《Wait, How Did My Digital Girlfriend Become a Sword Immortal?》 Chapter 1: Small Workshops Really Go All Out Chapter 1: Small Workshops Really Go All Out [In this era, cancer is no longer a 100% fatal disease. With our advanced technology and mature medical teams, as long as you have insurance, a supportive family, or even just yourself¡­] Chen Huai¡¯an switched off the TV and let out a bitter laugh. ¡°But I have none of those.¡± The critical illness notice had come two days ago. His girlfriend left him yesterday. And today, he completely broke down. He was just a freshman in college. His parents, both forest rangers, had died in a wildfire years ago, leaving nothing behind but some modest compensation. Over time, Chen Huai¡¯an had moved on from their deaths, choosing to face life head-on. Thanks to their compensation, combined with living frugally and taking odd jobs, he managed to afford college. His grades were decent, good enough to get into a first-tier university. Graduation even came with guaranteed job placement. Although the salary might not have been high, it would have been enough to scrape by. But then, two days ago, a hospital visit for his persistent ankle pain revealed a mid-stage cancer diagnosis. Knowing he couldn¡¯t afford treatment, Chen Huai¡¯an left school and rented a small place near the city¡¯s wetland park for a year, planning to spend the rest of his days there. And after the rent expired with no money left? He chuckled bitterly. He doubted he¡¯d live that long. He opened his banking app to check his balance¡ªjust over 30,000 yuan. ¡°Food costs at most five to six hundred a month. With other expenses, let¡¯s say a thousand. After a year, I¡¯d still have at least twenty thousand left,¡± he calculated while staring at the balance. These past years had been too hard. While other students traveled, he worked odd jobs. When others gamed, he worked. And when others dated¡­ his girlfriend was cheating on him. For whatever time he had left, Chen Huai¡¯an decided to live for himself. Play some games. Watch all those dramas he¡¯d saved up. If his body allowed, maybe visit the ocean. [Installation complete.] [Claim your virtual girlfriend now!] Usually, Chen Huai¡¯an would immediately dismiss such pop-up ads. But today, his finger hesitated. A new app icon had appeared on his home screen. It featured a chibi-style, ancient-costumed girl carrying a sword. ¡°A game that installs itself? This better not be a virus¡­¡± Normally, he¡¯d delete it immediately and run a scan. But today, he felt like indulging his curiosity about what these so-called malware apps were all about. At this point, he had nothing to lose. Stricken with terminal cancer, with no hope or attachments left, what did he care? Besides, he¡¯d never played games before, too busy juggling work and school. He tapped the app. The screen went black, then a prompt appeared: [This game is for players aged 18 and above. Starting the game will bind your identity. Accounts cannot be deleted or transferred. By starting, you agree to these draconian terms.] ¡°Wow, you even admit it¡¯s a draconian contract?¡± With a wry smile, Chen Huai¡¯an pressed ¡°Start Game.¡± He was now sure it was a virus app. What would it do? Steal his personal information? His chat logs? If they realized he was a penniless, terminal cancer patient, would the developers delete the app themselves? [Choose your virtual girlfriend!] Surprisingly, the game¡¯s graphics were impressive. Though the icon suggested a chibi aesthetic, the actual game looked incredibly lifelike. The screen displayed a selection of ¡°virtual girlfriends,¡± each with detailed stats. For example: [Neon Mafia Princess: Kiriko Kirishima] [Age: 22 | Height: 158cm | Measurements: 89, 55, 86] The live 2D model was stunning, with exaggerated curves and a sweet face. She wore a kimono that barely concealed her figure. A big-breasted lolita with a yakuza twist¡ªa clear favorite for many men. But blonde hair and a Japanese backstory weren¡¯t Chen Huai¡¯an¡¯s type. He browsed a few more profiles and found that the characters came from different eras, and some weren¡¯t even from Earth. The creativity was wild¡ªthere was even a Transformer-themed girlfriend! Eventually, he landed on a profile that caught his eye: [Disciple of the Qingyun Sect: Li Qingran] [Age: 19 | Height: 169cm | Measurements: 90, 60, 91] This Li Qingran matched the app¡¯s icon but looked much more vivid. Pale skin, delicate features, long raven-black hair cascading down her back, and a simple green robe with a sword strapped behind her. She wore no makeup yet exuded the elegance of a painting. What struck Chen Huai¡¯an most was her eyes¡ªcold, wooden, with a hint of despair and emptiness that seemed to pierce through the screen. ¡°Damn¡­ does a small indie studio go this hard?