《A second life, An Eternal journey to Immortality》 Chapter 1_The Birth of an Obsession" Before Jiang''s rebirth, he was an ordinary man living an ordinary life, with a calm demeanor and a sense of maturity that belied his age. His appearance was undeniably handsome, a solid 88 out of 100, and he carried himself with an air of self-assuredness, though always cautious in his actions. As an orphan, Jiang had learned early on to rely on himself, but that didnt stop him from valuing the friendships he made along the way. His social circle consisted of university friends, work colleagues, and a few companions from the clubs he frequented to unwind and have fun Jiang had a penchant for reading novels, particularly those about immortals and cultivation. These stories served as an escape from the monotony of his everyday existence, where the protagonists grew stronger, defied the laws of nature, and achieved greatness. Sometimes, Jiang found himself envious of their limitless potential, imagining what it would be like to live forever, to wield power beyond comprehension, free from the constraints of his fragile human body. One Friday night, the club was alive with energy. Music pulsed from the speakers as Jiang and his friends navigated the vibrant crowd. He followed his usual routinelaughing, drinking, and enjoying the company of womenembracing the fleeting pleasures of youth. Yet, that night felt different. There was a strange weight on his chest, a subtle sense of unease he couldnt shake. Still, he pushed the feeling aside, determined to lose himself in the moment. A playful voice snapped him from his thoughts. So, Jiang, whats it going to be tonight? Another round of shots, or are we dancing until dawn? It was Li Mei, a friend with a mischievous smile and eyes that glimmered with excitement. Jiang grinned. Why not both? But dont be surprised when I steal you for a dance later. Their laughter blended into the music, but for a brief moment, Jiangs gaze lingered on her. In that fleeting second, he wondered what it would be like to live a life not bound by time. A life where moments like these could last forever. He shook off the thought and dived back into the night. Later, as they caught their breath from dancing, he mused aloud, You know, Mei, sometimes I wish life could be simpler. No deadlines, no agingjust endless fun. She chuckled, You say that now, but wait until youre old and cant keep up with us anymore. Thats why immortality would be perfect, Jiang said, only half-joking. Li Mei raised an eyebrow, teasing, Careful what you wish for. Immortality sounds like a heavy burden. Their laughter filled the night, but inside, Jiang felt a pang of longing. The thought of immortality lingered like a whisper he couldnt ignore. Days turned into weeks. Jiang returned to his work routine. He was diligent, respected among his peers, but a restlessness had taken root in his heart. Xu Wei (a coworker, casually): "Jiang, youre not yourself today. Everything okay?"This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience. Jiang (smiling faintly): "Yeah, just a little tired. The usual stuff, you know?" Jiang, you okay? You seem out of it lately, Xu Wei, a colleague, asked over lunch. Jiang offered a faint smile. Just tired. The usual stuff. Too many cultivation novels, huh? Real life doesnt come with immortality, my friend. Jiang chuckled, but his voice carried a trace of wistfulness. I know. But sometimes, I wonder what it would be like to be more than this to be free from the limits of time. Well, Xu Wei said with a grin, maybe you should start training under a monk. See if you get lucky next life. They both laughed, but the thought stayed with Jiang. ... Time flies and the Years Goes by At 30, Jiangs life took an unexpected turn. He was struck with a mysterious illnessone that no doctor could diagnose, no treatment could cure. His body began to deteriorate, slowly at first, but then with terrifying speed. The doctors delivered the grim news: Jiang didnt have long to live. His friends, though supportive, couldnt ease the growing despair that settled in his chest. Their visits, their kind words, and their attempts to cheer him up only deepened his sense of helplessness. As the days passed, Jiangs health continued to decline. The vibrant man who had once been full of life now lay in a hospital bed, frail and pale, surrounded by the sterile white walls that seemed to close in on him. His friends tried to offer comfort, but their smiles were strained, their words hollow. Liu Fang (a longtime friend, sitting by Jiangs side): "Jiang, I dont know what to say. The doctors theyve run out of options. Weve tried everything." Jiang (weakly): "I dont want to die, Fang. I dont want to leave all of this behind. Theres so much I havent done yet." Liu Fang (gripping his hand): "Youre not alone in this. Were all here for you. Youll always be remembered. Youve made a difference in our lives." Jiang: "But whats the point of being remembered? I want to live. I want to keep experiencing, to see everything this world has to offer... But it feels like... its all slipping away." His voice was barely a whisper now, but the fire in his heart burned hotter than ever. Liu Fang: "Youve done more than enough. Youre a good person, Jiang. Youre going to leave a mark on this world that no one can forget." Jiang: "I dont care about that... I care about being alive, about never having to say goodbye." As Jiangs health continued to decline, his obsession with immortality grew. He wanted to escape this fate, to defy the inevitable. If he couldnt achieve immortality in this life, then perhaps... somewhere, somehow, he could find another way. The pain in his body grew unbearable, but his mind became clearer with each passing moment. His friends had left, exhausted from the emotional toll of his decline. The room was quiet, save for the steady beeping of the heart monitor. Jiang lay there, his breath shallow and labored, staring at the ceiling, consumed by the burning thought of immortality. "I dont want to die," he whispered to himself. "I want to live forever. I want... immortality." For a brief moment, the silence of the room seemed to stretch into eternity. And then, Jiangs voice broke through the stillness, hoarse but filled with desperate intensity: "I want to become Immortal!" With those final words, Jiangs energy drained, and his body gave in to the inevitable, slipping into unconsciousness... Another week have passed and Jiang wake up again, As Jiang lay in that sterile hospital bed, his mind was a storm of emotions. The quiet beep of the heart monitor punctuated the silence, a constant reminder of his dwindling time. He couldnt remember a time when he felt so small, so fragile. Every movement, every breath was labored, as though his body itself was betraying him. The once strong and calm man now felt like a mere shadow of his former self. Jiangs thoughts were a whirlwind, trapped between the fear of death and an unyielding desire to defy it. "Why now? Why me? I still have so much left to experience... so much to see." His mind flitted between fragments of memorieshis university days, the nights out at the club, laughing with friends, the joy of chasing fleeting pleasures. Yet, there was always that gnawing feeling of dissatisfaction, of knowing he was destined for something more, something grander than the life he led. He had always read about immortalsbeings that lived beyond the limits of time, who could achieve unimaginable power, see centuries pass without a single wrinkle. "If only I could be one of them," he thought desperately. "If only I could live forever." His gaze wandered toward the window, where the sky was growing darker, as though the heavens themselves were mirroring his despair. The faintest flicker of light cut through the darkening sky. A flash of lightning. It illuminated the room for a split second, casting long shadows on the white walls. His heartbeat quickened, his breath shallow and erratic. Was it just the storm? Or was something stirring in the air? It felt... strange, like the world was holding its breath, as if it too were listening to his thoughts. The storm outside raged on, the sound of thunder rolling across the heavens like a deep, echoing growl, and a violent flash of lightning streaked across the sky, illuminating everything with an eerie, almost supernatural glow. "I dont want to die." Chapter 2_"The Golden Eye: The Night the World Trembled" His thoughts became frantic, his pulse quickening in the face of impending death. His limbs felt like lead, and the darkness around him seemed to close in. But then, as the storm outside reached its crescendo, a surge of determination swelled within him, born of desperation. "No! I refuse to die!" Jiang''s body trembled with the intensity of his emotion, his desire to break free of the chains of mortality, to transcend death, to live forever. He could feel his very soul crying out, pulling against the inevitable. The air in the room seemed to shift. It thickened, and a deep hum filled the space, as if the universe itself was reacting to his anguished wish. The flashing lightning outside mirrored the intensity of his emotions, growing brighter, faster, as if time itself were bending to the will of his desire. For the first time in his life, Jiangs overwhelming need to live took over his rational mind. He clenched his fists, nails biting into his palms, his chest heaving with the effort to force out the words. "I WANT TO BECOME IMMORTAL!" As Jiangs desperate cry for immortality echoed into the stormy night, something extraordinary occurredsomething the entire world would never forget. High above the hospital, the storm clouds churned violently, lightning illuminating the heavens like cracks in the fabric of reality. Suddenly, the storm went silent. No thunder. No wind. The rain froze mid-fall, droplets suspended eerily in the air. Then, it happened. A massive, golden eye opened in the sky, its gaze cold and merciless, like a deity observing insignificant ants. Its brilliance illuminated the entire planet, casting everything in an ethereal golden hue. The iris of the eye spun slowly, like the turning of celestial gears, and a low, bone-rattling hum filled the air. The entire planet trembled as an overwhelming force descended, blanketing the world in a crushing, invisible gravity. Buildings groaned under the weight, trees bent and cracked, and people collapsed to their knees, unable to stand. In a bustling metropolis, people looked up in terror, shielding their eyes from the blinding glow of the celestial eye. Man in the Streets (panicking): "What is that? Is it a god? A demon?!" Woman: "I I cant move! It feels like the air itself is crushing me!" Child (crying): "Mommy, Im scared! Make it stop!" The weight of the force was unbearable. Cars crumpled under the pressure, streetlights flickered and shattered, and skyscrapers swayed dangerously. Around the world, similar scenes played out. In a small village: An old man stumbled out of his home, his voice trembling as he stared at the sky. Old Man: "Ive lived through wars and disasters, but this this is no act of nature. This is divine punishment!" The village priest fell to his knees, clutching his prayer beads. Priest: "Oh, merciful heavens, spare us! Spare us! Forgive our sins!" A revered monk, sitting cross-legged atop a remote mountain temple, was streaming a sermon live when the golden eye appeared in the heavens. His calm demeanor shattered as he stared wide-eyed into the camera. Monk: This... This is not an omen of destructionit is a revelation! A divine entity has descended to rewrite the fates of mortals. Bow your heads and pray for mercy, for the balance of the heavens has been disturbed! His voice cracked, and for the first time in his decades of teaching, his followers saw fear etched across his face. In a small observatory perched on a hill, a group of astronomers stared at their instruments in disbelief. One of them, a young woman in her late 20s, frantically typed on her keyboard.You could be reading stolen content. Head to the original site for the genuine story. Astronomer: This cant be possible! The gravitational anomaly... its affecting the Moons orbit! How is this happening globally and instantaneously?! Another astronomer looked up from his telescope, his face pale. Its not just the Moonits the stars. Theyre shifting. Whatever that thing is, its altering spacetime itself! In a high-tech command center: Military personnel scrambled as alarms blared, monitors displaying the enormous golden eye dominating the atmosphere. General: "What in Gods name is that?! Is it an alien invasion? Get me the president, NOW!" Scientist (frantically analyzing): "The gravitational pull its global! The eye isnt just an image; its distorting the planets very physics!" Soldier: "Sir, satellites are failing! Communication with orbital stations is down!" Inside a Crowded Apartment: A family of four huddled together, trembling as the oppressive force pressed them to the ground. Father (whispering): "Stay calm. Were going to be okay." Mother (clutching her child): "What is it? Is it the end of the world?" The eldest daughter, glued to her phone, stared in shock at social media feeds flooded with videos and live streams of the golden eye. Daughter: "Its everywhere People in Europe, Africa, Asiatheyre all seeing the same thing." Outside Jiangs Hospital: Crowds gathered, their heads craned upward at the sky. Despite the suffocating pressure, they couldnt look away. A homeless man on the street screamed in delirium. Homeless Man: "Its judgment day! The gods have come to punish us all!" A nurse stumbled out of the hospital doors, gasping for breath. Nurse: "Is this real? Is this the end?" Above it all, the giant golden eye remained unmoving, its cold, unfeeling gaze fixed on Jiangs hospital room as if peering into his very soul. The hum grew louder, resonating deep within every living being, until it was impossible to tell if the sound was external or coming from within their own minds. The pressure come. The gravity wasnt just a weight; it was a presence. It felt like the entire planet was being pushed down by the gaze of a higher power. People struggled to breathe, their bodies trembling under the immense pressure. Animals howled and whimpered, their instincts screaming at them to flee. Birds fell from the sky, unable to resist the force that dragged them down. Rivers swelled unnaturally, waves crashing onto shores as if the ocean itself were rebelling against the phenomenon. Even the Earth seemed to groan under the strain. Cracks formed in the ground, fissures splitting roads and fields. Volcanoes trembled, their molten cores stirred by the planetary disruption. Global Conversations In a live news broadcast: The anchor, pale and sweating, clung to their desk as the studio lights flickered. Anchor: "Were receiving reports of this this eye appearing across the globe. Experts are unable to explain its origin. Stay indoors, remain calm, and" The broadcast cut off, replaced by static. Viewers around the world stared at their screens in growing dread. On social media: Posts and comments flooded platforms. "Is this a sign of the apocalypse?" "Its aliens! The government knew this was coming!" "That eye it feels like its looking directly at me." The Moment Passes As the world trembled under the eye''s oppressive gaze, Jiang, lying frail in his hospital bed, felt a shift deep within him. While others across the globe were overwhelmed by fear and awe, Jiang felt an inexplicable connection to the golden eye, as though its gaze wasnt just upon himbut within him. The crushing gravity pressing down on his body was suffocating, yet Jiang''s mind remained strangely lucid. His heartbeat slowed, each beat reverberating like the toll of a distant bell. The sensation was surreal; his body felt like it was dissolving, merging with the universe itself. Why why does this feel familiar? Jiang whispered weakly, his voice trembling. A faint golden light flickered in his dimming vision, as though it came not from the eye in the sky, but from somewhere deep within his chest. At that moment, Jiang realized he wasnt afraidnot anymore. Unlike the terrified masses who cowered under the eyes gaze, he felt something entirely different: a pull, an invitation, as though the eye were calling him, choosing him. It wasnt just a cosmic force; it was something sentient, something ancient, something...destined. Then, just as suddenly as it appeared, the pressure lifted. The golden eye blinked once, its motion slow and deliberate, before vanishing into the stormy sky. The rain resumed, falling heavily as if to wash away the memory of what had just occurred. People across the planet gasped for air, their bodies shaking from the release of the oppressive force. Some fell to the ground in relief, while others stared at the sky, their minds racing with questions and fear. Man on the Street: "Its gone but what was it?!" Woman: "Are we safe now? Or is it coming back?" As the golden eye vanished and the crushing weight lifted, the beeping of the heart monitor slowed further. Jiang''s body, already frail, trembled as he struggled to speak. Nurse: "Jiang! Are you okay? Your vitals are droppingstay with me!" But Jiangs gaze was fixed on the window. His lips moved, barely forming the words, I saw it... Its real. Immortality... is real. The nurse leaned closer, confused. What are you talking about? Jiangs voice, faint but filled with conviction, carried a strength that belied his dying body. The eye it wasnt looking at the world. It was looking at me. This this isnt the end for me. The nurse looked at him, alarmed, as his heartbeat began to fade into a flatline. Tears streamed down her face as she called for help, but Jiangs last thoughts werent of despair. They were of triumph. As the eye blinked and disappeared, a faint ripple spread across the sky, distorting the very fabric of reality. Those who dared to look at the sky saw something even more unnervinga faint outline of an enormous, celestial being standing behind the eye, as if observing from a higher dimension. The ripple wasnt just in the heavensit echoed across the entire planet, leaving behind faint, glowing symbols etched into stone, metal, and even skin. Some people collapsed in pain as strange marks appeared on their foreheads, glowing faintly before fading away... As Jiangs consciousness faded, he felt himself driftingnot into the void, but into a realm beyond comprehension. He wasnt afraid anymore. Instead, he felt a surge of clarity, a deep understanding that he was no longer bound by the same rules as the people around him. This is the beginning, a voice echoed in his mind, deep and ancient. You sought immortality, Jiang. Now, earn it. The world would soon return to its fragile normalcy, but the event had marked the beginning of something far greatera destiny that would transcend the bounds of mortality for Jiang, his journey was only just beginning. Chapter 3_"Not the Protagonist, Yet" Jiang Chengs consciousness stirred sluggishly, as though it were trapped in a dense fog. His head throbbed with an unbearable pounding, like a celestial blacksmith had been hammering away at his skull without end. Groaning, he tried to move, only to realize his entire body felt like it had been run over by a celestial ox carttwice. Ugh He winced, forcing his eyes open. Blurry shapes greeted him, slowly sharpening into an unfamiliar sight. Above him, a rickety roof sagged dangerously low, its beams cracked and gnawed at by time and perhaps rats. Shafts of dim light pierced through the holes in the roof, illuminating motes of dust lazily floating in the air. Beneath him, rough, broken straw poked at his back, leaving itchy scratches that added insult to injury. Jiang Cheng blinked. Then he blinked again. His mind struggled to catch up with reality, like a broken wagon trying to move uphill. Where am I? he croaked, his voice hoarse and dry as if he hadnt had a drop of water in days. He tried to sit up, only to be greeted by a sharp, stabbing pain in his ribs that nearly made him scream. Ow! What the hell! He collapsed back onto the straw, clutching his side. Every part of his body protested as if hed been beaten within an inch of his lifeor worse, spent a night partying and woke up with the hangover of the century. It was then that the three age-old questions surfaced in his mind like bubbles breaking through the murky waters of confusion: " Who am I? Where am I? And where the hell am I going? " As he lay there, staring blankly at the dilapidated ceiling, a creeping sense of unease began to take root in his chest. His memories were fragmented, scattered like shards of glass. Then, a horrifying thought struck him, making his heart skip a beat. His face twisted in disbelief. Wait did I transmigrate?! His words echoed in the silence of the shack, and for a moment, Jiang Cheng simply stared into the void. Slowly, his mind began piecing things together, fueled by years of reading fantasy novels during his previous life. " The confusion the strange surroundings the mysterious injuries It all adds up! This is just like one of those transmigration stories!" Excitement flared in his chest as he sat up abruptlyonly to immediately regret it. The pain in his ribs flared again, and he doubled over, hissing through his teeth. Damn it, cant I even have a proper protagonist moment?! Leaning back against the wall, Jiang Cheng began inspecting his surroundings more carefully. The shack he was in looked like it was on its last legsor perhaps had already died and was now merely existing out of spite. The walls were made of warped wooden planks, riddled with holes that let the wind whistle through. The roof was more patchwork than solid, and a corner of the room was taken up by a crude clay pot filled with what appeared to be wet dirt. He glanced down at himself. His hands were rough and calloused, his fingernails dirty and chipped. The rags he was wearing could hardly be called clothesmore like strips of cloth stitched together in a desperate attempt to cover a body. His stomach growled loudly, breaking the silence, and he realized he was starving. The excitement from earlier quickly gave way to frustration. Jiang Cheng slapped his forehead, groaning. No divine artifact? No secret inheritance? Just this? What kind of crappy start is this?! Did I transmigrate into a beggar?!If you discover this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation. He looked down at his scrawny arms, noting the bruises and scratches covering his skin. A wave of anger surged through him as his thoughts spiraled. " Whose unlucky body did I possess?! What kind of life was this guy living?! Did he roll around in a pit of rocks before dying?!" Grinding his teeth, Jiang Cheng cursed inwardly. You bastard! Whoever you were, what the hell were you doing with your life? Did you owe someone money? Did you steal their chickens? Why does it feel like youve been beaten up by the entire village?! As his stomach growled again, Jiang Cheng clenched his fists and glared at the ceiling. Thief God! Are you messing with me?! I was an average guy in my last life! I didnt ask for muchjust food, sleep, and occasionally some entertainment. Was that too much to ask?! His voice grew louder as his frustration boiled over. What did I do wrong? Was it because I downloaded pirated novels? Is this your punishment for me reading about cultivation for free?! Fine! I admit it! Ill buy them next timewait, no, theres no next time, is there?! Damn it all! His voice grew louder, his anger pouring out like the very rain seeping through the roof. Look at this place! Look at me! Im wearing clothes that even beggars wouldnt want! I thought Id wake up as a chosen one, not a punching bag for the heavens! As if in response, a loud crack of thunder roared across the sky. Jiang Cheng froze, his hands still mid-rant. His face went pale as his head slowly tilted upward to the patched roof. I was kidding, he muttered, his voice shaking. Another crack of thunder boomed, even louder this time, and Jiang Cheng dove under the rickety table, clutching his head. Im sorry! Im sorry! I was out of line! Thief God, youre very fair and just! Please dont smite me! The wind howled through the gaps in the shack, making it creak ominously. Jiang Cheng, still crouched under the table, peeked out nervously. I wasnt serious, you know. Just venting. Totally respectful. Lets not escalate this BOOM! A terrifying flash lit up the sky, illuminating the inside of the shack for a split second. Jiang Cheng yelped and scrambled further under the table, curling into a ball. Okay, okay! Ill stop complaining! Thank you for this uh enlightening experience, Thief God! Very educational! Ill be good from now on! The thunder quieted down, and the shack seemed to calm with it. Jiang Cheng cautiously uncurled, peeking out from his hiding spot. The rain continued to drizzle through the roof, but the sky had gone relatively silent. Sighing in relief, he crawled back out and sat down on the straw, wiping his damp forehead. Note to self, he muttered. Never insult the heavens. They take it personally. But just as he finished his sentence, As if to mock him, a particularly large drop of water fell from the roof and landed square on his head. Jiang Cheng glared up at the ceiling, his fist trembling. You win this round, Thief God. But dont think Im giving up. One day, Ill stand above the heavens just as soon as I figure out how to get out of this mess. The shack creaked ominously in response, as if mocking his plight. Jiang Cheng glared at the wooden beams. Dont you start with me. If you collapse, I swear Ill haunt you in the afterlife! He sat there, fuming, until a sudden thought struck him. His expression froze, and a chill ran down his spine. "Wait what if Im not the protagonist? What if Im just a side character? Or worse cannon fodder?!" The realization hit him like a lightning bolt. Jiang Chengs eyes widened as he grabbed his head in despair. No, no, no! This cant be happening! Im supposed to be the son of the plane! The chosen one! Not some unlucky bastard who gets killed off in chapter two to make the villain look cool! His imagination ran wild, conjuring images of himself being crushed underfoot by some arrogant young master or incinerated by an evil sect leader. The thought made his blood run cold. No! I refuse to be cannon fodder! Even if the heavens want me to be a stepping stone, Ill carve my name into that stone and turn it into a monument! He clenched his fists, determination burning in his eyes. But just as quickly as the fire ignited, it fizzled out. Jiang Cheng slumped against the wall, sighing deeply. Who am I kidding? Look at me. Im starving, covered in bruises, and living in a shack that might collapse at any moment. Protagonists dont start out like this. This is the setup for a tragic background character! He closed his eyes, taking a deep breath. " Alright, Jiang Cheng. Calm down. Think this through. Maybe this is just the heavens testing me. Yeah, thats it. The real plot hasnt started yet. This is just the prelude probably." His stomach growled again, louder this time, snapping him out of his thoughts. Jiang Cheng grimaced. First things first. Food. I cant rise above the heavens on an empty stomach. Forcing himself to his feet, Jiang Cheng winced as his body protested. Every step he took felt like walking on knives, but he gritted his teeth and stumbled toward the door. The moment he opened it, a blast of cold wind hit him, making him shiver. He stepped outside, only to freeze in place. The world before him was bleakfields of dry, cracked earth stretched as far as the eye could see, dotted with patches of stubborn weeds. A gray sky loomed overhead, threatening rain. Where the hell am I? Jiang Cheng muttered, his confusion returning full force. He glanced back at the shack, then at the desolate landscape. His shoulders slumped. Alright, Jiang Cheng. One step at a time. Lets just survive today first. And so, his journey begannot with the glory of a chosen hero, but with the grumbling of a starving man, cursing the heavens under his breath. Chapter 4_"A Hero’s Journey Begins… In His Own Mind" After a few minutes, Jiang Cheng finally calmed down. The chaos of transmigrating, the rundown shack, and his desperate curses at the heavensall of it now felt like a bad dream. He sat down on his glorious bed (a pile of straw that looked like it had been through a famine) and let out a long sigh. Alright, lets figure out whats going on. Closing his eyes, he concentrated on his memories, hoping to make sense of this new life. It wasnt long before a tidal wave of information crashed into his minda deluge of memories that didnt belong to him. The sheer intensity of it made his head feel like it was being split apart by a thousand celestial swords.F-Fuck! Jiang Cheng groaned, clutching his head in agony. The pain was so intense that his vision swam, right before his vision went black, and he fainted on the spot. Three hours later, Jiang Cheng woke up with a pounding headache, groaning as he clutched his temples. Great transmigrated into a broken body and got the memory migraine deluxe package. Thanks, Thief God. Really generous of you. Jiang Cheng sat motionless for a moment, processing the tragic tale of his predecessor. His lips trembled as he whispered, This this can only be described in eight words: "terrible, life hanging by a thread. The unlucky original owner of this body also went by the name Jiang Cheng. Born in a mortal country under the Qinglin Sects jurisdiction, his knowledge of the world was pitifully limited. He knew the name of the world Tianmin and that his location was in the Eastern Region, under a sect that ruled over countless miles with its Golden Core ancestor as the strongest local cultivator. Beyond that? A big, yawning void of ignorance. As for the poor guy himself, his life was a tale of woe. The original owner of this body was a casual cultivatora term that sounded almost romantic, like a free-spirited wanderer, but in reality, it was code for no background, no resources, no future. In this world of immortal cultivation, territories rich in spiritual energy were fiercely guarded by major sects, like lions jealously guarding their kills. Independent cultivators like Jiang Cheng were left to fight over scrapsor worse, had to sell themselves out as glorified servants to the sects, working tirelessly for a few cheap spirit stones. Jiang Cheng cringed as more memories poured in. The The original Jiang Chengs story began in the Dali Kingdom, a mortal nation that fell under the jurisdiction of the Qinglin Sect. This sect wasnt a behemoth by any means, but it did have a Golden Core ancestor, which made it a major player in the region. Its territory stretched tens of thousands of miles, dotted with immortal cities and markets. The big cities had several Foundation Building cultivators guarding them, while the smaller ones having one. At the age of 20, the original Jiang Chengs luck briefly turned when he stumbled upon a hidden cave belonging to a deceased casual cultivator. Inside, he found: A spirit bag with two square meters of storage space (small, but better than nothing). 200 low-grade spirit stones (a fortune for someone like him at the time). A cultivation manual called Changchun Kung Fu (a low-grade Qi Refining technique). A magic sword (which was more like a glorified toothpick compared to the weapons of real cultivators). And a bunch of miscellaneous junkbooks, clothes, and odds and ends that were probably worthless. For the first time, Jiang Cheng felt like the heavens were smiling on him. He used the manual to sense spiritual energy and successfully drew Qi into his body a year later, officially beginning his cultivation journey. The day the original Jiang Cheng first succeeded in drawing Qi into his body was the day he began to see the world through a completely different lensone filtered through his newfound delusions of grandeur. As the faint wisp of Qi coursed through his meridians for the first time, the sensation filled him with an intoxicating sense of power. His muscles felt stronger, his senses sharper, and his confidence well, his confidence skyrocketed into the heavens.The author''s tale has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon. Standing in the middle of his small home, Jiang Cheng clenched his fists, letting out a long breath. He looked at his hands like they were now capable of splitting mountains. This is it! Ive stepped onto the path of immortality! From now on, those so-called martial artists in the rivers and lakes are no better than ants before me! He picked up his low-grade swordthe one with more dents than he cared to countand swung it a few times, nodding in satisfaction. With my strength, I could probably take on ten bandits at once. No, twenty! From this moment on, the world shall know my name! With his mind filled with fantasies of glory, the original Jiang Cheng packed his belongings and set out toward the immortal market. His journey was filled with high spirits and the swagger of a man who believed the heavens themselves were watching over him. It was on this journey, as he walked along a dusty road surrounded by rolling hills, that he spotted a commotion up ahead. A mortal caravan was under attack by bandits, their crude weapons gleaming in the afternoon sun. The merchants were shouting in panic as the bandits demanded their goods, and a few guards were already lying on the ground, groaning in pain. Jiang Chengs eyes lit up. This was ithis chance to shine! Drawing his dented sword, he strode forward with what he thought was an air of majesty and righteousness. Stop this injustice at once! he bellowed, his voice echoing across the hills. The bandits turned to look at him, momentarily stunned. A single man with a sword, walking toward them with such confidence? Could this be an immortal? Jiang Cheng didnt wait for them to recover. With a loud battle cry, he charged forward, his sword flashing in the sunlight. His movements were clumsy, his footwork unpolished, but the bandits were already unnerved by his aura and quickly scattered, unwilling to risk their lives. The merchants and guards stared in disbelief as Jiang Cheng stood there, breathing heavily and pointing his sword at the retreating figures. Its over, he said, trying to steady his voice. Your savior has arrived. The merchants quickly fell to their knees, their faces filled with gratitude. Thank you, Immortal Master! Thank you for saving us! One of the older merchants even started crying. We were doomed for sure, but you came to save us like a divine hero descending from the heavens! Jiang Chengs chest swelled with pride. He tried to keep a stoic expression, but the praise was clearly getting to him. He waved his hand dismissively, as if saving caravans was just another days work for someone like him. Rise. It was nothing. Merely a duty for someone walking the path of immortality. Watching this unfold from the depths of the original Jiang Chengs memories, the current Jiang Cheng almost couldnt believe it. Is he serious? he thought. He can barely swing a sword properly, and now hes acting like some sort of legendary hero? The scene only got more ridiculous. A few maids from the caravan stepped forward, their wide eyes filled with admiration. They whispered among themselves, glancing shyly at at Jiang Cheng. Isnt he so handsome? Look at his robestheyre so elegant! An immortal master, and so young, too! I wonder which great sect hes from Hearing their whispers, Jiang Cheng straightened his back even more, deliberately adjusting his robes to appear dignified. He nodded slightly, pretending not to notice their gazes. I only did what anyone would do, he said with an air of false modesty, waving his hand again as if brushing off invisible dust. The path of immortality is not about fame or fortune, but about upholding justice. Jiang Cheng, the current one, nearly choked on laughter. Justice? This guy barely managed to scare off a bunch of low-level bandits, and now he thinks hes a righteous hero? But the original Jiang Cheng didnt stop there. One of the merchants approached him with a pouch of silver, offering it with trembling hands. Immortal Master, please accept this humble token of our gratitude. Jiang Cheng hesitated for a moment, then nodded graciously. Very well. I shall accept this, not because I desire wealth, but to ensure your safety in the future. Use it to strengthen your defenses. As he turned to leave, he caught a glimpse of his reflection in a puddle by the side of the road. He paused, admiring how majestic he looked with his sword in hand, the sun casting a golden glow on his figure. I truly do look like a hero, he muttered to himself before continuing on his way, his head held high. Meanwhile, Jiang Cheng, the current one, couldnt help but mock him in his mind. You look like a rooster strutting around the yard. If only those maids knew how ridiculous you really are. After the caravan had finally left, Jiang Cheng walked a few paces, his feet light with pride. He had managed to save the day with a flick of his swordwell, at least thats how it felt to him. The merchants were undoubtedly talking about him, singing his praises all the way to the next market. Of course, they are, he thought smugly. Who else could have done what I just did? He took a step further, then paused, his hand flying to his chest dramatically. He turned back around, his head tilted upward, his tattered, low-grade gray robe flapping in the breeze like a flag of victory. He looked toward the sky, a broad, self-satisfied grin spreading across his face. This is it. This is my moment, he thought. Ill show them what true strength looks like. Raising one hand to the heavens as if challenging the entire world, Jiang Chengs chest puffed out, and he yelled with all the arrogance he could muster, Who else?! His voice echoed in the stillness of the road, a booming declaration of his newfound greatness. His expression was full of defiance and grandeur, his chin lifted as if the heavens themselves were looking down on him in awe. His posture, too, was impeccablehis shoulders squared, his chest out, one arm flung wide as if the world itself had to answer his call. But as Jiang Cheng posed like a true hero, his tattered robe billowed in the wind, looking more like a patchwork of desperation than a symbol of glory. It was barely held together in some places, and the faded fabric seemed a far cry from the majestic robes of a true cultivator. And thats when it happened. From a distance, the original Jiang Chengnow fully aware of the absurdity of his actionssaw this entire spectacle unfold. His face turned as red as a lobster, and he nearly choked on his own breath from laughter. The sight was so ridiculous that Jiang Cheng could barely keep himself upright. He laughed so hard that tears started welling up in his eyes. How could someone be this clueless? In the end, as the original Jiang Cheng''s laughter echoed in his mind, the new Jiang Cheng stood there oblivious to it all, still gazing at the sky, waiting for the universe to acknowledge his greatness. After his bold proclamation and self-indulgent pose under the heavens, the original Jiang Chengstill trying to recover from his laughterwatched as his host continued his journey with an air of exaggerated grandeur. Chapter 5_"The Shameless Adventures of an ‘Immortal Master’\" The original owner traveled across the many cities and towns of the Dali Mortal Country, his heart filled with excitement and his stomach with the finest foods he could afford. Although his pockets werent deep, he couldnt resist indulging in the delicate local delicacies wherever he stopped. In one city, the bustling riverside town of Lishui, he sat at a street-side food stall and wolfed down bowls of fragrant rice topped with crispy roasted duck glazed in sweet plum sauce. The chef even gave him a free bowl of herbal soup, claiming it was to thank an "Immortal Master" for blessing the town with his presence. Jiang Cheng, of course, kept his act going, nodding solemnly and saying, You are welcome. A cultivator like me must uphold justice wherever I go. Meanwhile, the real Jiang Cheng mocked him mercilessly in his mind. Justice? Youre just here for free food, arent you? In another lively trade hub called Qinghe City, he found himself marveling at the towering wooden bridges built over shimmering rivers. The markets here sold exotic wares, from glittering gemstones to fragrant medicinal herbs, and even some low-grade talismans and artifacts that casual cultivators could afford. The original Jiang Cheng had nearly cried laughing as the owner bought a suspicious-looking "spiritual talisman" for two spirit stones, only to find out later it was just a decorative piece of painted bark. Along his journey, he made friends among the martial artists of the rivers and lakeswandering swordsmen, mercenaries, and even a few petty thieves. These men and women admired his "mystical aura" and the vague yet grand way he spoke about cultivation. Over drinks in a dimly lit tavern in Fangyuan City, The memory was absolutely priceless, a scene so ridiculous that Jiang Cheng almost fell off his bed laughing. It happened when the original owner was still a beginner, having barely reached the first level of Qi Refining. Back then, he had just started his journey and was already brimming with misplaced confidence, strutting around with his rusty sword like he was a celestial being descending to grace the mortal world. One day, while passing through a bustling market square, he had joined a group of young swordsmen gathered around a street performance. They had been chatting about cultivation, martial arts, and daring adventures. Spotting the original owners tattered robes and slightly disheveled but mysterious appearance, one bold young swordsman couldnt help but approach. Bowing respectfully, he asked, Immortal Master, what realm have you reached? The original owner froze for a moment. A drop of cold sweat slid down his back. He was only at the first level of Qi Refiningnot even strong enough to intimidate a group of angry chickens, let alone look like an "Immortal Master." But his pride couldnt allow him to admit it. After all, he had just been enjoying the admiration of the crowd, and to reveal his real cultivation level would shatter the illusion entirely. So, with the smooth confidence of a professional liar, he straightened his back, stroked his chin as if he were contemplating the mysteries of the cosmos, and said, Oh, my realm? Its not something mortals can easily comprehend. He clasped his hands behind his back, tilted his head slightly to the sky, and added in a calm yet condescending tone, But if you must know, Ive just broken through to the uh, eighth level of Qi Refining. Jiang Cheng, witnessing this memory, burst out laughing. Eighth level of Qi Refining?! Youre barely out of the starting gate, and youve already promoted yourself seven levels? He couldnt believe how shameless the original owner was. The young swordsmans eyes widened in awe. The eighth level! he exclaimed. Thats incredible! No wonder you carry yourself with such confidence. Truly, an immortal among mortals! The original owner, emboldened by the flattery, waved his hand dismissively as though such praise was beneath him. Its nothing, really, he said, his face as serene as an ancient sage, even though his heart was pounding like a war drum. Cultivation is merely a path of perseverance. You too can achieve this level if you work hard and have a bit of luck. This story originates from a different website. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there. The surrounding swordsmen nodded solemnly, completely buying into the act. Immortal Master, you are truly an inspiration! The scene grew even more ridiculous when one of them begged him to demonstrate a divine technique. The original owner, panicking internally, quickly made an excuse. Ah, unfortunately, this humble ones divine arts are too profound for ordinary eyes. If I were to display them here, I fear it might disrupt the balance of the surrounding spiritual energy. Jiang Cheng was dying at this point. Disrupt the balance of spiritual energy? Youd be lucky to light a candle with the Qi in your body! As the original owner made a hasty escape, still basking in their praises, he couldnt help but chuckle to himself, clearly thinking he had just pulled off the greatest performance of his life. Jiang Cheng, however, was laughing for entirely different reasons. If shamelessness were a cultivation technique, this guy wouldve been a Grandmaster by now. And while he was exploring the many cities of Dali, marveling at the scenery and savoring fine delicacies, he inevitably found his way into several brothels, justifying it in the most laughable way possible. Even cultivators must comprehend the myriad facets of human experience, he had declared confidently the first time he crossed the red lantern-lit threshold of a high-end brothel in Lishui. Jiang Cheng, observing through his memories, nearly choked. Oh, so this is about comprehension, huh? Youre studying the Dao of Poor Decisions, I see. The original owner always went in with a self-righteous air, pretending to pity the "poor, unfortunate girls" who worked in such places. How tragic, hed murmur sadly to himself, shaking his head as if mourning their plight. But within minutes of sitting down, he was grinning ear to ear, surrounded by a group of beautiful women pouring wine, laughing at his stories, and complimenting his handsome face and otherworldly bearing. Jiang Cheng had to admit, though the original owners face was passable (his body did have an 90 point charm, after all), his tattered robes and secondhand sword werent exactly screaming "Immortal Master." Yet, to the brothel girls, he was a rare catchan "immortal cultivator," even if he was barely hanging onto the first level of Qi Refining. And the original owner ate it all up, puffing out his chest with pride as if he were a revered elder of a major sect. There was one particularly ridiculous moment in a brothel in Yanzhou City, where the girls referred to him as Immortal Hero after he bought a round of drinks for everyone. One of the younger women asked, Immortal Master, what divine arts have you learned? The original owner coughed, stroked his chin thoughtfully (as if he even had a beard), and replied, Ah, the arts I practice are too profound for mortals to comprehend. But worry not, fair maidens! My path is one of righteousness. Jiang Cheng couldnt stop laughing as he watched the memory unfold. The only path youre on right now is the one to bankruptcy, my guy. Ah, the original owners visits to the brothelsthose moments were both hilarious and baffling, leaving Jiang Cheng shaking his head in disbelief. The man truly thought of himself as some celestial benefactor, descending from the heavens to bless these poor girls with his "magnificent" presence. Every time he entered one of these establishments, he carried himself with the air of a saint on a divine mission. Clad in his tattered, low-grade robe that barely made him look respectable, let alone immortal, he would walk in with his head high and a serene expression, as if he were gracing the establishment with something holy. In reality, the sight of him often caused the girls to exchange amused glances, trying not to giggle at this "immortal master" who smelled faintly of sweat and dust after his long travels. Ah, my presence here today is no coincidence, he would say, stroking his chin as if he were solving the mysteries of the universe. Fate must have brought me here to bring light to your lives. I am but a humble cultivator, here to share the blessings of my celestial Qi with you. The poor girls, trained to entertain even the most eccentric of customers, would nod enthusiastically. Yes, Immortal Master, theyd say, their voices dripping with fake reverence. We are so honored that someone of your stature would grace us with your presence. Jiang Cheng, witnessing this memory, nearly fell over laughing. Blessings? Youre barely able to bless yourself with a proper bath, let alone anyone else! As if things couldnt get worse, the original owner would adopt an air of self-sacrifice, as if visiting these brothels was a noble act on his part. Ah, hed sigh dramatically, it pains me to see such beauty trapped in such a cruel world. But worry notyour Immortal Master is here. My presence will surely brighten your spirits. To make things even more absurd, he genuinely believed the girls were in awe of his handsome and majestic demeanor, despite the fact that his robes were patched in places, and his cultivation aura was weaker than the local tea merchants. He would sit there, pretending to be aloof, while the girls entertained him. One particular scene left Jiang Cheng howling. The original owner had leaned back in his chair, waving his hand dismissively at a group of young women. No need to thank me, he said, even though no one had thanked him. Your Immortal Masters heart is broad and compassionate. I cannot bear to see suffering in this world. Consider my presence here today a gift. Jiang Cheng wiped tears from his eyes, laughing so hard his sides hurt. Gift?! The only gift youre giving them is a good story to laugh about later! The funniest part? The original owner was convinced he was leaving a lasting impression on the hearts of these women, believing they would remember him as a mysterious, otherworldly figure long after he left. In reality, they probably remembered him as that weird, broke cultivator who couldnt stop talking about his own greatness. The most absurd incident happened in Fangyuan City. The original owner had spent the evening enjoying the company of two charming sisters who worked in the brothel, basking in their praises and even reciting a few lines of poetry hed stolen from some cheap book. As he was leaving, still drunk on compliments, he turned back dramatically and said, If anyone dares to bully you, just shout my nameJiang Cheng! Ill appear like the wind and strike them down! Still, it wasnt all just a joke. The girls seemed genuinely fond of the original owner, not because of his cultivation or his boasting, but because he treated them with kindness and respect. For all his foolishness, he never acted arrogantly or mistreated anyone. He had a way of bringing laughter wherever he went, even if it was often at his own expense. Chapter 6_"From Grand Delusions to Spirit Farmer: The Humbling of a Cultivator" Wherever he went, the original owner made it a point to inquire about the nearest immortal market or city. He asked traveling merchants, Barkeepers, and even fortune-tellers. His most memorable stop was in Yanzhou City, famous for its golden pagodas and fragrant lotus ponds. There, an elderly tea shop owner told him about the Qinglin Sect''s immortal marketa grand place filled with cultivators from all walks of life, where one could trade, buy treasures, and even hear news of the wider cultivation world. The original owners excitement was palpable. His eyes sparkled as he imagined himself walking through the immortal market, admired by everyone as a rising star. But to Jiang Cheng, his excitement was laughable. Youre going to show up in those tattered robes, with that ridiculous sword, and expect people to take you seriously? Oh, this is going to be good. Despite all his boasting and posturing, the journey wasnt entirely without charm. The original owner was genuinely moved by the beauty of the mortal world. He stood in awe beneath the cascading waterfalls of Baiyun Gorge, strolled through the endless fields of blooming peach blossoms in Chunfeng Valley, and even climbed the famed Emerald Ridge, where he watched the sunrise paint the skies in hues of gold and crimson. Though naive and a little foolish, the original owner found joy in the simple pleasures of lifea joy that even Jiang Cheng couldnt help but appreciate in quieter moments. For all his faults, the man had a way of marveling at the world that was almost endearing. One fateful evening, while resting at a shabby little inn in one of the cities along his journey, the original owner sat at a dimly lit table, munching on some stale bread and sipping watered-down wine. It was then that he overheard a conversation from a group of locals sitting near the counter. Among them was an old man with a long, wispy beard, his face lined with the marks of age and wisdomor so it seemed. The old man turned toward the original owner, having noticed his somewhat shabby yet overly confident appearance. Young man, the old man said, stroking his beard. You seem to be on a journey to the Immortal Market, yes? The original owner, trying to appear dignified, sat up straighter and cleared his throat. Indeed, old sir. I am traveling to further my immortal path, he said in a tone that was supposed to sound mysterious but instead came off as overly theatrical. The old man chuckled and shook his head. Youve got guts, Ill give you that. But you should know, the path to the Immortal Market is no simple stroll. The road is filled with treacherous mountains, raging rivers, and creatures that would devour a mortalor a low-level cultivatorwithout a second thought. Not to mention the evil cultivators and bandits who would happily relieve you of your life and belongings. Hearing this, the original owners expression stiffened. While he tried to keep his calm, Jiang Chengwatching all this through the memoriescould tell the panic bubbling just under the surface. Oh, this is going to be good, Jiang Cheng thought, already amused by the original owners growing unease. The old man continued, his voice taking on a more serious tone. Fortunately, a Cloud Boat will be descending in the capital in a few days. Its a safe and reliable way to travel to the Immortal Market. Though its not free, its worth it to avoid certain death on the road. Youd best head there if you value your life, young man. The original owners expression softened as he exhaled in relief. A Cloud Boat, you say? he asked, feigning calmness. In truth, he was mentally calculating how many spirit stones he had left and whether he could afford such a luxurious mode of transport. Indeed, the old man replied with a nod. But make no mistake, the fee isnt cheap. And even if you manage to board it, dont go causing trouble. Those who operate the boat are cultivators of considerable strength. They wouldnt hesitate to toss a troublemaker overboard mid-flight. The original owner nodded seriously, trying to look like someone who could easily afford the trip. But Jiang Cheng, observing this memory, was already rolling with laughter in his mind. Youre about to bankrupt yourself just to avoid walking! And here you thought you were ready to conquer the world. Look at you, scared of a few monsters and bandits. If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation. As the original owner left the inn, he couldnt help but look to the horizon with determination. A Cloud Boat yes, thats how I shall make my grand arrival at the Immortal Market, he said to himself, clutching the hilt of his poor-quality sword. His tattered robe fluttered slightly in the evening breeze, giving him an air of an Expertat least in his own mind. Jiang Cheng shook his head in disbelief. Brother, youre one step away from being mugged by a squirrel in these woods. Lets see how you handle yourself once youre on this so-called Cloud Boat. A few days later, the original owner arrived at the bustling square outside the capital where the Cloud Boat was set to descend. It was a rare sight, and a small crowd had already gathered, some looking excited and others nervous. The original owner stood tallor at least tried toamidst the mortals and low-level cultivators. The sound of rushing wind suddenly filled the air, and a massive Cloud Boat, glowing faintly with runes, descended slowly from the heavens. It was a majestic sight, with its sleek design and shimmering surface that looked as though it were carved from clouds themselves. The boat emitted a faint spiritual pressure, causing the mortals in the crowd to bow their heads in awe. The original owner straightened his back and held his tattered sword close, pretending to be unfazed by the grandeur. However, Jiang Cheng, observing from the sidelines of his memories, could feel the excitement and awe bubbling within him. When the boarding fee was announced10 low-grade spirit stonesthe original owners face twitched ever so slightly. He reached into his small spirit pouch, his heart aching as he counted out the stones. "Ten spirit stones... a little expensive," he muttered under his breath. Though he still had some left from his "glorious" journey, having already spent fifty on his extravagant meals, brothel visits, and flashy displays, the cost still stung. He handed over the spirit stones, his fingers gripping them tightly for a moment before finally letting go. "This better be worth it," he muttered, trying to maintain his composure as he climbed aboard. The journey was surprisingly short, lasting only a few hours. The Cloud Boat glided smoothly above forests and rivers, its passengers gazing out in awe at the scenery below. Even the original owner, with his inflated sense of self, couldnt help but marvel at the view. When the boat finally began to descend, Jiang Cheng was struck by the breathtaking sight of the Immortal Market. Nestled between towering mountains, the market stretched 50 miles long and 10 miles wide, its borders glowing faintly with the light of Qi-gathering arrays. From above, it looked like a hidden gem of the heavens, the spiritual energy within it forming a misty shroud that made the entire area seem ethereal. The original owner stood at the edge of the deck, his eyes wide with wonder. "So this... is the Immortal Market," he whispered, his voice filled with awe. As the Cloud Boat touched down at the markets entrance, the original owner stepped off with as much poise as he could muster, despite being slightly overwhelmed. The entrance was bustling with cultivators of all kinds, from low-level Qi Refining cultivators to high levels. When the original owner first set foot in the Immortal Market, he was brimming with excitement and an air of self-importance. With his head held high, his tattered low-grade robes fluttered wildly in the breeze as though he were a legendary figure returning from a victorious campaign. He struck a bold pose, hands clasped behind his back, and looked toward the horizon with an exaggerated sense of grandeur. Taking a deep breath of the pure spiritual energy, he declared loudly to no one in particular: "Who is responsible for the ups and downs of this vast land? Only I, Jiang Cheng!" Nearby cultivators and mortals turned their heads, confused by the sudden outburst, while Jiang Cheng''s internal selfnow an unwilling spectator in this bodywas nearly choking with laughter. This guy really thought he was the protagonist of a legendary tale! Jiang Cheng mocked in his mind. Undeterred, the original owner strutted through the markets bustling streets. His excitement only grew as he passed stalls selling talismans, alchemy pills, weapons, and array disks. The sight of cultivators ranging from low-level Qi Refining to the high level experts left him both awed and nervous. Still riding high on his delusions of grandeur, the original owner confidently made his way to the sect''s recruitment pavilion, his heart brimming with dreams of becoming a peerless cultivator. When he reached the Outer Elder in charge of testing recruits, he was greeted with a neutral yet slightly amused gaze. The original owner proudly stepped forward, holding his head high as he said, "I am here to test my talent. Prepare yourselves to witness greatness!" The Outer Elder raised an eyebrow but said nothing, motioning for him to place his hand on the crystal ball that measured spirit roots. The ball emitted a faint flicker of light, dim and uneven, as a voice intoned: Pseudo five-element spirit root detected. The Elder''s expression immediately shifted to one of disdain. "Pseudo spiritual roots? Hmph. Youre already over twenty and have such poor aptitude. Youre dreaming if you think youll ever reach the Foundation Building Realm. At most, youll muddle through the Qi Refining stages until your lifespan runs out." The original owners face turned stiff, but he stubbornly retorted, Outer Elder, isnt talent secondary to hard work and determination? I believe I can achieve great things with effort! The Elder sneered. Great things? With that kind of spiritual root, youd be lucky to break through to the third level of Qi Refining in your lifetime. You want to join our sect? Stop wasting my time and go back to farming spirit rice. The harsh words were like a dagger to the original owners chest. His once high spirits deflated like a punctured balloon, but he refused to show defeat. He straightened his back and left the recruitment pavilion, muttering to himself, "What do they know? Theyll regret underestimating me! Meanwhile, the real Jiang Cheng, witnessing this entire scene from within, was shaking with silent laughter. What a performance! I think the Elder nearly choked holding back laughter himself, he thought. The sight of the original owner puffing up his chest in defiance, only to be mercilessly humbled, was almost too much for him to bear. Refusing to give up, the original owner spent fifty spirit stones on two bottles of Qi Gathering Pills. Four months of hard practice saw him break through to the second-level peak of Qi Refining. But just as he was basking in his "success," the harsh reality of bankruptcy hit him. With no spirit stones left, he was forced to join a group of cultivators venturing into nearby mountains to hunt spirit beasts for coin. For two years, he scraped by, risking his life hunting beasts and selling their materials for meager sums. Each encounter with death chipped away at his delusions. Jiang Cheng, reflecting on these memories, noted how the once-idealistic fool slowly turned cautious and pragmatic. Eventually, the original owner saved enough to buy a beginner''s talisman set, hoping to master the art and change his fate. But a year of grueling practice yielded nothing but failure, forcing him to abandon yet another dream. Finally accepting his limits, the original owner became a spirit farmer, renting three small fields to grow spirit rice. Though mundane, the work was safe, and it brought a steady, if modest, income. Jiang Cheng sighed as he watched the original owner settle into his new life. From delusions of grandeur to a farmer of rice... What a fall. Chapter 7_"A Promise to the Fallen: Jiang Chengs Rebirth and Revenge" Jiang Cheng sighed as the memories of the original owner''s journey played out in his mind. From a young man full of fiery ambition and delusions of grandeur to a steady, cautious spirit farmerwhat a transformation it had been. After abandoning his dreams of rising in the cultivation world, the original owner spent the next three years in quiet toil, farming spirit rice on his small rented plots. Surprisingly, he excelled at it. The once-naive and reckless youth became a diligent farmer, mastering the delicate balance of spiritual energy needed to nurture his crops. In time, he built a modest but stable life for himself. His neighbors were mostly other spirit farmers, mortals, or low-level cultivators like him. Though their relationships were superficial, there was a sense of camaraderie that came from living simple lives and facing the same daily struggles. He would occasionally share a drink with Old Liu, a fellow farmer who had more wrinkles than teeth, or chat with Auntie Zhang , who often scolded him for not finding a wife. But even this peaceful life was not without its burdens. Farming spirit rice was backbreaking work. The taxes demanded by the pavilion owner overseeing the farmland were steep, leaving little room for indulgences. Still, the original owner accepted his lot, finding contentment in the small victoriesa bountiful harvest, a rare sunny day, or the satisfaction of paying off his dues. That contentment, however, was shattered on one fateful evening. ... The memory unfolded vividly in Jiang Chengs mind. It was just yesterday. The original owner had spent the entire day harvesting his crops under the scorching sun, carefully storing the spirit rice before delivering his taxes to the pavilion overseer. By the time he returned home, his body was aching, and his mind was clouded with exhaustion. He didnt even bother to light a lamp. Collapsing onto his simple straw bed, he let out a heavy sigh. His tattered robes still clung to his sweat-soaked skin, and his hands were calloused and rough from years of toil. Within moments, sleep claimed him. But that sleep would be his last. Somewhere in the darkness, a faint figure crept into his small hut. The memory blurred slightly, but Jiang Cheng could sense the malicious intent lingering in the air. A faint, sickly sweet smellpoisonwafted through the room, and the original owners breathing grew labored. He stirred briefly, but the exhaustion weighing down his body was too great. By the time the sun rose, the original owners life had already ended. As Jiang Cheng fully absorbed the memories of the original owner, he couldn''t help but feel a strange unease creeping up his spine. His mind buzzed with the knowledge of how the original owner had died, poisoned in his sleep. Wait a minute, Jiang Cheng thought. " Who would waste precious poison on someone like him? The original owner had been poor, simple, and utterly unremarkable. Not even a mouse would bother to nibble at his meager meal, let alone some high-level cultivator who''d go through the trouble of poisoning him. This is ridiculous, Jiang Cheng mused, still in disbelief. A poor ghost like him? Who would even waste a drop of poison on someone who doesn''t even have a decent sword or a few good clothes? This guys a walking cautionary tale. His best weapon was his ability to pull off the worlds least impressive "I am the hero" speech! He couldn''t help but chuckle and then Jiang Chengs laughter abruptly died when a sudden thought hit him. He glanced toward where the original owners spirit pouch should have been. His brows furrowed as he searched the tattered bed and even patted himself down. Nothing. The spirit bag was gone. Wait... no way, Jiang muttered, his face darkening. He leapt to his feet, searching the room frantically. But as the memories of the original owner fully sank in, a realization hit him like a slap to the face. Support the creativity of authors by visiting Royal Road for this novel and more. Someone robbed him. And half the spirit rice he harvested yesterday? Gone. Jiang Cheng sat back down, rubbing his temples. Let me get this straight, he muttered, voice dripping with sarcasm. Someone poisoned him, killed him silently, and robbed him ofwhat? A couple of spirit stones, some cheap rice, and... that garbage sword?! His lips twitched, a mix of irritation and disbelief. He could almost imagine the thief sneaking into the shabby hut, shaking their head at the lack of valuables, and muttering, What a waste of poison. But as Jiang started piecing things together, his mind began to calm. Based on the use of poison and the silent approach, it was clear that the thief wasnt very strong. If they had been a powerful cultivator, they wouldnt have needed to go through the trouble of poisoning the original owner. So, Jiang Cheng said aloud, leaning back with a sigh of relief, the thief is either weaker than this poor sap or about the same level. At least they werent confident enough to fight him directly. That thought brought some comfort, though there was still a small worry nagging at the back of his mind. What if the thief came back to finish the jobjust in case? Jiang grimaced and muttered, I hope theyve had their fill of rice and broken dreams, because thats all theyre getting from me! His gaze drifted toward the door, his thoughts racing. Hed have to stay alert and tread carefully. After all, whoever had killed the original owner clearly didnt like loose ends. Suddenly, a memory flickered in Jiang Chengs minda faint recollection from the original owner. His eyes widened, and he sprang to his feet. Without hesitation, he moved to a corner of the shabby room, knelt down, and began digging into the dusty ground with his bare hands. After several moments of frantic digging, his fingers hit something hard. His heart raced as he pulled out a small wooden box, caked in dirt. Jiang opened it eagerly, and his face lit up with relief. Inside were 150 spirit stones, neatly stacked, andmost importantlya worn manual titled "Introduction to Talisman Crafting" . Jiang Chengs grip tightened on the manual as he let out a deep sigh. At least I didnt start from zero, he muttered, a small smile tugging at his lips. The original owner, for all his flaws and naivety, had left him something valuablea foundation to rebuild from. He sat back for a moment, looking at the dusty ceiling. Thank you, Original Jiang, he said softly, his tone sincere. Ill avenge you and reach the heights you could only dream of. Thats my promise to you. As the words left his lips, a strange feeling washed over himlike a weight he hadnt noticed before had suddenly lifted. His body felt lighter, his thoughts clearer. It was as if unseen shackles had been undone, binding him fully to this new life. Startled, he glanced up and froze. There, hovering quietly in the dimly lit room, was the translucent figure of the original owner. His expression was calm, almost serene, as he looked at Jiang Cheng. Jiangs throat tightened as he instinctively stood and bowed deeply. The original owner gave him a slight nod of acknowledgment, his form flickering faintly before fading into a soft light. As the figure disappeared completely, Jiang Cheng felt a sense of closure, as if the lingering resentment and regrets of the original owner had finally dissipated. Straightening his back, Jiang Cheng looked at the now-empty corner with determination. Dont worry, fellow Taoist, he said firmly, his voice steady. Ill fulfill my promise. Your dreams wont be buried with you. With that, he picked up the manual and spirit stones, his resolve growing stronger by the second. This wasnt just a second chance for himit was a legacy to carry forward. And Jiang Cheng had no intention of wasting it. Jiang Chengs stomach growled loudly, interrupting his deep thoughts. His eyes darted around the room, and with an exaggerated sigh, he muttered, Well, before I avenge anyone, I suppose I should eat something. Cant embark on a grand revenge With an empty stomach. He shuffled over to the kitchen, where the remnants of the original owners simple dinner awaited. There was a small plate of cold, congealed rice and a few dried vegetables. Jiang Cheng winced. Ugh, Id call this a meal, but even a stray dog would turn its nose up at it, he muttered, spooning the rice into his mouth with less enthusiasm than he had hoped for. After a few bites, he pushed the plate aside, grimacing. This is not good, he muttered, wiping his mouth with the back of his hand. No wonder this poor guy didnt make it past thirty. If I had to eat this every day, Id drop dead too. His gaze turned toward the crumbling walls of the shabby little house. The roof had more holes than a sieve, and the wooden floorboards creaked like they were about to collapse at any moment. He stood up dramatically, throwing his arms wide. This is not a house! This is a dog hole ! What kind of place is this for a human to live?! he shouted at the empty room, as if the walls were personally insulting him. I cant believe I have to live here! A mere mortal would deserve better! The great Jiang Cheng should not dwell in a shack like this! He took a deep breath and ran a hand through his hair. No, no, Im going to rebuild this place. Ill turn this...this...hovel into something that humans live in! Not this thing that only someone whos given up on life would even consider calling a home! Jiang Cheng paused, then looked around once more. Ill need to go to the market first. I need a robe. A decent one, not one that makes me look like Im hiding from the authorities. And a Detoxifying Pill. I can still feel that poison in my system, sneaking up on me like a rat in the dark. He let out an sigh, leaning against the doorframe, his hand on his chin as he stared into the distance. And while Im at it, I need a lot of things. A weapon, some decent food, a place that doesnt smell like moldy rice... I need everything! Oh, and I need some actual offensive spells. How did the original owner survive in this cruel world without even a single '' attack '' spell? Not even a slap or a punch spell?!" He looked down at the floor and shook his head. This guy was too honest for his own good. He was a walking target. He couldnt even defend himself properly. He didnt even have a little trick up his sleeve, like summoning a puff of smoke to distract an enemy. No, he just relied on his honesty. In a world where immortals reign and human lives are as fragile as grass, honesty doesnt get you far. Jiang Cheng paused again, glancing at the ceiling with a sigh. Its not an injustice that you got killed, if you don''t die, who will.. Meanwhile in the under world the original owner: "_" "Wait... he... did he just... mock me? He floated around in a small circle, muttering to himself in indignation. No wonder I never got anywhere! I could never even defend myself from a simple poisoning... No wonder my luck was so bad. But mocking me now? Seriously? Maybe I''ll find some way to pull his leg in the next life! Then, with a sigh, he floated off into the void, muttering, I was a good person... Why do the good guys always get the short end of the stick... So Jiang Cheng straightened up, determination in his eyes. This world is ruthless, but Im going to do it differently. No more simpleton life for me. And so, with no idea he had just enraged his own spirit, Jiang Cheng continued plotting his grand transformation into the greatest cultivator this world had ever seen. Little did he know, the original owner was in the underworld, probably plotting some passive-aggressive revenge. Chapter 8_"The Heavens Smile: Jiang Cheng’s Journey to Immortality" Jiang Cheng stood up slowly, his body still feeling slightly stiff from the poison''s lingering effects. He clenched and unclenched his fists, examining his hands and limbs carefully. "Not bad," he murmured to himself, his voice calm yet laced with curiosity. The memories from the original owner of this body had started to settle in, bringing with them fragments of basic spells. Jiang activated the Spirit Cleansing Technique, letting the Qi circulate through his pores, removing the stickiness of sweat and leaving behind a refreshing sensation. His body felt lighter, rejuvenated. With a faint smile, He raised his hand and muttered the incantation for the Dust Removing Technique. A faint shimmer of Qi spread over his body, lifting the grime and dust from his clothes and skin. His once-dull robe now looked clean, almost fresh. He gave a satisfied nod. Next, he tried the Fabric Freshening Art. A subtle breeze, infused with the wood element, swept through his robe. The faint floral scent it left behind was soothing, even uplifting. "Much better," he mused, enjoying the slight elegance it added to his otherwise handsome appearance. He then turned his attention to his long black hair, disheveled from days of neglect. The Hair Tidying Spell was simple yet effective. His unruly strands aligned neatly, flowing down his back like a glossy waterfall. With a few loose strands tucked neatly behind his ear, Jiang inspected himself in a small, cracked mirror hanging by the wall. He tilted his head slightly, studying his reflection. His pale complexion from the poison had started to fade, revealing sharp, handsome features. His deep, dark eyes held a calm yet piercing look, and the faint floral scent only added to his charm. He smirked. "Just one wordhandsome." Satisfied, Jiang stretched his body lightly, feeling far more presentable than before. "If nothing else, at least I can look decent. As Jiang Cheng tested each spell, something peculiar caught his attention. The techniques he cast felt far too natural, as if his body instinctively knew what to do. The Qi in his dantian flowed smoothly, obeying his every whim without resistance. His brows furrowed for a moment before realization dawned on himhis understanding was terrifyingly high. He wasnt just casting these spells; he was mastering them on his first attempt! "How could it be this easy?" Jiang muttered to himself. He vividly recalled the fragmented memories of the original owner struggling with even the most basic techniques, often failing multiple times before getting them right. Yet here he was, casting them as effortlessly as breathing. Then, as he finished the last spell, a sudden and strange sensation rippled through his body. It was subtle at first, like a faint vibration deep within his bones. But within moments, he felt it clearlya shackle breaking apart. A surge of energy coursed through him, warm and invigorating. His Qi, previously sluggish and unremarkable, now felt vibrant and alive. His eyes widened as he inspected his dantian and meridians. The once-limited flow of Qi had become wide and unrestricted. It was as if a barrier had been lifted. More astonishingly, Jiang Cheng felt a strange certaintya confidence that he could break through to the next level of Qi Refining with ease. It felt so natural, so effortless, it was almost laughable. "This... this is impossible!" he murmured, clenching his fists. The original owner''s pseudo spirit roots should have made cultivation a nightmare, with slow progress and countless obstacles. Yet now, it felt as simple as drinking water or eating rice. "Don''t tell me..." A sly grin crept onto Jiang Cheng''s face, his mind racing. "Hahaha!" He nearly laughed out loud but quickly covered his mouth, forcing himself to remain calm. "Could it be that the original owner had some kind of terrifying physique hidden within his body? Some supreme treasure, maybe? And he die like that, what a waste of natural resources, He probably didnt even realize what he had!" Unauthorized use: this story is on Amazon without permission from the author. Report any sightings. His eyes sparkled with excitement as another thought struck him. "Or maybe..." He glanced down at his hands, clenching and unclenching them. "When my soul traveled through time and space, those high-level cosmic energies must have awakened this hidden potential. Hahaha! It seems the heavens have finally smiled upon me!" Jiang paced around the room, trying to suppress his giddy excitement. His grin, however, was impossible to hide. "This is no ordinary second chance. No, this is fate bending to my will!" He struck a dramatic pose in front of the mirror, hands clasped behind his back and a mock-serious expression on his face. "They say fortune favors the bold. This young master destined to become a Great Emperor" The more he thought about it, the more smug he became. He couldnt resist letting out a quiet chuckle. "Hahaha! To think this bodyno, my body is destined for greatness. Whatever physique this is, I''ll uncover its secrets. And when I do, this world will tremble beneath my feet!" As he regained his composure, Jiang Cheng took a deep breath, his excitement simmering beneath the surface. " Alright," he muttered to himself. " First things first. Lets confirm if this newfound strength is real. After all, the heavens may smile on me, but Im not about to take their blessing for granted." With his head held high and a mischievous gleam in his eye, Jiang Cheng strode toward the door. The market awaited, and he had a sudden urge to test his luck and maybe flaunt his newfound confidence. "Lets see what the world has to offer someone destined for immortality!" He opened the door cautiously, his earlier arrogance dissipating like smoke in the wind. Jiang Cheng chuckled to himself. "A genius who grows arrogant dies young," he muttered, recalling countless tales from the novels he had read in his past life. Those so-called "heavenly prodigies" often met tragic ends, victims of their own hubris. "I won''t be one of them," he promised himself. "Stay low, act cautious, and let others think you''re ordinary. A tiger that hides its claws lives longer. " Reaching for his belongings, Jiang picked up the broken straw hat lying by the door. It was old and battered, with frayed edges and a crack that let the sunlight peek through. Still, it served its purposehiding his face and keeping unwanted attention away. Placing it on his head, he adjusted it slightly until his face was obscured in shadow. Satisfied, Jiang stepped out into the sunlight, letting the gentle breeze sweep across his freshly cleaned robes. The road stretched ahead, winding through a few scattered houses and fields before disappearing into the distant market. "A mile away," he murmured to himself, gauging the distance. His steps were steady, his gaze alert as he moved. Though he looked calm, his heart remained guarded. After all, the original owner had been poisonedhe couldnt rule out the possibility of danger lurking nearby. As Jiang Cheng walked along the dirt path, enjoying the fresh morning air and the faint floral scent lingering on his robes, he suddenly heard a familiar, shrill voice calling out. Jiang Cheng! Jiang Cheng, you lazy boy, wait up! His heart sank immediately. Turning his head, he saw Aunt Zhang, the neighborhood busybody, waddling toward him with surprising speed for someone her age. Her round face was red from exertion, but her eyes sparkled with enthusiasmthe kind of enthusiasm that always spelled trouble. Oh no, Jiang muttered under his breath. Not her Anyone but her! Before he could make a hasty retreat, Aunt Zhang had already closed the distance, grabbing his arm with the grip of a spirit beast. "Where do you think you''re going, young man? Off to the market, eh? Planning to waste more money on useless nonsense, arent you?" Jiang forced a polite smile, trying to tug his arm free without being too obvious. "Ah, Aunt Zhang. What a pleasant surprise! Just going to buy some essentials, nothing extravagant." Aunt Zhang squinted at him, her expression skeptical., "Essentials? Hah! You call buying those useless talismans and herbs ''essentials''? What you need, Jiang Cheng, is a wife!" Jiang froze. "A... wife?" Aunt Zhang nodded vigorously, her cheeks jiggling with excitement. "Yes! A wife! Someone to keep you in line and make sure you stop wandering around like some aimless rooster! Lucky for you, Ive already found the perfect match!" Jiangs polite smile cracked. "Perfect match? Aunt Zhang, I" "Dont interrupt your elders, boy!" she scolded, wagging her finger in his face. "Her name is Mei Ling, the hunter''s daughter. Sweet girl, hardworking, and knows how to cook! And best of all, shes not picky! Even someone like you, with your patchy straw hat and poor cultivation, stands a chance!" Jiangs eye twitched. "Even someone like me? Aunt Zhang, I" "Oh, stop being so shy," she said, waving his protests away as if they were flies. "I already spoke to her parents, and theyre open to the idea. Why dont you come by for dinner tonight? Ill make the introductions! Mei Ling even said she doesnt mind that youre a bit... uh, how do I put it? Unremarkable." Jiang felt a vein throb in his forehead. "Unremarkable? Aunt Zhang, with all due respect" "Oh, dont act so proud!" she interrupted again, her voice louder now. "Youre not getting any younger, and lets face it, your looks wont carry you forever! If you dont settle down soon, youll end up like Old Liuliving alone with only a chicken for company!" At this point, Jiang could barely suppress his laughter. Aunt Zhangs words were as sharp as ever, but he couldnt help finding the situation absurd. Taking a deep breath, he decided to play along. "Youre right, Aunt Zhang," he said, nodding solemnly. "Ive been so foolish, wasting my time on trivial things when I should be thinking about my future. Mei Ling, you say? A fine name. Ill consider it." Aunt Zhangs face lit up with triumph. "Now thats the spirit! Ill tell her parents to prepare a feast tonight. And dont you dare run off, Jiang Cheng, or Ill hunt you down myself!" As she bustled away, muttering excitedly about dowries and wedding dates, Jiang shook his head with a wry smile. "Matchmaking auntiestruly the most fearsome creatures in any world." With a chuckle, he adjusted his straw hat and continued