qingmos disciple or in Xuandu Temple? Jiang was floored. What the hell? A genius lands right next to you, and you dont reel him in? To Jiang, getting Han into Xuandu was the no-brainer move. The temple scores a top-tier talent, Lu Qingmo gets a stellar disciplefuture backupand Han gets primo training. Win stacked on win. So what was this Junior Sister Lu up to? Lu Qingmos eyes flickered as she met his gaze. Ive got my own plans for Han, Senior Brother Jiang. No need to worry. Jiang frowned. You dont want him in Xuandu Temple? Before she could answer, he barreled on. I get itback when some folks in the temple screwed up over the Thunder and Earthfire Seals, it left a bad taste. Pissed you off. But they paid for it. You didnt get hurt, didnt lose anything. The temple still has your back. You can hate them, even despise them, but Xuandus still your home. Im a straight shooter, you know that. Bringing Han in is whats best for him. Her response stayed flat. Ive got my plans. Jiang sighed, shaking his head. Fine, if youve got it figured out, Ill shut up. This book''s true home is on another platform. Check it out there for the real experience. They were just peersnot boss and subordinate, not even under the same master. He couldnt sway her. He turned to leave but paused at the door. If you dont want to head back to Xuandu, I could take Han there myself. Lu Qingmo didnt bite. Jiang left. Take him to Xuandu She zoned out, lost in thought. Han was a walking riddlemaybe some big shots chess piece, maybe a reincarnated powerhouse. Too messy. For his future, his safety, she had to play it careful. Not long after, Wang Zai, the Xuandu dao seed, called from outside. With her nod, he stepped in. Uncle Lu. Whats up? Ive got some cultivation questionsmind if I pick your brain? Her expression stayed cool. Ask Senior Brother Jiang. Hes Yin Spiritknows more than me. Well, if youve got stuff going on here, I could She cut him off. The deputy handles Ghost God Division tasks. Find hershell assign you something fitting. Anything else? If not, you can go. Wang Zai fumbled, words failing him, and finally bailed. Lu Qingmo didnt spare him a glance, face blank. Impatient, huh? Fifteen years, and theyre still hung up. Hmph A washed-up Manifestation cultivator, fifteen years off Xuandus gridno fame, no clout. Why would a hotshot dao seed bother sucking up? Respecting elders? Sure. But groveling? Pointless. She saw through his game in a heartbeat. Shen hour rolled around. Han hauled Bai Ruoyue to the Yun family to watch Yunduos disciple ceremony. What threw him? The crowd. Yun Yuannan had invited a ton of folks. Made sense after a secondXuandu Temples clout in Great Qi was no joke. Joining it was a big deal, worth a blowout. Becoming an Xuandu disciple outranked landing a cushy Qi official gig by miles. Not every Xuandu disciples apprentice got the temple stamp. Only grown true dao seeds or elders could take disciples straight into Xuandu. Regular deacons? Non-true bigwigs just had recommendation rightsentry still hinged on passing the temples test. Random disciples students? No chance of Xuandu recognitionotherwise itd be too easy to sneak in. Lu Qingmos accident aside, her Manifestation realm marked her as a matured true dao seed. Her disciples got the green light. Catch: not too many. Take dozens outside the mountain gate? No limit. But scoop up scores out here, and Xuandus coming to audit you for selling slots. Han and Bai Ruoyue arrived early. He sent her off with the Yun sisters, then tracked down Yun Yuannan to thank him proper for tying up Black Mountains loose ends. Nephew, Im not quite following, Yun Yuannan said, all smiles. Whatd you do in Black Mountain? Nothing, right? My Yun family clean up for you? Nope, didnt happen. Seems like all you did in there was grind your martial skills, start to finish. Han cracked a grin, nodding along. Uncle Yuns got it right. Get ready, though, Yun Yuannan added. Five days from now, the ancestors making a move. Thats your chance to shine, you young folks. With your talent and strength, youll tear it upput Black Cloud on the map. Five days? Ill do my bestwont let Senior Mountain God down, Han said, then probed, What kinda tests the Mountain God cooking up? Yun Yuannan gave a wry smile. Still no word on that. Whatever youll face lives in the ancestors head. Could be a spur-of-the-moment callwho knows? The Mountain God called the shotscould slap a decision together on a whim. But one rewards locked inIve got the scoop. What is it? Its a group perkcalled the Origin Divine Pool. Something only gods can forge. Yun Yuannan broke it down: Dip in, refine its powertons of perks. Boosts your foundation, bumps your cultivation, helps with special techniquesall of it. If the ancestor wasnt about to fall, this poold be toast too. Normally, no gods letting outsiders tap its juice. But with the Mountain God on the way out, the pool couldnt hold. No legacy for the Yun family to keep. Origin Divine Pool Han hadnt heard of it, but Yun Yuannans pitch alone made it sound drool-worthy. Its a prize for anyone who passes the ancestors test, Yun Yuannan said. Plus other goodies from Black Mountains depthshavent told me what, but theyll be solid. Youre Black Clouds poster boycounting on you out there. Duty calls, Han said. But our local talentshowre they gonna stack up against those outside hotshots? Theyre outclassed. Black Mountains thought of thatset some rules to tilt things for Black Cloud folks, give the hometown a leg up. What rules? Outside factions want in on the ancestors test? Theyve gotta bring Black Cloud people along. Say Pure Truth Palace passesthey drag a local with em, that kid gets the Origin Divine Pool too. But its not a free ride. The ancestors not just handing out goodiesthose tagging along with outsiders gotta face their own challenges during the test. No slackers cashing in. Yun Yuannan laid out Black Mountains rough plan. The ancestor wants to give the hometown one last boost, but not to losers. Theyve gotta show talent, prove their chops. Its a loose frameworkdetails arent ironed out. Black Mountains still tweaking it to make sure outside prodigies and ours both get a fair shot. Final calls theirs. Han chewed it over, nodding. Even just the rough idea sounds like its got Black Clouds back. Guess Im waiting for five days. Keep it under wraps, Yun Yuannan warned. Tell your Tai Bai crew, but no one else. Once Black Mountain goes public in five days, act like youre hearing it fresh. Leak early, and it could stir up trouble. Like factions doping up Black Cloud talents with shady tricks to puppet them. Im tipping you off so you can prep. Want to hook your Tai Bai pals up with this? Last chance to get em ready. Hans expression twitched. Backroom deal, huh? He loved a good backroom deal. Chapter 321: A Gathering of Legends Five days had passed since Yun Yuannan last spoke with Han, filling in a few details he might have overlooked earlier. Now, Han found himself brimming with anticipation. Soon enough, nearly everyone expected had arrived. Han spotted Jiang Hengchuan, along with several disciples from Xuandu Temple, all gathered to witness the occasion. Lu Qingmo was taking on a disciple, an event that mattered most to her peers, as they were about to welcome a new fellow disciple into their ranks. The impact, however, was minimalno one stepped forward to object. After all, who could argue against such a perfect match? A talented beauty and her destined mentorsome random naysayer didnt stand a chance. Taking a disciple was a personal choice, and with both parties in agreement, no one could stop it. Yun Duos background was spotless, and after years by Lu Qingmos side, this step felt like a natural progression. Jiang Hengchuan caught Hans eye, his gaze flickering briefly. He sent a quiet message to his disciple, Jiang Yingyu, who glanced at his master with a troubled expression before waddling over to Han. The plump young man forced a stiff smile. Uh you me um he stammered, barely stringing a sentence together. Han blinked, confused. Whats this guys deal? With his ethereal, almost otherworldly looks, was Jiang Yingyu just starstruck? Jiang Yingyu, right? Brother Jiang? Han took the lead, breaking the awkward silence. Relief washed over Jiang Yingyus face as he nodded eagerly. Yes, yes, thats me! Han suppressed a cringe. What an unfortunate name. So, whats up? Whyd you come over? My master asked you to step over for a chat, Jiang Yingyu managed, glancing toward Jiang Hengchuan, who was already heading outside. Hes got something to discuss. Han nodded. Alright, Ill head over now. He followed, curious. Jiang Hengchuan was Lu Qingmos senior brothertheir relationship was lukewarm at best, with no real bad blood. Han figured it was worth hearing him out. Jiang Hengchuan led him to a secluded corner and cut straight to the point. Han. Senior Jiang, whats this about? Han asked. You know Lu Qingmos identity, dont you? Of course. Shes a disciple of Xuandu Temple. Han resisted the urge to roll his eyes. Obviously. Im this close to knowing her inside and out. If I didnt even know that, I might as well throw myself at Senior Sister and call it a day. Then let me askyour thoughts on Xuandu Temple? Jiang Hengchuan pressed. Han paused, considering. The best in the world. Ive admired it for ages. Jiang Hengchuan went quiet, eyeing him. This kids got some nerve. Even Xuandus own disciples wouldnt dare claim they were the absolute best. The best in the world might be a stretch, Jiang Hengchuan said dryly. Han feigned shock. What? You mean theyve surpassed even that? Jiang Hengchuan stared, momentarily dumbfounded. What kind of logic is this? Xuandu Temple serves as the state religion of Great Qi, overseeing the Ghost and Spirit Division and protecting the people. Its merits are boundless, and its revered by all. Han nodded earnestly. True. Whatever their goals, the Ghost and Spirit Division, under Xuandus guidance, keeps Great Qis counties safe. Without them, regular folks wouldnt stand a chance against demons or rogue cultivators. Judge the deed, not the intentthats why so many hold Xuandu in high regard. This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there. Jiang Hengchuan gave a slight nod. The temple hopes Lu Qingmo will return to the mountain. If she leaves, whats your plan? Ill follow Mos lead, Han replied simply. Shes guided your cultivation from the start, Jiang Hengchuan continued. Shed make an excellent master for you. Han fell into thought. Master and disciple, huh? Sounds kind of thrilling. The dynamic adds a whole new layergets the blood pumping just thinking about it. Xuandu may not be the undisputed best, but its among the top-tier traditions, Jiang Hengchuan added. It offers the finest training for its disciples. With your talent, youd be valued highly. Has Lu Qingmo mentioned this to you? Han saw through the conversation nowJiang Hengchuan was trying to recruit him. It caught him off guard. According to Lu Qingmo, Jiang and his family had once tried to trade for her Thunder-Fire Seal, only to be turned down. Yet here he was, still extending an olive branch. Maybe her claim that he was upright wasnt just talk. Han was mulling it over when footsteps interrupted. Lu Qingmo appeared, grabbing his arm and pulling him away, leaving Jiang Hengchuan with a single line: Senior Brother Jiang, youre overstepping. Jiang Hengchuan didnt react to her words. Instead, his gaze lingered on her hand gripping Hans arm. He froze. The icy, untouchable Lu Qingmo, doing something like this? His mind raced, piecing together bits of intel about Hanhow, after a certain point, the so-called genius of Taibai stopped returning home, spending his nights at the Ghost and Spirit Divisions headquarters. Alone, that detail had seemed odd. Now, it clicked into place, and Jiang Hengchuans brain short-circuited. Is there something off about Lu Qingmo? Dont mind what others say, Lu Qingmo told Han as they walked. Do what you wantdont let anyone sway you. You know how special you are. Even well-meaning advice might not end well for you. Trust your own heart. She paused. Im off to find Yun Duo now. With that, she strode off, clearly swamped with tasks. Han smiled. Mos always looking out for me. Brother Zhou! a voice called. Han turned to see Cui Yaozhi approaching, flanked by Jiang Yanyao of Suzhen Palace, Wang Zai of Xuandu Temple, and a young man in a Taoist robe with a sword strapped to his back. Judging by his attire and company, Han guessed he was Suo Xian, the prodigy of Feixian Daoa peerless talent in his own right. These four represented the pinnacle of their respective traditions, their reputations towering. It seemed Lu Qingmos disciple ceremony had drawn them all out. Han walked over, greeting Cui Yaozhi with a grin. Brother Zhou, let me introduce you, Cui Yaozhi began. This is the saintess of Suzhen Palace Jiang Yanyao cut in with a smile. Cui, your infos outdated. Zhou and I have already met. Wang Zai chuckled. Same hereIve crossed paths with Brother Zhou before. Suo Xians sharp gaze sized Han up before he gave a curt nod. Looks like Im the only one who hasnt met the famed genius of Black Cloud. Feixian Dao, Suo Xian. Han, he replied. Suo Xian wasnt his birth nameupon becoming Feixian Daos chosen, his past identity dissolved, replaced by his title. It was tradition: no family name, no given name, just a daoist moniker to signify the pursuit of the Great Path. Dont sell yourself short, Cui Yaozhi said. From the day we set foot in Black Cloud Town, who among us didnt already know Brother Zhou? Weve been acquainted in spirit for a while. Wang Zai laughed lightly. Well said, Brother Cui. The five stood together, chatting and laughing, the atmosphere warm and easy. Each was among the worlds brightest young stars, their personalities distinct yet harmonious in this moment. They didnt fawn over one another, nor did they tear anyone downtheir confidence shone quietly within. Han felt it keenly: the pride and unshakable belief radiating from these four. Yet in casual conversation, they were calm, composed. It only deepened his disdain for the arrogance of Tianlong Gates disciplesa stark contrast driven, no doubt, by their ties to Yunjiang Dragon Palace. His bond with the dragon maiden had naturally put him at odds with them. Eyes from the crowd kept drifting their way, emotions mixedenvy, awe, disbelief. Five peerless prodigies from top-tier traditions, radiating charisma, were impossible to ignore. To many, Han, a nobody from the sticks, standing shoulder-to-shoulder with such figuresconfident, unflinching, every bit their equalwas surreal. The sight hit harder than watching him trade blows with a Bone-Forging expert. How did he get here? they wondered. Yet, knowing his feats, it made sense. A commoner who, with only Organ Refinement mastery, could rival Bone-Forging strengthanywhere he went, no one would dare underestimate him. Give him a top-tier martial art, and hed rocket to the elite tier of prodigies. His future was limitless; only a fool would dismiss himand in doing so, dismiss themselves. When talent and power reached such heights, background ceased to matter. Smart people recognized a peer when they saw one. Of course, the world was big enough for a few less-than-smart prodigies to pop up now and thenHan knew that well from his past life scrolling the internet. The ceremony continued, with Yun Duo officially becoming Lu Qingmos disciple. Remarkably, no one caused a scene. The day unfolded smoothly, a rare and quiet triumph amid the gathering of legends. Chapter 322: The Quota Conundrum The Yun household buzzed with unbridled joyno disruptions, no chaos. And why would there be? The only ones likely to stir trouble, the Tianlong Gate, hadnt even bothered to show up. Given the Yun familys tight bond with the Yunjiang Dragon Palace, Yun Yuannan wouldnt dream of inviting their rivals. With Ao Xuanwei and her crew already gracing the event, a Tianlong Gate appearance wouldve soured the mood faster than a storm cloud over a picnic. As Yun Duo completed her discipleship ceremony under Lu Qingmos guidance, Jiang Yanyao flashed a gentle smile. So, Young Master Zhou, youll be joining Xuandu Temple too, wont you? Thatd be a real stroke of luck, Wang Zai chimed in, grinning. Xuandus always on the hunt for talent. Having a prodigy like Brother Zhou as a fellow disciple? Thats a win