¡± S~ea??h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. He started doubting whether this was a virus. How could anyone put this much effort into a scam? Were they preparing for a master¡¯s thesis or a Ph.D. project? ¡°You¡¯ll do.¡± [Confirm Li Qingran as your virtual girlfriend?] [Warning: This choice is irreversible!] [If your virtual girlfriend dies, she cannot be revived. She will disappear permanently!] ¡°Such serious stakes?¡± Chen Huai¡¯an frowned. He realized the developers were likely using emotional manipulation to get players invested. Normally, he¡¯d back out. But today, he hit ¡°Confirm.¡± [You have 132 days left to live.] The screen flashed with this chilling message before the game began. Chen Huai¡¯an expected the typical low-budget mobile game¡ªclunky graphics, a newbie village in some cultivation world, mindless fetch quests, grinding for gear, mounts, and endless autoplay. But what unfolded was entirely different. The scene opened in a drafty thatched hut. The only ¡°bed,¡± a straw mat, was soaked with rainwater. A frail, ragged girl curled in the corner, hugging her knees. Her tangled hair obscured her face, but her pale arms and legs bore bruises and cuts. A gash resembling a centipede stood out vividly against her white skin. ¡°Is this¡­ Li Qingran?¡± Chen Huai¡¯an stared in disbelief. Near the mat lay a broken sword¡ªthe same one Li Qingran had held in her profile. [Li Qingran is cold and hungry. Her body grows weaker.] [Li Qingran suffers from fire poison and is in unbearable pain.] [Li Qingran has half an hour left to live.] As these messages popped up, the girl groaned in pain. She slowly raised her head, revealing her hollow eyes and pale lips. Even with only half her face visible, Chen Huai¡¯an knew this was the character he¡¯d chosen. ¡°What do I do?¡± A surge of urgency filled his chest. The character¡¯s expressions and voice were so lifelike, even the jagged wounds seemed real. If he didn¡¯t act, when the timer hit zero, this girl would truly¡­ A new prompt appeared: [Ding! First-time recharge of 6 yuan unlocks the ¡°Home Improvement Bundle¡± to give your virtual girlfriend a cozy house!] Chapter 2: Recharge to Get Stronger Chapter 2: Recharge to Get Stronger ¡°Wait, is the map of Yan Kingdom this short?¡± S§×ar?h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Chen Huai¡¯an couldn¡¯t help but laugh bitterly at the recharge prompt. This game¡¯s developers didn¡¯t even try to be subtle¡ªstraight to pay-to-win. But as he glanced at the pitiful girl on the screen, he thought of himself. Alone, penniless, terminally ill, and abandoned by his girlfriend. Was his situation any better than Li Qingran¡¯s? The friends he once had all vanished, afraid he¡¯d ask them for money. Who would offer him a helping hand? Yet now, he could extend a hand to this girl. Even if she was just a program, a character created to empty his wallet in a mobile game. ¡°Six yuan? Sure, I¡¯ll pay.¡± Chen Huai¡¯an had never played a game before, only watched others. This was his first time spending money on one. [Recharge Successful!] Golden light radiated toward Li Qingran¡¯s dilapidated hut. The straw mat turned into a wooden bed with bedding. The cracked walls became solid bricks with a window that kept the rain and wind out. The golden light enveloped the entire room, filling it with vintage-style furniture¡ªa floor, a table, chairs, and even a stove. ¡°Now this feels right!¡± Chen Huai¡¯an sighed in satisfaction and looked at Li Qingran, curious about her reaction. It¡¯s just a mobile game, so the character would likely just look happy, right? But what he saw left him stunned. Li Qingran¡¯s expression shifted from shock to fear, then to vigilance. She curled into a corner, unable to believe what was happening. After a long moment, like a cautious kitten in a new environment, she hesitantly explored the room. She returned to the bed, gently touching the soft mattress. Her eyes reflected nothing but confusion. ¡°This¡­ this level of feedback? This interaction system¡­¡± Chen Huai¡¯an was floored by her realistic responses. The way the bed slightly sank when she sat, or how wrinkles formed where she touched, was incredibly lifelike. For a mere mobile game to reach this level? He wouldn¡¯t even mind spending more money¡ªit¡¯d feel like supporting a true artist. No sooner had the thought formed when another prompt appeared: [Limited Offer! Recharge 30 yuan to gift your virtual girlfriend a beautiful outfit!] ¡°Uh¡­¡± Chen Huai¡¯an glanced at Li Qingran¡¯s tattered clothing and felt a pang of sympathy. ¡°Alright, let¡¯s do it!