toward the market, feeling lighter than before. Life in this new world might be full of dangers, but moments like these reminded him that it could also be unexpectedly entertaining. ______________________ Chapter 9_"A Quiet Beginning"? ________________ After some time, Jiang Cheng finally arrived at the market. Though a sense of unease lingeredthis was no longer Earth, but a new worldhe tried to suppress the nerves bubbling in his chest. Everything he knew about this place came from the memories of the original owner and the novels he had read. He walked through the bustling market with a calm demeanor, though his mind raced. The streets were crowded with cultivators and mortals, all hurrying to their various destinations. Stalls selling spirit herbs, low-grade spirit tools, and cultivation manuals filled every corner. The smell of medicinal herbs and sizzling skewers filled the air, mixing with the faint hum of voices. Hey, fresh herbs! Only a few left! one vendor shouted as a group of cultivators crowded around his stall, their robes flowing in the wind as they haggled for the best price. Nearby, a group of casual cultivators muttered to each other about the latest breakthrough in cultivation methods, boasting loudly about their own progress. Their voices blended with the hum of the market, but Jiang kept his distance. He didnt waste his time with the casual cultivators or their subpar goods. The fragmented memories of the original owner told him the Qinglin Sects stores were reliable, offering decent quality. He found the shop soon enough, its entrance marked with the Qinglin Sects insignia. The shop was orderly and professional, a sharp contrast to the chaotic street outside. As he stepped inside, the scent of sandalwood and soft light from spirit stones greeted him. To his surprise, a young girl greeted him warmly. She was probably no older than sixteen or seventeen, her bright eyes and soft smile giving her an aura of kindness. Her blue robe bore the Qinglin Sects emblem, and Jiang immediately sensed she was at the Early Stage of Qi Refining, just like him. "Welcome, esteemed customer," she said with a polite bow, her voice sweet. "Please, take your time. Let me know if you need anything.". Jiang couldnt help but blink in mild surprise. In all the novels he had read, shop assistants always seemed to have a knack for looking down on protagonists, especially when they wore cheap robes and looked like losers. He glanced down at his own simple, plain robes and the battered straw hat resting on his head. Wait, shouldnt she be sneering at me by now? Maybe calling me trash or saying something like, With your appearance, can you even afford to shop here? His gaze shifted back to the girl, who continued smiling politely without a trace of disdain. Huh. No mocking? No humiliation? Maybe she missed her script Suppressing the urge to laugh at his own thoughts, Jiang cleared his throat and returned her smile. Thank you. Im looking for a middle-grade robepreferably white Jiang said, his tone calm. The girl nodded and immediately walked over to a shelf, selecting several robes. This one is ten low-grade spirit stones. Its a simple white robe with self-cleaning properties, reducing damage by 10%. She picked up a blue robe with silver embroidery This one is fifteen spirit stones. It offers 15% damage reduction and resists minor elemental attacks. Finally, she picked a dark gray robe. This one costs twenty spirit stones. Its a stealth robeabsorbs light to make you harder to detect and offers 10% damage reduction. Jiangs eyes lingered on the gray robe. It was simple yet practical, perfect for his needs. Ill take the dark gray one, he said. The girl wrapped it up and handed it over with a smile. That will be twenty spirit stones, please. Jiang handed over the stones. How much for a small storage pouch? Fifty spirit stones, the girl replied, her tone still polite. Jiang hesitated for a moment but then shrugged. Its a bit much, but I dont have a choice. Ill take it, he said, handing over the required amount. He continued, What about detoxification pills? She smiled again. A basic-grade bottle costs 30 spirit stones, or 50 for a middle-grade one. Jiang raised an eyebrow. Do you sell them individually? This tale has been unlawfully lifted without the author''s consent. Report any appearances on Amazon. She nodded. Yes, a single basic-grade Detoxification Pill is 5 spirit stones, and a middle-grade one is 10 spirit stones. Jiang thought for a moment. Ill take one middle-grade Detoxification Pill, he said, handing over the spirit stones. And a middle-grade Healing Pill? he added. Thats 15 spirit stones, she replied, taking out a small bottle and handing it to him. He nodded. Ill take it. Then Jiangs gaze shifted. Give me a low-grade Spirit Pen for talismans and twenty sheets of paper. The paper is three sheets for one spirit stone, correct? Thats right, the girl confirmed, and the pen is 7 spirit stones. Jiang paid for both items, then added, And five kilos of rice. Of course, thatll be 5 spirit stones, she said. After finishing the transaction, Jiang gathered his items and prepared to leave. Goodbye, and thank you, he said as the girl smiled and wished him well. Come back again! she called after him. As he stepped back into the busy market, Jiangs mind wandered. He still had a few things to do. His stomach rumbled slightly, so he moved toward the butchers stall. After a quick exchange, he purchased some spirit beast blood to use as ink for talismans, then made his way to a mortal vendor, where he bought the night clothes hed requested. With everything gathered, Jiang Cheng returned home. ... Once inside, Jiang closed the door behind him with a quiet sigh of relief. The familiar scent of his small, humble abode greeted him. His hands ached slightly from the bags, but he ignored the discomfort. He placed the items down beside him as he sat cross-legged on the floor of his room. Time to meditate. He closed his eyes for a moment, breathing in deeply. Ive done everything I can for now. No need to rush this. Its better to progress slowly, make sure Im solid in this stage before pushing forward. One wrong move could undo all my efforts. He took another deep breath, his body relaxing with each inhale. " I cant afford to make mistakes. This world its dangerous. Too many unknowns, too many people whod try to take advantage of me." He reached into his bag and retrieved the Detoxification Pill, swallowing it with a practiced motion. Almost immediately, warmth spread through his body, and the lingering traces of the poison in his system began to dissipate. The cool sensation of the pill worked quickly, and his Qi felt smoother, more refined. The healing pill followed soon after, further repairing any hidden injuries or strains. He allowed the sensation of rejuvenation to wash over him as he felt his body returning to its optimal state. His thoughts shifted to his cultivation. " Im at the peak of the third level, just a step away from breaking through to the middle stage of Qi Refining. The pills have helped, but now... its up to me." With a quiet exhale, Jiang focused his mind entirely on his dantian, picturing the swirling vortex of Qi within. He visualized the Qi gathering, circulating through his meridians in perfect rhythm. The pressure built, but Jiang remained steady, feeling the flow of energy with increasing clarity. With a deep breath, he focused on pushing through the barrier. The moment the pressure reached its peak, Jiangs body trembled slightly as the surge of Qi broke through, pushing him into the middle stage of Qi Refining. A satisfied smile tugged at his lips. Ive done it. This is just the beginning. Jiang Cheng stood up, stretching his limbs with a satisfied sigh. The breakthrough had been successful, and a small smile tugged at the corners of his lips. It was a modest step, but it was the beginning of something much greater. His heart felt lighter as he looked out of the small window, the evening sky painted in soft shades of orange and pink. He glanced at his surroundings, the simplicity of his humble home serving as a reminder of how far he had comeand how far he still had to go. Making his way to the small kitchen area, he opened a wooden cupboard, pulling out the rice, It wasnt a grand feast, but it would do. He carefully measured out the rice, rinsing it and setting it to cook. The small pot hissed softly as he cast a small spell called flowing water technique to Summons a small stream of water to flow in a controlled manner with the rice. While the food simmered, Jiang leaned against the counter, his thoughts wandering. The steady rhythm of his breathing calmed his mind. This was the first time since arriving in this new world that he could relax without worry. "Not a bad start," he muttered, his fingers tapping on the wooden counter. "The road ahead wont be easy, but at least now I know I can walk it." The food began to take on a rich, savory scent, and Jiang smiled, satisfied with the progress he was makingnot just in cultivation, but in adapting to this new life. His destiny had changed, and now, with each passing moment, he was shaping it into something entirely his own. Once the spirit rice had cooked, its rich aroma filling the small room, Jiang Cheng took the pot off the stove and carefully dished out a generous serving. He carried the steaming bowl to his simple wooden table, settling down to eat. The rice had a satisfying, earthy taste, and he ate his fill, savoring the warmth and satisfaction that came with a small victory in his cultivation journey. As he finished, Jiang leaned back in his chair, his stomach content. A small grin tugged at the corner of his lips. Despite the simplicity of the meal, it felt like a celebration. A quiet one, but a celebration nonetheless. Finishing his meal, Jiang stood up, stretching and wiping his hands on his robes. The room, while cozy, had accumulated some dust over the past few days. With a quick wave of his hand, he muttered the incantation for a Dust Vanishing Spell. A faint shimmer of energy pulsed from his fingers, and the room instantly seemed fresher. Dust and grime lifted from the wooden floors and furniture, swirling in a delicate dance before vanishing into the air. The spell was simple, but effective, and the small space now felt cleaner, more welcoming. The faint light from the outside dimmed as the evening approached, casting long shadows across the room. The last traces of daylight faded, leaving the room bathed in soft moonlight that filtered through the small window. Jiang Cheng walked over to his bed, a thin mat on the floor, and lay down. He pulled the covers over himself, his thoughts quieting as his body sank into the warmth of the bedding. The events of the day played through his mindhis purchases, the breakthrough, and the simple meal. It wasnt much, but it was enough. "Tomorrow," Jiang murmured softly, his eyes drifting shut. "Ill prepare for the next step." With that, the exhaustion from the days efforts overtook him, and he quickly fell into a peaceful sleep, the promise of the future lingering in his dreams. Chapter 10_"Crafting Success: Jiang Chengs First Steps in Talisman Making" Jiang Cheng returned to his small home, the mornings meditation leaving him refreshed and invigorated. His stomach growled in protest, and he quickly set a pot of rice on the stove. The warm scent of steaming grains filled the air as he sat at his modest table, savoring the simple meal. Once finished, he washed up, cleaned his workspace, and turned his attention to the tools of talisman-making: a bottle of talisman ink, twenty talisman paper, and a delicate talisman pen. These had been purchased yesterday by Jiang Cheng, plus the original owner failed attempts and theoretical notes. Today, Jiang Cheng resolved to turn theory into practice. Sitting at his desk, Jiang Cheng opened the ink bottle, the rich, slightly metallic scent wafting out. He spread out a sheet of talisman paper, its surface smooth and unblemished, and carefully picked up the talisman pen. Closing his eyes, he silently recalled the steps from the introductory chapter of the Art of Talismans. In his mind, the image of the Minor Shield Talisman took forma protective charm meant to absorb a single strike. The strokes were intricate, demanding precision and a steady flow of spiritual energy. After a long moment of mental preparation, Jiang Cheng steadied his breathing and began. As the talisman pen touched the paper, a series of mysterious patterns flowed forth, each line carrying a faint glow of spiritual power. His movements were steady and fluid, a single unbroken stroke from start to finish. When the last mark was drawn, the talisman paper emitted a brief flash of light, and Jiang Cheng felt a tug within him as the talisman absorbed a portion of his spiritual power. He placed the pen down and stared at the talisman. The glowing patterns gradually stabilized, forming a completed low-grade Minor Shield Talisman. It worked... Jiang Cheng muttered, disbelief and excitement flickering in his eyes. The original owner of this body had failed countless times, yet Jiang Cheng had succeeded on his first try. Was it luck? Or perhaps a combination of the original owners theoretical foundation and his own methodical approach? Regardless, the success filled Jiang Cheng with newfound confidence. Encouraged, Jiang Cheng decided to attempt a second talisman. He picked up his pen, dipped it in ink, and began again. This time, however, as he approached the final strokes, the spiritual power at the tip of his pen wavered. The talisman paper fizzled, and the glow abruptly vanished. Failed... Jiang Cheng sighed, shaking his head. Not discouraged, he analyzed the mistake. The spiritual power at the tip of the pen wasnt steady enough. I need to refine my control. This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there. After a brief rest, Jiang Cheng tried again, only to fail once more. This time, it was a moment of hesitation in his brushwork that caused the talisman to lose its integrity. "I thought I was a talent for making talismans, but I didn''t expect that the first time was just a blind cat catching a dead mouse. The second and third times are the true manifestation of my ability." Jiang Cheng admitted, chuckling wryly. But instead of feeling disheartened, he poured himself a cup of tea, letting the warm liquid calm his nerves. After failing to draw the talisman twice, Jiang Cheng needs to calm down and avoid getting too excited. He is naturally cautious and rarely gets carried away. But we have to be on guard. Sitting at the desk, Jiang Cheng drank cup after cup of tea as the sun gradually set outside the window. He sat silently for a long time, his eyes closed as he visualized the process in his mind. The output of spiritual power. The depiction of the pen strokes. The brushwork is done in one go. And most importantly, a stable state of mind. Making talismans is never easy and requires a lot of time for error correction and practice. This time, when Jiang Cheng picked up his pen, he was ready. The talisman paper lay before him, pristine and unmarked. He dipped the pen in ink, adjusted his breathing, and began to draw. Each stroke was deliberate yet smooth, a seamless flow of spiritual power guiding the pen. Minutes passed in silence, the only sound the faint scratching of the pen against paper. Finally, as the last stroke fell, the talisman paper lit up once more. A rush of energy flowed from Jiang Cheng into the talisman, and he felt it stabilize. He set the pen down and leaned back, a faint smile tugging at his lips. In his hands was another low-grade Minor Shield Talisman, as flawless as the first. Jiang Cheng examined the talisman, the intricate patterns glowing faintly under the dim light. His earlier failures now seemed like necessary steps toward mastery. Making talismans is harder than I thought, he admitted, but its also incredibly rewarding. Continue drawing. Jiang Cheng''s eyes were focused, and his pen moved quickly, and lines of talisman patterns appeared on the talisman paper. And with the final stroke of the pen. The talisman paper in front of him suddenly flashed with light. Immediately, Jiang Cheng felt that some of the spiritual power in his body was absorbed by the talisman paper in front of him. When the talisman paper no longer absorbed spiritual energy, the talisman paper in front of Jiang Cheng successfully turned into a low-grade minor shield talisman worth five spiritual stones. Feeling the spiritual power in his body decreasing, a flash of joy appeared on Jiang Cheng''s face. The fifth talisman making. It worked again! "three successes, two failures, sixty percent chance? No, that can''t be calculated that way. We''ve only drawn five times. Only when the number is increased can we truly calculate the probability." Looking at the low-grade minor shield talisman in front of him, jiang Cheng shook his head and put aside the complacent mentality in his heart. Low-grade minor shield talisman, market price is five spirit stones. But the materials for making it, talisman ink and talisman paper, the cost of the two together is two spirit stones. If the loss of the talisman pen is taken into account, the cost will be even higher. However, the talisman pen can be used for a long time and generally speaking, it will not break down quickly. Therefore, although the talisman pen is expensive, the cost is actually relatively low. In the following period of time. Jiang Cheng used up all the remaining six materials for making talismans. But in the end, out of twenty sets of materials for making talismans, only eight were successful. Jiang Cheng glanced at the stack of wasted talisman papers and let out a small groan. If failure were an art, Id be a grandmaster by now. He shook his head, pouring himself another cup of tea. Got eight low-grade minor shield talismans. Such a result made Jiang Cheng secretly happy. It seems that because I have the advantage of my soul, I am more suitable for making talismans than ordinary cultivators. The first attempt at making the talisman, the success rate reached over 40%. With such a chance, if I spend more time to continue to comprehend the introductory chapter of the Art of Talismans, supplemented by slow practice, I''m afraid I will be able to increase my success rate in making talismans to more than 50% soon. Placing the talismans carefully into a wooden box, he sat back and poured himself another cup of tea. His thoughts drifted to the future, to more advanced talismans, and to the possibilities they held. One day, he murmured, staring at the glowing talismans, I wont just be a talisman maker. Ill be the talisman master. And with that, Jiang Cheng blew out the lantern and retired for the night, the faint glow of his completed talismans a quiet reminder of what determinationand a touch of luckcould achieve. __________________ Chapter_ 11 "Awakening the Power of Dreams ______________________ As Jiang Cheng slept, he found himself in a strange statenot quite a dream, yet not entirely reality. He stood in a vast, empty space, surrounded by nothingness. No sky, no ground, just an infinite void stretching in every direction. His eyes widened in alarm. "What the hell?!" His heart pounded as he spun around, looking for an exit, a door, anything. Cold sweat formed on his back. Had he been kidnapped? Was this some kind of high-level illusion technique? WHO DARES TO ABDUCT ME?! he bellowed, his voice echoing endlessly in the void. Which senior expert is playing tricks on me?! I swear, I have no treasures! Im dirt poor! If youre looking for a ransom, youre wasting your time! If this is about some secret technique, I dont have one! I can barely afford food! He clutched his tattered robe, his mind racing. Was this karma? Had he unknowingly offended some grandmaster? Orwait, was he dead again? No way! I refuse! I just got a second chance at life! He clenched his fists, determined. At least let me enjoy some riches and beauties before you send me off to reincarnate a third time! For a moment, he considered trying to wake himself up by slapping his face. But before he could, a sudden realization struck himmemories of a strange knowledge flooding his mind. His eyes flickered with understanding. Wait. This is my own power? The panic vanished in an instant. His expression froze. A long silence stretched in the void. Jiang Cheng awkwardly rubbed his neck. Ahem. He looked around, pretending that no one had witnessed his embarrassing outburst. "Right So I wasnt kidnapped This is just my ability" He coughed and straightened his robe, trying to salvage his dignity even if he was the only one here . With forced composure, he muttered, I knew that all along I was just, testing the acoustics of this place. Very echoey. Good to know. Deciding to ignore his own embarrassment, he quickly turned his attention to his newfound ability " Endless Dreams " With a mere flicker of intent, the void shifted. Shapes formed, dissolved, and reassembled at his will. A shiver ran down his spine as the knowledge surfaced in his mind. This ability allowed him to enter dreams, shape them, entrust dreams to others, and evenif he daredkill within them. "Striking at a soul through dreams is dangerous," he muttered. "The backlash alone could be fatal." The strength of ones soul wasnt something to trifle with, and recklessly wielding Endless Dreams could invite disaster. But the true value of this power lay elsewhere. Jiang Chengs mind raced with possibilities. He could construct a dream world to refine elixirs, craft talismans, forge weapons, and moreall without using real resources. Unlike yesterday, when he had wasted twelve precious sheets of talisman papera costly mistakethis power would allow him to practice endlessly, free from material loss. "With this... I can perfect my skills before ever lifting a pen in the real world," he murmured, excitement flickering in his eyes. Eager to test his newfound ability, Jiang Cheng wasted no time constructing his dream space. With a mere thought, a desk appeared before him, followed by talisman paper, ink, and a peneach detail crafted to perfection. Without hesitation, he began drawing talismans nonstop. Stroke after stroke, his movements were fluid, precise, and unrestrained by material limitations. Hours passed in an instant. Suddenly, an overwhelming fatigue washed over him. His vision blurred, the dream world trembled, and the carefully constructed space dissolved into darkness. Only then did he realizehe had overused his soul power. Unable to resist the exhaustion, he sank into an even deeper sleep. ... The next morning, Jiang Cheng woke up feeling surprisingly refreshed. A good mood lingered as he stretched, recalling the events of the night before. His mind was clear, his energy replenished, and most importantlyEndless Dreams was real. In the kitchen, Jiang Cheng moved with a newfound sense of purpose. He brewed a pot of tea, the familiar ritual grounding him as he planned his next steps. The steam rose in gentle curls, carrying the subtle aroma of jasmine, and he took a slow sip, savoring the warmth. As he ate, his mind wandered back to the talismans he had drawn in the dream space. Each stroke had felt natural, almost instinctive, as if the knowledge had been etched into his very soul. But the fatigue that had followed was a stark reminder of his limits. He couldnt afford to lose control like that again. He needed to understand the rules of Endless Dreamshow far he could push himself, what the costs were, and how to harness its power without risking his well-being. This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it. After finishing his meal and cleaning up, Jiang Cheng sat down to meditate for a few hours, restoring his focus and stabilizing his energy. Once he felt ready, he stood up, carefully placing the eight completed talismans into his space pouch. With a cautious mindset, he set off toward the market, keeping an eye on his surroundings. As he walked, his gaze drifted toward the spiritual fields near his home. He suddenly halted. Oh no he muttered, rubbing his forehead. I almost forgotIm still a spiritual farmer. His five acres of spiritual fields lay before him, untouched since his last harvest. The neatly tilled soil awaited new seeds, a silent reminder of his other responsibilities. For a moment, he hesitated. Should he head straight to the market or take care of the fields first? Jiang Cheng thought for a moment before making his decision. "Ill handle the farming later," he muttered. "Selling the talismans comes firstplus, I need to restock some daily necessities." With that in mind, he continued toward the market. On the way, Jiang Cheng ran into his neighborOld Man Liu. The elderly farmer, dressed in simple robes, carried a well-worn spiritual hoe over his shoulder. His wrinkled face lit up with a warm smile as he spotted Jiang Cheng. Jiang boy! Where are you off to? Jiang Cheng returned the smile. Just heading to the market to sell a few things, Old Liu. Hows the harvest this time? Old Lius face darkened slightly. Tch, some damn insects and pests got into the spirit rice again, he grumbled, shaking his head. Left a bit of damage, but overall, not too bad. Just as Jiang Cheng was about to reply, Old Lius expression suddenly shifted. His eyes narrowed, and a lewd grin spread across his face. Speaking of the market He leaned in, lowering his voice. Jiang boy, I heard theres a new girl at the Drunken Flower Pavilionfresh arrival, young and full of life. You wouldnt happen to be stopping by there, would you? Jiang Chengs mouth twitched. Old Liu, arent you a little too interested in these things? Hah! What do you know, boy? Old Liu wagged his finger. Cultivation is important, but so is enjoying life! You cant spend all your days buried in books and spirit fields. A man needs to unwind now and then! Back in my prime Jiang Cheng quickly cut him off before he was forced to hear a long-winded tale of Old Lius youthful escapades. Ill pass. I have business to take care of. Old Liu sighed Ah, youth wasted on the cautious Well, suit yourself. But if you ever change your mind, just let this old man knowI have connections. He winked before hoisting his hoe back onto his shoulder. Jiang Cheng shook his head with a chuckle and continued on his way, leaving Old Liu behind, still muttering about "wasted opportunities." After a few minutes, Jiang Cheng arrived at the market, where the streets were packed with people moving in all directions like a swarm of ants on a sugar high. The air buzzed with energyloud chatter, the clinking of spiritual stones, and the rich scent of roasted meat and medicinal herbs filled his senses. It was as if the market itself was alive, a chaotic symphony of sights, sounds, and smells. As he strolled through the market, merchants called out to potential buyers, each trying to outshout the other like a competition for who could be the most obnoxiously enthusiastic. "Fresh spirit fruits! Sweet and juicy, straight from the mountain orchards! If you dont buy them, my wife will make me eat them, and Im allergic!" "High-quality talisman ink! One drop, and your inscriptions will glow for days! Two drops, and theyll glow so bright youll blind your enemies! Three drops, andwell, lets not get carried away!" "Spirit beast meat! Cook it right, and itll strengthen your vitality! Cook it wrong, and itll strengthen your ability to visit the outhouse all night!" A burly man waved a giant fish with shimmering silver scales, its tail slapping him in the face as he struggled to hold it up. "Golden Spirit Carp! Nourishes the soul! Just caught from the Azure Lake this morning! Nearby, a wrinkled old woman sat behind a stall filled with strange-looking roots and dried flowers. She cackled as she crushed a dried herb between her fingers, releasing a sharp, bitter aroma that made Jiang Chengs nose wrinkle. "Boy, this is Seven Star Grass! Brew it in tea, and itll clear your meridians! Spirit beast eggs! Hatch one today, and in ten years, it might call you dador eat you! No refunds! Jiang Cheng watched the chaos unfold before him and couldn''t help but think that, despite the presence of cultivators, this market was no different from a mortal oneeveryone was shouting, bargaining, and trying to get the best deal. He glanced at the street stalls where monks were selling elixirs, talismans, and various trinkets. The thought crossed his mindif he set up a stall himself, he could probably sell his talismans at a higher price. But after a moments consideration, he shook his head. Selling in the open meant wasting a lot of time and drawing unnecessary attention. Talismans were valuable, and attracting the interest of the wrong peoplewhether thieves, greedy cultivators, or competitorswas not worth the risk. It was better to sell through an established store, even if it meant earning slightly less. With that decision made, Jiang Cheng trotted toward the store where he purchase his clothes that time As Jiang Cheng stepped into the store, the familiar scent of ink and parchment filled the air. Behind the wooden counter stood the same young woman from yesterdaydressed in a light blue robe, her dark eyes sharp yet carrying a hint of amusement. She recognized him immediately and smiled. "Oh? Youre back already. That was quick. Did you come to return faulty talismans?" Jiang Cheng chuckled, shaking his head. "No, Im here to sell some." Her eyebrows lifted slightly in surprise, but she remained composed. "Sell? You mean you made them yourself?" Jiang Cheng took out the eight low-grade Minor Shield Talismans and placed them on the counter. The faint glow of spiritual energy in the patterns proved their effectiveness. The young womans gaze flickered with interest as she picked one up, examining the strokes. "Hmm the structure is stable, the spiritual energy is evenly distributed, and theres no excess leakage." She gave him a curious look. "Not bad at all. Youre either a talisman master or a hidden genius." Jiang Cheng remained cautious. He waved his hand dismissively. "Im just a beginner. I got lucky a few times." She let out a soft laugh. "A beginner, huh? Most beginners fail dozens of times before succeeding even once. But sure, lets go with lucky." Jiang Cheng changed the topic. "How much are you offering for these?" The girl tapped the counter, thinking for a moment. "Normally, low-grade Minor Shield Talismans sell for five spirit stones each. But since we need to make a profit, we buy them at four spirit stones apiece. Thats the standard rate." Jiang Cheng had already expected this, so he nodded. "Fair enough. Ill sell all eight." She quickly calculated the amount. "Thatll be 32 spirit stones in total." She retrieved a pouch and placed the spirit stones inside before handing it to him. Jiang Cheng took the pouch and then said, "I also need more talisman paper. How much for thirty sheets?" The girl smiled. "We sell them at one spirit stone for three sheets, so for thirty, thatll be ten spirit stones." Jiang Cheng handed over ten spirit stones without hesitation. The young woman efficiently packed the papers into a bundle and handed them over. "Not a bad deal for a beginner," she said with a teasing smile. Jiang Cheng simply nodded, not wanting to reveal too much. "Thanks." As he turned to leave, she called out, "If you make more, feel free to sell them here. And maybe next time, tell me your name, "Mister " Jiang Cheng chuckled lightly but didnt reply, stepping out of the shop with his newly acquired supplies. Jiang Cheng walked through the bustling market, eventually stopping at a street stall displaying an assortment of freshly butchered monster meat. The seller was a burly man with thick arms and a scar running across his cheek, likely a former hunter who had retired to selling his spoils. "Fresh monster meat! Strengthens the body, replenishes vitality! Two pounds for just one spirit stone! You wont find a better deal!" the man hollered, his voice booming over the market noise. Jiang Cheng approached the stall and casually inspected the meat. The cuts looked fresh, some still faintly emanating traces of spiritual energy. He nodded in approval. "Give me four pounds." The seller grinned. "A fine choice, young man." He quickly wrapped the meat in clean parchment and handed it over. As Jiang Cheng passed over two spirit stones, he glanced at the man and asked, "Any news from the Endless Mountains lately? I hear the beast tides have been unpredictable this year." The seller snorted. "Unpredictable? More like downright strange. Normally, the beast tides follow a patternsmall surges every few years, with a big one every few decades. But lately, monsters have been acting erratic. Even weaker beasts are growing restless, attacking villages closer to the foothills." Jiang Cheng frowned. "Thats unusual. Could it be a territorial dispute between monster clans?" The seller scratched his chin. "Possible, but unlikely. The real problem is that some hunters claim to have seen unfamiliar creaturesbeasts that dont match any known records. Thats whats got people worried. When something new appears in the mountains, it usually means trouble." Jiang Cheng nodded thoughtfully. The Endless Mountains , a vast and dangerous region filled with countless spirit beasts, were crucial to the cultivation world. They provided rare resources, but they also harbored terrifying dangers. If new, unknown creatures were emerging, it could spell disaster for nearby sects and towns. "Thanks for the info," Jiang Cheng said, securing his meat in his storage pouch. The seller waved a hand. "Just be careful if youre planning to head that way. These days, even experienced cultivators are treading cautiously." Jiang Cheng gave a slight nod before blending back into the market crowd, his mind already processing the implications of what he had just learned. Chapter 12 "The Cultivator’s Daily Grind" _________________________ As Jiang Cheng walked through the crowded market, his mind still churned with the new information he had gathered. The strange beasts and unpredictable monster tides from the Endless Mountains weren''t to be taken lightly. His instincts told him that something was amiss, and he couldnt ignore the warning signs. But for now, his priorities lay elsewhere. He needed to return to his spiritual fields and tend to his crops. The idea of letting his responsibilities slip by because of some far-off dangers felt irresponsible. Besides, it had been some time since he last took a good look at his spiritual rice, and the soil could always benefit from a little extra care. Jiang Cheng made his way home, the pouch of spirit stones gently swinging at his side. When he arrived at his fields, his gaze fell on the five acres of fertile land. The once-pristine rows of crops were now overgrown with wild grass, and a few pests lurked about, seemingly mocking his neglect. After placing his spiritual meat and the stack of talisman paper inside his humble house, Jiang Cheng once again made his way to the spiritual field he was responsible for. He rolled up his sleeves, grabbed his trusty hoe, and stared down at the overgrown mess. Alright, you overgrown weeds and freeloading pests, he muttered, gripping the hoe tightly. Prepare to meet your maker. The battle was fierce. Jiang Cheng swung his hoe like a seasoned warrior, hacking away at the weeds with the precision of a master cultivator. The pests, however, were not going down without a fight. A particularly bold beetle charged at him, its tiny legs moving at an impressive speed. Oh, you want a piece of me? Jiang Cheng said, raising his hoe like a sword. Come at me, you six-legged menace! The beetle, perhaps sensing the futility of its actions, turned tail and fled. Jiang Cheng smirked. Thats what I thought. After hours of backbreaking labor, the field was finally clear. The weeds were uprooted, the pests vanquished, and the soil was ready for planting. Jiang Cheng wiped the sweat from his brow and sighed. I swear, farming is just combat with dirt. With the field prepped, Jiang Cheng scattered the spiritual rice seeds with the care of a doting parent. Then, he stood in the center of the field, closed his eyes, and began the Spirit Rain Technique. His hands moved in fluid motions, drawing spiritual energy from the air and condensing it into a fine mist that showered the field. For half an hour, he maintained the technique, his focus unwavering. When he finally opened his eyes, he inspected the field carefully. The seeds had taken root , their faint spiritual glow a sign of healthy growth. Satisfied, he nodded. Not bad for a days work. Jiang Cheng returned to his humble house, exhaustion weighing down on him despite the relatively simple tasks he had completed. With the field cleared and the seeds thriving under the Spirit Rain Technique, his work for the day was done. Once inside his house, Jiang Cheng immediately shed his outer robes, feeling the weight of the day settle into his bones. The physical labor, though routine, never failed to tire him, Jiang Cheng stretched his stiff limbs and groaned. His back ached, his legs felt like lead, and his arms were sore from tilling the spiritual fields earlier. Collapsing onto his wooden bed, he let out a long, suffering sigh. "I was working like a cow and a horse in my previous life, and Im still working like a cow and a horse in this life" He rubbed his temples. "Did I offend some deity? Is my fate to be a farm animal for eternity?" Just as he was about to close his eyes, a thought struck him. His gaze drifted to the corner of his house, where a mirror stood. With an exhausted shuffle, he forced himself up and walked over, staring at his own reflection. His once-sharp features now carried the look of a man who had seen too much hardship. Dark circles under his eyes, straw sticking out of his messy hair, and his robes wrinkled beyond saving. "...I look like a beggar," he muttered. Just as he was about to collapse into his well-earned rest, a knock at the door interrupted his peace. "Jiang boy! Are you home?" It was Old Liu. Jiang Cheng groaned, but he dragged himself to the door and opened it slightly, peeking out. Old Liu immediately frowned. "What the hell happened to you? Did you lose a fight? Or did you fall into a pigsty?" "...Neither." Jiang Cheng sighed. "Just farming." The narrative has been taken without permission. Report any sightings. Old Liu smirked. "You look like someone stole your life savings." "They did. It was called hard labor." The old farmer cackled. "Thats why you should go to the Drunken Flower Pavilion! A little wine, a little companyworks wonders for the spirit!" Jiang Cheng stared blankly at him. "...Old Liu, do you see me? Do I look like I have the energy to even walk to the pavilion, let alone enjoy myself?" Old Liu clicked his tongue. "Such a shame. Youth wasted on exhaustion." Jiang Cheng shut the door. With a tired flop, he fell back onto his bed, staring at the ceiling. "Maybe in my next life Ill just reincarnate as a potato." After a simple meal, the sun had set, casting a warm orange glow over the horizon. Jiang Cheng, still weary from the day''s labor, lazily waved his hand and cast a simple Dust-Free Technique, instantly cleaning the dirt and sweat from his body. "At least magic saves me from taking a bath," he muttered, stretching his sore shoulders. With renewed focus, he sat at his desk, spread out the thirty talisman papers, and dipped his brush into the ink. Each stroke had to be precise. The flow of spiritual energy needed to be controlled perfectly. A single mistake, and the talisman would be wasted. Time passed unnoticed as he worked tirelessly, his hands moving with growing confidence. One talisman two five ten He continued, pushing himself until his mind blurred with exhaustion. By the time he finished, the moon hung high in the sky, casting a cold silver light through his window. Jiang Cheng exhaled deeply, staring at his resultstwenty successful talismans out of thirty. "Not bad" he mumbled, rubbing his temples. The constant focus had drained him both physically and mentally. His head wobbled, his vision swayed, and before he could even clean up properly, he stumbled toward his bed. With a heavy sigh, he flopped onto the mattress and closed his eyes. Within seconds, he was out cold, snoring softly. Early the next morning, Jiang Cheng woke up to the sound of birds chirping outside his window. He yawned, stretched his limbs, and reluctantly pulled himself out of bed. He splashed cold water on his face, trying to shake off the remnants of his deep sleep, before changing into his usual clothes. Afterward, he sat in a quiet corner of his house for an hour of meditation to steady his mind and restore his energy. Once he felt centered, Jiang Cheng made his way to the spiritual fields, his footsteps light. The sun had barely risen, and a cool morning breeze swept through the air. He took a deep breath and surveyed the fields carefully. To his relief, there was no sign of pests or any other issues. Looks good, he muttered, nodding to himself. The spiritual rice seemed to be growing well, and the soil was healthy. Nothing out of the ordinary. Satisfied, he returned to his house for a quick breakfastjust some rice porridge and pickled vegetables, nothing fancy. It was all he needed to get through the morning. Afterward, Jiang Cheng set off for the market, his spirit bag filled with the talismans he had crafted the night before. The market was already buzzing with activity as he arrived. The familiar sights and sounds greeted himthe bustling crowd, the colorful stalls, and the air thick with the smell of street food and incense. He made his way through the crowd, bypassing the usual distractions, and arrived at the store he frequented to sell his talismans. As soon as he stepped inside, the same young woman, still wearing her light blue robes, looked up from behind the counter. She gave him a slight smile as recognition flickered in her eyes. Back so soon? she asked, her tone light and teasing. Did you forget something, or are you here to sell more of your lucky talismans? Jiang Cheng smirked, setting the pouch of talismans on the counter. Im here to sell. No returns this time, I promise. She raised an eyebrow, inspecting the pouch with mild interest. Lets see what youve got this time, Mister. With a casual flick of her wrist, she opened the pouch and began pulling out the freshly made talismans. Her eyes briefly scanned each one. These look decent, she muttered, nodding with approval as she flipped through them. Youve improved since last time. Jiang Chengs lips twitched. I told you, Im just lucky. No need to get all impressed. She rolled her eyes but smiled. Lucky, huh? Ive never met anyone who gets lucky so often. She reached for the small pouch of spirit stones and quickly calculated the total. twenty Minor Shield Talismans, four spirit stones each. Thatll be eighty spirit stones. Jiang Cheng took the spirit stones without hesitation, a satisfied smile creeping onto his face. Thanks. I also need more paper. Sixty sheets this time . She was already preparing the bundle. One spirit stone for three sheets. Thatll be twenty spirit stones for thirty. Jiang Cheng handed over the coins with a smile. You know, you really should offer a discount to regulars. You might just get more customers that way. She looked up, feigning shock. You want a discount? From me? Dream on ! Jiang Cheng shrugged. Hey, Im just looking out for myself. She grinned as she handed over the bundle of talisman paper. Youll have to work for it, Mister Lucky. Dont expect discounts just because youre a frequent buyer . Fair enough, he said, taking the bundle and stuffing it into his pouch. As he was about to leave, the young woman called out, By the way, have you had any thoughts on telling me your name? Im starting to think youre deliberately keeping it a secret. Jiang Cheng paused, glancing over his shoulder with a smirk. Ill think about it. Maybe when you start giving me those discounts. She gave him a playful glare. Hmph impossible. Jiang Cheng chuckled, the banter lightening his mood, and left the store with his new supplies. As Jiang Cheng made his way deeper into the market, his thoughts turned to practical matters. He still needed to restock a few essentials, and his stomach had been growling ever since he left his house. At a nearby stall, he spotted a burly man with a thick beard and muscular arms, holding up a large chunk of monster meat. The scent of roasted meat wafted through the air, making Jiang Chengs mouth water. The man caught his eye and bellowed, Fresh monster meat! Full of spirit energy, perfect for strengthening your body! Only one spirit stones per two pounds ! Jiang Cheng approached the stall, his stomach rumbling in agreement. Ill take eight pounds, he said With the monster meat and rice secured, Jiang Cheng made his way through the bustling market, the weight of the spirit stones in his pouch comforting him. The streets were still lively, with merchants shouting over each other, trying to attract attention to their goods. But Jiang Cheng''s mind was on other mattersprimarily how he was going to make good use of his purchases. He passed by a few more stalls, his gaze briefly flicking over them, but he didnt stop. His feet carried him back toward his home, where the peaceful solitude of his small abode awaited him. Upon arriving, he set the bags of monster meat and spirit rice down in the kitchen, taking a moment to appreciate how much he had accomplished in just one day. He quickly set about preparing a simple but hearty meal: some of the freshly purchased rice and monster meat cooked together, the savory aroma filling the house as it simmered. After finishing the meal, he leaned back, full and satisfied. "Good food, good progress... I guess life as a farmer and talisman maker isn''t all bad." With his stomach full and the evening drawing near, Jiang Cheng made his way to the small desk where his talisman papers were neatly stacked. As he sat down, he briefly considered the weight of his next steps. His mind was tired from the days work, but there was still something to be done. The idea of stockpiling spirit stones for a weapon lingered in the back of his mind. After all, despite his abilities, he was still just a beginnerhaving something to defend himself with in the future might be wise. With a quiet sigh, he set to work again, determined not to waste any time. Chapter 13_ A Fortune Hard-Earned ________________________ Time had flown by in the blink of an eye. Days blurred into one another as Jiang Cheng settled into a steady routinewaking up at dawn, washing his face, meditating for an hour, checking his spiritual field, eating a simple meal, and spending hours crafting talismans before heading to the market to sell them. With each passing day, his skills improved, his success rate in making talismans increased, and so did his earnings. And now, after half a month of relentless effort, he finally had something to show for it. Jiang Cheng sat in his humble home, a small wooden box open before him. Inside, neatly stacked spirit stones gleamed under the candlelight. "Eight hundred and fifty-five spirit stones!" He grinned, barely suppressing his excitement. His fingers ran over the cool, smooth stones, the weight of his hard-earned wealth filling him with satisfaction. "Finally, hard work pays off!" He couldn''t help but laugh. Just a month ago, he had been scraping by, worrying about every single purchase. Now, he was rich Well not truly richeight hundred spirit stones werent enough to shake the foundation of a cultivators worldbut for someone like him, who started with nothing, this was a fortune. Jiang Cheng leaned back, exhaling in relief. "I should reward myself" For half a month, he had been living frugallyonly buying necessities like food, talisman paper, and a few other essentials. Now, with a comfortable amount saved up, he could afford to spend a little without guilt. He tapped his chin thoughtfully. "A better weapon? Some defensive artifacts? Maybe even a proper cultivation technique" Jiang Cheng smirked. "Guess Ill be making a trip to the Treasure Pavilion tomorrow." He carefully stored the spirit stones away, making sure they were well hidden. Just because he was rich now didnt mean he could be careless. Jiang Cheng washed up and changed into the original owners old clothessimple, slightly worn, and entirely unremarkable. He doesn''t have any disguise techniques, nor could he alter his facial structure. The best he could do was avoid standing out. For the past half month, he had been careful, deliberately selling his talismans to different stores to avoid drawing too much attention. He wasnt strong enough yet to deal with potential trouble, and wealth always attracted greed. After making sure his appearance was as plain as possible, Jiang Cheng stepped out, first making his way to his spiritual fields. As usual, he checked the crops carefully, ensuring there were no issues. Satisfied, he performed the Spirit Rain Technique, letting the gentle mist of spiritual energy nourish the soil. Once everything was in order, he didnt linger. Jiang Cheng navigated through the bustling market with focused steps, ignoring the colorful stalls that lined the streets. His mind was set, and today, his goal was clear: to purchase the remaining supplies he needed to further his cultivation and ensure his future success. The sounds of street vendors calling out, the smell of sizzling food, and the vibrant energy of the market seemed to fade into the background as he moved with purpose. He made his way past familiar faces and busy merchants, his thoughts solely on the task ahead. As he approached his destination, he could see the building ahead, its wooden frame tall and sturdy, with signs of age but well-maintained. The Qinglin Pavilion. It had become a familiar spot over the past few weeks, and today, Jiang Cheng hoped that with his newfound wealth, he could acquire the final pieces needed for his next phase of cultivation. He quickened his pace, determined to finish his business and return home to his spiritual fields. Pushing open the door, the familiar scent of incense and the soft murmur of the Pavilions quiet atmosphere greeted him. Ruan Xue was at the counter, her head slightly tilted as she glanced up when he entered. "Back again, fellow Daoist Jiang ?" she said, her tone light but amused. Ruan Xue led Jiang Cheng to a quiet corner of the Qinglin Pavilion, where a simple wooden desk sat waiting. The soft glow of paper lanterns illuminated the space, and the faint scent of incense lingered in the air. She gestured for him to sit as she poured him a cup of hot tea, steam curling lazily upward. Please, take a seat, fellow Daoist Jiang, Ruan Xue said with a knowing smile. You seem like someone with a lot on their mind. Jiang Cheng took the offered tea, savoring the warmth before placing it gently on the desk. "Thank you," he said, his tone earnest. Reading on this site? This novel is published elsewhere. Support the author by seeking out the original. He was feeling the weight of his recent purchases and decisions, and now that he had the means to move forward, he needed guidance. I need some basic skills, Jiang Cheng began, his voice steady, and some understanding of the world of cultivation. Ive been going about things mostly on my own, but I realize I lack crucial knowledge. Its time to fill in the gaps. Ruan Xues expression softened. She placed the teapot down and leaned forward slightly. Ah, so you seek the foundationthe fundamentals. I can certainly help you with that. After waiting for a while, Ruan came to Jiang Cheng again with a tray. Dozens of jade slips were quietly placed on the tray, looking very attractive. Putting down the tray in her hand, Ruan Xue''s picked up a jade slip from the tray and began to introduce it. "This is the Spirit Eye Technique. It can check other people''s cultivation at any time to avoid provoking strong people." "This is the Fireball Technique. It condenses a fireball to kill the enemy. It is extremely powerful." "This is the sound transmission technique. It is the first choice for Qi training cultivators to communicate with their friends over long distances. The speed of flying cranes is extremely fast and it is basically impossible to be intercepted. If it is intercepted, the information will self-destruct. It is extremely safe." "This is a light body technique that can increase walking speed. It is essential for long-distance travel and escape." "This is the Breath Containment Technique. It can restrain one''s own aura and make it no different from a stone. It will basically not be noticed by others." Jiang Cheng was amazed by these simple spills and decided to take them all One is the art of spiritual vision. One is the art of sound transmission. One is the art of restraining breath. The Spirit Eye Technique can tell other people''s cultivation level with just a glance, thus avoiding provoking powerful enemies. And because the Spirit Eye Technique can only detect cultivation level and cannot obtain other information, it will not be as annoying as a scan by spiritual consciousness. The spiritual eye technique is different from the spiritual sense scan. It is like the qi-seeing technique. It can only see the other party''s level of cultivation and will not be annoying. But spiritual scanning is like touching with your hands. Who would like to be touched suddenly by a stranger? Therefore, in the world of immortal cultivation, everyone is accustomed to using the spiritual eye technique and does not take it seriously, but using spiritual consciousness to scan the other party is a taboo. The art of sound transmission, after exchanging breath with a friend, you only need to release paper cranes or flying birds to contact the other party through this technique. It is the preferred spell for Qi training monks to communicate over long distances. Of course, if the opponent is in a defensive formation, or has used the Breath-Concealing Technique to conceal his own breath, the Sound Transmission Technique will not be able to find the opponent and will only stay where the opponent''s breath disappears. Exchanging breath with friends is like two people adding each other as a friend, and they can use this breath to contact each other. There is no need to worry about this trace of breath being tracked. If there is a special spell that can change one''s own breath, the sound transmission spell will be ineffective. At the same time, once the sound transmission technique is intercepted, the information on it will instantly self-destruct, and the person who performed the sound transmission technique will also know it. The Breath-Containing Technique is a method of restraining one''s own aura so that others cannot detect it. It is the best choice to avoid disasters and misfortunes. Of course, the Breath-Suppressing Technique can only block perception. If you see it with the naked eye, you can still see the existence of this person. The Breath-Containing Technique is only about restraining one''s own breath, it is not an invisibility technique. Therefore, when you use the Breath-Concealing Technique and don''t want others to discover you, it is best to hide and avoid being seen. However, when using the Spiritual Eyes Technique to observe someone who is practicing the Breath-Containing Technique, the Spiritual Eyes Technique is unable to detect the other person''s cultivation level. When the opponent is not using the Breath-Containing Technique, one can see the opponent''s cultivation level with just a glance using the Spiritual Eye Technique. "Each of these spells only requires twenty spirit stones. Which ones do you need, Fellow Daoist Jiang ?" After introducing all the spells on the tray, Ruan looked at Jiang Cheng and asked softly. Every spell sold in the Spiritual Skills Pavilion is contained in a jade slip, so there will be no situation where there are no spells that cannot be practiced or there are no missing words or pages. After purchasing it, just stick the jade slip directly to fully receive all the tricks of this spell. In addition, our predecessors also have insights and experiences regarding these spells. It is enough to help people who are practicing this spell for the first time avoid many detours. Such a comprehensive service will not be cheap. However, instead of looking for those inexpensive handwritten versions in the stalls outside, Jiang Cheng prefers to buy the original authentic products in Qinglan Pavilion. Not for anything else. Just because I''m afraid of being cheated. "I need three spells: the Spirit Eye Technique, the Breath Containment Technique, and the Sound Transmission Technique. Thank you very much, fellow Taoist." Nodding towards Ruan Xue , Jiang Cheng took out sixty spirit stones from his sleeve and handed them to Ruan . He took the spirit stone handed over by Jiang Cheng Ruan Xue picked out three jade slips from the tray and handed them to Jiang Cheng . "Just stick the jade slip on your forehead." The gentle female voice came again. Jiang Cheng didn''t say anything else. He just took the jade slips and randomly picked one and put it on his forehead. The next moment. All the information about the Breath-Containing Technique was firmly imprinted in Jiang Cheng''s memory. Almost in an instant, Jiang Cheng had completely understood how to practice the Breath-Containing Technique, as well as the various effects of the Breath-Containing Technique after it was practiced. Jiang Cheng did the same with the remaining two jade slips. After learning all three basic spells, he finally opened his eyes. I have to say. Using jade slips to learn spells is indeed very effective. Jiang Cheng , who had just learned three basic spells, did not feel tired at all. Instead, he felt energetic. The memory of the three basic spells in his mind seemed to be deeper. "If you need anything else, feel free to call me. The books on common sense of cultivating immortals are on the bookshelf over there. You can browse them at will. I have something else to do, so I''ll leave you now." "Thank you, sister Ruan ." Bowing to Ruan who was walking away, Jiang Cheng suppressed the urge to go home immediately to practice the three magic spells. Walking to the bookshelf nearby, Jiang Cheng picked up a book and began to read it silently. "Record of Spiritual Plants, Record of Spiritual Mines, Diagram of Monsters, Classification of Realms of Cultivators, Classification of Powers Surrounding Qinglin Sect Jiang Cheng glanced at book after book, which gave him a general understanding of the world of cultivation he was in. Chapter 14_"Jiang Cheng and the Perils of Night Markets" ___________________ Jiang Cheng was currently in Qinglin Sect, a Jindan-level sect with considerable influence over the surrounding region. Under its jurisdiction were four immortal cities, each overseeing three to four immortal markets. At this moment, Jiang Cheng resided in Pushan Immortal Market, one of the many trade hubs governed by Pingyuan Immortal City. The Qinglan Immortal Pavilion, where he had been frequenting, was guarded by foundation-building disciples of the Qinglan Sect, ensuring a safe and regulated environment for commerce. Beyond Qinglin Sects influence, four other Jindan-level sects existed nearby: Pure Sword Sect C A sword cultivation sect, known for its sharp and precise sword techniques, in the east Flower Yin Sect C A sect specializing in spiritual arts and dual cultivation techniques, in the south Qionghua Sect A scholarly sect renowned for their alchemy and formations, in the west Blood Moon Sect demonic sect infamous for its brutal cultivation methods, in the North While the first three were considered orthodox sects, the Blood Moon Sect was an infamous demonic faction that often clashed with its neighbors. As Jiang Cheng continued reading in the Qinglan Immortal Pavilion, he discovered valuable insights about cultivation techniques and spells. In the world of immortal cultivation, skillsmeaning cultivation techniqueswere not as rare as one might think. High-level cultivators frequently created new techniques, passing them down through sects, families, and factions. This resulted in an abundance of techniques with varying attributes and effects. The average price of a basic cultivation technique was around 100 spirit stonesnot particularly expensive. However, sects and aristocratic families often sold their own techniques at significantly lower prices within their sphere of influence. For instance, Qinglan Jue, the technique Jiang Cheng practiced, was originally created by a powerful cultivator of Qinglan Sect. It could be cultivated to Golden Core Perfection, yet within Qinglan Sects territory, a Qi training-level Qinglan Jue only cost one spirit stone . This was not out of generosityit was a calculated strategy. Why Do Sects Sell Techniques So Cheaply? 1. Resource Dependency C The more one advanced in a sects technique, the more reliant they became on the sects exclusive cultivation resources. Without these, progress would slow to a crawl. 2 Recruitment C Casual cultivators who reached the Foundation Establishment stage would find joining the sect to be the best option. Their cultivation method was already tailored to the sects resources, making it easier to integrate. 3. Monopolization of Higher-Level Spells C While basic Qi training-level techniques were cheap and widely available, more powerful techniques and spells were tightly controlled by sects and aristocratic families. Jiang Cheng learned that spells were even more restricted than cultivation techniques. While basic Qi training spells could be purchased freely, Foundation Establishment-level spells and beyond were rarely sold to outsiders. Only those affiliated with sects or aristocratic families could acquire complete sets of high-level spells. Moreover, purchasing a spell was a strictly individual transaction. The jade slips were enchanted to prevent knowledge from being passed down or copied. This explained why Ruan Xue had left without further instructionshe knew the jade slips restrictions ensured that only Jiang Cheng could use what he had bought. For several days, Jiang Cheng followed a steady routine. - Each morning, he tended to his spiritual field, casting the Spirit Rain Technique to nurture his crops. - He visited the Qinglan Immortal Pavilion, reading through books on cultivation history, sect politics, and spiritual resources. As he absorbed more knowledge, he deepened his understanding of the cultivation worldits power structures, hidden rules, and economic strategies. Despite his growing awareness, he did not forget his primary source of incomeselling talismans. After finishing everything, Jiang Cheng walked into the Qinglan Immortal Pavilion, where Ruan Xue was behind the counter, her head slightly tilted as she appeared lost in thought. "Fellow Daoist Ruan," Jiang Cheng called out, a light smile on his face. "Ive finished all the things I need." Ruan Xue looked up, blinking as if coming out of a trance. She smiled warmly, her eyes twinkling. "Congratulations fellow Daoist Jiang" Jiang Cheng clasped his hands. Thank you, fellow Daoist, for your help these past days. Ruan Xue waved her hand dismissively. Its just a small matter. Dont mention it. Stolen from its original source, this story is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings. Jiang Cheng chuckled, then said, I almost forgot! Fellow Daoist, do you have any high-grade spirit weapons for sale? Preferably a swordone imbued with elemental properties, if possible. Ruan Xue raised an eyebrow and smirked. "Brother Jiang, are you preparing to overthrow a sect? Or perhaps youve been hired as an elders bodyguard?" Jiang Cheng coughed. "I''m just preparing for the future." Ruan Xue rested her chin on her hand, looking at him with mock seriousness. "I see, I see. Preparation. She loughed and led him to a section filled with various spirit weapons. Ruan Xue picked up a curved blade. This is the Stormfire Sabera dual-element sword imbued with wind and fire energy. Its slashes leave behind burning gales." She moved to another. "This is the Frost Edge Sword, containing ice spiritual energy. Striking an opponent slows them down." Then, she lifted a sleek, glowing sword. "And this is the Thunderstrike Blade, infused with lightning essence, delivering electrified strikes." As Jiang Cheng looked around, a simple, shadowy sword caught his eye. It was unremarkable, its low-profile design making it stand out among the flashier weapons. Jiang Cheng picked it up, sensing its mysterious aura. He could tell this was no ordinary sword. Ruan Xues eyes lit up. Thats a good one, Brother Jiang. That sword was refined by a Foundation Establishment Elder in Qinglin Sect. Jiang Cheng was intrigued. How much? Ruan Xue grinned.Its 560 spirit stones, but since youre my friend, Ill give it to you for 530 spirit stones. Jiang Cheng thought for a moment. He still had 1,118 spirit stones left. "I''ll take it, Sister Xue." Then he added, Also, give me two Thunderstrike Talismans and two Heavenly Shield Talismans. Ruan Xue handed them over. "That will be 260 spirit stonesfifty for each Thunderstrike Talisman and eighty for each Shield Talisman. Jiang Cheng clenched his teeth and paid. Its worth it for protection. "Also, give me three bottles of Qi Condensation Pills." Ruan Xue nodded. "That will be 150 spirit stones" Jiang Cheng then asked, Do you have any sword techniques that match this sword? Ruan Xue smiled. I recommend the Thunderclap Sword Artit allows the sword to move as fast as lightning, striking multiple times in the blink of an eye. But its expensive100 spirit stones. Jiang Cheng skimmed the jade slip and, after a moment, bought it directly. As Jiang Cheng bid farewell to Ruan Xue, the sky had already darkened, and the chill of the evening air brushed against his skin. He stepped out of the Qinglan Immortal Pavilion, feeling the weight of his purchases in his storage ring. The Thunderstrike talismanes , the Thunderclap Sword Art, and the Qi Condensation Pills felt like solid gains, yet as he looked up, the sky had shifted to a dusky twilight. By now, night had fallen. His heart sank a little. "How did it get so late?" he muttered to himself, realizing the night had already fallen completely. "I should have left earlier..." A sense of regret washed over him. If he''d been more mindful of the time, he could''ve made it home before the streets turned desolate and dangerous. But now, wandering the streets alone, a growing sense of unease settled in his chest. He could practically hear the ominous rustling of the wind in the empty stalls around him. As he started to walk down the alley, trying to avoid drawing attention, his footsteps echoed too loudly in the silence. It felt like the night itself was mocking him. Why the hell did I spend 530 spirit stones on a sword and forget to buy a simple stealth talisman? Jiang Cheng almost slapped himself. He had Thunderstrike Talismans, Heavenly Shield Talismans, and even a whole-ass Qi Condensation Pill stashbut not a single escape or invisibility talisman. I had over a thousand spirit stones! I couldve bought a Concealment Talisman for 50 stones! But nooo, I had to be fancy. He clenched his jaw. If he died tonight, his gravestone should read: "Here lies Jiang Cheng, robbed and stabbed in an alley, clutching an expensive sword he never got to use." He suddenly felt like a fool, walking around like a walking bank account with no withdrawal protection. The stall area outside was nearly deserted, with most cultivators having packed up and left. Though Pushan Market had no official curfew, the dark and windy streets made night travel dangerous. Who knew what kind of murderers lurked in the shadows? Not going out at night has almost become an unspoken rule for the monks. He quickened his pace, but suddenly remembered that he was still wearing his new robeit was lavish, and he didn''t want to attract unnecessary attention. In a moment of panic, he turned down a narrow alley, where he ducked behind a dingy storefront to change into his old, tattered robethe one belonging to the original owner of this body. The robe was barely more than a collection of patched cloth, with one sleeve that seemed to have been sewn on backwards and the smell of stale sweat lingering on it. As he pulled it on, Jiang Cheng couldnt help but feel a wave of embarrassment wash over him. He had never been one for fashion, but this was a bit much even for his standards. "What am I doing..." he muttered to himself, feeling like a clumsy beggar. There was a brief moment where he considered going back to the Qinglan Immortal Pavilion just to buy a new robemaybe something at least half-decentbut then he remembered he had just spent a fortune on talismans and pills. With a sigh, he looked at his reflection in a small puddle. His hair was a bit unkempt, and his robe seemed to have aged ten years since its last wear. His reflection made him want to hide in a hole and never come out. As he started to walk down the alley, trying to avoid drawing attention, his footsteps echoed too loudly in the silence. It felt like the night itself was mocking him. Then, out of nowhere, he heard voices. Low, menacing laughter echoed from deeper in the alley. He froze. Jiang Chengs heart almost leaped out of his chest when he got a good look at the rogues. Sitting around a low-burning fire, their gleaming eyes reflected the dim light like hungry wolves in the dark. A few of them had their hands lazily resting on rusty swords, their postures relaxedbut their aura was anything but friendly. Three of them were at the middle stage of Qi Refining. The rest were at the early stages. Jiang Cheng felt his stomach drop. Oh, God Lord, Im done for." Cold sweat formed on his back as panic surged through him. He had no idea how strong they were in actual combat, but he wasnt about to test his luck. He instinctively activated the Breath-Holding Technique to its absolute limit, shrinking his presence to that of a weak chicken at the first level of Qi Refining. Then, with all the dignity of a man about to wet himself, he buried his head slightly, hunched his shoulders, and walked like the most forgettable background character in existence. His goal? Blending in so well that they wouldnt even register his existence. One of the rogues glanced his way, his eyes sharp and assessing. Jiang Chengs heartbeat hammered in his ears. He was one wrong move away from becoming a ghost under the night sky. The rogues gaze lingered a second too long. His brows furrowed, and his lips parted slightly as if about to speak. Jiang Chengs stomach twisted. Shit. Did he recognize me? Do I look too clean to be a beggar? He subtly hunched his shoulders further, trying to shrink into himself. The air felt thick, every second stretching unbearably long. The rogue furrowed his brows slightly, but then Tch. With an annoyed grunt, he turned away and spat on the ground. Just another poor bastard. A third one chuckled lazily, shaking his head. "Must be one of those trash cultivators who cant afford to eat. Probably selling scraps for spirit stones." Jiang Cheng had never been so insulted in his entire life. But he wasn''t about to correct them. Yes. Yes, exactly. I am a poor, pitiful, weak cultivator. So weak. So insignificant. Please continue ignoring me. He chanted this in his head like a mantra, forcing himself to keep walking at a normal, casual pace. The rogues barely spared him another glance before returning to their fire, laughing among themselves. Jiang Cheng resisted the urge to run for his life and forced himself to walk normally until he turned the corner. The moment he was out of their line of sight, he broke into a silent sprint, his legs moving so fast they barely touched the ground. When Jiang Cheng finally stumbled through the door of his humble home, he slammed it shut behind him, pressing his back against the wooden frame like a man who had just escaped from the jaws of death. "I live! I actually live!" He gasped for breath, his chest rising and falling rapidly, and after a moment, he collapsed onto the rickety wooden stool, wiping the cold sweat from his forehead. "Thank you, Heavens! Thank you, Breath-Holding Technique!" He clasped his hands together in a sincere prayer of gratitude. It was no wonder he was terrified. Any normal person would have peed their pants in his situation! Back in his past life, he had lived in a modern society with laws and police, where disputes were settled with words and lawsuits, not fists, blades, or soul-devouring techniques. Hell, he had never even killed a chicken, and now he was in a world where people slaughtered each other for spirit stones! And worst of allhe was a nobody. No background, no powerful master, no mysterious inheritance, no heaven-defying cheat system. Just a poor, weak, easy-to-bully bastard in a world where the strong preyed on the weak. At any moment, he could be robbed, enslaved, or used as a human cauldron for some twisted cultivation method. And lets not forget The original owner of this body was murdered. By who? No idea. Why? Still no idea. And the killer was still out there. Jiang Cheng shivered. If he had any delusions about the world of cultivation being a magical paradise of flying swords and divine arts, tonight had beaten those fantasies out of him with a rusty club. He was a sheep surrounded by wolves. And if he didnt get stronger fast, he wouldnt even make it past next month. Chapter 15 _ "I Just Want to Survive, Not Become a Villain!" .... Jiang Cheng sat on the rickety wooden stool, still catching his breath. The weight of tonights near-disaster clung to his skin like a cold sweat. He was alivesomehow. The rogues had dismissed him, but the way one of them had lingered, eyes narrowing slightly, made his stomach twist. If another noise had come from him. If he had breathed just a little too loudly. If they had simply been more suspicious he would be dead. This is not Earth anymore. Jiang Cheng rubbed his temples, exhaling slowly. He still thought like an Earthyan, like someone living in a world with laws, security, and a place where caution meant checking both sides before crossing the road, not dodging life-or-death encounters with killers. That ended now. He needed a plan, a new way of living. A cultivators way. Jiang Cheng took out a piece of paper and a brush, writing down the key points of his new plan. First, Stop attracting attention. Selling talismans every day in the market was suicidal. It was only a matter of time before someone noticed his growing wealth and made a move on him. Instead, he would limit his sales to once a week. He would sell at least 180 talismans per trip, distributing them across different stores so no single merchant became too familiar with him. After that? Straight home. No detours. No unnecessary conversations. Second, Train in the Endless Dreams. The simulation space was his greatest advantage. Since he hadnt seen real monks fight, he couldnt simulate actual opponents yet. But that didnt mean he couldnt practice combat skills against imaginary enemies. He would drill swordsmanship, dodging techniques, and talisman combat until his reflexes became instinctive. Third . Master spell casting. Spells in this world were powerful, but if he had to chant an incantation for five seconds while an enemy was charging at him, hed be dead before he could finish. He needed to train his existing spells until he could cast them instantly. At the same time, he had to buy more spells and expand his arsenal Like what I saw at Qinglin pavilion Fireball Technique, Water Needle Technique and the like. although expensive but for my life it worth it Fourth, mastering the art of drawing the Fireball and Water Blade Talismansnot just to sell, but to use in combat when the time came. And finallybreaking through to the fifth level of Qi Refining within six months. With his current resources, this was ambitious but achievable. The Qi Condensation Pills in his possession would help, but cultivation wasnt just about swallowing pills and hoping for the best. He needed to refine his Qi properly, strengthen his foundation, and ensure stability. Rushing could lead to unstable progress or even crippling setbacks. Jiang Cheng exhaled slowly, staring at his plan. It was solid. It was realistic. And most importantly It was a path to survival. A slow grin spread across his face. The next five months passed in the blink of an eye. Jiang Cheng fully committed to his training. Every day, he meditated for hours, refining his Qi and strengthening his foundation. Every night, he entered the Endless Dreams, battling imaginary foes, dodging invisible strikes, and sharpening his instincts. Every week, he visited the market only once, selling his talismans in bulk before disappearing back into seclusion. If you encounter this narrative on Amazon, note that it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it. He trained spellcasting until his Fireball and other spells became as natural as breathing. He experimented with new techniques, sometimes failing, sometimes succeedingbut always learning. As the months passed, he felt the difference. His movements grew sharper, faster. His Qi became denser, more refined. His mind felt calmer, more focused. He was no longer the naive fool who had almost died that night. And then, finally Inside his room, Jiang Cheng sat cross-legged, deep in meditation. His breathing was slow, steady. Before him lay the last Qi Condensation Pill. His body was at its limit. His Qi had reached a bottleneck, teetering on the edge of transformation. This was it. He swallowed the pill. A surge of powerful energy exploded inside him. His meridians burned as the medicinal essence spread through his body, fusing with his Qi. He gritted his teeth, enduring the pain. Then BOOM! A powerful aura burst from his body, causing the air around him to tremble. His Qi surged, expanding, stabilizingascending. His eyes snapped open. The candlelight flickered as a newfound strength coursed through his veins. He had done it. Jiang Cheng let out a long breath, his lips curling into a satisfied smirk. He was now at the fifth level of Qi Feeling the surge of power coursing through his body, Jiang Cheng clenched his fists, sensing the refined Qi flowing smoothly within him. His cultivation had taken a solid step forward. Name : Jiang Cheng Realm : Middle stage Qi refining Spirit roots : pseudo five element spirit roots. Earth, water, fire, Gold, metal. ( Hidden : five Element body) Spells cleaning techniques ( perfection) Cooling Breeze Spell (Mastery) Cooking Spells ( Grandmaster) Illumination Orb ( perfection ) Spirit Sprout Spell ( mastery) Spirit rain technique ( Grandmaster) Earth Shaping Technique ( Proficient) Wood Plank Refinement Spell (Proficient) Wall Reinforcement Art( Proficient) Roof Mending Spell ( Grandmaster) etc.. Martial arts Shield technique ( mastery) Breath-Holding Technique (Grandmaster) Wind Step Technique (perfection ) Water Needle Technique ( mastery) Fireball Technique ( Grandmaster ) Mist Veil ( Grandmaster) Inferno Wave ( Perfection) Thunderclap Sword Art ( Mastery ) Thirteen way Sword pose ( mastery) First grade middle talisman master Talismans : Soundproofing Talisman Water Blade Talismans, Fireball Talisman, Soundproofing Talisman, Cleansing/Healing Talisman, Protective Talisman or shield talisman. Etc.. The difference was like heaven and earth. Five months ago, he was just a weak, clueless newcomer in this world, fumbling his way through survival. Now, he had refined his Qi, mastered multiple spells, improved his combat awareness, and built a foundation that could finally be called solid. Jiang Cheng sat cross-legged in his small room, feeling the powerful surge of spiritual energy coursing through his meridians. He clenched his fist, marveling at his newfound strength. With my current strength and mastery of spells, I could crush my previous self with one hand! he thought smugly. But then, his expression turned serious. Still I must not get arrogant. Caution is key. I wont go outside looking for death. Unlike those reckless protagonists in cultivation novels who always sought revenge or fought across levels like lunatics, Jiang Cheng was different. He had no desire to be the strongest. He just wanted to survive, become immortal, andmost importantlynot die. Leave all that fighting against the heavens nonsense to the real protagonists. As for me he suddenly grinned wickedly. I like bullying the weak with a high level! Jejejeje A sinister, chilling laugh echoed through the tiny house. Outside, Old Liu, his elderly next-door neighbor, was just about to take a sip of tea when he heard it. His hands trembled, nearly dropping the cup. What the hell is that!? Old Lius eyes widened in horror. Did Jiang boy go crazy from loneliness?! I told him to go with me to the bro He stopped himself just in time, wiping cold sweat from his forehead. Maybe hes practicing some demonic cultivation, Old Liu muttered, backing away from Jiang Chengs door. I should stay away for a while. Dont want to be turned into a human sacrifice Meanwhile, inside, Jiang Cheng was still lost in his own delusions of grandeur. Yes YES! The path of survival! The path of bullying the weak! Kuahahahaha! Old Liu, now halfway down the street, broke into a run. This kid is definitely possessed, I need to inform the neighbors. Early the Next morning, Jiang Cheng stretched lazily as he stepped outside, carrying his Wooden straw hat, to the spirit fields . The fresh air felt nice after a long cultivation session. But just as was about to cast the spirit rain, he suddenly sensed something off. Not far away, Old Liu was standing stiffly, peeking at him from behind a tree like a thief. His body was half-hidden, but his bald head gleamed under the sunlight, completely giving him away. Jiang Cheng frowned. Old Liu? What are you doing? Old Liu flinched. Hah! Y-youre talking normally? he muttered to himself, as if confirming something. Jiang Cheng raised an eyebrow. Of course, Im talking normally. Whats wrong? Old Liu hesitated, then took a careful step forwardonly to suddenly take three steps back again. His expression was full of wariness, like someone facing a dangerous beast. Jiang boy its still you, right? Jiang Cheng was confused. Who else would I be? Old Liu squinted at him. Hmph! Last night, I heard some sinister, demonic laughter coming from your house! Not once, not twicebut many times! You were cackling like an evil spirit in the middle of the night! Do you have any idea how terrifying that was?! Jiang Cheng choked. Oh that, embarrassment flash on his face Seeing his stunned expression, Old Liu gasped. So its true! You were possessed! I knew it! I was ready to call the Law Enforcement to exorcise you! Jiang Cheng almost spat out blood. What exorcism!? I was just excited about my cultivation progress! Old Liu wasnt convinced. He stroked his chin, narrowing his eyes. Excited? No, no, no. That wasnt normal excitement. That was villainous laughter. The kind you hear before someone starts a massacre. Jiang Chengs lips twitched. I Old Liu suddenly took another step back, his expression turning solemn. Tell me honestly, Jiang boy have you joined the demonic path? Jiang Cheng felt a vein pop on his forehead. No!! But Old Liu still didnt look convinced. He reached into his robe and pulled out a dried talisman, shaking it threateningly. Then why were you talking about bullying the weak?! Hah?! Do you think I didnt hear that?! Are you planning to oppress us honest villagers?! Jiang Chengs face darkened. You eavesdropped on my self-reflection? Old Liu puffed up his chest. Of course! When a potential demonic cultivator appears, its my duty as an elder to investigate! I even gathered the neighbors to discuss whether we should move away for safety! Jiang Chengs expression froze. The the neighbors? At that moment, a window from the house next door creaked open. Auntie Zhang peeked out, her face full of concern. So youre really not planning to sacrifice us? she asked hesitantly. Jiang Cheng: Jiang Cheng took a deep breath. Stay calm. Stay calm. In the end, he could only rub his temples and sigh. I swear, I am not a demonic cultivator. But Old Liu still looked doubtful. Hmm Fine. But if I hear that laughter again, dont blame me for calling the law Enforcemen team ! Jiang Cheng groaned. You!! "How did I go from breaking through in seclusion to being investigated for demonic cultivation overnight?" And so, a perfectly normal morning turned into a neighborhood crisis, with half the village keeping