worth celebrating. Suo Xian, the Feixian Dao prodigy, gave Han a sidelong glance and shook his head. I see it differently. Brother Zhous still tangled in worldly tiestoo many threads of fate and messy romantic knots. Hardly the type to settle down and meditate on the mysteries of the Dao. Han blinked, caught off guard. Wait, you read faces and fates too, Daoist? Suo Xian shrugged. Just a little hobby. Cui Yaozhi burst out laughing. Brother Zhou, youre in the dark here. Our Daoist friend practices the Mortal Dust Immortal Scripture. Its all about diving headfirst into the chaos of the worldsavoring every flavor of human life, the good and the badbefore breaking free and ascending to immortality. Hes got an eye for people like nobody else. The Mortal Dust Immortal? Han sucked in a sharp breath, momentarily floored. Hed just stumbled into someone who couldve been ripped from the pages of a cosmic epic! Not that kind of immortal, of courseLu Qingmo had explained it once. Feixian Dao rested on two foundational scriptures: the Supreme Immortal Scripture, a path of detachment and emotionless transcendence, free of worldly ties, and the Mortal Dust Immortal Scripture, which Suo Xian followeda starkly opposite road. Most of Feixians chosen successors walked the latter path. After all, its easier to wade through the muck of life than to chase the lofty, elusive Supreme ideal. Those who pursued the Supreme rarely left the mountainyou wouldnt catch them mingling out here. Once Yun Duos ceremony wrapped up, the guests began to trickle out. Han pieced it together: not everyone was here just for Yun Yuannans invitation. This was a rare chance to network, a gathering of talents from every corner of the realm in little Black Cloud Town. By the end, only a handful of Yun family allies lingered. Han and Ao Xuanwei slipped away to a quiet side courtyard. She didnt waste time. You got the details about the Mountain Gods trial, right? During the ceremony? Five days from now, Han confirmed with a nod. Yun Yuannan had told him to keep it under wrapsexcept from those he trusted. With the Dragon Lord and Mountain Gods obvious connection, Ao Xuanwei clearly already knew the score. Good youre in the loop, she said, a playful smile tugging at her lips. The Yunjiang Dragon Palace is sending some aquatic kin to join the trial tooa little gift from the Mountain God. So, go easy on them, alright? Han grinned back. Theyre the ones wholl need to hold back. Her tone had been light, teasing, and he matched it. You joining in? She shook her head. Not my scene this time. Im here to head into the mountain, dip into the Origin Spirit Pool, then watch you all tackle the trial. Wait, you can just say that? Han raised an eyebrow. We havent even started competing, and youre already cashing in? Nepotism much? He could already picture it: Yun Yun, Yun Duo, and the rest of the family skipping the trial entirely, reaping the rewards early like Ao Xuanwei. To the Mountain God, Black Cloud Towns folks were just neighborsbut the Yun family? They were blood. Naturally, they got first dibs. I can tell you, at least, she replied smoothly. Dont sweat it. The Origin Spirit Pool isnt some literal pondits a manifestation of the Mountain Gods core power. Using it today or five days from now? Same difference, no impact on the outcome. Oh, and since Xuandu Temples people are here, theyve probably approached you too, huh? Han nodded. Yeah, Senior Jiang from Xuandu had a word with me. Jiang from the Hanzhou Jiang clan? Mo says so. You know them? Sure do, Ao Xuanwei said. Theyre a decently big dealgot a Yellow Spring Realm expert in their ranks. More of a vassal family to Xuandu, though. Not quite top-tier, but they benefit plenty by sticking close to a powerhouse like that. Xuandus thriving, huh? A Yellow Spring Realm masters a rare sight for me, but to Xuandu, theyre just another ally. Han shook his head in awe. Reach immortality, and youll have vassals of your own, Ao Xuanwei teased. But if Xuandus not your vibe, you could always swing by Yunjiang Dragon Palace. Once I set up my own domain, you and I could rule a stretch of waters together. Hows that sound? The story has been taken without consent; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident. Han chuckled. Tempting. Wed start with one territory, build it up, make it unstoppablethen conquer the Four Seas, unite every aquatic tribe, and resurrect the dragon clans mythic glory. Youd be the Dragon Empress! Their eyes met, and they both cracked up. Truth be told, if he had some cheat code for a slow-burn empire-building gig, teaming up with the dragon maiden wouldnt be half bad. Too bad he didntand even if he did, a month wouldnt be enough to build squat. A moment later, Bai Ruoyue poked her head in. Junior Brother! The last of the Yun familys close allies had chatted and left, and shed come looking for Han to drag him back. Go on, Ao Xuanwei said. Im prepping to head into the mountain. Next time we meetfive days from now. Good luck out there. You too, Han replied as he and Bai Ruoyue left the Yun estate. Lu Qingmo didnt join themapparently still tied up with something. On the way back, Bai Ruoyue smirked. So, Junior Brother, while you were sneaking off with Ao Xuanwei Whoa, hold up! Han cut her off. Senior Sister, watch your words. It was a normal chat, not some clandestine rendezvous. Oh, my bad, she said, mock-apologetic. I meant while you were cozying up with her. Look, skip the sneaking and cozying part. Just get to the point. Fine, fine, Bai Ruoyue relented. The Yun patriarch just told me Taibai Martial Halls got a spotone of us can head into Black Mountain today with Yun Duo and the others for a sweet perk. Han perked up. Oh? He knew exactly what she meant: early access to the Origin Spirit Pool. But Taibai getting a slot? That was unexpected. Was it because of Bai Tian? Or something else? Did the Yun family say what the perk is? Something called the Origin Spirit Pool, Bai Ruoyue said. Never heard of it, but they wouldnt lie. They also mentioned you can snag the same benefit during the Mountain Gods trial later, so no rush. Han nodded, smiling. Its a big deal, alright. Ive heard of this pool. Barely five minutes ago, sure, but still. Yun Yuannan had said it was fine to share with Taibaithey were family, after all. The Yun clan tossing them a spot just proved it. Wait, you knew? Bai Ruoyues eyes narrowed. Oh, rightAo Xuanwei clued you in. You two are tight, huh? Whatever you say, Han brushed it off. One spot He mulled it over. It wasnt a small numberYunjiang Dragon Palace only got one too, for Ao Xuanwei. Lets head back and talk it over with everyone. At the martial hall, Bai Ruoyue laid it out for the group. One spot, seven Taibai discipleson paper, it sounded like a fierce contest. But in reality Im sitting this one out, Han said with a grin. If its something I can grab during the trial anyway, taking the spot now would just be a waste. Same here, Bai Ruoyue added. Both were confident theyd ace the Mountain Gods trial and claim their share of the pool. With the trial still five days away, this early slot didnt mean much to themAo Xuanwei had said one dip was enough, timing be damned. Bai Tian nodded approvingly. Im out too, Shen Long declared, practically vibrating with excitement. Ive been training forever, plus Junior Brothers been a huge help. Im itching to test myself. I might not match those big-shot prodigies, but in Black Cloud Town? Im not scared of anyoneexcept you two, of course. His intent was clear: hed earn his reward the hard way. The second tremors haulrare herbs, the Dream Enlightenment technique, Creation Elixir, and that Fate-Defying Pillhad seriously boosted Taibais disciples. Shen Longs confidence wasnt baseless; among peers in Black Cloud Town, he had little to fear. Su Changan and He Feng exchanged a glance and smiled. Guess its Little Fishs turn then, they said in unison. Shen Yu, whod been silent, blinked in surprise. Me? Yeah, you, Bai Tian confirmed, settling it. Han wasnt shocked. The moment hed heard about the spot, hed figured Shen Yu would get it. Youngest and weakest of the bunch, with only minor Muscle-Tendon mastery, she didnt stand a chance in the trial. The Taibai seven were tight-knittheyd naturally look out for her. With Han and Bai Ruoyue bowing out, Shen Long as her brother, and Su and He too decent to compete, it was a no-brainer. Ill take you to the Yun estate, Bai Ruoyue said, pulling Shen Yu close. Stick with Yun Duo when you get thereyou two are buddies, right? Yep! Shen Yu nodded eagerly. The two girls, close in age, had a solid friendship. With that settled, Han brought up another point. For the trial, outsiders and Black Cloud locals will be tied together somehow. Shen, you three should team up with some external factionsboost your odds of scoring big. Hans right, Bai Tian agreed. Youre all talented, but your resources cant match the big sects. Teaming up benefits everyone. Zhang Yuantao rubbed his chin. A few groups have approached us about partnering lately. Since Junior Brother says so, lets pick some. But if were doing this, we go straight for the toplike Xuandu Temple or the Cui clan. You three are Black Clouds best; youve got the clout to work with them in the trial, and theyll want you. Outsiders needed local partners for the trialboth sides faced the challenge together. The details were fuzzy, but it was clearly a mutual win. Everyone wanted a strong ally, and Shen, Su, and He would be hot pickslikely securing Origin Spirit Pool access at minimum. For Han and Bai Ruoyue, though, that kind of deal wouldnt cut it. The Mountain Gods blessings went beyond the pool, and partnered outsiders wouldnt share the juiciest rewardsthey werent running a charity. Han and Bai Ruoyue were gunning for the top prizes, the kind no one would split. Ill reach out to the Cui folks, see if it works, Han offered. It did. When he pitched it, Cui Yaozhi and the others jumped at the chance. They didnt have Yun Yuannans intel, but ever since Zuo Tianzhengs time, theyd known to snag Black Clouds talent early. Why settle for less when you could grab the best? Shen, Su, and He temporarily joined the Cui clan and other elite groups. That night, back at the peach grove, Lu Qingmo briefed Han on the trial, urging him to stay sharp. One more thing, she added. That flower and purple crafting material you found in Black Mountain? Junior Brother Song got back to me. Oh? Hans eyes lit up. What are they? The stones called Fallen Cloud Rocklegend says its a spiritual cloud that dropped from the heavens, fused with earthly power. Perfect for forging defensive treasures. The flowers a fire-type rarity, Phoenix Perch Blossom. Pull it out. Han did, and Lu Qingmo pointed to the red gel nestled inside. The whole blossoms just a shell for thisPhoenix Resin. Once you take it, the flower wilts instantly. Myth claims its left behind where phoenixes rest, boosting phoenix-related powers. Since you wield Phoenix Fire, refining this will amp up your Yang Earth Flame. Han marveled. A phoenixs perch flower? How do I use it? Eat it. No hesitationHan plucked the gel free. Sure enough, the blossom shriveled into a husk. He popped the resin into his mouth. Huh. Tastes like jelly? Chapter 323: The Venerable from the Mountain The phoenix jelly slid into Hans mouth and didnt melt. He chewed it a few times before finally breaking it down and swallowing. Streams of heat surged through his body, chaotic at first, until they seemed to lock onto something specific. Part of the energy shot straight to his head, diving into his souls domain and pouring into the Yang Fire flickering across his spirit. Whoosh! The Yang Fire flared up, as if doused with fuel, growing stronger and more vibrant. On Hans soul, both Yin and Yang Flames danced, distinct yet harmonious. Meanwhile, another surge of heat raced toward his back. Sensing the shift, Han froze for a second before a memory clicked into place. When hed refined that drop of phoenix true blood and gained the Phoenix Fire, it hadnt just stopped therehis back had sprouted a pair of phoenix-wing-like patterns. Hed tried activating them before, but nothing ever happened. Over time, hed shrugged it offuseless markings, no response, like they werent even there. But now, with the phoenix jellys energy flooding in, his back began to warm. Mo, can you check whats happening to my back? This treasures powerits affecting those wing patterns. Hm? Lu Qingmo raised an eyebrow, puzzled at first, then recalled what he meant. Han tugged his shirt halfway down, baring his back. She leaned in, her eyes widening. The patterns are glowing, and faint flames are rising off themlike theyre coming alive. She reached out, her hand hovering close, and added, Theres definitely heat coming off it. Then it hit hersomething was off. A cultivator unable to see their own back? With mental energy at their disposal? Shed been had. With an exasperated huff, she said, Deal with it yourself. Call me if something goes wrong. She plopped down nearby, keeping an eye on him from the sidelines. Han was speechless. Im innocent here! Once the phoenix jellys energy fully absorbed, Han summoned his Yang Fire to check it out. It felt beefiervisibly larger by a good inch, its essence pulsing with vitality. Then he focused on his back, channeling true qi into the wing patterns. As the energy flowed, he sensed something breaking free. Twisting his head, he caught sight of red flames flickering out, chaotic and swirling, trying to take shape but failing to hold. After a few attempts, with the flames refusing to solidify, Han shook his head and cut off the qi. It was progressmore than beforebut still incomplete. Lu Qingmos voice cut in. If Im right, once you can fully tap into those wing patterns, youll likely sprout a pair of wings. Probably phoenix wings a simplified version, though. Nothing like the real deal. Han mulled it over. If that day comes, doesnt that mean I could fly with my physical body? Flight was a game-changer. From the Day Roaming realm onward, it was a cultivators trump card against martial artists. Even if they couldnt win, theyd just take to the skiesleaving martial artists helpless until they too gained flight. If Han could pull it off with his body alone, hed have a massive edge in combat and travel at his current stage. Lu Qingmo nodded. Should be doable. Hans heart leapt, though a weird thought crept in. He wouldnt grow literal flesh-and-blood phoenix wingsany future manifestation would be energy-based. Still Fighting spirit turning into wings, huh? Four days flew by in a blink. On this day, Taibai Martial Hall buzzed with good news: Bai Ruoyue had hit the peak of the Organ Refinement realm, just one step shy of Bone Forging. Shed reached Organ Refinement Mastery back at the start of the month when Han unlocked the Drifting Wish Bottle cheat. Now, nearing the end of the Longevity Dao Fruit monthalmost three months latershed maxed it out, thanks to a slew of resources. Going from Mastery to Peak wasnt as brutal as earlier breakthroughs; it was just a matter of pushing the bodys limits further. This meant Bai Ruoyue was on track to hit Bone Forging before twenty, meeting the speed benchmark for a peerless prodigy. Speed, mind younot strength. In major traditions, breaking into Bone Forging before twenty marked you as elite in martial cultivation. Soul cultivation was a different beastits early stages progressed faster, so the bar wasnt the same. Support the author by searching for the original publication of this novel. Her breakthrough signaled Taibai Martial Hall was about to welcome its first Bone Forging disciplea big deal. Bai Ruoyue was practically glowing with pride. Finally, I havent let Little Junior Brother catch up to me! That was her crowning glory. This leap kept her ahead of Han for a bit longer. When shed hit Organ Refinement Mastery, Han was just starting the realm. Over the past three months, shed watched him rocket through breakthroughs, nearing Mastery himself and closing the gap fast. Itd stressed her outshe couldnt let him overtake her, not yet. She knew his pace would eventually leave her in the dust; it was only a matter of time. But holding onto her Senior Sister swagger a while longer? That was worth celebrating. Thankfully, shed nailed the final step today. Unless something wild happened, Han wouldnt surpass her before Bone