¡± A set of elegant green robes appeared on the bed. [Today¡¯s Special! Recharge 68 yuan to give your virtual girlfriend a sumptuous meal!] A 68-yuan meal? Chen Huai¡¯an rarely spent more than 15 on takeout for himself. But so what? He paid up. [This Week¡¯s Deal! Recharge 98 yuan to unlock your virtual girlfriend¡¯s background story and receive a health report!] ¡°Take my money!¡± [Monthly Special! Recharge 188 yuan to equip your virtual girlfriend¡¯s home with three premium Thunderfire Talismans for protection!] ¡°Charge, charge, charge!¡± [Your virtual girlfriend is scared. Please wait before taking further actions.] The recharge prompts finally stopped. Chen Huai¡¯an checked the screen and saw that Li Qingran had crawled under the bed, trembling. The new clothes on the bed? Untouched. The feast of chicken, duck, and fish? Unmoved. In the corner of the screen, a countdown showed that the health report would take 30 minutes to generate. The room now had talismans on the door, window, and roof¡ªbarely visible unless zoomed in. The good news was that Li Qingran¡¯s lifespan had increased to six hours. ¡°That¡¯s manageable for now,¡± Chen Huai¡¯an muttered, relieved. In-game time matched real-world time, so he could afford to relax a bit. ¡°By the way, what was that fire poison affecting Li Qingran? What even is that?¡± He figured clicking on Li Qingran might reveal her status, but all he could see under the bed was a pale little foot, which immediately flinched when he tapped it. ¡°Guess I¡¯ll have to wait for the health report to know more.¡± As he glanced at the feast in the game, Chen Huai¡¯an¡¯s stomach growled. The roasted duck looked so realistic, with oil glistening and dripping as though its aroma could waft through the screen. It was already afternoon, and he hadn¡¯t eaten lunch. ¡°Let¡¯s just whip something up. My virtual girlfriend is eating better than me,¡± he chuckled wryly. Spending 68 yuan for that feast? Seemed like a bargain now. He put his phone on the table to charge, intending to eat before continuing. Li Qingran, 19, fifth disciple of Chixiao Peak at the Qingyun Sect. Her life had once been stable, following a routine of cultivation and sect tasks. Four senior brothers each had their own strengths and often shielded her. But everything changed when her eldest senior brother, Lu Changtian, brought back a sixth junior sister from outside. He vouched for the untalented girl, Mu Baishuang, and begged their master to accept her into Chixiao Peak. After that, nothing was the same. Her once-attentive eldest senior brother stopped inviting her to morning lessons. The second senior brother, Xiao Yifeng, who was skilled in alchemy, no longer asked her to test his pills. The perpetually cold third senior brother, Yun Zimo, even learned love songs for the new junior sister. The mission-driven fourth senior brother, Zhang Hanxiao, abandoned tasks to stay at the peak, guarding Mu Baishuang. Everyone doted on Mu Baishuang, even their usually indifferent master. Li Qingran didn¡¯t mind. Mu Baishuang was sweet, endearing, and deserved some care as a junior sister. However, with their guidance and resources, Mu Baishuang¡¯s cultivation rapidly caught up to hers. During the sect¡¯s tournament half a month ago, Li Qingran faced Mu Baishuang in a match. Out of respect, she planned to end it after a few moves, applying enough pressure to make Mu Baishuang surrender gracefully. But Mu Baishuang fought fiercely, aiming for vital points, forcing Li Qingran to defend seriously. Then, Mu Baishuang suddenly switched to defense and threw herself onto Li Qingran¡¯s sword. Li Qingran couldn¡¯t withdraw in time, and her sword pierced Mu Baishuang¡¯s shoulder¡ªbarely a flesh wound, but it left her gravely injured. Expelled from Chixiao Peak, her cultivation abolished, her spiritual root extracted¡ªher senior brothers¡¯ retribution was merciless. Now abandoned in a beast-infested wilderness, plagued by fire poison and starvation, she clung to life in a storm, awaiting