a cautious eye on Jiang Cheng for the next few days. Chapter 16_ being watched. .... A week passed in the blink of an eye, and today was the day of the spirit rice harvest. The morning air was crisp, carrying the scent of damp earth and ripened grain. A soft mist lingered over the fields, dissipating slowly as the golden sunlight spread across the land. Today was the spirit rice harvest. Jiang Cheng adjusted his straw hat and stepped onto the narrow dirt path leading to his small plot. The spirit rice swayed gently in the breeze, their golden-green stalks shimmering faintly with spiritual energy. Unlike mundane crops, spirit rice absorbed the essence of the land, making it far more nourishingbut also far more delicate to harvest. This wasnt a task that could be rushed. He bent down, gripping the base of a stalk with his left hand while wielding a crescent-shaped spirit harvesting sickle in his right. With a smooth, controlled motion, he sliced through the stalk, ensuring minimal loss of spiritual energy. The blade glowed faintly, enhanced by a simple Qi circulation technique that preserved the essence within the grains. With practiced efficiency, Jiang Cheng gathered the cut stalks and set them aside to dry. The process had to be done with caretoo much force would disrupt the Qi within the rice, lowering its potency, while harvesting too slowly could let the energy leak away. Nearby, his neighbors were hard at work in their own plots, moving methodically through their fields. Old Man He, an experienced farmer with over sixty years of harvesting behind him, worked at a steady pace. His hands, weathered by time and labor, handled the rice stalks with the precision of a craftsman. His grandson, Little He, trailed behind him, clumsily mimicking his movements. "Careful, boy," Old Man He grunted. "Don''t cut too highleave the roots intact. Spirit rice grows stronger with each season if you harvest it properly." Little He wiped the sweat from his brow. "Yes, Grandpa!" Further down the field, Widow Li worked alongside her son, the two chatting as they bundled the stalks into neat sheaves. She glanced up and caught sight of Jiang Cheng, her eyes narrowing slightly. "Look at Jiang boy," she murmured to her son. "Steady hands, precise cut, Hes not bad you should learn from him. Her son, a young man in his early twenties, chuckled. "You mean he''s not just a secluded mad cultivator?" Widow Li laughed . "He might still be, but at least he''s useful." Jiang Cheng twitched. His hearing had sharpened considerably with cultivation, and while he had grown used to the occasional gossip, it still annoyed him. On the other side of the field, Auntie Zhang was helping to tie up the harvested rice, chatting animatedly with Old Liu, whodespite claiming he was too old to workwas keeping a sharp eye on everything. "I still say there''s something strange about him," Old Liu muttered, stealing a glance at Jiang Cheng. "That laugh of his last week gives me goosebumps just thinking about it." Auntie Wu snorted. "Let it go, Old Liu. If he were really a demonic cultivator, do you think he''d be out here harvesting spirit rice with us?" Old Liu crossed his arms. "Maybe it''s just a cover." Jiang Cheng, standing just a few feet away, let out a sigh and straightened up, brushing off the bits of husk stuck to his robe. "Old Liu," he called out. The elderly man jolted slightly but quickly covered it up with a cough. "What?" Jiang Cheng gave him a lazy smile. "Youve got so much energy for gossip. How about putting some of it into the harvest? Your plot looks untouched." Old Liu huffed. "Bah! My back isnt what it used to be!" This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere. Auntie Wu snickered. "His back is fine when hes running his mouth, though." The surrounding neighbors chuckled, and Old Liu grumbled under his breath, pretending not to hear. Jiang Cheng shook his head and got back to work. As much as his neighbors loved to talk, they were still good people. He had grown accustomed to their presence, their quirks, and even their endless curiosity about his affairs. By the time the sun had climbed higher into the sky, the harvest was nearly done. Bundles of spirit rice lay neatly stacked, ready to be transported back to their homes for further drying and processing. Jiang Cheng stretched, feeling the ache in his musclesnot from exhaustion, but from the steady, repetitive movements of the harvest. It was a different kind of training, one that required patience and care rather than brute strength. He glanced over the field, watching as his neighbors wrapped up their own work, exchanging jokes and lighthearted complaints about aching backs and sore knees. Jiang Cheng stood before the neatly bundled stacks of spirit rice, his expression darkening as he calculated his earningsor rather, the lack of them. all the spiritual plants you grow will be purchased by the market at 50% of the market price. The market price of spiritual rice is ten spirit stones per hundred pounds , but the purchase price in puchan Market will be five spirit stones per hundred pounds. With such a commission, even if the spiritual rice yield per mu is very high, reaching a two thousand pounds, after half year of hard work, the spiritual farmer can only earn himself 500 spiritual stones at most from five mu of spiritual field. The annual income of five hundred spirit stones could be mostly covered by the rent of one hundred and twenty spirit stones if one lived in the market town. After working hard for half year, after deducting the rent, cultivation resources,there will nothing left . This is really a way to make money in the market and spend it in the market. I want to take it home as soon as I leave. But even so, if one wants to stay in the market, the profession of spirit plant husband is still very popular. Not for anything else. One reason is that there are Foundation Establishment cultivators stationed in the market town, so it is very safe. Jiang Cheng let out a bitter chuckle. "They really want to squeeze us to death, huh?" At this rate, he would barely have enough profit to make it worth the effort. This was the fate of small-scale farmers. He had heard the older farmers complain about it plenty of times, but now that he was experiencing it firsthand, the frustration hit differently. He clenched his jaw. This is the last time I work as a farmer. Cultivation required resourcesherbs, pills, equipment. If he continued wasting time in the fields, he would never progress fast enough. There had to be a better way. A few of the neighboring farmers were also finishing up their harvest, and Jiang Cheng could hear their grumbles. "After all this work, what do we get? Barely enough to last the season." "We slave away from dawn till dusk, but the sect elders and merchants take all the profits." "As Jiang Cheng straightened from his work, he heard Old Lius familiar grumble drifting through the fields. Im telling you, boy, hard work doesnt mean fair pay, the old man muttered to Little He. Back in my fathers day, at least they pretended to give us a fair price. Now? They just cut it however they please. Jiang Cheng gave a quiet chuckle, brushing off his hands. You say that every season, Old Liu, but youre still here. old Liu give him a look, crossing his arms. And where else would I go, huh? The sects got the land, the sects got the market, the sects got the spirit stones. Were all just spinning in circles. Little He, wiping sweat from his brow, glanced at Jiang Cheng. Youre leaving, arent you? The question hung in the air. The neighbors nearby slowed their work, ears perking up. Jiang Cheng exhaled slowly. Yeah. This is my last harvest. Auntie Zhang clucked her tongue. Figures. Youre too sharp for a life of dirt and sweat. But dont think those talismans will be any easier, boy. Jiang Cheng was surprised that they know he was a talismane master, then he smiled. At least I wont be at someone elses mercy. Old Liu looked at him and said jokingly "don''t forget about us boy" Jiang Cheng laughed " how can I forget an old man like you haha" The neighbors bursr in laughter. Jiang Cheng sigh, The system was rigged. And he had no intention of playing a losing game. He dusted off his hands, looking at the vast fields one last time. The sun hung high in the sky, casting a golden hue over the land. It was beautiful. But beauty didnt fill a cultivators storage bag with wealth. Then Jiang Cheng made his way through the busy market, his heart heavy with thoughts of the future. The day was warm, and the faint scent of earth and spirit herbs filled the air. He could feel the weight of the spirit rice, neatly stored in his storage bag, but it didnt ease his mind. His thoughts were consumed by his decision to leave the fields for good. As he arrived at the Qinglin Spirit Plant Pavilion, the familiar structure loomed ahead, an imposing building that seemed to breathe with the pulse of the land. The garden around it was filled with rows of spirit plants, and the scent of vibrant herbs mixed with the earthy smell of the soil. Jiang Cheng had come here countless times before, but today felt different. He approached the pavilion''s entrance, and sure enough, an old man sat in the shade, engrossed in a book. His name was Lin Zhihao, an accomplished cultivator who had reached the seventh level of Qi Refining. One of the pavilion''s managers under the jurisdiction of Puchan Square, Mr Lin was responsible for overseeing spiritual plant farmers and managing the distribution of spirit rice and golden bamboo seeds. Jiang Cheng had met him before, but today, he was not just another farmer coming to sell his crop. Today, he had made his decision. Jiang Cheng bowed respectfully, his hands clasped in front of him. "Mr. Lin, junior has collected the spirit rice of this season. Today, I have come to sell it all to you and, at the same time, pay the rent. This will be the last time I will be working here." the old man on duty was holding a book and reading it with a great interest, he put dawn the book when he saw someone coming . "Its you. You came here half a year ago. I see youve been diligent in your work. The rice looks well-cultivated." Jiang Cheng nodded. "Thank you, Mr. Lin. Ive done my best." Lin Zian picked up a ledger and began recording the details of the spirit rice. As he worked, he asked without looking up, "Why are you quitting? The work of a spiritual farmer is stable and provides a steady income." Jiang Cheng replied calmly, "Ive learned some knowledge about talismans and wish to pursue that path instead. Its a better fit for my skills." Lin Zian paused for a moment, then nodded. "Talismans are a specialized field. If youve made up your mind, then thats your decision." He finished recording the details and handed Jiang Cheng a receipt. "Heres the payment for the spirit rice and the remaining balance after deducting the rent." Jiang Cheng took the receipt and checked the numbers. "Thank you, Mr. Lin." Lin Zian glanced at him briefly. "If you ever decide to return to spiritual farming, you know where to find me. The pavilion always needs reliable workers." Jiang Cheng nodded. "Understood. Thank you for your time." With that, Jiang Cheng turned and left the pavilion. Lin Zian watched him go for a moment, then returned to his book. As Jiang Cheng left the pavilion, stepping back into the crowded market streets, the feeling struck him againan almost imperceptible shift in the air, the weight of an unseen gaze pressing against the back of his neck. He didnt turn immediately, keeping his steps even, his posture relaxed. But his pulse quickened. Someone was watching him. He walked casually past a row of stalls, pretending to examine a bundle of spirit herbs while discreetly scanning his surroundings. A figure, draped in an ordinary brown robe, stood at the edge of the crowd, half-hidden behind a wooden post. The moment Jiang Chengs eyes flicked in their direction, the figure melted away into the shifting throngs of people. Chapter 17_ Killing or Being Killed. .... While Jiang Cheng trembled in place, a thin man stood concealed in the shadows of a nearby alley. He was draped in a dull brown robe, its fabric worn and frayed at the edges, a sign of frequent travel. His face was sharp and gaunt, with sunken cheeks and narrow, calculating eyes that gleamed with malice. A long sword hung loosely at his waist, its scabbard old but well-maintained, the handle wrapped in black silk that had faded from years of use. The mans gaze locked onto Jiang Cheng, his expression darkening with disbelief. "Isnt this the man I killed half a year ago?" His fingers twitched over the hilt of his sword as his mind raced. "I made sure he was dead. There was no mistake. So how the hell is he still alive?" A chill crawled down his spine. Could it be that some old monster had taken over the body? The thought made his blood run cold. If a powerful cultivator had seized this corpse, then confronting him would be no different from courting death. His eyes narrowed, and with a flick of his fingers, he activated the Spirit Eye Techniquea secret method that allowed him to peer into another cultivators spiritual essence. His pupils gleamed with a faint silver light as he scanned Jiang Chengs Qi fluctuations. A moment later, his shoulders relaxed, and he let out a quiet sigh of relief. "Still only at the early stages of Qi Refining. If an old master had taken over, his cultivation would have skyrocketed" His initial fear turned into something far more dangerousgreed. "A treasure It must be some kind of supreme artifact protecting his soul!" His thin lips curled into a sinister smirk. The longer he thought about it, the more convinced he became. Some high-grade spiritual treasure must have saved Jiang Chengs life and concealed its presence. "Hahaha The heavens are helping me!" For an instant, a flicker of killing intent flashed in his eyes, but he quickly suppressed it. His grip on his sword tightened before he slowly loosened it again. No, not here. Attacking in broad daylight would cause too much commotion. Even if Jiang Cheng was weak, he still had the protection of the marketplace. Patience. His fingers drummed lightly against his sword hilt as a plan formed in his mind. "Ill visit him in the middle of the night. No witnesses, no interference." Although he was at the fourth level of Qi Refiningfar stronger than Jiang Chengit was always better to act with caution. A clean kill, a silent disappearance. That was the way of a true hunter. He took one last glance at Jiang Cheng before retreating into the shadows, his presence vanishing into the ebb and flow of the bustling market. Tonight is destined to be a sleepless night As Jiang Cheng browsed the market stalls, he faintly sensed a flicker of killing intent. It was subtle, like the sharp edge of a blade hidden beneath silk, but for a cultivator, such intent was not noticeable if the cultivator was in higher realm but since the opponent is weaker and directed his killing intent toward Jiang Cheng, he noticed immediately. "Trouble." His face remained calm, showing no signs of alarm, but deep down, his heart tensed for a brief moment. Then, realization struck him, and a low chuckle escaped his lips. "Isnt this the life I wanted? If I can''t even overcome such a minor hurdle, how can I ever talk about immortality?" A fierce glint flashed in his eyes, his expression turning sharp. "A fourth-level Qi Refining cultivator. If he had come for me half a year ago, I would have been in real trouble. But now" A slow grin crept onto his face. "Since you''re courting death, dont blame me for being ruthless." Without hesitation, he turned and made his way toward a stall run by casual cultivators, a section of the market where rogue cultivators sold all manner of unregulated goodsrare herbs, dubious talismans, and most importantly, poisons. The stall was manned by an older cultivator named Mo San, a wiry man with a crooked smile and eyes that gleamed with the sharpness of a viper. His robes were stained with the scent of bitter herbs and strange powders. This content has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere. Jiang Cheng approached, his tone casual. "I need something that leaves no traces. A poison that eliminates corpses." Mo Sans smile widened knowingly. "Ah a fine request. I have just the thing." He reached under his stall and pulled out a small jade bottle, the surface etched with ancient sealing runes. He placed it gently on the wooden counter. "This is called Bone-Eating Powder. Dissolve it in water, and within an hour, the body will dissolve into a black sludge that seeps into the ground. No bones, no flesh, nothing left behind." He tapped the bottle. "But be carefulthis stuff is expensive and extremely potent. One drop can rot flesh instantly." Jiang Cheng picked up the bottle and studied it. The faint scent of decay lingered around the seal. "Price?" "Ten spirit stones," Mo San said with a grin. Jiang Cheng tossed a small pouch onto the counter. Mo San weighed it in his hand, nodding approvingly. "Pleasure doing business with you," he said with a chuckle. Jiang Cheng tucked the poison into his storage bag and left without another word. Tonight, the hunter would become the hunted. As evening fell, Jiang Cheng returned home, his expression calm but his mind alert. He knew that tonight would not be peaceful. The first thing he did was reinforce his defenses. Moving quietly, he arranged several hidden traps near the entrance and around the perimeter of his dwelling. They werent designed to cause serious harmjust subtle, silent triggers that would alert him if anyone trespassed. A tripwire laced with a faint spiritual thread,and pressure-sensitive tiles near the entranceeach placed meticulously in areas that were difficult to detect. Once satisfied with his precautions, he let out a slow breath and headed toward the kitchen. A simple meal was in order. Jiang Cheng washed a handful of spirit rice, watching as the grains glowed faintly under the lantern light. They shimmered like polished jade, infused with spiritual energy. Using sweet spring water from the nearby mountains, he set the rice to cook in a clay pot over a controlled flame. Soon, a rich, enticing fragrance filled the entire cave. The unique aroma of spirit rice was unlike ordinary grains. It carried a subtle, rejuvenating scent that instantly made one''s mouth water. Even the nearby mice, usually hidden in the shadows, scurried closer, their noses twitching greedily. Jiang Cheng chuckled, lifting the pots lid. Inside, the spiritual rice had become translucent, each grain glistening like tiny gems. The steam rose in soft, curling wisps, carrying with it a warm, invigorating scent. He scooped himself a bowl of steaming rice and took a bite. The texture was soft, yet firm, with a delicate sweetness that lingered on the tongue. Every mouthful released a gentle warmth, spreading through his body like a mild current of spiritual energy. "It truly is a spiritual food," Jiang Cheng mused, savoring each bite. "Though it cant compare to spiritual medicine or elixirs, its far more affordable. If eaten consistently, the effects over time wont be much different." By the time he finished his meal, his body felt light and refreshed, his Qi circulation subtly enhanced. Without wasting time, he returned to his quiet room, sat cross-legged, and began meditating. Closing his eyes, he initiated the Qinglan Technique, guiding the residual spiritual energy from the meal into his meridians. A faint blue glow flickered around him as he focused, his breathing deep and steady. Outside, the night deepenedand somewhere in the darkness, a shadow was waiting. The night had fallen silently. Jiang Cheng sat cross-legged in meditation whensnap. His eyes snapped open, a cold glint flashing within them. One of his traps had been triggered. Outside, a shadow moved. The thin man in the brown robe, his face twisted with greed, stood just beyond the entrance. With a practiced motion, he uncorked a small jade vial and tipped it forward. A thin, colorless mist poured into the roomSilent Death Powder. A poison designed to kill without sound, suffocating its target in their sleep. He waited. Five minutes passed. No movement. A cruel smirk crept across his face. "Dead already?" he whispered to himself. Silent as a phantom, he pushed the door open, his lips curling into a smirk. "Too easy." The fool had fallen for the poison without resistance. "A supreme treasure and now, it will be mine." He stepped forward, savoring the moment. Inside, Jiang Chengs still form lay on the bed, shrouded in the dim glow of moonlight. The intruder stepped forward, sword in hand, his movements cautious but deliberate. As he approached the bed, he leaned in to inspect it more carefullyonly to find it empty. "Not good!" he muttered, his voice tinged with alarm. But before he could activate the shield talisman he was reaching for, it was already too late. Jiang Cheng, who had been lying in wait, didnt waste time with words. From behind, he unleashed his techniqueThunderclap Sword Artaiming directly for the intruders neck. The man panicked, raising his arm in a desperate attempt to block the attack. But the blade with lightning sliced through flesh and bone with ease, severing his arm in an instant. Blood sprayed across the floor as the intruder staggered back, clutching the stump where his arm had been. "Fifth level of Qi Refining?!" the man gasped, his voice trembling with shock and pain. He stumbled backward, his face pale as he tried to placate Jiang Cheng. "Fellow Daoist, this is a misunderstanding! A misunderstanding!" But Jiang Chengs heart was pounding in his chest, a mix of fear and adrenaline surging through him. He didnt hesitate. Before the intruder could even reach for another talisman from his spirit bag, Jiang Cheng was already upon him, his sword moving with lightning speed. The intruder didnt stand a chance. Jiang Chengs blade flashed like lightning, slashing through flesh, bone, and desperate screams. One cut. Two. Three. The man hit the ground with a gurgling choke. Jiang Cheng didnt stop. By the time his sword finally stilled, the corpse was just meat on the floor. Only then did Jiang Cheng stop, his chest heaving as he gasped for breath. His hands trembled, and his sword felt heavy in his grip. He stared down at the mangled body, his mind racing. "You deserve to die," he muttered under his breath, his voice shaky but filled with a strange sense of vindication. "You deserve to die." But as the adrenaline began to fade, a wave of nausea hit him. His stomach churned, and he doubled over, retching violently. The metallic smell of blood filled his nostrils, and the sight of the gruesome scene before him made his head spin. This was the first time he had killed someone. The realization hit him like a tidal wave. His legs felt weak, and he sank to his knees, his sword slipping from his grasp. His hands were stained with bloodboth the intruders and his own, from the force of his strikes. A mix of emotions overwhelmed him: relief that he had survived, disgust at what he had done, and a deep, gnawing fear of what this meant for him. He had taken a life. The weight of that act settled heavily on his shoulders, and for a moment, he felt as though he couldnt breathe. But then, a strange clarity emerged. This was the world of cultivationa world where survival often meant killing or being killed. The intruder had come to harm him, and Jiang Cheng had done what he had to do. Jiang Cheng stood over the mutilated corpse, his chest rising and falling with heavy breaths. The stench of blood filled the small room, thick and metallic, clinging to his clothes, his skin. His hands trembled, still locked around the hilt of his sword, its blade drenched in crimson. He staggered back, his stomach churning. The world seemed to spinhis breath hitched. Then, without warning, he doubled over and vomited onto the floor. His body heaved, the mixture of fear, adrenaline, and nausea overwhelming him. His mind screamed at himthis was real. Not a sparring match, not a fight where the loser could get up and walk away. He had killed. The corpseor what was left of itlay in a twisted mess at his feet. The mans face was unrecognizable, his body nothing more than shredded flesh. Jiang Chengs own hands were stained deep red, his sleeves soaked in blood. A sudden chill crawled down his spine. His fingers twitched, gripping the sword tighter as if letting go would make him fall apart. His first kill. He had told himself he was ready. That he would kill if needed. But standing here, looking at what he had done, a strange numbness crept into his chest. Guilt? Fear? Relief? Satisfaction? He didnt know. His thoughts swirled in chaos. What if I hesitated? What if he was stronger? Then he would be the one lying in a pool of his own blood. Jiang Cheng wiped his mouth with a shaking hand. This was the path of cultivation. If he wanted to survive, if he wanted powerhe had to be ruthless. The bile still burned in his throat, but he forced himself to straighten. He looked down at the lifeless heap, his heart hammering against his ribs. Then, he took a deep breath, and his trembling stopped. "You deserved to die." His voice was hoarse but steady. He turned away from the corpse, but not before grabbing a bag from the remains. If this man had come to kill him, then he had no right to keep his treasures. A cultivator''s world was cruel. And he had just taken his first step into it. Chapter _18_" leaving " .... After a few minutes, Jiang Cheng finally calmed down. He took a deep breath, steadying his trembling hands, then turned his gaze toward the gruesome remains on the ground. His expression twisted in disgust. Without hesitation, he retrieved a small jade bottle of Bone-Eating Powder from his spirit bag and carefully uncorked it. A faint, acrid scent drifted into the air. He poured the fine, dark powder over the mangled corpse, watching as it reacted instantly. The flesh sizzled and melted away, dissolving into a thick, inky sludge. Within moments, bones, organseverythinghad been reduced to nothingness. All that remained was a small pile of black residue, barely the size of a fist. Jiang Cheng frowned. "Even this is too much." With a flick of his fingers, he cast a basic Fire Incantation, sending a small but intensely hot flame to consume the remaining residue. It burned quickly, leaving behind only a faint trace of ash, which he scattered with a casual wave of his sleeve. Still, he wasnt done. Moving with precise, practiced motions, he activated a Cleansing Spell, sweeping away every last drop of blood, every lingering trace of death. He repeated the process multiple times, ensuring no spiritual remnants of the battle remained. The metallic stench of blood, the faint aura of conflicteven the disturbed air from the fightvanished completely. By the time he was finished, his surroundings were exactly as they had been before the intruder arrived. The room was pristine, undisturbedsilent. It was as if nothing had ever happened. Jiang Cheng took a step back and surveyed his work. The air was clear, the floor spotless. Not a single drop of blood remained. The hesitation, the tremblinggone. He had taken a life, erased the evidence, and accepted what needed to be done. "This is the world of cultivation," he murmured to himself. "Only the strong survive." Stepping outside into the cool night air, he glanced up at the moon, which hung high in the sky, casting a pale glow over the distant marketplace. From here, it looked so peaceful, so ordinaryblissfully unaware of the life-and-death struggle that had just unfolded. He reached into his robe and pulled out the spirit bag he had taken from the dead man. It was simple, made of worn gray cloth, but he could sense the spiritual energy sealed within. Without hesitation, he injected a thread of Qi into it, breaking the previous owners imprint and binding it to himself. The bag trembled slightly before submitting, its contents now fully under his control. Jiang Cheng didnt waste time. He opened it and peered inside. Two thousand spirit stones, a few bottles of low-grade healing elixirs, a middle-grade Earth Shield Talisman, a spare robe and then His brow furrowed as he pulled out a pair of womens pants and socks. Jiang Cheng blinked. The hell? Shaking his head, he tossed them aside and continued searching. His fingers brushed against something hard and coldan ancient jade slip. He plucked it from the bag, scrutinizing it for any hidden dangers before pressing it against his forehead. Information flooded his mind instantly. Jiang Cheng sat cross-legged on the floor, his hands tremblingnot from fear or exhaustion, but from sheer excitement. His eyes gleamed as he absorbed the knowledge from the jade slip, a grin slowly stretching across his face. "Bloodforge Body Art?!" He clenched his fists, feeling his heart race. A technique that used the blood of spirit beasts to refine the body? The stronger the beast, the more terrifying the power? By the first level, he could lift 100,000 kilograms with a single hand? By the second, a million? And the third stagehe hadnt even finished reading, but he could already tell it was monstrous. His fingers tightened around the jade slip, his breath growing heavy. Then, all of a sudden "I''m rich! Hahaha!" Jiang Cheng threw his head back, laughing like a man possessed. He clutched the jade slip to his chest as if it were a priceless treasure. The story has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation. Just moments ago, he had been overwhelmed by guilt, shaken by his first kill. But now? Now he wanted to thank the guy! Turning to where the assassin had once stood, he clasped his hands together and gave a deep, respectful bow. "Senior Brother, you have done me a great service!" he said solemnly. "If not for your generosity, how would I have obtained such a heaven-defying technique?" He straightened up, rubbing his chin in thought. "Now that I think about it Didnt you also bring me two thousand spirit stones, some elixirs, and even dozens of Earth Shield Talismans? Such kindness! Such selflessness!" His expression turned serious. "I I misjudged you. You werent an assassinyou were a courier! A delivery boy sent by the heavens!" He picked up the spare robe from the assassins belongings, holding it in both hands. "Senior Brother, I shall cherish this in your memory." But as he shook it open, a pair of womens undergarments fluttered to the floor. Jiang Cheng froze. His triumphant expression slowly crumbled. A long, awkward silence filled the room. His eye twitched. "What the hell were you into?" A deep sigh escaped his lips. He quickly shoved the questionable items back into the bag, shaking his head. "Forget it. Lets just pretend I never saw that." Still, as he looked at the pile of treasures before him, his grin returned. "Assassins should come knocking more often," he muttered, chuckling to himself. The morning sun cast a warm golden hue over the small farming village. Jiang Cheng stood outside his humble dwelling, gazing at it for one last time. The place had sheltered him through his weakest days, With a deep breath, he adjusted his pack and began walking toward the market. As Jiang Cheng walked down the familiar dirt path leading out of the village, he heard a familiar voice behind him. "Boy Jiang, wait up!" Turning around, he saw Old Liu hurrying after him, his sturdy frame carrying a large woven basket filled with freshly harvested spirit herbs. Despite his age, the old man still moved with surprising agility. Lets go together," Old Liu said, falling into step beside Jiang Cheng. "Im heading to the market anyway, and its the same path. No harm in having some company, eh?" Jiang Cheng smiled. "That sounds good, Old Liu. Its been a while since we walked together like this." The two of them strolled along the winding path, the cool morning breeze rustling through the trees. Birds chirped in the distance, and the faint scent of damp earth lingered in the air. Jiang Cheng was walking peacefully when Old Liu suddenly sighed softly. Ah, life is hard, boy. Jiang Cheng raised an eyebrow. Oh? Whats wrong, Old Liu? Old Liu patted his heavy basket and grinned. I have to sell these spirit herbs for some spirit stones then go to the inner city . Then, suddenly, his expression changedhis eyes narrowed, his lips curled into a knowing smirk, and he stroked his scruffy beard like a sage contemplating the mysteries of the universe. Jiang Cheng immediately sensed danger. And then Old Liu lowered his voice, glancing around as if someone might overhear, I have to visit Moonlit Blossom Pavilion to see Sister Su Su. She and I need to discuss the ways of life. Jiang Cheng almost tripped over his own feet. Discuss the ways of life ? Old Liu nodded solemnly. A man must pursue wisdom, boy. The Dao of Cultivation is vast, but the Dao of Pleasure is equally profound! Sister Su Su is a saint in that regard, guiding lost souls like myself on the path of enlightenment. Jiang Cheng coughed. Enlightenment ? Old Liu sighed wistfully. Ah, you wouldnt understand, boy. Sister Su Su has a way with words and hands and Alright, stop. Jiang Cheng quickly cut him off before his imagination went somewhere it shouldnt. Old Liu ignored him, rubbing his chin thoughtfully. You know, Jiang boy, if you ever feel lost on your cultivation journey, you should visit Moonlit Blossom Pavilion too. A young man like you needs experience! Cant let your sword techniques be the only sharp thing about you! Jiang Chengs face twitched. I think Ill pass. Old Liu scoffed. Tsk, tsk. So young, yet so serious. One day, youll understand. He patted Jiang Chengs shoulder like an elder imparting life-changing wisdom. When that day comes, remember Old Lius words: A true man cultivates both the body and the heart in the company of beautiful women! Jiang Cheng sighed. Old Liu, are you sure youre not just wasting spirit stones? Old Liu gasped in mock offense. Boy, how dare you! Do you think enlightenment is free? Wisdom comes at a price! A very expensive price! But one that is worth every spirit stone. Jiang Cheng shook his head, exasperated. Alright, alright. Go pursue your wisdom. Just dont come crying to me when youre broke. Old Liu laughed heartily. Hah! Boy, Ive never regretted a single spirit stone spent on the Dao ! Then he sighed dramatically. Though I do regret not having more spirit stones. Jiang Cheng smirked. Then sell more herbs, Old Liu. Old Liu sighed again. Yes, yes the cycle of life. Earn spirit stones, spend them, earn more, spend again Ah, truly, this is the ultimate Dao. Jiang Cheng rolled his eyes. Alright, pervy old man, lets hurry up. The market isnt getting any closer. And with that, the two continued on their wayone looking for cultivation resources, and the other seeking ahem enlightenment. Jiang Cheng and Old Liu arrived at the bustling market, where the air was thick with the scent of rare herbs, roasted demon beast meat, and the faint metallic tang of freshly forged weapons. The streets were packed with cultivators haggling, street vendors shouting out their prices, and the occasional flash of spiritual light from a demonstration of a talisman or magic tool. Jiang Cheng suddenly remembered something. Old Liu, lets exchange contact talismans. If theres news or danger, we can warn each other. Old Liu chuckled. Boy, youre finally learning! Good, good. Cant be too careful these days. The two quickly exchanged their jade communication slips, linking their divine senses to them. " Alright, take care, Old Liu. Heh, dont die too soon, boy. With that, they separatedOld Liu heading towards a herb shop, while Jiang Cheng began exploring the market. All around him, vendors were shouting: How to sell this Spirit-Gathering Pill? " A bottle of ten Spirit-Gathering Pills for only twenty low-grade spirit stones! High-quality, personally refined by a master alchemist! No, no, too expensive! Fellow Daoist, if you think its too costly, make a counteroffer. Everything is negotiable! Another stall caught his attention. " What kind of monster meat is this? a cultivator asked. Four-Horned Demon Beef! Rich, juicy, and excellent for body refinement! Fellow Daoist, buy a few kilograms to try it! Just one low-grade spirit stone for three kilograms! Jiang Cheng walked through the stalls, his eyes widening at the sheer variety of goods. Although he maintained a calm and composed exterior, inside, he was still a little overwhelmed. He had lived as a low-level spirit farmer for yearshe had never seen such an array of treasures before. However, his curiosity did not go unnoticed. A sneaky figure stepped in front of him, blocking his way. Jiang Cheng immediately became alert, fingers twitching towards his spirit bag. He discreetly prepared his Dark Light Shuttle, a Flying Sword Talisman, and a Fireball Technique, just in case. The man in front of him wore a gray robe, his face sharp and slightly sinister. Yet, he smiled warmly and cupped his hands. Fellow Daoist, is this your first time in Puchan City? Jiang Cheng snorted coldly. That has nothing to do with you. He turned and walked away, keeping his guard up. Despite his attempts to blend in, it was clear that experienced eyes could still pick him out as a newcomer. He cursed inwardlyhe had to be more careful. Hey, Fellow Daoist, dont be so cold! The gray-robed man quickly caught up to him, speaking eloquently. You must have noticed that Puchan Immortal Square is rich in spiritual energya great place to cultivate and live. But, of course, the cave dwellings inside are absurdly expensive, far beyond what we casual cultivators can afford. Jiang Cheng remained silent, only listening. But worry not! Many of us have built comfortable houses just outside the square. They are also suitable for cultivation and living, and the price is dozens of times cheaper than the cave residences inside. The man smiled cunningly. Fellow Daoist, you should take a look! For just five hundred low-grade spirit stones, you can own a house of your own! Jiang Cheng raised an eyebrow. " Oh? And why are you offering me such a great deal out of the kindness of your heart? The gray-robed man let out a dry laugh. Hehe, Fellow Daoist must be joking. We are all struggling cultivators, are we not? Helping each other is the way of the world! Besides, a home outside the square is far better than sleeping in the open or wasting money on inns. Chapter _19 No Discounts, No Distractions, Only the Dao ...... Jiang Cheng turned a deaf ear and walked faster. When he entered Puchan town , he saw some shaky-looking courtyards that could barely be called residences. They were probably the peripheral houses described by the gray-robed Taoist. If someone really buys a house, I''m afraid they will be trapped in a trap. These houses are located in the most aura-poor area on the outskirts of Puchan City. Not only are their environments extremely poor, they are not much different from the shantytowns in their memories. Moreover, no one knows Qinglin Sect''s attitude towards these houses. Once the Qinglin Sect was dissatisfied with this and renovated these houses, there would be no place to cry. These houses were demolished without compensation. Even if Qinglin Sect directly demolished it, no one among the casual cultivators would dare to say anything wrong. "What a pity. He''s a smart man." The gray-robed Taoist looked at Jiang Cheng leaving and shook his head. Immediately, he put on a smile again and started looking for the next target to deceive After getting rid of the gray-robed Taoist who was selling the house, Jiang Cheng thought for a while. " Let''s rent a cave first." Chu Chen has plans for the future in his mind, and will stay in Puchan town for a while. Puchan town is built on the mountain. There is a six-story building at the top. The sign of Qinglin Sect is hung at the door. It is the Qinglin Sect''s office in Puchan town . Every cultivator who comes in and out of the office, no matter how high their cultivation level is, even those who are on the peak level of Qi training, is cautious. Because the foundation-building elders sent by the Qinglin Sect to garrison Puchan City usually sit here. Go into the first floor. The pattern made Jiang Cheng feel like he was dreaming back to his past life. A row of counters with more than a dozen clerks were waiting for casual cultivators who came to do business. However, the clerk''s attitude was even colder. Understandable. After all, these clerks are all disciples of the Qinglin Sect. With the support of the giant Qinglin Sect, it is natural for them to be arrogant. " Daoyou, can I rent a cave here?" Jiang Cheng came to a counter and smiled at the cultivator at the counter and bowed. "Register your information first, name, gender, background, and skills." The blue-clothed cultivator at the counter didn''t even look at Jiang Cheng , and threw out a jade slip. Jiang Cheng didn''t care about the other party''s attitude. There was no need to conflict with the other party for a momentary anger. It doesn''t matter if you have no background when you first arrive. Once a conflict occurs, you will only suffer in the end. Jiang Cheng picked up the jade slip, stuck it to the center of his eyebrows, injected his mental power into it, and left a message. "Jiang Cheng , male, Da Yan casual cultivator, good at drawing talismans." The Qinglin Sect only wants to cut the leeks of the casual cultivators... No, it should be said that the Qinglin Sect is not interested in the origins of the casual cultivators, and registering their names is only for the convenience of management. The blue-robed monk injected spiritual power, glanced at the information in the jade slip, then took out a bronze waist plate, engraved the words Jiang Cheng on it, and then threw the waist plate to Jiang Cheng . "Thank you, fellow Taoist." Jiang Cheng took the waist plate and thanked him hurriedly. "What level of cave do you want to rent? A fourth-class cave costs thirty low-grade spirit stones a year, a third-class cave costs three hundred low-grade spirit stones a year, and a second-class cave... forget it, you can''t afford it." The blue-robed monk glanced at Jiang Cheng casually and said. Jiang Cheng hurriedly said, "Third-class cave." Although the fourth-class cave is cheap, it is located on the outskirts of Puchan town, It is not much different from the house sold by the gray-robed Taoist, except that there is no risk of forced demolition. Unauthorized tale usage: if you spot this story on Amazon, report the violation. The rental price of a third-class cave is ten times more expensive, but it is located near the central area of ??Puchan town , and the spiritual energy is more abundant "Pay the rent once a year and pay it in spiritual stones, or do you want to be a spiritual farmer ?" The monk in blue asked again. "Spirit stone payment." Jiang Cheng took out a bag of spiritual stones that he had prepared in advance and handed it to the monk in blue. There are three hundred and ten low-grade spiritual stones in it. "Let''s see, which cave do you want to rent?" The monk in blue took the spirit stone, swept away his mental power, and felt a little more energetic, with a smile on his face. He took out a jade slip with a lot of cave information written on it, handed it to Jiang Cheng , and gave some casual instructions: "Except for the caves that have been rented out, among the remaining third-class caves, Cave No. 61 and No. 67 have the most spiritual energy." "Cave No. 61, please." Jiang Cheng looked around and randomly selected a cave. "This is the key to the cave. Remember to pay the rent on time every year. Otherwise, the cave will be forcibly taken back and everything in it will be confiscated." The monk in blue nodded, took out a jade key from his arms and handed it to Jiang Cheng , and gave a few more instructions. "Thank you, fellow Taoist." Jiang Cheng held up his hands again and thanked the monk in blue. Leave the office. Following the map in his identity badge, he walked out of the central area where the shop was located and walked a few miles further, finally finding Cave No. B61. A cave. Compared with the caves where I was before , the size is no different, and the layout is reasonable. There are several rooms in it, including bedrooms, study rooms, kitchens, and quiet rooms. The surrounding caves are also separated by hundreds of feet, so privacy is guaranteed and each other will not be disturbed. " the area is not small. However, the place where there are really many people is the central area where shops are concentrated. The area where the cave is located pays more attention to the privacy of practice." Jiang Cheng was very satisfied with this. Enter the cave and use the jade key to activate the defensive formation inside the cave. Qinglin Sect has set up a defensive formation outside each cave. The power of the formation varies depending on the level of the cave. The defensive formation outside the third-level cave can withstand attacks from ninth-level Qi-training monks. "Tidy up the cave." Like always, Jiang Cheng used the cleaning talisman to clean up the entire cave. Then, some traps were arranged throughout the cave that were difficult to detect. then. Jiang Cheng went to the kitchen next door and cooked a pot of spiritual rice. The rich aroma makes people salivate instantly. After finishing one bowl, Jiang Cheng scooped up another large bowl of spiritual rice. Finished eating. He immediately returned to the quiet room, meditated, practiced the longevity skills, and digested the spiritual energy contained in the spiritual rice. As soon as he activated the longevity skill, countless spiritual energy swarmed in and merged into his body. The concentration of spiritual energy far exceeds seven or eight times that of a small spiritual land, coupled with the spiritual energy contained in spiritual power, creating an unprecedented speed of practice. This speed is much faster than directly absorbing the spiritual energy from low-grade spiritual stones. At this speed, coupled with the pills such as the Spirit Gathering Pill and other cultivation-increasing pills, I may be able to break through the sixth level of Qi training in a four months at most " Jiang Cheng ''s heart was filled with ups and downs, but this was only when he had enough Spirit Gathering Pills and Spirit Rice. There is not much Spirit Gathering Pill left in him, so he either needs to learn alchemy to refine it, or buy the Spirit Gathering Pill directly. The former is better because the price is relatively cheap, and in the same time you can earn a lot of money, but it requires renting an alchemy room in the city to make alchemy which is also expensive, and also time to practice making alchemy. It''s not easy thing to do The latter is more direct, and the direct finished elixir is relatively more expensive. Either way, it''s a big expense. Besides, there is also the rent of the cave and spiritual rice, which requires a large amount of spiritual stones. he had already spent four hundred low-grade spiritual stones. If the development continued at this rate, the remaining spiritual stones would not be able to withstand several years of hard work. He also wanted to buy the sword control method and the flying sword. "We can''t just sit back and have nothing. Tomorrow morning we will go to the market to sell talismans." Jiang Cheng decided immediately. Not all monks are aloof and aloof from the world. Most of the low-level casual cultivators are not much different from ordinary people in the world. They are mediocre and work all day long for spiritual stones. In other words, if the casual cultivators at the bottom do not work hard to create value for Qinglin Sect, how can the disciples of Qinglin Sect concentrate on their practice and break through the foundation building stage and even the golden elixir stage? The next day. Chu Chen took the Water Blade Talismans, shield talisman, light body talisman, and concealment talisman that he had practiced in the past, followed the example of a group of casual cultivators, and found an open space to set up a stall in the street market to sell talismans. "Looking at the quality of the water blade Talisman, it is quite weak compared to ordinary Water Blade Talismans." Soon, customers came to the door. On Jiang Cheng''s stall, the Water Blade Talismans that was most frequently displayed was the one that was refined in the past. "Although the quality of my Water Blade Talismans is a little defective , it''s also much cheaper. It only costs five spirits per piece." Chu Chen explained with a smile. He specifically inquired about the price of the Water Blade Talismans yesterday. The price of an ordinary Water Blade Talisman was probably between twenty and seventeen low-grade spiritual stones. The Water Blade Talismans he refined with his spiritual energy was Quite weak , and there is a little problem with it, but the price was also little cheap. "Five spirits ?" The customer''s eyes suddenly lit up and he quickly said: "Bring me five." A middle-aged cultivator, dressed in patched robes, squatted next to Jiang Chengs stall, rubbing his chin thoughtfully. "Five spirit stones per talisman? Too expensive!" He waved a hand dismissively. "I bought a Water Blade Talisman yesterday for four spirit stones!" Jiang Cheng remained calm. "Then, fellow Daoist, you should go buy from that other stall." The man scoffed but didnt move. "Hmph, I checked, and hes out of stock. How about thisthree spirit stones each, and Ill take ten!" Jiang Cheng sighed and pointed at the sign. "The price is five. No more, no less. The The Dao of business is also a pathone must not waver." The cultivator clicked his tongue. "Stubborn kid." He grumbled but eventually tossed five spirit stones on the stall and snatched a talisman. Jiang Cheng smiled inwardly. People always try to bargain, but in the end, quality sells itself. The street market was bustling with cultivators shouting prices, the clinking of spirit stones filling the air as deals were struck. Jiang Cheng sat cross-legged behind his small stall, carefully arranging his talismans when a shadow loomed over him. A soft, sweet voice followed. "Daoyou, how much for the Water Blade Talismans?" Jiang Cheng looked up and nearly choked on his own breath. The woman standing before him was a stunning female cultivator clad in a flowing lavender robe. Her long, silky black hair cascaded down her back, and her eyes shimmered like autumn lakes. She leaned forward ever so slightly, her delicate fingers playing with the edges of his talisman papers. Jiang Cheng immediately knew something was off. Warning ! Charm Technique Detected! She pouted, her voice dripping with honey. "Im just a poor, helpless cultivator, struggling to make ends meet. How about giving me a little discount? I promise Ill remember this favor..." Jiang Chengs expression remained neutral, but inside, his mind roared to life. The flesh is temporary. The Dao is eternal. Amitabha! Amitabha ! He could practically hear the chanting of ancient Buddhist monks in his head, trying to purify his soul. The woman sighed softly and placed a hand on her chest, subtly pushing it up. "Really, Daoyou, its just a few spirit stones Surely you wouldnt be so heartless as to refuse a weak, delicate woman?" Jiang Chengs face twitched. The skin is an illusion. Desires are but chains to the mortal world. The only true path is self-restraint! Om mani padme hum ! With an air of righteous indignation, he clasped his hands together as if in prayer. "This Female Donor , The poor monk does not dare tarnish his virtue for mere spirit stones. The heavens are watching!" The female cultivator blinked. The merchants nearby turned to watch. Someone in the crowd snickered. Jiang Cheng, keeping a perfectly serious expression, gestured toward the sign. "The price is five low-grade spirit stones. No exceptions. The Dao does not discriminate between beauty and ugliness, man or woman, rich or poor. One must abide by the market price!" The womans lips twitched. She huffed, shot him a glare, and tossed five spirit stones onto the stall before snatching the talismans. "Ugh, men like you are the worst!" As she walked away, Jiang Cheng exhaled, wiping imaginary sweat off his forehead. A nearby merchant laughed. "Brother Jiang, that was impressive! You resisted temptation like a true ascetic!" Jiang Cheng sighed. "A cultivator must guard his mind against all distractions." The merchant smirked. "Guarding your mind? Brother, your face turned red the moment she leaned in!" Jiang Cheng: "" Amitabha! This world is full of trials. And so, with a steadfast heart, he continued selling his talismans, a beacon of righteousness in a world full of temptations. When the sun went down, Jiang Cheng closed the stall with satisfaction. Its been a busy day, but its been a productive day. Many casual cultivators can draw low-level talismans such as shield talisman, light body talismans, and concealment talismans, but no one will buy them. But the Water Blade Talismans was quite popular. Because the price was relatively cheap, a hundred Water Blade Talismans were sold in a whole day, in exchange for 500 low-grade spiritual stones. Before returning to the cave, he bought a batch of talisman papers that could be used to refine the Water Blade Talismans, as well as a complete collection of middle and high level talismans. Chapter 20_"A Day in the Life of a Talisman Maker" .... Things in the world of cultivating immortals are really expensive. One medium-grade talismane cost thirty low-grade spiritual stones. A book of talismans is even more ridiculously expensive. It cost me a full 1000 low-grade spiritual stones, which is equivalent to 3 years rent " Jiang Cheng looked through a stack of talisman papers and a book in his hand and couldn''t help but complain. After setting up the stall, he went to a shop selling talismans and bought a thousand pieces of middle-grade talisman paper that could be used to draw middle grade talismans. He also went to the Qinglin Pavilion in Puchan town and bought a "Complete Collection of middle and high Talismans". One thousand pieces of mid-grade talisman paper is equivalent to 500 low-grade spiritual stones. In addition to the 1000 low-grade spiritual stones purchased from the middle and high talisman collection, the total expenditure is 1500 low-grade spiritual stones. In other words, after working all day today, not only did he not earn any spiritual stones, he actually lost a thousand low-grade spiritual stones. But thats not how the accounts work out. Talisman paper is necessary for drawing talismans, and the middle grade talismanes encyclopedia allows Jiang Cheng to learn how to draw new talismans. The middle talismanes collection contains a total of six talismans, including the advanced water blade talisman, the invisibility talisman, the wood entanglement talisman, the Earth Escape talisman, the fireball talisman, and the immobilization talisman. "The best-selling mid-level talisman in Puchan town is undoubtedly the Fireball Talisman, followed by the water blade Talisman, the Earth Escape, the Invisibility Talisman, etc." The mana required to activate the Fireball Talisman is less than using the Fireball Technique directly, and it is also less than activating the water blade Talisman. In the case of equal mana, the number of fireball talismans that a monk can activate is twice that of the water blade talisman. Naturally, the monks are more inclined to purchase the fireball talismans. Moreover, the power of the Fireball Talisman is not inferior to that of the water blade Talisman, and the price is almost the same. "Learn to draw the fireball talisman first. After selling out the water blade talisman , I will sell the fireball talisman." Jiang Cheng changed his mind and set his next goal. Make money, not shabby. Compared with the water blade Talisman, the Fireball Talisman is easier to sell and easier to earn spiritual stones. "You also need to learn the immobilization talisman and the water blade talisman and other talismans." if you can learn high-level talismans, both the power of the talismans and the market will be greater." Jiang Cheng felt a little sorry. certainly. He was just thinking about it. he would not try to draw high-level talismans for the time being. For the middle grade talismans, he only knew one type of advanced water blade talisman and lacked experience. Forcibly drawing high-level talismans would only end in failure. It''s better to play it slow, practice with intermediate talismans first, and then draw advanced talismans when you have enough experience. "Compared with other Talisman Masters, I have another advantage." If an ordinary talisman master wants to try to practice a new talisman, he not only needs a lot of time to practice, but also consumes a lot of talisman paper to practice drawing the talisman. But Jiang Cheng didn''t have this learning cost. He practices the magical power of endless dreams and can practice it continuously in dreams without worrying about wasting talisman paper. Fellow Taoist, are you there?" Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere. Just when Jiang Cheng was about to enter the dreamland and try to refine the fireball talisman, a voice came from outside the cave. "who? Jiang Cheng ''s expression tightened and he took out his spirit sword and stuffed four fire balls talismanes in his chest, then he checked who''s coming . Outside the cave, stood an old Taoist with white beard and hair who looked to be in his seventies or eighties. The old Taoist''s aura is not overpowering, it is about the sixth level of Qi training. you must be the new neighbor! Im Taoist Yan, from the cave next door. Thought Id come over and introduce myselfalways good to know whos living beside you, dont you think?" The old Taoist said with a smile on his face, " Taoist Brother Yan! My apologies, I should have been the one visiting you first. Ive been so busy setting up my stall that it slipped my mind. Please, forgive my poor manners." Jiang Cheng thought for a while, opened the magic circle outside the cave and walked out. No, it''s me who''s causing trouble." Taoist Yan glanced at Jiang Cheng , who was blocking the cave and showing no intention of inviting him in, and the corner of his mouth twitched. However, he didn''t pay too much attention to it. The monk''s cave is a very private place. Generally, people who are not close relatives and friends will not let people enter the cave at will. When they were not familiar with each other, even if Jiang Cheng invited them, he would not enter Jiang Cheng ''s cave at will. "We are all neighbors, and I hope we can take care of each other in the future." Taoist Yan put a smile on his face again, and as he spoke, he handed over a pot of home-brewed spiritual wine. "It''s natural." Jiang Cheng nodded, took the spirit wine, and handed over five spirit-gathering pills as a return gift. The two chatted for a while, and Jiang Cheng gained a lot from what Taoist Yan said about Puchan town. Taoist Yan also mentioned some recent events in Puchan town : "I heard that a casual cultivator came to market today to sell defective water blade talismans. A water blade talisman only costs five low-grade spiritual stones, but its power is relatively small." Is there such a thing?" A look of surprise appeared on Jiang Cheng''s face at the right time. "That''s right. If I were there, I would have bought a few. Unfortunately, this person''s behavior has caused dissatisfaction among many talisman masters in the market. Some talisman masters said that if this person appears again tomorrow, they will teach him the rules of the market." Oh?" Jiang Cheng''s fingers tightened slightly around the spirit stone pouch, but his voice remained steady. "I wonder what rules this person broke?" The Taoist Yan stroked his beard and let out a small chuckle. "Oh, you must be new here. The talisman business? Its not as simple as just setting up a stall. The market is controlled by a few established masters, and they dont take kindly to newcomers undercutting their prices. Lets just say rules arent written down, but youd better follow them. "I see." Jiang Cheng nodded in understanding. The two exchanged a few more pleasantries, and Taoist Yan found a reason to leave. "Where there are people, there are rivers and lakes, and Puchan Market is no exception." Back in the cave, Jiang Cheng ''s expression instantly became solemn. He had expected this situation, but he didn''t expect it to come so soon. "Fortunately, I disguised myself when I went to set up the stall today." Out of caution, Jiang Cheng disguised himself a lot when he went to set up the stall. After the stall was over, he deliberately walked around the market for a few times to confirm that no one was following him before returning to the cave. "I can''t set up the stall tomorrow." Jiang Cheng had a headache. If he couldn''t set up the stall, he might not be able to support it for too long with his current savings. "It seems that I can only sell all these defective water blade talismans to the talisman shops in the market." Early the next morning Miaofu Pavilion. "Shopkeeper, do you want to collect the water Blade talisman?" Jiang Cheng , who was disguised, walked into Miaofu Pavilion and approached the shopkeeper of Miaofu Pavilion. "Of course I''ll accept it, but I have to check the quality first." The shopkeeper of Miaoyin Pavilion wears a green Taoist robe. He is thin, tall and has a goatee. It is said that his surname is Wang. Few people know his specific name, so everyone calls him shopkeeper Wang. It''s natural." Jiang Cheng took out a water blade talisman from his arms and handed it to Shopkeeper Wang. Shopkeeper Wang picked up the talisman, squinting as he ran his fingers over the markings. He clicked his tongue. "Hmm Not bad, but I can tell this wasnt drawn by a seasoned talisman master. The lines are a bit shaky, and the power is... well, lets just say its not at full strength. Ill give you two low-grade spiritual stones for it." Shopkeeper Wang had a vicious eye, and he could see through the water blade Talisman with just one glance. "The power of this talisman is roughly equivalent to a full-strength strike from a fourth -level qi-training monk. It is a defective product." Two low-grade spiritual stones ." Shopkeeper Wang made a few belittling remarks and finally set the price. "Jiang Cheng frowned, tapping his fingers on the counter. "Shopkeeper Wang, you wound me. Two low-grade spiritual stones? At that price, I might as well be giving them away." Jiang Cheng frowned, a little dissatisfied with the price. For two low-grade spiritual stones, the price was suddenly three less than when he set up the stall yesterday, and the price dropped by more than 50%. "Several Talisman Masters in Puchan town have made it known that no one else is allowed to sell defective water blade talismans. I have to bear certain risks when purchasing your water blade talisman." Shopkeeper Wang explained. Hearing this, Jiang Cheng understood that the so-called risks were just shopkeeper Wang''s reason for lowering the price. Every store in Puchan town should not be underestimated. Except for the store with the Qinglin brand, every store has a good background. How could several Talisman Masters in Puchan town threaten Miao Talisman Pavilion? But what can he do? Just accept it. Compared with the other two talisman shops in Puchan town , the prices at Miaofu Pavilion are already very reasonable. The shopkeepers of the other two talisman shops took advantage of the situation and directly offered a price for one and a half low-grade spiritual stones, or even a low-grade spiritual stone and a water blade talisman. "Two low-grade spiritual stones, just two low-grade spiritual stones." Jiang Cheng said helplessly. As he spoke, he took out fifty more water blade talismans from his arms. When he was in seclusion to practice his skills and Technique, he drew a total of more than a hundred Water Blade talismans. He spent some of them over the half year. He sold a hundred of them yesterday and still has these left. "There are fifty-one water blade talismans in total, and a total of one hundred and two low-grade spiritual stones." Shopkeeper Wang took the water blade Talisman with a flash of surprise in his eyes, but didn''t say much. Then, he handed Jiang Cheng a bag containing spiritual stones. "Thank you, shopkeeper." Jiang Cheng took the spirit stone with some heartache, cupped his hands and thanked him. Each water blade talisman earns three less low-grade spiritual stones, and fifty-one water blade talismans, a total of 153 low-grade spiritual stones are lost. This amount of spiritual stone can buy more than fifty spirit-gathering pills, or more than two hundred kilograms of low-grade spiritual rice, which is enough for him to practice for one or two years. He could only make a note in his heart secretly. Those Talisman Masters in Puchan town , don''t let him find the opportunity, he will definitely take revenge. Leave Miaofu Pavilion. After Jiang Cheng made sure that no one was following him, he changed his disguise and went to set up a stall again. However, this time he was selling the normal version of the water blade Talisman, priced at twenty low-grade spiritual stones. Business suddenly plummeted. Compared with yesterday''s hot business, Jiang Cheng ''s business today seemed particularly deserted. Throughout the whole day, only seven or eight customers came forward to inquire about the price, and only two customers purchased a total of three water blade talismans. After all, there were too few types of things on Jiang Cheng''s stall. Apart from the water blade talisman, there were only low-level talismans such as minor shield talisman and light body talisman, which few people bought. "It''s not bad. With three water blades talismans, I earned a total of 60 low-grade spiritual stones." Jiang Cheng was very satisfied with this result. Again, as long as you can make money. As long as he has enough time, he can not only accumulate the spiritual stones needed for his own cultivation, but also accumulate a large number of spiritual stones that he can squander at will. Back home, Jiang Cheng went to the kitchen to cook a pot of spiritual rice, and had a delicious meal of spiritual rice with the mice. Then, practice began. Chapter 21_Tales from the Drunken Immortal" .... After completing the Longevity Technique, and the body Refining Technique, he immersed himself in dreams, trying to draw fireball talismans, or practice fireball spells and other spells. Jiang Cheng once again lived a regular life, one line at two o''clock every day. Time passes like this day by day, and the days are dull but fulfilling. Occasionally, I will draw the water blade talisman to keep the water blade talisman on my body sufficient. Setting up a stall every day, I came into contact with many monks, not only customers, but also some monks who set up stalls together. In addition to communicating with Taoist Yan next door from time to time, Two months passed in quiet routine. Jiang Cheng practiced talisman crafting, honed his spells, and ran his stall. He occasionally chatted with Taoist Yan and gathered bits of information about the world. But life in Puchan Town remained simpleuntil one night at the Drunken Immortal pavilion. In the Drunken Immortal Pavilion one of the most famous teahouses in Puchan Towns inner city, A magnificent building the waiters caming in and out, The tables were made of dark mahogany, their surfaces polished to a mirror-like sheen. Each table was adorned with a small vase of spirit orchids, their petals glowing faintly with a soft, ethereal light. The walls were decorated with intricate tapestries depicting legendary cultivators and mythical beasts, their threads shimmering with embedded spirit stones that caught the light. The air was filled with the gentle clinking of porcelain cups and the low hum of conversation. Occasionally, a burst of laughter would rise above the murmur, echoing through the spacious hall. In the corner, a zither player plucked at the strings of their instrument, the notes weaving through the room like a gentle breeze. The melody was soothing, yet carried an undercurrent of spiritual energy that seemed to resonate with the patrons. Jiang Cheng sat in a quiet corner, savoring the warmth of a cup of spirit-infused tea. The air was thick with the aroma of roasted spirit nuts and aged wine, the gentle hum of conversation weaving through the cozy space. Across from him, Old Man Liu stretched lazily, rubbing his graying beard. "Two months, and you still haven''t gotten sick of this tea? I thought you''d have moved on to something stronger by now." Jiang Cheng smirked. "Not everyone drinks like you, Old Liu. Some of us prefer to keep our heads clear." "Bah!" Old Liu waved a dismissive hand. "A clear head is overrated. Besides, this place has the best wine in Puchan Town. You should try it at least once." Jiang Cheng shook his head but said nothing. The two of them sat in comfortable silence, listening to the chatter around them. The teahouse was packed as usual, a mix of merchants, rogue cultivators, and local sect disciples gathered around, exchanging stories and news. Then, the door creaked open, and a figure stumbled inside. The Drunken Gourd Immortal , as he was affectionately called, was a well-known casual Foundation Establishment cultivator in Puchan Town. His real name was lost to mostpeople simply called him Old Gourd because of the oversized wine gourd he carried everywhere. A man of unshakable cheer, he was rarely seen sober and even more rarely seen angry. Tonight was no different. His robes were slightly disheveled, his cheeks flushed with drink, and his steps wobbly but steady enough that he never truly fell. He plopped down at a nearby table and waved a hand at the waiter. Royal Road is the home of this novel. Visit there to read the original and support the author. "More wine! And food! Lots of food! I drink, therefore I eat!" he declared, slurring slightly, much to the amusement of those around him. As he was halfway through his meal, a table of young cultivators near the center of the room caught his attention. you dont understand," one of them, a cocky-looking youth, said. "Puchan Town is the largest settlement in the Periphery! Beyond it is only wilderness and a few scattered families ." Another nodded. "The world is vast, you don''t know what out there. Old Gourd, mid-bite, suddenly burst into laughter. A loud, unrestrained, belly-shaking laugh that made his entire table shake. Jiang Cheng had just lifted his teacup, savoring the warmth, when a sudden, thunderous lougher exploded through the teahouse like a spirit beasts roar. Jiang Cheng was Startled by the voice, His instincts kicked in before his brain could process the situation. he was about to blast Old Liu in front of him with a water blade talisman in fright fortunately he held his hand back. Old Gourd hiccupped, wiped his mouth, and leaned back in his chair, a grin on his face. "You little frogs sitting at the bottom of a well, thinking the sky above is the whole world. The teahouse fell silent, all eyes turning to the drunken Foundation Establishment cultivator. Even Jiang Cheng found himself leaning forward, intrigued. One of the young cultivators frowned. Senior, what do you mean? Old Gourd let out a chuckle, then leaned forward, lowering his voice as if revealing a great secret. You think Puchan Town is big, That its the center of civilization? Bah! This is just a speck, the last outpost before the unknown. A few of the young monks exchanged uncertain glances. One scoffed. Senior, youre exaggerating. Beyond the town is only the Endless Monster Mountains. We all know that. Old Gourd slammed his gourd onto the table, making several cups rattle. And do you know what lies beyond the Endless Monster Mountains? Silence. Jiang Cheng narrowed his eyes. This was what he had been seekingtrue knowledge of the world. Seeing the rooms anticipation, Old Gourd grinned and raised a finger. The Endless Mountains are exactly thatendless. They stretch from one edge of the Eastern Continent to the other, splitting the land in two. For thousands of years, even Golden Core true lords have ventured in and never returned. A murmur ran through the room. A cautious voice piped up. But isnt the Eastern Continent the entire world? Old Gourd burst into laughter, slapping his knee. Hah! You think this continent is all there is? This continent is vast, but its only one part of the world. Beyond the Endless Sea, there are lands we cannot even imagine. Realms where cultivators walk the skies like immortals, where ancient beings slumber beneath the waves, where entire cities are built on the backs of spirit beasts the size of mountains! The teahouse was completely silent now. Old Gourd sighed, taking another long drink. His voice turned somber. And even here, in this half continent, we are nothing. There are Nascent Soul Sects that rule entire domainsnot towns, not cities, but vast territories hundreds of thousands of miles wide or millions . Each domain ruled by a Nascent Soul ancestor whose strength could shatter mountains with a flick of their sleeve, this is just the half we are in. There is other half... One of the listeners swallowed hard. Nascent Soul ancestors like the Taiyi Sect? Old Gourd nodded. Yes . The Taiyi Sect rules the Taiyi Domain, bordering the Endless Monster Mountains. They are the guardians of the frontier, their Taiyi Heavenly Scripture allowing their disciples to harmonize with the nine elements. But they are not the only ones. He raised a finger. The Golden Snake Sect, masters of taming monstrous beasts, ruling the Monster Taming Domain. Another finger. The Everfrost Sect, lords of the Frostveil Domain, where even the rivers freeze with spiritual energy. A third. The Scarlet Moon Sect, rulers of the Bloodshade Domain, masters of forbidden blood arts. The tension in the room was thick. Jiang Cheng felt his heart pound. He had known the world was vast, but this Old Gourd sighed again, shaking his head. And these are just the domains I know of. There are others. Hidden sects, lost legacies, places so ancient that even Nascent Soul ancestors dare not tread. He took another long sip of wine before muttering, almost to himself, Even the greatest sects of today are nothing before the true powers hidden in history A young monk gulped. Then why dont these great sects rule everything? Old Gourds expression darkened. Because even Nascent Souls have things they fear. The world is not as simple as you think. He hesitated, then added, There are things older than sects. Older than history itself. The room was deathly silent. Then, as if the weight of his words was too much, Old Gourd suddenly laughed and waved a hand dismissively. But bah! What does it matter? Whether we live in a great sects domain or a little market town, in the end, all we really need is good food and strong drink! Laughter erupted, breaking the tension. Old Gourd groaned as he picked himself up from his sit . He looked around at the stunned faces of the juniors, their eyes still burning with excitement from all the secrets he had just spilled. The weight of his mistake fully settled in. His drunken mind scrambled for a solution. And thenbrilliance struck. He straightened his posture, smoothed out his robe, and put on the most dignified, righteous expression he could muster. He clasped his hands behind his back and nodded solemnly. "Ahem." He cleared his throat. "Well I wasn''t actually supposed to tell you all that." Silence. The juniors leaned forward expectantly, waiting for some kind of retraction, some clarification. Instead, Old Gourd gave them a wise, knowing look and declared with absolute sincerity: "Forget everything that happened tonight." Silence stretched for a long, awkward moment. Old Gourd nodded sagely. "Yes. Forget. Wipe it from your minds. It never happened." He made a vague mystical gesture with his hands, as if casting a mind-erasing spell. Poof. Gone. Then he fly away swaying with the wind. After Old Gourds dramatic exit, the teahouse erupted into laughter and chatter, the tension of his revelations dissipating like smoke. Jiang Cheng sat back in his seat, his teacup forgotten. His mind raced with the images Old Gourd had paintedvast domains, Nascent Soul ancestors, and ancient powers hidden in the shadows. He glanced at Old Liu, who was already pouring himself another cup of wine, seemingly unbothered by the weight of the conversation. Do you think he was telling the truth? Jiang Cheng asked quietly. Old Liu shrugged, a mischievous glint in his eye. Truth or not, it makes for a good story. But if you ask me, the worlds always been bigger than Puchan Town. Whether youre ready to face it is another matter. Jiang Cheng nodded slowly, his gaze drifting to the window, where the moon hung high in the sky. For the first time in months, the quiet routine of his life felt small. And yet, the thought of stepping into that vast, unknown world filled him with both excitement and dread Chapter 22_ Preparation .... A month had passed since the night at the Drunken Immortal Pavilion. Life in Puchan Town resumed its usual rhythm, yet for Jiang Cheng, something had shifted, a quiet anticipation simmering beneath his everyday activities. Today marked a significant milestonehe had finally mastered the theoretical knowledge of the Bloodforge Body Art to the Proficient level. This was the highest stage he could achieve in the Qi Refining Realm before stepping into Foundation Establishment. From the moment he obtained the jade slip, he had practiced its movements daily. The techniques, once awkward and strenuous, now flowed through him like second nature. His body had undergone a subtle yet undeniable transformationhis muscles were denser, his tendons like coiled steel, and his bones carried a faint resilience beyond the ordinary. Even the circulation of his blood felt stronger, pulsing with newfound vitality. Now, he had reached the next crucial stage of cultivationthe medicinal bath phase. Reaching into his storage pouch, Jiang Cheng took stock of his finances. Over the past three months, through careful spending and a steady talisman business, he had accumulated five thousand spirit stones. The Middle Fireball Talismans had proven especially popular among casual cultivators who ventured into the Periphery to hunt ferocious beasts. He also still had over two hundred Water Blade Talismans in reservemore than enough for emergencies. However, today would be an expensive day. Yesterday, he had placed an order for various rare materials and monster blood essences, key components for the Bloodforge Body Arts medicinal baths. The blood essence, extracted from spirit beasts with vigorous vitality, would refine his physique, further reinforcing his progress. Jiang Cheng exhaled, casting a Cleaning Spell to freshen up. Then, without hesitation, he executed a Light Body Technique. His feet barely touched the ground. With each step, he crossed tens of meters, moving like a shadow flitting through the streets. The wind rushed past him, and before long, the familiar sight of the bustling market center came into view. Without breaking stride, he headed straight for the Qinglin Treasure Pavilion. The storefront was as refined as ever, with elegant carvings and spirit-infused lanterns glowing softly at the entrance. Inside, shelves lined with rare materials, jade slips, and magical artifacts reflected the wealth of the establishment. Jiang Cheng stepped into the Qinglin Treasure Pavilion, the scent of aged sandalwood and rare herbs greeting him as he crossed the threshold. Behind the counter, Ruan Xue looked up from a jade slip, her eyes lighting up as she saw him approach. But instead of greeting him normally, she let out a long sigh, her delicate shoulders drooping as if burdened by sorrow. She placed a hand over her chest and gave him a pitiful look. "Brother Jiang, She lamented sadly . You always seem to visit when you need something. Dont you ever miss me just a little? Jiang Cheng blinked, momentarily caught off guard. "What?" She shook her head, letting out a second, deeper sigh for good measure. "Every day, I wait by the counter, hoping youll visit. But no! Unless you need talisman paper, monster blood, or something expensive, you dont even glance this way. Truly, my heart cannot take such coldness." Jiang Cheng narrowed his eyes. "You wait by the counter because its your job." Ruan Xue gasped, clutching an imaginary wound in her chest. "How cruel! Do you hear yourself? How can you just expose my suffering like this, you piece of wood. Jiang Cheng sighed, rubbing his temples. "Alright, alright. Next time, Ill come just to see you. No purchases." Instantly, Ruan Xues pitiful expression vanished, replaced with a Righteous face. "Absolutely not! If youre coming, you better be spending spirit stones. What kind of shopkeeper would I be otherwise?" Jiang Cheng let out a dry chuckle. "Ah, there it is. The real Ruan Xue." She smirked, resting her elbow on the counter. "I have to eat, you know. And spirit stones dont grow on trees. Now, what rare and expensive materials are you throwing money at today?" Shaking his head, Jiang Cheng reached into his storage pouch and placed a heavy bag of spirit stones on the counter. "The monster blood and medicinal materials I ordered. They shouldve arrived by now." If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. Please report it. Ruan Xue tapped her chin. "Hmm Should I give them to you? Or should I hold them hostage until you buy something extra? A fine spirit tea set might help you enjoy your bath to the fullest. How about it? she said shamelessly with a smile Jiang Cheng rolled his eyes. "I think Ill survive without one." She chuckled, finally pulling out a wooden storage box from beneath the counter. The faint scent of blood essence and spiritual herbs leaked from the seals, confirming its authenticity. Jiang Cheng opened the wooden storage box, and immediately, a dense, iron-rich scent filled the air. Jiang Chengs eyes widened as the rich scent of iron filled the air. He inhaled deeply, tasting the potent, feral energy that clung to the blood essences. The blood essence inside had been carefully sealed in jade bottles, their surfaces etched with spirit-locking runes to prevent the energy from dissipating. The thick, dark red liquid within shimmered with a faint glow, evidence of its potency and the ferocity of the creatures it had been extracted from. Inside the box, several types of blood essence stood out Black Python Blood Essence, Giant Black Python, a vicious beast known for its crushing strength and resilience and Crimson Tiger Blood in Essence almost molten-looking fluid filled another bottle. This came from a Crimson Flame Tiger, a beast infamous for its explosive speed and violent temperament. This essence would stimulate blood circulation, increasing reaction speed and combat instinct. Storm Eagle Wing Bones C Among the contents of the box lay a set of ashen-gray wing bones, still faintly charged with residual spiritual energy. These were from a Storm Eagle, a high-speed aerial predator capable of breaking the sound barrier in flight. Grounded cultivators often used them to refine leg strength and agility, mimicking the birds wind-speed movement. One-Legged Ironhoof Beasts Foot C A massive, thick-scaled beasts foot wrapped in a talismanic cloth. The One-Legged Ironhoof Beast was known for its terrifying stomping power, Nestled beside the blood essences and beast materials, several stalk of precious medicinal herbs rested within the box, their fragrances mixing with the lingering scent of beast blood. Dragon Marrow Grass, Blood-Forging Lotus C A deep crimson lotus flower with veins pulsating like actual blood vessels. When used in a medicinal bath, it greatly enhanced blood vitality and Qi absorption, Thunderroot Vine C A set of coiled, crackling vines that still held traces of lightning energy. This would help stimulate nerve responses, Jiang Cheng closed the box with a sense of anticipation. With these materials, his Bloodforge Body Art would reach a whole new level. He looked at Ruan Xue, who had been watching his reaction with a smirk. "Satisfied?" she teased. "Or do you need me to throw in some scented candles to set the mood for your bath?" Jiang Cheng rolled his eyes. "I think Ill pass ." "Here you go," she said, pushing it toward him. "Though if you ever do feel guilty about breaking my heart, feel free to buy something extra next time." Jiang Cheng took the box and smirked. "How