Forgingshe could keep strutting her stuff. Way out in front! she crowed. Han laughed. Senior Sister, dont get too caught up in comparing. Hmph! Bai Ruoyues eyes sparkled with smug delight. Little Junior Brother, youd better show me some respect now. Once I hit Bone Forging, Ill teach you a lesson or two! She flexed a fist for emphasisadorably so. Han blinked playfully. Then how about we celebrate your breakthrough with a spar in the backyard tonight? The implication was crystal clear. Bai Ruoyues face flushed, and she shot him a fierce glare. You shameless flirt! Truth be told, since Bai Tians return, Han hadnt had a chanceor the timeto spar with Bai Ruoyue. The others trickled in soon after. Shed bolted to Han the second she broke through, eager to share the news. Shen Yu wasnt around, thoughshed gone into Black Mountain with Yun Duo four days ago and wouldnt be back until tomorrow. Senior Sister, you really did it? Shen Long asked. Bai Ruoyue tilted her chin up. What, you doubt me? Want to test it out? Shen Long waved her off with a grin. No needI believe you. Youre amazing, Senior Sister. Bai Tian approached, his eyes gleaming with pride and relief as he looked at her. Organ Refinement Peak, Bone Forging before twentygood. Very good. That kind of pace gets noticed anywhere. Hans mind stirred, glancing at Bai Tian thoughtfully. Maybe Bai Ruoyues shine would solidify their masters resolve to head to the Ling family. It wasnt just about reuniting the familyover there, shed get top-tier training. Safety wouldnt be an issue either; Lu Qingmo had filled Han in on the Ling familys messy dynamics. Ling Yue wasnt alonebig clans always had factions and rival voices. Lu Qingmo had even said Bai Ruoyue returning to the Ling family was a solid move. Shaking off those thoughts, Han smiled. Tomorrows the Mountain Gods trial, and Senior Sister breaks through today? Thats a great omen. Looks like Taibai Martial Halls in for a smooth ride tomorrow. Exactly! Bai Ruoyue nodded enthusiastically. With so many big shots in Black Cloud Town right now, its the perfect time for Taibai to make a name for itself. She was still dead-set on putting Taibai on the map. Then her gaze softened as she turned to Han. Little Junior Brother, thanks for all your help. Without his game-changing contributions, shed have hit Organ Refinement Peak at twenty, not now. Hans impact had sped things up big time, and she knew it. Han waved it off. Were familyno need for thanks. Good luck tomorrow. The past few days in Black Cloud Town had been calm, a stark shift from the chaos when outsiders first rolled in. Ever since the top traditions and their prodigies showed up, a quiet had settled in. The loudmouths had learned to keep it low-key. Word of Zuo Tianzhengs death had spread too, stirring up a decent ripple. His cultivation wasnt sky-high, but his status made him a big deal. A figure like that dying here turned headsspeculation ran wild, everyone itching to know what got him. Before the major factions flooded in, Zuo Tianzheng had been a force, making waves. Now? Gone in a flash. The imperial Bai elder and his crew had grilled Suzhen Palace and others whod ventured into the mountain, digging for answers. Nothing solid turned up. It was like Zuo Tianzheng really had fallen to some wild beastleaving them stumped. Murder meant revenge, but a beast? How do you settle that score? Killing some dumb animal wouldnt feel like justice. Still, the imperial folks hadnt given up. They needed a concrete answer, not guesses. Deep down, they couldnt buy that Zuo Tianzheng and his two companions, with their strength, would go down to a beast. It was too far-fetched. Time ticked on, and the night passed. As the sun climbed the sky, a figure soared out of Black Mountaina soul, solid as stone, radiating an unfathomable majesty that made it hard to look at directly, like gazing on a god. A Yin God Venerable! Emerging from Black Mountain, their allegiance was obvious. They streaked into Black Cloud Town, landing at the Yun estate, catching the attention of other powerhouses at their level. Those masters exchanged knowing lookssomething big was brewing. Sure enough, a message soon rippled out from the Yun family: Beyond Black Mountain, the Mountain Gods blessings shower all! Chapter 324: Overflowing Bliss Beyond Black Mountain, the Mountain Gods blessings shower all! With the Yun family spreading the word, the news zipped through Black Cloud Towns cultivation circles in no time flat. After months of rumors and upheaval, even the locals had caught wind that the Mountain God would bless the town at some point. Now that it was official, excitement erupted. People scrambled out of Black Cloud Town, racing toward Black Mountain in droves. Of course, not everyone bolted. The local authorities stayed behind, keeping watch over the town while it emptied out. At the Cui familys temporary outpost, Elder Cui Xian furrowed his brow. The Mountain Gods making a move today? Thats unexpected. They hadnt been clued in on the trials exact timingit felt like itd come out of nowhere. Cui Yaozhi stood up, chuckling as he headed out. It was bound to happen sometime. Sooners fine by memeans we wrap this up quicker. Whenever it comes, whats there to fear? The other Cui disciples jumped up and trailed after him. Elsewhere, sharp-eyed, spirited young cultivators strode through the streets, all bound for Black Mountain. Over the past five days, a few more factions had trickled into town, though none were top-tier traditions. At Taibai Martial Hall, Han and his crew marched out, brimming with determination. Whatever the Mountain God threw at them, they were ready. Outside Black Mountain, a chaotic sea of people gatheredclusters of small groups dotted the landscape, buzzing with energy. So many people, Bai Ruoyue marveled, scanning the crowd. All she could see were heads bobbing everywhere. Wonder what kind of trial the Mountain Gods got in store, Shen Long mused, more focused on what lay ahead. Zhang Yuantao shrugged. Even the Yun familys in the dark. Well find out soon enough. Han, meanwhile, had pieced something together over the past few days. The Yun family wasnt even taking the trialso why would they care about the details? It didnt affect them. No wonder the Mountain God hadnt spilled the beansthere was no need to tip them off. Just then, the Yin God Venerable whod entered the Yun estate reappeared, Yun Yuannan at his side. The younger generationlike Yun Duowas nowhere to be seen. Tianhe Venerable? someone called out, voice tinged with shock. It was Cui Xian. Youre with the Yun family? Tianhe Venerable, a middle-aged figure, glanced at Cui Xian and smiled. Elder Cui, its been a while. I am indeed from the Yun family. Hiding that wasnt intentionalforgive me. Cui Xian shook his head, awe in his tone. Unbelievable. Whod have thought the Tianhe Venerablewho took down the True Blood Great Demon of the Salvation Dao in Qingzhouhailed from here? The crowd erupted at his words, especially those less in the know. The Yun family had a Yin God Venerableand one whod made waves out in the world? The Gao and Lin families were floored. Theyd known the Yun clan had some hidden strength, but this deep? It was a safe bet Tianhe wasnt the only ace up their sleeve. The Lin family head could only think one thing: Hows a middling clan like ours, capped at Day Roaming and Bone Forging, supposed to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the Yun family as one of Black Clouds big three? Were way out of our league. Guess it makes sense the Yun familys hidden powers been active elsewhere, Shen Long said, still processing. Han nodded, his initial surprise fading. Once you leave this place, the line between shadow and spotlight blurs. The world was vastwho knew how many powerhouses roamed out there? A Tianzhou expert could stroll into Hanzhou, slap on a new face, and start over. Unless you were infamous or had some glaring tell, like Bai Tian back in his wandering days with a fake name and a mask, no one would clock you. Lu Qingmo, though? One flash of her Thunder-Fire Seal, and disguise or not, everyoned know it was her. Tianhe Venerable swept his gaze over the crowd and raised his voice. Fellow cultivators, youve come from afar, and the Yun family knows why. His words silenced the chatterno one dared interrupt. Our ancestor is merciful, choosing now to bless all around, extending grace to Black Cloud while hoping to glimpse the brilliance of the younger generation. If he can spot a few standout talents, itll warm his heart. Thus, hes set a trial. Pass it, and he wont skimp on rewards. The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation. But our ancestor was born and raised in Black Cloud, and even now, he holds his homeland dear. This trial reflects that. Black Clouds a small pond compared to the wide world out thereour local talents can feel outmatched. So, hes laid down a rule: any outsider wanting in on this trial must team up with someone from Black Cloud. This is his decree, set in stone. The moment he finished, noise exploded again. Most of Black Clouds locals lit up with joyhappiness had hit them like a lightning bolt. To them, this rule was a godsend, a jackpot! After getting humbled by Tianlong Gates disciples, the towns native talents had learned the hard way: theres always a bigger fish. Compared to the prodigies of major sects, they were outclassed. A straight-up free-for-all trial? Theyd get steamrolled, no chancewell, except for a certain pair of freaks. But this twist flipped the script. Suddenly, they had a shot. Couldnt beat the outsiders? No problemthey could join them. The Mountain Gods hometown favoritism was blatant. The outsiders, though, werent shocked. They took the rule in stride, like theyd seen it coming. Early rumorsnobody knew from wherehad even claimed the Mountain Gods blessings were for Black Cloud locals only. Outsiders only play was to back a local talent, bribe them with perks, and ride their coattails. Zuo Tianzheng had tried that route. Compared to that, this new setupletting them join the actionwas a win. If theyd been stuck on the sidelines, what was the point? Who could outmuscle Taibais Han with just local grunts? Those bugs wouldnt topple that mountain. Factions like the Cui family got it: the Mountain God had compromised, giving them room to flex. But whoeverd negotiated with the god had bent too, letting Black Cloud get extra love. Both sides had given ground, so the deal was lockedcomplaints wouldnt change a thing. To the big shots, this was small potatoesjust a chance for their disciples to grind and grab some loot. A generational skirmish, not worth a showdown with a deity. Hans expression didnt flickerhed known this was coming. Brother Shen, you guys head over. Shen Long and the other two nodded, stepping into the ranks of the Cui family and their allied factions. For now, they were part of the top-tier crew! Other Black Cloud talents followed suit, linking up with their pre-arranged partners. The outsiders knew the locals would get a leg upno one was dumb enough to sit it out. Some outsiders approached Han and Bai Ruoyue, testing the waters for a team-up. They got shot down fast. Whatever they could offer, Han didnt need. With this, Brother Shen and the others should snag some decent gainssmooth their path forward, Han said. No worries, Bai Ruoyue added, her eyes darting around the crowd. Even if lucks not on their side and they flunk the trial, the Cui folks will still toss them a bone. Pulling Black Cloud talents into the fold came with perksit was a tradition Zuo Tianzheng had kicked off, later turbocharged as factions vied for local allies. With so many outsiders and options, why wouldnt a local pick a group dangling real rewards? Empty promises and big talk didnt cut ittangible benefits did. Shen Longs trio had signed on with the Cui clan and scored solid assurances. Bai Tian chimed in, The roads theirs to walk. Opportunitys here, but how they seize it is up to them. Soon, Black Cloud talents peppered every faction. Others, like Hans group, stood solo, ready to fight for themselves. Then, a stir rippled through Black Mountain. Under everyones gaze, a few figures emergednot the Yun family heavyweights theyd expected, but Yun Duo and her crew, Shen Yu among them. Spotting her Taibai crew, Shen Yus eyes lit up. She murmured something to Yun Duo and jogged over. Little Fish, you were in there a while, Bai Ruoyue teased with a grin. Shen Yus cheeks flushed as she whispered, Senior Sister, check this out. She held out a hand, inviting Bai Ruoyue to feel it. Bai Ruoyue gave it a squeeze, her eyes widening. She glanced at Han and Bai Tian, mouthing silentlyHan caught the gist: Muscle-Tendon Mastery. Shen Yu had broken through, just like that. Han ruffled her hair. Pretty impressive results. The Origin Divine Pool lived up to its hypesomething only a god could conjure, hoarded until their fall. Black Mountains god, peak of the divine path in a world without immortal gods, had failed its tribulation but still transformed its essence. Cultivation was a slog, but this gods power was a real, game-changing boost. No wonder top traditions sent their disciples herethe payoff was massive. Just then, Jiang Yanyaos voice slipped into Hans mind. Taibais hiding a gem like her, Young Master Zhou. How about she teams up with us for the trial? Hans eyes sparkedanother perk for Shen Yu! He quickly relayed it to her. She nodded, sold on the ideaon the way out, Yun Duo had tipped her off to squeeze some extra juice from the outsiders. Shed already tapped the pool, and if she passed the trial, she could even sell that chance to Suzhen Palace. Deal sealed. After a long wait, Tianhe Venerable spoke again, but his words blindsided everyone. His gaze locked onto a specific direction, sharp as a divine bolt. Tianlong Gate, what are you still doing here? Black Mountain doesnt welcome yougo back to your Haizhou! The crowd jolted. Straight-up kicking Tianlong Gate out? That was bold! Was a fight brewing? The dragon maiden stood with the Yun family, her cold eyes fixed on Tianlong Gates crew. West Sea muttstoo naive for their own good. Chapter 325: The Martial Devil Unleashed Whats the deal between the Yunjiang Dragon Lord and the Black Mountain God? Theyre as tight as brothersbest buds forged in the fires of humble beginnings. Back when neither had claimed their titles, one a mere man, the other not yet a dragon lord, they propped each other up, climbing to where they stand today. Good thing theyre both guys, or Ao Xuanwei mightve had a different parent in the mix. Tianlong Gate and Yunjiang Dragon Palace? Mortal enemies. And they still thought they could waltz in and snag some goodies from the Mountain God? Talk about needing a reality checka big, fat slap to the face. Tianlong Gates crew wasnt light on firepower. Beyond Fang Zhenyu, a True Blood realm hotshot, theyd brought a Yin God Venerable and a slew of sharp disciples. Hearing Tianhe Venerables words, their faces darkened, turning downright ugly. Yun Tianhe, youve got some nerve targeting Tianlong Gate! Fang Zhenyu barked. You know this was agreed upon! The Yun familys breaking the deal?! Tianhe Venerable flicked him a glance. The Yun familys not breaking anything. All fellow cultivators are welcomeexcept you Tianlong Gate folks. Kindly hit the road. Suzhen Palace and the other factions just watched, staying mum. No way theyd stick their necks out for Tianlong Gatethis wasnt their fight. They were guests here, sure, but not bosom buddies with the Yun family. If the Yun clan took a swing at most of the factions, theyd band together. But just Tianlong Gate? Sorry, folks, take one for the team. The greater good and all that. Dont wanna play ball? Well, Tianlong Gate, thats just selfish. Dont dig your own grave, Yun family, their Yin God Venerable said, voice icy. Youre making an enemy of Tianlong Gate. Thats a burden you cant shoulder. West Sea lapdogs, all bark and no bite, Ao Xuanwei shot back, her words cutting deepand true. Among the factions present, only Tianlong Gate had cozied up to foreign powers. On the surface, everyone else stood as pillars of the human race. Even the Primal Ocean faction from Haizhou, another major player, stayed clear of the West Sea, representing local waters instead. Junior, who gave you the right to speak?! Fang Zhenyu snapped. No respect for