death. Until¡­ A sparrow darted through the rain. And suddenly, a voice whispered: [Welcome Home!] In the blink of an eye, her hut transformed into a stone house. Chapter 3: This Game Even Has a Dedicated Voice Actor? Chapter 3: This Game Even Has a Dedicated Voice Actor? Li Qingran had never encountered anything like this. For a cultivator, building a house was simple, but turning a ramshackle hut into a stone house in an instant? That was no ordinary feat. And conjuring food and clothes out of thin air? The difference between transforming something into something else and creating something from nothing was vast. At first, she thought a powerful cultivator might be playing tricks on her, using a storage ring to summon items while remaining hidden. However, she sensed no spatial fluctuations. Everything truly appeared out of thin air. To create something from nothing with such exquisite detail, down to the aroma and appearance of food, this had to be the work of at least a Nascent Soul cultivator. Or perhaps even Fusion Realm? Li Qingran wasn¡¯t sure. What she did know was that her master, Daoist Qingxuan, an old monster at the Nascent Soul stage, couldn¡¯t achieve such a feat. He could transform ingredients into a finished dish but couldn¡¯t make food appear out of nowhere. Then again, maybe her master had never bothered with such techniques. After all, cultivators could sustain themselves through meditation starting at the Foundation Establishment stage. The tantalizing smell of food awakened her hunger. With her cultivation abolished, she could no longer meditate to suppress hunger. The meat of most demonic beasts was poisonous, and she couldn¡¯t tell the safe ones apart. Thus, she had survived on wild fruits and roots. But staying under the bed wasn¡¯t a solution. Cautiously, Li Qingran peeked out from under the bed, gathering her courage. ¡°Which senior is casting such powerful spells? This junior, Li Qingran, humbly requests the honor of meeting you in person.¡± The room remained silent except for the rain pattering against the bamboo windows. After a moment¡¯s pause, Li Qingran decided to crawl out from under the bed. Saying she wasn¡¯t afraid would be a lie. But if the other party was so powerful, could she resist anyway? Besides, they had already touched her foot earlier¡ªwarm and gentle, as if mocking her futile hiding. The thought made her bite her lip, her face flushing with embarrassment. ¡°Whatever happens, so be it.¡± Standing up, she surveyed the room but found no suspicious figures. Her gaze inevitably drifted to the table laden with a feast. The sound of her swallowing echoed alongside the rumbling of her stomach. Awkwardly, she sat at the table, staring at the dishes but refraining from eating. Instead, she clasped her hands together, bowed her head, and sincerely said, ¡°If the senior is unwilling to show yourself, may I ask if these dishes are for me? If you remain silent, I would rather starve than touch something that belongs to you.¡± After her words, she shut her eyes and sat cross-legged in meditation. Chen Huai¡¯an had settled for a simple lunch of scrambled eggs with tomatoes. Returning to the game, he saw that Li Qingran had emerged from under the bed and was now seated at the table, meditating. Her delicate face was flushed, dotted with sweat, and her body wavered unsteadily. The way her little nose twitched as if resisting the food¡¯s aroma was almost comical. ¡°What kind of scene is this?¡± Chen Huai¡¯an laughed. Meditating in front of food? Testing her willpower? Her chin was practically hovering over the roast chicken! [Li Qingran requests permission to eat the meal. Do you approve?] A dialogue box popped up. ¡°I have to approve it? What kind of strict system is this?¡± Chen Huai¡¯an shook his head, amused, and selected ¡°Yes.¡± On-screen, Li Qingran seemed to hear something. Her eyes snapped open, her face lighting up with joy. ¡°Thank you, Senior!¡± ¡°What the¡ª! There¡¯s voice acting?!¡± Startled by the crisp, sweet voice, Chen Huai¡¯an nearly dropped his phone. He hadn¡¯t turned on the sound earlier, assuming the game lacked background music. But after turning up the volume, he realized the game had incredibly realistic environmental audio, like the crackling of the stove fire and the torrential rain outside. However, he never expected Li Qingran to have her own voice actor! ¡°Small studios really go all out!