about thisIll think about it the next time I actually need something." Jiang Cheng reached into his storage pouch and pulled out a heavy leather pouch, the clinking of spirit stones inside a familiar sound. He placed it on the counter with a soft thud and slipped away. Ruan Xue gasped again, but before she could launch into another dramatic monologue, Jiang Cheng turned and walked away, leaving her shaking her head with a smile. "What a heartless fellow ." After his visit to the Qinglin Treasure Pavilion, Jiang Cheng made his way down a narrow alley, heading toward another area of the town where strange weapons and artifacts were sold. . This area was famous for its strange and rare weapons, armor, and artifacts, all displayed in small, cluttered stalls that lined the cobblestone path. The air here smelled of burnt metal, sharpening stones, and a faint trace of spirit essence as weapons were constantly being refined and honed. The street was filled with the clang of hammers striking anvils, the buzz of excited buyers inspecting weapons, and the murmur of sellers bragging about the quality of their goods. In one corner of the street, a grizzled old man with a long, salt-and-pepper beard was hunched over a workbench, his calloused hands expertly adjusting the hilt of a glistening sword. This was Old Man Song, a weapons refiner known for creating not just ordinary blades but a collection of strange and unconventional weapons. Around him, piles of odd-looking weapons were displayed. There were spiked maces with chains, glaives that seemed to pulse with a mysterious energy, and strange contraptions that looked more like mechanical beasts than tools of combat. The sellers here often carried a smug air, knowing their creations were highly sought after by cultivators with eccentric tastes or those looking for something unique. The buyers, meanwhile, came in a variety of shapes and sizesrogue cultivators, adventurers, and sect disciples, all hoping to find something rare to aid them in their journeys. Some were examining the weapons with great interest, while others were already negotiating, arguing over prices with the vendors. Jiang Cheng knew exactly where he was headedOld Man Song''s stall. "fellow Taoist Song!" Jiang Cheng called out, raising his hand in greeting. Old Man Song looked up with a grunt. His weathered face broke into a grin as he recognized the young cultivator. "Ah, Jiang Cheng! You always show up when Im least expecting it. What brings you here today?" Jiang Cheng shook his head with a smile. "Not today, Old Song. Actually, I''m looking for something a bit different. Do you have a big cauldron, something sturdy enough for refining and training with body techniques?" Old Man Song scratched his chin, looking thoughtful. "A big cauldron, huh? I think I might have just the thing. Been sitting in the back collecting dust. You planning to cook up some trouble?" He chuckled, but there was a knowing glint in his eye. Jiang Cheng chuckled back. "Something like that. Just need it for practice. It has to hold up to some rough use." "Ah, I see," Old Song grinned. "Follow me, Ill show you what Ive got." Jiang Cheng had built a relationship with Old Man Song over time. When he first started his talisman business, Song, a weapons refiner, had become a regular customer, buying talismansespecially Water Blade Talismansin bulk to enhance his creations. In return, Jiang Cheng would occasionally give him discounts as a gesture of goodwill, and Song would offer a few tips on weapon forging. Their interactions became casual, built on a mutual understanding. Jiang Cheng admired Songs craftsmanship, while Song appreciated the quality and utility of Jiang Chengs talismans. Over time, they developed a familiar rapportno longer just a customer and vendor, but acquaintances who exchanged knowledge and resources when needed. The two of them moved to the back of the stall, where Old Song rummaged through a stack of old equipment, muttering to himself. He leaned over to the side, pulling away a heavy cloth that had been covering a massive giant cauldron. The cauldron was black, with intricate runes carved into its surface. It looked ancient but sturdy, made of some sort of spiritual metal that glimmered faintly in the light. "This is a Blood-Refining Cauldron, made specifically for cultivators who practice body techniques or want to enhance their physical abilities." Old Man Song gestured to the cauldron. "Its meant for medicinal baths, but unlike most, this one can absorb spiritual energy and reinforce the blood. Itll help you refine your body much faster, especially with the beast blood youve got." Jiang Cheng eyed the cauldron, impressed. "It looks heavy. Do you think Ill be able to move it around?" Song grinned. "I know what you''re thinking. But this cauldron is designed to be lightweight when activated, as long as you channel your Qi into it. It''s all about the refinement, boy." Jiang Cheng nodded slowly, appreciating the craftsmanship. It wasnt just an ordinary cauldronit was special. "How much?" he asked, already reaching for his spirit bag. Old Man Song raised an eyebrow. "For you, since you always come around for business, Ill give it to you for a thousand spirit stones. A fair deal, wouldnt you say?" Jiang Cheng considered it. The price was steep, but for a Blood-Refining Cauldron that could enhance his practice, it was worth it. "Deal," he said, handing over the spirit stones. With the cauldron in hand and the conversation wrapped up, Jiang Cheng gave a final wave to Old Man Song. "Ill come back when I need something else. Song laughed heartily as Jiang Cheng left his stall." Jiang Cheng! Take care of that cauldron!" Thanks, Old Song" Jiang Cheng said, his voice filled with appreciation. He placed the giant cauldron into his spirit bag and left, the bustling streets of Puchan Town awaiting him." Chapter 23_ "Baptism of Blood and Fire" ..... A few minutes later, Jiang Cheng made his way to the area where butchers and hunters sold the meat and blood of fierce beasts. He spent another eight hundred spirit stones across various stalls, carefully selecting additional blood essences and materials to enhance his medicinal baths. Of course, such a large expenditure did not go unnoticed. Jiang Chengs senses tingled as he passed the butchers stalls, his instincts telling him something wasnt quite right. He felt the weight of prying eyes on his back. The moment Jiang Cheng spotted the flicker of a shadow in the corner of his eyea rogue attempting to blend into the crowdhe knew he was being followed. A few rogue cultivators began following him, their gazes lingering on his storage bag. Jiang Cheng smirked inwardly but remained calm. Instead of confronting them directly, he took a series of turns through the winding alleys of Puchan Town, gradually shaking them off. He made a large detour around the market, occasionally blending into the crowd and altering his pace until he was certain no one was tailing him. Only then did he leave the outer market, heading toward the inner town where his secluded cave residence awaited. ... Back at his secluded residence, Jiang Cheng placed the Blood-Refining Cauldron on the ground with a heavy thud. Even though it was designed to be lightweight when infused with Qi, its sheer size and density made it clear that this was no ordinary tool. The intricate runes along its surface shimmered faintly, absorbing the surrounding spiritual energy. Jiang Cheng took a deep breath. This was itthe final stage before he could truly push the Bloodforge Body Art to its limits in the Qi Refining Realm. The medicinal bath was more than just a refinement process; it was a trial, one that would test his endurance, willpower, and ability to withstand pain. Just remember the benefits, he told himself, though a knot of unease formed in his stomach. The end result will be worth it. He retrieved the wooden storage box from his storage pouch and carefully laid out the materials on a low table. The various beast blood essences, powerful medicinal herbs, and the remnants of spirit beasts each contained an aura of fierce vitality. It was a fearsome sightone that made Jiang Cheng momentarily reconsider his decision. But no! He had made it this far. There was no turning back. With precise movements, he began the preparations. According to the ancient prescription recorded in the jade slip ? things Jiang Cheng bought were enough for three medicine baths. First, he filled the cauldron with pure spring water drawn from a nearby spiritual wellclean and rich in natural essence. Next, he carefully uncorked the jade bottles and poured the blood essence in one by one. The Black Python Blood Essence seeped into the water like ink, dark and viscous. It carried the Pythons infamous resilience, meant to strengthen bones and increase overall durability. Then came the Crimson Tiger Blood Essence, swirling in streaks of red, burning slightly as it mixed with the pythons essence. It was meant to stimulate the heart and speed up blood circulation, reinforcing reaction speed. Jiang Cheng then took the Storm Eagle Wing Bones, crushing them into fine powder before adding them into the mix. Sparks of residual lightning danced across the surface before vanishing. This was to refine his nerve response and agility, enhancing his ability to move with speed and precision. Lastly, he added the One-Legged Ironhoof Beasts Foot, which required a moment of chanting as he activated the talismanic cloth sealing its essence. Once unwrapped, a heavy, iron-like substance melted into the cauldron, reinforcing the toughness of his tendons and muscles. With all the beast blood added, it was time for the medicinal herbs. Stolen content alert: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences. He carefully placed the Dragon Marrow Grass, the deep red stalks dissolving slowly as they released their marrow-rich nutrients into the liquid. Next came the Blood-Forging Lotus, its pulsing veins spreading outward as if breathing life into the mixture. Finally, Jiang Cheng added the Thunderroot Vine, watching in both awe and horror as the crackling energy from the vine caused the entire cauldron to shudder violently. Bolts of weak lightning arced across the surface, flickering in jagged streaks like the cauldron was being possessed by some chaotic spirit. Jiang Cheng stepped back, his heart racing. The air around the cauldron grew thick with a crackling tension that sent goosebumps up his arms. What the hell did I just do? His eyes widened as the dark liquid inside the cauldron began to bubble more furiously, the surface frothing like a boiling cauldron of doom. The blood essences now seemed to hiss and writhe as if alive, swirling around in an angry, chaotic dance. Oh no, Jiang Cheng muttered under his breath, his legs weak as he took another cautious step backward. Why does it feel like Ive just summoned a cursed beast? A flash of lightning crackled right above his head, making him flinch so violently that he nearly tripped over his own feet. What if it explodes?! He began to tremble, his mind racing as the cauldron continued to crackle ominously. Did the ancestors try to deceive me with this prescription? After a few hours of burning, he Then turn off the fire and looked at the dark liquid in the cauldron still boiling but not like the first time . He breath a sigh of relief Jiang Cheng inhaled deeply, his face twisted in a poor expression of full of despair. Today... today, the poor Taoist priest will risk his life for the greater good of the world, he said, voice dripping with mock seriousness, as though about to ascend to the heavens. I implore the heavens, the gods, and Buddha himself to show mercy upon this poor soul! He raised his hands toward the sky, though realistically, there wasnt much sky to see in his cave " If I fall here, let it be in the name of righteousness, a noble cause, and definitely not because Im too stubborn to back out Heavens " __ " Gods " __ " The cauldron bubbled menacingly, completely unfazed by his theatrics. Jiang Cheng, trembling like a leaf in the wind, quickly threw his clothes aside, and with one last breath, he jumped into the cauldronnaked as a newborn. The moment his body hit the boiling liquid, every nerve in his body screamed in agony. It felt like a thousand needles had just been driven into his skin, each one burning with an unholy heat. His muscles clenched, his breath caught in his throat, and for a brief, terrifying moment, he thought he might just combust. "AHHHHH!!" he yelped, his voice high-pitched as he instantly regretted every life choice that led him to this moment. The cauldron was like a giant, living furnaceeach inch of his body seemed to be on fire, the heat seeping into his very bones. His skin felt as though it was being roasted alive, the burning sensation crawling deeper with every passing second. "Why does this feel like I''m being cooked alive?!" he screamed his body spasming uncontrollably. The cauldron definitely didn''t feel like a healing bath, eyes wide with panic. "The ancestors definitely deceived me!" he wailed, The more he thought about it, the more it seemed like a conspiracy. They probably gave me the worst ingredients on purpose, I should''ve listened to Ruan Xue and just bought the spirit tea set," he muttered bitterly, trying to make light of the situation as his body continued to convulse. Jiang Cheng slipped and fell fully into the cauldron, swallowing several mouthfuls of the burning liquid. "FUCK!" he screamed, choking as the molten-like liquid scorched his throat. His stomach twisted in agony. "Why did I think this was a good idea?" he groaned, barely keeping his head above the surface as the pain intensified. As Jiang Cheng''s body contorted in agony, the relentless burning sensation seeping deep into his bones, a familiar thought began to creep into his mind. Why did I think I was ready for this? Every pulse of pain reminded him of his own limitations. He had always prided himself on his determination, but this was beyond anything he had experienced before. Was he truly prepared to take on the trials of cultivation? Was he capable of surpassing the limits of his mortal body? The thought made him grit his teeth, fighting back tears and the urge to give up. No. Ive come this far. The path of cultivation isn''t easy, but if I stop now, what was the point of everything I''ve endured? For a fleeting moment, Jiang Cheng allowed himself to acknowledge his vulnerability. He was terrified, yes, but he wasn''t going to quit. He had no other choice but to keep going. With each wave of pain, his willpower strengthened, and his resolve became more unshakable. "Pain is but a fleeting shadow, and I am the one who will outlast it! I will rise from this cauldron like a dragon from the depths!" he muttered to himself, almost defiantly. The medicinal bath continues for quite a while, and slowly, Jiang Cheng''s frantic screams faded into gritted teeth and clenched fists. The pain still roared through his body, but his mind began to sharpen as the power of the medicine slowly seeped in. At first, it felt like his very soul was being ripped apart, but gradually, the fiery torment began to blend into something more... bearable. He could feel the power of the beast blood, the herbs, and the spiritual essence working their way through his muscles, strengthening his tendons, and fortifying his bones. His body slowly started to adjust, like a blacksmith''s hammer forging steel. Slowly, Jiang Cheng began to actively devour the energy within the black liquid. his body seemed to hum with power, and the pain that had once overwhelmed him began to fade. Instead, a deep, satisfying warmth spread throughout his entire being. He felt his muscles stretch and strengthen, tendons becoming like steel, and his very bones felt unbreakable. As the energy surged through him, his power grew at a terrifying rate. His Qi flowed more smoothly, and his body seemed to expand, absorbing the immense vitality from the medicinal bath. It was as though he was being remade from the inside out, and he could feel himself getting stronger, faster, more formidable, "The ancients didnt deceive me," he loughed for a while before he calmed down. Jiang Cheng remained in the cauldron for three full hours, his body absorbing every drop of energy the black liquid had to offer. The pain, once unbearable, had long faded into a strange, almost euphoric feeling of growth and strength. His body now thrummed with power, each breath deeper, more controlled, as if he had just unlocked a hidden reservoir of energy within himself. Finally, the once-vibrant black liquid began to lose its intensity, gradually turning a dull gray, devoid of any life or energy. The cauldron, now just a hollow vessel, seemed to exhale a soft hiss as the last of its power faded away. Finally, Jiang Cheng felt the last remnants of energy drain from the cauldron. He let out a long sigh of relief, his body still tingling with residual power. "It''s finally over," he muttered to himself, feeling a strange mixture of triumph and exhaustion. His blood seemed to boil with energy, and for a moment, he actually thought he could crush a Golden Core monk with one hand if they dared show up in front of him. "Yeah, right," he chuckled to himself, shaking off the ridiculous thought. His mind was just a bit too clouded with newfound strength, but it felt good to dream. Suddenly, a wave of exhaustion hit him like a hammer, and his eyelids fluttered. The energy that had once surged through him now seemed to drain away in an instant, and all he could think about was sleep. Without any more strength to resist, he slumped back into the cauldron, his body sinking into a deep, uncontrollable slumber. Jiang Cheng slipped into a deep sleep, his body sinking into the warm embrace of the cauldron. In his dream, he found himself seated on a throne of golden jade, surrounded by thousands of ethereal beauties. They showered him with praises, each more extravagant than the last. He basked in their adoration, grinning like a fool. This is the life, he thought, eyes half-lidded as they fed him fruits and whispered sweet words. Just as he was about to declare his eternal reign, a loud growl echoed through the dream. His stomach grumbled, ruining the perfect illusion. "Not now," he mumbled, eyes still closed as the girls around him offered more food, unaware of his very real hunger. Chapter 24_"The way of Gou Dao " .... Early the next morning, Jiang Chengs stomach rumbled again, pulling him from his delusions of grandeur. His dream palace flickered, the beautiful attendants vanishing like smoke. With a groggy groan, he stirred, his body sore yet thrumming with newfound strength. His eyelids fluttered open, revealing the inside of the now-drained cauldron. The thick medicinal residue clung to his skin, leaving behind a faint crimson sheen. He flexed his fingers, feeling a surge of power run through his limbs. His entire body felt denser, strongerlike tempered steel wrapped in flesh. "So this is what it means to be reborn through suffering, huh?" he muttered to himself, stretching his arms. His joints cracked like thunder, a testament to the strengthening of his bones and muscles. Even the lingering exhaustion couldnt overshadow the satisfaction of his progress. But firstfood. His body had burned through an immense amount of energy, and now it demanded sustenance. He climbed out of the cauldron, stumbling slightly as he adjusted to his enhanced physique. He reached for his storage bag, retrieving a roasted spirit beast leg he had prepared earlier. Without hesitation, he tore into it, savoring the rich, Qi-infused meat. As he ate, he closed his eyes, focusing inward. The results of the medicinal bath were beyond his expectations. His Qi channels felt wider, his muscles more compact, and his bones... almost unbreakable. He clenched his fist tightly, feeling the surging force within. Based on his estimation, each of his arms now carried a strength of at least a thousand kilograms. If he were to strike a Second Stage Qi Refining cultivator, a single punch would shatter them into pieces. The thought sent a shiver of excitement through him. " Although Im not a fan of fighting, if some blind bastard provokes me this time I will definitelyahemkeep an even lower profile and try not to stand out from the crowd. What are you expecting from me? To go wild and fight enemies everywhere? To cut down arrogant young masters left and right? No, no, that is not our path! As long as we act cautiously and always adhere to the essence of Gou Daothe Way of the Hidden Dogsooner or later, we will rise to the top! With a solemn and righteous expression, Jiang Cheng placed his hands behind his back, nodding sagely as if he had comprehended the ultimate truth of the universe. Then he to take a dignified step forward to the market to sell the talisman that he still has with him Then, with renewed determination (and only a slightly bruised ego), Jiang Cheng took a dignified step forward toward the market to sell the talismans he still had with him. As he walked, he muttered to himself, "From the 5,000 spirit stones I had yesterday, only a thousand and a few hundreds remain I need to make more money." His eyes flickered with ambition. "The Foundation Establishment Pill Ill need one sooner or later. Although, with my qualifications, I could break through easily" He slowed his pace, rubbing his chin thoughtfully. "But just to be safe who knows what could happen, right? What if some heavenly tribulation decides to make my life difficult? Or worsewhat if I get stuck at the last moment and become one of those cultivators who fail at the threshold of Foundation Establishment and turn into wandering drunks?" You might be reading a stolen copy. Visit Royal Road for the authentic version. A shiver ran down his spine at the thought. "No, no, that wont be me. Ill prepare everything in advance! Resources, pills, safety precautionsIll leave nothing to chance!" Jiang Cheng thought in his way Normally, with his income from running a stall, if he saves a little, he can have a lot of spirit stones left in a year. It''s just because Jiang Cheng has to buy talismans, spirit rice, spirit gathering pills, monster meat etc., it costs too much, so he doesn''t. It can save spiritual stones. The spiritual farmers in Puchan town is really miserable. He has worked hard for a year to farm, and the harvested spiritual rice is sold to Qinglin Sect, which is barely enough to pay for the rent of a fourth-class cave, so he can barely survive. This was despite the spiritual farmer working hard day and night to cultivate the land. If he slacked off a little and didn''t collect enough spiritual stones, he might be expelled from the cave. Therefore, many farmers moved to the shantytowns sold by the gray-robed Taoist priests and rented caves in the shantytowns. The spirit stones needed were much less, and they could save a lot of it. At first, most monks were waiting and watching, worried that the Qinglin Sect would take action to rectify the shanty town. But as time went by, the Sect had no intention of taking care of these shantytowns. All the spiritual farmers couldn''t wait to move to the shantytowns. Many even spent all their savings to buy cave houses in the shantytowns. "I always feel that Qinglin Sect is going to make a big move." Jiang Cheng had a vague guess in his heart. Qinglin Sect did not rectify the shantytowns at this time, perhaps because it felt that leeks were not enough. How can one or two leeks be as good as cutting a large wave of leeks? When he passed by Taoist Yan cave, he saw him waiting for him. "Fellow Daoist Jiang , I have been waiting for a long time." Back at the cave, Taoist Yan was waiting at the door with a pot of spiritual wine. Spiritual wine is similar to ordinary medicinal wine. The monks mix various spiritual medicines with various spiritual waters according to secret recipes, seal them for months or years, and ferment them. Taoist Yan is good at brewing spiritual wine. The cold spring nectar he brews has a unique taste. It has a sweet and long aftertaste and can also increase the monk''s magic power. In Puchan Town, it is quite popular, with a price tag of fifteen low-grade spiritual stones per pot. It is precisely because of this craft that Taoist Yan can live a comfortable life in Puchan town. "Fellow Taoist Yan , is there cold spring nectar in your hand?" Jiang Cheng''s eyes lit up when he saw the specially made wine flask in Taoist Yan''s hand. This kind of special wine pot is only used by Taoist Yan to hold cold spring nectar. Taoist Yan smiled and said, "I have important matters to discuss with fellow Taoists, naturally I don''t dare to neglect them." "That being the case, why don''t we discuss it in detail at Seihong Residence ? Jiang Cheng ''s expression changed and he immediately invited. "Fellow Taoist, please !" The smile on Taoist Yan''s face became even wider. Seihongju is a restaurant in Puchan City. There is a spiritual chef in charge. The spiritual food cooked can also nourish the monk''s body and increase his mana. The two of them went to Seihong Residence together, and Jiang Cheng spent more than a dozen low-grade spiritual stones to set up a table of spiritual delicacies. In the private room, Jiang Cheng and Taoist Yan were eating and drinking while talking about the recent events in Puchan . The atmosphere in the elegant room quickly heated up as the glasses were exchanged. Seeing that Taoist Yan never mentioned the purpose of looking for him, Jiang Cheng happily chatted with Taoist Yan and asked about some things that he didn''t know. Over the past three months , under Jiang Cheng ''s deliberate management, he got along well with Taoist Yan . From Taoist Yan''s mouth, I learned many secrets. Taoist Yan couldn''t help it and broke the deadlock: "I have a business here. If it succeeds, I can earn a lot of spiritual stones. Fellow Taoist, are you interested in participating?" "what business?" Jiang Cheng ''s expression remained unchanged and he asked. "Fellow Taoist, have you ever heard about the fifth-class caves that have opened outside Puchan town in the past two years?" Taoist Yan sold a pass. There are only four levels of caves rented and sold in Puchan town . In the shantytowns that have arisen outside of Puchan Town, the caves among them are jokingly called fifth-level caves due to environmental problems. "Have heard a little bit." This business is related to these caves. Several Taoist friends and I plan to purchase all the remaining fifth-class caves and then sell them to those spiritual cultivators at a higher price." Taoist Yan lowered his voice and said mysteriously. "..." Jiang Cheng was speechless for a moment, calling him a good guy in his heart. Isn''t this just real estate speculation? Taoist Yan asked: "Fellow Taoist, are you interested in participating?" "To be honest with you fellow Taoist, I also want to participate. However, I have been trying to refine the fireball talisman recently. It costs a lot of money. I am a little nervous and I am really powerless." Jiang Cheng looked helpless and annoyed. This business was not reliable no matter how you looked at it. First, the "fifth-level cave" in the shantytown was at risk of being demolished at any time. Once problems occurred with the spiritual stones invested by Taoist Yan and others, they might be wasted. Moreover, the real estate speculators would not have a good death! This kind of business was inherently harmful to others and not beneficial to oneself, and it was very easy to offend those spiritual plant farmers . If any spiritual plant farmer was not happy and attacked from behind, he might be caught by mistake and lose more than he gained. He did not need to get involved in this matter. "That''s a pity. You missed a chance to make a fortune." Taoist Yan saw that Jiang Cheng ''s expression did not seem to be fake, and felt sorry for Jiang Cheng. The two continued to chat for a while, and after sweeping away the spiritual food and cold spring nectar, they ended the party and said goodbye. "I wonder how many unlucky people will be this time?" Looking at Taoist Yan who left in a hurry and seemed to be looking for partners, Jiang Cheng shook his head. Then he continues in his way to the stalls area, after saying hello to the monks in the area, he sit up a stall and sit across legged, A meal of spiritual food, plus a pot of cold spring nectar, he stored a lot of spiritual energy in his body, which must not be wasted. Chapter 25_ "Whispers of the Ominous Void" __________________ For the next month, Jiang Cheng returned to his ordinary lifedrawing talismans, selling them, buying pills, eating monster meat, cultivating, and generally enjoying life. At dawn, he would set up his stall in the marketplace, exchanging his meticulously crafted Middle Fireball Talismans for spirit stones. By midday, hed already be counting his earnings while chewing on a roasted beast leg. Then, in the afternoon, hed either focus on cultivation or head out to procure materials for more talismans. It was a comfortable routine, and his wallet was finally starting to recover from the medicinal bath expenses. Today marked a full month since Jiang Chengs last medicinal bath. Without hesitation, he prepared his materials, arranged everything meticulously, and thenlike a seasoned veteranjumped into the cauldron once more. The scalding medicinal liquid surged through his body, igniting a familiar burning pain. However, unlike the first time, Jiang Cheng quickly adapted. His muscles tensed, but he remained composed. His tolerance had grown, and his body had become accustomed to the process. Three hours passed. He emerged from the cauldron, casting a cleaning technique over himself to remove the lingering medicinal residue. Then, with a practiced efficiency, he devoured a hearty meal of spirit beast meat, replenishing his energy. Feeling the surge of Qi within his body, Jiang Cheng returned to his quiet room, sitting cross-legged as he entered deep meditation. This time, as he absorbed the medicinal effects, he could sense the subtle but profound transformations taking place within him. His meridians had widened even further, his muscles carried an explosive strength, and his bones felt sturdier than ever. The spiritual energy in the void stirred, converging toward him like rivers flowing into the sea. Threads of pure Qi poured into his meridians, nourishing his flesh, bones, and dantian. Four months had passed since his last breakthrough. With the continuous support of spiritual rice, spirit-gathering pills, and the dense energy within his cave, his cultivation had advanced steadily. Now, he stood at the precipicethe peak of Qi Training Fifth Level. He estimated that tonight would be the night he finally stepped into the Sixth Level of Qi Training. As time passed and night fell, Jiang Chengs breathing deepened. His body trembled slightly as the energy within him began to surge violently, like a dam about to burst. Then BOOM! A surge of spiritual energy erupted within his dantian, spreading through his meridians like a raging river breaking through its banks. The room trembled slightly, and the lingering medicinal energy from his past baths activated, reinforcing his breakthrough. Qi Training Sixth Levelachieved! Jiang Cheng struck while the iron was hot, running the Longevity Technique several more times to stabilize his cultivation. His spiritual energy circulated smoothly, settling into a more refined and controlled state. After what felt like an eternity, he slowly opened his eyes. A sharp light flickered in his gaze, full of confidence and hidden power. "My cultivation has reached the sixth level of Qi training, my spiritual strength has deepened, and" He clenched his fist, feeling the terrifying force within. "My body has changed again. My arm strength has reached nearly seven thousand kilograms." Unauthorized tale usage: if you spot this story on Amazon, report the violation. Jiang Cheng exhaled a breath of turbid air, feeling the transformation in every fiber of his being. His muscles felt compact and full of explosive force, his bones sturdy like tempered steel. Putting aside the increase in mana, this was what satisfied him the most. A true foundation for power. Jiang Cheng sat in quiet contemplation, feeling the newfound power coursing through his body. His Qi was denser, his muscles tougher, and his strength had surged to a terrifying level. But despite his satisfaction, a sense of regret lingered in his heart. "Sigh if only I had a proper soul cultivation technique." Although his physical body had been greatly enhanced through medicinal baths and his cultivation progress was steady, his soul remained stagnant with his level . He had read many records about the importance of soul strengthwithout it, even the most powerful body would eventually hit a bottleneck. A strong soul could enhance divine sense, mental resilience, and even allow techniques that affected the mind. In battles against more advanced cultivators, a weak soul meant an easy defeat. Even in daily life, a powerful soul had benefits. Faster comprehension of techniques. Greater resistance to soul attacks. Enhanced ability to refine talismans and artifacts. But soul cultivation techniques were rare and extremely valuable. Even in the Qinglin Sect, only inner disciples or those with great merit had access to them. Jiang Cheng sighed again and shook his head. "No point dwelling on it now. If I dont have one, Ill just have to find a way to get one!" He clenched his fist, determination flickering in his eyes. For now, he would continue strengthening his foundation, earning more spirit stones, and looking for opportunities. A soul cultivation technique sooner or later, he would get his hands on one. However, there was no rush. Jiang Cheng glanced outside, noticing the sun already high in the sky. "Time flies so quickly when you''re meditating," he sighed. Rising from his seat, he stretched and made his way to the kitchen for a meal. After satisfying his hunger, he returned to his desk, prepared a fresh stack of talisman paper, and settled down again. "The time Has came, he murmured to himself, a sense of anticipation rising within him. "Today, Ill attempt to create a new talismanPiercing Wind talisman, one of middle grade, infused with the attributes of wind, Fires an arrow of compressed wind at high speed. It had been a journey of countless errors and mistakes, each one a lesson in itself. But at last, after much trial and error, Jiang Cheng felt the stirrings of success. The wind element was notoriously difficult to manipulate, but he had succeeded. His success rate in drawing the talisman had reached a solid 70%. "Seventy percent is enough, you can try to draw the fireball talisman." Peace of mind. Calm. After reciting the Calming Mantra silently several times to put his body into a state of stillness, Jiang Cheng began to draw the Piercing Wind talisman. I have experience in drawing in dreams, and the first piercing wind symbol was drawn successfully. Taking advantage of the hot state, successfully drew piercing wind symbols one after another. For the next period of time, Jiang Cheng was immersed in drawing the piercing wind talisman. .... Meanwhile, Taoist Yan''s real estate speculation business had taken off with astonishing speed. He forged influential connections and attracted several monks from prominent families. Together, they snapped up all the remaining fifth-class caves outside Puchan Town. Then, with a cunning strategy, they raised the pricesmerely one to two hundred low-grade spirit stones above the normand resold the cave houses to spiritual farmers, casual cultivators, And only for sale, not for rent. At first, spiritual farmers and the low-level casual cultivators had a big fight with Taoist Yan over this. But because most of Taoist Yan and others are tyrannical, some of them are related to the law enforcement team of Puchan Town . The only people who will suffer in the end are the spiritual farmers and the low-level casual cultivators. In addition, Taoist Yan and others'' pricing is very clever. The price of each fifth-level cave is only one to two hundred lower-grade spiritual stones higher than the normal price. Spiritual farmers and the low-level casual cultivators gritted their teeth, but they were still able to get together. Although they were unwilling to do so, they could only admit it by pinching their noses and handed the spirit stones into the hands of Taoist Yan . A fifth-level cave house can earn one or two hundred low-grade spiritual stones. Once the number is large, Taoist Yan and others will naturally make a lot of money. Relying on this business, Taoist Yan bought the third-class cave where he now lives. This shows how much money he made. Taoist Yan lamented for Jiang Cheng more than once, saying that if Jiang Cheng had been involved, he would have bought the cave he now lives in just like him. Jiang Cheng just smiled and didn''t care too much. ... A month later, Jiang Cheng had successfully drawn three hundred and seventy-five Piercing Wind Talismans, with his success rate still hovering around 70%. It seemed incredibly difficult to improve any further. I think once I break through to the late stage of Qi Refining, my success rate will improve beyond 70%, Jiang Cheng thought to himself, his brow furrowed in contemplation. As night fell, Jiang Cheng sighed, "I''m a little tired. Time to rest. Tomorrow, I''ll go sell my new products." With a smile on his face, he settled into bed and drifted off to sleep, feeling content. ... Beyond the Tianmin world, far beyond countless galaxies, in the uncharted reaches of the universe, lies the fabled Void Seaa place where even the mightiest stars fade into insignificance, swallowed by an eternal abyss. Here, the cold silence of the cosmos reigns supreme, an endless expanse where time itself loses meaning. Space twists and fractures unpredictably, giving birth to storms of void energy that ripple across the endless dark, consuming all in their path. In the infinite abyss of the Void Sea, where light dared not tread and space itself howled in silent agony, ten monstrous figures stood amidst the churning darkness. Their divine thoughts wove together, forming a sinister chorus that reverberated through the void like the tolling of a funeral bell. "We have waited for tens of thousands of years," one of them murmured, his voice like a whisper from the grave, seething with anticipation. "Finally, the moment has come. The Sovereign of Life walks alone. This time, we will slaughter her in one fell swoop!" A second voice, colder than the emptiness between dying stars, followed. "The Sovereign of Life is the right hand of the Celestial Monarch of Stars , the foundation upon which the devine Court stands. Once she falls, the pillars will crack, and the heavens themselves will tremble." A low, guttural chuckle echoed through the void, dripping with malice. "Hahaha if the Empress of Life, the creator of the human race, perishes, her dear sister, the Empress of Earth, will be driven mad! The devine Court will be plunged into chaos. War will follow. Blood will stain the cosmos." A fourth entity, its form shifting like an eternal nightmare, let out a chilling sigh, almost wistful. "Poor little Empress of Earth Do you think shell come seeking vengeance?" "Let her come," a voice rumbled, thick with contempt. "If she dares to step into my domain alone, I will delight in tearing her apartpiece by pieceuntil she joins her sister in oblivion." The surrounding darkness seemed to pulse in agreement, a silent, eldritch heartbeat. The Void Sea trembled, and the universe itself seemed to hold its breath. Something was about to change. Chapter 26_"Piercing the Market" ... Jiang Cheng woke up early in the morning, feeling refreshed after a good night''s sleep. Today was a big dayhe was finally going to introduce his Piercing Wind Talismans to the market. After a hearty breakfast of roasted spirit beast meat and spirit rice, he packed up his goods. Alongside his usual Middle Fireball Talismans, he carefully stored several stacks of Piercing Wind Talismans, making sure they were properly sealed to prevent any accidental activation. As he made his way to the bustling marketplace, he noticed a slight change in the atmosphere. There were more cultivators than usual, and a few unfamiliar faces were scattered throughout the crowd. Something was going on. Jiang Cheng set up his stall, placing a small wooden sign next to his talismans: New Product! Piercing Wind Talisman C Middle Grade Fires a high-speed wind arrow, capable of piercing through defenses. Before he could even settle in, a curious cultivator stopped by. "Piercing Wind Talisman?" the man muttered, picking one up. "Never seen this before. How strong is it compared to a Fireball Talisman?" Jiang Cheng smiled calmly. "The Middle Fireball Talisman is better for explosive damage, but the Piercing Wind Talisman is faster and more precise. It can penetrate protective barriers and even some low-tier defensive talismans." The mans eyes gleamed with interest. "How much?" "Twenty-two low-grade spirit stones each," Jiang Cheng replied. The cultivator frowned. "That''s two spiritual stones more than a Fireball Talisman." ""It''s more precise, has a longer range, and is harder to dodge," Jiang Cheng said confidently. Just then, a large flying monster bird soared through the sky above the marketplace. It was a common sightthese creatures often scouted for scraps or weak prey. Jiang Cheng''s lips curled into a slight smile. "Lets test it in action. Fellow Daoists, see for yourselves." He stood up, flicked his wrist, and activated the Piercing Wind Talisman. Whoosh! A streak of compressed wind shot through the air like a lightning-fast arrow. Before the bird could even react, the wind projectile pierced its body. Boom! The creature exploded into a blood mist , scattering remnants of flesh and feathers across the sky. The crowd fell silent. A few moments later, an awed murmur spread among the cultivators. "Incredible speed!" "It didn''t even have a chance to dodge!" "it has the power of a full blow of middle stage Qi refining" "A direct kill this is even deadlier than a Fireball Talisman!" Jiang Cheng remained composed, folding his arms as if this outcome was only natural. "Now, do you see its value?" The hesitating customers from before immediately stepped forward, their eyes burning with newfound excitement. "Ill take five !" If you find this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the infringement. "Give me seven !" "four for me!" Jiang Cheng smiled as spirit stones piled up in front of him. Business was thriving. Not far from Jiang Chengs stall, a group of talisman masters stood watching the spectacle unfold. Their faces twitched slightly as they observed the rush of customers eagerly buying his Piercing Wind Talismans. One elder, dressed in a dark blue robe with ink-stained fingers, clicked his tongue in annoyance. "Hmph. A mere middle-grade talisman, and yet hes selling it like its some grand treasure. The audacity." A younger talisman maker beside him, arms crossed, frowned. "But you saw it yourself! That speed that power even a defensive talisman wouldnt block it in time. Its not just hype." Another old talisman master let out a long sigh. "Thats the problem! The damn thing works too well! His success rate must be at least seventy percent Do you know how hard it is to make a stable wind-element talisman?" The man in blue scoffed. "Tch. Maybe hes got some secret technique. Or a high-grade wind-attribute brush" The youngest among them muttered bitterly, "Or maybe hes just better than us." Silence. The older masters exchanged glances, their pride wounded. The elder in blue snorted, then turned away. "Hmph. Lets see how long he can keep this up. Talisman making isnt just about one good product. Lets see if he can maintain that success in the long run." Still, as they left, none of them could deny itJiang Cheng had shaken the marketplace today. Jiang Cheng stayed in the market until noon, and by the time he was ready to leave, he had sold forty-four Piercing Wind Talismans. With a total of 1,034 spirit stones earned today, his wallet was finally feeling full again. Satisfied with his success, he packed up his stall and made his way toward a nearby restaurant to celebratenot only for his earnings but also for his recent breakthrough to the Sixth Level of Qi Training. However, as he walked through the bustling streets, a few shadowy figures lurking in the alleys had already set their eyes on him. __ In a dimly lit corner of the market, several rough-looking cultivators whispered among themselves. Their leader, a wiry man with a scar across his cheek, licked his lips greedily. "Did you see that? That kid made over a thousand spirit stones in just one morning." His voice was full of desire. "Thats not a cultivatorthats a walking fortune!" A bald man beside him grinned maliciously. "A fat fish indeed. Hes alone, doesnt seem to have any backing, and hes just a talisman maker. If we take him down, we can live comfortably for months." A younger rogue cultivator chuckled. "And dont forget, he still has a bunch of talismans with him. We can resell them for even more spirit stones!" The scarred leader nodded. "We have numbers on our side. Plus, our gang has three brothers at the Sixth Level of Qi Refining. Once we surround him, he wont even have a chance to react" BOOM! Before he could finish his sentence, an overwhelming wave of Qi burst forth from Jiang Chengs body. The air trembled slightly. The rogues instantly froze in place as they felt the pressure of a Sixth Level Qi Refining cultivator radiating from their supposed "fat fish." "Shit!" The bald man cursed . The young rogue cultivators face turned white as a sheet. "Hes at the Sixth Level?! Just like Us three brothers !" The scarred leaders expression twisted and spat in the Ground cursing "Hes not just a Sixth Level cultivatorhes also a Talisman Master!" For a moment, they stood rooted to the spot, their minds racing. Then, realization dawned. "Even if we have numbers, so what?" The bald man swallowed hard. "Three of us are at the Sixth Level but so is he! And unlike us, he has who knows how many talismans with him. Do you really want to fight a Talisman Master head-on?" "This isnt a fortunethis is a Murderer waiting for us !" the younger rogue blurted out. The scarred leaders greed turned to fear in an instant. "Damn it! Retreat! Without hesitation, the group turned around and left , vanishing into the alleys as fast as their legs could carry them. "Idiots," he muttered to himself before shaking his head and continuing toward the restaurant. Today was a day for celebration, not for wasting time on small fries. _ Jiang Cheng stepped into the familiar Seihong Residence, a well-known restaurant frequented by cultivators and merchants alike. The rich aroma of braised spirit beast meat and spiced wine filled the air, mingling with the lively chatter of customers. Instead of requesting a private room, he chose to sit at a regular table on the second floor, where he could listen to the various conversations happening around him. Information was as valuable as spirit stonessometimes even more soand a place like this was perfect for gathering rumors about the world beyond his own small circle. He waved over a waiter. "A pot of Cloud Mist Wine and a plate of roasted spirit beast ribs." "Right away, sir!" The waiter quickly scurried off. Jiang Cheng continued sipping his wine, casually listening as the conversation at a nearby table took an interesting turn. Have you heard? a rough-looking cultivator said in a hushed yet excited voice. Another casual cultivator at the peak of Qi Refining just stumbled upon an inheritance in a city nearby, in the Mortal County. This time, he even got a Foundation Building Pill! A burly man next to him grunted in envy. Tsk, I heard about that too! They say a Golden Core ancestor was the one who left the inheritance. Lucky bastard. Hah, these things happen all the time, another man sighed. Theres always some lucky ones stumbling into opportunities. Meanwhile, we struggle for every single spirit stone. A more experienced cultivator stroked his beard and said, Actually, its not surprising. Most cultivators who break through to Foundation Buildingespecially the older onesleave behind inheritances in various places. Cave dwellings, secret chambers, or hidden ruins but these resources are almost always meant for Qi Refining The burly man nodded. Yeah, they probably do it as a form of karma, helping younger generations. But its rare to find any that leave behind Foundation Building-level techniques or pills. Most only leave some low-grade spiritual herbs, talismans, or manuals. Jiang Chengs ears perked up as the conversation at the next table took a more intriguing turn. A thin cultivator shook his head and muttered, I dont understand why these seniors leave behind inheritances so openly. No tricks, no traps, not even restrictive techniques even the demonic sects do the same. A middle-aged man with a tired expression sighed. Who knows? Maybe they just dont care. Or maybe they have their own reasons. He took a sip of his drink before adding, Then again, in this region, were basically living in a backwater world. Information is scarce, resources are lacking even spiritual energy was mysteriously depleted a century ago for no reason. The burly man from before grunted. Yeah, and its only now starting to recover. But for a hundred years, this place was nothing but a barren wasteland for cultivation. Another cultivator leaned forward and spoke in a hushed tone. Ive heard that the depletion of spiritual energy only happened here, in this region. Other places werent affected. No wonder, someone scoffed. This explains why most cultivators here are so weak. How many Foundation Building cultivators are even willing to stay in this place? Almost none. I heard that even in the Mortal Countries outside this region, their spiritual energy is just as abundant as ours! A man sneered. Hah, isnt that a joke? A so-called cultivation region thats no better than a land of mortals. Jiang Chengs fingers tapped rhythmically against the table. Spiritual energy depletion? He had never paid much attention to history, but now that they mentioned it the low number of Foundation Building cultivators, the weak cultivation standards, and the scarcity of resources in this area suddenly made more sense. A century ago, something must have happened to drain the spiritual energy from this land. And now, it was slowly recovering. Chapter 27_ "Market Secrets and Silent Schemes" __ Another table nearby was occupied by a group of casual cultivators, their voices filled with gossip. "Have you heard? The price of Evil Suppressing Talismans is skyrocketing again! Those damned shopkeepers and talisman masters in the stall area are hoarding them and driving up the prices!" one of them grumbled, taking a sip of his drink. "Yeah, I heard about that. But there''s something else," another chimed in. "A casual cultivator at the Fourth level of Qi Refining was found dead in an alley just a few miles from here." The conversation shifted as another cultivator, a slightly older man with a scar on his cheek, leaned in and whispered, "Word from the law enforcement team is that it was the work of a ghost cultivatora woman who had disguised herself in human skin and snuck into the market. Her strength was about the sixth level of Qi Training." The others exchanged wary glances. "Ghost cultivators, huh" one muttered. "Evil spirits that have learned to practice cultivation... Theyre twisted, full of resentment and hatred, and they prey on souls. I heard they like to devour cultivators." the scarred cultivator nodded grimly. "That''s exactly what happened. That poor guy had his soul ripped out and devoured by her." Jiang Cheng''s mind flickered with a fleeting thought. A ghost cultivator at the sixth level of Qi Training... its not a serious threat. A subtle sense of relief washed over him. At least this time, the danger was manageable. A ghost cultivator at the sixth level of Qi training can''t shake the stability of the market, at least it doesn''t pose much of a threat to the cultivators living in the third-class caves and above Jiang Cheng nodded slightly, thinking to himself that the markets stability wouldnt be threatened by such an entity. Especially not for cultivators like himself. He knew that a defensive formation around a third-class cave could easily hold off any attack from a ninth-level cultivator. And besides, he was confident in his ability to crush any sixth-level ghost cultivator without breaking a sweat. But then he thought about the dead cultivator. The man had probably fallen victim to the ghost''s allure, tricked by the beauty of the ghostly woman. Another one who died chasing skirts. Sigh He must have thought he was the chosen one of some romantic encounter. Turns out, he was just a walking meal. Heh, if she was really that beautiful, wouldnt you have fallen for it too? A skinny cultivator shivered. Hell no! If a woman this gorgeous shows up out of nowhere and approaches me, thats when I know its time to run, how can such a Good thing happen to me " Laughter erupted at the table, but deep down, every man there made a silent vownever trust a mysterious beauty appearing alone in an alley. "Ah, poor guy. But let this be a lesson to all of us. Never let your lower body make decisions for you!" " haha, your right in this" Jiang Cheng sitting behind them chuckles and shake his head Jiang Chengs attention was drawn to a more intriguing conversation happening at another table, where a few mortals and martial artists were discussing the latest gossip in town. "Have you heard?" one of them began, his voice low but urgent. "Lately, it seems that several girls in Yanzhou City have been defiled by a flower thief, causing all the women there to lock themselves indoors. Theyre too scared to even step out into the streets anymore." This narrative has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. If you see it on Amazon, please report it. Another grim-faced martial artist nodded, his expression hardening. "Yeah, I heard about that too. It seems it was an immortal cultivator behind it. And not only did he defile the girls, but he also tortured them to deathcutting off their breasts and everything. It''s beyond cruel. The guys a monster." The third man, his voice filled with disgust, added, "The city lords mansion was furious. They put out a huge reward and sent a whole group of warriors and detectives to find him, but they ended up with nothing. Its like he vanished into thin air." One of the martial artists leaned in, lowering his voice as if revealing something forbidden. "I heard the immortal cultivators sent by the Qinglin Sect to capture him were always unsuccessful. The guys slippery. He even fled to other cities, changed his face, and went right back to his sick business a few months later." "Yeah," another man muttered, shaking his head, "Its said he has a super disguise techniqueso good that even the sect disciples cant track him down. The guys a ghost. A real nightmare." At this point, one of the men waved his hand dismissively, as if trying to shake off the dark conversation. "Alright, lets stop discussing this. Its making me sick just thinking about it." Jiang Chengs eyes narrowed slightly as he mulled over the disturbing information. It was clear to him that the man in question wasnt some random rogue, but someone who had likely stumbled upon a cultivation cave or some other opportunity. The mention of the disguise technique raised a few red flags. Such a rare technique was not something that a simple cultivator could easily obtain. It was possible that this persons potential had been limited in his cultivation or stuck, causing him to leave the cultivation world and instead go to the mortal world to sow chaos. The more Jiang Cheng thought about it, the more it made sense. The man had a special techniquesomething that could make him nearly untraceableand perhaps other items or skills tucked away. If he had truly found such an inheritance, it was worth pursuing. Jiang Cheng couldnt help but feel excited as his thoughts swirled. If he could get his hands on that disguise technique, he would be like a fish in water, able to slip in and out of places unnoticed, setting him up for many lucrative opportunities. Finishing his drink and meal, Jiang Cheng stood up, his mind already shifting to his next steps. The night had begun to cover the market, and he knew it was time to prepare. Back in his cave, Jiang Cheng immediately made his way to the meditation room. He swallowed a Qi Gathering pill and sat down, focusing his mind as the medicinal effect took hold. Hours passed, and when he finally stood up, he felt the surge of energy going through him. Satisfied, He made his way to his bedroom, ready to rest, but tonight, he had other plans. As he settled into a deep sleep, he entered the dream world, where he would continue his practice of magical spells and techniques. This had become a routine since hed first traveled through time and space. Over the course of his training, he had improved rapidly, mastering his techniques at an astonishing rate. Tonight was special, however. He was on the verge of raising his Eye Technique to the Grandmaster level, and perfecting his Fireball Spell. He was thrilled as he felt the magic take root. "I seem to be a natural genius at practicing magic and spells," he thought with pride. After basking in his moment of self-admiration, he focused on his Grandmaster-level Spirit Eyes technique. With a mental snap, he shattered the dream world and rose from his meditation. It was still the middle of the night, but that didnt concern himcultivators could see just as well in the dark. He quickly activated the spell and, to his astonishment, his vision expanded beyond anything he had ever imagined. He could now see through walls and even dozens of meters underground. And can see traces of energy in around. He marveled at the clarity with which he could detect the faintest of movements. And can Even catch the flow in the Formation although it''s just a low level protection formation but it''s Still a formation and he is not involved in this domain but now he can see something from it, if he wants to destroy it quickly he can do it easily even if he still in the middle stage of Qi refining stage. __ Name : Jiang Cheng Realm : Middle stage Qi refining Spirit roots : pseudo five element spirit roots. Earth, water, fire, Gold, metal. ( Hidden : five Element body) Spells cleaning techniques ( perfection) Cooling Breeze Spell (Mastery) Cooking Spells ( Grandmaster) Illumination Orb ( perfection ) Spirit Sprout Spell ( mastery) Spirit rain technique ( Grandmaster) Earth Shaping Technique ( Proficient) Wood Plank Refinement Spell (Proficient) Wall Reinforcement Art( Proficient) Roof Mending Spell ( Grandmaster) etc.. Martial arts Shield technique ( mastery) Breath-Holding Technique (Grandmaster) Wind Step Technique (perfection ) Water Needle Technique ( mastery) Fireball Technique ( perfection ) Eyes technique (Grandmaster) Mist Veil ( Grandmaster) Inferno Wave ( mastery ) Thunderclap Sword Art ( Grandmaster ) Thirteen way Sword pose ( mastery) First grade middle talisman master Talismans : Soundproofing Talisman Water Blade Talismans, Fireball Talisman, Soundproofing Talisman, Cleansing/Healing Talisman, Protective Talisman or shield talisman. Etc.. __ "Looks like the flower thief''s luck has finally run out," Jiang Cheng mused, his grin growing sinister. "With this Eye technique at Grandmaster level, plus the Breath Suppressing technique to cover my presence, he won''t be able to escape my grasp. Jejejeje." Jiang Cheng couldnt help but laugh aloud, his voice echoing eerily in the stillness of the night. His laughter was so loud and sudden that it would have startled anyone within earshotexcept there was no one to hear it, of course with the formation around No one will hearwill his sinister lough Jiang Cheng looked up at the night sky, a devilish grin spreading across his face. "Flower thief, your belongings are destined for this young master," he chuckled, his voice laced with satisfaction. He imagined the thief''s inevitable downfall, all but certain in his mind. Jiang Cheng, feeling the mental exhaustion from his earlier excitement and planning, decided to return to his bedroom. He stretched his arms, letting out a sigh, and sank into his bed, the soft mattress offering a welcome relief from the tension in his muscles. Despite his mind racing with thoughts of the flower thief, the weariness soon took over. He closed his eyes, the rhythmic pulse of his breathing lulling him into a deep, peaceful sleep. The night was quiet, and Jiang Cheng allowed himself to drift off, his dreams filled with the images of powerful magic and impending victories. Chapter 28_ "preparation before the Hunt" __ As the first light of dawn crept over Puchan Town, Jiang Cheng stirred awake, his body feeling refreshed from the previous nights cultivation. Stretching lazily, he exhaled a breath of spiritual energy before rising from his bed. Casting a cleaning technique on himself and a Cooling Breeze Spell in the room , he prepared a hearty breakfastpan-seared spirit beast meat with a side of steamed spirit grains. The aroma filled the cave, invigorating his senses. Each bite was packed with energy, nourishing both body and mind. Satisfaction in life starts with a full stomach. Once he finished his meal, Jiang Cheng didnt rush out. Instead, he settled into his meditation posture, circulating his spiritual energy and refining his state to perfection. The hours slipped by in quiet focus until he finally opened his eyes, feeling his condition reach its peak. "Alright, time to get to business." He stood up, straightened his robe, and left his cave, heading toward the bustling market. A few breaths later, The streets were already lively with cultivators and merchants setting up their stalls. The scent of incense, roasted spirit beast skewers, and medicinal herbs mixed in the air. Talismans, pills, and magical tools were displayed openly, with buyers haggling over prices. Jiang Cheng paused for a moment, his mind weighing the risks. Since he was heading to the mortal city for his first real hunt, it was only natural to be cautious. Though the flower thief had been eluding capture, there was always a chance he was stronger than expected. Better to be overprepared than underprepared. With that thought, he decided to pay a visit to Qinglin Treasure Pavilion to restock on some crucial supplies. _ Stepping into the familiar treasure pavilion, Jiang Cheng expected to see the quirky Ruan Xue at the counter. Instead, a different girl stood in her place. She glanced at him before offering a polite smile. "Welcome, honored guest. How may I assist you today?" Jiang Cheng blinked in mild surprise. Wheres Ruan Xue? His curiosity got the better of him. "Where is the girl who was usually here?" The shop assistants expression brightened. "Oh, you must mean Senior Sister Ruan Xue. She was recently promotedshe''s now a manager of the shop." Just as Jiang Cheng processed that information, a familiar voice drifted from behind him. "Brother Jiang, long time no see." Ruan Xue appeared silently, like a ghost materializing from the shadows. There was a noticeable change in her presenceher aura had grown significantly stronger. The pressure she gave off was unmistakably that of a late-stage Qi Refining cultivator. Jiang Cheng turned to her with a smile. "Congratulations, fellow Daoist Ruan, on your breakthrough to late-stage Qi Refining." Jiang Cheng was about to respond when Ruan Xue suddenly raised her chin high, her expression filled with haughty arrogance. Her aura surged, spreading across the pavilion like an invisible tide. A moment later, she floated a few meters into the air, her robes fluttering dramatically as if caught in an unseen wind. With a gaze full of pity and disdain, she looked down at Jiang Cheng like an exalted celestial overlooking a mere ant. "Praise me, mortal!" she declared, her voice filled with mock grandeur. "Kowtow before this Empress Ruan and thank me for bestowing my presence upon you! Hmph!" Jiang Cheng blinked. The shop assistant at the counter nearly choked on her own saliva. A few other customers turned to stare, unsure whether to laugh or be concerned. Jiang Cheng rubbed his temples, sighing. "I see success has gotten to your head. One breakthrough and suddenly you think you''re an empress?" Ruan Xue crossed her arms, still floating. "Hmph! You wouldnt understand. This Empress has transcended her past self! From now on, the people of Qinglin Market shall sing songs of my brilliance!" Jiang Cheng speechless . "Ill pay someone five spirit stones to spread rumors about how ridiculous you look right now." Ruan Xue staggered midair, nearly losing her balance. "You! You wouldnt dare!" If you encounter this story on Amazon, note that it''s taken without permission from the author. Report it. Jiang Cheng smirked. "Try me." The shop assistant coughed awkwardly. "Manager Ruan, please come down youre scaring the customers." Ruan Xue huffed but gracefully descended back to the ground, flipping her sleeves dramatically. "Hmph. This Empress will forgive your ignorance this time. Now, what do you want to buy?" Jiang Cheng chuckled. "I need a Spirit armor , preferably a high level Ruan Xue raised an eyebrow. "Oh? Going somewhere dangerous? Dont tell me youre finally going on a grand adventure? A heroic journey? A fateful encounter with a goddess?!" Jiang Cheng''s lips twitched. "Im going to beat up a pervert." She studied Jiang Cheng closely, her eyes narrowing with a knowing gleam. "Wait, are you talking about that monk who''s been wreaking havoc in the Mortal Country? The one whos been using his cultivation to make trouble with cultivators and mortals alike? Hes been a thorn in the side of a lot of people in the area, especially with his constant escapes." " that right do you know something about it fellow Daoist " Ruan Xue blinked, then grinned mischievously. " This Empress will give you a piece of information about that pervert" Ruan Xue leaned in slightly, her voice low but filled with intrigue. Hes not just some lowly criminal. The Qinglin Sect sent people after him multiple times, but he keeps slipping away. The guy is a peak Sixth Level Qi Refining cultivator, and his specialty is escape techniques. If you want to take him down, youll have to ambush him when he least expects it. Jiang Cheng felt his eyelid twitch. Peak Sixth Level? He had assumed this so-called flower thief was nothing more than an opportunistic rata coward running from stronger cultivators. But this? This was different. Jiang Cheng stroked his chin, his mind rapidly calculating. So he''s slightly stronger than me and has a lot of tricks up his sleeve. A difficult opponent. Jiang Chengs determination wavered for a moment. Should he really go through with this? What if this pervert turned out to be stronger than expected? What if he had some trump card that allowed him to turn the tables? He could already imagine the scenehim getting overpowered, tied up, and the next thing he knew, his belongings would be stolen instead. His hard-earned talismans, his spirit stones, his dignitygone. Jiang Cheng shuddered. Ruan Xue watched him with an amused expression. Whats wrong, Brother Jiang? Youre not getting cold feet, are you? Jiang Cheng snapped back to reality, his face calm. Hmph. Of course not. Ruan Xue smirked. Oh? Your expression just now looked like you were seriously reconsidering your life choices. Jiang Cheng scoffed. Nonsense. I was merely formulating a strategy. Ruan Xue rested her chin on her hand, giving him a teasing look. Oh, really? Then tell me, great strategist, whats your plan? Jiang Cheng opened his mouth Then closed it. He had no plan. Yet. Ruan Xue burst into laughter. Hahaha! So you really are hesitating! Jiang Cheng gritted his teeth. Im just being cautious. Unlike some people, I dont rush into things without a proper plan. Ruan Xue grinned. Oh? So youre not an impulsive hothead who likes to take risks? Jiang Cheng: He suddenly had the urge to seal her mouth with a talisman. Taking a deep breath, Jiang Cheng straightened up, his gaze turning sharp. Fine. Ill go. But first, I need to make some extra preparations. Ruan Xue clapped her hands in delight. Thats the spirit! Now, lets talk business. Since I just gave you valuable information, naturally, theres a fee. Jiang Chengs expression darkened. I shouldve known. Relax, Ill give you a discount! Only fifteen spirit stones for this priceless intelligence~ Ruan Xue, do you think my money falls from the sky? She giggled. If it did, Id set up a formation and collect it all~ Jiang Cheng massaged his temples. Why do I keep coming to this place? Ruan Xue thought for a moment before saying, "Since you''re one of my few friends, and you''re heading into a serious hunt, youll need armor that suits you. Ill be magnanimous and recommend this piece to you." She stood up, and Jiang Cheng followed her to the weaponry section. She gestured toward a cloak. "This is the Phantom Shadow Cloak, made from Nightshade Spider Silk and Shadow Essence. It''s weak in direct combat but excels against detection techniques. It can conceal your aura and presence, making ambushes much easier." Jiang Chengs eyes lit up. This cloak was practically made for him. He reached out, brushing his fingers against the fabric. It was impossibly light, yet there was an eerie sensationlike his hand was slipping through a shadow. Ruan Xue smirked. See? Even the cloak recognizes you as one of its own. Its practically begging to be yours. Jiang Cheng ignored her teasing, his gaze fixed on the craftsmanship. The dark silk shimmered faintly, absorbing light rather than reflecting it. The Shadow Essence woven into it pulsed with a barely perceptible Qi fluctuation, making the cloak feel as if it existed half a step outside reality. This is perfect, he muttered, already picturing how hed use it. With his Breath-Holding Technique, this cloak would make him nearly undetectable. The pervert wouldnt even realize he was being hunted until it was too late. How much? Jiang Cheng asked, trying to keep his excitement in check. Ruan Xue tapped her chin, pretending to think. Hmm since this Empress is in a good mood today, Ill give you a discount. 950 spirit stones. Jiang Chengs mouth twitched. Ruan Xue, are you robbing me? She crossed her arms, looking smug. Oh? You think thats expensive? This is a treasure that even Qi Refining late-stage cultivators would kill for! With your sneaky nature, this cloak is practically an investment! Jiang Cheng sighed. He had money, but he hated spending it. Still, he couldnt deny that this cloak was the perfect tool for his mission. After a moment of internal struggle, he reluctantly handed over the spirit stones. Ruan Xue grinned as she took the payment. A wise choice, Brother Jiang! May your enemies never see you coming until its too late. Jiang Cheng draped the cloak over his shoulders, and instantly, his presence seemed to fade. Even standing right in front of her, Ruan Xue had to focus her spiritual sense to track him properly. She whistled. Not bad. You look even more like a villain now. Jiang Cheng cursed inwardly, resisting the urge to snap at her. He quickly turned and left, trying to avoid any unnecessary conflict. Behind him, he could hear her laughter echoing through the pavilion, but he refused to turn around. Ruan Xue sigh " Well, have a safe journey brother Jiang" The Girl behind her was curious " who is that brother, senior sister Xue?" Ruan Xue smile a little " he is an interesting person" __ Once outside, Jiang Cheng made his way to the stall area, scanning the various vendors. He wandered through the bustling market until he spotted the monk who had sold him poison the previous time. He quickly approached him, a sense of purpose in his step. "Fellow Taoist," Jiang Cheng greeted. "Do you have any poison that can take down a high-level cultivator if it strikes them?" The monk looked up from his stall, his expression calm as always, though his eyes sharpened slightly at the mention of poison. He scratched his chin thoughtfully before replying, "Ah, I see you''re not looking for the usual stuff. You''re in need of something... potent." He reached beneath his stall and pulled out a small, intricately carved wooden box. With a careful hand, he opened it, revealing several vials containing a thick, dark liquid that shimmered ominously. "This," he said, his voice lowering, "is the Soul-Devouring Venom. Its not just for weaklings. This poison is crafted to penetrate even the strongest cultivators'' defenses if it hits the bloodstream. Its especially effective against those in the late stages of Qi Refining or higher." Jiang Chengs eyes gleamed as he inspected the vials. The liquid seemed to ripple with a faint, ethereal glow. He could feel the faintest pressure emanating from it, as if the poison itself were alive, waiting to strike. He frowned slightly, considering the risks. "How much for one vial?" he asked, his voice steady. The monk gave a small, calculating smile. "For you, fellow Daoist... two hundred spirit stones per vial. But be warned, this poison is not something to use lightly. If its not handled carefully, it could be just as deadly to the user as the target." He exhaled slowly, eyes narrowing. Two hundred spirit stones... for each vial. His thoughts raced. The price was steep, but if the poison worked as promised, it could give him an edge over his much stronger opponent. Still, the risks were high. What if it backfired? What if it got into his own bloodstream somehowwhat would be the point of all this preparation if he ended up poisoning himself in the process? The monk, seemingly reading the hesitation in his expression, gave a slight chuckle. You seem like a cautious one, fellow Daoist. Trust me, the price is well worth it if you know what you''re doing." Jiang Chengs gaze shifted from the vials to the monks calculating smile. His fingers twitched, the weight of the decision pressing down on him. Ive come this far. I cant afford to be cautious now. But Ill need to be careful. He reached into his pouch, fingers brushing against the cold spirit stones. The faintest flicker of doubt passed through his mind, but he steeled himself. Ill take two, he said, his voice steady. As the monk handed over the vials, Jiang Cheng couldnt shake the feeling that the true test would come the moment he actually used them. But for now, there was no turning back. The monk raised an eyebrow but didnt protest. He handed over the vials with a knowing smile. "Very well, fellow Daoist. May your hunt be successfuland may your enemies fall swiftly." With the vials secured, Jiang Cheng gave a brief nod and turned to leave. He was now better equipped for the dangerous hunt ahead. The anticipation of the chase, mixed with the thrill of having such potent tools at his disposal, sent a rush of excitement through him. His eyes burned with determination. The flower thief wouldnt know what hit him. Chapter 29_ " on the way" __ Jiang Cheng bought everything he could think of, such as armor, pills for restoring spiritual energy, The Qi recovering Elixir, along with his various Talismanes plus the two Thounder talisman that He still have from before. As he was walking, he spotted a mortal vendor selling mundane items. Among the goods were clothes, gold, and silver, which could be exchanged for spiritual stones at a rate of one spirit stone for ten gold bars. After thinking for a moment, he decided to approach the vendor. He exchanged ten spiritual stones for gold and silver, then purchased a set of simple martial arts clothes. Once his business was concluded, he made his way out of the town. The moment he stepped beyond the protective formation that covered the market, he felt the spiritual energy plummet. Though it made him feel somewhat uncomfortable, the sensation was bearable. He quickly adapted and performed the perfected Wind Step Technique, propelling himself forward at incredible speed. He swept across countless miles in just a few minutes. "The perfection of this technique is truly remarkable," Jiang Cheng thought smugly to himself. "It consumes so little spiritual energy, and the results are incredible. Even if a peak Qi Refining stage monk were to chase me, they''d never catch up." As he zipped through the terrain, the landscape unfolded before himlush rivers, tranquil lakes, towering mountains, and the occasional low-level monster appearing in the distance. Each scene felt like a painting, vibrant and alive. "What an amazing view," Jiang Cheng murmured, his thoughts drifting for a moment as he marveled at the world around him. He couldnt help but feel a sense of awe at the raw beauty of nature. His journey, though fraught with danger, also held moments of wonder that reminded him why he sought power in the first place. After a few hours, as Jiang Cheng neared the border between the world of cultivating immortals and the secular realm, he decided to put away his magic power. He subtly circulated his blood, activating the power within him, and then dressed himself as a warrior. With this simple yet effective disguise, he was ready to enter the secular world. In the mortal realm, warriors were a common sight in many cities. The flower thief had likely been hiding out in Yanzhou City for some time, and Jiang Cheng knew he would need to be cautiousstrangers, especially those with unusual appearances, would quickly draw attention. If he dressed up as a weak scholar, a strange scholar, he would be the most likely to arouse suspicion from others. It was normal for a martial artist who traveled far and wide. Moreover, in the eyes of a cultivator in the middle stage of Qi Refining, a martial artist was nothing at all. Even if he was in the innate realm, he could not withstand the powerful power of magic. With his disguise in place, Jiang Cheng activated the light body technique that came with his Bloodforge Body Art, moving swiftly along the path. As he continued on his way, he encountered a group of bandits lying in wait, hoping to ambush any travelers passing by. The moment they spotted him, they moved in for the attack, thinking he was an easy target. The bandit leader, a burly man with a scar across his face, stepped forward and swung a large sword menacingly. "Hand over your valuables, stranger," he growled, "or you wont live to see another day." Jiang Chengs expression remained cold and unflinching. Without a word, he closed the distance in an instant. The bandit leader barely had time to register what was happening before Jiang Chengs fist struck with brutal force, slamming into his chest with such power that the mans ribs cracked like dry wood. This story has been stolen from Royal Road. If you read it on Amazon, please report it The force of the blow sent the leader flying backward, his body hitting the ground with a sickening thud. His sword clattered uselessly to the side as he gasped for breath, blood spilling from his mouth. The life drained from his eyes almost immediately, his final moments filled with nothing but the weight of Jiang Chengs lethal precision. Without even pausing to look back, Jiang Cheng turned to the other bandits, his cold gaze locking onto them. They could already feel the terror seeping into their bones. Jiang Cheng moved swiftly, methodically. The remaining bandits, stunned by the brutal demise of their leader, hesitated for a moment. But hesitation was their fatal mistake. Without a second thought, Jiang Cheng surged forward, his movements fluid and precise. One by one, he struck them down, his strikes like lightning. His fist crushed skulls, his palm shattered spines, and his kicks sent bodies flying, broken beyond recognition. They had no time to react, no chance to fight back. The last bandit, trembling with fear, attempted to draw a blade, but Jiang Cheng closed the distance before he could even raise it. With a single, efficient motion, Jiang Cheng snapped the mans neck with his bare hands, silencing any last cry for mercy. Once the bloodshed was over, Jiang Cheng surveyed the scene. The once-vibrant forest was now eerily silent, save for the faint rustling of leaves. The bandits corpses lay in grotesque piles, their lives snuffed out in an instant. Although Jiang Cheng feel a little uncomfortable, but the world was like this and he have to get used to it, he forced himself to look directly at the result of his actions and finally he feel relieved. "This is the evil cause they planted with their deeds, leading them to their effectdeath at my hands," Jiang Cheng muttered coldly, his expression hardening as he looked over the carnage. "No hard feelings. Even if it wasnt me, someone else wouldve come. They were destined to die." The cause of their violent livestheir choices to prey on the weakhad now led to this irreversible effect: their annihilation. To Jiang Cheng, it was a harsh but simple truth. With a cold, unfeeling gaze, Jiang Cheng waved his hand, using his spiritual energy to burn the bodies to ash, erasing any trace of their existence. There was no need to leave evidence behind. Jiang Cheng wiped the blood from his hands expressionless, The world was brutal, and so was he. There was no need for remorse, no room for hesitation. "Those who kill will always be killed," he muttered under his breath, the weight of his words settling in his chest. With a final glance at the remnants of the bandits, he turned and continued on his way, the unease now replaced by an unwavering focus on the path ahead. To avoid drawing attention to his true identity as a cultivator and to conserve his spiritual energy, Jiang Cheng slowed his pace, blending in with the mundane world around him. As he was still a day away from Yanzhou City, he noticed a caravan heading toward Yanzhou City. Seeing an opportunity to blend in, he quietly used some of his tricks to sneak aboard the caravan, which had a number of martial artists accompanying it. The journey was not without its dangers. Along the way, the caravan was ambushed by bandits, but Jiang Cheng remained calm. He did not use any of his cultivation techniques, instead relying solely on his Qi and blood to fight off the attackers. Despite the threats, his true strength remained hidden as he fought alongside the martial artists, presenting himself as nothing more than another skilled warrior. The caravan reached its destination safely, with Jiang Cheng''s presence still concealed under the guise of a simple martial artist. One day later, the caravan successfully arrived at Yanzhou City, the bustling metropolis where traders and travelers alike gathered. The caravan leader paid the warriors who had accompanied them, and Jiang Cheng , along with the others, received his duea generous ten taels of silver. For an ordinary civilian in the secular world, that amount could sustain them for several years, making it a small fortune in their hands. As Jiang Cheng pocketed the silver, a middle-aged warrior from the group patted him hard on the shoulder, his grin wide and mischievous. "Old Zhang, that was a thrilling journey, wasn''t it? You saved me back there. How about we head to the land of flowers and moons now, have a good time and blow off some steam?" The middle-aged warrior''s eyes glinted with excitement as he spoke, clearly eager for some indulgence after the dangerous journey. His tone was lighthearted, as if the violent confrontations along the way were nothing more than a minor inconvenience in the face of the rewards waiting for them in the city. When Jiang Cheng joined the caravan, he gave himself a very ordinary name: Zhang Yunsong. He dared not use his real nametoo much risk. Who knew if the flower thief had heard of it, or if someone recognized him as the original owner of this body? He couldnt afford such a failure. His every move had to be calculated, his identity buried beneath layers of caution. "Brother Wang, you go ahead. I want to find an inn to rest. This journey has left me exhausted," Jiang Cheng said, shaking his head in refusal. The middle-aged warrior, Wang, looked disappointed but shrugged. "Well, suit yourself. Im heading to the Flower Moon Land. Youre missing out," he said with a wink before walking off into the crowd of bustling streets. Jiang Cheng didnt mind. He had his own mission. Based on the intel hed gathered, the flower thiefs targets werent the courtesans and prostitutes in the Flower Moon Land. No, the thief sought girls from respectable families. It made sense; a man who thrived on thrill and excitement wouldnt settle for easy prey. The rich, the innocentthose were the true prizes. Jiang Cheng couldnt afford to waste time on frivolous distractions. His priority now was to gather intelligence, figure out the flower thiefs next moves, and pinpoint the range of his attacks. After a moment, he sighed, making his way toward a nearby inn to rest. Once settled, he asked the innkeeper for directions to the busiest restaurant in town. It was time to hear the latest gossip, to find the patterns in the citys rhythm. He couldnt afford to miss a single piece of crucial information. This restaurant wasnt the most luxurious in Yanzhou City, but it was known for its affordability and the quality of its food and wine. Its reputation had spread far and wide, drawing in a mix of warriors, merchants, and civilians alike. The atmosphere was always lively, filled with chatter and the clinking of mugs and plates. For Jiang Cheng, this was the perfect place to blend in and gather information. In a setting like this, rumors flowed freely, and the noise of the crowd would drown out any suspicion. Warriors whod been on the road for days, civilians with a thirst for gossip, and merchants keen to stay informedeveryone in here had something to say. As Jiang Cheng sat down at a quiet corner table, he ordered some food and settled in, his ears sharp for any conversation that might provide a clue about the flower thief or other matters of interest. He knew that in places like this, even the most casual exchanges could lead to vital pieces of information. His patience was keyhe didnt need to rush, just listen carefully. Chapter 30_ " Investigation" ___ Jiang Cheng carried a long sword, which was also the standard for warriors. He did not choose a more elegant and handsome sword, because most of the immortal cultivators mainly used swords. They played with magic swords in the Qi Refining period and played with flying swords in the Foundation Building period. The highlight was the word "handsome". He was no exception. Though he had no use for a magic sword in the Qi Refining stage, he knew that once he reached Foundation Establishment, he would undoubtedly cultivate the art of sword control and claim a flying sword of his own. But now, in the secular world, he needed to remain inconspicuous. Carrying an eye-catching sword could easily attract unwanted attention, particularly from the flower thief. If the Bastard was as cunning as the rumors suggested, he would be watching for anomalieswarriors who didnt quite fit, people whose presence raised silent questions. After arriving at the restaurant called Xiang Ju, Jiang Cheng quickly realized that the waiters recommendation was accurateit was indeed a lively place. The restaurant had everything a traveler might need, including a stable for horses and even a service to watch over their goods. This was a common stop for warriors, merchants, and all manner of wanderers. Jiang Cheng walked in slowly, his long sword hanging at his waist. His face, along with the exposed parts of his skin, had been carefully altered to give the appearance of a man who had spent years on the roadweathered, unremarkable, just another traveler passing through. As he stepped inside, no one paid him any special attention. To the patrons, he was just another martial artist, one of many who came and went through Yanzhou City. However, as a cultivator, Jiang Chengs senses were far sharper than an ordinary warriors. Almost immediately, he noticed a pair of eyes locked onto him. He didnt react. He didnt turn his head. To be a warrior was to be accustomed to the gaze of strangerssome sizing you up for a fight, others merely curious. A man too wary would only raise suspicion. To deceive a fox, one had to be flawless. Jiang Cheng couldn''t afford to leave any loose ends. If he was going to play the role of a simple martial artist, he had to embody it completely, without a single crack in the facade. Jiang Cheng understood the unspoken hierarchy that existed between cultivators and mortals. Many cultivators, even those barely stronger than common warriors, carried a sense of superiority, looking down on those who relied on mere muscle and steel. Some rogue cultivators in Yanzhou City even went so far as to bully martial artists, seeing them as nothing more than ants beneath their feet. But Jiang Cheng showed none of that arrogance. He carried himself as an ordinary man, blending seamlessly into the atmosphere of the bustling restaurant. As he looked around, he even licked his dry lips at the sight of food being served, just like any hungry traveler would. Just then, a waiter approached with a polite but apologetic expression. "Sir, youre just in time, but unfortunately, all our tables are occupied. Would you mind sharing a table with other guests?" "Of course," Jiang Cheng replied with a nod. The waiter quickly led him to a table by the window, where two warriors were already seated. Jiang Cheng clasped his fists in greeting and bowed slightly. "Sorry to bother you." The square-faced warrior among them smiled warmly and waved his hand. "No need for formalities, brother. Have a seat." The other warrior, however, remained silent, his expression cold as he focused on his meal. Not minding the indifference, Jiang Cheng settled down and turned to the waiter beside him. "Hey, I heard from the waiter at the inn that your restaurant is affordable and delicious. Let''s have a few signature dishes and a pot of wine." Jiang Cheng said to the waiter beside him. The waiter nodded enthusiastically and hurried off to place the order, leaving Jiang Cheng to settle into his surroundings. Jiang Cheng lifted the wine pot and poured himself a generous glass, then raised it in a respectful gesture toward the two warriors at the table. "You two, please," he said, his voice smooth. Without hesitation, he drank the entire glass in one go, the liquid burning slightly as it went down. Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon. The square-faced warrior raised his glass in return, grinning. "Brother Zhang, you have a good tolerance for alcohol. But I must say, you seem a bit unfamiliar. I don''t recall seeing you in Yanzhou City before." After finishing his drink, the warrior''s gaze lingered on Jiang Cheng, his curiosity evident. Jiang Cheng calmly met the mans gaze, his mind already processing the situation. As the warrior spoke, he noticed the eyes of others around the room subtly turn his way, some seemingly more interested than others. One pair of eyes, in particular, had been focused on him since he walked inthe same pair he had sensed earlier when entering. They were only two tables away, watching him carefully. Without missing a beat, Jiang Cheng leaned back slightly, a casual air about him. "Ive been taking missions in Kaozhou City and Xisha City," he explained, his voice steady. "The environment there wasnt ideal, so I decided to come to Yanzhou City. Its closer to the Immortal World, and I thought maybe I could earn some spirit stones here." The square-faced warrior nodded, seemingly satisfied with the answer, though his eyes remained watchful. "I see. Yanzhou City is indeed the place for opportunities." He gave a short laugh. "And those spirit stones are hard to come by these days. Youll need to be resourceful to earn them." Jiang Cheng smiled slightly, taking another sip of his wine, his senses alert to the subtle shifts in the room. Jiang Cheng had done his homework before arriving in Yanzhou City. While traveling, he made sure to memorize details about the cities under Qinglin Sects jurisdiction, including famous restaurants, entertainment districts, and other places frequented by warriors. Information was a weapon, and in his line of work, it was best to be well-armed. The square-faced warrior chuckled as he observed Jiang Chengs rough, sun-worn features. "Indeed, Xisha City is close to the desert. Just look at Brother Zhangs faceits cracked from the sun." His tone was friendly, but there was a sharpness in his gaze, as if he were still evaluating Jiang Cheng. Before Jiang Cheng could respond, another voice chimed in from across two tables. A fair-skinned man, dressed in rather elegant warrior robes, smiled and said, "Oh? Brother Zhang is from Kaozhou City? I heard there''s a courtesan there who plays the zither beautifully. What was her name again?" Jiang Cheng feigned a look of surprise, then shook his head with a sigh. "Ah, you must be talking about Xiangqin. Shes famous for her zither skills. As beautiful as a fairy, they say. But its a pityshe only sells her art, not her body. No one can get close to her." His expression was filled with just the right amount of regret, perfectly mimicking the disappointment of a wandering martial artist who had once hoped for a romantic encounter. The fair-skinned man laughed and nodded knowingly. "Yes, thats the one! Its a shame, but that only makes her more mysterious, doesnt it?" As soon as the topic of courtesans and beautiful women was brought up, the restaurants atmosphere became even livelier. Warriors, merchants, and travelers all joined in the conversation, sharing tales of enchanting courtesans, elegant dancers, and flirtatious widows they had encountered in their travels. Jiang Cheng subtly observed the fair-skinned man as he took another sip of his wine. The moment the warriors started talking about the wealthy businessman Liu and his beautiful daughter, the man''s expression shiftedhis eyes gleamed with sudden interest, and he leaned in ever so slightly, as if to catch every word. Got you. Jiang Cheng kept his face neutral, pretending to be amused by the crude jokes around him. But inwardly, he was already piecing things together. The flower thief targeted girls from good families, not courtesans or brothel women. If this fair-skinned man was connected to the thiefor was the thief himselfthen this sudden interest in Lius daughter was a strong lead. One of the warriors smirked and added, "Heh, these noble ladies act all high and mighty, but who knows what they really think behind closed doors?" His comment was met with laughter and knowing looks from some of the men at the table. Jiang Cheng, however, paid more attention to the fair-skinned mans reaction. The man didn''t join in the laughter. Instead, he swirled his cup of wine thoughtfully, a faint smirk on his lips. It wasnt the crude amusement of the other warriorsit was more calculating, as if he were already making plans. Jiang Cheng made a mental note. This guy is suspicious. Now, he needed to keep the conversation going without drawing too much attention to himself. Casually, he leaned forward and asked, "This businessman Liuwhat''s his background? Moving into Yanzhou City isnt easy for a wealthy merchant." The warrior who had first mentioned him chuckled. "Oh, he made his fortune in salt trade. Moved here a month ago, bought a big courtyard in the western district. They say he dotes on his daughter like a pearl in his palmguards everywhere, doesnt let her step outside much." Jiang Cheng nodded, feigning only mild interest, but from the corner of his eye, he saw the fair-skinned man smirk again. Interesting. So youre interested in the daughter of a wealthy man who keeps her well-guarded? That makes you even more suspicious. Jiang Cheng didnt react. He simply poured himself another drink and waited, letting the conversation flow, knowing that the more they talked, the closer hed get to the truth. "Hey, have you heard? Recently, it seems that several girls in Yanzhou City have been defiled by flower thieves, causing the girls in Yanzhou City to dare not come out." "The immortal cultivator sent by Qinglin Sect to our Yanzhou City as the garrison immortal master seems to have been dispatched, but he was not captured." "I heard that he fled here from other cities, and the garrison immortal master seems to have reported it to Qinglin Sect. Maybe after a while, other immortal cultivators will come to capture him." "Okay, let''s stop discussing this. Maybe the flower thief is hiding among us. If we offend an immortal cultivator, our lives will be in danger." An older warrior waved his hand and said, and everyone immediately became afraid. They stopped talking and started drinking. After drinking enough, some people left the restaurant, including the fair-skinned man. Jiang Cheng had no intention of following him. This guy was too obvious. He was not the flower thief he was looking for. Instead, he seemed to be deliberately released as fish food to lure the immortal cultivators of Qinglin Sect. If analyzed in this way, this person must have a certain relationship with the flower thief. At the same time, the news that the daughter of the rich businessman surnamed Liu was beautiful and pure seemed to have been deliberately spread by the warrior. It should be a strategy of Yanzhou City. The situation seemed a bit chaotic. While drinking, Jiang Cheng thought about it and decided on the subsequent action plan. According to the logic of ordinary flower thieves, there must be an ambush on the side of the rich businessman surnamed Liu, so it was a good time to harm other girls. However, for a cultivator of immortal cultivation in the middle stage of Qi Refining, he would definitely go to any place that stimulated him, so he thought that the battle would definitely take place on the side of the rich businessman surnamed Liu. The warrior who revealed the news about the rich businessman''s daughter did not take the initiative to say where he lived. When someone asked, he just smiled, drank for a while, and left the restaurant. Chapter 31_"Shadows in the Night" __ At this time, Jiang Cheng saw several curious drinkers. After the warrior stood up, they also stood up, as if they wanted to follow quietly. One of them happened to pass by his table. He flicked his fingers lightly, continued to drink, and inadvertently snapped his fingers toward the window. Once the group had left the restaurant, Jiang Cheng finished his meal at a leisurely pace before making his way back to the inn. At noon, he set his plan into motion. He spent some time capturing several common birds, selecting the most intelligent among them. Then, with careful precision, he placed low-level control talismans on themsmall, unassuming seals that subtly influenced their instincts without producing any spiritual fluctuations. After all, in the mortal world, any technique carrying the slightest hint of spiritual power could attract unwanted attention. Jiang Cheng tested the effectiveness of the talismans by issuing simple commands. The birds responded well, circling above and following his silent directions. Satisfied, he released them to gather intelligence across the city, using their natural presence to scout without raising suspicion. For the rest of the day, he stayed in the inn, drinking tea by the window and occasionally closing his eyes to meditate. He remained patient, waiting for nightfall. Late at night, Jiang Cheng made his move. Dressed in dark, unassuming robes, he activated the Breath Containment Technique, erasing any trace of his presence. Then, pulling the Phantom Shadow Cloak over his shoulders, he blended seamlessly into the shadows. To ordinary eyes, he was nothing more than a whisper in the wind. Above, several of his controlled birds circled lazily in the sky, guiding him toward his destinationthe residence of the wealthy businessman Liu. As he moved through the silent streets, he remained hyper-aware of his surroundings. In a city like Yanzhou, where warriors and rogue cultivators mingled freely, it was best to assume that danger lurked in every shadow. __ Jiang Cheng quietly observed the surroundings, his sharp senses picking up on several faint presences hidden in the darkness. Among them were the steady breaths of warriors lying in waitbut more importantly, he detected three weak traces of spiritual power. Though subtle, these fluctuations carried the distinct signature of the Breath Containment Technique. To ordinary cultivators, they would have been nearly undetectable, blending seamlessly into the night. But to Jiang Cheng, at the sixth level of Qi Refining, such tricks were as obvious as candlelight in the dark. A faint smile tugged at his lips. As expected, this was a trap. The mayor of Yanzhou City must have lost patience waiting for the Qinglin Sects appointed cultivator and had instead taken matters into his own hands. Hiring independent cultivators wasnt cheapit must have cost him a small fortune. Among the three spiritual traces, one likely belonged to the garrison immortal master, the official Qinglin Sect cultivator assigned to the city. The other two? Perhaps hired rogue cultivators, mercenaries with just enough ability to make them useful in this operation. Jiang Chengs eyes narrowed slightly. The situation was becoming more interesting. This wasnt just a random hunt for the flower thief. Someone had orchestrated this trap carefullyperhaps even baiting the true target into action. Based on what he knew about the garrison immortal masters stationed in mortal cities by the Qinglin Sect, the requirements were straightforward. A minimum cultivation level of the fifth level of Qi Refining. - A stationing period ranging from one to three years. - A starting merit reward of one thousand points, increasing with longer service. - Regular distribution of elixirs as compensation. However, the tradeoff was severea stationed immortal master had little time to cultivate properly, relying almost entirely on elixirs to maintain their progress. Jiang Cheng found this arrangement reasonable. After all, in the event of a crisis be it a rogue cultivator incident or the emergence of a spiritual disciplethe garrison immortal masters primary duty was to send an emergency transmission talisman or a jade slip to the sect as quickly as possible. Their role was not to fight but to serve as the citys direct link to Qinglin Sect. Given Yanzhou Citys proximity to the sect, the cultivation requirements for its stationed immortal master were likely on the lower end. If the flower thief had been difficult to catch, it could mean one of two things - The garrison immortal master was weak, unable to handle even a Qi Refining cultivator with some stealth abilities. Of course, it was also possible that he was afraid of death and was dawdling. You might be reading a pirated copy. Look for the official release to support the author. Generally, the disciples who chose to stay in the mortal world either had poor qualifications and it was dangerous to complete other tasks, or they wanted to earn more merit points and prepare for long-term retreat and cultivation. The primary advantage of this assignment was safety. In the mortal world, an immortal cultivator at the mid-stage of Qi Refining was nearly unstoppable. There was little to no real danger. If a threat did arise, they could simply retreat into defensive formations and wait for the sects reinforcements. This meant that while these stationed disciples might not be ambitious or powerful, they were rarely in true peril. The flower thiefs continued escape wasnt a reflection of his strengthit was more likely due to the garrison immortal masters reluctance to act. Jiang Cheng hid in a big tree not far away, his whole body seemed to merge with the night, and no one noticed his movements. However, nothing happened that night, but instead, news of a decent woman being defiled spread from other parts of Yanzhou City. Upon hearing the news, Jiang Cheng did not lose his footing and continued to squat here at the wealthy businessman surnamed Liu. The aura and spiritual power fluctuations of the surrounding warriors did not change either, as if they also saw through that this was a feint to the east and attack to the west by the flower thief, deliberately attracting attention. Then, on the third night, a figure darted toward the estate of the wealthy businessman Liu, the faintest of spiritual ripples marking their presence. Jiang Chengs eyes sharpened. The figures aura was weak, almost insignificant, suggesting they were trying to conceal themselves. The thiefs movements were cautious, but deliberate, and Jiang Cheng could sense they were being watched from all directions. As expected, the figure was soon spotted. A flurry of activity erupted as a few of the nearby warriors rushed toward the estate, but their efforts to catch the intruder were in vain. Two powerful spiritual auras remained rooted in their positions, watching carefully but making no move to intervene. After a moment, a new figure crept into the estate, even more elusive than the last. The spiritual fluctuations in the area shifted dramaticallywhat had been weak, almost imperceptible waves suddenly intensified, surging toward the figure with alarming speed. The intruder, sensing the threat, exhibited a sudden surge of spiritual power, and fled in a frantic, desperate escape. Jiang Chengs senses locked onto the scene. The three warriors, cultivators from Qingshi City, were clearly at the fifth level of Qi Refining. The fleeing figure, too, was likely of the same leveleither at the fifth or sixth levelmatching the missions intelligence. However, Jiang Cheng remained unmoving, watching the events unfold with measured calm. Despite the apparent display of power from the fleeing figure, something didnt add up. He could sense itthe spiritual fluctuations coming from the figure werent consistent. They flickered erratically, as though the figures cultivation was fluctuating, like a flickering candle in the wind. Some of the energy felt real, while other parts were hazy and feigned. Jiang Chengs lips tightened in thought. This wasnt what it appeared to be. At that moment, only two or three warriors remained stationed at the door of the Liu family estate. The rest had taken off in pursuit of the mysterious figure. A shadowed figure silently slipped into the estate, so subtly blending with the night that Jiang Cheng almost missed it entirely. If he hadnt been so focused, the intruder would have passed by unnoticed. Jiang Cheng, however, remained still, his gaze sharp. From the information he had gathered, the flower thief had a twisted habitbefore leaving any city, he would abduct a woman of high standing, torment and degrade her, then discard her lifeless body to provoke the city, leaving chaos in his wake. Jiang Cheng''s eyes narrowed. This was likely the final act before the thief departed from Yanzhou City. After such an audacious move, he wouldnt be able to stay in the city much longer. Moments later, the figure emerged from the Liu estate, a sack slung over his back, disappearing into the darkness, heading towards the outskirts of Yanzhou City. At this moment, the two immortal cultivators who had gone to chase him also rushed back. The figure that seemed real or fake was probably not real, but was just a trick to lure the tiger away from the mountain. Jiang Chengs lips curled into a faint smile. A clever trick, but he had already anticipated it. With deliberate calm, he activated his Wind Step Technique, the soft breeze of his movements barely disturbing the air as he quietly followed the man, maintaining a careful distance. During this eight months since he traveled trough time here , Jiang Cheng had devoted some of his time to perfecting the Wind Step Technique, which allowed him to move with almost no sound or disturbance to the air. It was difficult to master, but when perfected, it would make him nearly invisible to anyone nearby. Combined with the Breath Containment Technique, which suppressed his spiritual presence to the point of blending him into his surroundings, Jiang Cheng could move like a shadow through the night." With the hidden effect of the Phantom Shadow Cloak his perfection is equivalent to nothing, so when he used the wind energy in his body, there would be no fluctuations. In this way, Jiang Cheng followed the figure all the way to the forest outside Yanzhou City. He hid in the bushes and brought the effect of the Great Perfection Breath Containment Technique to the extreme. There was a piece of rock here, and there was no clue. At this time, the man with fair skin had already fled here. Jiang Chengs eyes narrowed as he observed the man. The flower thief had begun an unusual gesture. He placed a hand on his body, and with a swift motion, he transformed into a thin paper figure, which he carefully folded and placed into his storage bag. Jiang Cheng couldnt hide the surprise on his face. Even with his sixth-level Qi Refining senses, he could still detect a faint trace of life within the paper figure. How could something that looked so artificial still carry the breath of a living person? "Heh, a bunch of idiots, trying to catch me." The flower thief sneered. At this time, the sack suddenly moved twice, and the person inside seemed to wake up and was struggling. He gently stroked the sack, his expression contorting into something disturbingly sick. His smile was not one of joy, but of someone who reveled in the suffering of others, as though each moment of torment brought him closer to an inexplicable, perverse satisfaction. The way his hands lingered on the sack spoke not of urgency, but of deep, obsessive pleasurean act far darker than mere cruelty." His eyes flickered with obsessive delight, and there was a momentary flicker of madness in his gaze, as though his very sanity was slipping away with each touch. It was as if the act of handling the sackthis tangible symbol of his twisted desireswas infinitely more satisfying than the act of capturing or torturing the woman within. and his nose lay on it and sniffed it hard for a few times. "The fragrance of virginity is really intoxicating. Girl, don''t worry, I will definitely let you enjoy real happiness." After saying that, the flower thief picked up the sack and flicked his finger. A hole appeared in the rock in front of him. After he entered, the hole disappeared. Chapter 32_ Enlightened Pervert ... The flower thief, carrying his sack, flicked his finger nonchalantly. A subtle crack appeared in the rock before him, and he slipped through the opening with ease. As he passed, the hole sealed up instantly, leaving no trace of his passage. Jiang Cheng remained still in the bushes, observing intently, every muscle tense. He didnt move a single inch, his breathing controlled. Moments later, the flower thief reappeared at the rock''s edge. His sharp gaze swept the area, scanning the surroundings as if sensing something. A smirk twisted his lips, and he muttered to himself, "It seems no one''s following. Time to enjoy myself." At that moment, Jiang Cheng caught a clearer glimpse of the thief. His features were shrouded in disarraywild, unkempt hair and a greasy demeanor. There was an unmistakable air of perversion about him, a stark contrast to the discipline Jiang Cheng had come to respect in true cultivators. When the thief seemed satisfied there was no danger of pursuit, he disappeared once more into the cave, vanishing into the rock. Jiang Cheng waited, hidden, until the thief was out of sight. With careful precision, he made arrangements around him, ensuring no disturbance could betray his position. Once satisfied with the security of his location, Jiang Cheng swiftly moved to the opposite side of the rock. Employing the Breath Containment technique, his presence became a whisper in the air. His eyes narrowed as he focused, silently activating the Spiritual Eye technique. The faintest ripple of spiritual power barely stirred the air as his gaze pierced through the hidden formation. With the full strength of his Sixth Level Qi Refining and the perfected Spiritual Eye, the formation barely slowed him down. It dissolved before his keen senses. True enough, behind the concealed rocks lay a hidden cavewell-hidden, but not impervious. A cunning rabbit, indeed, he muttered under his breath, then he Aranged some Fire balls talismanes Under the Ground in the hidden Exit of the Cave, then return to the entrance. He examined the surroundings thoroughly, ensuring there were no additional hidden exits. Satisfied, he retraced his steps back to the first entrance. There was no time to waste. With a grim determination, Jiang Cheng pulled out his stack of Fireball Talismans. He activated them with a flick of his wrist, launching them straight at the concealed formation. The talismans exploded in rapid succession, sending fire and sparks licking at the edges of the formation, unraveling it entirely. Flower thief! Jiang Chengs voice rang out, coldly . Come out and die. The flower thief, who had just dragged the girl out of the sack and was slowly flirting with her and taking off her clothes, heard Jiang Chengs voice and the sound of the cave being attacked, and his face changed drastically. He knocked the woman in front of him unconscious without hesitation and threw her out of the cave entrance, while he fled to another cave entrance. Jiang Cheng noticed the woman tossed from the cave but didnt spare her a glance. His goal was clearhe couldnt afford distractions. He accelerate his speed like lightning in the dark forest after him to to the other side from the his spiritual eyes always fixed on the flower thief the moment the flower thief was about to step on the talismanes Buried in the Ground, Jiang Cheng smile " Got you" he make them Explode, The flower thief barely had time to react before a deafening blast sent him flying. He tumbled across the ground, coughing blood, his robes scorched. Though the talisman was powerful, a single explosion wasnt enough to kill a Sixth Qi Refining cultivator outright. His body, tempered by spiritual energy, clung stubbornly to life. When they arrived at the entrance of another cave, the flower thief had already escaped from the trap set by the fireballs talismanes . He saw Jiang Cheng in the sky, a light flashed in his eyes, and he sneered and said, "You? A mere sixth-level Qi Refiner dares to hunt me? You''re courting death!" Did you know this text is from a different site? Read the official version to support the creator. Jiang Cheng wasted no time. Channeling his spiritual power, he unleashed ten Water Blade Talismans that surged forward, relentlessly bombarding the flower thief. "You have no martial ethics!" the flower thief howled, cursing Jiang Chengs ruthless methods, and for not respecting the Old people . In desperation, he sacrificed a paper-man substitute, throwing it into the path of the attack while he dashed in the opposite direction. But how could Jiang Cheng grant his wish? Under the Spiritual Eye Technique, everything was in his grasp. With a single step, he closed the gap by hundreds of meters, following close behind. Another ten Piercing Wind Talismans flew out, their sharp gusts howling through the air before shattering the thiefs defense shield and tearing into his flesh. "Despicable! Shameless!" The flower thief shrieked, rolling on the ground, blood spilling from his wounds. "Fight me fair if you dare!" Jiang Cheng stopped a few steps away, looking down at the half-dead man with an indifferent gaze. "I''m fighting you fair and square. How dare you lie with open eyes? And you, a sick pervert, dare talk to me about fairness?" Jiang Chengs tone was cold and righteous, though deep down, he was justifying his shameless sneak attacks and extravagant talisman-spamming. He muttered under his breath, "I''m rich, so why waste my spiritual energy?" The flower thief, upon hearing this, felt his blood pressure spike. He coughed violently, his face turning red with rage. But when Jiang Cheng officially labeled him a "sick pervert," his anger reached critical masshe directly vomited blood and almost exploded on the spot. "Sick pervert?" The thief staggered, trying to push himself up from the ground. Despite his injuries, his face twisted with indignation. "Boy, you insult me! I am no mere sick pervertI am an enlightened pervert! A connoisseur of beauty! A man of refined taste, I am A visionary exploring the limits of human appreci" Before he could finish, Jiang Chengs fingers crushed a high-level Thunder Talisman. CRACK! A bolt of lightning obliterated the flower thief on the spot. Jiang Cheng crouched down, staring at the twitching man. "You were saying something about enlightenment?" Jiang Cheng watched the charred corpse for a moment before shaking his head. "So much nonsense. Villains really do die from talking too much." The flower thief weakly raised a trembling hand. "Y-you you despicable rich Bastard !" Then he died in The spot. After confirming that the flower thief was completely dead, he landed and searched a storage bag from him. There were not many spiritual stones in it, only more than a thousand pieces, and some elixirs. However, there was a jade slip of Dharma transmission that was full of cracks and about to break, as well as the paper man, and two books. In addition, there was a blood-stained cloth bag and some women''s clothes. He opened the cloth bag and took a look, and instantly withdrew his spiritual sense. There was evidence of the flower thief''s crime. Jiang Cheng put all the other things in the storage bag into his own storage bag. In the flower thief''s storage bag, only this blood-stained cloth bag was left. Jiang Cheng stood amidst the charred remains of the flower thief, the scent of burnt flesh lingering in the air. Just as he was about to leave, a surge of spiritual power fluctuations rippled through the forest. His eyes sharpened. Within moments, three figures descended from the sky like hunting falcons, their robes fluttering against the wind. Their eyes locked onto the corpse beneath him, excitement flashing across their faces. The leader, a triangular-eyed cultivator, stepped forward, his tone laced with arrogance. "Fellow Daoist, did you kill this flower thief? He was our prey. We had already chased him to his last breath. You merely finished what we started. Thank you for the effort, but you may hand over his storage bag now." Jiang Cheng raised an eyebrow but said nothing. Another man, wearing the inner disciple robes of Qinglin Sect, stepped up, his tone slightly more measured but no less imposing. "Fellow Daoist, I am Feng Yucheng, the immortal master stationed in Yanzhou City on behalf of the Qinglin Sect. As this criminal was being pursued under sect jurisdiction, his belongings belong to us. Please return the storage bagwe will express our gratitude appropriately." Jiang Cheng remained silent. Then, without hesitation, he tossed the storage bag toward them. Feng Yuchengs eyes gleamed with triumph as he reached out to snatch it, the other two watching eagerly. But in that very instant SHING! A blinding arc of light flashed through the night. Splat! Feng Yuchengs head flew into the air, a fountain of blood erupting from his neck. His body stood still for a brief moment, as if unable to process what had just happened, before collapsing to the ground like a felled tree. The triangular-eyed cultivator barely had time to register the shock before Jiang Chengs sword slashed againswift, precise, and ruthless. "ARGHHH!" His right hand was cleaved clean off, the severed limb spinning through the air before landing with a dull thud. Blood sprayed wildly as he stumbled back, clutching his stump in horror. The third cultivators face drained of all color. His mouth opened, but no sound came out. Then, instinct kicked inhe turned, preparing to flee. Too slow. Jiang Chengs five Piercing Wind Talismans shot forward like a storm of death. BOOM! BOOM! BOOM! BOOM! BOOM! The escaping cultivator was shredded instantly, his body torn apart by the slicing wind. He didn''t even have the chance to scream. Silence fell. The triangular-eyed cultivator, now kneeling in a pool of his own blood, trembled violently. "F-Fellow DaoistNo, senior! Please spare me! It was that immortal master who forced us to do this! I had no choice!" Jiang Cheng gazed down at him, his expression calm, indifferentmerciless. He took a slow step forward. The triangular-eyed cultivator''s face contorted with fear. "Senior, please! I" SHING! One clean stroke. His head rolled away, eyes still wide with terror. Jiang Cheng exhaled slowly, sheathing his sword. A long sigh of relief. "Greed promises a banquet of dreams but serves a meal of bitter regret Chapter 33_"Surviving the Protagonists Plot Armor" ... Jiang Cheng stood amidst the blood-soaked battlefield, his robes fluttering slightly in the night breeze. Three corpses lay around himone beheaded, one shredded into pieces, and one missing a hand but no longer needing it. Jiang Cheng let out a breath, his gaze indifferent as he looked at the bloodied corpses around him. "Its not that Im being ruthless," he muttered to himself, brushing nonexistent dust off his sleeve. "But if I had let them off, they would''ve just teamed up and gotten rid of me along with the flower thief." His expression remained calm, but his mind was sharp. "The human heart is fickle. Trusting them wouldve been the real mistake." He glanced at his sword, still gleaming with fresh blood, and sighed. "Rather than waste time fighting them head-on and making unnecessary noise, isnt it much easier to send them west before they even react?" With that, he flicked his sleeve and continued looting the corpses, as if nothing had happened. Jiang Cheng chuckled as he admired his handiwork. "Now that the job is done, trouble is bound to come knocking soon. That Qinglin Sect disciples death wont go unnoticed. Better clean up before nosy people start sniffing around." He took a deep breath, scanning the battlefield. "The fight with that damn flower thief covered a whole mile We need to be quick." His gaze fell upon the three corpses strewn across the ground. With a flick of his wrist, he activated a spell he had learned from studying the Art of Spiritual Farmingthe Corruption Technique. It was a technique designed to infuse the land with vitality by using corpses as fertilizer. The result? The three bodies vanished instantly. In their place, the surrounding spirit grass grew wildly, lush and vibrant, as if they had just received the blessing of heaven itself. Jiang Cheng admired the thriving greenery, then casually cast a few cleaning spells to erase any lingering traces of battle. Fifteen minutes later, the scene was completely pristine. Birds chirped, the wind rustled gently through the grass, and the area looked like it had never been touched by violence. Jiang Cheng nodded in satisfaction. "Even if a Foundation Establishment cultivator comes to investigate, itll be useless. Theyll probably just blame the flower thief for being reckless and attacking a sect disciple." He laughed, rubbing his chin. "What a good person that flower thief was! Not only did he leave me his inheritance and skills, but even in death, hes taking the blame for everything! Rest in peace, fellow Daoist Enlightened Pervert!" He clasped his hands together solemnly, putting on a face of righteous mourning. Meanwhile, deep in the underworld The flower thief, who had just arrived in the afterlife, watched this scene unfold from the void. His eyes bulged, his body trembled, and his breath hitched. "PUAH!!" He spewed blood violently, his soul nearly exploding from anger. "Shameless Villain" Before he could curse any further, his vision darkened, and he fainted on the spot. _ Jiang Cheng dusted off his hands, "Now that everythings cleaned up, lets see what treasures our dear Enlightened Pervert left behind." With a light step, he vanished into the distance. A few breaths later, he arrived at the entrance of the cave. His gaze briefly flicked toward the unconscious woman lying on the ground nearby Her breathing was steady. Too steady. Jiang Cheng smirked. Still pretending to be unconscious? He ignored her. Without hesitation, he stepped into the cave. Inside, a mess of scattered spiritual stones and pills littered the ground. It was clear that the flower thief had been living in luxuryat least by Qi Refining standards. Among the items, a faint glow caught his eye. A jade slip. Jiang Cheng picked it up and probed it with his divine sense. A moment later, his eyebrows lifted slightly in surprise. "A first-grade formation inheritance? Not bad. Sure, you can buy something like this in the market, but getting it for free? Thats a lot of spirit stones saved." With a satisfied nod, he finished looting the place, then casually destroyed the cave, reducing it to a pile of rubble. Now, if anyone came looking, it would seem like nothing more than an abandoned ruin. Finally, he turned his gaze back to the woman. Jiang Cheng fell into deep thought. Jiang Cheng stood still, his gaze fixed on the woman. His mind weighed the situation with cold precision. Unauthorized content usage: if you discover this narrative on Amazon, report the violation. What should I do with her? If he let her go, everything he had done to cover his tracks would be meaningless. The flower thief had a long history of murderthere was no reason for him to have spared her. If she suddenly reappeared unharmed, claiming that someone attacked the cave before she lost consciousness, it wouldnt take much for people to put the pieces together. Trouble would come knocking. A flicker of killing intent flashed through his eyes. "Should I kill her?" Jiang Cheng took a step forward. Then another. His movements were slow, deliberate, his presence growing heavier with each step. The night air was still, save for the distant rustling of leaves in the wind. The moon cast a pale glow over the forest floor, illuminating the womans fragile figure. Meanwhile, Liu Ying, who had barely woken up moments ago, lay frozen in terror. In the heart of the Dali Dynasty, She had been raised in the peaceful city of Shangyun, where her parents had showered her with warmth and love. Though her spirit root test had revealed her to be a mere mortal, they had never blamed hereveryone had their own destiny. For fourteen years, her life had been simple, eating and drinking and playing with maids and having fun, free of fear. That all changed when her family fell into financial ruin and was forced to move to Yanzhou City. There, dark rumors circulated like a plaguewhispers of the "flower thief," a monster who preyed on noble daughters, abducting, defiling, and murdering them. Fear had driven her into seclusion, but fate had not been kind. Desperate to rid the city of the menace, the local lord had struck a deal with her family. In exchange for his aid in capturing the criminal, her parents were pressured into offering her as bait. They had resisted with all their might, but in the end, circumstances had swallowed their protests whole. And so, she had been taken. She remembered the flower thiefs chilling laughter, the suffocating scent of incense in the cave, the feeling of cold iron shackles against her skin. She had thought it was the end. But thenchaos. The cave had erupted in violence. A battle raged. Explosions. A sharp pain. Darkness. And nowthis. She was lying half-naked on the cold ground, the rough dirt clinging to her skin. The forest was eerily quiet, save for the approaching footsteps. She didnt dare move, didnt dare open her eyes. The presence was near. Overwhelming. Suffocating. Was it the flower thief? Or someone worse? Liu Ying barely cracked her eyes open, her vision blurry with fear. Under the pale moonlight, she saw a man standing before her, his dark robes flowing slightly in the night breeze. A long sword hung at his waist, his hand resting lightly on its hiltready to strike at a moments notice. Her heart pounded violently against her ribs. Was he going to kill her? A lump formed in her throat, and her breath came in shallow gasps. Tears welled in her eyes, blurring the already shadowed figure before her. She wanted to scream, to plead, to runbut her body refused to move. Then, his voice cut through the silence, low and indifferent. "Still pretending to be unconscious?" Cold. Uncaring. Liu Ying''s blood ran cold. Liu Ying trembled, her breath uneven as she stared up at the man before her. The dim moonlight barely illuminated his face, but she could feel his piercing gaze locking onto her like a predator sizing up its prey. Her throat was dry, but she forced herself to speak, her voice barely above a whisper. P-P-Please d-dont kill me Jiang Cheng raised an eyebrow, his grip still resting lightly on the hilt of his sword. His lips curled slightly, amusement flickering in his eyes. "Oh? You can talk now? I thought you were unconscious." Liu Ying flinched, her fingers clutching at the torn fabric of her dress. "I-I I just woke up" Jiang Cheng let out a small chuckle, his voice carrying a trace of mockery. "Really? That fast? Its almost as if you were awake the whole time." Liu Yings face turned pale. "N-No! I swear! I-I just" Jiang Cheng took a slow step closer, and she let out a small squeak, shrinking back. Her wide, tear-filled eyes made her look like a frightened rabbit caught in a hunters trap. He tilted his head, watching her tremble. "Are you afraid of me?" he asked, as if genuinely curious. Liu Ying furiously nodded, her shoulders shaking. "Y-Yes!" Jiang Cheng let out a low chuckle, finding her reaction somewhat entertaining. "Good. That means you''re smart." He crouched down slightly, leveling his gaze with hers. "Now, tell mewhy shouldnt I kill you?" Liu Yings heart nearly stopped. "W-Wait! I-I wont tell anyone! I-I didnt see anything! I dont even know who you are!" Jiang Cheng smirked. "Oh? But you did see me. You even know I was the one who attacked the cave. Sounds like trouble to me." Liu Ying frantically shook her head, her hands waving in desperation. "N-No, no! I-Ill forget everything! I swear! I-I dont even remember what happened! I-I hit my headyes! I dont remember anything!" Jiang Cheng couldnt help but chuckle again. This girl she was truly hopeless at lying. But watching her stammer and tremble was oddly amusing. He sighed, straightening up and tapping his sword hilt. "Relax. If I really wanted to kill you, youd already be dead." Liu Ying blinked, her breath hitching. "T-Then y-you wont?" Jiang Cheng exhaled slowly, shaking his head. "Depends. If youre useful, I wont. If not" He let the sentence hang in the air, watching as she gulped audibly. Liu Ying nodded so fast she nearly made herself dizzy. "I-Ill be useful! I can do anything! J-Just tell me what to do!" Jiang Cheng gave her one last glance before turning around. "We''ll see about that. For now, get up. Unless you like lying there half-naked in the cold?" Liu Ying immediately scrambled to her feet, clutching her torn dress tightly around her. Her face burned with embarrassment, but she dared not complain. .... After a while, Jiang Cheng cast a glance at Liu Ying, intending to assess her condition while also taking a careful look at her. She was a young girl with long, flowing silver-white hair that cascaded down her back and over her shoulders. Her hair had a silky, smooth texture, with a few strands falling in front of her face. She had striking red or pink-tinted eyes, a soft expression, and slightly flushed cheeks, giving her a gentle yet alluring look. Jiang Cheng couldnt help but sigh. "What a beautiful little girl." But suddenly, his eyes narrowed. "Huh?" A faint ripple of spiritual energy pulsed within her bodyweak, almost imperceptible, but undeniably present. He focused his senses, sharpening his perception to the limit. As he peered deeper, his gaze pierced through her mortal shell, tracing the delicate currents of energy within. What he saw left him slightly surprised. "This isnt just some defective spirit root Its the Void?" As he peered deeper, the faint trickle of spiritual energy within Liu Yings body became clearer. Unlike normal spirit roots, which were tied to elementsfire, water, earth, windhers had no distinct presence. Instead, it was an eerie emptiness, a quiet abyss that devoured rather than generated energy. The weak strands of qi inside her didnt flow like a stream, nor did they pulse like a flame. Instead, they flickered in and out of existence, as if trapped in a cycle of appearing and vanishing. It was as if her meridians were pathways leading into an endless void, swallowing the spiritual energy that tried to nourish them. "A Heavenly Void Spirit Root" Jiang Cheng had heard of it beforean extremely rare and mysterious constitution. Unlike elemental spirit roots, which harmonized with the worlds qi, the Void Spirit Root rejected it. It didnt cultivate by drawing in energy but by consuming it, eroding all forms of external qi into nothingness before reshaping it into its own. This kind of spirit root was both a blessing and a curse. If awakened, it granted terrifying poweran affinity for spatial techniques, void arts, and even laws beyond mortal comprehension. But if left dormant, it remained a useless husk, an empty shell that could never cultivate. Jiang Chengs smile deepened as he pieced it together. "A delayed awakening, huh?" Some rare and heaven-defying spirit roots didnt manifest at birth. Instead, they required a dramatic turning pointan event that forced the body and soul into transformation. A near-death experience, extreme emotional turmoil, or the realization of a grand truthonly under such circumstances could they awaken. Liu Ying had lived a peaceful, sheltered life. No hardships, no desperate strugglesnothing to ignite the potential slumbering within her. But now? She had been kidnapped, thrown into terror, and was staring death in the face. Jiang Cheng could already sense faint fluctuations within her meridians, as if the Void Spirit Root was beginning to stir, reacting instinctively to the crisis. Jiang Cheng stroked his chin, his gaze deep in thought as he looked at the trembling girl. "This girl was deemed a mortal yet she carries the foundation of something extraordinary. If she had been born in a proper Sect, Or In a developed area, she would have been revered, held up as a saintess. In a prestigious holy land, people would be fighting to take her as a disciple. Where would that pervert have gotten the chance to lay his filthy hands on her? Or my turn to rescue her His thoughts turned sharper. "Maybe shes a Daughter of Destiny, like those clich heroines in the old records. Even if I wasnt here, some passing expert wouldve taken notice of her. Or perhaps, in the moment of true despair, she would have been teleported away by some hidden power buried deep in her bloodline. Maybe, the moment that flower thief touched her, her power would have erupted, instantly obliterating him. and his spiritual stones and techniques would have conveniently become her starting capital for cultivation." Jiang Cheng couldnt help but chuckle at the thought. "People with great luck and destiny never die in such unknown ways. And if Im right those books I looted earlier definitely contain something related to space or void techniques. I might have just stumbled upon a walking treasure trove." Jiang Cheng though for a moment Since shes suspected to be one of those chosen ones with plot armor thicker than a dragons scales, I definitely cant kill her. Ive read enough novels in my past lives to know how this goes. If I so much as lay a finger on her, the heavens themselves will probably throw a tantrum and smite me with the most ridiculous, over-the-top karma ever. I mean, I could choke on my own saliva while eating a grape, or a random divine chicken might fall from the sky and peck me to death. Or worsesome OP expert passing by might glance at me, decide I look too evil, and slap me into the next dimension for absolutely no reason. Who knows? The universe has a sick sense of humor when it comes to messing with people who mess with the protagonists. Nope, nope, nope. Im not risking it. Ive seen how this plays out in " Reincarnated as the Villains Goldfish and I Accidentally Killed the Heroine and Now the World is Ending. Spoiler alert: it never ends well for the guy who tries to off the lucky one. Instead, Ill play it smart. Ill befriend her, laugh at her jokes (even the bad ones), and maybe even help her out when shes in trouble. That way, when she inevitably becomes the most powerful being in existence, shell remember me as the nice guy who didnt try to murder her and not the idiot who got turned into a toad for his troubles. Besides, if I play my cards right, I might even get a slice of that protagonist luck. Maybe Ill stumble upon a hidden treasure or accidentally invent bubble tea. Either way, its a win-win. No choking on saliva, no random slaps of doomjust good vibes and maybe a few free meals. Destinys a fickle thing, and Id rather ride its coattails than get run over by its karma bus. Chapter 34_"Veil of Trust" __ Jiang Chengs gaze sharpened as he looked at Liu Ying, his earlier detachment replaced by a calculating focus. He had been lost in thought, weighing the risks and rewards of keeping her alive, but now he was fully present, his eyes piercing as they locked onto hers. The girl, still trembling and clutching her torn dress, seemed to shrink under his scrutiny. Little girl, he began, his voice calm but carrying an edge of authority, what should I do with you now? The flower thief is dead, and the monks who followed him are also gone. You have two options. He raised a single finger, his expression softening slightly, though the warmth in his smile didnt quite reach his eyes. Option one, Jiang Chengs voice was low, almost too smooth, You follow me, for a time. When this is over, Ill send you back to your parents. Everything will go back to normal. Youll be safe. Liu Ying hesitated. His words sounded kind, but something in his tonea calm, unsettling certaintymade her wonder just how much he controlled her fate. What would he want in return? She couldnt afford to ask. Her gaze flicked to his eyes, cold and unyielding. Was she really safe? Was anyone ever safe in a world like this? For a moment, he seemed almost kind, like someone who could offer protection and stability. But there was a flicker of something darker in his eyes, a reminder that this man was not to be trusted entirely. Then, in a fluid motion, he raised a second finger, and his demeanor shifted. The warmth in his smile vanished, replaced by an icy coldness that sent a shiver down Liu Yings spine. Option two, he continued, his voice dropping to a low, deliberate tone, Ill send you to the west, where the flower thief and those monks from the Qinglin Sect have gone. And that... will be the end . The night air around them seemed to still as the weight of his words settled over Liu Ying. Her chest tightened, and her throat felt dry, as if she couldnt breathe. She had no idea who this man truly was or what he wanted from her, but his presence felt suffocatingominous. The faint crackling of leaves underfoot and the distant rustling of unseen creatures in the underbrush seemed like distant echoes in her mind, a reminder that she was not safe. Liu Ying stood frozen, her heart racing in her chest. Fear and confusion warred within her, but something else began to emerge as wella strange, reluctant trust in the man before her. He had killed the flower thief, spared her life. Was this protection, or something darker? She had seen enough cruelty to know that kindness could often be a mask. Still, her only choice was to go with him. The thought of being alone in this world again terrified her more than the idea of following this enigmatic figure. The mention of her parents made her heart ache, but the coldness in Jiang Cheng''s eyes when he spoke of the second option sent a chill down her spine. It felt like an abyss was opening before her. She tried to steady her breathing, the chill of the night air biting at her skin, as though the very world around her was waiting for her to decide. After a long pause, she swallowed hard, her voice trembling but determined, "I... Ill go with you." Jiang Cheng smile. " Good" ..... Liu Ying stumbled behind Jiang Cheng, her bare feet bruised and bleeding from the rough terrain. Every step was a fresh wave of agony, the jagged rocks and thorny underbrush tearing at her skin. But she didnt dare stop. She couldnt afford tohe was her only chance at survival. Her small frame trembled with exhaustion, but she pressed on, her eyes fixed on his back, even as the sharp, biting cold of the night air numbed her limbs. Jiang Cheng, however, couldnt ignore the faint sound of her labored breathing or the occasional wince she tried to suppress. He glanced back briefly, his sharp eyes catching the sight of her bloodied feet and the way she struggled to keep up. For a moment, a flicker of guilt stirred unexpectedly. It was the kind of feeling he usually shut down without a second thoughtempathy was a weakness, a luxury he could not afford. But as Liu Ying winced with every step, his mind flashed to his younger years, when he had once been a helpless child, suffering alone in the streets, when he was on earth. for a moment he was anoyed. He stopped abruptly, causing Liu Ying to nearly stumble into him. She froze, her heart racing as she braced herself for his anger. But instead of scolding her, Jiang Cheng turned around, his expression unreadable. Too slow, he said slowly, his voice low but not unkind. Come closer to me. Liu Ying blinked, startled by his sudden command. She hesitated for a moment, unsure if she had heard him correctly, but when he didnt move, she cautiously stepped closer. Before she could react, Jiang Cheng reached out and scooped her up with one arm, lifting her off the ground as if she weighed nothing. Liu Ying let out a small gasp, her hands instinctively clutching at his robes for balance. Her breath caught in her throat, her wide eyes staring up at him in confusion, Before she could process what was happening, A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation. Jiang Cheng didnt offer any explanation. He adjusted his grip and moved without hesitation, his body shifting into fluid motion. Without warning, Jiang Chengs feet blurred, his body almost a shadow as he executed the Wind Step Technique. The air vibrated with an invisible pulse, like a surge of energy pushing him forward. His movements became a streak of motiontoo fast for her to follow. The forest around them seemed to blur into a whirl of dark shapes, the ground beneath his feet barely touched. Liu Ying clutched his robes, her breath caught in her throat as the wind howled in her ears, the world spinning with dizzying speed. It was as though they were no longer running, but flying. As they shot through the trees, Jiang Cheng subtly extended his energy, enveloping Liu Ying with a protective shield. The force of the windsharp and bitingseemed to vanish entirely as the invisible barrier of his power cocooned her, keeping the rushing air from harming her fragile form. The sharp branches, the jagged rocksnone of them touched her. She remained shielded, though the speed at which they moved made her stomach churn. Jiang Cheng navigated the terrain with an ease that spoke of years of training, his focus razor-sharp as he cut through the underbrush. The forest blurred around them, trees and shadows flashing by in an unrelenting stream, but his movements were controlled and precise, his feet barely touching the ground as he shot forward like a phantom. The dense canopy above them filtered the moonlight into uneven patches of silver light, but the forest seemed almost endless in its vastness, its haunting silence broken only by the soft crunch of their footsteps on the forest floor. The trees loomed like silent sentinels, their towering trunks and gnarled branches casting eerie shadows. The night felt alive with creatures lurking just out of sight, their eyes glinting in the dark. Liu Ying clung to him instinctively, her small body pressed against his chest, her breath coming in short bursts from both the shock and the speed at which they were traveling. Her legs hung limply as he carried her effortlessly, her trembling hands clutching at his robes for balance. The rush of air and motion sent a vertiginous wave through her, but the protective energy shielded her from any true discomfort. As they sped through the trees, Liu Ying couldnt help but feel a strange mix of emotions. The roughness of his actionsthe way he carried her like a sack of grainwas far from gentle, but it was also the first time since her ordeal began that someone had shown her even the slightest bit of care. She buried her face against his shoulder, hiding the tears that threatened to spill from her eyes. The gravity of everything she had been throughthe kidnapping, the fear, the uncertainty of her futureweighed heavily on her heart, but she didnt dare let it show. Jiang Cheng, for his part, remained silent as he moved. He didnt look at her or offer any words of comfort. His focus was on putting as much distance as possible between them and the scene of the battle. But deep down, he couldnt shake the faint sense of guilt that had prompted him to carry her in the first place. He told himself it was purely practicalshe was slowing him down, and he couldnt afford to waste time. But the truth was, he had seen the pain in her eyes and the way she endured it without complaint, and it had struck a chord he hadnt expected. As the forest blurred around them, Liu Ying clung to him, her small hands gripping his robes tightly. She didnt know where they were going or what would happen next, but for now, she allowed herself to feel a tiny glimmer of safety in his presenceeven if it was fleeting. Jiang Cheng, meanwhile, pushed aside his thoughts and focused on the path ahead. He had made his choice, and for better or worse, Liu Ying was now his responsibility. Whether she would become an asset or a liability remained to be seen, but for now, he would keep her close and see where this strange turn of events would lead. After a few hours, Jiang Cheng had put several hundreds of miles between them and their previous location. The first hints of dawn began to lighten the sky, but the journey continued without pause, the moon barely slipping below the horizon. ... They finally came to a small town called Jade River Town, a bustling trade hub known for its river that flowed with jade-colored water, giving the town its name. The river attracted merchants and traders from all corners, eager to do business by its shores. Despite the early hour, the town was still awake, though the streets were quieter now, the dark sky hinting at the approaching dawn. The town was waking up, though slowly. The sounds of the night still lingeredstray dogs barking in the distance, the soft clatter of a blacksmith preparing his forge, and the low murmur of voices from those few who had stayed awake. The distant mountains, cloaked in shadow, towered above, their jagged peaks standing in stark contrast to the gentle flow of the jade river below. Their looming presence gave the town an air of quiet isolation, a reminder that beyond the hustle of trade, natures vastness and danger were never far away. Jiang Cheng moved with purpose, his steps soundless on the stone-paved streets, his cloak a shadow that merged seamlessly with the darkness. He wrapped Liu Ying in the shadow robe, the fabric swallowing any stray light that dared to touch them. As they passed through the town, Liu Ying could barely hear the world around her. Every step felt like a step into the unknown, her mind heavy with the weight of the nights events, the pounding of her heart the only thing keeping her anchored. They reached the inna humble, unassuming structure tucked away from the main thoroughfare. It was simple but practical, a small sign swaying gently in the wind, creaking with each gust. The air around it smelled faintly of wood and fresh paint, mingling with the scent of roasted meat from a nearby stall. The door creaked open, revealing a dimly lit interior. The warmth inside was a stark contrast to the chill of the night air. The innkeeper, a tired-looking woman with a shawl wrapped around her shoulders, nodded at Jiang Cheng, her gaze flicking curiously over Liu Yings still form. Jiang Cheng rented a room for a few days, his voice low and steady as he spoke to the innkeeper. After receiving the key, he moved swiftly through the narrow hall, his eyes scanning the space for any potential threats. He was always alert, always ready for dangereven in a place as seemingly peaceful as Jade River Town. The room was simple, with a small bed covered in a plain quilt, a small wooden table, and a single window that let in a faint sliver of moonlight. The moons glow was pale, casting soft shadows against the walls. The room felt quietalmost too quiet, as though the world outside had fallen into a deep sleep. Yet, Liu Ying could sense the quiet hum of activity from the town beyond the wallsmerchants preparing their wares, the faint clink of coins changing hands, the subtle promise of the bustling day that was to come. He set her down gently on the bed, ensuring she was as comfortable as possible while still being mindful of her injuries. He pressed the healing pill into her hand, watching as she swallowed it. Almost instantly, Liu Ying felt a warm current flood through her veins. It was as if a fire had been lit within her, starting at her core and spreading outward. The pain in her limbs began to ebb away, but the exhaustion remained, weighing her down like a heavy fog. Her mind felt thick, the events of the night a blur of fear, action, and escape. Liu Yings eyelids fluttered, her thoughts slipping away as her body succumbed to the deep, overwhelming need for rest. Her lips parted slightly, a quiet "thank you" escaping her before sleep claimed her entirely. Jiang Cheng watched her for a moment, a soft chuckle escaping him as he shook his head. He carefully covered her with a blanket, ensuring she was warm and secure. Then, his attention turned to the rewards he had gained from his journey. A sense of excitement bubbled within him as he began to assess his spoils, though he remained mindful of the quiet figure resting nearby. Jiang Cheng sat down with a deep breath, focusing on the spoils from the bags of the two casual cultivators and the Qinglin Sect disciple. He opened the bags with a practiced hand, his eyes scanning each item carefully. From the two casual cultivators, he found a decent cache of spirit stoneseight thousand in total. Enough to sustain him for a while. There were also four bottles of Qi Condensation Pills, which would help him advance his cultivation. Fire Talismans, Escape Talismans, and Evil Suppressing Talismans filled his hands, each one a small tool in his ever-expanding arsenal.. Next, Jiang Cheng turned his attention to the bag of the Qinglin Sect disciple. As he sifted through the contents, his expression darkened slightly. Disappointment crept in as he found only a bottle of Qi Gathering Pills and two thousand spirit stonesmuch less than he had hoped. Hed expected something more substantial from a disciple of a well-known sect, but this was all that remained. There was also a robe with the insignia of the Qinglin Sect, which Jiang Cheng tossed aside, uninterested. A jade token caught his attention, but upon closer inspection, he crushed it with a flick of his wrist, not wanting any chance of being traced back to this location. It seemed to be a communication deviceuseful, but dangerous to keep. The final item in the bag was a technique scrollLongevity Fire, a Qi Refining stage technique with a focus on the fire attribute. Jiang Cheng unfurled it, reading the contents carefully. It seemed like a decent technique for someone focused on fire, but not something he would use. Still, the knowledge could be useful for his future endeavors, so he tucked it away for now. Jiang Cheng felt a spark of excitement as he turned his attention to the Spirit bag of the flower thief. If his suspicions about Liu Ying were correct, then this could be the moment where everything changed for her. He could feel the weight of the opportunity in his hands, and he opened the bag with a sense of anticipation. Chapter 35_Jiang Cheng Cursing the poor Author __ Jiang Cheng first took out the paper figure, which seemed to be made of some animal skin, not paper. The face of the fair-skinned man was depicted on it, which was very lifelike, and there were some mysterious patterns, which seemed to be more complicated than the talisman. It was incredible that this paper figure could become like a living person. If he used the Greatmaster of the spiritual eye technique, he should be able to check the clues, but in the secular world, those warriors and ordinary people naturally could not tell the truth from the false. He did not use spiritual power casually, but put it into the storage bag and took out two books. The first one seemed to be a notebook, recording the women that the flower thief had defiled, and even detailed torture plots, including some stimulating torture methods he had researched. Jiang Cheng roughly flipped through it, and there was also information written by the flower thief himself. This person was named Wang Shaoming. It seemed that he was abused by his master for a long time, which led to psychological distortion. In the end, he found the enemy of his master and tortured his master to death with the help of the enemy. There was no other useful information in it, such as his master''s skills. He shook his head to make sure there was nothing else in it, and burned the book to ashes. Being abused by his master, he abused others crazily, and recorded it as fun. It was really not a pity to die. Jiang Cheng then took out the second book. This one looked more worn out, as if it was often read. After reading it, he was immediately refreshed. The content of this book turned out to be the secret of making paper figures. However, it required the foundation-building stage to make it, and both the skin of the paper figure and the paint on it were very special materials, some of which he had never even heard of. And the patterns on it were very complicated, more special than the object- receiving talisman. It might not be so easy to learn. Jiang Cheng decided to put this book in the storage bag first, and consider learning it when he reached the foundation-building stage. Being able to be like a living person is equivalent to a puppet clone. Finally, there was only a jade slip of Dharma transmission that was about to break. He gently took it out of the storage bag and held it in his hand. The cracks on it indicated that he could only transmit the Dharma once more at most. If he guessed correctly, this should be the clone spell of the flower thief. It can create an identical clone phantom, and even the cultivation level is not much different. It can be said to be very special. In the Qinglin Sect''s Dharma Hall, such a spell will definitely never appeare. From this paper figure, it can be seen that the master of the flower thief should be mainly based on strange techniques. The clones are one after another, with paper figures and spells. This is really a life-saving artifact. Jiang Cheng thought about it and decided to try to learn it. If it is the clone phantom secret technique of the flower thief, it would be great. He can learn it directly in the Qi Refining Stage. If it is a spell or skill that requires a higher realm to learn, then there is no big problem. You can receive the knowledge first and then learn it when the realm is reached. Spells or skills that are higher than one''s own realm cannot be checked after being taught. They can only be unlocked when the realm is reached. Jiang Cheng first activated the evil-repelling talisman and pasted it on the jade slip of the Dharma transmission. After finding no movement, he picked up the jade slip and pasted it on his forehead, while activating it with spiritual power. A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation. Suddenly, a lot of knowledge flooded into his mind. He looked at the content and showed joy on his face. It was indeed the secret technique of the virtual shadow of the clone, called the Divine Shadow Technique. As the name suggests, it can create a virtual shadow like the real body to confuse the enemy. When it is refined to the extreme, it can even turn the virtual into the real and the real into the virtual. He carefully comprehended it and found that it was not a spell, but a secret technique similar to the method of cultivation. After receiving all the knowledge, Jiang Cheng slowly opened his eyes, and the jade slip of the Dharma transmission on his forehead also shattered. [Divine Shadow Technique] Jiang Cheng couldn''t help but shake his head and smile. It seems that this special spell still needs to be comprehended hard before it can be successfully activated. However, judging from the fact that the flower thief was able to learn it, it should not be difficult for him. Jiang Cheng looked at the broken jade slip and felt that this mission was worth it. thousands of spirit stones were nothing. The problem was that he got the strange paper figurine making technique. The higher the cultivation level, the more the paper figurines made looked like living people, which would be very useful in the future. After sorting through his spoils, Jiang Cheng leaned back with a satisfied grin. His first real adventure was a complete success. Spirit stones, pills, talismansit was a proper haul. But... His smile gradually stiffened. Wheres the treasure for the Daughter of Destiny? Jiang Chengs brows furrowed. Could it be... fake? Were the countless novels he read in his past lifeon pirate websites, all lies? Did those authors just make stuff up to sell more chapters? . Was that all fake? Were those authors lying to him? No... impossible... Jiang Cheng muttered, shaking his head like a man who just realized his favorite noodle shop had been serving instant ramen all along He dove back into the spirit bag rummaging through piles of junkbroken talismans, half-eaten dry rations, and a moldy spirit herb. Just as he was about to give up, his hand brushed against something odd. He pulled out a strange bookbarely holding together, its pages yellowed and crumbling, like it had survived a thousands of years... and possibly a few water spills. Excited, Jiang Cheng held it up like a holy artifact. This is it! The Daughter of Destinys treasure! He opened the book with trembling hands... only to find nothing. The pages were completely blank. Jiang Cheng blinked. Flipped through again. Blank. He squinted, tried tilting it under the moonlight. Still blank. Maybe its a hidden inheritance? He poured his spiritual power into it. Nothing. Maybe it needed blood? He bit his finger and smeared some blood. Still nothing. Jiang Chengs face darkened. He tried tearing the book apartnothing happened. He tried burning itnothing. He even tried peeing on it (just a little in the corner)still nothing. The book was indestructible, but also completely useless. His hands trembled. The hell is this?! he exploded. A terrifying thought crept into his mind. Could it be... only if you have plot armor that you can receive the blessings? His soul turned cold. Which means... Im just a background character?! His face went pale as he pictured the classic plotline: _ Daughter of Destiny stumbles upon this very book. _ Book lights up in divine radiance. _ Boom! Heaven-defying inheritance unlocked. _ Jiang Cheng? Just a supporting actor, a stepping stone who dies tragically to motivate her growth. He could already see his death scene: "Senior Brother Jiang! NOOO!" Cue tragic montage with slow-motion petals falling, a cheap flute soundtrack, and then she breaks through to Foundation Establishment the next day like she just drank a protein shake. Jiang Chengs hands tightened into fists. No... impossible... He could even imagine his name being mentioned offhandedly in the later chapters: Back then, a senior brother sacrificed his life... what was his name again? Oh, Jiang... something. Anyway, lets go fight the Demon Lord! His breathing quickened. No way. Hell no. I refuse to be a tragic stepping stone! Jiang Cheng shot up, veins popping on his forehead. Im not sacrificing myself for this main character halo bullshit! Whoever wants to die for motivation, go ahead! Im out! He was so angry he nearly vomited blood, clutching his chest . Looking up at the sky with bloodshot eyes, he screamed: Author, you blind bastard! Why didnt you make ME the Protagonist?! Somewhere in the void, the Author: ... Jiang Cheng collapsed onto his bed, covering his face. Damn it... am I just an NPC...? He glanced at the strange book on the table. It just sat there, blank and smug, like it knew. Jiang Cheng raised his fist... then sighed. Forget it... Maybe Ill use it as a pillow. And thus, the Heaven-Defying Inheritance Tome was demoted to a very expensive nap cushion. For now. But deep down, Jiang Cheng knew... this wasnt over. He wasnt about to accept his fate as some nameless stepping stone. If the heavens wouldnt grant him the protagonists halo, hed steal it. If fate dared cast him as a background character, hed write himself into the main plot with his own blood if necessary! He clenched his fist, eyes burning with determination. Just you wait, Dog Author, he muttered under his breath, glaring up at the sky like a lunatic. Ill break the fourth dimension wall of reality if I have to! ... Somewhere in the void... The Author, sipping tea while brainstorming future plot twists, suddenly choked violently. Waitwhat?! Tea sprayed all over the celestial manuscript. The Author frantically wiped it down, eyes twitching. Who gave this side character sentience?! Security! SECURITY! ... Back in his room, Jiang Cheng smirked, feeling a strange satisfaction in his heartlike hed just struck a blow against an unseen enemy. But his eyes soon turned cold. This wasnt just about proving himself. This was war. He would rise to power, he would dominate the cultivation world... and then, he would find a way to reach the void where the Author resided. He would drag that bastard down from his celestial chair, break his immortal pen, and force him to write the words Jiang Cheng, the Eternal Protagonist in bold, golden ink! I hope your plot armor is thick, Author, Jiang Cheng whispered darkly, eyes glinting with madness. Because when I ascend... were settling this like men. Then Jiang Cheng fall asleep using the priceless inheritance book as a pillow, muttering: "Damn protagonist-exclusive loot" __ Earth plane . The Author felt a sudden chill run down his spine. Looking around nervously, he muttered, ...I shouldve just written a romance novel. Chapter 36_" mentor and friend " The next morning, Liu Ying woke up feeling refreshed, her body still tender but the pain from her injuries had subsided somewhat. The warmth of the blanket surrounding her provided a rare sense of comfort and security, a feeling she hadnt experienced in days. She rubbed her eyes and took a careful look around the simple room. Her gaze settled on Jiang Cheng, who was seated cross-legged on the wooden floor, his eyes closed in deep meditation. His breathing was steady, and the way he sat made him appear as though he had melded with the surroundings, exuding an aura of tranquility and strength. Not wanting to disturb him, Liu Ying sat quietly with her knees drawn to her chest, waiting patiently. After a few moments, Jiang Chengs eyes fluttered open. His gaze was calm, but there was a sharpness beneath it that made Liu Ying instinctively tense. She lowered her head slightly, her voice barely above a whisper. Immortal Master What should I do now? Upon hearing the words Immortal Master, Jiang Cheng froze for a moment. Memories of the original owners golden days in the city surged backdays when he was respected and revered, walking proudly through the streets, admired by ordinary people and brothels girls . Those days seemed so far away now. After a brief pause, Jiang Cheng waved his hand awkwardly. Dont call me Immortal Master. Just call me Young Master. Liu Ying looked at him with her red-rimmed eyes, a little flustered. Yes, Young Master. Jiang Cheng gave a slight nod of approval, his expression softening for a moment. Then, after a beat, he asked, By the way, little girl, whats your name? Liu Ying hesitated, then whispered, My name is Liu Ying, Young Master. Jiang Cheng repeated her name, Liu Ying... Liu Ying... Thats a good name. He smiled gently at her. The soft praise made Liu Yings cheeks flush a light shade of red. Thank you, Young Master. Jiang Cheng glanced at her tattered and dirty clothes, his gaze turning thoughtful. Are you hungry? And... what else do you need? Liu Ying hesitated for a moment before answering timidly, Yes, Young Master. Im a little hungry... and... I need some clothes... These... cant be worn anymore. Jiang Cheng nodded. He had already noticed the poor condition of her clothing last night, but he hadnt wanted to embarrass her by mentioning it. Now that she brought it up herself, it made things easier. He stood up, stretching his limbs after a night of meditation. Alright. Ill handle it. Looking at Liu Ying, who was clutching the blanket tightly around her, he added, You stay here and rest. Dont open the door for anyone. Yes, Young Master, Liu Ying replied quickly. With that, Jiang Cheng picked up his storage bag, pushed the door open, and stepped out into the bright morning light. The town was beginning to stir, with vendors setting up their stalls and the aroma of freshly steamed buns wafting through the air. Jiang Cheng squinted slightly, adjusting to the sunlight, before heading toward the market to get food and some suitable clothes for Liu Ying. He knew that the cultivation world was cruel. If Liu Ying was left alone again, her fate might be even worse than before. Besides... having someone to take care of small matters might not be a bad thing in the long run. With that thought, Jiang Chengs steps became lighter as he blended into the crowd, the gears of his next plans already turning in his mind. ... After leaving Liu Ying at the inn, Jiang Cheng made his way to the bustling market in the mortal part of the town. He had no intention of buying anything extravagant; he simply wanted to get her some clean, practical clothes. He approached a modest clothing shop run by an elderly woman. The shelves were filled with simple yet sturdy garmentsperfect for a young girl to wear daily. Jiang Cheng selected a few sets: A light blue cotton dress with long sleeves, modest and comfortable. A plain white inner garment set. A warm outer coat made from coarse wool, suitable for chilly mornings. Reading on this site? This novel is published elsewhere. Support the author by seeking out the original. A pair of soft cloth shoes. A few undergarments, though he awkwardly picked them with minimal words. After paying with a few silver taels, Jiang Cheng left the shop carrying a small bundle of neatly wrapped clothes. He also stopped by a food stall to buy two meat buns and a bowl of warm rice porridge. With everything in hand, he returned to the inn, ready to provide Liu Ying with the essentials she needed. .... Back in the inn, Jiang Cheng stretched out on a nearby chair, eyes closed, enjoying a brief moment of calm. Liu Ying looked at him cautiously as he opened his eyes. Young Master, what should I do now? He raised a hand, his voice calm. Come closer. Liu Ying stiffened but obediently took a few steps forward, clutching the edge of her new dress nervously. As she stood before him, Jiang Cheng raised his finger and lightly pressed it to her forehead. A surge of spiritual energy flowed from him into her, carrying with it the foundational principles of the Bloodforge Body Art. The knowledge flooded into Liu Yings mindthe intricacies of breathing techniques, meridian paths, and how to temper her body. She gasped as the information overwhelmed her senses, her eyes widening, and her breathing quickening. Jiang Cheng withdrew his hand, watching her closely. Youll need to practice this technique. Cultivating your body is the foundation for everything. Liu Ying looked up, her face a mixture of awe and disbelief. "But, Young Master they said Im not suitable for practicing immortality The elders checked my spirit root. They said Im a mortal" Her voice trembled, the insecurities she had buried deep within resurfacing. Jiang Cheng smiled softly, though his eyes twinkled with humor. You dont need to worry about that. Just follow my teachings. Leave the rest to me. He leaned back, adopting the regal posture of an ancient, enigmatic cultivator. You will succeed. Trust me. Liu Ying watched him, feeling a sense of calm despite