your bettersdid Yunjiang Dragon Palace skip the manners lesson? West Sea mutt, youve got some gall yapping here, a voice boomed from the sky. A massive flood dragon streaked down, landing beside Ao Xuanwei and shifting into a rugged, heroic man. A Yunjiang Dragon Palace powerhouse had arrived. He glared at Fang Zhenyu. Been a dog so long youve forgotten human speech? The hosts told you to scram! Han mentally gave the guy a thumbs-up. Straight to the pointway blunter than Tianhe Venerables polite please leave. This was a flat-out get lost. Fang Zhenyus chest heaved, eyes blazing like he wanted to devour someone. Their Yin God clamped a hand on his shoulder, expression grim. Lets see how long the Yun family can strut around, the Venerable growled. Youll regret this. They couldnt afford an all-out brawl herenot with the Mountain God still kicking, and not with just the two of them against the unfathomable Black Mountain. Theyd barely make a ripple. Tianhe Venerable replied coolly, No need for Tianlong Gate to worry about us. Safe travelsdoors that way. Fang Zhenyu and the Venerable stormed off with their disciples, who shot venomous glares around. The crowds mocking, sneering looks stungthey could feel it. Thats how grudges are born. These disciples hadnt started with beef against Yunjiang Dragon Palace or the Yun family. But joining Tianlong Gate locked them into oppositionno choice, no wiggle room. Its all about where you sit, not whos right. So when theyd faced Han, buddy-buddy with Yunjiang Dragon Palace, their arroganceacting like they owned the placemade sense. Enemies dont get warm smiles. Once Tianlong Gate cleared out, Tianhe Venerables warm grin returned. Looks like everyones ready. No questions? Then our ancestors trial begins. Senior Tianhe, Ive got one! Cui Yaozhi piped up. Tianhe nodded, giving him the floor. What kind of trials the Mountain God dropping on us? Youre all prodigies, cream of the crop, nurtured by your traditions, Tianhe replied. Your talent and strength? Beyond question. The ancestors trial wont pit you against each othertoo messy. If something went wrong, itd be the Yun familys fault. This is a blessing, a happy occasion. Bloodshed would ruin the vibe. The crowd nodded, getting the logic. A combat free-for-all? Swords dont care who they cut, fists dont pull punches. One factions kid crippling or killing anothers? Thats a feud waiting to happenand the Yun familyd get dragged in. Blessing the masses was about building goodwill with the young guns, not making enemies by getting them killed. Cultivations a brutal gamelife and death are par for the coursebut people arent rational. Kill my disciple, and I dont care about fate; Im coming for you. The story has been taken without consent; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident. So, Tianhe continued, those joining the trial, head into Black Mountain. The ancestor will unleash a gauntlet of challenges with his divine power. Your job? Charge through, break every barrier. As for what those barriers are He smirked. I wont spill the beansthatd be cheating. Laughter rippled through the crowd. But heads up, he added, tone sharpening. Its a trial, not a stroll. Push too hard, and therell be consequences. The ancestor will save you if your lifes on the line, but if he does, itll ding your whole faction. Know your limitsdont overreach! The warning sank in. Messing up just themselves? Fine. Dragging their faction down? Thats a problem. For the Cui family, if Cui Yaozhi got screwed over by some reckless teammate, that poor sap wouldnt have a fun trip home. Senior Tianhe, what about Black Clouds locals? an outsider asked. Theyve got a role, Tianhe nodded. Teaming them up with you isnt a free pass. Ill judge their performance separately, with different standards. If they shine, itll boost you too. In short, outsiders and locals had distinct scoring rubrics, and a locals showing could liftor sinktheir partnered faction. Oh, and the Yun family held all the cards on how it played out. They were the refs, after all. Some factions winced, kicking themselves. If theyd known the trial would hit this fast, theyd have juiced up their recruited Black Cloud talents with some forbidden elixirsanything for a quick power spike. Too late now. Questions popped up left and right; Han just listened, quiet and steady. Whatever the trial, he was ready. As a Black Cloud native, hed get a bonus edgelike extra points on a college entrance exam. With his talent and strength, he had zero worries. When the Q&A wrapped, Tianhe stepped aside. Alright, folks, into Black Mountain. No rushearly or late, its all the same. Young cultivators streamed in. Han and Bai Ruoyue went together, catching encouraging nods from Ao Xuanwei and others. Youve got this! Yun Duo cheered, pumping a tiny fist. Han flashed a grin and stepped inside. The moment he crossed the threshold, everything shifted. No familiar forest greeted himnone of the sights hed seen before. Pitch black surrounded him, silent as a grave. No birds, no cicadas, no beastly roarsnot even a breeze. It was like stepping into a void of absolute stillness. Looking around, he was alone; everyone whod entered with him had vanished. Hans pulse quickened. This is the Mountain Gods power? Terrifying and wondrous, hitting so many at once. The higher you climbed in cultivation, the wider the gap grewmasters like the Mountain God pulled off feats beyond mortal imagination. Then, glowing words flickered to life on the ground beside him. Squinting, he read the first trials rundown: Devils Descent The first challenge is a devil. Outside, Tianhe Venerable smiled faintly. Not your run-of-the-mill evil cultivator devilsthese are born of the world itself. The ancestor will summon them with a special trick. Thats what theyre up against. Lets see how they handle it. Hed held back earlier to keep factions from slipping their kids anti-devil trinkets at the last second. Brought your own? Fair gamecall it fate. Faces outside soured fast. Tianhe Venerable, isnt this too risky? someone protested, voice tight with worry. Theyre just kidsno experience with devils. This isnt their level! Tianhe shook his head. Theyre giftedfuture devil encounters arent off the table. How do you spot the best if they dont face the unknown? Safetys coveredthe ancestors got this. These devils wont stir up much trouble. High-tier cultivators often tangoed with devils. For someone of the Mountain Gods caliber, summoning low-level ones was childs playnothing they couldnt squash. Legends spoke of devils that could threaten immortals, but those were just whispers. Real, maybe, but unseen. From outside, Han and the others looked frozen in place after enteringno sound, just stillness. Nobody noticed the odd glint in Lu Qingmos eyes when Tianhe revealed the trials nature. While others fretted over their disciples safety, she stayed cool as ice. This trial not bad. Inside, Hans face twisted with a strange mix of amusement and disbelief. Devils? Time for a reunion with my old pal? This wasnt just a cultivators test. Moon Devils, Sun Devilsthose hit soul practitioners hard. Martial artists faced devils too, just less often. A martial slip-upgoing off the rails in trainingcould summon one, leading to possession. Martial devils were rarer and murkier than their soul counterparts. One type? The Blood Devilfeasting on your vitality, wrecking your body. As Han pondered, the air turned frigid. A sharp, warped laugh echoed faintly. His blood surged, boiling under his skinbulging here, twitching there, like something slithered inside. The heat intensified, clashing with an unseen force. So this is a Blood Devil? Han mused, intrigued. First time meeting a martial devilkind of cool. Any devil could be beaten if you were strong enough, your foundation solid. Before he could act, his heart thumpedhard. A sound like a sages sacred chant rang out. Agh! A scream tore through the void, then faded. His blood calmed, skin still, the intruder gone. Weirdly, Han felt his vitality tick updenser, richer, like hed downed a tonic. Essence Devils carried raw energy; Blood Devils, it seemed, did too. Han stood there, dumbfounded. He hadnt even started fighting, and the devil was already toastpractically a snack. Hed never dealt with this before, but he knew why: his Seven Orifices Exquisite Heart. That thing was a marvel, brimming with mysterious power. What he had now was just its baby stagemore would unlock as he grew. Even at square one, it packed a punch, turning a Blood Devil into a power-up. He hadnt known it could do that. Now he didbetter late than never. No shock there; his Righteous Aura naturally repelled devils, and the Exquisite Heart, the root of that aura, was even wilder. This trick fit right in. Still, a question nagged him: What exactly is this Exquisite Heart in this world? He scanned the darkness, then called out, Any more Blood Devils? Send me a couple extraIm still hungry! This little nibble wont cut it. Bring it on, or folksll think the Mountain Gods skimping! Tianhe Venerable: Whats broken here? The devil? The ancestor? Or this guy? Chapter 326: First Strike! First Strike! The Blood Devil came charging in, ready to wreak havocand then it was gone. Poof. Vanished. Tianhe Venerables face twisted into a look of pure bewilderment. Outside Black Mountain, the crowd could only see the participants outlinesno sounds, no specifics reached them. But Tianhe? He had the VIP view. And right now, he was questioning his own eyes. What the heck just happened? Is this the kid Yuannan talked aboutTaibais Han, Black Clouds top genius? he muttered to himself. Taking down a Blood Devil that easily? This top genius title was starting to feel like an understatement. After a moments thought, he granted Hans wish, tossing a few more Blood Devils his way. These devils werent conjured by the Mountain God himselfhis condition was too dire for that. Tianhe wielded a divine artifact to summon them, while other Yun family experts lurked in the shadows, keeping things under control. No accidents allowed. Tianhe watched as the new batch of Blood Devils dove into Hans body. And then nothing. They just keeled over. Dead on arrival. No encore, no fuss. More! Bring more! Han shouted, buzzing with excitement. Hed stumbled onto a cultivation goldmine. Martial artists at the Organ Refinement stage had to grind their vitalityHan hadnt gotten there yet, but he knew it wasnt a walk in the park. Vitality tied into condensing True Blood later, a massive hurdle. But these Blood Devils? Packed with juicy essence, they were a cheat code for boosting it. His soul cultivation owed its speed to his good brothersthe devils hed tamed. Now, martial arts had its own devil buddies to offer! Sadly, no more Blood Devils came. Tianhe had caught on: the devils were fine; Han was the glitch. They couldnt touch Black Clouds golden boy. What was there to say? The devils were limitedcouldnt send the whole stash after one guy. Hans flawless performance? Untouchable. Full marks! Tianhe smirked, though. This dual-cultivating prodigysoul and martialwasnt just facing Blood Devils. Lets see how you handle soul-targeting devils, kid. Moon Devil, go! Inside Black Mountain, a familiar chill hit. Hans brow twitched, and he let out a wry chuckle. Good ol brothers, back with takeout? Moon Devil: Hey, bro, how much you want this time? Han: All of it! Moon Devil: You got it, bro! And just like that, the Moon Devil crumbled on its own, melting into lunar essence that fused with Hans soul. Its so loyal, I could cry, Han thought dryly. He barely felt itMoon Devil juice was old news, refined so often he was numb to it. He didnt even bother calling for more. Sick of the taste. Daily cultivation meant daily Moon Devil visits anyway. Tianhe Venerable: How do we deal with this Han? he whispered through a secret transmission to the Yun experts in the mountain. Han was a puzzletested, yet somehow untested. Try some Sun Devils, a voice replied in his ear. Tianhes eyes flickered with instinctive reverence. Yes, Elder Jue Zhen. Not Ancestorthis was an elder, not the Mountain God. Sun Devils hit Han next, but the outcome didnt budge. They werent as obedient as Moon Devils facing his Moon God Mark. Maybe it was the sun-moon connection, or their cosmic parity, but the mark still crushed them. They didnt roll over willingly, but they couldnt fight back eitherHan carved them up like Sunday roast. Sun and Moon Devils? Just his personal delivery crew. Stolen from its original source, this story is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings. Normally, Sun and Moon Devils outclassed Essence Devils. Tianhe starting with a Moon Devil was already a nod to Hans chops. But oopsbackfired. Essence Devils wouldve forced Han to slug it out; Sun and Moon Devils? Free snacks. Silence felloutside, inside, everywhere. Everyone watching Han went quiet. Weird. Too weird. Freaky weird. Devils wilting before this kid? Come on, youre devils! Fight back! Smack him! Tianhe glanced at the others facing their devil trials and clammed up again. Some grimaced in agony, others screamed, rolled on the ground, or raved like lunaticstextbook devil-induced chaos. The worst cases? Already hauled out by Yun experts, disqualified. Thats how cultivators were supposed to look facing devils. Then there was Hanstanding still, glancing around, bored out of his skull, untouched. Practically radiating, Im so bored, got any new tricks? More Blood Devils, please? Paired with his earlier show, Tianhe and crew couldnt tell who the real devil was anymore. This ones something else, Elder Jue Zhens voice chimed again, laced with amusement. No surprise hes Black Clouds top genius. I hear hes tight with our Yun family? Tianhe replied, Real tight. Yuannans even thinking of marrying his daughter to him. Let him move to the next stage, Jue Zhen said. No devils tripping him uphes blown past expectations. But Tianhe, score him fair. No favoritism just cause hes cozy with us. Stick to the facts, got it? Got it. Tianhe caught the drift. Like a boss saying, Dont promote Xiao Zhou just cause hes my nephewplay by the rules. Rules it was. Hans performance is flawless, perfect score. Black Clouds top genius lives up to the hype. No bias, pure truthHan was the standout here. Inside, the darkness around Han dissolved, revealing a winding path ahead. I passed? No hesitationhe stepped onto it, strolling forward, cool as a breeze. Came for a trial, left with a snack, no sweat. What a twist. Outside, his movement drew instant attention. The crowd couldnt sense the details, but Han budging was a neon sign. Among the elite prodigiesalready the stars of the showHan, the local boy wonder, was the bullseye. Taibais Hans moving forward? someone blurted. The others, still wrestling devils, hadnt budged an inch. Hes cleared the first trial, Tianhe announced, confirming the crowds wild guessone they barely dared believe. No way! a voice cried, pointing at Cui Yaozhi and the rest. Even Suzhen Palaces saintess and the Cui clans prodigy are stuckhows Han already through? Jiang Yanyao and crew stood rooted, composedno thrashing or screaming, leagues above the rest. But they hadnt passed yet. Seriously, how? Its been, what, five minutes?! Shock rippled throughexcept for Lu Qingmo, calm as ever. Shed clocked this outcome the second she heard the trials nature. If she didnt know Han kept his devil-dodging streak under wraps, shed have thought hed rigged it. Tianhe brushed off the chatter. Han broke the devil threat on his own. The Yun family doesnt play dirty here. He shut it downno more explanations. He wasnt begging these folks to join; let them talkunless everyone griped, it didnt matter. Cui Xian nodded. This Hans a real prodigy. Top-tier faction folks were stunned but didnt cry foul. Their traditions ran deep, their perspectives broadthey knew the world was wild enough for miracles. Stretch time and space far enough, and the impossible turned possible. Maybe Han had a devil-busting trinket or some anti-demon knack. Shocking, sure, but digestibleno tantrums needed. Outshining their kids at devil-slaying? Finetheir prodigies had their own strengths. Pride of the elite held firm. Still, Hans opening act rocked the crowd. Black Clouds finest, hometown heroname well-earned! Jiang Hengchuan and his ilk grew antsier. Lu Qingmo, whatre you waiting for? Whatever your deal is, snag this