her doubts. I I understand. I will work hard, Young Master. Jiang Cheng nodded, though inwardly, he was amused by how well he was playing the role of a hidden expert. Hah it feels good to be seen as someone powerful for once. He glanced up at the sky, the sun still hanging high. He thought for a while and then decided to train this little girl himself and guide her in her practice, this way it will be much faster and the same time to pass the time since the spiritual energy here is poor ... Days passed, and as Jiang Cheng continued to guide Liu Ying in her physical training, their dynamic slowly shifted. The tension from earlier began to fade as Liu Ying became more at ease around him. The quiet, nervous girl gradually transformed into someone more confident, her enthusiasm growing with every day of practice. One morning after an intense training session, Liu Ying wiped the sweat from her brow and let out a playful laugh as she stretched. Young Master, I didnt know training could be this exhausting! My muscles feel like theyre on fire! Jiang Cheng smirked, his tone softening. The Bloodforge Body Art is no walk in the park, but its the foundation of everything. Youve got to toughen up. Liu Ying tilted her head, her eyes narrowing in playful challenge. So it never gets easy, huh? Jiang Cheng chuckled, the glint in his eye becoming sharper. Not easy, but it gets easier. Persistence is the key. Youll get therejust keep pushing through. Liu Ying waved a small fist in the air, determination shining in her eyes. Dont worry, Young Master! I will work hard! Jiang Cheng couldn''t help but laugh, the lighthearted moment breaking through his usual composed demeanor. The sight of Liu Ying, so serious yet so endearing, melted away the weight of his usual thoughts. "Youre quite the character, little girl," he said with a grin. "Trying to look all tough with that face?" Liu Ying, realizing how she must have looked, flushed a little, and quickly dropped her fist, her expression shifting into a shy smile. "I-Im just trying to stay motivated! A little encouragement wouldnt hurt, right?" she mumbled, her voice soft but full of sincerity. Jiang Cheng shook his head with a chuckle, his amusement clear. "Alright, alright. Keep up that spirit. Youll do just fine, as long as you stay focused and keep pushing forward." Her face brightened, her earlier embarrassment melting away. "Thank you, Young Master!" she said eagerly, her eyes sparkling with renewed determination. Jiang Cheng raised an eyebrow, a playful glint in his eyes. "Dont thank me just yet. You still have a long way to go." But Liu Ying only nodded with even more enthusiasm. "I know! I wont let you down!" The playful banter became a regular part of their routine, and over the next few months, Liu Ying made rapid progress. She adapted to the physical challenges faster than Jiang Cheng expected, and soon, he found himself praising her more than he had anticipated. Two and a half months flew by, and their time together became more comfortable, filled with laughter and companionship. Liu Ying had transformed from the shy girl who feared Jiang Cheng into someone who now felt like an equalsomeone he could talk to as a friend. Just like that time passed and the two of them practice the Bloodforge Body Art and made rapid progress Jiang Cheng Often goes to a Nearb immortal Square called Shining Lotus City a dazzling, ethereal town known for its breathtaking beauty and serenity. Nestled within a vast valley surrounded by towering, jade-colored mountains, the Town is built around a massive, tranquil lotus lake. The lake is said to possess healing properties, with its glowing lotus blossoms said to bloom only under the most auspicious celestial alignments. He often goes there to purchase resource for both of them to practice the body art and for himself pills To practice even without spiritual energy .... Finally today he called Liu Ying to him with a serious expression. " now that you body is strong and vigirios, I will teach you the common sense of Cultivation Immortal since and about your situation and why you couldn''t practice before" Liu Yings eyes widened slightly, a mix of curiosity and uncertainty flickering across her face. She stepped forward, instinctively feeling the importance of this moment. "Why couldnt I practice before, Young Master?" she asked, her voice quiet but full of anticipation. Jiang Cheng cleared his throat, settling into his role as a mentor. In the cultivation world, there are two types of humans. Those without spirit rootsmortalscant practice immortality. They can, however, practice martial arts, which is a little difficult and incompetent road, and there are different realms they can progress through. But then, there are those with spirit roots As Jiang Cheng explained the different grades of spirit rootslow, medium, high, and heavenly-gradeLiu Ying listened intently, her eyes wide with fascination. Then, Young Master, she asked eagerly, what kind of spirit root do I have? Jiang Cheng turned his gaze to her, his lips curling into a rare, mischievous smile. "You have a Heavenly Void Spirit Root," Liu Ying blinked in disbelief, her expression a mix of shock and excitement. "A Heavenly Void Spirit Root?" Her voice was almost a whisper as the words sank in. Then, her eyes lit up as realization hit. "So, Im a genius, right, Young Master? I could even surpass you one day! Maybe Ill beat you up when I grow up and take revenge for scaring me the first time we met!" she said, laughing and making a playful face at him. Jiang Cheng froze for a moment, his expression hardening into anger. "What? Surpass me?" he asked, narrowing his eyes in feigned indignation. "How dare you betray your benefactor, you little brat!" Before she could respond, he sprang to his feet and lunged after her, his laughter mixing with hers as she darted away, trying to escape. Stop! Youre cheating! she cried between giggles. Jiang Cheng caught her by the wrist and scolded her playfully. You little brat! First you talk about surpassing me, then you beat me up " Liu Ying, still laughing, pulled her hand free, grinning mischievously. "Im just joking, Young Master. But if I really do surpass you, Ill make sure to take care of you when youre old and weak!" Jiang Cheng laughed, finally giving in, though secretly pleased by her playful spirit. Hmph, dream on! This Young Master is destined to become a Great Emperor! Jiang Cheng stood up looking at the sky with a light smile. Liu Ying, impressed, stood up next to him and said, Then Ill become the Great Emperor of the Void too. The two of them shared a look, and both burst into laughter, the bond between them growing stronger with every passing day. Chapter 37_The Voids Chosen _____ After a few minutes of silence, Liu Yings curiosity got the better of her. But, Young Master, you still havent told me why they said I have no spirit roots, she asked softly, her eyes searching his for an explanation. Jiang Cheng paused, his gaze drifting as he considered her question. Finally, in a measured tone he replied, You see, some of the rarest, most defiant spirit roots dont manifest at birth. They require a dramatic turning pointa moment that forces both body and soul into transformation. It might be a near-death experience, extreme emotional turmoil, or simply the absence of the right technique that prevents their appearance. Liu Ying listened intently, her expression thoughtful as she absorbed his words. And dont forget, Jiang Cheng added, his tone lowering slightly, were in a backward area. We still lack the proper tools and methods to detect these subtle changes. "Alright, enough chitchat," Jiang Cheng said, his tone firm but calm. "Sit in front of me and focus. Close your eyes and try to feel the spiritual energy around you. Let it flow through you, connecting you to heaven and earth." Liu Ying nodded, her expression serious as she settled into position. She closed her eyes and took a deep breath, her mind reaching out to sense the subtle currents of Qi in the air. And just like that, after only fifteen minutesyes, fifteen whole minutesJiang Cheng was about to head out to the brothel to "chat" with Sister Lin about the "history of the world" when he suddenly froze mid-step. His fan tumbled from his hand with a loud clatter as a surge of spiritual energy rippled through the room. His jaw practically hit the floor. "She succeeded? Already?!" he blurted, his voice cracking like a teenagers on his first date. "What the hell is wrong with the world?! Didnt they say this takes monthsmaybe even a year? Some people train their entire lives for this, and she just... poof?!" He glared at the sky, shaking his fist like an old man scolding a stubborn cloud. "This is so unfair, you dog author! Are you even trying to make this realistic, or are you just handing out plot armor like free dumplings at a festival?!" Meanwhile, Liu Ying slowly opened her eyes, now glowing with newfound power, and, with innocent curiosity, asked, "Did I do it right? It felt kind of... easy." When Jiang Cheng heard Liu Ying casually say, It felt kind of... easy, he clutched his chest as if hed been stabbed by a thousand tiny daggers of inadequacyeach one engraved with the words Youre a failure. His face turned as pale as a ghost whod just seen its own funeral, and he swore he could taste blood rising in his throat. Almost vomited blood? More like almost died on the spot. His mind raced back to the original owner of this bodythat poor, delusional soul who had spent an entire year just to sense a flicker of spiritual energy. And even then, that guy had strutted around like he was the chosen one, the protagonist of some grand destiny. Jiang Cheng wanted to laugh, cry, and maybe throw himself off a cliffall at the same time. Maybe I shouldve stayed in my old life as a broke Office worker. At least there, the only thing I had to worry about was instant noodles and debt. Jiang Chengs inner voice exploded with indignation: What even is this plot armor?! Am I suddenly the comic relief while shes the dazzling heroine? Dog author, if youre out there, may you stub your toe every day! Meanwhile, Liu Ying tilted her head, completely oblivious to Jiang Chengs existential crisis. So... whats next? she asked, her eyes sparkling with excitement. Do I get a cool sword? Or maybe a flying mount? Oh! Can I shoot fireballs now?! Jiang Cheng stared at her, his eye twitching. Shoot fireballs? Shes already thinking about fireballs?! He took a deep breath, trying to calm the storm of emotions raging inside him. No, he said through gritted teeth. First, you learn control. Otherwise, youll blow yourself upor worse, blow me up. Liu Ying pouted. But that sounds boring. Cant I just... skip to the fun part? Jiang Chengs eye twitched harder. Skip to the fun part?! He was about to unleash a lecture that would make her regret ever being born, but then he stopped. A sinister thought crossed his mind. What if I just... dont tell her? Let her figure it out the hard way. Yeah, thatll teach her. With a meaan smile, he said, You know what? Youre right. Lets skip to the fun part. Here, try channeling learning how to cast this technique He handed her a fire ball technique to try Liu Ying beamed, clearly thrilled. Finally! Something exciting! She closed her eyes, focused her Qi, and a few minutes she shot a Fireball from her hand. The wall exploded in a puff of smoke, leaving Jiang Cheng covered in in smoke Jiang Cheng, now covered in soot and looking like a chimney sweep, stared in utter disbelief. You... succeeded? This is impossible! Absolutely impossible! He raged silently, his Taoist heart nearly collapsing under the weight of cosmic injustice. Is this the true meaning of the Heroine of Destiny? Is this the terrifying talent of the Daughter of Luck? No, I cant do it. I cant stand it! Liu Ying, startled by Jiang Chengs wild expression, tried to speak. Young Mast NO! Jiang Cheng interrupted, waving his hands frantically. Dont call me Young Master! I dont dare claim that title! Just... call me Fellow Taoist. Or Brother Jiang. Or literally anything else. Just not that. He was genuinely terrified. The hell with Young Master! I thought I could silence her back then in the crime scene, but now Im afraid the moment I lay a finger on her, Ill get slapped by her from the long river of Time. This tale has been unlawfully lifted without the author''s consent. Report any appearances on Amazon. Or worse, some karmic disaster will fall from the sky and crush me like a bug. This is exactly like those trashy novels Ive been reading! As Jiang Cheng drowned in his delusions, Liu Ying blinked at him, utterly confused. Uh... Brother Jiang? Are you okay? Youre muttering about karmic disasters and time-slapping... Jiang Cheng snapped out of it, forcing a shaky smile. Im fine. Perfectly fine. Just... contemplating the meaning of life. You know, as one does. He glanced at the smoldering ruins of the wall and sighed. Anyway, lets... uh... clean this up before someone thinks were under attack. Liu Ying grinned. Or we could just say it was a training accident? Jiang Cheng groaned. Great. Now shes learning to lie too. Whats next? Is she going to start forming a harem of overpowered love interests while Im stuck here as the token grumpy mentor? Dog author, I swear, if youre listening, Im coming for you! Jiang Chengs mind spiraled further into chaos. Im afraid when she surpasses me in strength, shell bully methe poor Taoist priest! He imagined a future where Liu Ying, now a powerhouse of unimaginable talent, would force him to carry her bags, fetch her tea, and maybe even polish her shoes. is this my fate? To be the comic relief punching bag for the main character? Liu Ying, oblivious to Jiang Chengs internal meltdown, looked around and said, Brother Jiang, now that Im at the first level of the Qi Refining stage, but I dont have any techniques. What should I do? Jiang Chengs mind raced as he recalled the mysterious book hed found in the Flower Thiefs spatial bag. It was that nameless tome with blank pagescompletely empty, or so it appeared. If these Novels I read is correct then that book is definitely contain some shocking inherent , but in his hands, he would never receive it so It better to cheat this silly girl with it . If I spin a good enough story, maybe shell be so grateful shell never bully me. Heck, she might even take me flying on her future spirit beast! With a sad sigh, Jiang Cheng adopted a sorrowful expression, his eyes glistening with unshed tears (or maybe it was just dusthard to tell). He pulled the book from his spatial pouch and held it reverently in front of Liu Ying. This, he began, his voice trembling with emotion, is no ordinary book. This is a relic of my ancestors, passed down through generations. It is a testament to their blood, sweat, and tears. A symbol of their sacrifices. Liu Yings eyes widened, her curiosity piqued. Really? What kind of sacrifices? Jiang Chengs face darkened as if recalling a painful memory. Many years ago, my great-great-grandfather, the legendary Jiang Tianming, ventured into the Forbidden Abyss to retrieve this very book. He fought against demonic beasts, braved soul-crushing illusions, and even sacrificed his favorite pair of Immortal shoes to cross a river of molten lava. Liu Ying gasped. He sacrificed his Immortal shoes? Thats so brave! Jiang Cheng nodded solemnly. Indeed. But the greatest sacrifice came when he reached the heart of the Abyss. There, he faced the Guardian of Eternal Sorrowa monstrous creature with a thousand eyes and a voice that could shatter mountains. My ancestor fought valiantly, but in the end, he had to make the ultimate sacrifice. Liu Ying leaned in, her voice barely a whisper. What... what did he sacrifice? Jiang Cheng paused for effect, his voice dropping to a mournful whisper. His... favorite Immortal teapot. Liu Yings jaw dropped. His immortal teapot?! Jiang Cheng nodded, a single tear rolling down his cheek. It was a priceless artifact, passed down through our family for centuries. But he knew that the knowledge contained in this book was worth more than any material possession. And so, with a heavy heart, he offered it to the Guardian in exchange for this tome. Liu Yings eyes filled with admiration. Your ancestor was so selfless! I cant believe he gave up his teapot for this book. Jiang Cheng sighed, clutching the book to his chest. Yes, it was a dark day for the Jiang family. But his sacrifice was not in vain. This book contains the secrets of unparalleled cultivation techniques, ones that will help you reach heights youve never dreamed of. Liu Yings eyes sparkled with excitement. Really? Can I see it? Jiang Cheng hesitated, his expression pained. I... I dont know if I can part with it. Its the last connection I have to my ancestors. But... He looked at her, his eyes filled with a mixture of hope and sorrow. If you promise to cherish it as they did, to honor their sacrifices, then... perhaps I can entrust it to you. Liu Ying nodded fervently. I promise, Brother Jiang! Ill treat it with the utmost respect! Jiang Cheng smiled softly, though inwardly he was fist-pumping in victory. Yes! Shes eating it up! Now shell be so grateful shell never bully me. Maybe shell even let me ride her future flying treasure! He handed her the book with a dramatic flourish. Then it is yours. May it guide you on your path to greatness. Liu Ying took the book, her hands trembling with excitement. Thank you, Brother Jiang! I wont let you down! Liu Ying eagerly flipped through the book, her eyes sparkling with curiosityuntil her face froze. She held up the book and waved it in front of Jiang Cheng like a piece of trash. Brother Jiang... why is it empty? Jiang Chengs heart nearly leapt out of his chest. His brain short-circuited. How the hell would I know?! Im not the author! But his face remained a picture of forced wisdom and calm. He stroked his chin like an old Daoist master. Ah... thats... thats because... its a test! he declared with the conviction of a scam artist cornered by debt collectors. Yes, a test of your talent! This is no ordinary book. You must channel your spiritual energy into it. Only then will the ancient secrets reveal themselves! Inside, he was praying like his life depended on it. Please work please work Liu Ying gasped in awe. So mysterious! Your ancestors were amazing, Brother Jiang! Jiang Cheng let out a shaky laugh, his smile stiff. Ancestors? If they heard this nonsense, theyd probably crawl out of their graves and beat me with their walking sticks. The moment Liu Ying channeled her spiritual energy into the book, Jiang Cheng felt the temperature in the room plummet. His smile froze. His heartbeat quickened. Before he could even blink, the book in her hands shone with an eerie, otherworldly lightthen vanished into thin air. His pupils shrank. Gone?! What do you mean gone?! But before he could panic properly, Liu Yings expression shifted. Her eyes closed, and her delicate face became cold and ruthlessso ruthless it sent shivers down his spine. The gentle, silly girl from before was gone. In her place sat someone, something, terrifying. A suffocating aura erupted around her. It was ancientprimal, like it had existed before the heavens and earth were formed. The air itself seemed to freeze in fear. Jiang Cheng stumbled backward, his breath caught in his throat. Then she spoke. Low, chilling words seeped from her lips, like whispers from a forgotten void. The Void reflects all things yet retains nothing. What enters is lost, what leaves is forgotten. Before all things, there was the Void. It is neither light nor darkness, neither presence nor absence. It is the source and the end, the cradle of existence and the tomb of creation. Jiang Chengs legs went weak. His back hit the wall, but he barely noticed. His ears buzzed. His vision blurred. Space bends before the one who understands its nature. Form is an illusion; distance is a lie. To step into the Void is to step beyond fate, beyond time, beyond self. The ground trembled beneath them. Outside, the sky darkened unnaturally, like dusk had fallen at midday. The wind howled, and spiritual energy surged from every directionlike rivers, torrents from dozens of miles away, all madly converging toward her. Jiang Chengs scalp went numb. What... what the hell is this book?! His voice cracked, barely a whisper. He pressed himself against the wall, cold sweat drenching his back. His chest tightened. His instincts screamed at him to run, but his legs refused to move. He was like a mortal staring into the abyssno, staring at the abyss staring back. His thoughts spiraled out of control. Did I just dig up some ancient taboo? Is this the start of a world-ending calamity? He imagined black-robed cultivators descending from the sky, divine tribulations striking down from the heavens, or some terrifying Void Lord clawing his way into their worldall because of a single book. And worst of all... he gave it to her. I just wanted to scam a silly girl... not summon the end of days! Chapter 38 "Not Your Average Hero: A Taoist’s Rebellion" Jiang Cheng stood in silent terror as the Qi energy in the inn intensified. Suddenly, Liu Ying''s cultivation surged from the initial stage of Qi Refining to the peak of the Fifth level. The atmosphere shifted as her aura filled the space with commanding force, overwhelming Jiang Cheng. She opened her eyes and shouted, "Brother Jiang, I have not let you down." In an instant, she teleported directly in front of him, startling Jiang Cheng out of his wits. His reaction was anything but good. Panic seized him as he instinctively grabbed the little girl and, without a second thought, unleashed the Wind Step Technique at full force. He fled from the inn, dashing towards the cover of the mountains and forests. Brother Jiang, why are we running away? Liu Ying asked in confusion as they sped through the wilderness. Jiang Cheng couldnt hold back his frustration. You made such a huge commotion! Someones bound to come investigate. What if an evil cultivator shows up and decides to kill usor worse, refine us into puppets? Hearing this, Liu Yings face paled with fear. Without warning, she grabbed his hand and activated her teleportation ability, dragging him along as they blinked across the landscape. After five minutes, her spiritual energy was finally depleted. They stopped, gasping for breath, now hundreds of miles away from their original location. As Jiang Cheng was catching his breath, Liu Ying glanced at him and said seriously, Brother Jiang, your speed is too slow. Jiang Chengs face remained calm and composed, but inwardly, he was cursing nonstop. " What an ungrateful little bastard! Shes saying Im dragging her down? Now that shes gained power, shes already looking down on me? With her potential, shell definitely bully this Taoist Priest in the future probably even dig up my ancestors and stomp on their graves! !" he muttered inwardly, but he still has smile on his face. But Jiang Cheng still maintained a stiff smile on his facethough his eye was twitching ever so slightly. He forced a kind tone: Little girl, you have a very rare spirit root you could even call it legendary. Liu Ying tilted her head, puzzled. So what about it? Jiang Chengs smile froze. He looked at her like he was staring at the dumbest person under the heavens. The kind of look a master carpenter would give if someone used his chisel to stir soup. He sighed sadly , like a teacher about to explain why two plus two is four. Since you have a very, very rare spirit rootespecially one related to spaceit means your domain is speed he explained patiently, his tone calm, almost scholarly. But the moment he finished that part, something snapped inside him. His calm tone exploded into a storm of righteous fury. "So how the hell do you expect me to keep up with you? " His face twisted in exaggerated grievance, arms flailing wildly like he was conducting an orchestra of complaints. Spit flew everywhere, his saliva forming a mist around them like an aura of suffering. His voice grew louder and louder as he unleashed his frustrations like a long-suppressed volcano. do you think im some god of speed? im a normal person, okay, youre a cheat character, and im just an extra!! what kind of injustice is this? who wrote this damn script ? author, come out! lets fight He pointed to the sky like he was challenging fate itself, his veins bulging as he ranted to the heavens. It was the kind of outburst that would make passersby think he was possessed. Liu Ying took a small step back, eyes wide, as she watched her calm, serious Brother Jiang turn into a deranged old man yelling at clouds. This narrative has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. If you see it on Amazon, please report it. She blinked a few times and quietly added, Its actually Void and Space Roots. Silence. The ranting stopped mid-sentence, Jiang Chengs mouth still open, his hand still raised in defiance against the sky. His pupils shrank. His mind blanked. His jaw slowly closed like a creaky door. His whole body stiffened like he had been petrified. He stared at her as though she had grown three heads. ...Two TWO roots? Void and Space? Both ?! His thoughts froze. He could practically hear the sound of his future self getting bullied and buried repeatedly by this monstrous little girl. For several seconds, he remained in this shocked state, staring at her like he had just met the reincarnation of a celestial emperor. That same stiff smile returned to Jiang Chengs face, though it trembled slightly, betraying the internal collapse of his spirit. Haha amazing truly amazing Little girl, this Taoist priest wishes you the best of luck on your grand path. With those words, Jiang Cheng slowly turned around. He silently took out two small cloth bags, slinging them over his shoulders. His back hunched, his steps heavy, like an old man who had seen too much of lifes cruelty. He began walking away into the distance, each step filled with the sorrow of a man bidding farewell to his dignity. The scene looked like a tragic wandering hero, but in reality, it was a man desperately trying to flee for his life. However, before he could disappear into the forest, Liu Yings eyes welled up with tears. Her small face scrunched up as she ran forward, grabbing his hand tightly. Brother Jiang youre trying to abandon me Did I do something wrong? Her voice trembled, tears streaming down her cheeks. Jiang Chengs body stiffened. His lips twitched, but he didnt dare look at her. No You didnt do anything wrong Its the world and the author Theyre the ones who keep humiliating this Taoist priest His voice cracked with grievance. I cant bear it anymore Im just a small supporting character, but they keep sending heaven-defying monsters like you into my life! Im tired I just wanted to live quietly but fate wont allow it! He clenched his fists as if cursing the heavens. His eyes were filled with the pain of an ordinary man forced to share the stage with a protagonist blessed by the gods. Liu Ying blinked, confused, not fully understanding his existential crisis. She hugged his arm tighter. Brother Jiang, I dont care about the author or the heavens I just want to follow you Jiang Chengs heart wavered. He looked down at the little girls teary eyes. His stiff smile softenedthough inside, he was still thinking: Im doomed. This little ancestor is sticking to me for life Jiang Cheng paused for a moment, his face hardening, and then looked at her with a cold, look. Are you sure about this? Im not someone who enjoys fighting and killing. Im not a hero, Liu Ying. If you think I saved you that day out of some noble sense of righteousness, then youve misunderstood. His voice dropped, taking on a ruthless tone that sent a chill through the air as his gaze turned even colder. He was no longer joking around, no longer the easy-going Taoist priest she had seen before. This was the real Jiang Cheng, speaking with the raw honesty of someone who had no time for illusions. Liu Ying, the only reason I appeared that night and dealt with the flower thief was because he had something I needed. If he hadnt been useful to me, I wouldnt have cared if he took you. Its not about justice, its about me. My life is worth more than any righteous cause. He paused for a moment before adding, So, my style of doing things is... well, its not quite what you might think. If you stay with me and follow my rules, youre welcome. But if youre the kind of person who chases justice blindly and will seek death everywhere in the future, then we should part ways hereas friends, better than becoming enemies. He said this seriously. In his heart, he thought to himself, I will definitely not follow those bullshit plots from novels. the kind where the protagonist sacrifices everything for the heroine to break through, whoever want it he can have it but not me. In his heart, Jiang Cheng couldnt care less about her potential. She was a genius, sure, but that wasnt his problem. Her potential is terrifying? Good. But thats her journey, not mine. Ill walk my own path, not hers. He stared at her, his face cold and unreadable, waiting for her answer Liu Ying stood there, eyes wide with shock, her heart pounding as the weight of his words sank in. She had never expected him to say such things. Her hands trembled slightly, and the bright, innocent expression she had carried for so long faltered. She opened her mouth to respond, but no words came out. The air around them seemed to grow heavier, and for a moment, the world felt still. Her eyes searched his face, looking for any trace of the man she had followed, but all she saw was a cold, detached expression that made her chest tighten. Her mouth went dry, and she took a small step back, her heart heavy with the realization that Jiang Cheng, the person she had trusted and relied on, had no interest in being the hero she might have imagined him to be. I... I didnt expect this... she whispered, her voice barely audible. Jiang Cheng stood there quietly, his gaze unwavering as his words dropped like stones. This world doesnt reward the good or punish the evilit simply moves on, indifferent to your desires. Those who wish for fairness are blind to the way things truly are. He spoke slowly, with a hint of finality, as if he had already accepted the harsh truths of the world. His eyes met hers, and his voice took on an almost philosophical tone. You must understand, the flower thiefs actions, as twisted as they were, may have been shaped by his upbringing. Tortured by his master, he grew up in a world where cruelty and power were the only truths. To him, mistreating mortals like you might seem normaljust a reflection of his reality, not evil. But to you and me? Its monstrous. He paused for a moment, his expression unchanging, before adding, There is no such thing as pure good or evil in this world. Cultivators walk a path of constant choiceseach action has its price, and the consequences blur the lines between right and wrong. I hope you can understand a little and make sense of what Ive said, little girl. With that, Jiang Cheng finally let a small, knowing smile curve his lips. It was a smile that didnt reach his eyes, but it was there nonethelessan attempt at reassurance, though it felt distant and impersonal. Liu Ying stood frozen, her thoughts swirling. She had never imagined the world in such a bleak light. The words he had said echoed in her mind, each one heavier than the last. The reality of Jiang Cheng''s indifference, his pragmatic acceptance of the world''s cruelty, was a hard pill to swallow. For the first time, she wasnt sure if she truly understood himor if she ever could. Chapter 39. "Sacrifice the Extra? Not Today, Dog Author!" Liu Ying steps forward, her eyes steady with resolve despite the lingering tension in the air. She takes a deep breath before speaking, her voice soft yet unwavering: "I understand, Brother Jiang. I don''t care about why you rescued mewhat matters is that you did. All I know is that you saved me, and that''s enough for me. I don''t care about justice or any of that lofty talk. I just want to be with you, like we''ve always been these past months as a mentor and a friend." Jiang Cheng''s hearty smile spread across his face as he repeated, "Good, good, good!" three times, his voice warm and resolute. With a gentle, almost tender gesture, he brushed Liu Ying''s silver hair aside, his eyes glinting with a mix of determination and rare affection. "fellow Daoist , Let''s walk this path together, side by side, until the very end." Liu Ying''s eyes twinkled as she returned his smile. "Yes, fellow Daoist," she replied softly, her voice filled with quiet determination. ... After a few moment of expressing their feelings Jiang Cheng''s eyes widened as he took in the breathtaking yet eerie landscape. Towering mountains encircled them, and the distant, haunting voices of monsters echoed through the air. Startled, he turned to Liu Ying and asked, "Girl, where did you send us?" Liu Ying''s eyes darted around in panic as the eerie echoes filled the air. Her voice trembled as she replied, "I don''t knowI just kept teleporting toward the mountains until we arrived here." Jiang Cheng pulled a tattered map from his space bag and studied it intently. With a sudden burst, he leaped high into the air, scanning the landscape for any sign of danger. Landing lightly, he turned to Liu Ying and declared, "We should head west to get out of here. It seems Puchan Town is nearby, so we don''t have to worry." Liu Ying let out a relieved sigh. Jiang Cheng though for a moment then added . "Let meditate for a bit to restore our spiritual energy," Then They both settled down in the quiet spot, the only sound the gentle rustle of wind, and entered a deep, silent meditation. After an hour of meditation, Jiang Cheng and Liu Ying were back to their peak, silently moving through the terrain. They stuck close to each other, eyes darting nervously as they tiptoed through the eerie landscape. Liu Ying, unable to hold back her curiosity, looked at Jiang Cheng, who was practically glued to her side. "Brother Jiang, are you... afraid here?" she asked, her voice teasingly . Jiang Cheng froze for a split second, then quickly backed away, clearing his throat. "Afraid? Me? No! Don''t spout nonsense, little girl!" he said, trying to look casual but glancing nervously around. "I''m just... uh, being cautious! That''s all!" He gave a wild glance at the shadows in the distance, his eyes widening. Liu Ying raised an eyebrow. "Then why are you sticking to me like a shadow?" Jiang Cheng''s face turned slightly red. "I''m just... saving energy! It''s more efficient this way!" He waved his hand shamelessly , but his posture had already shifted into full-on ''defensive mode'' as he instinctively sidestepped closer to her again. "You know, safety in numbers, right?" Liu Ying smirked, amused by his antics. "Right, Brother Jiang. Safety in numbers," she said, playing along. "Just... don''t trip over your own feet, okay?" Jiang Cheng grinned, trying to reassure himself. "Don''t worry, with this young master here, nothing will hap" Before he could finish, A small white rabbit hopped out from behind a bush. Jiang Cheng''s pupils shrank to pinpoints. "AMBUSH!" Jiang Cheng''s heart leaped into his throat, and without a second thought, he hurled two Piercing Wind Talismans at the creature. Boom! Boom! The talismans exploded, sending a bloody mist into the air as the rabbit vanished. Liu Ying blinked, her face frozen in disbelief. "_" "Brother Jiang... it''s just a rabbit," she said, speechless. Jiang Cheng, trying to maintain his composure, quickly cleared his throat . "Did you see that? That was a poisonous black mamba! If it weren''t for me, you''d be dead by now." Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon. He glanced at Liu Ying smugly, completely ignoring the rabbit part. "You''re welcome." Liu Ying, still trying to process what had just happened, looked at him with a deadpan expression. "Yes, you''re right, Brother Jiang. If it weren''t for you, I''d be dead." Jiang Cheng nodded, satisfied with her response, and continued walking like nothing had happened, his chest puffed out a little more. After a few minutes of cautious walking, Liu Ying suddenly paused, her eyes narrowing as she looked around . "Brother Jiang, follow me. I feel... something calling me in that direction," she said, pointing to her right. Jiang Cheng blinked, looking around in confusion. "I don''t feel anything," he said, scratching his head. "What''s going on?" Liu Ying''s eyes gleamed with excitement. "I don''t know... I just feel like there''s an opportunity over there." Jiang Cheng''s heart sank, and he cursed inwardly. The dog author''s at it again, throwing opportunities like candy at children. She''s barely started, and already treasures are calling her! His jealousy was practically bubbling up to the surface. He took a deep breath, trying to suppress his envy, and gave Liu Ying a forced smile. "Alright, let''s go take a look, then." But inside, he was fuming, thinking, What''s next? Is she going to trip over an ancient artifact on the way there? A sword that chooses her as its master? ... As they made their way up the winding mountain path, the rustling of leaves overhead caused Jiang Cheng to stiffen. His eyes darted upward, hand instinctively brushing against his space bag. A small squirrel scurried across a branch, pausing to nibble on something. Liu Ying glanced over suppressing her lougher. She leaned in slightly and whispered, "Careful, Brother Jiang. That squirrel might have a hidden blade." Jiang Cheng exhaled sharply, relaxing, but only slightly. Looking around cautiously. "You joke," he muttered, "but this world is full of strange beasts. Who''s to say that squirrel isn''t part of some covert rodent sect?" The squirrel twitched its nose, staring back at him. Liu Ying clapped a hand over her mouth to stifle a laugh. "The Bladepaw Clan, perhaps?" Jiang Cheng shook his head and quickened his pace. "Laugh now... until you wake up with a knife-wielding squirrel standing on your chest." Behind them, The squirrel pauses. Stares at him. Jiang Cheng: "Look at its eyes! It''s planning something!" Liu Ying: "__" .... As they carefully avoided a few low-level monsters, Jiang Cheng and Liu Ying eventually arrived at the foot of a towering mountain. Liu Ying, her eyes sharp, suddenly stopped near a secluded spot on the left. "Here," she said, pointing to a patch of grass and thorns covering the ground. Jiang Cheng raised an eyebrow, but they both knelt down, clearing the thorns and grass away. To their surprise, they uncovered a hole in the earth, about two meters wide, hidden in plain sight. The dense vegetation had concealed it so well that no one would have noticed it unless they were actively looking. With a mixture of curiosity and caution, they peered deeper into the hole. Their eyes widened in shock. Below them, nestled in the depths, was a beautiful cave with a serene little lake in the center. Surrounding the lake was a lush carpet of vibrant green grass, dotted with delicate wildflowers that swayed gently in the wind, their petals painted in hues of pink, purple, and gold. Further in, two towering trees stood side by side, their energies radiating so strongly that even from this distance, Jiang Cheng could feel the pulse of both Yang and Yin energy. Jiang Cheng quickly pulled out the notebook he had purchased from Qinglin Pavilion and flipped through the pages until he found the entries on the trees. "The one on the right," he began, "is the Yang Qi Tree." He stared at the tree, its golden leaves shimmering in the soft light from the cave''s inner fire. "This tree bears fruits called Sunspire Orbs. They''re said to rapidly nourish Yang energy within cultivators, especially males. Consuming them boosts vitality and helps males reach the peak of Qi Refining. It''s said that the first time you eat one, your strength surges." Liu Ying nodded, captivated by the description. Jiang Cheng''s eyes then moved to the tree on the left. "And here," he continued, "we have the Yin Qi Tree." The tree''s silvery leaves glowed softly, casting an ethereal light as though kissed by the moon itself. "The fruit of this tree is called Moonshadow Pearls. These are especially beneficial for females, enhancing Yin energy and promoting spiritual harmony. Consuming them helps females refine their spiritual energy and progress faster through the higher levels of Qi Refining." Liu Ying looked between the two trees, her expression both awed and thoughtful. "So, these fruits... they could help us grow even stronger?" Jiang Cheng nodded solemnly, but his eyes darted around like a paranoid . "Yes, but remember, nothing in this world is free. Not even the air we breathe. And definitely not this magical glowing fruit. The Dog Author doesn''t just hand out rewards without some kind of trap or life threatening challenge. Trust me, I''ve read the script. He looked at her and said "little girl. You need to experience the danger of society before the author reward comes" Liu Ying tilted her head, her brows furrowed in confusion. "Brother Jiang, who''s this ''Dog Author'' you keep talking about?" Jiang Cheng, still peering around cautiously and eyeing the trees as if they might suddenly sprout a plot twist, he looked at her and said " the Author is slightly sadistic entity who controls our lives, writes our dialogue, and gets a little too much joy out of putting us in Dangerous situations. Liu Ying blinked, her expression blank. "So... like fate?" Jiang Cheng snorted, standing up and brushing dirt off his robes. "Fate? No, no. Fate is classy. you know, the Dog Author is like that one elder in the sect who''s been stuck at the Nascent Soul stage for 500 years and takes out his frustration on everyone else. Liu Ying frowned, still not quite getting it. " I don''t Quite Understand" Jiang Cheng waved his hands. "Don''t question it! Just accept that our lives are basically a poorly written web novel, and I''m the extra who''s only here to make you look good before I inevitably get killed off for ''emotional growth.''" Liu Ying''s eyes softened, and she took a step toward him. "Brother Jiang, you''re not just an extra to me. You''re important!" Jiang Cheng raised a hand in panic. "Stop. Not another word! I''ve read the death flags! Once you say ''you''re important to me,'' the Dog Author sharpens his pen. Next thing you know, I''m coughing blood and giving you my family''s secret cultivation manual while you promise to avenge me!" Liu Ying: "Brother Jiang, you don''t even have a family cultivation manual." Jiang Cheng, eyes darting around: "That''s exactly what an extra would say before dying!" Liu Ying: "__" Before Liu Ying could respond, Jiang Cheng swiftly pulled out two talismans and flung them into the cave. Boom! Boom! The ground shook as the explosions echoed through the cave. In the next instant, two giant poisonous spiders, each the size of a water tank, leapt from the shadows where the talismans had struck. Their dark, chitinous bodies glistened with venom, and their many eyes gleamed with a sinister light. Jiang Cheng''s face darkened. "I knew it! How could the Dog Author let us off so easily?" He turned to Liu Ying with a face full of righteous indignation. "See? If we had just jumped in like you wanted, those monsters would''ve chased after me like their long-lost father and completely ignored you!" Liu Ying stared at him, deadpan. "Brother Jiang, do you think maybe it''s because you look tastier?" Jiang Cheng choked on his words, then coughed loudly to cover it up. "Nonsense! This is called experience and wisdom from reading a lot of novels ! Remember, little girl, wisdom!" Liu Ying was stunned by his logical nonsense that she was speechless and couldn''t say anything more to refute him. So she turned to look at those Giant spiders and asked. "so what should we do with those monsters how can we kill them without sacrificing you brother Jiang". Saying it laughing at him. Jiang Cheng''s face turned as dark as the bottom of a pot. He shot her a glare. "Little girl, you''re getting bold, huh? Sacrifice me? In your dreams!" Liu Ying giggled, covering her mouth, but her eyes were full of mischief. Jiang Cheng snorted, then rubbed his chin as he studied the spiders. "Hmph, we don''t need to fight head-on. These beasts might be fierce, but I am smarter!" Jiang Cheng''s eyes gleamed like a mad scientist. "We unleash the most ancient and forbidden technique Wealth Erosion Style!" Liu Ying blinked. "What''s that?" Jiang Cheng''s eyes gleamed. "We throw talismans and keep throwing until they die!" Liu Ying: "" Author : "__" Chapter 40 "don’t bully the young and poor!” As Jiang Cheng and Liu Ying cautiously observed from above, the poisonous spiders below scuttled around with menacing clicks. Their bodies were the size of grinding stones, their venom dripping from grotesque fangs that could melt rock. Jiang Cheng furrowed his brows. "These two beasts Theyre stronger than us. Even if I throw all my talismans, I might not be able to take them down." He glanced at Liu Ying. Her face was pale, her hand trembling slightly on her sword hilt. Suddenly, a sinister smile crept across his face. Wait we have a tool person here, dont we? he thought. And shes beloved by the Dog Author. With her boundless protagonist-tier luck, even if she trips and falls, shell probably accidentally awaken an ancient bloodline or tame the spiders into her pets. Why should I risk my life? He wiped the smirk from his face and replaced it with a kind, sage-like expressionthe classic senior expert guiding the younger generation look. Little girl, your chance to shine has come. I will entrust these monsters to you as a training opportunity. Liu Yings eyes went wide with horror. Tears welled up almost instantly as her voice cracked. Brother Jiang! Those monsters are stronger than me! I Ive never even killed a chicken before! How can you be so heartless to send such a delicate, beautiful, well-behaved fairy like me to die? Her voice trembled as if reciting lines from a tragic play, but Jiang Chengs heart was unmoved. He even added a nod of encouragement, like a master watching his disciple face her fated tribulation. Of course, deep inside, he was already preparing to run the moment something went wrong. Jiang Cheng shook his head in deep disappointment, letting out a heavy sigh like a master who had seen the decline of an entire generation. "Little girl, how can you say such cowardly words? We monks why should we be afraid of fighting. If we fear mere spiders, how can we ever hope to transcend mortality and touch the Dao? Seeing Liu Ying still trembling, he pressed on, his tone growing more solemn, eyes gazing into the distance as if he were recounting the hardships of ancient sages "Do you know how our ancestors paved the way for us? Thousands fell battling these foul beasts so we could stand here today! They braved poison, claws, and fangs with nothing but their bare hands and righteous hearts! Did they hesitate? No! Did they weep? Perhaps! But did they back down? Never!" He pointed toward the venomous spiders below, as though they were the ultimate trial of heaven. "These creatures are the sworn enemies of our human race. Each one you slay is a step toward safeguarding the future of our kind. Each drop of their poisonous blood is a badge of your bravery!" He narrowed his eyes, lowering his voice as if revealing an ancient secret. "Moreover battles like these temper your fate. Who knows? Perhaps, at the brink of death, you will awaken a hidden bloodline, comprehend a peerless technique, or even draw the attention of a mysterious senior expert who will take you as a disciple!" He paused, letting her imagination run wild. But if you shrink back now you will be nothing but a flower vase. And worse the Dog Author will definitely be disappointed in you. Liu Yings face paled even further. Her lips quivered. Being called a flower vase was already unbearable, but disappointing that damned Dog Author? That was a fate worse than death! Jiang Cheng folded his arms, feeling quite pleased with his speech. He had perfectly blended righteousness, guilt-tripping, and the ultimate threatthe wrath of the Dog Author. Liu Ying sniffled, clutching her sword with weak determination, cursing both the spiders and this dog-hearted brother. "B-brother Jiang if I survive this you owe me " Jiang Cheng chuckled kindly, masking his inner scheming. "Of course, of course. Now go. Make our ancestors proud." He took two discreet steps backward, ensuring his escape route was clear, just in case. If you spot this tale on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation. "B-Brother Jiang... theyre stronger than me. How can I possibly take them down?" Liu Yings voice trembled, her red eyes already brimming with tears, like a bullied rabbit about to be fed to wolves. Jiang Cheng felt a brief pang of guilt as he looked into her pitiful face. His conscience stirred just for a moment before he quickly looked away, pretending to gaze thoughtfully at the distant mountains. Clearing his throat, he spoke in a gentle, reassuring tone, "Dont worry. How could your Brother Jiang possibly sacrifice you I mean, send you to train without any backup?" With a flourish, he took out forty middle-grade talismans , their spiritual light flickering faintly in his hand. He handed her twenty stacked Fireball Talismans and twenty Piercing Wind talismans, practically stuffing them into her trembling hands like a street vendor forcing samples on a passerby. "Silly girl," Jiang Cheng said, his face now wearing the warm, encouraging smile of a seasoned elder, "you are proficient in the Dao of Space and Void. How can mere brainless beasts like these spiders possibly touch you? You must have confidence in yourself!" Then, with an expression of magnanimous righteousness, he added. "Besides, if something unfortunate does happen and you uh die, rest assured. Your Brother Jiang will definitely avenge you once I break through to Foundation Establishment." He smiled even more kindly, as though he had already prepared her memorial tablet in advance. Liu Ying: "" Her lips twitched. Her tears almost stopped from anger. "So youre sending me to die, but youll avenge me later? What kind of saintly brother logic is this?" she thought, but dared not say it aloud. She looked down at the talismans in her handthe pile was indeed hefty, yet she still felt like she was being pushed onto the battlefield as cannon fodder. "This Dog Author this Dog Brother are they working together to ruin me?" Her inner complaints grew louder, but her feet had already started moving forward. Jiang Cheng let out a long sigh and said seriously, Liu Ying, dont worry. You will definitely succeed. He looked at her calmly, his tone sincere. If I had your ability to teleport, I would go myself without hesitation. After a brief pause, he continued, You only need to teleport four or five meters near those two beasts while theyre not paying attention. Once youre close, throw ten talismans at once. Even if they dont die, theyll be seriously injured. After that, teleport back here immediately. Well retreat together. He glanced down at the spiders below, ensuring they were still unaware of their presence. Then, he looked back at Liu Ying with firm eyes. They havent noticed us. This is our best chance for a surprise attack. Trust in your strength and your abilities. You can do this. Liu Ying looked at Jiang Cheng as he encouraged her, her expression hardening with resolve. She nodded firmly, I understand. Taking a deep breath, she focused all her energy into her next move. In the blink of an eye, she vanished from her spot, teleporting in front of one of the monstrous spiders. Without hesitation, she activated all ten talismans in a single moment, their spiritual power exploding to life. She throw them with precision toward the beast. The moment the talismans made contact, a massive explosion tore through the air. The ground shook violently, and a blinding flash of light erupted from the impact site. The force was so overwhelming that it sent shockwaves rippling through the area, cracking the ground and throwing debris into the air. The air itself seemed to crackle with energy, the intense pressure threatening to crush everything in its path. For a moment, the area fell into an eerie silence. The beast had been caught completely off guard, the full force of the talismans striking it before it could even react. The spider shrieked in pain, its body trembling violently from the blow. Before the talismans even exploded, Liu Ying had already disappeared, retreating far from the scene. Jiang Cheng barely had time to react when he saw her sudden movement, and a curse escaped his mind. "She escaped before I could even do anything!" He gritted his teeth, but quickly refocused. Looking toward the aftermath, he activated his spiritual eyes to their fullest potential, seeking to examine the scene with heightened clarity. What he saw made him curse again under his breath. In a deep pit, several meters down, one of the poisonous spiders lay crumpled, its body twitching in pain, clearly badly injured but still alive. "What a damn strong vitality..." he thought in frustration. Its partner, however, was far from being in any state of weakness. Its furious killing intent filled the air, its sharp eyes scanning the area, searching for the source of the attack. Fortunately, they dont seem to know where we are yet, Jiang Cheng thought . There was no time to waste. Without hesitation, he activated his last remaining Thunderbolt talisman and crushed it in his palm. The very air seemed to crackle with energy as a thick, blinding bolt of lightning shot forward, slamming into the injured spider. The bolt struck with the force of a divine punishment, obliterating the spider''s soul from within, leaving nothing behind but a smoldering carcass. Its massive body crumpled to the ground in an unceremonious heap, the last of its struggles fading into nothing. Jiang Cheng exhaled slowly, the storm of tension in his chest dissipating. Before Jiang Cheng could think of what to do next, his eyes suddenly met those of the giant spider on the ground. His heart tightened"Not good!"he muttered under his breath. Without a moment''s hesitation, he turned and swiftly retreated. The spider let out an ear-piercing roar filled with rage, its massive body launching forward with shocking speed as it gave chase. Jiang Cheng dashed wildly through the dense forest, branches whipping against his face as he pushed his Wind Step technique to its limit. However, no matter how fast he ran, the spider followed closely behind, its legs tearing through the underbrush like blades. " Fuck, "Why is this thing faster than me? Did it cultivate the Wind Step Technique too?" Sweat drenched his back as he glanced over his shoulderits enormous figure was practically breathing down his neck. "So this is the gap between mid-Qi Refining and late-Qi Refining stage!" Jiang Chengs heart pounded in both fear and disbelief. He was using his movement technique at full capacity, yet the spider was still closing in as if it were merely toying with him, like a hunting beast playing with its prey. "Damn it Im like a piece of plastic being chased by a rabid dog!" he cursed inwardly. Jiang Cheng was sprinting through the forest like his life depended on itbecause it did. The spider was right behind him, its eight legs pounding the ground with terrifying speed, closing in like debt collectors after a broke cultivator. He pushed his Wind Step technique to the limit, his feet barely touching the ground as he zigzagged between trees. His heart was racing, his breath ragged, but he dared to glance backyup, the spider was still there, eyes full of murder, as though Jiang Cheng had set its ancestral grave on fire. Damn it, why is it only after me?! Just then, a familiar figure appeared in his line of sightLiu Ying! She was also running in the same direction, but with far more composure, like a young lady taking a brisk morning stroll. When she noticed Jiang Cheng, she gave a slight wave. Brother Jiang, youre running too? Jiang Chengs eyes lit upPerfect, a distraction! But before he could even alter his path, the spider also noticed Liu Ying. Its eyes locked onto her for a brief moment and thenit just ignored her. It didnt even slow down. It simply adjusted its eight-legged trajectory and continued charging at him with undivided hatred. Jiang Cheng almost tripped over his own feet. WHAT?! She was the one who threw the talismans! Im innocent! He gritted his teeth, his face twisted with injustice as he dodged a tree. Dog Author, this is too much! Is this bullying the Taoist priest to death? Even now, you still gave the heroine the Blindness Halo?! Liu Yings flawless protagonist aura had shielded her like an invisibility cloak, while hejust an ordinary, hardworking, tax-paying Qi Refining monkwas being treated like the worlds greatest sinner. Thirty years in Hedong, thirty years in Hexi, dont bully the young and poor! Jiang Cheng shouted in despair as he fled for his life, his voice trembling yet filled with righteous indignation. At that moment, somewhere across the vast heavens, in another world entirely, a young man named Xiao Yan, who had once suffered under the mocking gazes of the Jia Nan Academy elders and the Nalan family, paused. His eyes softened as he gazed into the distance. I understand you, fellow Daoist everyone is one of their own. He let out a deep sigh, the kind shared only between two souls who had tasted the bitterness of being treated as stepping stones by fate. Though worlds apart, for a fleeting second, a bridge of suffering connected themthe Taoist priest fleeing from a spider, and the alchemist who had once been called trash for three years. Chapter 41 "The Ruthless Path: Jiang Cheng’s Dance with Death" .... As Jiang Cheng kept running, one of the spiders sharp legs suddenly shot forward like a spear, piercing his right side, just below his ribs. A small hole was torn open in his flesh, and blood splattered onto the ground as pain surged through his body. Not good! Jiang Cheng gasped, his heart tightening in shock. He staggered to a halt, clutching his wound with his left hand to stem the bleeding. His breathing quickened, but he forced himself to stay calm. Raising his sword with his right hand, he assumed a defensive stance, his eyes locked onto the spider. The beasts fangs clicked menacingly, and its many eyes gleamed with a cruel intelligence, as though savoring his pain. Jiang Chengs face twisted in a mix of pain and frustration. Damn it this dog life of mine is really being pushed to the limit! The spiders eyes gleamed with a sinister light, its fangs clattering together, as if mocking Jiang Chengs futile resistance. Jiang Cheng gritted his teeth. The pain from his chest burned like fire, but what made his heart ache even more was the realization Damn it medical expenses again! Dog Author, are you trying to bankrupt me?! He tightened his grip on his sword, adopting a defensive stance, but his eyes flickered with calculation. Im at my limit but maybe maybe if I act pitiful enough, the Dog Authors compassion might trigger some protagonist halo right? He forced a cough, spitting a bit of blood for dramatic effect, and weakly raised his voice: Senior Spider can we discuss this? Were all residents of this forest. Why must we fight to the death? The spider pausedhalf a second. Then, without warning, it lunged forward, even faster than before. The air split with a sharp whistle as its leg cleaved toward Jiang Cheng. Jiang Cheng barely avoided the strike. His footing staggered for a breath, but he steadied himself. His face darkened, the last trace of lightness vanishing from his eyes. The reality was clear. There was no room for words. Only death awaited the slower one. Since we must fight to the death then so be it. He reached into his pouch, took out a healing pill, and swallowed it. The bitter powder dissolved in his throat, and a faint warmth spread through his chest, slowing the blood loss. The pain dulled but didnt disappear. He adjusted his grip on the sword. His fingers tightened. His face turned ruthless. You really think this young master is an easy target? His voice was low, stripped of all pretense. He locked eyes with the spider. No tricks. No mercy. The next move would decide life or death. ... The ground trembled as the massive six-meter Angry Spider reared up, its eight crimson eyes glinting with primal fury. Its fangs, dripping with venom, sizzled upon contact with the soil, releasing a faint, corrosive mist that slithered through the air like a serpents whisper. Each step it took left deep imprints in the earth, the weight of the beast making the ground seem ready to collapse. Jiang Cheng stood still. His right hand clenched around the hilt of his spirit sword. Veins along his forearm bulged slightly, but his face remained coldexpressionless, like still water reflecting a pale sky. Yet in his eyes, a dangerous glint surfaced, sharp and ruthless, like the edge of a blade. There was no fear, no angeronly calculation. The power of the Thunderclap Sword Art stirred faintly beneath his skin, but he did not unleash it recklessly. His gaze locked onto the spiders movements, analyzing every twitch of its limbs, every subtle shift in its posture. The Angry Spider lunged forward, its speed far beyond what its hulking frame suggested. Each movement was like a coiled spring snapping free, every step covering five meters in an instant, its massive legs blurring as it zigzagged unpredictably to the left, right, up, and down. The beast became a shadow weaving through the air, each strike of its sharp limbs cutting down like a guillotine. Clang! Clang! Clang! Jiang Chengs sword met the spiders legs in a rapid, brutal exchange. In just a few breaths, they had already clashed dozens of times. The force of each collision sent shockwaves into the air, causing cracks to splinter through the ground beneath their feet. Every blow was enough to reduce an ordinary mortal into a blood mist. His spirit sword, though strong, was beginning to show signs of wear. The blade cracked under the sheer power of the Thunderclap Sword Art, its vibrations trembling through Jiang Chengs grip. But he didnt care. He continued attacking, ruthlessly, with every ounce of his being. Each strike, each clash, was driven by the knowledge that there was no turning backhe had to win. The story has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation. The energy of the Thunderclap Sword Art burned through him, draining his strength with every swing, but Jiang Cheng ignored it. His mind was a cold machine, his body a weapon. He fought with a savagery that seemed inhuman, every movement designed to destroy. The sword''s power threatened to shatter, but Jiang Chengs focus never wavered. If his blade broke, so be it. The spider would die first. his eyes narrowing to slits. A cold glint flickered within them, not only from focus but from a simmering, killing intent boiling in them. Frustration boiled in his chest, todays misfortune, the poisoned wound, the near brush with death. It all ignited something ruthless within him. The spiders limbs whistled through the air like spears, but Jiang Cheng twisted and stepped between them with deadly efficiency, his strikes precise and relentless. The rhythm of their battle became a blurblades and limbs colliding in a deadly dance, sparks flashing with each violent impact. His long hair whipped wildly in the air, tangling and tossing with each twist of his body as he dodged and parried the beasts relentless strikes. His blood, mingled with the spiders venomous ichor, splattered in the air, painting the scene in a chaotic blend of crimson. Every strike that landed left bloody gashes across his bodyhis chest, his arms, his sideeach wound a testament to the ferocity of the battle. Yet, with every strike he took, Jiang Chengs resolve only hardened. Each time his sword cut through the spiders limbs, severing another leg with brutal efficiency, the spider retaliated with even greater fury, forcing Jiang Cheng to take another blow in return. His body was becoming a battlefield itselfwounds opened, blood flowedbut his expression remained cold, detached, like a man who had already accepted the inevitable. The forest trembled under the force of their battle, but neither side showed any sign of retreat. Blood splashed across the ground and air like a stormJiang Chengs blood, the spiders bloodbut it didnt matter. He fought with the ruthless precision of a machine, indifferent to the pain, indifferent to the bloodshed, only driven by one singular purpose: to end this beast''s life. After a few minutes of their relentless exchange, Jiang Cheng seized an opening. His sword, cracked and worn from the strain of the Thunderclap Sword Art, was poised to deliver a decisive blow. But as he brought it down, the blade shattered into countless pieces, scattering like shards of glass. Snap! The sudden break caught him off guardjust for an instantbut it was enough. The Angry Spider, though weakened and bleeding from severed limbs, seized the opportunity. With a fierce screech, it drove one of its remaining legs forward like a spear, piercing deep into Jiang Chengs stomach. Pfft! Jiang Chengs eyes widened for a brief moment. He felt the sharp, cold pain tear through his flesh. The sensation was rawvisceralfollowed instantly by the burning spread of venom. His body stiffened as blood surged up his throat. "Cough!" A mouthful of fresh blood burst from his lips, splattering onto the ground. His long hair, wild and stained with both his and the spiders blood, stuck to his face. His breath came ragged, his chest heaving as the poison began eating away at his strength. He couldnt move. The poison was paralyzing him, his limbs growing heavy like iron chains shackled his body. Yet, even as the pain twisted through his insides, Jiang Chengs face remained cold, his eyes still carrying that ruthless glint. There was no fear, no panicjust the cruel acceptance of reality. He stared at the spider, which stood over him like a demon of death. It was breathing heavily, its body riddled with gaping wounds, ichor oozing from where its legs had been severed. The beast was on its last legsboth predator and prey had pushed each other to the brink. But in this final clash, the outcome was clear. Jiang Cheng was the one who had fallen. His chest rose and fell with labored breaths as he looked at the spider. The corners of his mouth curled slightlynot into a smile, but something resembling mockery, or perhaps self-deprecation. Its a pity he muttered, his voice hoarse. His eyelids grew heavy. The world around him darkened. Just as his consciousness began to slip, a sudden explosion erupted above the spiders head. A burst of spiritual energy illuminated the forest like a flash of lightning, followed by a piercing, desperate voicea girls cry. Brother Jiang ! The spider let out a final screech of agony before its massive body staggered, then collapsed with a thunderous crash. Jiang Chengs vision blurred completely into darkness, his last thought lingering on that voice as he fell into unconsciousness. Liu Yings heart was pounding so hard it felt like it might burst from her chest. Her breathing was ragged, shallow, each inhale shaking as she knelt beside Jiang Chengs unmoving body. Her small hands trembled uncontrollably as she touched himhis robes soaked with blood, his face pale like lifeless paper. brother Jiang Jiang Brother! Her voice cracked, breaking into sobs. Tears streamed down her cheeks, blurring her vision. Her mind was screaming in panic, but she bit down on her lip until it bled, trying to focus. She fumbled with her spirit pouch, her fingers clumsy, nearly dropping it twice before she finally yanked it open. Pills healing pills detoxification pills everything! Her delicate hands crushed the pills into powderdesperate, uncaring that she was wasting their valueher only thought was that Jiang Cheng needed them now. She pressed the bitter medicine into his mouth, her fingers trembling as she tilted his head up slightly, trying to help him swallow. Please dont die please Her voice was a whisper, choked with fear. She wiped the blood from his lips with her sleeve, but more seeped out. Her stomach twistedthis wasnt enough. Her mind raced with dread. She had seen injured cultivators before and some never woke up. Her heart twisted painfully. What if he doesnt wake up? What if I was too late? The thought made her throat tighten so much she could barely breathe. Her tears dripped onto his bloodied chest. Suddenly, voices echoed from the forestlow, cautious, approaching. Her head snapped up, her teary eyes wide with fear. Enemies? She didnt know who they were, but she couldnt risk it. Her instincts screamed at her run! Her hands shook harder as she struggled to lift Jiang Chengs limp body. He was taller than her, his weight pressing down on her small frame, but she gritted her teeth. Dont worry, Brother Jiang Ill take you somewhere safe Youll be okay Her voice was trembling, but she forced her legs to move. She activated her teleportation technique Each teleportation tore through space in a blur, but her breathing grew heavier with every jump. Her small frame trembled under the weight of Jiang Cheng, his blood soaking into her robes. Her tears hadnt stopped, and each time she appeared in a new location, she darted panicked glances around, eyes wide and frantic, before vanishing again. The spiders massive corpse, a treasure trove for any cultivator, lay abandoned. She didnt spare it a single glance. Jiang Chengs life was more important. The instant they reappeared near the hidden cave they had scouted before, Liu Ying didnt stop. She carried him inside, half dragging him, her tears falling the entire time. Once inside, she laid him down carefully on the stone floor. Her hands hovered over his chest still rising and falling faintly. He was still breathing. She let out a shaky breath, her knees giving out beneath her as she slumped beside him. Her chest heaved, the shock and exhaustion hitting her all at once. Her fingers gently brushed his blood-matted hair away from his face. Her heart ached seeing him like thisso strong, so cold and fearless yet now so vulnerable. She bit her lip again, hard enough to draw more blood, trying to stifle her sobs. Please just wake up Her voice was soft, desperate. She curled her small body close beside him, watching his every breath like her life depended on it. Waiting. Chapter 42 "Liu Ying’s First Journey" Fifteen days had passed since that day. While Jiang Cheng remained unconscious, Liu Ying had been diligently taking care of him. However, his condition showed no signs of improvementit remained the same. Anxiety gnawed at her heart. What if he never woke up? What if he stayed like this forever? She glanced outside the cave, her eyes gradually hardening with determination. She couldn''t just sit and wait any longer. She needed to find a curea magic pill or some rare medicinal herb that could help him recover. Resolute, she took Jiang Chengs storage bag, changed into a fresh set of clothes, and concealed herself beneath a wide hat and a veil. Only her silver hair and striking red eyes remained visible, faintly peeking through the cover. Before leaving, she carefully moved Jiang Cheng to a more secluded spot in the cavethe small chamber she had dug out earlier. She covered the entrance with simple branches and grass, camouflaging it as best as she could. Taking one last worried glance at him, she turned and left the cave, heading toward Puchan Town in search of an opportunity to save him. She traveled through the dense forest, relying on a piece of vital information she had once heard from Jiang Chengthe town was to the west. Without that, she wouldnt have known what to do. After fifteen minutes of moving swiftly, weaving through trees, and carefully avoiding a few low-level beasts along the way, she finally saw the silhouette of the town in the distance. From afar, the sight was bustling with life. Countless roads led toward the town, connecting it to both the cultivation world and the mortal realm. She could even spot some mortal merchants doing business along the outskirts. As she approached the town gate, a wave of nervousness washed over her. Her eyes darted around cautiously, observing the houses, the passing cultivators, and the mingling mortals. Upon stepping through the gate with hesitant steps, her unease deepened. Casual cultivators and rogue cultivators lounging nearby cast leering glances at her, some filled with malice, while others showed cold indifference, ignoring her presence entirely. Feeling the pressure, she instinctively tightened her grip on the hilt of her sword. With a surge of will, she released her spiritual auraa Fifth-level Qi Refining peak cultivators presenceradiating her strength to deter any pests from approaching. The hostile gazes around her wavered. Some cultivators frowned and turned away, while others merely snorted, losing interest. Her heart eased slightly as the stares withdrew, but the image of Jiang Cheng, pale and unmoving, flashed in her mind. She forced her feet forwardevery step was for him After half an hour of cautious walking, she reached the outer market. The area was lively and chaoticcountless cultivators displayed goods in simple stalls, calling out to potential buyers, while several proper shops stood nearby. However, distrust crept into Liu Yings heart. She knew little of this world, and Jiang Cheng had often warned her to be wary of these kinds of places. The fear of being deceived held her back. Choosing not to linger, she pressed forward toward the inner part of the town. Soon, she arrived at the gate leading to the Inner Town. Standing before it was a stern-looking law enforcement cultivator. Five spirit stones to enter, he stated flatly. Her heart raced again. She fumbled slightly but caught herselfJiang Cheng had trusted her with this task. She could not fail him. Taking a deep breath, she handed over the spirit stones with a steadier hand The law enforcer took the payment without much reaction and let her through. Stepping into the Inner Town, Liu Ying exhaled slowly, steeling herself for what lay ahead. The moment she crossed the stone-etched boundary gate, she felt ita subtle shift in the air. The spiritual energy here was dense and pure, wrapping around her like an invisible mist, seeping into her pores with every breath. It was unlike the crude, chaotic atmosphere of the Outer Town. It was unlike the crude, chaotic atmosphere of the Outer Town. This place felt refined, like every stone underfoot had been polished by the hands of cultivators Her eyes swept over the wide streets, paved with smooth spirit stones that shimmered faintly under the sunlight. Along the sides, elegant buildings rose with intricate carvings of beasts and Formation patterns glowing softly, maintaining protective formations. and banners embroidered with sect emblems swaying gently in the breeze. Cultivators walked these streets with an air of confidence, their robes pristine and flowing, their auras suppressed but unmistakably strong. Many bore the crests of the pavilions and the Sects behind them. There were no beggars hereno desperate voices calling out for scrapsonly the measured footsteps of those who had the strength to belong. Shops displayed their treasures openly, protected by spiritual barriers. Refined spirit swords suspended in the air behind glass cases, talismans glowing with powerful runes, and porcelain bottles containing rare pills that emitted faint medicinal fragrances. She glimpsed an auction house in the distanceits entrance grand, A case of theft: this story is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation. guarded by two late stage Qi refining cultivators clad in silver armor, their expressions cold and murderers. Lanterns powered by spirit formations cast a warm glow, while the distant notes of a guqin drifted from a teahouse, blending elegance with the towns undercurrent of power. Yet beneath this serenity, Liu Ying sensed the weight of silent pressure. This was not a place for the weak. Power dictated respect. Here, a single misstep could mean ruin, and words carried as much danger as swords. Every gaze held calculationalliances formed in an instant, and rivalries burned quietly beneath polite smiles Nervously, she stepped forward, trying to recall Jiang Chengs description of the Qinglin Treasure Pavilion. He had spoken of it as a reputable establishment in the Inner Town, far more trustworthy than the street stalls outside. After a few turns, she finally spotted the building. The shop had an elegant yet sturdy appearance, with a wooden sign engraved with flowing calligraphy that read "Qinglin Treasure Pavilion." Summoning her courage, Liu Ying pushed open the door and stepped inside. The interior was neat and orderly, with shelves displaying various jade bottles, talismans, and glowing artifacts. Several cultivators browsed the items, while a faint scent of medicinal herbs filled the air. However, Liu Yings wide-eyed expression betrayed her unfamiliaritylike a country bumpkin visiting the city for the first time. Behind the counter stood a young woman with a gentle smile. Her eyes, however, were sharp and observant, clearly experienced in dealing with all kinds of customers. Fellow Daoist, please, feel free to look around, the woman greeted politely. Liu Ying felt a little flustered. She coughed lightly to hide her embarrassment and stepped forward. Fellow Daoist I I was wondering if you have any healing herbs or pills that can cure the poison of a late-stage First-level poisonous spider The girls eyes flickered with interest. Poisonous spider? Late-stage First-level? Thats rather specific. Please, tell me more about the symptoms or the nature of the poison, so I can recommend something suitable. Liu Yings heart tightenedshe realized she knew little about the details Liu Ying nervously wrung her hands as she spoke, her red eyes filled with desperation. "I dont know... Can you suggest something? Detoxification pills didnt work, and I dont know what to do..." Her voice trailed off, the weight of the situation pressing on her chest. The girl behind the counter studied Liu Ying for a moment, sensing the genuine worry in her voice. Then, she offered a reassuring smile, though there was a glint of something deeper in her eyes. "I don''t know exactly what to say, but..." She stepped closer to Liu Ying, her voice dropping to a near whisper. "Since you seem like a trustworthy and good person, I''ll tell you a little secret." Liu Ying''s heart skipped a beat, her eyes lighting up with curiosity and hope. She leaned in closer, hanging onto the girls every word. The girl smiled slyly, glancing around as if to ensure no one was eavesdropping. "Three days from now, there will be an auction at the Treasure Pavilion. It will be held in the large house at the center of the Inner Town guarded by two monks at the entrance." Liu Yings eyes widened. "I know where it is... I know where it is." She was eager, her anxiety momentarily forgotten. The girl nodded with a knowing smile. "Good. Only I know this information... They will be auctioning a healing pill called the Nine-Yang Detoxification Pill. Its the best healing pill under the Foundation Building stage, but... itll be a bit expensive. The refining process is difficult. If you can afford it, that pill might be your best bet. Good luck." Liu Yings heart surged with relief. "Thank you!" she exclaimed, bowing slightly, gratitude radiating from her. The girl nodded in return. "Youre welcome." She seemed to think for a moment, then her expression softened. "I think... fellow Daoist is still new to the cultivation world, arent you? Youre still wearing mortal clothes." Liu Ying froze, feeling a twinge of self-consciousness and embarrassment, the girls gaze lingered on her attire. "Come with me," the girl said, her voice kind yet firm, as she gently took Liu Ying''s hand and led her through a nearby door. "I have just the thing for you." The girl guided Liu Ying to a side section of the pavilion, where rows of robes and cultivation garments were neatly arranged. Liu Yings eyes darted from one outfit to the nextsilk, embroidery and beautiful colors. These robes will help you blend in with the cultivators here, the girl explained. Its important to appear confident in this world. You dont want to look out of place, especially when youre dealing with important matters like this. Liu Ying, slightly embarrassed by the girls comment, shyly pulled off her hat and veil. Her long silver hair cascaded down her back, shimmering like moonlight, and her piercing red eyes shone with an intensity that seemed to capture the attention of everyone around her. The girl paused for a moment, clearly taken aback by the sudden reveal. She gave a soft, appreciative smile and remarked, What a beautiful little girl Why are you hiding yourself like a thief? Liu Ying, her face flushing red from the sudden attention, quickly regained her composure. "Hurry up and show me what you promised," she said, her voice a mix of impatience and embarrassment. The girl giggled but nodded knowingly, as though she had seen this reaction many times before. "Alright, alright, just be patient," she said with a wink, moving quickly to the shelves behind her. She skipped past several robes, each more elaborate than the last, until she picked out one that seemed perfect for Liu Ying. When Liu Ying put it on, the robe seemed to merge with her, accentuating her otherworldly beauty while maintaining the practicality of a cultivators attire. The flowing white and gold garment split at the sides, revealing her slender legs wrapped in sheer black stockings. Delicate gold patterns traced the hem and waist, adding an air of nobility. She wore white heels with gold accents, enhancing her graceful yet commanding presence. A black and gold form-fitting top hugged her figure, while an ornate hairpiece crowned her silver hair, giving her the aura of a warrior goddess. The dark tones of her outfit contrasted beautifully with her pale skin and silver hair, while a red gemstone clasp at her chest drew attention to her fierce crimson eyes. The ensemble was the perfect blend of elegance and strengthmuch like Liu Ying herself. "How do you like it?" the girl asked, looking at Liu Ying with a smirk as she observed her new appearance. "It suits you perfectly." The girl waved her hand, and with a flash of light, a large, ornate mirror appeared in front of Liu Ying. She could hardly believe her eyes as the mirror shimmered, almost alive with its own enchantment. Take a look, the girl said, her voice light and teasing, but full of anticipation. Liu Ying clumsily leaned forward, and as she gazed into the mirror, she was taken aback by what she saw. It wasnt just her appearanceit was like she was staring at someone else entirely. Her silver hair shimmered softly, framing her face like a radiant crown. Her eyes, once a striking red that often made others uneasy, now seemed to glow with an inner strength, burning brightly with power . Of course, she had heard the storieshow cultivators, through their rigorous training, became more beautiful as they advanced. Rarely did an ugly cultivator exist, since cultivation refined not just the body but the spirit. It was something that happened gradually, as the body became more in tune with the heavens and the earth. The girls voice interrupted her thoughts, a playful tone lacing her words, I suppose this is a bit of a shock, huh? But dont worry, it''s not just you. Pretty much every cultivator goes through it, though its rare to see someone like you so Special ... well, radiant so early on. Liu Ying flushed at the comment, but she was too caught up in the awe of her own transformation to care too much. The girl was right. She had never looked like this beforenot even close. It was like the world had opened up before her, revealing the full potential she hadnt even realized she had. A little embarrassed, Liu Ying muttered, Thanks... I guess I didnt realize how much cultivation could change someone. The girl winked. Well, you''re still getting used to it. But hey, now you have the look of a true cultivator. Youll be fine." If Jiang Cheng had been present and overheard the girl calling Liu Ying "special," hed probably roll his eyes so hard theyd fall out. Oh, of course shes special, hed mutter sarcastically. With halos practically sparkling around her like shes the star of some epic