kid as your disciple already! Han didnt care about the buzz. He ambled down the winding pathno obstacles, no hints of the next trial. Eventually, it spat him out into familiar mountain woodsback in Black Mountain proper. Two ancient trees caught his eye, impossible to miss: one jet black, one stark white. Words carved into their trunks. Flying Cloud Sword Art? Tempest Rain Technique? A martial skill on one, a daoist art on the other, both ending with Please study. Second trials on-the-spot skill learning? he mused. Outside, Tianhe briefed the crowd. Learn a martial or daoist skill within a set timemaster it enough, and you pass. Silence fell. This was tougharguably as brutal as the devils. Time limit, plus competition? No picnic. What skills? someone asked. Varies per person, Tianhe said. Not high-tier stuff, but complextests your wits. Han, the lone second-stage contender, skimmed the techniques, mulled them over, and nodded. Easy. Chapter 327: The Swiftest Blade in the West! Han quickly spotted the catch with these two techniques. Low-grade, sure, but tangled as a knot. Normally, given a choice, no one would bother with such convoluted martial arts or daoist spells. But for a trial like this? Perfect fit. When it came to comprehension, Han figured he had a decent knack for it. After parsing every line of the Flying Cloud Sword Art and Tempest Rain Technique, he dove right in. This was where a bit of book-smarts paid off. A martial or daoist illiteratesomeone who couldnt even read the instructionswould be dead in the water here, let alone practice. Imagine a Skin-Flesh realm grunt whod muddled through a martial hall, mimicking moves without grasping the theory. Even if theyd lucked past the first trial, this second one wouldve been their brick wall. But hypotheticals didnt matterthose types wouldnt have survived the devils anyway. To the onlookers, Hans progress looked simple: clear the first trial, take a few steps, stop, and start waving his fingers like a sword. Tianhe Venerable stared, dumbfounded. Black Clouds top genius carries a weapon, right? Just pull out your sword and practice! Whats with the air guitar? Still, Han wasnt the main show now. Tianhe shifted his focus to the stragglers still wrestling with the first trial. Soon enough, another figure stirred. Its the Suzhen Saintess! Jiang Yanyao, second to break through. Suzhen Palaces Yin God elder cracked a smile. Without Han, their saintess wouldve been first. The crowd started connecting dotsHan was a local, maybe his trial was dialed down a notch. Pair that with his prodigy status, and him taking the lead made sense. Saintess Jiangs talent is unrivaledtruly impressive, Tianhe nodded, genuinely impressed. Her future? Sky-highprobably beyond his reach. Suzhen Palaces saintesses had a flawless track record, every one soaring past the Yellow Spring Earth-Shattering realm. Two living saintesses meant two future titans. Talent like that? Undeniable. A Yin God from Tianzhous Ten Paths Hall piped up, Friend Tianhe, whats the bar for passing the first trial? Performance against the devils, Tianhe explained. You all know devils arent something this generation should faceno one can He paused, catching himself, almost no one can wipe them out at this stage. Heads bobbed in agreement. Devils were a high-level headache, not a rookies problem. If the Yun family set kill the devil as the bar, itd be a ghost town of failuresunless someone had a rare anti-demon treasure up their sleeve. So, Tianhe continued, resist the devils assault right off the bat, dont get crushed instantly, and hold out for a bitthats a pass. Once youre through, the ancestors power snuffs out the devil, leaving its essence behind as a reward. Someone frowned. But Han cleared it way too fast. At that speed, the devil barely had time to mess with him. Tianhe sighed internally. Youre not wrongit didnt even get a chance. The devil poked Han and got smoked on the spot. Did it want to hang around? Nopecouldnt. Han snagged the essence without the ancestor lifting a finger. But Tianhe kept it vague. Hans time was short, but his showing was exceptionalwell beyond our benchmark. The narrative has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the infringement. He dodged the full truth, partly to shield Han from prying eyes coveting his devil-slaying trick, partly to avoid freaking everyone out. Hold out for a bit, and you counter-kill it? If he hadnt seen it himself, Tianhe wouldnt have bought it. But he hadand thats why he and the Yun familys shadow-watchers were so floored. Han was off the script. Oblivious to his overkill, Han figured the devil trial meant take it down. Hed done alright, he thoughtpassing muster. Time ticked by. He stopped mid-motion, gauged the clock, and grinned. Still plenty of leeway before the second trials deadline, and hed already nailed both techniques. Drawing Taibai, he called out, Senior, please judge! His move yanked every eyeseen, not heardtoward him. They got the gist: he was ready for grading. This Black Cloud hotshot moves at warp speed! Han raised his hand, sword flashing, targeting a massive tree a few meters thick. Quickblindingly quicksword shadows rained down, carving deep gashes into the trunk. Outside, where cultivators sharp senses caught the action from Black Mountains edge, someone muttered, Thats not mastered, right? Hans strength shouldve shredded that tree like paper, yet it stood. Thenboom, boom, boom!a chain of blasts erupted. Wood chips flew, a chunk of the tree vanished, and it crashed down. Hes got it, Tianhe said slowly. Flying Cloud Sword Artswift as a flying blade, but the real kickers the hidden edge. It strikes fast, then buries a subtle force inside, rupturing the target from within. Han swung without true qi, barely tapped his physical strength, yet still moved like lightning and planted that Flying Cloud force. Thats masterys first step. As Tianhe spoke, Han sheathed Taibai. The air around him churned, vital energy swirling. Black-gleaming water droplets formed, then plunged in unisona torrential downpour. Tempest Rain Technique! Explosions followed, and a deep crater yawned where the rain hitway more blatant than the sword arts subtlety. Tempest Rain Technique, Tianhe noted. Straight-up assault spell. Brutal and to the point. Hes cleared the second trial? someone asked. Yup, Tianhe confirmed, checking the time with a complicated look. Han had used just a sixth of the allotted window. Black Clouds top dog wasnt just hypehis comprehension was monstrous. With a flicker of power, Tianhe conjured two texts in the air. Heres what Han faced. Take a look, judge the difficulty yourselves. Saintess Jiangs got the same pair. These werent Yun family secretsjust fair game for a test. For these big-shot factions, low-tier stuff like this wasnt worth their time anyway. The crowd studied the techniques, sizing up the challenge. For young cultivators at this stage? Not a cakewalk. Kids these days are something else, Cui Xian marveled. Suzhens Yin God elder chuckled, Makes me wanna bend the rules and snatch him up for the palace. A jestSuzhens women-only policy was ironclad. Praise rolled inHans second-trial blitz hit harder than the first. Jiang Hengchuans urgency spiked. Lu Qingmo, youre barely thirty-somethinghowre you fumbling this? Grab him already! Under Hans gaze, the black-and-white trees dissolved into dust, fading into the woods. Keep going, Tianhes voice echoed in his ear. Han strode forward without a second thought. The crowd watched his back, emotions tangled. The devil trial? Maybe he had a niche anti-demon edgeimpressive, but not earth-shattering to some. Devils plagued high-tier cultivators plenty, sure, but those folks had their own tricks. Low-to-mid-tier devil-busting skills? Cool, but not a game-changerwhered you even use it outside a freak test like this? The second trial, though? Comprehension. That was the real deal. In cultivation, the higher you climbed, the more insight mattered. These seasoned onlookers knew the late game leaned on elusive, mystical breakthroughsblind grinding lost its punch. One epiphany could rocket you skyward. Hans display screamed potentialway more critical than devil tricks. If They''d reevaluate him even higher now. If Han caught wind of their thoughts, hed sigh. Lonely at the topno one gets it. His devil-crushing wasnt some side perkitd saved his hide more times than theyd guess. Youve no idea the grind Ive been through! Chapter 328: The True Illusion A wild boar came snorting and charging at Han, its breath so rank it kicked up a cloud of dust. Han stared at it, unimpressed. You again? Hed tangled with plenty of these beasts last time he hunted for the Sky-Mending Vine. Black Mountain must be a pig farm or something. As the boar barreled toward him, Han casually flicked out a kick, sending the clueless critter airborne. Up you go! It squealed like it was being butchered, tumbling like a gourd before scrambling up and bolting off. Stupid pig, Han chuckled, half-scolding. That weak and youre out here playing bandit? Ill let you off this time, but show up again and youre red-braised pork. Since clearing the second trial, hed trekked a fair stretch, and the woods were starting to crawl with beasts. Weak ones, thoughnothing to sweat over. No hint of the third trial had popped up either, so he kept moving. Outside Black Mountain, the crowd saw Han pause again after a short walk. Above his head, a small projection flickered to life, replaying his boar-kicking antics. Tianhe Venerable chimed in right on cue: The third trials combat. The ancestors power crafts a hyper-real illusionso real, those inside wont even clock it. Theyll think theyre deep in Black Mountain, facing real beasts. A Mountain Gods skill level? To these youngsters, the illusion might as well be reality. Its the safest bet to keep them in one piece, Tianhe added. Not a 100% guarantee, thoughillusions could still kill. The god wouldnt off them, but a bad trip could rattle their minds. Non-lethal, sure, but theyd need downtime to recover. Suzhen Palace and the like got itthe Yun family had already gone above and beyond on safety. And its not just straight-up brawls, Tianhe continued. Once you hit the third trial, random curveballs come at you. Beyond raw strength, it tests reflexes, crisis managementthe works. Only an illusion lets us cook up all sorts of believable chaos. The crowd nodded. Strength was the obvious benchmarkalways would be. Talent, luck, lineage? Nice, but power was king. People fawned over prodigies because they could grow into titans. Strength trumped allbeggars outshone emperors with it; without it, even a supreme ruler was dirt. Take todays world: the emperors of Qi, Zhou, and Jin were no pushovers. Picking a crown prince? Lots of boxes to check, but talent and strength topped the list. Say a Qi royal got lost in an old succession spatyears later, they ascend to immortality and roll into the capital. No question: the moment they land in Jade Capital, its All hail Your Majesty! The sitting emperor? One sun, one rulerquit spouting nonsense, Qis got no other emperor! Loyaltyd flip to the immortal in a heartbeat. Shame no royal bloodline had birthed an immortal since founding their dynasties. Someone piped up, eyeing Hans boar punt. That counts as combat? Tianhe paused, then said, Its a ramp-up process. But check thisHans move shows hes not bloodthirsty. A bit of mercy, right? Huh? The crowd blinked, then nodded. Fair point. Beasts werent humanno rights therebut someone slaughtering them left and right for no reason? Sketchy vibes, hinting at a nasty streak. I can kill like its nothing, but Id rather see more good folks out there, they reasoned. Some started sweating. Their disciples werent exactly saintshot-headed, violent, kill-happy types. Under this spotlight, whod root for that? The Mountain God wouldnt want his rewards landing in cruel hands eitherungrateful types rarely paid it forward. Han didnt overthink it. Sparing the boar was just habit, not some grand kindness. Low-tier beasts? Useless to him. Kill or let live, whateverunless they pestered him or had loot, hed cut them slack. With their pea brains, revenge wasnt even on the table. He didnt waste energy on pointless stuff. The road ahead got liveliermore beasts, tougher too. Still small fry for Hans Bone Forging-level chops. Mid-stride, space warped around him. When his head cleared, the trees loomed taller, wilderprimeval vibes, like the deeper Black Mountain zones hed hit before. What trick teleported me here? Unauthorized usage: this tale is on Amazon without the author''s consent. Report any sightings. A withered vine caught his eye, sprouting a vivid red flowergorgeous, pulsing with spiritual energy. Han perked up. Treasure? The Mountain Gods looking out for me! But he stayed sharp, scanning the area for lurking beasts. Mental senses on, eyes peeling every cornerhed juiced his vision with treasures, seeing beyond the norm. Nothing stood out. Still, he kept a sliver of caution. This was a trial, and the third stage hadnt spelled out its rulesanything could be part of the test. Coating himself in Heavenly Light, he edged toward the flower. Careful, sure, but passing up loot? Not his style. As his hand reached out, chaos erupted. The vine movedhissing, tongue flicking, lunging at him. A snake beast, camouflaged perfectlyhe hadnt clocked it at all. The flower? Growing right out of its head. What kind of freak show is this? I hate snakes! Han didnt flinch. His palm shot up, shrouded in hazy but tough Heavenly Light, andwhack!smacked the snakes skull. You scared the crap outta me, you know that?! Outside, Tianhe nodded. Thats one of the third trials surprises. Han handled it like a proscoped it out first, didnt slack off grabbing the prize, and faced the ambush head-on without blinking. He clearly liked the kids style. Anything they snag in the illusion? If they pass, the Yun family hands over the real deal afterward. Part of the rewardlike the devil essence from the first trial. What if someone skips the treasure? a voice asked. That dodges the ambush, sure, Tianhe said, a glint in his eye. But later, rarer stuffll pop up. Ignore it all, and youre golden too. Thing is, cultivations about wrestling fate from the heavens. They know this is a test, so caution might win out now. But in the real world, facing the same oddscan they still walk away? Wrestling fate! You dont fight, you think the skys gonna hand it to you? Though, if someone could shrug off every temptation out there, that iron will alone would turn heads. But anyone like that exist? Tianhes words clickedeveryone got what the Yun family wanted in this trial. Cool with rock-solid resolve, unmoved by loot? Respect. But theyd rather see bold, sharp, cautious-but-daring types whod seize their shot at fate. Their disciples choices, though? Hard to call. Its a testknowing that might overcomplicate things, skewing their true colors. Whos playing the basic game, whos five steps ahead? Beats me. Suzhen Saintess cleared the second trial! That yanked the crowds focus. Sure enough, Jiang Yanyao mirrored Hans earlier feat, nailing both techniques. Her time about the same as Hans? Pretty much. Gasps all aroundnot at Jiang Yanyao, but at Hans comprehension sinking in deeper. This was the Suzhen Saintess, a top-tier prodigy, destined to rule a premier tradition. And Taibais Han kept pace with her? Sure, its early days, just one metricfutures a toss-upbut still wild. Suzhens elders stayed mellow, pleased with their saintess, unbothered by Han tying her. Nosy stares? Ignored. A saintesss greatness isnt measured by one testgenerations of elite prove it. Still, this Black Cloud champ? No flukelived up to the hype. Lu Qingmos eyes flicked to Jiang Yanyao. Shed pegged Han as a reincarnated big shot. This saintess, though those legendstruth or tall tales? Looks like Han, the saintess, and a few others are locks to pass, someone said. With that showing? Unstoppable. If prodigies like them cant make it, were all toast. Fair pointthe Mountain Gods test was a gift, not a massacre. Stumping Han or Jiang Yanyao would mean no ones getting throughwhy bother with rewards then? For top-tier talents, this was a breeze; their mentors knew it. The real fight? Whod shine brightest, outdazzle the rest. Beating peers mattered as much asor more thanthe gods prizes. Unshakable confidence, invincible aurathats the stakes. Thanks to the first trials devils being Hans buddies, hed rocketed ahead. Right now, he was the star, outshining Jiang Yanyao, Cui Yaozhi, and the other big-tradition hotshots. Still way out front! Bai Tian, his master, beamed. Taking Han as a disciple was the cherry on his hall-master career. Inside, Jiang Yanyao strode on, calm as a still pond. The test? Other rivals? Didnt faze her. As Suzhens 2,999th saintess, shed be the pinnacle, lifting the palace to new heights. Leading or lagging now? Meh. Though, she didnt buy anyone outdoing her either. Later, Cui Yaozhi and Suo Xian cleared the second trial. Gazing at the dense, speckled-light forest, Cui Yaozhi sighed. Hed likely trailed the saintessfourth son of the Cui head, he knew he didnt quite match her. But falling behind now didnt mean forever. Prodigy pride fueled him. The rest? He wasnt sweating them. Han, his new Black Cloud pal? No competition heretradition depth just wasnt there. Suo Xian and the others thought the same. The regular Joes? Still slogging way back. First place? A pipe dreampassing at all was a stretch, even with everything they had. Sometimes, theyd wonder: Whos up front? Top-tradition prodigies filled their heads. Han? Stellar, sure, but against Jiang Yanyaos ilk, his roots seemed thinner. That heritage gaptough to bridge without equal footing. Few pegged him as the frontrunner. Whew. Han wiped his brow, fresh off dropping a Bone Forging beast. That oughta hit the passing bar, right? First place? Just a titlehe liked keeping it low-key. Clearing was enough. Humilitys a virtue, after all. He overflowed with it. Chapter 329: We Are the “Champions” Whoosh! A gust swept through, and the illusionary scene above Hans head at Black Mountains edge vanished. Hed just flattened a Bone Forging beast, but now this? All eyes swung to Tianhe Venerable, who smiled and said, Next up is the second half of the third trialnot beasts anymore, but people. To protect these promising youngsters, were keeping the rest off the airwaves. Some held secret trump cardskiller moves not meant for public eyesor hid personal mysteries that a full-on fight might expose. Leaking either was bad news. This crowd was a mixed bag; one slip could paint a target on your back, spark envy, or worseget you hunted. The Yun familys blackout was a shield for that. Fighting humans wasnt like tangling with beasts. Beasts scared the weak, but to geniuses, they were dumb preyeasy pickings. Human foes demanded a whole different playbook; when push came to shove, pulling out all stops was par for the course. Still, Tianhe added, anyone whos made it this far has cleared the third trial. The human combat? Call it a bonus round. His vibe was all warm and breezy. Ill check with each qualifier firstsome tricks theyd rather we didnt see, they can skip it. The Yun family had this locked down tightthoughtful, airtight, earning nods all around. No gripes here. The bonus rounds purpose was crystal clear. Some folks hit a hundred cause the test maxes out there, not cause thats their limit. This was their shot to leapfrog the pack. The first three trials mattered, but snagging first? The bonus round was clutch. Without a clear gap, howd the Mountain God divvy up the loot? Factions like the Cui clan loved itpractically cheering the Yun familys effort. Without this, Han wouldve locked down first, no contest. His lead was monstrousthose devil antics alone crushed everyone. Only a straight-up strength slugfest gave their prodigies a prayer of catching him. But reality didnt quite match their script The Bone Forging beasts corpse at Hans feet dissolvedno blood, no bones, nada. He blinked, then got it. Fake? Yup, all an illusion, Tianhes voice rang out. A wisp of his soul materialized before Han, grinning. Venerable, Han greeted. No need for formalities, Tianhe waved it off. Han, know youre the first to clear all three trials? Me, first? Han frowned. No waySuzhen Saintess and the others are beasts too. The devil trial, Tianhe explained. You smoked it while they were still duking it out. That tracks, Han nodded. Moon Gods number-one fanboy, after all. But they didnt catch up later? Comprehension trialyou and the saintess clocked near-identical times, ahead of the rest. One step ahead, every step ahead. This third trial? Everything youve faced so far. Han froze. Im that good? Hed just aimed to passdidnt expect to accidentally snag first. Oops. He sighed inwardly. Guess a guy like him couldnt dim his shine no matter where he went. The curse of being too awesome. This book''s true home is on another platform. Check it out there for the real experience. So, Venerable, you popping in means a new test? Han asked. There were three trials, plus a bonus roundfighting a master in the illusion, Tianhe said, shaking his head with a smile. But youre Black Clouds hometown prodigy, aced it all, and your strength His grin turned knowing. Weve got your number. No point in a bonus round. Were family, after all. Han caught the hintWolf Valley, probably Zuo Tianzheng too. The Yun family knew his chops. A bonus round for him? Redundant. Family said it all. This whole Mountain God gig was about blessing the homeland. Hans stellar run had the gods heart in the bagoutsiders couldnt touch him. Another test would be overkill. Han smirked inside. Locked in first? Love a good inside track. No need to grind harder when the crowns already his. He didnt take it as a slight or flex some macho no handouts, let me fight nonsense. Work smart, not hardwhy play stiff-necked? This perk? Hed earned it, step by sweaty step. No Black Cloud roots, no rep, no strengthno way hed be here. Today was his hustle paying off. Venerable, hows my senior sister and the crew doing? Bais daughters killing itsecond only to you among Black Clouds best. The ancestor wont skimp on her rewards, Tianhe said. Your brothers are solid too. With the hometown boost and their tie to the Cui clan, snagging an Origin Divine Pool slots a lock. Thanks, Venerable. No thanks needed. Taibais crew stands outfacts are facts, Tianhe replied. The pools a standard perk for passers. Beyond that, anything you want? I can float a reasonable ask to the ancestor. Straight to the pointHan liked that. But he knew not to get greedyreasonable was the keyword. Venerable, can I mull it over? This caught me off guardno clue yet. Back when hed eyed the Sky-Mending Vine intel, the Yun family had already handed it over, no strings. Sure, Tianhe agreed easily. Post-trial, soaking in the pool takes timeyouve got plenty to think. So, I head out now? Hang on. Bailing too quick looks fishy. Even a free pass shouldnt scream rigged. Cutting the public feed protected secretsand greased the wheels for a little discretion. Han nodded. Venerable, after this, do we hit the real Black Mountain? A few can; most use the pool outside, Tianhe said, waving a hand. The illusion around Han thinned, letting him peek beyond. Only then did he realize he hadnt gone far at all. Motionless, he scanned the others with mental senses. First trials done, Tianhe noted. Either they passed the devils or theyre outno in-between. Most are on the second trial now. Han clocked the facesoutsiders outnumbered locals by a mile. Talent and resources just didnt line up. Extra credit didnt mean a free ridesome folks couldnt hack it, bonus points or not. When the timing felt right, Tianhe gave the go-ahead. Han bid him farewell, turned, and strode out of Black Mountain. Hans heading out? Hes done! Trials over? Stepping clear, he spotted Tianhe floating aboveawkward, just said bye insideand caught Bai Tians beaming grin. Han darted to Lu Qingmo first. Mo, mission accomplished. She smiled, nodding. Howd the third trials bonus round go? Ears perked around them, fishing for crumbs. Han grinned. Couldnt have gone better. How could it not? Watched the others sweat while he chilled. Good enough, she said. Mo, lets swing by Master. She didnt ask why, just followed. At Bai Tians side, Han sent a hushed message. Master, they wont pick this up, right? With me here, relax, Bai Tian assured. Han relayed his trial rundownskipping the bonus round and allto both via transmission. Tianhe said I can make a reasonable ask. Any ideas? Bai Tian mulled it over. He said reasonable, so dont aim too highnothing even the Yun familys hidden masters would balk at. Got it, Master. If youre not desperate for anything, try asking the Mountain God about rare flames, Lu Qingmo suggested. Han noddedsolid plan. Thending!his eyes lit up. Wait, Ive got one! The Mysterious Vine Divine Armor came from Black Mountains demon clan. The god might know something. Ive got the vine and that beadcould swing a defensive True Artifact! Genius move, me! Big-brain moment secured. Chapter 330: Joining Suzhen Palace Han, Lu Qingmo, and Bai Tian huddled together, whispering about how to leverage this chance for the best rewardsomething Han needed most or thatd push him furthest. While others still slogged through the trials, Han was already plotting his post-game feast. People trickled out of Black Mountainmostly flops who couldnt cut it. Those who passed rarely bailed early; even if they doubted the bonus round, theyd give it a shot. It didnt tank their prior scoresthey were already in the clear. Then Jiang Yanyao stepped out, bonus round in the bag, no doubt. A faint, infectious smile played on her lipsuntil she spotted Han. That fast? Back with her Suzhen crew, an elder murmured a full recap of the trials highlights. Hearing Hans run, her eyes sparkled, and she nodded. Interesting. Looks like we underestimated this Black Cloud prodigy. Hes exceptional, the elder agreed, then pivoted. But, Yanyao, youre not out of the running here. Suzhens saintesses were specialdisciples, elders, even the top brass treated them like gold. A newbie saintess got gentle nods from Yellow Spring Earth-Shattering masters. They werent just prodigies; they were living relics, future palace lords. Jiang Yanyao shook her head, lips parting softly. No chance. Hes tight with the Yun family, born and bred in Black Cloud. That talent, paired with his roots? Hes the Mountain Gods favorite, hands down. She glanced at Han again. This guys got something. Sharp as a tack, shed pieced it together. Still, no bitternessno sulking or grudge against Han. A Mountain God trial? Small potatoes. If it werent in Tianzhou, she wouldnt have bothered showing up. Han caught her look, flashed a grin and a nod. She mirrored it. Lu Qingmo clocked the exchange, traced her gaze, then pulled back. Making nice with Suzhen Palace? Solid move. Huh? Just saying, its a good startlet it roll, Lu Qingmo said. Few factions cross Suzhen. Best rep in the game, hands down. Han got itwhod beef with an all-female crew? Unless it was another lady-only outfit Plus, Suzhen didnt bar non-saintess disciples from marrying out. Saintesses? Off-limits, but every one was a knockouttalent, strength, and fairy-like beauty. Admirerser, suitorspiled up, usually big shots. Enemies? Slim pickings. Mess with Suzhen, and maybe your dador your sect bossonce had a sweet crush on a saintess. Jiang Yanyaos exit kicked off a waveothers followed, some steady, some giddy, some glum. All got the same debrief: Han, the unstoppable force. One-man cavalry charge! Cui Yaozhi and crew were flooredfigured Hans humble roots held him back, not catapulted him this far. Worlds bigalways someone better out there. Cant sleep on the heroes. Bai Ruoyue and the Taibai gang emerged too. Beyond her, the others scraped by decently, buoyed by local perks and big-faction ties like the Cui clanOrigin Divine Pool slots were theirs, as Tianhe had promised. Yun Yuannans early tip to Han paid dividends. Big Sis Bai Ruoyue? A beastright under Han, as long as he kept her in check. She strutted out, head high, transmitting smugly, Bet you cant guess what I scored! Did you know this text is from a different site? Read the official version to support the creator. Tianhe Venerable promised you a custom request, right? Han shot back. Eh? Howd you know, little bro? Han just smirked. No secrets from the Great Zhuge. Cause he got the same deal, Lu Qingmo cut in, ever the auntie whod watched him grow. Oh, right, Bai Ruoyue conceded. The trickle turned floodBlack Mountains edge buzzed again, eyes darting to Han, jaws dropping. He soaked it in, unfazed. Cant help ithandsome guys get stares. Youve all been there. When the last straggler emerged, Tianhes laugh rang out. What a show! You lotprodigies from every cornerlived up to the hype. Talent for days. The crowd hushed, awaiting the next bit. You geniuses know how you did. Sad to say, a big chunk didnt make it. With a wave, light seals rained down, landing precisely on the passers hands. All seven Taibai folks scored one. Passers get a token. Flash it in Black Mountain, and the ancestor green-lights you for the Origin Divine Poolbaptism time. Youve got half an hour to recharge. The trials had taken a toll, after all. Han glanced aroundpassers were a pitiful sliver of the total. Even big dogs like Suzhen and Cui had flops. Devils? Wild cards. Comprehension? A crapshoot. Combat? Risky business. Unless you were a freak, perfection wasnt guaranteed. Ive already hit the pool, Shen Yu whispered. Should I trade this slot to Suzhen Palace? Not a gifta deal. Normally, thatd be a no-go; Black Clouds rare blessings were the Mountain Gods hometown perknot for outsiders. But Shen Yu was special. Yun Duo had told her post-dip to snag another slot and fleece the foreigners. Rules bent for her. Its yoursyour call, Bai Tian said. She scampered to Jiang Yanyao, pitching her plan. Suzhens washouts perked up. Jiang Yanyao mulled it, spoke, and Shen Yu trotted back, dazed. Whats up? Shen Long pressed. Big Sis Jiang asked if Id join Suzhen Palace, Shen Yu said. Shed vouch for me as an inner disciple. If I sign up, I still get the promised goods, plus this slot nets me rewards and sect contribution points. Points matter there, Lu Qingmo explained. Trade em for rare loothuge merits might even score top-tier skills. A bit of a carrot-on-a-sticksaving-the-sect-level deeds for ultimate prizesbut the value was real. The kicker? Joining Suzhen Palace, saintess-approved. Hans crew swapped stunned looks. Good deal? Insanely good. A top-tier tradition! Shen Long was already vibrating. Bai Tian mused, Didnt expect the saintess to throw out an offer like that. Han grinned, shaking his head. Fish Sis earned it. Shes sixteen and a half, Muscle-Tendon Mastery. That talent? Shed pass Suzhens regular tests easy. Pool baptism, prior perksshes a goldmine. Jiang Yanyaos not losing out. Spot on, Lu Qingmo agreed. Sixteen-plus, Muscle-Tendon peak, Organ Refinement by seventeenpublic pool boost, secret Spirit Liquid edge. Shen Yus future was bright. That potential could crack most traditions doors. Early blessings hit different. And Fish Sis isnt getting shorted, Han added. Suzhen entry, saintess-backed? Jackpot. Trading the slot still paid offdouble win. Plus, Suzhen was the spot for women cultivators. Well, maybe Tianmu Sect rivaled it, but yeah, that place. Shen Longs hype cooled, turning wistful. My little sis is that good now? Little Fish is a star! Bai Ruoyue crowed, proud as ever. What do you think? Bai Tian asked gently. Its a prime gig. Suzhen Palace, saintesss pet? Even if the Dong family sniffed out her past, theyd think twice. Jiang Yanyao strolled over, smiling warmly, doubling down. Master Bai, Young Master ZhouShen Yus got talent and luck. Since shes trading the slot, why not make her my sect sister? I swear on my saintess title: she wont miss a single reward. She glanced at Lu Qingmo, grinning. Overseer Lus my masters palhow could I stiff Shen Yu? That tie? Shed live cushynobody crossed the saintess there. Shen Yu pondered, then asked, Wheres Suzhen Palace? Tiangui County. Can I come back here if I join? Anytime, Jiang Yanyao said. Request a home visit from the stewards. Hit Bone Forging, and you can apply to oversee Tianyue County. Bai Tian cut in, pulling Shen Long and Shen Yu aside for a quiet chat. When they returned, Shen Yu beamed. Im in! Chapter 331: The Ascent to Greatness Im willing. Those three simple words sparked a wave of joy among everyone present. From now on, Shen Yu will be in your care, Saintess, Bai Tian said with a nod. He felt no trace of displeasure about his disciple joining the Suzhen Palace. On