saga. If she wasnt special, who would be? The Dog Author clearly got her coveredof course she looks like she just stepped out of a fantasy magazine. When was the last time you saw a Daughter of Destiny or Heroine of Luck who wasnt practically glowing? Yeah, right. Totally normal. Then Liu Ying looked at the girl and asked nervously, "How much is this robe?" The girl smiled at her and said, "Since I''m in a good mood today, I''ll sell it to you for just 200 spirit stones." Liu Ying said, "Isn''t this a bit expensive?" The girl smiled and replied, "You''re joking! This is a middle-grade robe. It has a small shield woven into the fabric that can withstand a full blow from a Sixth Level Qi Refining cultivator. Plus, it will never get dirty! You wont find something like this anywhere else, especially at this price." After paying the price, She thought Evilly to herself that the favor Jiang Cheng owed her had been repaid when he sent her to fight the poisonous spider in the cave. Chapter 43 "the Auction house" ... As Liu Ying adjusted her robes and prepared to leave, Jiang Cheng''s voice echoed in her memoryhis ever-reliable lectures about the "ways of the world," particularly regarding a certain species known as Young Masters. She could picture him now, arms crossed, face deadpan, as he delivered his wisdom: "Listen, Liu Ying. The number one law of the cultivation worldwhenever a pretty girl shows up, a young master will inevitably emerge from the shadows. They are like spirit beasts drawn to fragrance. They''ll say things like, ''Bring this woman to this young master!'' Or, ''How dare you ignore this young master, Courting death! , as if the world revolves around their oversized egos." He''d pause, eyebrows twitching. "And if you dare resist? Congratulations. You''ve triggered a subplot. Now we''re stuck in an unnecessary feud, fighting some arrogant fool and his seven cousins from the Proud Heaven Sect. One of them probably knows a Golden core ancestor elder who''ll show up and demand we apologize, commit suicide and die. It''s a whole thing." She had laughed at the time, but now, standing at the entrance to the bustling town, she suddenly felt exposedtoo pretty, too alone, too likely to trigger a subplot. Her heart raced. Jiang Cheng was right! If some brainless young master set his eyes on her, it''d be kidnapping, threats, and weeks of drama! Panicking slightly, she turned to the kind-looking female cultivator beside her, cheeks flushed. "F-Fellow Daoist... do you... um... perhaps have a black cloak? Something to cover myself? II don''t want to attract attention... I just want to be low-profile..." The other woman blinked, clearly confused. Liu Ying''s voice dropped to a whisper, her embarrassment peaking. > "It''s just... A friend of mine said if a young master fancies me... I''ll get kidnapped... and then we''ll trigger a subplot..." The woman stared. There was a long pause. The girl: "__" Then she burst out laughing. She reached into her storage bag and pulled out a black robe, long and loose, covering the whole body. "Here, take this. It''s a gift. Since you want to keep a low profile, Fellow Daoist." Liu Ying wrapped herself in the black robe, feeling a mix of embarrassment and relief. Though Jiang Cheng''s warnings seemed exaggerated, she didn''t want to take any chances. After thanking the girl at the pavilion, she stepped outside, blending into the crowd. She wandered the streets of the Inner Town, unsure of where to go, until she found the Moonlit Crane Inn. It seemed like a safe enough place to stay. Inside, the warm, herbal scent greeted her, and the hostess quickly provided her with a room for the next three days. Liu Ying sighed in relief. She had time to prepare for the auction, hidden away under her cloak. As Liu Ying settled down in her room, she sat cross-legged, her mind focused on her cultivation. The familiar sensation of spiritual energy swirling within her surged, pushing her toward a potential breakthrough to the Sixth Level of Qi Refining. She could feel itlike a door just waiting to be opened. But Jiang Cheng''s warning echoed in her mind. She remembered how he''d cautioned her about rushing through realms, that it would only lead to harm in the long run. He''d said she had crossed countless small realms too quickly, and if she continued like this, her foundation would remain unstable. With a deep breath, Liu Ying suppressed the urge to push forward. Instead, she focused inward, channeling her spiritual energy to refine and solidify it, making her base stronger and more stable. It was slow, meticulous work, but she understood the importance of building a solid foundationone that would allow her to stand firm in the future without cracking under pressure. Three days passed in the blink of an eye. Liu Ying''s red eyes fluttered open, as she muttered softly, "Finally, it''s time." Support the creativity of authors by visiting Royal Road for this novel and more. She stood, stretching her limbs with a fluid grace, then cast a small Cleaning spell over herself. Her robes shimmered slightly as the spell rid the fabric of any dust or imperfection. With a final, steady breath, she left the room, her steps resolute as she prepared to face what awaited her outside. Liu Ying made her way toward the auction house, her heart beating slightly faster as she observed the bustling crowd around her. It wasn''t just casual cultivatorsthere were also disciples from the Pavillion under Qinglin Sect. The workers at the pavilion weren''t typical disciples. They were cultivators whose potential had been exhausted or who had given up on further breakthroughs. Rather than remaining in the sect, they chose to leave and work in places like this, managing pavilions or businesses, where they could live without the pressure of advancement. The closer she got, the more she felt the weight of the atmosphere. The murmurs of the crowd, the purposeful strides of cultivators, the flicker of spiritual aurasit was clear that this wasn''t just another ordinary event. The auction was a place where power and influence were on full display. Liu Ying''s grip tightened around the black cloak she wore, a slight tremor in her voice as she muttered to herself, "I hope everything goes well." She steeled herself, pushing through the nervousness that gnawed at her. This was her chance to obtain the Nine-Yang Detoxification Pill, and she couldn''t afford to fail. As Liu Ying made her way toward the auction house, she suddenly overheard a group of monks whispering in hushed tones. One of them gasped, "Oh my god, it''s Young Master Zhang from the Foundation Building family Zhang! He''s here!" "Shh! Don''t draw attention," another monk hissed, looking over his shoulder nervously. "You know how he is. He could destroy us with a wave of his hand." Liu Ying glanced toward the source of their conversation. A tall, well-dressed young man, surrounded by a group of bodyguards and disciples, strutted toward the entrance of the auction house. His robes were embroidered with golden dragons, and his arrogant, haughty smile made it clear that he considered himself superior to everyone around him. "The monks continued to whisper as Zhang Qian passed by, "He''s the second son of the Zhang family. Infamous for causing trouble wherever he goes. They say he''s still stuck at the middle Qi Refining realm...but with his father, the head of the family, doting on him so much, he can do whatever he pleases. No one dares to challenge him." Another monk added, "That''s why he''s so domineering. He thinks he''s untouchable, just because his father can wipe out anyone who crosses him." Liu Ying could feel the weight of their words. Despite his limited cultivation, Zhang Qian''s arrogance was enough to make even seasoned cultivators cower. His father''s power had protected him from any real consequences. As Zhang Qian strutted past, his eyes scanned the crowd with a sense of entitlement, his posture radiating the belief that everyone should recognize his superiority. Liu Ying, still dressed in her black robe, lowered her head slightly to avoid his gaze. She didn''t want to attract any unnecessary attention. Liu Ying felt a chill run down her spine. Jiang Cheng had warned her about arrogant young masters like thiscultivators who believed the world revolved around them, flaunting their power and influence. She gritted her teeth, trying to ignore the unease bubbling in her chest. As Zhang Qian strutted toward the entrance of the Auction House, his eyes already surveying the crowd with a cocky smirk, he suddenly froze mid-step. He overheard a casual cultivator chatting animatedly with his friend. Did you hear? The second son of the Zhang family, Zhang Qian he''s still stuck at the middle Qi Refining realm! Haha, can you imagine? A young master who can''t even break through to the next level?" the cultivator said, laughing at his own joke Liu Ying had barely taken a step when a loud voice rang out, freezing her in her tracks. The young man at the center of the commotionthe one with the smug grin and robes fit for a royalhad locked his eyes on a nearby cultivator. Liu Ying''s gaze flickered between them as the man''s expression turned from casual to deadly. "What did you say about me?" he growled, stepping closer, his followers quickly moving into position, ready for trouble. It was clear the man was used to getting his wayand causing chaos if he didn''t. The cultivator, now shaking like a leaf, stammered in pure panic, "I-I was just talking about... about... the rumors, Young Master! Just rumors, nothing more! Please spare me!" Zhang Qian''s smile turned into a cruel, twisted grin. "Rumors, huh? Well, let me give you a rumor you''ll remember for the rest of your life Zhang Qian raised a hand and commanded, "Beat him half to death for me! Show him the consequences of speaking ill of this young master!" At his command, his followers pounced on him beating him entil he was half dead. Young master Qian smile and looked at the crowd and said. " this is what happen when you disrespect this young master " Then he entered smugly to the Auction house. Soon, more figures arrived at the auction house, each one drawing attention with their unique presence. "Look, the young lady of the Lin family, Lin Yuxin, is also here!" a voice murmured through the crowd. People turned to see a young woman with long black hair, wearing a flowing purple robe that matched her dignified aura. Lin Yuxin was known for her beauty and grace, but also for her sharp mind and status as the heir to the Lin family, a force to be reckoned with in the area . As she entered the building, many whispered about her, admiring her elegance, but also wondering what business she had here. Just as the crowd was still buzzing about Lin Yuxin, another voice broke through. "Wow, isn''t that one of the Pavilion elders in Puchan Town? Xu Wenhao!" someone exclaimed. A middle-aged cultivator, his robes rich and embroidered with intricate designs, strolled in Quietly Xu Wenhao was a name known in the arearumored to be at the peak of the Qi Refining stage. The crowd parted as he walked, with some even bowing their heads in respect. "I heard he''s here to compete for the Foundation Building stage pill," someone added, and the rumors quickly spread like wildfire. A Foundation Building pill was a rare and valuable item that could help a cultivator make a significant breakthrough, so it was no wonder that Xu Wenhao had come to claim it for himself. Liu Ying, standing among the crowd, felt the intensity of the competition rise. "These people... they''re all so strong," she thought, her eyes darting between Lin Yuxin, Xu Wenhao, and the others. Her heart raced, but she reminded herself to stay calm. "No need to get involved with anyone... just stick to my own business and get out of here as quickly as I can." Liu Ying took a deep breath and walked toward the grand entrance of the auction house. The massive wooden doors creaked open with a low groan, revealing a lavish interior that took her breath away. The moment Liu Ying stepped through the massive wooden doors, the scent of exotic perfumes hit her firstsweet, thick, almost intoxicating. She looked up and immediately felt like she had entered a different world. Golden lanterns swayed lightly in the air, casting a warm, almost ethereal glow over everything. The opulence of the hall, with its polished marble floors and luxurious silk drapes, was overwhelming. Every corner whispered of wealth and power. this was no ordinary gathering.The sound of hushed voices and the soft clink of spirit stones filled the air. She looked around and saw various cultivators, their gazes sharp as they scouted the room for any potential bargains or opportunities. Disciples from various families , dressed in vibrant robes that signified their rank and prestige, stood in small groups, discussing deals and sharing rumors. At the center of the hall was a raised stage where a group of attendants were preparing to unveil the first auction lot, their eyes carefully watching the gathered crowd for any signs of interest. Behind them, a massive curtain draped over the items that would soon be sold. Liu Ying took all of this in with wide eyes. Her heart raced, her hands slightly trembling as she walked deeper into the hall. It felt like stepping into another worldone that was far beyond the small town life she had known. As she made her way through the crowd, she couldn''t help but feel like an outsider among these powerful figures. She quickly found a seat at the back of the hall, trying to keep a low profile as she settled in, hoping to remain unnoticed in the sea of cultivators and merchants. She adjusted the black cloak around her, ensuring that her face remained hidden beneath its shadow, and took a deep breath. "Just stay calm. Focus on the auction," she reminded herself. "Stay out of trouble." The bell rang, signaling the start of the auction, and the crowd fell into an anticipatory silence. Chapter 44 " A Battle of Spirit Stones" After everyone had settled into their seats, the auction hall gradually regained its calm. Step. Step. Step. The crisp sound of footsteps echoed through the hall. A faint, sweet fragrance drifted in with it. All eyes turned toward the stage at the front of the auction hall, and the appearance of a graceful figure instantly stirred an uproar. A young woman stepped onto the stage, wearing a solemn white cheongsam adorned with intricate golden patterns. The dress was cut high at the thighs, revealing her slender jade-like legs. Her delicate arms and graceful swan-like neck added to her ethereal beauty. But what truly captivated everyone were her eyesdeep and alluring, carrying a subtle hint of autumns charm. With just a glance, she displayed what it meant to be a truly stunning woman. Gulp. In an instant, countless lower-realm cultivators were left dumbfounded, their gazes fixed upon her. Even the usually composed Young Master of the Zhang family struggled to peel his eyes away from her figure. At another table, Xu Wenhao frowned slightly, cursing inwardly. Damn it... So young, yet shes mastered charm to this degree? This Treasure Pavilion is no simple place. Liu Ying was also entranced. Her red eyes reflected the girls elegance as she thought to herself, What a breathtaking beauty... Finally, as the commotion in the auction hall settled, the woman on stage gently raised her hand. Her smile was calm, yet enchanting. The young womans enchanting gaze swept across the crowd as the auction hall finally quieted down. Her red lips curved into a gentle smile, revealing just the right hint of charmneither overly seductive nor distant, but perfectly balanced to hold the attention of every cultivator present. "Fellow Daoists , we thank you for your patience. Without further delay, let us begin with the first item of today''s auction." Her slender jade fingers lightly brushed over the silk-draped tray beside her. With a delicate motion, she lifted the cover, revealing a small jade box. As soon as the lid was opened, a faint purple radiance surged out, accompanied by a subtle yet pure medicinal fragrance that filled the hall. Gasps of surprise spread through the room. "This is a Violet Core Fruit!" Her voice rang out, smooth yet firm, carrying a trace of excitement that stirred the hearts of everyone present. "A rare treasure from the depths of the Yunchuan Mountains. Its effects are well-knownenhancing ones spiritual power and purifying Qi. For those at the critical stage of building their foundation, this fruit may very well determine your future prospects. It is no exaggeration to say that it could lay the groundwork for a more stable and formidable path in cultivation." Her words lit a fire in the hearts of many. A young cultivator in the back couldnt hold back his whisper, "Violet Core Fruit... Thats a legendary aid for early-stage cultivators!" "Such a thing rarely appears in a place like this. Who brought this out?" another voice murmured, eyes burning with desire. The girls smile deepened as she let their excitement build before adding, "The starting price is one thousand spirit stones, with increments no less than one hundred spirit stones." The atmosphere instantly tensed. The number was not smallespecially for lower-level cultivatorsbut the value of the Violet Core Fruit was undeniable. For those still tempering their foundations, this fruit could push their progress forward by leaps and bounds. "One thousand spirit stones!" A middle-aged man with a resolute face raised his hand without hesitation. "One thousand two hundred!" A younger cultivator, dressed in the robes of a minor family , called out, his voice trembling slightlyboth from excitement and the knowledge that he was pushing his limits financially. "One thousand four hundred!" The Young Master of the Zhang family leaned back, his tone casual but filled with confidence. His eyes, however, gleamed with determination. For someone of his background, securing such a resource was simply another step toward cementing his superiority among his peers. The bidding quickly escalated. "One thousand six hundred!" "One thousand eight hundred!" The voices grew sharper, more urgent. Each bid was like flint striking steel, igniting sparks of rivalry across the hall. Unauthorized use of content: if you find this story on Amazon, report the violation. At a corner table, Xu Wenhao narrowed his eyes. He tapped his fingers lightly on the wooden surface, weighing the fruits value against his current resources. He did not bidbut his gaze grew colder, memorizing the faces of those who did. Competing for such an item here was one thing; securing it outside the auction house was another matter entirely. Liu Ying, watching from her seat, found her heart racingnot from desire for the fruit, but from the tension in the room. This was her first real experience witnessing how cultivators, often composed and aloof, could reveal such raw ambition when presented with a chance to strengthen their path. Finally, the bidding slowed. "three thousand three hundred spirit stones!" The Zhang familys Young Master raised his hand again, his tone impatience. It was clear he intended to secure the fruit, no matter the cost. Silence followed. The girl on the stage paused gracefully, allowing a few breaths to pass before her gentle voice sealed the deal. "three thousand three hundred spirit stones, going once... twice... Sold!" With a light tap of her jade-like hand on the wooden podium, the first item was claimed. The Zhang familys Young Master leaned back, satisfied, while others sighed in either disappointment or quiet relief. The tension momentarily eased, but the lingering excitement remainedthis was only the beginning. The girl smiled once more, her captivating presence holding everyones attention as she prepared to unveil the next treasure. The auction was far from over. After the excitement from the first auction item settled, the young woman on stage maintained her charming composure. Next, we present the Clear Heart Lotus. With a gentle lift of her hand, she unveiled a crystalline jade box. A soft, calming fragrance drifted into the hall, soothing the minds of those present. Within the box lay a snow-white lotus, its petals faintly glowing with spiritual light. This rare herb stabilizes the mental state, dispelling inner demons and preventing deviation during breakthroughs. A life-saving treasure when facing bottlenecks. Her words carried weight, and many experienced cultivators nodded in recognition. This was not an item for early-stage practitioners but a precious safeguard for those approaching major realms. Starting price: One thousand five hundred spirit stones. The bidding began more cautiously but climbed steadily. Those with ambitions to push beyond their current realm understood its value. Two thousand! Two thousand four hundred! Two thousand eight hundred! Finally four thousand spirit stones! The voice was resolute, belonging to an elder in gray robes. His firm gaze warned others to back down. The girl smiled faintly. four thousand spirit stones, sold! With a soft tap, the Clear Heart Lotus was claimed. The atmosphere grew heavierthis was not merely wealth on display but a battlefield of future cultivation paths. The elegant auctioneer raised her hand again, revealing a small jade tray. On it lay a single stalk of grass, its nine tiny leaves glowing faintly with spiritual energy, exuding an aura of purity. This is the Nine Aperture Spirit Grass, capable of enhancing ones spiritual root potential and stabilizing the foundation during a breakthrough. Whether refined into pills or consumed directly, its value is undeniable. As her voice fell, a subtle wave rippled through the crowd. Hiss Nine Aperture Spirit Grass? A middle-aged cultivator in the back gasped softly. Heavens luck Someones going to rewrite their path today, another murmured. An older rogue cultivator clenched his fists under the table, his face dark with emotion. His potential had been exhausted for yearsthis was his last chance. Starting price: Three thousand spirit stones. Three thousand five hundred! Four thousand! The bidding escalated rapidly, voices growing tense. The older rogue cultivators face grew pale, sweat beading on his forehead, but he gritted his teeth. Five thousand! The air grew stifling. Others began hesitatingthe price was no longer small change. Six thousand! Seven thousand! The rogue cultivators eyes reddened. If he missed this, his path would end here. eight thousand five hundred! Silence. The girl smiled gracefully. eight thousand five hundred spirit stonessold. The rogue cultivators body slumped back in his seat, breathing heavily, but his eyes were filled with desperate hope. For him, this was a bet on the futureperhaps his final one. One after another, five other treasures were swiftly auctioned offeach drawing excited bids but none catching Liu Yings attention. Finally, the item she had been waiting for appeared. The auctioneer unveiled a porcelain bottle, her voice gentle yet firm. This is the Nine-Yang Detoxification Pill, capable of purging potent poisons and cleansing the meridians. A life-saving treasure. Starting price: Two thousand spirit stones . Liu Yings eyes sharpened. This was it. Her heart raced. Two thousand five hundred, a voice rang outit was Zhang Qian, the young master of the Zhang family. Liu Ying raised her hand without hesitation. Three thousand. Zhang Qian glanced her way briefly but remained composed. Three thousand five hundred. Liu Ying bit her lip, her heart pounding. Four thousand. Several cultivators shook their heads, unwilling to compete at such a price for a detoxification pill. Zhang Qian tapped the table lightly, then raised his voice lazily. Four thousand two hundred. Liu Ying clenched her fists. This was her limitalmost everything she had. Four thousand five hundred! Her voice was clear and resolute. Zhang Qian turned fully this time, his gaze resting on her. He studied her delicate features, noticing the earnestness in her eyes. After a brief pause, he let out a soft sigh and smiled faintly. since this young fairy needs it more. Please, go ahead. Liu Ying quickly cupped her hands. Thank you, Young Master Zhang. The gavel fell. DealFour thousand five hundred spirit stones! Relief washed over Liu Yings face. As Zhang Qian leaned back in his seat, his old servant beside him leaned closer and whispered, Young master, shall we take action outside and snatch it back? Zhang Qians eyes narrowed slightly, his tone cold. Why create enemies needlessly? Do you take me for a fool? I only bid casuallyshe needed it more. Consider it a small favor. The servant quickly nodded. Young master is wise. Zhang Qian smiled smugly. Of course. The bell rang, signaling the start of the auction, and the crowd fell into an anticipatory silence. As the auction neared its end, the atmosphere in the hall grew tense. The final batch of items was about to be revealedthe true highlight of the day. The auctioneers voice took on a solemn tone. Everyone, the final treasures of this auctionthe Foundation Establishment Pills Clamor erupted instantly. Hiss Foundation Establishment Pills! Five of them at once the Treasure Pavilion is truly wealthy! This is a chance to step into Foundation Establishment who wouldnt want it? The eyes of every cultivator burned with desire. For many, this was their only chance to break through the Qi Training stage and step into a higher realm. The casual cultivators, in particular, were practically trembling. The auctioneers voice rang out: Each pill will be auctioned separately. Starting priceTen thousand spirit stones! The first pill drew heated competition. Twelve thousand! Thirteen thousand! Fourteen thousand! The bids rose rapidly until a clear and elegant voice called out: Fifteen thousand. All eyes turnedLin Yuxin, the young lady of the Lin family. Her presence alone carried weight, and seeing her determination, many chose to withdraw. The gavel fell. Fifteen thousand spirit stonessold to Young Lady Lin! The second pill brought even more tension. Thirteen thousand! Fourteen thousand five hundred! Fifteen thousand five hundred! Sixteen thousand!Xu Wenhaos firm voice ended the bidding. The third pill began, and Zhang Qian joined the fray. Fourteen thousand! Fourteen thousand five hundred! Fifteen thousand! Fifteen thousand five hundred! Seeing Zhang Qians casual yet confident demeanor, others hesitated. The gavel fell once more. Fifteen thousand five hundredsold to Young Master Zhang! But it was the fourth and fifth pills that saw the fiercest battles. Fifteen thousand! Sixteen thousand! Seventeen thousand! An old casual cultivator, his face lined with age and desperation, gritted his teeth and called out: Eighteen thousand! Silence fell. This was a lifes savings for himhis one chance to break free from mediocrity. No one dared push him further. He won. The fifth and final pill pushed tensions to their peak. Nineteen thousand! Nineteen thousand five hundred! Twenty thousand! Another old casual cultivator, his hair graying and his breath slightly ragged, clenched his fist as he shouted the final bid. His eyes were bloodshotthis was his last hope to change his fate. The hammer struck. Twenty thousand spirit stonessold! The auction concluded, but the hearts of many were still racing. Some left with fortune, others with regretbut all knew todays event would be remembered for a long time. As the Foundation Establishment Pills were auctioned, Liu Yings eyes widened. Prices skyrocketed15,000, then 16,000, and finally 20,000 spirit stones. She gasped quietly, thinking, "If Brother Jiang and I become alchemists... we''d be rich!" Chapter 45 " Eyes of the Void, Blade of Wrath" After Liu Ying paid for the pill and taken As Liu Ying held the Nine-Yang Detoxification Pill, a sense of determination washed over her. Finally, she had the means to cure Jiang Cheng. The thought of him freed from the poison that had tormented him filled her with relief. Taking the pill, a warm sensation spread through her, and for a moment, she felt a glimmer of hope. She had done itshe would bring him the cure and help him heal. she stepped out from the back door of the auction house. The cool evening air hit her face as she walked into the street, but something about the atmosphere felt... different. She couldnt help but remember Jiang Chengs words: When the protagonist leaves a special place, like an auction or a rare event, a bloody plot is bound to occur. Someone will be waiting in the shadows, ready to cause trouble. His paranoid ramblings echoed in her mind. At first, Liu Ying thought it was just the usual nonsense. But now, walking through the bustling streets, she couldnt shake the feeling that something was watching her. Her footsteps slowed, eyes darting from side to side. She half-expected someone to leap from the alley or for a group of thugs to jump out and cause a scene. Is this it? she thought, feeling a chill at the back of her neck. She quickly checked the area around her, ready for anythingan ambush, a sudden confrontation, or maybe even a poison-laced dagger thrown her way. She waited. And waited. Nothing. The more she thought about it, the more she realized... nothing was happening. The streets were calm, the crowd was busy, and everything was just... normal. She let out a frustrated sigh and couldn''t help but curse Jiang Cheng silently. That paranoid idiot... Making me think Im about to get ambushed every time I leave a place. What kind of nonsense is this? Bloody plot? Yeah, right! Liu Ying shook her head and let out a small snort of disbelief. With no sudden attacks or hidden villains, she resumed her walk out of the city with nothing more than a few bags of supplies. Next time, I''ll make sure he keeps his delusions to himself, she thought, walking steadily toward the outer city. The peaceful quiet of the road ahead seemed to mock her earlier tension, and she finally relaxed. There was no blood, no plot, and certainly no protagonist nonsense. Just her, the night air, and the road. Liu Ying paused, glancing up at the darkening sky as thoughts of Jiang Cheng''s warnings lingered in her mind. Despite her initial confidence, she couldn''t help but consider the possibility of dangers lurking in the night. Jiang Cheng''s tales of bloodshed and treachery always carried a hint of truth, even if they seemed exaggerated at times. Deciding it was best to play it safe, she made up her mind. "Better wait until dawn," she muttered to herself. "I dont need to be another casualty out here, especially not when Brother Jiangs paranoia might actually have a point." With that, Liu Ying turned back toward the inn. It was a safe haven for the night. As night fell, Liu Ying hesitated by the window, uneasy about the darkness outside. She recalled Jiang Chengs warnings and, with a quiet prayer, whispered, Brother Jiang, hold on until morning. Please stay safe. She then retreated to her bed, hoping the night would pass swiftly. The next morning, Liu Ying woke early, having meditated through the night. After a few stretches, she cast a cleansing spell over herself, feeling the energy settle and refresh her body. She breathed deeply, ready for the day ahead. She made her way to the inns dining area, where a simple breakfast awaited hersteamed rice and a cup of fresh juice. The comforting aroma of the meal helped ease her nerves. She ate quietly, knowing that today would be a step toward finally curing Jiang Cheng Liu Ying left the town at dawn, the faint morning light giving her a sense of security. Clutching her belongings tightly, she stepped onto the forest path. The air was cool, and the rustling of leaves filled her ears. She quickened her pace, eager to reach Jiang Chengeach step bringing her closer to saving him. As Liu Ying rushed through the dense forest, her breath quickened, heart pounding with urgency. Each step felt heavier as a growing unease clawed at her chest. Finally, she pushed aside the last thicket, and the familiar sight of the cave entrance appeared before her eyes. But the moment she saw ither blood ran cold. The ground had been disturbed. Footprints, scuff marks, and faint traces of hurried movement marred the soil. The cave entrance, which should have been undisturbed and hidden, had been touchedno, violated. Someone was inside. Her heart seized. Her palms grew clammy, and a suffocating dread coiled around her throat. "No no" she whispered under her breath, her vision blurring for an instant. Countless terrifying thoughts assaulted her mind. Had they found him? Was he still breathing? Was Jiang Cheng already gone? Her chest tightened like an iron band; her legs felt weak. She staggered forward, her fingers trembling as she gripped the edge of the rocky entrance, peering down into the dim hollow below. What she saw froze her blood. Two monks. One sat cross-legged under the Yang Tree, holding a scarlet fruit, greed gleaming in his eyes. The other was emerging from the depths of the cavethe direction where Jiang Cheng had been resting. His robe was stained with a dark smear. He had a twisted smile on his face, the kind that spoke of cruelty and death. If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it. Then, she heard their voices. Is he finished? the one under the tree asked casually, as if discussing a dead animal. The other sneered, his tone dripping with malice. Already dead. The world shattered. Liu Yings mind went blankcompletely void for a moment, as though her soul had been ripped from her body. Her heart stopped. Her breath caught in her throat. Jiang Cheng dead? A violent storm erupted in her chest. Pain, regret, griefall fused into a venomous brew. Tears threatened to form, but they evaporated under the searing heat of something far darker. Rage. Her expression stiffenedlike a mask carved from ice. Her pupils shrank into terrifying pinpoints. Her red eyes darkened into a shade reminiscent of fresh blood pooling under moonlight. Crimson murder. Her entire being transformed. Her gentle aura shattered into something raw, wildprimordial hatred soaked in the desire to kill. Her killing intent surged like a tidal wave, thick and suffocating, as though the very heavens bled. Her breathing slowed. Her heart pounded not with fear, but with the thirst for slaughter. "How dare they" Her teeth ground together until blood seeped from her lips. Her delicate fingers trembled, not with fear, but with the urge to rip the flesh from their bones. Her spiritual power flared wildly, swirling around her like a storm of knives. Her blood-red eyes pierced into the cave like twin daggers. Her aura shiftedno longer humanit was the presence of a predator, a specter crawling out from the depths of hell. The monks sensed it. They raised their heads up and looked at her. Their expressions twisted in shock and fury, but beneath that fear. For just a breath, their instincts screamed that death had arrived. The monk holding the fruit dropped it, his hand trembling for a fraction of a second. The other stiffened; his twisted smile cracked, eyes flickering with unease. How dare a little girl look at us like this! one spat, trying to mask his fear with anger. But their words fell flat against the oppressive wave of killing intent pressing down on them like a blade to the throat. Liu Ying did not respond. She stood at the edge of the cave, her hair flowing in the gust stirred by her spiritual power. Her face was pale, but her eyesher eyes burned like a demons, promising nothing but agony. The air was heavy, suffocating. Even the forest seemed to hold its breath. The monks saw it. Liu Ying gripped her sword tightly, her knuckles pale. Her face was a mask of ruthless coldness, and her red eyes gleamed with murderous light, like a bloodthirsty ghost crawling out of the abyss. Without a word, she took a step forwardand vanished. Merged into the void. Silent as death. The monks'' pupils shrank to pinpoints. Their hearts leapt to their throats, cold sweat pouring down their backs. Their instincts screamedthis was not normal. "What kind of monster" Before the sinister monk holding the fruit could finish his thought, the world around him exploded into crimson. In the blink of an eyehis head soared into the air. His arms followed. Then his legs. Flesh, bones, and blood splattered in all directions. He never even saw the blade. Hundreds of precise cuts shredded his body into unrecognizable fragments. Defensive talismans? They shattered like paper before the storm. His mouth was still forming a scream when his consciousness faded into endless darkness. In the void, a voice colder than the depths of hell echoed, laced with boundless killing intent: "How dare a mere ant touch what is mine?" The remaining monk froze, his breath caught in his throat. His blood ran cold. He had only blinkedjust once. And his companion had been reduced to a mist of flesh and shattered bones. The air was thick with the stench of blood, bits of meat still dripping from the Yang Tree''s leaves. Before he could even reactshe appeared again. Not far from him. Liu Ying stepped out from the void like a death god, her sword dripping with warm blood. She stood stilltoo still. Her face, once youthful and cold, was now shrouded in a chilling haze, her features blurred, like reality itself rejected her presence. But it was her eyes that broke him. They were no longer crimson. They were hollow voidsempty, yet deeper than eternity. Bottomless pits, swallowing all light, all life. The monks body trembled uncontrollably. He met her gaze. For an instant, their eyes locked. And in that instant, he saw it. Beyond those void-like pupilshe saw a Being. A Supreme Existence, seated in the endless dark void, vast and boundless, surrounded by shattered stars and drifting galaxies like dust beneath its feet. Its face was obscured Surrounded by swirling cosmic shadows, its eyeshollow voids, cold and mercilessstared directly into his soul . The monks mind shattered. His spirit wavered. He felt like an insecta mere speckbeing judged by an omnipotent being that could crush him with a single thought. "Monster!" He blurted out, his voice cracking, half sobbing, half screaming. He staggered backward, his legs giving out, his cultivation trembling in disorder. But Liu Ying didnt respond. Liu Ying stretched out her slender, jade-like left hand. Her expression was ice-cold, as though the entire world was beneath her gaze. Her fingers slowly curled, and from her pale lips came a single worddetached, emotionless, like the decree of a god: Collapse. A ripple spread through the air, silent, invisibleyet carrying an undeniable power. The monks eyes widened in horror. He tried to circulate his spiritual power, to flee, to resistanything. But before a single thought could fully form Crack! His entire body twisted unnaturally. His limbs crumpled inward, his torso caved as if the very space around him was folding in. Bones shattered. Flesh compressed. With a sickening squelch, he collapsed into himselfreduced to a small, deformed mass of crushed blood and bone. There was no scream. No struggle. Just the sound of something being squeezed into nothingness. A strange, terrifying death. He died without even understanding how. Liu Ying lowered her hand slowly. Her eyes, still like the void, swept over the sceneexpressionless, indifferent. As if wiping out two lives was no different from crushing ants beneath her heel. Unbeknownst to Liu Ying, in the endless expanse of space and timeso far away it could not be measured in mere light-yearsa supreme being stirred. A pair of eyes opened in the void. No words could describe his form. He was not a figure, nor a shapehe was existence itself, draped in endless darkness. His presence was vast, stretching beyond perception, and yet it felt as though he was everywhere at once. The stars and planets closer to him began to trembled and shook violently , their orbits subtly disturbed by his awakening. As the unseen power of the Void Lord spread, ethereal fetal membranes formed around the celestial bodies, protective layers encasing them from the threat, then The planets shifted slowly at first, drifting away from their original orbits. The paths they had followed for eons were no longer maintained, as they began to move away from an undetermined source of disturbance. Space itself warped and shattered for trillions of miles around him, only to repair itself the next instantas though reality was both rejecting and submitting to his existence. Across the vast expanse of the universe, countless beings stirred. Their attention was drawn to a singular point in the cosmos. They felt it before they understood it: the tremor, the subtle shift in reality that came with the awakening of the Void Lord. Whispers began to ripple through the endless stretches of space like an echo in a vast, empty cavern. "What has stirred him?" "Is he finally acting?" "Why now, after all this time?" "Does this mean something has drawn his interest?" "Has he finally found something worthy of his attention?" ... "Did you feel it?" one ancient voice asked, trembling slightly. "Yes... It''s him," another replied, a mix of awe and fear in their tone. "The Sovereign of the Void, Nyxaroth." "Impossible... why would he awaken now?" "I don''t know, but this is different. His focus... it''s fixed on something." "On someone, perhaps?" another voice murmured, a chill creeping into their words. "Thats the only explanation. Hes never shown interest in anything before." The whispers turned into a low hum, as these mighty beings pondered the implications of Nyxaroth''s sudden shift, unsure of what, exactly, had drawn the Sovereigns attention. The The Sovereign of the Void had never been known to involve himself with the realms of the mortal or the Immortals . as a lone seeker of the Dao who cared little for the schemes and politics of others. He was a silent observer, a figure so enigmatic that even the most knowledgeable beings could only speculate on his purpose. And yet, nownow something had drawn his gaze. His eyes, unseen but felt, peered through the cracks of reality, where the edges of existence frayed like a ragged fabric. He wasnt concerned with the complex web of celestial politics or the ambitions of the mighty. No, his attention was fixed elsewhere. To a distant, insignificant world, one hidden in the corner of the universe, barely noticeable against the grandeur of all that surrounded it. His focus was solely on her. Nyxaroths voice echoed softly in the Void, A human... interesting. His lips curled into a smile, and a deep, resonant laugh filled the emptiness, shaking the very core of the cosmos. "Hahaha, My way is not Alone . My way is not alone, his voice spreading across dozens of galaxies, a proclamation that sent ripples through time and space itself. The stars seemed to flicker in awe at his presence. His gaze fell upon Liu Ying, and something about her closeness to the Void intrigued him. In a swift motion, his fingers flickered, and a long, mysterious sword materialized in his grasp. Its design was unknowable, its grade beyond comprehension. With a wave of his Hand, he canceled the secrets of the heavens, cloaking his actions from prying eyes. The sword, imbued with his essence, flew through the fabric of space, aimed directly toward Liu Ying. I will wait for you, Nyxaroth murmured, obviously on a Good mode. Then, with a final lough. he took a single step an instant, the endless distance collapsed, and he disappeared into the Void. Where he went, no one could say. His departure was as silent and mysterious as his existence. Liu Ying paused, her cold and ruthless face remaining unmoving as her hollow, empty eyes gazed upward into the Void. For a brief moment, a strange sensation rippled through her, like a distant echo that brushed against her consciousness. Her heart remained calm, unwavering, unaffected by the overwhelming presence that loomed across the universe. Chapter 46 "From Near-Death by Poison to Hugged to Death" After a few moments, Liu Ying stood in the middle of the blood-soaked ground, her clothes and face covered in the crimson stains of her enemies. The cold, ruthless expression on her face began to fade as she suddenly coughed up a mouthful of blood. Her body trembled slightly, and the sharp pain that surged through her limbs reminded her that the power she had just unleashed was not her own. As the metallic taste of blood filled her mouth, she spat out another mouthful, her breathing ragged. Her fierce eyes softened, returning to their usual state. A bitter smile crept onto her lips as she murmured to herself, It seems everything has its price after all. Yes, that powerit had not belonged to her. It was the lingering aura of that ancient book, the one from which she had obtained her cultivation technique. The trace of its original master still resided within itthe Sovereign of the Void. In that brief moment of desperation, the remnants of his will had surged forth to protect her, granting her a glimpse of power far beyond her current realm. But now, her body was paying the price. Cracks began to spread across her skin, faint but unmistakable. Pain lanced through her meridians like molten steel. She felt her foundation shaking, as though the very essence of her cultivation was at risk of crumbling. Another surge of blood erupted from her lips. But amidst the agony, a gentle aura enveloped hera soft, ethereal warmth that began to mend her fractured body. It was subtle, yet profound, like a whisper from the void itself. The power that had nearly shattered her was now holding her together, preventing her from collapsing completely. Yet Liu Ying''s thoughts were no longer on herself. Her heart was filled with worryworry for him. She staggered forward, her steps slow and unsteady. Each movement sent fresh waves of pain through her body, but she gritted her teeth and endured. Her blood-red eyes scanned the area desperately as she approached the place where Jiang Cheng had fallen. Please dont be dead, she whispered under her breath, her voice trembling with a mix of fear and hope. The battlefield was silent now, save for the faint rustling of the wind. The stench of death lingered heavily in the air. But Liu Ying pressed on, driven by a single thought. She had to see him. She had to know. Was Jiang Cheng still alive? ... After a few breaths, she finally arrived before him. Fortunately, he was still in the same position she had left him. But now, he looked like a lifeless corpsehis face pale, his body stiff, and his breathing weak, barely clinging to life. Poison had ravaged him, and death seemed but a step away. Her heart tightened, but when she felt the faint trace of his breath, her tense expression softened. A smile slowly bloomed on her bloodstained face, followed by a light, breathless laugh. "Haha, You bastard... You really know how to scare this young lady to death... as always." Her voice was trembling, but her eyes shone with relief. In that moment, her smile was radiantso beautiful that it could steal ones breath away, even amidst the blood-soaked battlefield. Without wasting another second, she knelt beside him, leaning in close. Her delicate hand gently pried open his mouth. From her storage bag, she took out the Nine-Yang Detoxification Pilla rare, life-saving treasure. Carefully, she placed it on his tongue and guided it down his throat with her last remaining spiritual energy. The author''s narrative has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon. Watching the pill slide past his lips, her vision blurred, and her body finally gave in. Exhaustion, injuries, and the recoil from that forbidden power overwhelmed her. With a soft sigh, she collapsed beside himher breathing faint, her consciousness fading into the dark. But even as she drifted into unconsciousness, her hand instinctively rested near his, as if reaching out... unwilling to let go. A day passed silently like this. The next morning, Jiang Chengs eyelids fluttered before slowly opening. His vision was blurry at first, the dim morning light filtering through the cracks above casting a hazy glow over the cave. His mind felt sluggish, as though submerged in water. For a moment, he didnt even know where he was. Then, the pain struck. A deep, gnawing ache spread through every inch of his body. His limbs were stiff, as though they were no longer his own. His chest felt heavy, and breathing was difficultevery breath brought a sharp, burning sensation to his lungs. His throat was dry and rough, as if sand had been poured down it. There was a bitter, metallic taste in his mouth, remnants of blood mixing with the aftertaste of some potent medicinal pill. He tried to move his fingers, but they responded slowly, trembling slightly. His arms felt like lead, his legs numb and cold. When he shifted slightly, a tearing pain shot through his side, making him grit his teeth. His head throbbed. Memories of the battle flickered backthe Angry Spider, the venom coursing through his veins, the desperate struggle... and then darkness. He blinked a few more times, his vision clearing. Beside him, Liu Ying was lying there, her face pale, blood dried on her cheeks. Her silver hair was disheveled, and her robes stained with blood. Even so, her beauty was strikingfragile yet fierce, like a war goddess who had collapsed after her final battle. Jiang Chengs eyes scanned the bloody scene. His heart went cold. "What the hell?! Did I die and reincarnate into the middle of a revenge arc?! Is this the massacre scene?!" His mind spun into overdrive, piecing together the chaotic image in front of himthe blood everywhere, her exhausted, collapsed body, and that faint murderous aura still lingering in the air. Cold sweat formed on his forehead. "Dont tell me she killed some young master from the Heavenly Sword Sect... or the Blood Demon Palace... or worse, the Young Pavilion Lord of the Immortal Jade Clan!" Sweat drenched his back. "Im done for... The heavens above, please... Senior Immortal Kings, if you find this cave, Im just a passerby. Please spare this humble Taoist Priest " He even considered writing his last will: I, Jiang Cheng, swear I did not offend anyone. If you must kill someone, please just take hershes the protagonist anyway, shell revive later! The familiar dread from reading countless cultivation Novels crept up his spine. He peeked around the cave nervously, half-expecting to see a group of furious cultivators in luxurious robes shouting, "Who dares offend Young Master So-and-so?!" Jiang Cheng groaned as he sat up, his eyes landing on Liu Yings bloody figure. "I knew it How could someone with protagonist-level luck not stir up a calamity?" He sighed deeply. "I just wanted to cultivate quietly But no, fate had other plans. Im destined to be the side character who gets slapped, poisoned, and buried for the protagonists growth arc." He glanced up at the ceiling, muttering: "Dear seniors seeking revenge I am innocent. If you must kill someone, please let it be quick. I cant afford soul-destroying torture." He gritted his teeth. "Im willing to hand her over if necessary No, wait, she saved me... Ugh, damn my conscience!" He slumped back down. "Why cant I be a heartless villain instead? Life would be easier" Jiang Cheng sat still for a few moments, processing the scene. Then, he whispered to himself: "This this is how it starts. First, she saves me. Then, she kills a young master. By tomorrow, well be running from an entire sect. Next week, well be fleeing across provinces. By next month, Ill be kneeling before an old ancestor, begging for my dog life." He buried his face in his hands. "I just wanted to make some talismans" .... He let out another long sigh, his heart filled with helplessness. After a few minutes, Liu Yings eyelashes trembled slightly, and she slowly opened her eyes. Her vision was still a bit blurry, but when she saw Jiang Cheng sitting there awake, she froze for a moment. Then, tears welled up in her red eyes, and without any hesitation, she lunged forward and hugged him tightly. Brother Jiang... wuwu... I thought I would never see you again! Her voice was choked with sobs, her face buried in his chest. Her embrace was fierce, like she was afraid he would disappear if she let go. But Jiang Cheng, who was still immersed in his mental script about being a tragic extra, was caught off guard. Before he could react, an intense pain shot through his body from the force of her hug. His internal injuries flared up, and the remnants of the poison that had yet to be fully expelled were stirred violently. Agh...! Jiang Cheng''s eyes bulged as he groaned in pain. His face turned pale, and before he could say anything Pfft! A mouthful of black blood spurted from his mouth, splattering onto the ground. Fortunately, it was also mixed with the remaining poison being discharged from his system. Liu Ying was stunned, her face filled with guilt and panic. Ah! Brother Jiang! I... I didnt mean to Are you okay? Jiang Cheng wiped the corner of his mouth with a bitter smile. Its fine... Its just... Can you please hug a little gentler next time? You nearly hugged me straight back to the underworld... Liu Yings cheeks turned slightly red, but she still refused to let go, only easing her grip a little. Jiang Cheng sighed internally. "Women with protagonist auras are all like this... You survive a calamity, and their joy will send you straight into another one! He glanced at the cave ceiling once again and whispered, Seniors... its just a misunderstanding. Im still innocent... Chapter 47 "The Art of Array Formation" ..... After a few moments, Jiang Cheng couldnt help but smile helplessly. He reached out and gently rubbed Liu Yings hair, his voice soft and reassuring. Im okay. You dont have to be sad. Everything will be fine. Liu Ying sobbed quietly, her voice trembling. Really? Jiang Cheng chuckled lightly. When have I ever lied to you? She looked up at him, her red eyes still damp with tears, and after a brief pause, she whispered: I believe you... this time. After Jiang Cheng reassured her for a few more minutes, Liu Ying finally calmed down, her sadness gradually fading. Seeing that she had settled, Jiang Cheng sat down with difficulty, adjusting his posture to begin meditating and refining the medicinal power within his body. Hours passed in silence. When Jiang Cheng finally opened his eyes, he spat out a mouthful of black, poisonous blood. The moment it left his body, he felt a wave of relief wash over him. The heaviness in his chest eased, and his breathing became smoother. He felt much more comfortablehis condition had greatly improved. Beside him, Liu Ying, who had been meditating quietly, noticed his movement. Her eyes snapped open, filled with concern. Brother Jiang, are you alright? she asked anxiously. Jiang Cheng wiped his mouth, a relaxed smile spreading across his face. Yeah... better than ever. There was a brief pause. Jiang Cheng hesitated, his gaze lowering as if searching for the right words. When he finally spoke, his tone carried a hint of embarrassment. Liu Ying... thank you. For everything. If it werent for you, I might not have made it through this. Liu Ying turned to him, her red eyes glistening. Dont say that. Were partners, right? We watch each others backs. Thats what matters. He nodded, a genuine smile tugging at his lips. Partners. ... After resting for a while, Jiang Cheng and Liu Ying got up and began walking toward the direction of the trees. As they made their way through the aftermath of the brutal battle, Jiang Chengs steps suddenly halted. His gaze fell upon an unknown puddle of flesh and blood, its rotting stench assaulting his senses. He frowned deeply, his face twisted in disgust. A wave of nausea surged up his throat. What the hell is this? he muttered, his tone filled with revulsion as he instinctively took a step back, trying to hold down the urge to gag. He turned to Liu Ying and asked calmly, Did you do this? Liu Ying met his gaze and, seeing that he wasnt angry or blaming her, she nodded. Yes. When I was outside buying the pill for you, those two thieves took the opportunity to sneak into the cave. If I hadnt arrived in time and launched a sneak attack on both of them, they would have stolen our belongings... and killed you while you were defenseless. Her tone was steady, but Jiang Cheng couldnt help but be startled when he noticed the coldness in her eyes. That chilling gazeit was not the playful or gentle Liu Ying he was used to. This was a different side of her, one that belonged to someone who had stepped through blood and death. He shifted his eyes back to the corpsesor what remained of them. After a brief pause, he said plainly: Then... its a good death. He looked at Liu Ying with concern and asked, Did you get hurt? Those two they were both late-stage Qi Refining cultivators. She smiled gently and said, Dont worry. The first one was distracted by the tree outside, and the second... I used a special spell to kill him instantly. I paid a small price, but its nothing serious. So, theres nothing to worry about. However, there was a flicker in her eyessomething she deliberately left unsaid. Jiang Cheng noticed it, but he didnt press her. Everyone had their own secrets; he understood that well enough. After a brief pause, he looked at her with a more serious expression. Leaning in slightly, he lowered his voice to a whisper and asked, When you were outside... you didnt... you know... cause any trouble, right? Like... provoking someone you shouldnt have? Maybe getting into a grudge with someone or offending some young master? This story has been stolen from Royal Road. If you read it on Amazon, please report it Heres a more humorous and paranoid twist on the scene with Jiang Chengs exaggerated paranoia: --- No, I didnt do anything or offend anyone, Liu Ying began, her voice casual. Except when I was bidding at the auction... there was this Young Master from a Foundation Building family who was bidding for the same things Before she could continue, Jiang Chengs eyes widened in horror. He shot to his feet, his voice rising in panic. I knew it! I knew something like this would happen! So what happened next? Did he threaten you? Did he say his uncle is a Foundation Building elder from the Qinglin Sect? Or wait, did you kill him?! His bloodshot eyes were practically bulging from his face, and he was speaking so fast his words were blending together. Are they hunting you down right now? Are they already outside? Oh no, oh no, why didnt you tell me sooner? Liu Ying stared at him in disbelief, her mouth opening and closing as she tried to process his hysteria. Jiang Cheng was practically shaking with paranoia now, his hands flailing about. What have you done?! You have to let go and surrender yourself to the Qinglin Sect! Theyll spare your life, Im sure of it! Theyll see your talent and protect you oh, but you might want to bring me too! Theyll spare this Taoist Priest dogs life along with yours, right? Or or we could just leave the domain! Lets run! No, fly away! Ill start packing! Ill make us a new identity! His voice was getting louder, and as he spoke, his anxiety made his saliva fly around like a torrential downpour. Liu Ying was utterly speechless, staring at him, blinking in slow motion. She couldnt help it. She burst out laughing, holding her stomach. " brother Jiang , calm down! It''s not that serious!" Then Liu Ying began to tell Jiang Cheng in detail about what happened when she first went to the town and her return. Jiang Cheng calmed down and was surprised by Young Master Zhang Qians generosity. He couldnt help but curse the dog authors novels he had read in his previous life. They always lied to this Taoist Priest. How could a young master from a noble family be so brainless and crazy? He sighed in relief, praising Liu Ying for her thoughtfulness and how she dealt with things. "Youre handling things better than I did," he said. "As expected from you." He laughed to hide his embarrassment. Liu Ying, also embarrassed by his praise, didnt notice his discomfort. ... After they calmed down, Jiang Cheng said seriously to Liu Ying, "Since were here in this cave and I think well have to stay for a few years, we should make some plans for what we should do during that time." Then he took out his spirit bag and began sorting through the techniques and spoils he had taken from the flower thief. He continued, "First, we need to study everything in this jade slip about formations so we can learn how to set up a formation to cover this cave and prevent anyone from entering." "This is our first priority: the formation," Jiang Cheng said. "Second," he continued, taking out a book on disguise techniques, "we need to master this to the perfect level for our safety when we go outside. Even if we kill someone, they wont know its us unless they calculate it through the secrets of the heavens, and Im sure theyll pay a heavy price for that." "Third, we need money. I see that we dont have much left to buy the necessary resources for body art training, spirit cultivation pills, talismans, and so on." Before Jiang Cheng could continue, Liu Ying took out two space bags and said, "There are still spirit stones here, at least twenty thousand in total, along with some Spiritual Condensation Pills, Essence Condensing Pills, some junk, and..." She pulled out an unknown book, reading its title. "Its called the Astral Soul Refinement Technique. It talks about refining the soul with the energy of the stars." When Jiang Cheng took the book and looked at it, he couldnt help but laugh and hug Liu Ying. "Youre really my lucky star! Now we have all the techniques, from body to spirit." "I knew it," he said with a grin. "This young master is destined to become a great emperor!" He laughed heartily. Liu Ying was momentarily embarrassed, but then she put her hands on her hips, flashed a playful smile, and said smugly, "You should praise me more." She tilted her head slightly, clearly enjoying the attention, her confidence shining through despite her earlier embarrassment. Jiang Cheng "__" He was speechless. He then coughed and said, "First, let''s study this formation inheritance until we can set up a covering formation." He looked at Liu Ying and continued, "Dont dismiss the formation; its actually quite important. For example, we can set up a Spirit Gathering Array wherever we find a suitable place, allowing us to gather surrounding energy for our own use. We could even create a spiritual land to nourish our spiritual fields. Or, we could help other cultivators set up Spirit Gathering Arrays and earn high rewards in return." He paused for a moment before adding, "Not everyone can become an array master. You could say theyre extremely rare." "After we truly become formation masters," Jiang Cheng went on, "whether were helping others set up formations or using the Spirit Gathering Formation to nourish our spiritual fields, the benefits we can gain are enormous." "Scarcity makes things valuable, and thats absolutely true." Liu Ying was amazed and asked, "How can we make money, for example?" Jiang Cheng smiled and explained, "We could earn tens of thousands of spirit stones a year from planting spirit rice in the fields and selling it. The more we plant, the more money we can make. But we should be careful, as theres a risk of causing some disaster." Liu Ying was puzzled and asked, "What disaster could happen? We didnt hurt anyone." Jiang Cheng smiled and placed his hands behind his back. "Well, of course, we havent done anything in particular. Its just that you dont have a backer, selling spirit rice everywhere, that is the definition of ''Courting death'' . everyone will know there is something wrong here so we should be cautious and sell the spirit rice in various markets to avoid attention. He paused before continuing, "An array master is like a treasure box. Their importance is immense. Not only do they have the ability to set up powerful formations to protect the place , but they can also generate wealth with their knowledge, they are the same as the alchemists " "The Qinglin Sect and the surrounding sects all have high demands for array masters and alchemists. Anyone who can teach or create formations can command a high price, and their value only increases as fewer people master the skill." Liu Ying was amazed, nodded. " I see." Jiang Cheng then nodded as well and said, "Those are all things for the future. Today, were going to study the basics of formations. First, well learn how to carve array patterns onto spirit stones. Second, well study the special techniques used to set up formations. And finally, well learn how to observe the flow of spiritual energy between heaven and earth." Liu Ying thought for a moment, then said, "I understand." Jiang Cheng smiled and said, "Lets begin." Then, they both sat across from each other and started studying the basics of formations and how to set them up. The days passed in a quiet rhythm, with Jiang Cheng and Liu Ying seated across from each other, their minds consumed by the ancient texts on formations. Neither of them had much experience with formation art, but both were eager to learn. They read diligently, their brows furrowing in concentration as they attempted to decipher the mysterious intricacies of the jade slip and books that lay before them. Jiang Cheng was the first to break the silence. His finger traced the strange array patterns on the page as he muttered softly to himself, trying to understand the meaning behind each symbol. After a moment, he looked up at Liu Ying, his voice thoughtful. This part about the flow of spiritual energy It seems like its talking about how energy can be manipulated and guided, but Im not sure how to form the array properly. Liu Ying nodded, her eyes fixed on her own book. Yes, its all about creating a balance in the environment so that the energy aligns in a specific way. It requires a certain level of precision and understanding of the natural flow of energy. She paused for a moment, then looked up with a thoughtful expression. I think its also important to visualize how the energy will move through the array once its activated. Jiang Chengs face lit up with a spark of realization. Ah! So, the energy must be guided through the array, like water flowing through a channel. The formations are like pathways, and the symbols are the borders that shape the flow. But He paused, his brow furrowing as he studied the patterns again. How do we ensure the energy doesnt leak out? And how do we stabilize it once weve created the array? Liu Ying smiled softly, her red eyes gleaming with determination. She flipped through her book, her fingers tracing the lines of text. Its all in the precision of the pattern, she said with confidence. If the symbols arent placed correctly, or if the array isnt drawn in the right way, the energy will escape. Its about creating an internal balance. She pointed to a specific section of her book. This part explains how the angles of the symbols create a containment effect, trapping the energy inside. Jiang Cheng leaned forward, his gaze fixed on the passage she had pointed to. His voice was filled with admiration. I see. Youve got a better grasp of this than I thought. I need to pay more attention to these small details. Liu Yings lips curled into a faint smile, her voice playful. Were both learning. We can teach each other as we go along. She returned her attention to the text, her fingers gently tracing the complex lines of the formation. As the days turned into weeks, the two of them grew more in sync. They read together, explained their thoughts to each other, and constantly tested their theories. Every time they encountered a mistake or an unclear concept, they helped each other work through it. Slowly, the mysteries of the formation art became less elusive. Chapter 48 "Glimpses of the Beast Tide" Days passed one after another. Jiang Cheng and Liu Ying led a steady, disciplined life. Each morning, they dedicated themselves to cultivation. Afterward, they delved into the study of formation inscriptions, immersing themselves in the mysteries of the Dao of Formation. Whenever they needed supplies, Liu Ying would make a trip to town to purchase them. And so, their days flowed by in quiet diligence, consumed entirely by cultivation and study. Time flew by like an arrow. In the blink of an eye, a year had passed. For two years, Jiang Cheng and Liu Ying lived a stable and uneventful life. There were no evil cultivators to fight. No natural or man-made disasters. No sect wars. Everything remained peaceful. However, Jiang Cheng occasionally learned about the outside world through Ruan Xue. For instance, a casual cultivator had purchased something at the Immortal Square, only to be ambushed and killed by evil cultivators as soon as he left. Or someone who, unwilling to live an ordinary life, resigned from the Immortal Square and set off for Pingyuan Immortal Cityonly to vanish without a trace along the way. Or the discovery of a precious mineral vein, which sparked fierce competition among various families. In the end, the Qinglin Sect stepped in and took control of it. These scattered pieces of information deepened Jiang Chengs understanding of the current cultivation world. Meanwhile, his own cultivation had advanced from the sixth level of Qi Training to the seventh. Liu Ying, not far behind, had broken through to the sixth level of Qi Training, closing the gap between thema fact that left Jiang Cheng slightly uneasy. Jiang Cheng, seated on a futon, let out a long breath as a flicker of spiritual light flashed in his eyes. Having just broken through to the late stage of Qi Training, he momentarily struggled to control the surging spiritual power within him. Feeling the newfound strength coursing through his body, a satisfied smile appeared in his eyes. He rose from the futon and, in a good mood, brewed himself a pot of fine tea. These past two years had not been without gains. Now, from the outside, their cave residence seemed to have vanished without a trace. Liu Ying had been the first to master the art of setting up formations, and it was she who had arranged the concealment array. With the mountains as their secluded retreat, everything was perfect. But now, it was time to return to town, check on the situation, and speak with Ruan Xue about the latest happenings. He waited for a few hours until an old woman appeared at the entrance of the cave. Jiang Cheng smiled and asked, "Everything good?" The old woman nodded silently. Then, her disguise faded away, revealing her true faceLiu Ying. "Yes, everything is good," she replied. "But the town feels a little uneasy. I dont know whats happening." She took out a few hundred spirit stones, earned from selling talismans in town, and handed them to Jiang Cheng. He nodded. "Good. I''ll go there right now and see what''s going on. You stay here. I''ll be back in a few days." You could be reading stolen content. Head to the original site for the genuine story. His gaze flickered with determination. "Once I return, we can start consuming the fruits from the Yin-Yang Tree to further strengthen ourselves." Jiang Cheng rose a few meters into the air and flew off. Yes, late-stage Qi Refining cultivators could fly for a few minutes on their own, but it consumed a considerable amount of spiritual energy. Thats why most cultivators purchased flying swords and flight techniquesto reduce the burden and, of course, to look cooler at the same time. After flying for dozens of miles, he arrived at the town. The makeshift houses outside were packed with people. Jiang Cheng glanced at the crowded area and shook his head. "Looks like Taoist Yan is even richer now." Without stopping, He continued on his way until he arrived at the gate of the inner town. After paying a spirit stone, he was allowed entry. His first stop was an inn, where he rented a room for a few days. With that settled, he stepped back onto the bustling streets, his gaze scanning the surroundings as he made his way toward the Qinglin Treasure Pavilionwhere Ruan Xue was. He entered the pavilion as usual. The girl at the counter greeted him with a smile, and he returned the gesture politely. "Where is Ruan Xue?" he asked. The girl nodded and said that she will call her then headed upstairs to the second floor, where Ruan Xue was practicing. After a few minutes, a beautiful girl in a purple dress appeared before him. "Fellow Daoist Jiang, long time no see," she greeted with a slight smile. Jiang Cheng smiled and returned her greeting. "Fellow Taoist Ruan, you''re still as elegant as ever." Ruan Xue chuckled lightly. "Of course I am. How else would you expect me to be?" Jiang Cheng raised an eyebrow. "Well, I might have expected you to be even more radiant, but I see I was right all along." Ruan Xue smiled playfully. "Flattery won''t get you far, Fellow Daoist. But tell me, what brings you here today? It''s been a while." Jiang Cheng''s smile softened. "I had to check in on the town. Things feel a bit off lately. I thought I''d catch up with you while I''m here." Ruan Xue gestured for Jiang Cheng to follow her. After leading him to a secluded spot, she turned to him with a serious expression. "We''re leaving." Jiang Cheng was taken aback. "Leaving? Why?" Ruan Xue sighed. "News just came in. A beast tide will happen here, and I believe the market will be destroyed again." Jiang Cheng''s eyes widened. "A beast tide? Has something like this happened before?" Ruan Xue nodded grimly. "Of course it has. Dont you see how backward this place is? Theres a huge difference between here and other regions. The Qinglin Sect doesn''t really care about this town. It''s more like a gathering place for casual cultivators. There aren''t any real rules here, and it''s always on the brink of chaos." Jiang Cheng furrowed his brows. "But why are people outside acting as usual? Shouldn''t they be preparing for the beast tide?" Ruan Xue sighed again. "Most people here are either unaware or simply don''t take things seriously. Many of the cultivators here are too focused on their own gains to worry about whats coming. They might have heard rumors, but its easy to dismiss them when youve lived through things like this before without any real consequences." She looked at him, her expression sharp. "The true threat only becomes clear when its too late, and by then, its often chaos." Jiang Cheng nodded, understanding the gravity of the situation now. "I see. We need to be ready, then." Ruan Xue looked at him thoughtfully. "In a few days, we''ll be leaving for Pingyuan Immortal City. Do you want to come with us? My master is a Foundation Building stage cultivator. She can help make things easier for you." Jiang Cheng was taken aback. "You even have a master?" He looked at her enviously, his curiosity piqued. Ruan Xue nodded proudly. "Of course I do. How else do you think Ive secured my place here? If I didnt, someone with more power or a strong background would have taken my position by now." Jiang Chengs eyes widened with understanding. "I see... so that''s why you''re so confident." Ruan Xue smiled slightly. "Its not just confidence, Jiang Cheng. Its knowing where you stand. In this world, power and connections are everything." Jiang Cheng raised an eyebrow, his curiosity piqued. "By the way, who is your master?" Ruan Xue looked at him mischievously, her lips curling into a playful smile. "My master is known as the Flowing Tide Fairy, Lian Shui. Shes a middle-stage Foundation Building cultivator and very powerful. Shes a Guest Elder of the Qinglin Sect and also one of the Guardians of Pingyuan Immortal City. So, what do you think? Do you want to come with me?" Jiang Cheng looked at her with newfound respect. "You''re lucky," he said with a smirk. "You dont have to fight hard; youre winning just by lying down." Ruan Xue met his gaze, unruffled. "Theres no such thing as a free ride in this world. Everything has its price, its advantages, and its drawbacks." Her eyes softened slightly, a hint of seriousness in her voice. "Anyway, what do you think? Are you coming with me?" Jiang Cheng scratched his head and said, "Thank you, Fellow Taoist, for your kindness. But I still have things to do here. I think Ill follow you in a few months, though." Ruan Xue studied him, realizing he wasnt joking. She sighed and replied, "Since youve already made up your mind, I can only wish you luck." Jiang Cheng paused before adding, "By the way, I want to purchase a flying sword and the flying technique." Ruan Xue blinked in surprise. "But you''re still in the middle stage of Qi Training..." Before she could continue, Jiang Cheng released a burst of powerful spiritual energy, causing her to falter in her speech. He looked at her smugly and said, "What was that, Fellow Taoist? I didnt quite catch it." Ruan Xue stared at his shameless expression, which made her want to smack him. But she forced herself to calm down and suppressed the urge to reprimand him. Instead, she gave a tight smile and said, "Congratulations on your breakthrough, brother Jiang. Jiang Cheng smiled at Ruan Xues congratulations. "Thank you, Fellow Taoist," he said, his voice calm and appreciative. .... Ruan Xue nodded, then led him further into the Treasure Pavilion. She took him to a private room where the walls were lined with shelves filled with weapons of every kind, from gleaming swords to ornate staves and mystical artifacts. The room smelled faintly of metal and refinement, the air thick with spiritual energy. Ruan Xue walked down the aisle, her fingers grazing the hilts of swords as she passed. One by one, she presented high-level spirit swords to Jiang Cheng, each more impressive than the last. Some were adorned with sparkling gemstones, others radiated an aura of sharpness that seemed to cut the air itself. But none of them seemed to catch Jiang Chengs eye. She continued, showing him one sword after another, until she stopped at a familiar black bladethe Shadow Sword. Its low-profile design, with its matte surface and simple hilt, was unchanged. It was subtle, understated, and somehow it felt more fitting for Jiang Cheng than all the other flashy blades. He felt an almost instinctual pull toward it. "This one," Jiang Cheng said, pointing to the Shadow Sword. Ruan Xue paused for a moment, a slight frown on her face, but then nodded. "As expected, you prefer something less noticeable. It suits you." She took the sword down carefully, then led him toward the counter, where the price of the sword would be negotiated. "The price for this sword will be a bit higher than before," Ruan Xue said, her tone serious. "Its a high-grade weapon now. The cost is much steeper." Jiang Cheng raised an eyebrow, unfazed. "How much are we talking?" Ruan Xue glanced at the sword, then looked at him. "For this level of refinement, the price is 1250 spirit stones." Jiang Cheng considered for a moment before nodding. "Ill take it." Ruan Xue smiled slightly, though it was tempered by the seriousness of the transaction. "Very well. Ill arrange everything." Jiang Cheng looked at Ruan Xue and nodded. "And along with the sword, I''ll need a sword-controlling technique." Ruan Xues eyes flickered, then she gave a slight smile. "Of course. We have a suitable technique for that, but it will cost you an additional 500 spirit stones." Jiang Cheng didn''t hesitate. "Fine, I''ll take it." Ruan Xue gestured to a nearby shelf, pulling down a scroll sealed with a simple yet elegant formation. She unrolled it slightly, revealing intricate runes that pulsed with a faint spiritual aura. "This technique is called the ''Silent Blade Manipulation''. It''s simple to learn, but it will take time to master. With it, youll be able to control the sword as if it were an extension of yourself." Jiang Cheng nodded, accepting the scroll from her. "Thank you." With the price set and the transactions concluded, Jiang Cheng handed over the spirit stones, feeling a sense of satisfaction as his new sword and technique were secured. Chapter 49 " The Human race Grand Sacrifice As Jiang Cheng turned to leave the Qinglin Treasure Pavilion, Ruan Xue''s voice called out to him, halting his steps. "By the way," she said, her tone suddenly filled with a hint of excitement, "in a few years, it will be the 2,270,000th year of the Taichu Era." Jiang Cheng paused, turning back to her with a curious expression. Ruan Xue leaned closer, her eyes sparkling with enthusiasm. "This year will mark the Human race''s Grand Sacrifice to the Mother Goddess of Life, a ceremony that occurs once every ten millennia. It''s also the anniversary of the formal establishment of the human race, a milestone commemorating 3.5 million years of history. During this time, countless planets, from small to massive worlds within the human races territories, will fall into a carnival of festivities and rituals." Jiang Cheng was captivated, a mix of fascination and disbelief crossing his face. "The entire human race celebrating all at once?" "Wait, wait, wait There are planets outside our world?" Jiang Cheng blurted out in shock. Ruan Xue gave him a strange look before nodding. "Of course there are. According to my master, there are countless planes, both large and small, just like ours. And beyond that, there are innumerable powerful races." She paused, a flicker of unease crossing her face. "If it werent for the Goddess protecting us all this time, we would have long been nothing more than food for those chaotic races. After all, humans were the last race to be born in this universe. Compared to the ancient and terrifying beings out there, we are weak." Jiang Cheng shuddered slightly at the thought. Food? Ruan Xue continued, her tone solemn. "Thats why we should always be grateful to Hernot just for our creation but for Her unwavering protection throughout the ages. As long as She stands, those beings wont dare lay a finger on us." She suddenly glanced around, lowering her voice. "Also, this isnt something you should go around talking about. Normally, this kind of information isnt accessible to cultivators below the Foundation Building stage. My master only told me because of her status. So dont go spreading it around unless you want unnecessary trouble." Jiang Cheng nodded slowly, a serious expression settling on his face. He had unknowingly been living in a much smaller world than he thought. Anyway" Ruan Xues voice suddenly brightened with excitement. "Let me continue! The most exciting part is that countless powerful cultivators from across the human territories will rush to the Tianling World. This world, entirely controlled by the human race for millions of years, is about to become the center of everything." She leaned in, her eyes sparkling. "My master has spoken of it frequently. The Tianling World is home to several sacred sites, including the Human Emperor Palace. It is where the human races greatest foundation lies. The number of powerful figures gathering there will be unimaginable!" Jiang Chengs eyes widened at the mention of the Human Emperor Palace. "The Human Emperor Palace?" he repeated. Ruan Xue nodded eagerly, her voice lowering slightly in reverence. "Yes. It''s the place with the greatest foundation for the human race, a place where the strongest of the strong gather. There are many powerful figures there, including some of the highest-ranking cultivators in the entire world. Its a place of immense significance." Jiang Cheng''s mind raced as he absorbed the information. The idea of a gathering of so many powerful beings, the anniversary of the human races establishment, and the Human Emperor Palace itselfit was overwhelming, but also exhilarating. Jiang Chengs eyes gleamed with excitement. "I will definitely go there in the future!" he declared with confidence. Ruan Xue smirked and crossed her arms. "Before you can even think about leaving this plane, you have to break through to the God Transformation Realm. Only then will you qualify to step outside this world." The tale has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident. She looked Jiang Cheng up and down, her gaze full of disdain. "And where are you? Qi Refining! And where is the God Transformation Realm?" She scoffed. "The gap is so big, I dont even know if I should laugh or cry for you. You might as well say youre going to ascend to immortality tomorrow!" Jiang Cheng coughed awkwardly, but his eyes burned with unwillingness, just like a certain young man in a distant world. He clenched his fist and declared, "Thirty years in Hedong, thirty years in Hexi! Dont bully the young and poor!" Ruan Xues face froze. She blinked once, twice, then looked at him like he had lost his mind. Are you serious? she asked, deadpan. Jiang Cheng stood tall, exuding an air of