the contrary, he was delighted. For Shen Yu, this was the best path forward. A martial school was like a academyits students were destined to graduate eventually. As her master, Bai Tian harbored the same hopes any parent would: he wanted Shen Yu to soar to greater heights. To study and grow in a superior place like Suzhen Palace was, without a doubt, a golden opportunity. If she stayed in Taibai, once Shen Yu reached the Bone Refining Realm, this place would have little left to offer her. But Suzhen Palace was different. Even if Bai Tian were to leave one day, Shen Yus current destination far surpassed anything he could have arranged for her. Besides, her joining Suzhen Palace didnt change the fact that he was still her mastera bond that would never waver. Rest assured, Master Bai, Jiang Yanyao said warmly, turning to Shen Yu. Come with me first. Lets introduce you to everyone. Okay, Sister Jiang, Shen Yu replied with a shy smile. The twoone older, one youngerheaded toward the Suzhen Palace group. After they departed, Shen Long pumped his fist, his face alight with excitement. I never imagined my little sister would stumble into such an incredible opportunity! Senior Sister Yu is going to be a standout disciple of Suzhen Palace, Han said with a grin. Shen Long, as her big brother, you might not be able to keep up with her now! Thats fine by me, Shen Long laughed, unbothered. The farther she leaves me in the dust, the better. He turned to Bai Tian. Master, thank you. Bai Tian waved it off with a smile. Its all Shen Yus own hard work. Bai Ruoyue was equally thrilled. Someone from Taibai had joined one of the top-tier sectsand a local powerhouse in Tianzhou, no less. Once word of this spread, it would undoubtedly boost Taibais reputation tremendously. Dad, what did you say to Little Fish just now? Bai Ruoyue asked, curious. Bai Tian shook his head. Nothing much. Just a bit of encouragement. Shen Long didnt bring up their earlier conversation either. Bai Ruoyues eyes sparkled with mischief, but she let it drop. Instead, a hint of worry crept into her voice. Little Fish is only sixteen. The farthest shes ever been is the county town. Now shes off to Suzhen PalaceI wonder if shell adjust, or if anyone might pick on her. Senior Sister Yu is sharp as a tack, Han reassured her with a chuckle. And shes not going in alone. Masters a True Blood Realm expert, and shes got the Saintesss personal recommendation. Shell be fine. At that moment, Lu Qingmo spoke up. No need to fret. Ill write a letter for Jiang Yanyao to take when she leaves Black Cloud Town. She can pass it to the former Saintess of Suzhen Palace, asking her to look after Shen Yu. Shen Longs face lit up even more, and he thanked Lu Qingmo profusely. Bai Ruoyue clung to Lu Qingmos arm, her voice soft and sweet. Aunt Mo, youre the best. A little while later, Shen Yu returned to the group. Over on the Suzhen Palace side, Elder Lin Ge of the Yin God Realm watched her retreating figure and quietly asked Jiang Yanyao, Why the sudden decision? It wasnt that she opposed the choicejust that she was puzzled. When the Saintess herself declared shed take an inner disciple, no one, not even the Palace Master, could object. It was a small matter, and Jiang Yanyaos word was lawprovided, of course, the recruit wasnt a man. Shen Yus got solid talent, Jiang Yanyao replied. Since we crossed paths, bringing one more back with us isnt any trouble. Fair point, Lin Ge agreed. The palace recruits disciples at year-end anyway. Taking a promising one early is a good start. What about her rewards? Ill handle it when were back, Jiang Yanyao said. Resources, contribution pointsshell get some preferential treatment. Lin Ge nodded, understanding the intent: a little extra to sweeten the deal. She had no objections. For a top-tier sect like Suzhen Palace, such rewards were a drop in the bucket. And with Jiang Yanyao personally vouching for it, no one would dare meddle. Unauthorized use: this story is on Amazon without permission from the author. Report any sightings. Lin Ge added, Bai Ruoyues talent is impressive too. If we could bring her in, shed have a shot at becoming a true disciple. Another true disciple seed would be a boon, after all. No chance with Bai Ruoyue, Jiang Yanyao said, shaking her head with a faint smile. Her backgrounds likely complicated. Then she chuckled. Elder Lin, dont you think this Taibai Martial School is fascinating? A True Blood Realm master, a prodigy who appeared out of nowhere, and a hidden gem whose brilliance has yet to shine. Now that you mention it, youre right, Lin Ge mused. A place like this doesnt belong in a backwater like Black Cloud Town. Remarkable luck, Jiang Yanyao said with a knowing look. Lin Ge caught the hint. It clicked why Jiang Yanyao had abruptly decided to take Shen Yu under her wing. If Han and Bai Ruoyue matured into their potential, Taibai Martial School might just become something extraordinary. After a moments thought, Lin Ge instructed the nearby disciples, When we return, treat Shen Yu well. Look out for her. Jiang Yanyao said nothing, tacitly approving. After all, shed personally invited Shen Yu into Suzhen Palace. If anyone dared mistreat her, itd be a slap in the Saintesss facea disrespect to the immortal artifact, the Tai Su Yuan Zhen Diagram itself. Whod risk that? Bai Ruoyue turned to Shen Yu. How were they? Shen Yu nodded. The elder and the senior sisters all seemed really nice. Once youre at Suzhen Palace, train hard, Bai Tian said with a gentle smile. I hope one day youll surpass me. I will! Shen Yu promised, then hesitated. Master, will you and Little Junior Brother come visit me? Bai Tian paused, then nodded with a warm smile. Of course we will. All of us will. Suzhen Palace didnt accept male disciples, but family visits were permitted. If prisons allowed visitors, a sect certainly would. Hey, hey, Little Fish! Bai Ruoyue cut in, feigning indignation. You only asked if Dad and Little Junior Brother would visit? What about me, your big senior sister? Dont tell me you dont want to see me! No way! Id love to see you too, Senior Sister! Shen Yu protested. Bai Ruoyue ruffled Shen Yus hair with a laugh. Soon youll be a disciple of a grand sect. Ill have to bow when I see you! Laughter rippled through the group. Shen Yu, blushing, grabbed Bai Ruoyues arm. At her age, she was already mature enough to understand the expectations everyone had for herwhich was exactly why shed chosen Suzhen Palace. Recalling Bai Tians earlier words to her and Shen Long, her resolve hardened. Shed train with everything she had at Suzhen Palace. Watching the scene, Han felt a quiet joy. Life was looking brighter by the day. No matter what happened after their master left, at least Shen Yu would thrive. Bai Ruoyue suddenly piped up. When Yunduo apprenticed under Aunt Mo, it was a big deal. Little Fish joining Suzhen Palace deserves more than a quiet send-off. Apprenticeship and joining a sect arent the same, Bai Tian said, shutting down his daughters idea. No need to make a fuss. Its not a secret, but it doesnt call for a celebration either. Masters right, Han chimed inonly to earn a glare from Bai Ruoyue. Oh, great, Little Junior Brothers siding with the enemy again, she seemed to say. Han could only shrug. Facts were facts. Shen Yus situation differed from Yunduos. Yunduos formal apprenticeship under Lu Qingmo meant shed joined Xuandu Temple and aligned herself with Lu Qingmos factiona significant backing within the temple, complete with connections to Lu Qingmos master, senior sisters, junior brothers, and allies. Shen Yu, though, was simply entering Suzhen Palace without a specific master. Jiang Yanyaos support was more a favor than a formal tie. It was something, but not quite a foundation. Now, if Shen Yu could apprentice under the former Saintess, thatd be a game-changerworthy of a grand celebration. A Saintesss master was always a Saintess too, but any Saintess could take additional disciples if she wished. For a non-Saintess to study under one meant a direct line to the Palace Masters inner circlea rocket to the top. Half an hour slipped by unnoticed until Venerable Tianhe spoke again. Everyone, its time. Follow me up the mountain. The Origin Divine Pool requires a lengthy soak, he added. Theres no need for the rest of you to wait here. Please return to Black Cloud Town and rest. Master, were heading up now, Han said. Go on, Bai Tian replied. The seven whod passed the trial gathered around Venerable Tianhe. They briefly explained Shen Yus situation, and Yunduo dashed over, playfully massaging the Venerables shoulders while filling him in. With a fond pat on Yunduos head, he smiled and approved Shen Yus slot transfer. A Suzhen Palace disciple whod failed the trial for unknown reasons clutched a glowing token, casting Shen Yu a grateful glance. Once all the successful candidates assembled, Venerable Tianhe unleashed his power, enveloping Han and the others. In a flash, they shot skyward, racing toward the heart of Black Mountain. This isnt like last time, when we blinked and arrived at Tianxu, Han thought. That trip mustve involved a power beyond the Yin God Realmmaybe the Mountain God or some hidden Yun family expert. Venerable Tianhe moved swiftly. They passed countless flying beasts along the way, but none paid them any mind, as if he were invisible. It reminded Han of that Death Plague Corpse from before. Though wild beasts lacked intellect, the Yun family clearly had ways to handle them. In moments, the towering Black Mountain loomed aheadthe deepest region Han had never reached before. Venerable Tianhe set them down and gestured to the left. There, a smaller hill was riddled with caves, each sealed by a shimmering black barrier. Each cave holds an Origin Divine Pool, he explained. Based on your trial performance, youll be assigned one. The tokens I gave you will guide you to your designated caveno fighting over them. Enter the pool directly once inside. No need to worry about beasts or interruptions. After absorbing the pools power, wait in the cave for the others. Once everyones done, Ill take you all back together. The group thanked him and dispersed to find their pools. But a few lingered: Han, Bai Ruoyue, and a handful of prodigies from top sects and first-rate factions. Venerable Tianhe turned to them. You all excelled in the trial. Beyond the Origin Divine Pool, the ancestors have prepared additional rewards. The Yun family wouldnt favor just Han and Bai Ruoyuethe other prodigies had earned their due too. Follow me up the mountain, he said, leading them toward the true Black Mountain. This was their privilege. Even a bath had to be taken atop the peak. Chapter 332: A Bounty Beyond Measure Everything felt differentutterly, breathtakingly different. The moment Han set foot on Black Mountain alongside Venerable Tianhe, a sensation washed over him like a fish breaking the waters surfaceexhilaration, freedom. His entire being felt lighter, sharper, as though a layer of grime had been scrubbed away. Before this, he hadnt noticed how stifling and heavy the world below had been. Now, it was as if hed stepped out of a murky, chaotic mortal realm into a pristine, untainted sanctuary. He cast his gaze outward. At the mountains edge, clouds swirled with hues of dawn, wisps of azure smoke curling upwarda scene too ethereal for the mortal plane. Just one step had transported him into another dimension. Closer in, vibrant flowers bloomed with bold elegance, lush green grass carpeted the ground, and the soil pulsed with vitality. Nothing here bore the faintest hint of decay. Life thrived in every direction, a riot of growth and energy unfolding before his eyes. Dewdrops clung to petals and dangled from blades of grass, each shimmering with a faint spiritual essence, imbued with traces of primal energy. A gentle inhale filled his lungs with a sweet, fragrant breeze, so crisp it seemed to cleanse him from the inside out. The air itself is sweet, he marveled. Silence reigned here. Outside, the occasional roar of beasts or cry of birds had punctuated the air, but on this mountain, those sounds vanished. No other creatures stirred in sightlikely tucked away in hidden corners. What a blessed land Black Mountain is, Cui Yaozhi exclaimed, his voice tinged with awe. He was right. This was a paradise, a grotto-heaven. Though rooted in the mortal world, it stood apart, a near-sacred refuge. The primal energy of heaven and earth flowed abundantly here, pure and potent. Cultivating in such a place would yield efficiency and results unimaginable in the outside world. For anyone fortunate enough to train here indefinitely, their progress would skyrocket. Back when Han first embarked on his cultivation journey, Shen Long and the others had shared rough estimates of the time each realm typically tookaverages based on ordinary people in ordinary places. But the disciples of top-tier sects, nestled in blessed lands like this, received monthly resources and studied peerless techniques. Their conditions were leagues beyond what those mired in the dusty, turbulent mortal realm could ever hope to match. This peak of Black Mountain was the greatest treasure of alland the most coveted. Venerable Tianhe offered a faint smile. It pales beside the Cui Clans Clear River. The Clear River wasnt just the name of the county where the Cui Clan residedit was their own grotto-heaven, a sprawling expanse of water dotted with scattered islets. The Cui Clan lived atop those islands, their home a testament to their status. Tianhes words werent mere humility; they were fact. Clear River outclassed Black Mountain by a wide margin, as befitted the stronghold of a top-tier sect. Grotto-heavens varied in quality, and those claimed by the mightiest factions were undeniably the finest in the world. Might we have the honor of meeting the Mountain God? asked the Daozi of Suoxian. The ancestor isnt receiving visitors at the moment, Tianhe replied, gently deflecting the request. He led the group a short distance up the mountain until a plaza of cyan stone came into view. Stone huts stood atop itsigns of civilization in a place untouched by outsiders for ages. Clearly, the Yun Clan had a presence here. At this point, exposing such details hardly mattered. With the Mountain God nearing his end and predators circling, concealing minor secrets was no longer a priority. In the recent trial, you all performed the best, Tianhe said. So the Origin Divine Pools prepared for you are of higher quality than the others. Theyre inside these stone huts. As I mentioned before, your tokens will guide you to your respective pools. He added, There are also additional rewards from the Yun Clan waiting for you inside. Hans heart stirred. He hadnt yet voiced his own request to the Yun Clan, and Tianhe wouldnt go back on his word. That meant hed receive both the rewards here and the chance to make a demand later. The Mountain Gods generosity was staggering. Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on Royal Road. Venerable, could we exchange the rewards for something we need instead? asked a prodigy from a first-rate faction. Tianhe nodded. If you find the Yun Clans current gifts useless, you can return whats in the huts and state your request. If we have it, well consider itwithin reason. Within reason meant no outrageous demandsno top-tier rarities or priceless treasures. The exchange would match the value of the given rewards, and only if the Yun Clan possessed the requested item. Han had no complaints. He could take what was in the hut and still make a request later. Hed have it all. No one else raised questions. They dispersed, each seeking their assigned hut. Han quickly located his at the far end of the plaza. Before entering, though, a thought struck him. He jogged back to Tianhe and asked, Venerable, how long does it take to use the Origin Divine Pool? It varies by person, so its hard to say, Tianhe replied. But at the very least, a day. He paused, then smiled. Oh, and when youre done, feel free to tell me what reward youd like. Thank you, Venerable. Go on. Remember what I told you on the way here. Han returned to his hut and stepped inside, closing the door behind him. The interior was Spartan but spacious, illuminated by a glowing pearl. At the center stood a square cyan-stone pool, one meter by one meter, its surface swirling with misty azure vaporthe Origin Divine Pool. It wasnt water inside but pure, primal divine energynot for soaking, but for absorbing and refining. On the journey up, Tianhe had briefed them on the process, emphasizing one key rule: dont rush it. After inspecting the pool, Hans gaze shifted to a stone table nearby. On it sat a spatial pouchundoubtedly the Yun Clans reward for his stellar trial performance. He opened it and peered inside. The contents were plentiful, some familiar: treasures hed claimed in the third trials illusory realm. Those had been mere phantoms, but the Yun Clan had made them real. That was the third trials prize. The true rewards for passing the trial, though, were two items. First, a withered branch accompanied by a note detailing its nature: Heavenly Thunder Wooda treasure born anew from a spark of life after being shattered by a heavenly lightning tribulation. A supreme Yin God-tier material Han read aloud, his eyes widening with each word. When forged into a magical tool, it wields immense power, carrying the might of thunder. Perfectly suited for thunder techniques, and the wood itself aids in cultivating them. What a find! It was as if the Yun Clan had tailor-made it for him. Given Lu Qingmos famed Heavenly Thunder Earthfire Seal and Hans connection to her, they likely assumed he might inherit it someday. Materials of the same tier varied in qualityhis earlier finds, the Earth Divine Stone and Celestial Gold, were decent but unremarkable. This Heavenly Thunder Wood, though, was top-of-the-line, its value dwarfing the others combined. Thunder techniques, tools, and treasures were the cream of the crop in cultivation, universally sought after. Han was thrilled. Once Miaoshu devoured it, the new branches it sprouted would be ideal for bearing the Heavenly Thunder Earthfire Seal. I wont forget this kindness, he vowed silently. The second reward was a jade talisman, engraved on both sidesone with a cloud, the other with a mountain resembling Black Mountains silhouette. A note explained: Black Cloud Talismanrequires a drop of blood to bind. When activated, it summons power to teleport the owner directly into Black Mountain from the outside world. Effective range: roughly the straight-line distance from Black Cloud Town to Black Mountain. After one use, natural recharge takes half a month; active replenishment is faster. Hans jaw dropped. A life-saving relic! Directly into Black Mountain meant this peak, not the sprawling outer ranges. Though limited to Black Cloud Towns vicinity, it was still incredibly valuable. With this, hed have a safety net around the town and instant access to this blessed land. Bound by blood, it was his aloneno one else could use it. The Yun Clans sincerity was overwhelming: a perfect top-tier material and entry to Black Mountain. Han was touched. Then a thought hit him. Black Mountain was still under Yun Clan control, so teleporting here now posed no issue. But if the Mountain God died and the mountain fell to others, would the talisman still work? Even if it did, teleporting into a hostile Black Mountain would be suicide. Staring at the talisman, Han frowned. Was the Yun Clan hinting at something? Assuring him Black Mountain wouldnt be lost? He shook his head, dismissing the speculation, and stowed his rewards. Stepping into the Origin Divine Pool, he felt no dampnessonly comfort, pure and boundless. The pools pristine energy didnt require effort; it flowed into him willingly, merging seamlessly, enhancing every facet of his beinghis flesh, his soul in its homeland, the wing patterns on his back, the Mortal-Shedding Seed in his abdomen. The moment he entered, Han sank into a trance, fully focused on refining the divine energy. He could feel its strengthening effects, lifting him bit by bit. The sensation was intoxicating, like soaring through the sky. Across the cyan-stone plazas huts and the caves at the mountains base, everyone shared this state. For many, this was a once-in-a-lifetime chance, unlikely to come again. Were it not for the Mountain Gods impending deathand the divine energys inability to be preserved as an inheritancetheyd never have had this opportunity. But theyd seized it. Fate, truly wondrous. Chapter 333: Breakthrough—The Gods of the Five Viscera! Godsagents of the laws of heaven and earth, embodiments of order itself. The pure primal divine energy within the Origin Divine Pool was a miraculous force, akin to the natural power of the cosmos. In most cases, it carried no side effects and was compatible with nearly all racesa perfect match for the delicate constitutions of this worlds inhabitants. Time slipped by, and as the pools energy dwindled, the power within Han surged in turn. Alongside this, a striking transformation began to unfold. On Hans back, the crimson flames flared once more, flickering and shifting as if straining to take shape. The Phoenix Gel had sparked a change, though an incomplete one. Now, with the Origin Divine Pools aid, those wing-like patterns might finally evolve further. As the trials victors immersed themselves in their pools, a hush fell over Black Mountain, inside and out. Yet in the peach grove beyond, a visitor arrived. Jiang Hengchuan had come to see Lu Qingmo again, this time with Wang Zai in tow. Oddly, Wang Zai should have been inside Black Mountainyet here he was. Lu Qingmo frowned as the pair approached. Nephew Wang should be in Black Mountain right now. Why are you here as a soul fragment? Ive come to discuss something urgent with you, Aunt Lu, Wang Zai replied. Hed used a rare treasure to split his soul, ensuring it wouldnt disrupt his cultivation within the mountain. What is it? Uncle Jiang has something to say first. Let him go ahead, Wang Zai deferred. Junior Sister Lu, Jiang Hengchuan said gravely, you must bring Han into Xuandu Temple. Youve seen his performance. Yes, hes a bit older, but for a prodigy like him, age is no barrier. Every Dao Seed carries profound potential. If Han joins the temple, its a win for everyone. Lu Qingmo rubbed her temples. Jiang Hengchuans persistence was maddening, though she knew his intentions were good. She sighed. Senior Brother Jiang, Ive got my own plans. Anything else? Jiang Hengchuans jaw tightened, but he couldnt force her hand. Thats all from me. Junior Sister, please think it over seriously. Nephew Wang, your turn. He glanced at Wang Zai. He mentioned he had business when I came to see you, so we arrived together. Lu Qingmo nodded, understanding. Wang Zais matter was separateJiang Hengchuan wasnt here to back him up. Whats your business? she asked. Wang Zai wasted no time. Aunt Lu, I have a treasure that can forcibly elevate someone to the Yin God Realmguaranteed success. Both Lu Qingmo and Jiang Hengchuan froze, startled. A treasure that could assure a breakthrough to Yin God? If Wang Zai dared make such a claim, it might even work for someone like Lu Qingmo. But they quickly sensed a catch. What is it? Jiang Hengchuan pressed. Its akin to a divine shardexceptionally rare, Wang Zai explained. My family stumbled upon it by chance. Whether a second exists in this world, I cant say. In this realm, when gods fell, their essence vanisheddivine seats crumbled, shards shattered. Inheritance was almost unheard of. Wang Zais comparison to a divine shard painted a vivid picture, though. Whats the drawback? Lu Qingmo cut to the chase. No treasure this potent could be flawless, or Wang Zai wouldnt offer it so readily. Aunt Lus insight is sharp, Wang Zai said with a faint smile. Using it to force a breakthrough to Yin God halts all future progress. The resulting strength is weaker than a typical Yin God cultivators, and most crucially despite reaching that realm, your lifespan remains capped at a mere century. Silence fell. The downsides were staggeringweaker than peers, no lifespan extension. What kind of Yin God was that? A sham, at bestbeneath the notice of true Yin God or True Blood cultivators. Xuandu Temple had no need for such impostors. Yet was it valuable? Undeniably. Even a flawed Yin God with a hundred-year lifespan outclassed ordinary Manifest Saint cultivators. For those with no hope of breaking through naturally, it could rewrite their fate. Lu Qingmo, barring miracles, was stuck at Manifest Saint for life. If Wang Zais treasure worked for her, it could be a way outakin to burning her lifespan for a breakthrough, but amplified. Once, that might have tempted her. Not anymore. With news of the Heavenly Saint Soul-Restoring Liquid and two of its three components already secured, full recovery was within reach. Wang Zais offer held no allure. I appreciate the thought, Nephew Wang, she said with a slight nod, her tone signaling refusal. But this treasure is too precious and hard-won. I cant accept it. Wang Zai blinked, stunned. Jiang Hengchuan gaped, equally shocked by her swift rejection. This was a shot at a breakthrough! Unauthorized usage: this tale is on Amazon without the author''s consent. Report any sightings. Are you hesitating for some reason, Aunt Lu? Wang Zai pressed. Dont worryyou can try it first. If it doesnt help you break through, Ill ask for nothing in return. His boldness was clear: if it failed, hed walk away empty-handed. Are you after the Heavenly Thunder Earthfire Seal? Lu Qingmo asked bluntly. Wang Zai nodded, unashamed. Ive long admired that peerless technique. If possible, Id trade for it. If the breakthrough treasure isnt enough, I can find whatever else you need. Im touched by your kindness, Lu Qingmo said evenly, but after more than a decade, Ive let go. Theres no need to waste your treasure on me. The Heavenly Thunder Earthfire SealI wont teach it to you. Wang Zais shoulders slumped. He hadnt expected such unwavering refusal. The allure of a supreme technique was immense, and despite her years away, some still coveted Lu Qingmos mastery. His family had gone to great lengths to acquire this rare treasure, a true anomaly. This trip to Black Cloud Townearned over other Xuandu true discipleswas partly to broker this deal. Hed hoped to build rapport first, but Lu Qingmo gave him no chance. Forced to lay his cards on the table, hed been confident the treasure addressed her plight, albeit imperfectly. Yet shed dismissed it outright. Jiang Hengchuan, silent until now, spoke up. Junior Sister, you havent passed the Heavenly Thunder Earthfire Seal to Han, have you? Hed noticed their unusual bond. Given Hans talent, it wasnt unthinkable. Wang Zais heart jolted, then sank. The seals true essence could only be transmitted three timesa fact known across Xuandu Temple. Lu Qingmo had used one, reserving another for her mastera sacred, untouchable slot. No one could demand she give it up. That left one final chance, the one others could vie for. If Han had it, all hope was lost. Lu Qingmo didnt answer directly. In short, thank you for your efforts, Nephew Wang, but I wont share the seal. Apologies for troubling you, Aunt Lu, Wang Zai said, retreating without anger or insistence. He carried himself with some dignity despite his agenda. Jiang Hengchuan lingered. Im not here to plead Wang Zais case, Junior Sister, but that treasure does suit you. Who you pass the seal to is your callbut if you did give it to Han, all the more reason to bring him into Xuandu Temple. Senior Brother Jiang, why dont you check on Nephew Wang? Lu Qingmo suggested. With a sigh, Jiang Hengchuan left the peach grove to catch up with Wang Zai and offer some counsel. Long after theyd gone, Lu Qingmo shook her head. Forcing a breakthrough With the treasure hes already found for me, why would I need to? A long lifespan mattered deeply to her. That afternoon, another visitor arrivedBai Tian. Im here to discuss Hans future with you, he said straightaway. Ill be heading to Jade Capital, and youre returning to Xuandu Temple. What about Han? Hes not like the othersnot on the same path. My plans for Shen Long and them dont fit him. Three days passed in a flash. In the stone hut, the Origin Divine Pools energy had vanished, fully absorbed by Han. The refining process had caused quite a stir, but now, calm reigned. His breaths stretched long and steady. Five radiant lights bloomed across his bodyyellow like the earth, vibrant green of life, soothing blue of moistureeach pulsing with a unique rhythm, as if breathing. The most dazzling was the iridescent glow at his chest, a kaleidoscope of colors. An inward gaze revealed their source: his heart, liver, spleen, lungs, and kidneysthe five viscera. They shimmered with an ethereal haze, transformed into celestial treasures, exuding a flawless, perfect aura. A complete cycle had formed, seamless and unblemished. This perfection fueled rapid growth in Hans physique and true qi. In three days, the Origin Divine Pool had polished the unrefined parts of his five viscera to completion, triggering a breakthrough. Hed reached the Great Completion of the Viscera Realma full realm leap. As the five visceras cycle solidified, it linked with his already perfected six bowels, merging two distinct loops into a grand cycle of five viscera and six bowels. Intertwined by nature, their dual perfection sparked a wondrous shift. Resonance hummed between them, releasing a steady stream of primal essence to bolster Hans body, which in turn nourished his organs, making them ever stronger. Then, faint voices emergedthe six bowel gods stepped from their divine kingdoms, appearing above their domains. Eyes open, they chanted ceaselessly. Threads of colored light extended from them, reaching into the five viscera. There, vague humanoid figures flickered. The bowel gods connection seemed to catalyze something extraordinarythe five figures stepped forth, settling atop their respective organs like their counterparts. Unlike the bowel gods, their eyes remained shut. The divine energy flooding Hans body poured into all eleven gods, sharpening their forms. Their chants grew louder, as if this power was tailor-made for them. Guided by the bowel gods and fueled by the divine energy, the faint outlines of the visceral gods solidified. Their eyelids twitched, teetering on the edge of awakening yet unable to cross it. Han remained patient, urging the bowel gods to deepen their pull and channel more energy into their kin. At some point, a second faint chorus joined the bowel gods chants, growing stronger until it abruptly halted. The visceral gods flickered, poised at a tipping point. Awaken! A voice like cosmic thunder roared from beyond, shattering the stillness. The five visceral gods eyes snapped open. They stirred from slumbergods reborn! God! God! Eleven resounding cries echoed within Han, contained yet deafening. A sacred aura surged, filling his being. The eleven gods, though diminutive, radiated immense majesty. Their once-faded chants resumed, now crisp and clear. Following the six bowel gods, Han had awakened the five visceral godswithout even using the Five Viscera Divine Pill! [Earth-Grade Pill: Five Viscera Divine Pill] [Temporarily links to the visceral gods, granting the five viscera unique divine traits. Exceptionally gifted individuals have a minuscule chance to permanently awaken the visceral spirits.] Hed used the Six Bowel Divine Pill before, expecting to need its visceral counterpart. Yet the eternally awakened bowel gods had guided their visceral siblings, and with the Origin Divine Pools pristine energy, Han had saved the pill and seized the breakthrough to rouse them. Eleven gods now presided over his five viscera and six bowels, their divine light safeguarding their domains, rendering them immortal. Their presence elevated the organs essence once more. At this realm, fewif anycould rival the strength of Hans viscera and bowels. The gods forged bonds among themselves, weaving the grand cycle into a divine domain of profound mystery. As worldly essence entered Han, this domain refined it into divine essence, feeding back into his organs to amplify them further. What realm would it take to fully unleash the wonders of these gods? Han wondered, captivated. Legends spoke of summoning such deities into the world to fight on ones behalfan awe-inspiring prospect. After savoring the final echoes of his transformation, Han opened his eyes. Divine brilliance blazed in his gaze, outshining the pearl and bathing the hut in daylight. Feeling his newfound power, Han grinned. The realm breakthrough was just the startthis haul was massive.