tragic determination, as if he was the protagonist of an epic saga. "One day, I will" Before he could finish, Ruan Xue wordlessly drew her sword. "Alright, Ive tolerated your shamelessness for long enough!" she shouted. "Let me vent my grievances today!" With that, she swung her sword at him! "Hey! Hey! Fellow Daoist, lets talk this out!" Jiang Cheng yelped as he dodged and ran for his life. "Talk? TALK?! I should have kicked you out the moment you bought your sword." "You just dont understand a great mans spirit!" "I understand that you''re a shameless fool! Get back here!" The scene of a beautiful fairy cultivator chasing a Qi Refining rogue down the street with a drawn sword quickly attracted attention. Onlookers gawked. "Whats going on?" "Thats Ruan Xue from the Treasure Pavilion, right? Whos the guy running for his life?" "No idea, but from the way hes running, hes definitely guilty of something." "Poor guy. May he rest in peace." "Rest in peace, my ass! Hes still dodging! Look at him zigzag like a rabbit!" Meanwhile, Jiang Cheng, evading slashes left and right, shouted, "I swear Ill return one day! And when I do" "Return your head! Get lost!" Ruan Xue kicked a rock at him, hitting him square in the back. "AHHHH!" Jiang Cheng tumbled and rolled like a ragdoll before scrambling back to his feet and dashing away. Only after watching him disappear into the distance did Ruan Xue finally sheath her sword and huff. She folded her arms and muttered, "Hmph. What an idiot." .... After Jiang Cheng finally made it back to the inn, he collapsed onto a chair, panting. "What a ruthless woman Almost chopped me into pieces just for speaking my dreams," he muttered, still feeling the lingering killing intent from Ruan Xues sword swings. He wiped the sweat from his forehead and let out a long sigh. "Let me just rest a bit and recover my dignity." Then, after a moment of silence, he snorted. "Hmph! Just you wait, Ruan Xue! One day, Ill be the one looking down at you and saying, How dare you dream so big! Just like how Xiao Yan looked at Nalan Yanran after defeating her in three years!" At that moment, somewhere in the vast heavens, in a distant world Xiao Yan, seated on his throne, paused for a moment. His eyes flickered, as if sensing something. A vague resonance echoed through the void. He stroked his beard thoughtfully and nodded slightly, as if giving his silent approval. "Not bad," he murmured. "This kid has the right spirit." Back in the inn, Jiang Cheng suddenly felt a mysterious warmth in his heart, as if receiving divine encouragement. His eyes shone with determination. "Even Senior Xiao acknowledges me! My path to greatness is set!" ___ Jiang Cheng sat in the inn, casually sipping his tea while his ears perked up at the conversation around him. The lively chatter of casual cultivators filled the room, but one discussion in particular caught his attention. I heard the market law enforcement team is out in force again, one man said in a hushed tone. This time, theyre confronting a group of casual cultivators in the shantytown outside the market. The two casual cultivators exchanged glances before one of them smirked and said, Lets go check it out. Yeah, might as well see the commotion, the other agreed. Without hesitation, they both stood up and headed for the door. Jiang Cheng casually placed a few spirit stones on the table, adjusting his robe as he got up. If my guess is right he thought, his eyes narrowing slightly. Then Taoist Yans trouble has finally arrived. Without drawing attention to himself, he followed behind the two cultivators, blending into the bustling streets as they made their way toward the shantytown outside the market. In the shantytown outside the market, the market law enforcement team was confronting a group of casual cultivators. "Please show some mercy, fellow Taoists. If you demolish this cave, I will be homeless in the future." A thin and shriveled old cultivator knelt in front of the market law enforcement team and begged bitterly. The old cultivator was wearing a washed-out Taoist robe and had dark skin. He looked no different from an old farmer in the countryside. He was the lowest-level spiritual plant in the market. He cast spells and farmed day and night on weekdays, and did not dare to have any other consumption, just to save half a low-grade spiritual stone. Purchasing the fifth-class cave in the shantytown probably consumed all the spiritual stones he had accumulated throughout his life. The greatest asset in his life. Once it is demolished, his life will basically be over, and he will not be able to leave anything for his descendants. "These junks can also be called caves?" A monk from the market law enforcement team snorted coldly: "Elder Jing Lan is kind and does not care about your crime of privately building and selling caves. It is a great favor." "Old man, if you dare to stop me again, don''t blame me for being rude!" As he spoke, the spirit weapon in his hand emitted a faint light, as if it was about to break through the air. The old monk opened his mouth and wanted to say something. Bang! In the market law enforcement team, the leading young monk waved his hand impatiently. A powerful force flew out, like a heavy hammer hitting the old monk hard, flipping the old monk out, turning over several times, and rolling to the side, life or death unknown. The young monk had an indifferent look in his eyes, standing with his hands behind his back, without even looking at the old monk. "Tear it down!" At the command, the market law enforcement team behind him rushed into the shantytown like wolves and tigers, smashing and destroying everything. Whoosh~ A fireball fell, burning a fifth-class cave to ashes. Boom! A Swallowing Earth spell directly submerged the entire cave in the surging mud. Many spiritual plant farmers watched from the side, feeling sympathetic, and some of them had purchased fifth-class caves, but at this time, no one dared to step forward to stop them. The example of the old monk was right in front of them, so who would dare to stop the law enforcement team? Are they looking for death? For these people, they could only swallow this loss with broken teeth. Chapter 50 " The recipe for the spirit wine is obtained" .... Among these people, Jiang Cheng also saw Taoist Yan, who was pale and had a look of despair in his eyes. Taoist Yan and several other cultivators had previously bought all the remaining fifth-class caves. After nearly a year, Jiang Cheng didn''t know how many caves Taoist Yan had sold. But it was definitely not many. After all, most cultivators were not fools. The fifth-class caves in the shantytowns were not guaranteed by the market, and they didn''t even have basic land deeds, so the risk was too great. Taoist Yan and his companions only sold and didn''t rent, so there were still only a few people willing to take risks. Now that the shantytowns have been demolished, it means that all the remaining fifth-class caves in Taoist Yan''s hands are Gone. "Housing speculation is a dead end." Jiang Cheng was not surprised. From the beginning, he didn''t think highly of Taoist Yan and his companions. It seemed to be a good thing before, but it was just walking on a tightrope. Once the building collapsed, it fell to the bottom of the valley! "The troubles of Taoist Yan and his companions have just begun." Jiang Cheng looked at the departing market law enforcement team, and then looked at Taoist Yan who was in a state of dismay. The demolition of the shantytowns was not the end of trouble for Taoist Yan, but the beginning of trouble. The group of spiritual plant Farmers and low-level cultivators who bought the fifth-class cave from Yan Taoist and others are the source of trouble. In the past, this group of spiritual plant Farmers had to spend a lot of money to buy the fifth-class cave in the shantytown from Yan Taoist and others under the pressure of Yan Taoist and others. Now that their life savings have gone down the drain, wont they cause trouble to Yan Taoist and others? This group of spiritual plant husbands dare not cause trouble to the market, but they dare to cause trouble to Yan Taoist and others. As the saying goes, bare feet are not afraid of those wearing shoes. This group of spiritual plant husbands have nothing. People who have fallen into madness have no scruples in the past and dare to do anything. The spiritual plant Farmers look easy to bully, but if they are forced into a corner, they can also transform into evil cultivators who make a living by killing people and stealing treasures. " I hope that fellow Daoist Yan can get through the difficulties." Jiang Cheng could only send a blessing to Daoist Yan in his heart and turned to the market. Since Daoist Yan chose to do this, he must be prepared to bear the corresponding consequences. After Jiang Cheng Return to the inn, he saw a young cultivator from the market law enforcement team. , many cultivators came forward and flattered the young cultivator. Including the clerks of the Qinglin Sect office. The young cultivator looked arrogant, and in the face of the enthusiastic crowd, he just nodded slightly. "This person seems to be called Xiao Dongliu." Jiang Cheng recognized the identity of this young cultivator, an Outher disciple of the Qinglin Sect . Wherever there are people, there will be classes. This is true in the Mortal kingdoms, and so is the Qinglin Sect. The disciples of the Qinglin Sect are divided into three levels: outer disciples, inner disciples, and true disciples. Outer disciples have the lowest status, and most of the clerks in the Qinglin Sect Pavillion are previous outer disciples of the Qinglin Sect that there potential Exhausted or chose to retire. True disciples have the highest status. Only cultivators who are expected to break through the Golden Core stage can become true disciples of Qinglin Sect. Inner disciples are in the middle and have a lower status than true disciples. Stolen from its rightful place, this narrative is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings. But this does not mean that outher disciples have a low status. Every outher disciple of Qinglin Sect has a cultivation level of more than the seventh level of Qi training. If they can break through the ninth level of Qi training in the future, they will have the hope of becoming Inner disciples. What''s more, Xiao Dongliu is said to be a disciple of a foundation-building elder of Qinglin Sect. People like Qiao Dongliu are much luckier than most cultivators in the world. They are extremely talented and have a master in the foundation-building stage. The possibility of breaking through the foundation-building stage in the future is much greater than that of ordinary cultivators. But it is also too far away from him. A casual cultivator like Jiang Cheng is not in Xiao Dongliu''s eyes at all. When Xiao Dongliu Entered the building where Cultivators Rent Caves and the like, he went upstairs, the Qinglin Sect office returned to its previous calm. The second floor and above of the Qinglin Sect Office is where the disciples of the Qinglin Sect live. Ordinary cultivators are not allowed to enter. The sixth floor is where Taoist Jing Lan, practices in seclusion. Jiang Cheng also left and returned to his room. Qinglan Sect Office. Sixth floor. An old man in a sky-blue robe sat cross-legged on a jade cushion, with a powerful aura looming, as if a wild beast was entrenched here. Xiao Dongliu stood respectfully in front of the old man, without any arrogance towards others. Because this old man was the elder of the Qinglin Sect stationed here, Taoist Jing Lan True person or we can Call it Jing Lan Zhenren. To show respect for the foundation-building cultivators, the cultivators also respectfully called the foundation-building cultivators ''Zhenren'' "Uncle Jing." Xiao Dongliu lowered his eyebrows and bowed to Zhenren Jing Lan . "How is the chaos outside the market being handled?" Jing Lan Zhenren''s voice was slightly hoarse, but it carried a majesty that no one dared to ignore. "In reply to Uncle Master, it has been properly handled." Xiao Dongliu replied hurriedly. "Yes." Jing Lan Zhenren nodded casually, and his voice suddenly sank: "For the sake of Junior Brother qingyun, this matter will be forgotten, but I don''t want similar things to happen again in the market, do you understand?" "Junior understands." Xiao Dongliu shuddered, and a trace of panic appeared on his face. "There are many ways to earn spirit stones. Although this method is fast to earn spirit stones, it is not a long-term way after all, and it damages the reputation of Qinglin Sect." Jing Lan Zhenren sighed and said. "Junior is obsessed with greed and made this mistake. I promise that I will never make it again in the future." Xiao Dongliu promised immediately. "Go down." Jing Lan Zhenren slowly closed his eyes and ordered him to leave. "Yes." Xiao Dongliu bowed again and left the sixth floor. But where he was before, there was a gray storage bag. Swish~ Jing Lan Zhenren raised his hand, and the gray storage bag fell into his hand, and he scanned it with his mind. "Xuanzhu grass?" Jing Lan Zhenren suddenly opened his eyes and said in surprise. "Interesting." Jing Lan Zhenren smiled, this Xuanzhu grass was exactly the kind of spiritual medicine he urgently needed. Xiao Dongliu must have spent a lot of effort to find it. At least most of the spiritual stones collected this time may be used to buy this Xuanzhu grass. Buzz~ Jing Lan Zhenren flipped his hand, and a jade slip appeared in his hand, and his mind probed into it. Erase the original information and change it to: ''Outher sect disciple Xiao Dongliu can be an inner disciple. This boy has the talent of dual spiritual roots and has the possibility of being promoted to the foundation-building stage. And he is clear-minded and loyal to the sect, and is worthy of the sect''s vigorous cultivation. Signed, Taoist Jing Lan . ... Next morning in the room, Jiang Cheng cooked a pot of spiritual rice and after eating it, he was about to go to the quiet room to practice. a sudden vibration from his communication talisman caught his attention. He picked it up and saw the message: "Fellow Daoist Jiang , are you there?" Jiang Cheng paused, pondering for a moment. Taoist Yan? This isnt a coincidence. He must be reaching out for a reason. After a brief thought, he decided to respond. With a flick of his wrist, he sent a message back: "I am here. Come to the The Jade Lotus Inn to meet, Taoist Yan." After a few minutes, Taoist Yan came with a face filled with dust and his expression was anxious. "It turns out to be fellow Taoist Yan. It''s so Early , what''s the important thing for you to seek Pindao? "Fellow Taoists should know what happened outside the town today. The shanty towns were demolished. Several fellow Taoists and I suffered heavy losses, and we were even threatened by a group of monks." Taoist Yan cried to Jiang Cheng : "In order to make up for the losses of the monks, I even sold the cave that I just bought." "Fellow Taoist, you have something to say, so why bother beating around the bush?" Jiang Cheng was unmoved and looked at Taoist Yan expressionlessly. "cough!" Taoist Yan coughed awkwardly: "I hope fellow Taoist can lend me some spiritual stones to solve my urgent need." "Don''t worry, fellow Taoist, I will never let you suffer. No matter how many spiritual stones you lend me, I will definitely return 30% of the profit to you in the coming year." Taoist Yan promised, patting his chest. "I''m sorry, this Taoist Priest recently purchased a batch of talismans and elixirs, and he is short of money. I''m sorry that Pindao can''t help fellow Taoist." Jiang Cheng said, turning around and preparing to return to the Room. What kind of shit is he saying. He didn''t believe a word of the promise made by Taoist Yan. Looking at Taoist Yan like this, he has a strong tendency to run away. If he borrowed Taoist Yan''s spirit stone, he would basically be beating a dog with a meat bun, and he would never come back. "Fellow Taoist, wait a moment." Seeing this, Taoist Yan quickly stopped Jiang Cheng and said, "Fellow Taoist, are you interested in purchasing the recipe for brewing Cold Spring Nectar?" "The recipe for cold spring nectar?" Jiang Chengs expression changed and he became interested. Before Taoist Yan speculated in real estate, he was famous for his craftsmanship in brewing spiritual wine, among which Cold Spring nectar was the most famous. The effect of this cold spring nectar is not much different from that of the Spirit-Gathering Pill, and the cost is lower than that of the Spirit-Gathering Pill, but it just takes a longer time to brew. The older the cold spring nectar is, the greater its effect on monks. If you can get the recipe for cold spring nectar and brew some cold spring nectar, you can either sell it or drink it yourself. Moreover, there are not many opportunities to obtain the inheritance of brewing spiritual wine. In the world of immortality, sectarianism is far deeper than ordinary people. Whether it is a sect, a family, or an individual, one''s inheritance is extremely important, even more important than one''s own life. Jiang Cheng asked: "How many spirit stones?" "Three thousand low-grade spiritual stones." Taoist Yan immediately made an offer. Jiang Cheng shook his head: "It''s expensive, at most a thousand lower-grade spiritual stones." "Two thousand five hundred low-grade spiritual stones." Taoist Yan frowned. It was obvious that Jiang Chengs bid was too low. "I don''t want to beat around the bush with fellow Taoist. If you sincerely want to sell it, two thousand low-grade spiritual stones is the highest price I can offer. If not, I will have to find another buyer." Jiang Cheng thought for a moment and said frankly. "good!" Taoist Yan hesitated for a moment and then decisively agreed. Two thousand low-grade spiritual stones are definitely not the lowest price for Taoist Yan. If we continue to negotiate, this price can be reduced a lot. But it''s not necessary. The current situation of Taoist Yan is somewhat similar to that of those Spirit Plant farmers . If he is really pressed for help, Taoist Yan may also explode and injure others. Because hundreds of low-grade spiritual stones were resented by Taoist Yan, it was not worth it. Two thousand low-grade spiritual stones can buy the brewing formula of cold spring nectar, and he has already made a profit. That is to say, Taoist Yan is in trouble now. Normally, even if the price increases several times, he may not be able to buy the cold spring nectar formula. After all, the recipe for brewing cold spring nectar is an inheritance that allows future generations to settle down and earn spiritual stones continuously. "Fellow Taoist, wait a moment." Jiang Cheng asked Taoist Yan to stay in front of the Inn for a while, and then went to treasure Pavilion. At a price lower than the market price, he sold part of the Piercing Wind Talisman in his hand and collected two thousand low-grade spiritual stones. He gave two thousand low-grade spiritual stones to Taoist Yan in exchange for the brewing method of cold spring nectar. The two of them also swore with their Taoist hearts that the inheritance was complete and would never be passed on to a third person in the next hundred years. The deal is done. Taoist Yan left with satisfaction. Chapter 51 " The Black Swords Call" ... Since Jiang Cheng and Liu Ying planned to spend the next few years in seclusionespecially with the looming threat of the Beast Tideproper preparation was essential. The most critical task was securing enough supplies. He needed to purchase large quantities of spirit rice and jade wheat, along with an assortment of spirit fruits such as melons, peaches, apples, and oranges. In addition, procuring high-quality beast meat was a necessity, as well as other essential cultivation resources. With so much to buy and organize, handling everything alone would be too time-consuming. Without hesitation, Jiang Cheng took out his communication talisman and sent a voice transmission to Liu Ying. "Liu Ying, I need your help. Come to the market when you''re free." Now, all that remained was to wait for her response. Jiang Cheng also took the opportunity to browse the market for materials needed to brew his own wine. He made his way to the cultivator market and purchased a batch of raw ingredients for brewing Cold Spring Nectar. Most of the materials were relatively inexpensive, but the key componentsFrost Spirit Spring and Manna Flowerwere significantly pricier. Frost Spirit Spring was a highly versatile resource. It could be used not only for brewing spirit wine but also in alchemy and even weapon refinement. A single jar of it cost around ten low-grade spirit stones, making it a valuable yet costly investment. Manna grass is a rare elixir. Brewing Cold Spring Manna requires at least ten years of manna flowers. One plant requires a hundred low-grade spiritual stones and can brew two to three jars of spiritual wine. Contract for thirty pots of spirit wine. "A pot of cold spring nectar sells for fifteen low-grade spiritual stones, and the profit is nearly half. Even if there is some loss during brewing, the profit is still high enough." Jiang Cheng made a rough estimate in his mind: "Brew thirty or forty jars of cold spring nectar, and you can earn back the spiritual stones you purchased for the formula." As it turns out, he was naive. He walked around the market several times and asked several shops selling elixirs, but he couldn''t buy a single manna flower. According to the owner of the spiritual medicine shop, the growth environment of nectar flowers is harsh. They can only grow in an environment with abundant spiritual energy and rich in water-attributed spiritual energy. The spiritual medicine shop can only collect one or two nectar flowers a year, and sometimes even not collect one for several years. Jiang Cheng now understood why Taoist Yan was so decisive in selling the brewing method to him, because nectar flowers were too scarce in this area. But he didn''t care about it. For him, the gains and losses of spiritual stones in front of him were not important. As long as the time is extended, the lost spiritual stones can be earned back. Besides. "Nectar flowers are rare in the market, I can grow them myself." Jiang Cheng bought some nectar flower seeds and water spiritual stones at the spiritual medicine shop, When he finds a suitable place, he can plant them. After a few minutes looking around, he saw someone selling nectar flowers, so he bought them immediately and gathered the materials for brewing cold spring nectar. Soon, Liu Ying arrived and asked Jiang Cheng what he needed. He explained everything in detail and tasked her with visiting various shops, stalls, and markets to purchase large quantities of supplies and seeds of spirit medicine and Rice and Foods. They needed hundreds of pounds of spirit rice, jade wheat, and various spirit fruits such as melons, peaches, apples, and oranges. Additionally, they stocked up on beast meat, fasting pills,Essence Condensing Pills, Qi Gathering pills etc, and body-refining resources. Since body refinement required a large amount of blood essence , they focused on acquiring high-quality blood essence from powerful spirit beasts. The two of them shopped until nightfall, moving from vendor to vendor, haggling for the best prices, and selecting the finest materials. By the time they were done, they had spent thousands of spirit stones, but their storage bags were now filled to the brim. Just as Jiang Cheng and Liu Ying were about to leave town, a sudden wave of unease washed over them. Their hearts skipped a beat. The two exchanged glances. They immediately understoodsomeone was watching them. No, countless people were. Hidden gazes, prying eyes lurking in the shadows, andmost notablytwo unconcealed, piercing stares locked directly onto them. Both belonged to cultivators at the peak of Qi Refining. Jiang Cheng was no fool, and neither was Liu Ying. Court death? Absolutely not. That was why Jiang Cheng always called Liu Ying the perfect tool for escapingwhy fight when you could slip away like a ghost? Love this story? Find the genuine version on the author''s preferred platform and support their work! Without hesitation, they spun on their heels and marched straight into the nearest inn. Jiang Cheng casually tossed a few spirit stones to the innkeeper and led Liu Ying upstairs as if they were just an ordinary couple looking for a place to stay. Once inside their room, the door slammed shut behind them. Jiang Cheng turned to Liu Ying with a smirk. "Alright, its your turn to shine." Liu Ying pouted, crossing her arms. "You really do treat me like a tool! Where are my rights? My dignity? My" Jiang Cheng ignored her complaints and took out a formation disk, placing it down to block out spiritual senses. Still grumbling, Liu Ying took out a small formation disk and placed it in the center of the room. With a flick of her fingers, she activated ita thin veil of spiritual mist spread outward, forming a Concealed Breath Formation that instantly masked their presence. Then, without hesitation, Liu Ying grabbed Jiang Cheng''s wrist and infused her spiritual power. "Hold on tight." Before Jiang Cheng could react, space twisted around them, and the world blurred into a swirl of colors. Half a mile away from the town, the air shimmered briefly before Jiang Cheng and Liu Ying reappeared. Without missing a beat, Liu Ying grabbed Jiang Cheng''s wrist again, and with a flash of light, they vanished once more, reappearing another half mile away in the dense forest. Jiang Cheng, his brows raised in surprise, looked around at their new surroundings. "You can now teleport us further than before, as expected of you." He shook his head with a smile, clearly impressed by her progress. Liu Ying, her chest puffed out with pride, flashed him a teasing grin. "Of course! Im growing stronger every day. Soon, I''ll be able to teleport across entire continents with a single step!" She immediately stuck out her tongue, a playful gleam in her eyes. "Youll see, Ill make it happen!" Jiang Cheng chuckled at her confident demeanor. "Alright, alright, Ill believe it when I see it." Liu Yings smile widened. "Youll be begging for me to take you on one of my grand teleportation adventures!" Thats a big claim," Jiang Cheng teased, narrowing his eyes at her. "I think Ill need to prepare some way of catching up if you get any faster!" Liu Ying rolled her eyes but kept grinning. "Keep dreaming, youll be the one holding on to my sleeve, begging me to go faster!" As Jiang Cheng and Liu Ying continued their journey towards the cave, the mood between them was light. The day''s events, their quick escape, and playful banter had lifted their spirits. .... Meanwhile in the outer town of Puchan, just moments after Jiang Cheng and Liu Ying had left, a group of ruthless figures gathered around the inn where the two had just been. Their eyes, sharp and calculating, stayed fixed on the building, their intentions clear. One of the men, a burly figure with a jagged scar running down his face, excluding the peak aura of Qi Refining stage, sneered. "Those two must be worth a fortune. His partner, exuding the terrifying aura of a peak Qi Refining cultivator, emanated a murderous intent so thick it seemed to weigh the air. He sneered coldly, "Our path to Foundation Building lies with them. Those fat sheep must be worth a lot." He let out a deep, ominous laugh, his eyes glinting with a dark satisfaction. After midnight fell, the two exchanged a look. One of them spoke urgently, "We have to be quick, and make sure we don''t alert the Foundation Building Elder responsible for Guarding over the town." The other sneered, a mocking grin on his face. "Even if something does happen, he wouldn''t care as long as we''re done it Quietly. The two moved in complete silence, their speed nothing short of terrifying as they made their way to Jiang Cheng''s room. Without hesitation, they exchanged a glance and struck the door with all their strength. The moment it shattered, the surrounding rooms in the Inn were affected by the defense formation that protect the rooms. The noise jolted everyone awake, the sense of danger instantly palpable. As the door crashed in, the two murderers rushed in. But before they could react, several Fireball Talismans exploded, sending violent shockwaves throughout the room. The blasts weren''t meant to killJiang Chengs intention was to disgust them, to show just how useless they are. A middle-grade talisman like this wouldn''t hurt a peak Qi Refining cultivator, but that was the point. His intention was to make them feel like fools, and as expected, it worked. The two attackers staggered back, their faces twisted in rage, their murderous intent surging. One of them roared at the sky " don''t let yourself fall in my hands otherwise I will make sure to torture them to death and drink their blood. The other let out a harsh laugh, equally bloodthirsty." Courting death, how dare you treat us lake this " While the murderers were still fuming with rage, Jiang Cheng and Liu Ying had long since returned to the cave, sitting in their designated spots, deep in meditation. Their focus was unbroken, unaware of the chaos that had just unfolded in the town. The quiet hum of spiritual energy surrounded them, their minds completely absorbed in refining their cultivation. ... Early the next morning, they both opened their eyes. After washing up and having breakfast, Jiang Cheng looked at Liu Ying and said, "Liu Ying, let''s open a spirit field here and plant some medicinal herbs and Spirit Rice. With the abundant spiritual energy in this place, it would be a waste not to use it." Liu Ying nodded thoughtfully. "That does make sense. With the abundance of spiritual energy here, crops will grow faster and stronger. Itll also help us sustain ourselves during our seclusion." Without further discussion, they got to work. Jiang Cheng used his sword to clear away rocks and tough roots, while Liu Ying manipulated water techniques to soften the soil, making it easier to till. The two worked in harmony, reclaiming a large patch of land. Once the ground was ready, they began plantingSpirit Rice, Jade Wheat, and a variety of medicinal herbs. Jiang Cheng carefully placed the Spirit Rice seeds in neat rows, while Liu Ying, with her precise control, ensured that the seedlings received just the right amount of moisture. As they worked, Liu Ying wiped a bead of sweat from her forehead and looked at Jiang Cheng. "Youre making me work too hard. You really do treat me like a tool woman." Jiang Cheng chuckled, his tone light but undeniably smug. "You need to experience the dangers of society to grow up strong and healthy. So, you should work hard." Liu Ying froze mid-action, her red eyes narrowing as she turned to glare at him. "You''re just making me do all the work, aren''t you?" Jiang Cheng nodded without hesitation. "Of course." "You!" She huffed, cheeks puffing out in indignation, but in the end, she didnt argue. Satisfied with his shameless victory, Jiang Cheng leisurely watched as she continued working, occasionally pretending to be deep in thought whenever she shot him a glare. By the time the sun reached its peak, the two of them had successfully set up a small spirit fieldthough Liu Ying was clearly the one who did most of the labor. Just as they were about to rest, feeling satisfied with their progress, Liu Ying suddenly froze, her red eyes narrowing as she gazed up at the sky with a puzzled expression. Jiang Cheng, who had just settled into a comfortable position, immediately sat up, startled. His hand instinctively moved toward his storage bag. "What happened? Is there an enemy?" Liu Ying shook her head firmly. "No, I feel like something that belongs to me is coming from the sky." Jiang Cheng was puzzled. He thought to himself, Impossible. The author wouldnt be shameless enough to just throw an opportunity like this right at her face. That would be too much right? His expression turned skeptical as he studied her face. "Maybe your feeling is wrong?" he suggested, trying to inject some reason into the situation. Liu Ying gave him a side-eye. "You think Id mistake something like this?" Jiang Cheng wanted to argue, but he knew better than to question a protagonist-like intuition. He sighed and glanced toward the sky. Jiang Cheng muttered under his breath, his expression full of grievance, "This is unfair to the Taoist priests and the people of the cultivation world! Where are our rights? Where is our dignity? Where is the author. In the vast, endless void beyond the galaxy where Jiang Cheng and Liu Ying resided, an ominous black sword, sheathed yet exuding an unspeakable pressure, tore through space with terrifying speed. Its path left behind fractured rifts in the cosmic fabric, as if the universe itself struggled to contain its presence. A colossal Void Beast, its form stretching hundreds of thousands of miles, lazily drifted through the void. Its massive, grotesque eyes flickered with greed the moment it caught sight of the incoming sword. A low, guttural laugh rumbled from its maw, shaking the space like a distant thunderstorm rolling across the void. ""Such a treasure... and it''s heading straight for me. It would be rude to refuse such a gift " the beast mused, its voice reverberating across the silent expanse. Its eyes gleamed with insatiable greed, and with a deafening roar that reverberated through the void, it reached out with a colossal handbillions of miles longan appendage so vast it seemed to consume entire star systems in its path. The beast''s massive fingers flexed, preparing to snatch the sword from the heavens themselves. "Such a powerful sword... it will be mine!" it bellowed, its voice like the grinding of ancient stones, shaking the very core of the Void. With an explosive surge of energy, the giant hand surged forward, blotting out the stars as it stretched across the cosmos, distorting space with its unimaginable size. The Void Beast was sure of taken the sword. But just as its colossal fingers were about to close around the blade BOOM! A terrifying energy surged forth from the sword, an ancient, boundless will awakening. The very fabric of space distorted violently, and the black sheath erupted with ominous void energy. The cosmos howled. a ripple that threatened to undo everything in its path. Then, a cold voice emerged, cutting through the chaos: Roll! In that instant, the sword erupted with a terrifying burst of power. The black blade glowed with an ancient, void-like aura, and the space around it cracked and warbled. The energy from the sword surged outward in an unstoppable wave, annihilating the monstrous hand as if it were nothing more than paper. CRACK! The hand, which stretched for billions of miles, was torn apart in a single, catastrophic instant. Energy and matter evaporated, leaving nothing but emptiness in its wake. The Void Beast howled in agony, its form violently shaking as the destruction tore through its massive body. The power of the sword was absolute. With a final, terror-filled scream, the beast turned tail and fled, its once invincible form crumbling under the weight of its fear. The black sword, undeterred, continued its journey, cutting through space with impossible speed, heading directly toward Liu Yingan unstoppable force in the vastness of the void. Chapter 52 | The Sovereign of the Void’s Warning & The Goddess of Life’s Descent ..... Across the infinite void, countless beingssome hidden in the depths of ancient starfields, others dwelling within forbidden realmsfelt the tremor of that single word. Countless races watched as the celestial sword shot across the stars, Just as greed took root in their hearts, and they were about to take action. A chilling voice echoed across the voidvast, ancient, and dripping with murderous intent. "Anyone who touches this sword I''ll wipe out their entire clan." The universe itself seemed to tremble. Those who had entertained thoughts of seizing the sword felt their blood run cold, their souls freeze under the weight of the unseen speakers wrath. The voice belonged to Nyxaroth, the Sovereign of the Voida reincarnated Earth Immortal Realm being, infamous for cleaving entire star systems with a single stroke of his blade. His name alone was enough to silence the cosmos. Among the top powerhouses of the universe, he stood at the pinnacle, A being whose aura alone distorted the nature of reality. In the boundless expanse of the Void, few dared to challenge him, and those who did were erased from existence before their blades could even taste the wind. Divine thoughts rippled through the universe, each one filled with frantic messages, before an eerie silence descended." The human race felt the pressure the most. The sword was heading straight for one of their worlds, attracting the attention of countless powerful beings. Without wasting a second, the Human Emperor stepped into outer space, carrying the Emperor Destiny Seala treasure that suppressed the fate and luck of the entire human race. With its power, he concealed the sword''s destination, blocking the secrets of heaven from prying eyes. Even if greedy human powerhouses sought to claim the sword for themselves, they would find it impossible to locate. The universe was vast, with hundreds of thousands of Middle Worlds orbiting each Big World, and countless Small Worlds scattered like grains of sand. Asteroids, dead stars, gas clouds, and black holes drifted through the expanse, creating an impenetrable labyrinth. When the Emperor returned to his palace, he found the ancestors of the human race, representatives from holy lands, sects, and powerful factions waiting for him. the flicker of spatial cracks around them as dozens of Mahayana Realm experts gathered, their presence distorting space. The Emperor took his seat, his expression grave. "What do you think of the intention behind that one sending the sword toward us?" An ancestor from a holy land spoke first, his voice heavy with concern. "Could it be a ploy to draw the attention of other races toward us? To incite them to gang up on us?" The room grew heavier as the implications sank in. The grade of the sword was a pseudo-Reincarnation Earth Immortal grade, the same as the Human Emperor''s Seal, and its arrival could certainly trigger a shocking war. Another ancestor, his voice carrying the weight of millennia, sighed deeply. "The timing couldn''t be worse. We are already at war with the Death Realm creators. Another conflict could push us to the brink of annihilation." He glanced at the others, his expression grim. "If another three or four great races launch a war against us, we may face the disaster of destruction. Even if we survive, the price will be unbearable." The room fell silent, the weight of his words pressing down on them. One elder, unable to contain his anxiety, turned to the Emperor. "Your Majesty, how close are you to reaching the Reincarnation Earth Immortal Realm?" Countless eyes turned toward the Emperor, silently pleading for hope. The Emperor''s expression darkened. "I''m not there yet," he admitted quietly. "The chasm between pseudo-Reincarnation and true Reincarnation is vast. Breaking through is no simple task." A heavy silence followed, broken only by the faint hum of energy in the air. Another ancestor, his voice trembling with frustration, asked, "Is this the will of heaven? Must we suffer such a catastrophe?" Another Mahayana Ancestor, glancing around cautiously, spoke up. "Should we call Her Majesty, the Goddess of Life, and ask about our situation? She should know whats going on, right?" Countless eyes turned toward him, some filled with disbelief. One of the ancestors, a sword cultivator exuding a terrifying killing intent, replied angrily, "Are you out of your mind? We cannot disturb Her Majesty, the Goddess of Life!" He stood up, his presence commanding the room, and looked at them with unwavering resolve. "As monks, why should we be afraid of fighting?" His eyes burned with a fierce fighting spirit, his voice calm but filled with undeniable conviction. The Others echo with himYes! Why should we be afraid? If they want to fight, then fight! We will accompany them to the end. The Human race should not be humiliated. This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there. Suddenly, their blood surged with an uncontainable fire, and a terrifying aura erupted from their bodies. The air around them seemed to crackle with energy, as the world they stood upon trembled violently. Above, the sky darkened, and bolts of lightning ripped through the heavens, thunder booming like the roar of a thousand beasts. The power they unleashed spread like a wave across the expanse of void, reaching into the outher space. " we are born free, who dare to be superior to us, no one can always be above the human race" "Ancestors are not worthy of imitation, the way of heaven is not worthy of fear, the way of man will always belong to man!" An old ancestor, his aura thick with the scent of blood and war, stepped forward. His eyes, filled with countless years of battle-hardened experience, gleamed coldly as he uttered a single word "Kill." His voice was not loud, but it carried an undeniable weight, like an ancient war drum pounding in the hearts of all present. a younger Mahayana ancestor burst into laughter, his long robes fluttering as his energy surged. "Hahahaha! How can such a prosperous era be without the presence of the human race? If the heavens dictate our fate, then let us carve our own path with our swords!" Their voices resonated across the great hall, shaking the foundation of the world they stood on. The spirit of war had been ignited, and the flames of humanitys willpower burned brighter than ever. The Human Emperor stood frozen, overwhelmed by the tidal wave of battle intent that pulsed through the hall. Even he struggled to suppress his own urge to go to war right away. Taking a deep breath, he finally spoke, his voice laced with both helplessness and amusement. "You old bones are really giving me a headache." Despite his words, a faint smile tugged at his lips. These were not just subordinates; they were comrades who had fought alongside him, carving their path through blood and tears from the moment they were born into this world. How could he possibly be angry at them? He exhaled and spoke with measured logic, attempting to rein in their fighting spirit. "Dozens of these races each have one or two ancestors in the Reincarnation Earth Immortal Realm. If we rush in blindly, we risk provoking enemies we cannot afford to face." His gaze swept across the hall, meeting the fiery eyes of each ancestor. After a brief pause, he sighed and continued, "Besides, all of this is just speculation. We dont even know the true intentions of that one who sent the sword. Who knows? He may have another purpose entirely. Jumping straight into war without understanding the situation would be reckless." As the battle fervor reached its peak, the hall trembled with the ancestors rising auras. The space itself twisted under the weight of their intent, and the void outside roared with unseen tides of power. But thensomething changed. A strange stillness crept in, subtle yet undeniable. The oppressive war intent that had just moments ago filled the hall began to dissolve. The heavy air, thick with killing intent, lightened, as if an invisible force was gently sweeping it away. Outside, the boundless void stirred. The stars, which had flickered erratically from the unleashed auras, now glowed with an unnatural steadiness, their light no longer trembling. In the distance, the nebulous cosmic tidesonce chaoticbegan to move in a rhythmic, almost soothing pattern, as though aligning themselves to an ancient, unseen melody. Then came the scent of life. It was not a fragrance one could name, nor a scent that truly belonged to this world. It was the pure essence of vitality, the whisper of blooming flowers in a land untouched by time, the warmth of sunlight after endless winter. It seeped into the marrow of all present, dissolving fatigue, restoring clarity. Even those who had long abandoned their mortal flesh felt its embrace. the void split opennot with violence, but with the gentle parting of space itself, as though it had never been whole to begin with. From within that rift, a figure descended, wrapped in a soft, radiant glow. A breathtakingly beautiful woman in flowing green robes appeared before them, exuding an aura of tranquility and kindness. Her presence seemed to harmonize with the world itself, filling the hall with an indescribable sense of peace. The once-heavy atmosphere of war and tension melted away in her wake, replaced by an almost divine serenity. The ancestors, despite their might, found themselves instinctively holding their breaths. Some even subconsciously lowered their gazes, their souls tremblingnot from fear, but from reverence. A radiant figure descended from the heavensthe Goddess of Life. The ancestors, even the Human Emperor, stood in reverence at the sight of the Goddess of Life. They all instinctively moved to bow, but before they could lower themselves, an invisible force halted them in their tracks. They found themselves unable to move, as if a gentle yet unyielding hand was holding them in place. The Goddess of Life smiled warmly. There is no need for such formalities, she said, her voice like a soft breeze. You are all powerful monks, and I know well the sincerity of your hearts. I dont care for these empty rituals. Please, feel at ease and be comfortable. Her words, calm and reassuring, spread through the room like a soothing balm, and the heavy tension that had weighed on everyone melted away. Despite their awe and respect for her, the ancestors and the Emperor relaxed, sensing her understanding and kindness. With a gentle wave of her hand, the force that had frozen them lifted, and they were free to move once more. The Emperor, his heart still racing, couldnt help but smile, a deep sense of relief washing over him. The Goddess of Life sighed deeply, her expression softening, though her tone was stern. "Why are you all talking about war and killing like fools over a single sword?" Her voice held no real anger, just a gentle reproach. "Who would dare to touch you as long as I am here? No one. Even those in the Realm of the Reincarnation Earth Immortal would not risk it. You don''t need to worry about anyone above your realms taking action against you shamelessly. There is a Heavenly Dao covenant in place, and they will not dare to break it. Not unless you personally provoke them " When she scolded them, the ancestors all felt a deep sense of embarrassment. Their faces flushed, and they lowered their heads, unable to meet her gaze. The weight of their shame was palpable as they silently acknowledged the foolishness of their earlier talk of war. She paused for a moment, her gaze sweeping over them all, her tone shifting to a more reassuring one. "As for other races ganging up on you, rest assured. There are rules and regulations in the universe. If there werent, it would have long descended into chaos, and wed be back in the barbarian era. So, relax." The Emperor and the ancestors, still filled with unease, listened intently as the Goddess continued. She smiled faintly and added, "Right now, your only true enemy is from the Death Realmmy mortal enemy, the Goddess of Death. You are caught in this mess because of me." She couldnt help but feel a bit embarrassed, her usual composure faltering for a moment. At that, the monks and ancestors all shook their heads, their expressions softening as they responded in unison, "It is not your fault, Your Majesty. And the situation is still under control." Their voices were filled with respect and reassurance, knowing full well that with her presence, their worries would be eased. The Goddess of Life gazed at them, her expression calm yet firm. "Anyway," she said softly, "you don''t have to worry. This situation ends here." She paused, looking at each of them before continuing, "As for the sword, the sender The Sovereign of the Void, did not send it randomly, nor to stir hatred towards you. There is some kind of cause and effect between him and a human from a small plane, one who is aligned with the Void. She let out a small sigh before continuing, her voice steady, "Regardless, no one should interfere with his affairs. If you provoke him, he won''t care about anything and will take action against you. He will not hesitate. So, I advise you to restrain your monks, especially those under your command. Keep them from becoming greedy and attempting to seize the sword or kill its holder." She paused for a moment, her eyes scanning the room before adding, "In the end, just let nature take its course. Theres no need to overthink it." The Human Emperor, sensing the weight of the moment, asked carefully, "Your Majesty, do you know who holds the sword?" The Goddess of Life paused, her expression thoughtful. She closed her eyes for a moment, calculating, her mind drifting through the threads of fate. After a brief silence, she shook her head. "Its hidden," she said, a hint of surprise in her voice. "It seems that the Sovereign of the Void has taken action to cover the identity of the Monk who inherent the sword" Though she could sense the monk who took the sword, as the creator of the human race, their karmic link was clear to her. She could always trace their fates, even if the Sovereign of the Void tried to conceal them. However, she chose to remain silent. This, she felt, was the Sovereign of the Voids intention, and there was no need to reveal it. .... After a few minutes, she began to dissipate, and the Human Emperor and the ancestors were shocked. They hurried shouted. "Your Majesty!! She looked at them and laughed lightly. "This is just a divine thought I sent. The true body of this deity is far away from you, so dont worry." Relief washed over them, and they respectfully bid her farewell. At the same time, a sense of fear lingered. Reincarnation Earth Immortal Realm being . Just a divine thought had been enough to crush them. The thought of an Earth Immortal Realm taking action personally left them shuddering. They would stand no chance. A sense of crisis and urgency swept over them, particularly the Human Emperor, who bore the heaviest responsibility for the entire race. and he silently vowed to himself, I must comprehend the rules quickly and advance to that realm. . Chapter 53: " Voidreaper, Fairy Ramiris" . . As Jiang Cheng and Liu Ying waited in silence, the minutes stretched on. Then, in an instant, a terrifying aura engulfed the entire world. It was as if the heavens themselves trembledan oppressive force that sent shivers down the spines of all living beings. From the depths of the void, the Black Void Sword descended. Its arrival tore through the space, bringing an endless darkness that devoured all light. The air Tramble, mountains Cracks, and the oceans roared in response. Its breath spread like an all-encompassing tide, spreading Toward every corner of the World , shaking the foundation of the world. Black clouds churned ominously as lightning and thunder raged across the sky, splitting the heavens with deafening roars. The way of heaven in this small world seemed to Tremble under the suffocating pressure. Countless creatures, from mortals to immortals from low level monsters To high level, all looked at the sky in terror, their hearts trambling From fear . "What is going on?" they cried in horror, their voices lost in the chaos of the unnatural storm. As an overwhelming pressure crashed down upon them, countless beings from various races were forced to the ground, unable to resist its might. They didn''t even dare to look up at the sky, let alone make a sound. And then, just as suddenly as it had arrived, it vanished without a trace. The suffocating pressure dissipated, the sky returned to its natural Order, and silence reigned once Again, as if nothing had happened. Countless Nascent Soul and Golden Core cultivators were left in stunned, their minds Still in shock and confusion. What had they just witnessed? What force could manifest with such terrifying presence, only to disappear without a single sign of its existence? After the sword disappeared and the world returned to its original peace, Jiang Cheng who''s still in the Ground, still Shocked by the scenes outside, was startled to see a black-gold sword quietly appear in front of Liu Ying. It looked incredibly ordinaryperhaps even a little shabby. I saw Liu Ying looking curiously at the sword in front of her. The sword spun slowly in place as if responding to her gaze. Just as she was about to reach out, a sudden flash of light startled both of us. A tiny loli appeared before them, no taller than a few centimeters, her presence completely unexpected. She placed her hands on her hips and pouted at Liu Ying, her silver eyes filled with Naughtiness. "Hmph! What are you staring at? Have you never seen a fairy as beautiful as me before? You have some Nerve to looked this Deity like this !" Hmph she arrogantly, crossing one tiny leg over the other as she floated in the air. "Since youve seen this Queen, why dont you hurry up and kowtow to me? If you do, I might generously forgive your blatant disrespect toward this great fairy!" Her tiny, proud posture was almost comical, making it hard to take her seriously. Liu Ying raised an eyebrow, her silver hair swaying slightly as she tilted her head. "Are all sword spirits these days so full of themselves, or is it just you?" The tiny fairy puffed up even more, her silver eyes burning with righteous indignation. "Youyou ignorant mortal! How dare you question the greatness of this deity?!" She crossed her arms and Hmph, glaring at Liu Ying. "Do you know who I am? Do you have any idea how great I am?" She stomped her tiny foot in the airthough it had absolutely no effectbefore pointing at Liu Ying. "Hmph! You should be prostrating in admiration and awe, Iam the noble and unparalleled Ramiris, the Voidreaper! The most elegant, powerful, and dazzling existence you will ever Set your inferior eyes upon. She crossed her arms, tossing her head to the side with a flick of her shimmering hair. as she gave a proud, haughty glance. "But if you acknowledge my magnificence and beg properly, maybejust maybethis Queen will grant you her divine favor. Hmph!" Liu Yings lips twitched. Why was she actually kind of adorable? Liu Ying puffed out her cheeks and huffed at Ramiris, glaring at her. "Arent you here to sign a contract with me? How dare you tell me to grovel to you?" Ramiris blinked, her eyes widening. She spun around in a circle, her tiny form radiating an aura that, despite its unintentional nature, sent a faint chill through the air. She spun mid-air, as she glared at Liu Ying. "W-What did you say? What did you just tell this Fairy? Jiang Cheng, sweating nervously, shot an angry glance at Liu Ying and exclaimed, "How dare you disrespect the Great Immortal Master Ramiris?! But as soon as the words left his mouth, he hesitated. Was he laying it on too thick? Was it too obvious? He glanced at Liu Ying, who stared at him with an expression that clearly said, Really? For a brief moment, Jiang Cheng wavered. Should he dial it back? Maybe just act respectful but not too over-the-top? Then Ramiris turned toward him, her tiny arms crossed, waiting expectantly, her silver eyes gleaming. You could be reading stolen content. Head to Royal Road for the genuine story. Jiang Cheng felt a chill down his spine. No, no, better to commit fully! Before Liu Ying could respond, he immediately switches to full bootlicking mode. Jiang Cheng had already appeared in front of Ramiris, a plate of delicious snacks and a jug of fruit juice in hand. His movements were smooth and swift, as if he had anticipated the fairy''s exact desires. " Please forgive her ignorens we must have been blind all this time. To witness such a divine being, radiant with celestial light, its as if the heavens have sent Us a treasure. I, a humble Taoist priest, am unworthy even to breathe the same air as you !" Jiang Cheng praised, laying out the treats in front of her, carefully placing the tiny chair in the perfect position. " Please, have some! Ive prepared only the best for someone as worthy as you!" Ramiris, caught off guard, looked from the food to Jiang Cheng and back again. Her prideful demeanor faltered slightly as the scents wafted up from the food, and her silver eyes sparkled. She puffed her chest out even more satisfied with him. "Hmph! Now this is the kind of attitude I expect!" As Jiang Cheng gently set her down onto the small chair, I don''t know where he find it, he waved a fan to cool her down, his movements in reverence. "Is the temperature to your liking, esteemed fairy? Should I adjust it further? How is the seating? Are you comfortable?" Ramiris crossed her arms, trying to keep up the air of superiority, but the blush appear on her cheeks and the sparkle in her eyes betrayed her. She hum again, "It''s fine I suppose. But don''t think this means Im grateful!" Jiang Cheng, sweating nervously, looked at Ramiris and said, "Yes, yes, how dare this Taoist priest even think of such a thing?" How dare Jiang Cheng say otherwise? Even if she asked him to be her servant, he would happily agree and praise her for her generosity and righteousness. He wasn''t ignorant like Liu Ying; he didnt look down on her or think she was cute just because of her size. Jiang Cheng had read countless novels and knew very well that these old monsters had the most unpredictable tempers. They could slap you to death in the blink of an eye, and there was nothing you could do about it. So, he exercised a great deal of patience with her. After all, he was just an ordinary person trying to survive in this dangerous world. Liu Ying could curse and scold the Sword Spirit all she wanted, and nothing would happen to her with Heavenly Daddy protecting her. But what about him, the Taoist priest? He had no one to watch his back or care for him. What if this sword bastard decided to show off his power and accidentally slapped him to death? No, no, better to please her and keep licking her boots until he grew stronger. Once he was strong enough, then, and only then, could they settle any grievances. For now, he would just go with the flow. Her hand reached out to grab a sweet treat, and she nibbled on it absentmindedly, trying to maintain her aloof demeanor despite clearly enjoying the attention. "Just remember, mortal youre fortunate that this Queen has graced you with her presence. Dont get too comfortable!" Jiang Cheng, seeing her in a good mood, finally breathed a sigh of relief and hurriedly said, "Of course, of course! This humble Taoist Priest would cross mountains of swords and seas of fire to serve you!" Ramiris, still nibbling on her treat with a hint of pride, glanced at Jiang Cheng and, with a slight puff of her chest, said, "Hmph! You better remember that! Dont think you can just say sweet things and get away with it!" She took another bite, clearly enjoying the praise despite trying to act unimpressed. "Just make sure you live up to it, or I might change my mind about helping you." Ramiris turned to Liu Ying with a smug look, shaking her head. "See? This is how you should treat this fairy," she said, letting out a sigh. "Juniors these days, no respect for us elders anymore." She crossed her arms, looking entirely pleased with herself as if she''d already won some sort of battle. Liu Ying looked at them, speechless, and couldnt help but sigh. "Alright, alright, I was wrong," she said, rolling her eyes. "Happy now?" She crossed her arms, clearly unwilling to admit it fully but doing so anyway just to end the conversation. After everything settled, Ramiris circled around Liu Ying, eyeing her from head to toe. "Youre quite lucky to be noticed by Master Nyxaroth," she said, her voice tinged with both pride. "You have great luck and destiny to be chosen by him," Ramiris continued, circling around Liu Ying. "There are many of the Void race hidden in the void turbulence, but he didnt notice any of themonly you. I cant even begin to understand what hes thinking." Ramiris shook her head, clearly puzzled, before quickly reverting to her usual haughty demeanor. "So, girl," she said with an exaggerated flair, "be grateful that this fairy has crossed boundless space and time to come here and guide you!" Liu Ying, not ignorant of the situation, quickly bowed her head and said, "Thank you, Senior, for your coming, and please convey my gratitude to His Majesty, Master Nyxaroth, for his favor. I will definitely not let him down." Ramiris, pleased by her serious tone, fluttered around her with a satisfied expression. "That''s more like it!" she exclaimed, her mood brightening. "Now, quickly, drop a drop of your blood essence so you can control the sword a little. Right now, you''re not qualified to make me choose you as my new master. You need to earn this fairy''s approval to be recognized as my master. So, come on,!" Liu Ying nodded in understanding and followed Ramiriss instructions. As her blood essence dropped onto the sword, she immediately felt a powerful connection form between them. A surge of information flooded her mind, filling her with knowledge about the sword and its uses. As Liu Ying sifted through the vast knowledge that had flooded her mind, She found the continuation of the techniques she was practicing, ''The Void Sutra'' and this time, it was complete, leading directly to the Mahayana realm. The knowledge was far more refined and mysterious. She couldn''t understand a word from it. Ramiris watched Liu Ying with a puzzled expression as she read the Void Sutra. She snorted softly and said, "How can you understand it now? You''re still just an ant. You should take it step by step." Liu Ying felt embarrassed and quickly shifted her attention to the other things, trying to avoid Ramiris''s gaze. Along with it came three techniques: Abyssal Grasp C A technique that pulls the opponent into the infinite abyss of the Void, trapping them in endless darkness. Nihility Slash C A devastating sword technique that cuts through the Void itself, erasing both the opponents soul and consciousness. Astral Void Step C A movement technique that allows the user to step through the Void, teleporting short distances, making them nearly impossible to track. Ramiris looked at Liu Ying proudly and said, "Do you see these techniques? Even a glimpse of these techniques will make you untouchable in your rank. Liu Ying was amazed and couldnt help but sigh. "This cause and effect is too great. I dont know how I should repay His Majesty, the Void Lord, for this." Ramiris looked at her, feeling quite satisfied. At least she wasnt ungrateful and understood the situation. She glanced at Liu Ying and said, "Dont worry. Master Nyxaroth doesnt care about such things, so dont think too much about it. Maybe hes already forgotten about you." "Its also your own opportunity," Ramiris added, her tone shifting slightly. "So you should practice hard and forget about those messy things." ...... Then Ramiris circled around and glanced at the fruits on the tree. "Are you two planning to refine those fruits?" she asked, her tone slightly disapproving. "It would be a waste to eat them raw. You should refine them properly." Liu Ying looked at her and said, "But Master Ramiris, we don''t know anything about Alchemy." Ramiris puffed her chest proudly and said, "It''s just a small matter, leave it to me." She then waved her hand, and with a flick of her fingers, the two trees'' fruits floated into the air. There were ten Yang and ten Yin Fruits on each tree,full of energy. Without needing a cauldron, Ramiris''s expression turned focused as she hovered in the air, her small form radiating an aura of the void . The fruits glowed faintly as she manipulated the Void around them. With a wave of her hand, the surrounding space seemed to bend, distorting in response to her will. The fruits began to compress, their essence distilling under her command. She carefully gathered the energy of the Yin and Yang Fruits, drawing them into a small, swirling vortex of the Void. The fruits merged seamlessly as she compressed them, the raw energy and nutrients concentrating into five perfect pills, each glowing with a mesmerizing light. The process was quick, precise, and almost effortless for Ramiris, her mastery over the Void on full display. The pills floated gently back down into her hands, now perfectly refined, their potent energy sealed inside. Ramiris grinned, clearly pleased with her work. "See? Easy," she said, her pride as obvious as ever. Liu Ying was utterly amazed and couldn''t help but praise her. "You''re amazing! How did you do that?" I saw Jiang Cheng, not to be outdone, joined in, his voice full of admiration. "As expected of the Great Master Ramiris! If you said you''re second in mastering Alchemy, no one would dare say they''re first!" He showered her with praise, bringing his dog-licking skills to their absolute limit, praising her to the skies. Ramiris was very pleased with their praise and laughed loudly. "Right, right! As expected of me!" she said, clearly enjoying the flattery. She looked at them and casually tossed the pills their way. "Since I''m here, I''ll cover for you. You can practice with peace of mind." Just as she finished speaking, her expression shifted. Sensing something, Ramiris narrowed her eyes and gazed through the void, deep into the Endless Monster Mountains. A faint pressure surrounded her as she murmured, "It seems the monsters there are getting restless. Chapter 54: " Blood and Roar" .... As Ramiris tossed the pills to Liu Ying and Jiang Cheng, they looked at each other and smiled. At the same time, Jiang Cheng did not forget his friends in the planting area. He quickly sent them a message, warning them to leave town soonthere would be a beast tide approaching. After ensuring they received his warning, he set everything aside. With that done, both Jiang Cheng and Liu Ying sat cross-legged on the ground, adjusting their breathing. They each took a pill, immediately sensing the boundless energy contained within. Since this was their first time consuming such a pill, they knew they were bound to break through a realm. Excitement flickered in their eyes as they swallowed the pills and closed their eyes, entering a meditative state to refine the energy. Power surged through their meridians like a raging tide, battering against their cultivation limits. Sweat beaded on their brows as they fought to steady the violent force. Jiang Chengs fists tightened, veins throbbing with energy, while Liu Yings silver hair stirred, her aura sharpening with each breath. As Jiang Cheng and Liu Ying absorbed the potent spirit power surging through their bodies, they could feel their cultivation rapidly rising. Extracting the essence of the pill and converting it into their own energy, they couldn''t help but feel a surge of delight. Ramiris looked at them and was quite pleased to see their dedication. Watching them work hard, she decided to seal off the cave with her power, isolating it completely from the outside world. After ensuring their safety, she turned her gaze toward the Endless Monster Mountains, thousands of miles away. A deep sigh escaped her lips. It seems a great calamity is approaching. Days passed, one after another. Jiang Cheng and Liu Ying continued practicing peacefully, completely oblivious to the passage of time. Meanwhile, in Puchan Town, the air was thick with tension. The monks inside the caves felt a vague sense of unease, as if something was amiss, yet they couldn''t pinpoint the source. The sky, stretching from the Endless Monster Mountains to the surrounding mortal kingdoms, was shrouded in an eerie glooman ominous sign of the disaster that was drawing near. Casual cultivators, sensing the impending disaster, rushed to stock up on essential supplies. The once stable market quickly turned chaotic, and prices soared overnight. At shops and Pavilions, the price of talismans skyrocketed. Low-level talismans, which usually sold for 5 to 7 spirit stones, were now priced at 10 to 14 spirit stones each. Middle-grade talismans, previously costing 20 to 25 spirit stones, had doubled, now going for 35 spirit stones or more. High-grade talismans, once valued at 100 to 120 spirit stones, had become a luxury few could afford, with some shops demanding 250 spirit stones The same pattern repeated across all necessities. Healing Pills, Spirit Rice, spiritual herbs, and even basic weapons saw a drastic price hike. A simple Qi Recovery Pill, usually worth 6 spirit stones, now sold for 12 or more. Desperate cultivators scoured the town, some arguing with shopkeepers, while others, unwilling to waste time haggling, paid the inflated prices without hesitation. Those who had stocked up in advance now found themselves in an enviable position, able to sell their excess goods at a premium. As the oppressive atmosphere settled over Puchan Town, rumors spread like wildfire among the cultivators. The streets buzzed with speculation, each theory wilder than the last. "A beast tide? Hah! Its probably just a minor disturbance from some low-level beasts. Maybe a pack of Ironback Wolves got restless." Some scoffed, dismissing the warnings as fearmongering by paranoid cultivators. "Whats there to be afraid of? Theres a Foundation Building elder from the Qinglin Sect stationed here. Even if something happens, hell handle it. At most, its just some low-level monsters like always. No need to panic over nothing." "You idiots dont understand! My cousins masters junior brother has a sworn brother who once met a wandering Daoist. That Daoist had a friend who worked as a servant for a Golden Core elder, and that elder once overheard two rogue cultivators whispering about it in a black market! Deep within the Endless Monster Mountains, an ancient treasure has surfacedan immortal-grade artifact that grants eternal life! Thats why the beasts are going crazy. Theyre not attacking; theyre protecting it!" whispered a hooded man in a tavern, his voice trembling with excitement. Some cultivators scoffed at the ridiculous tale, while others exchanged uneasy glances, wondering if there might be a sliver of truth buried in the nonsense. "No, no, youve got it wrong," another interrupted. "A rogue Ancestor Nascent Soul cultivator tried to refine a forbidden technique there and failed, turning himself into a demonic monster. Now, he''s summoning the beasts to wage war against humanity!" Elsewhere, a drunken old man waved his jug of wine and cackled. "Bah! Youre all blind! The sky turned gloomy because an ancient demon is awakening! The heavens themselves are warning us!" Some took the rumors lightly, rolling their eyes at the absurdity, while others panicked, buying up supplies as if the apocalypse was imminent. A few greedy cultivators, believing the treasure rumor, set off toward the mountains, convinced they would strike fortune amidst the chaos. Regardless of what the truth was, one thing was clearPuchan Town had become a cauldron of fear, greed, and confusion. ...... At this moment, twenty thousand miles away from the town, in the deep of the Endless Mountains Strands of mist coiled into the air, and the mountainous scenery began to distort as if it was put in state of chaos, suddenly, the cries of the Beasts stopped, and a deathly silence loomed over. A huge Silhouette emerged, curling around the dense mist. Its body wasn''t visible, but its terrifying Aura trembled the heavens and Earth. The ravines and mountains shook, and all the birds and beasts trembled on the floor as they paid their respects. It held up the heavens while standing firm on the earth. Its height was immeasurable, its massive figure piercing through the clouds. Only its enormous eyes were visible, glowing with an eerie green lightlike two vast lakes suspended in the sky. Each eye spanned tens of meters in diameter, and the murderous aura it radiated sent tremors through the heavens. If you stumble upon this tale on Amazon, it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it. Its true form was beyond comprehension. The sheer scale of its body remained unknown. If news of its existence spread to the outside world, the entire land would be thrown into chaos. Each breath it took rumbled like a storm, and with every exhale, the mist swirled violently, as if the sky itself was suffocating under its presence "This divine object is mine!" it bellowed, its deep voice crashing through the air like a thunderclap. The mountains shook violently, nearly collapsing under the force of its roar. Even the birds and beasts in the distant peaks trembled, unable to resist the overwhelming pressure. Dong! What it got in response was a massive iron rodso thick that it seemed like a pillar supporting the heavens. As it swept across the sky, violet winds howled in its wake. Mountain rocks were sent flying, and dense fog surged up, rolling like tidal waves. This strike carried the force to shatter the world and pierce the heavens! A demonic roar erupted, shaking the nine heavens. The Colossal silhouette extended an earth-shattering clawso immense that it could crush an entire mountain ridge with a single grasp. A chilling light flickered along its incomparably sharp edges, gleaming like blades forged from pure destruction. Boom! The massive claw collided with the iron rod high above the clouds, and for a moment, it seemed as if the sky itself was being torn apart. Thunderous shockwaves rippled outward as the collision sent tremors through the heavens. The clouds shattered and dispersed, while countless streaks of multicolored light burst forth, illuminating the chaotic sky like divine tribulation descending upon the world. Pff, pff... Strange materials rained down from the sky, each one more bizarre than the last. Some had the scarlet hue of blood diamonds, others were as pitch-black as ink. Immortal jade Dao patterns shimmered alongside starlight essence, and various precious bones, glowing with ethereal light, fell like celestial treasures. If experts from outside the mountains saw this, their eyes would undoubtedly turn red with greed. These were the bones of ancient beastsmore than ten pieces in total. Such a treasure was enough to drive any cultivator mad with desire. The bones were inscribed with various formation patterns, and as they fell, they settled across the vast mountain range, embedding themselves deep within the valleys. With an ear-splitting rumble, a massive formation sprang to life, sealing and suppressing the area. Astral winds from the heavens descended once again, but even their powerful force couldn''t shake the great mountain. The massive body of the creature, towering between heaven and earth, surpassed the clouds. Its ghastly green eyes, as large as lakes, glowed coldly as it opened its icy mouth and muttered, "Too soft-hearted." Shiiiing It exhaled terrifying rays of light, engulfing both heaven and earth. The precious bones from earlier had suppressed the boundless mountains, but this new attack was a devastating force that threatened to push everything into ruin. The light shook the clouds loose, and with a single, resplendent divine strike, the heavens themselves seemed to quiver. This was its strongest techniquea precious, divine light. Once again, the only response it received was a massive iron rod. The rod cleaved through the divine light, exploding with a deafening sound that reverberated through the air. An ancient, primal symbol flickered into existence, and with a Clunk sound, the rod emitted an immeasurable burst of dense light. The divine might of the rod surged, growing even stronger with the added light. The rod and the divine light clashed in a burst of energy that split the very fabric of space, causing the heavens to tremble. For a moment, time seemed to stretch as the two forces locked in a brutal contest of will. This was a fierce battle. Two unimaginable existences laid down their primitive symbols within the mountain valleys, locked in a life-or-death struggle. Every strike echoed through the mountains, shaking the very foundations of the earth. The air was thick with the scent of blood, and the once peaceful valleys had become a battlefield, where only one could emerge victorious "You and that little scarlet griffin both suffered from the previous fight. Retreat is your only option!" Its green eyes glowed with a terrifying, ghastly cold light, radiating an endless killing intent. The great battle raged on! Boom! Suddenly, from the heart of the mountain range, a blazing light shot into the heavens. A little red griffin appeared, engaging in a world-shaking battle with another frightening creature. "I never thought you''d still be alive in this world." Roar!! Altogether, there were four supreme creatures at the peak of the Fourth Level (Peak of Nascent Soul Realm in the human cultivation system), their terrifying might surpassing all imagination as they fought. The ground trembled with each clash, and the sky was alight with flames and crackling energy as the griffin and the other beast fought with a ferocity that shook the heavens. Countless third-level creatures within a radius of tens of thousands of miles were terrified and trembling, hiding in the distance without a trace of movement. The monks in Puchan Town were shocked when they heard the noises coming from the depths of the Endless Mountain range. They gazed in that direction and saw chaotic mist swirling around, with over ten pieces of beast bones suppressing the mountain range, but no one could see exactly what was happening. "What happened? Could it be that an Immortal treasure has actually appeared, and they are currently fighting a final decisive battle over it?" Just as they spoke, a divine light broke through the skies within the boundless mountains, and the chaotic mist surged violently. Even though over ten precious bones were suppressing the valleys, the mountain range still trembled violently. A peerless magical power was being activated, and the heavens and earth quaked in fear. Everyone was scared and overwhelmed. At that moment, their souls began to throb, and many of them kneeled to the ground. Everyones bodies shook and shivered. This was the most powerful pressure they had ever felt, and it made them involuntarily kowtow and worship. How frightening were these creatures? Everyone was cold from head to toe. A few casual cultivators thought back to when they still had thoughts of searching for the mountain treasure; those truly were thoughts belonging to those who were tired of living! It was fortunate that they backed off! Run! This was what everyone thought in their hearts. In this desolate land, staying still for even a moment could increase the dangers tenfold. If they messed up by even a small bit, they would cease to exist. The Foundation Building elder Jin Lang Zhenren, who was guarding the place in Puchan Town, had already packed his small bags, preparing to flee. He felt that this place was no longer a place where people could stay. His best choice was to turn back and escape as quickly as possible. As for punishment from the Sect, he scoffed at itwhoever wanted this ghostly place could have it. Jiang Cheng and Liu Ying stood in silence as they absorbed the energy from the pills. Both of them could feel the intense power surging through their bodies, pushing them to the brink of a breakthrough. However, the atmosphere felt strangely tense, and they both couldn''t shake the feeling that something monumental was unfolding. "Do you feel that?" Liu Ying''s silver hair fluttered, her eyes narrowing as she sensed the disturbance far beyond the cave. Jiang Cheng''s face was also set in concentration, but his mind raced. He could feel it toothe air itself seemed to grow heavier, like an impending storm was about to break. He knew the beast tide was near, but this felt differentmuch more dangerous. "Focus," Ramiris'' cold voice cut him Off. Standing near the cave entrance, her gaze distant and detached, she said, "Finish refining the energy. What''s outside doesn''t concern us right now." Jiang Cheng furrowed his brows. "But" "No buts," she interrupted sharply. "Complete your breakthrough, or you''ll waste the chance. The outside world will still be there when you''re done." But..." Liu Ying began, her voice softening as her hands tightened . "What about the people in the town? Shouldn''t we... Ramiris turned her icy eyes on Liu Ying, her gaze ruthlessly piercing. "What have the lives and deaths of others have to do with us?" Her voice was devoid of warmth, each word slicing through the air like a blade. "Your focus should be on yourself and your cultivation. Nothing else matters at this moment." Liu Ying hesitated for a moment, the conflict between her compassion and Ramiris cold logic playing out in her mind. Finally, she spoke, her voice tinged with frustration, But... you can save them. the temperature in the cave suddenly dropped sharply, The air itself seemed to freeze, suffocating their breath. A palpable coldness surrounded them, a heavy pressure that weighed on their chests. Jiang Cheng couldnt suppress the shiver that ran down his spine. He cursed inwardly. This naive girl... Ramiris turned her gaze fully on Liu Ying. Her eyes narrowed in disdain, and her voice rang out, colder than the ice around them. "And why should I? Do I owe someone something?" Her words were sharp, a cutting reprimand. " So Shut up and continue cultivating. Dont make me disappointed in you." She turned away, leaving the air heavy with tension, her back to both of them. Liu Ying stood frozen for a moment, frustration boiling inside her. She turned to Jiang Cheng, searching for some form of support or understanding, but he remained unmoved. His expression was as steady as an ancient stone,like an old dog who had seen it all before. There was no hint of anger, no signs of empathy, just an unwavering calm that spoke volumes. Liu Ying opened her mouth to speak again but thought better of it. She clenched her fists, silently seething, before closing her eyes and resigning herself to the task at hand. It was clear that there would be no debate, no discussion. Ramiris had spoken, and they were bound to follow. Jiang Cheng, however, didnt react. His mind was already back on his own cultivation. If the sky outside were to fall, there would always be someone taller to hold it up... Jiang Cheng couldnt help but sneer inwardly at the thought. What a joke. Why should he care about the lives and deaths of others? He shook his head, his expression remaining unchanging. If I had the strength and ability to save the situation without getting hurt or provoking someone I couldnt afford to offend. I wouldnt mind lending a hand. But to step in right now, to try and tell Ramiris what to do, or preach to others to act like this naive fool did Jiang Chengs lips curled into a cold smile as he looked at Liu Ying, the irritation bubbling up but never quite showing on his face. What a joke. How could a mere ant like him tell an Ancestor, someone of Ramiris caliber, what she should or shouldnt do? His mind turned back to the real matter at handthe next steps in his cultivation. The situation outside, the dangers, the turmoilit was all irrelevant. Until he had the power to command the heavens, he would focus on what mattered: himself and his path. Anyone elses fate? That wasnt his concern. ....... Boom! Suddenly, in the middle of the boundless mountain range, a world-shaking sound erupted. Rubble penetrated the sky as it burst in mid-air. A chaotic mist began to spread, covering the entire mountain range. An immortal light rushed toward the heavens, and auspicious vapors surged up as they rose into the open skies. It was as if the most valuable treasure since the creation of the world was being born. It floated and sank there, shaking the entire area of hundreds of thousands of miles. "The mountain treasure has entered the world!" At this moment, no one needed to say anything. Everyone knew that the divine object emitting that light had appeared. The air crackled with energy, and the ground trembled beneath the force of the battle. Lightning flashed, and the sky itself seemed to break apart as the four combatants clashed with the fury of gods. With a rumbling sound, the far side of the mountain range began to boil, and the battle intensified. The four incomprehensibly powerful beings were fighting life and death for the mountain treasure that had just appeared. .