¡± Chen Huai¡¯an watched in fascination as Li Qingran began eating. At first, she took small, delicate bites. But soon, her chopsticks moved faster, and she descended into a frenzied devouring of the meal, finishing at a speed that left Chen Huai¡¯an dumbfounded. Only in games could characters eat this fast. After finishing her meal, Li Qingran picked up a small napkin, dabbed her mouth, and blushed deeply as she bowed again. ¡°This junior hasn¡¯t had such a delicious meal in ages. Senior¡¯s kindness is something I will never forget!¡± When she meditated earlier, she suddenly heard a single word: ¡°Yes.¡± The sound was like the resonance of the Dao itself, reverberating through her soul. When she opened her eyes, the food glowed faintly with a golden character made of Spiritual Qi: ¿É (Yes). The voice had used a transmission technique, but what struck her was that the spiritual character wasn¡¯t formed by manipulating surrounding Qi¡ªit had been generated out of thin air, just like the food. Li Qingran shivered slightly. Whoever this senior was, they were far beyond her comprehension. But they didn¡¯t seem hostile, at least for now. ¡°Senior, I will clean the dishes.¡± Carrying the plates, she stepped outside. The rain was heavier now, the dense downpour reducing visibility to just a few meters. The only sounds were the rain hitting the ground and faint rumbles of distant thunder. ¡°The rain¡¯s even heavier than before¡­¡± Looking up at the sky, Li Qingran felt a surge of gratitude. If it weren¡¯t for the senior¡¯s house, her old hut would have collapsed by now. Outside, a small corridor shielded her from the rain. Following the eaves, she found a wooden bucket she had left out yesterday to collect rainwater. Now full, it was perfect for washing the dishes. sea??h th§× n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. [Li Qingran is cleaning the dishes.] [Li Qingran¡¯s favorability +5. Current: 10.] ¡°Well, well, she even washes dishes? A favorability system isn¡¯t surprising, though.¡± Chen Huai¡¯an chuckled, increasingly impressed by the game¡¯s depth. Not only were the characters incredibly lifelike, but the amount of interactive content was astonishing. How had he never heard of this game before? Glancing at the time, he saw the identity and health report would be ready in a few minutes. While waiting, he decided to explore the game further. To his surprise, the game had a large map. When fully expanded, Li Qingran¡¯s small house was just a tiny dot amidst a vast, unexplored expanse covered in dark fog. Only the area around her house was visible. Interestingly, another visible location stood out: a grand sect marked by golden characters¡ªQingyun Sect. ¡°Oh? That¡¯s where she used to live.¡± Chen Huai¡¯an frowned. Why wasn¡¯t Li Qingran still in Qingyun Sect? And why was she in such a miserable state? The sect seemed close, just at the mountain¡¯s peak, while her current location was at the base. For cultivators, that was hardly a long journey. There had to be a story behind this. Zooming back into the map, his expression changed. Around the small house, five red dots appeared. They were moving quickly toward Li Qingran¡¯s location! Chapter 4: Blowing It All Up Chapter 4: Blowing It All Up Chen Huai''an didn¡¯t usually play games, but even without firsthand experience, he knew enough to recognize that in game maps, red dots usually represented enemies. The five red dots moved at a terrifying speed, closing in on the small cabin within a breath or two. ¡°D*mn it! Li Qingran is still outside washing the dishes!¡± On the screen, Li Qingran was focused on scrubbing plates, entirely unaware of the abnormal situation unfolding around the cabin. Chen Huai''an panicked. He frantically searched the game interface for any option that could alert Li Qingran. There were plenty of options on the interface, but most of them were locked. ¡¾Top up 100 to purchase a Sound Transmission Talisman and send Li Qingran a single message.¡¿ The recharge screen popped up. There was no time to think about why the Sound Transmission Talisman was so expensive. Chen Huai''an recharged immediately. A notification dinged from Alipay, and a talisman appeared in the center of the screen. ¡¾Hold down the talisman and speak.¡¿ Chen Huai''an¡¯s face twitched. Taking a deep breath, he pressed the talisman and said gravely, ¡°Monsters attacking! Retreat immediately!¡± A thunderous shout echoed in the void: ¡¾Run! Now!¡¿ Li Qingran, who was still washing dishes, froze and looked around in confusion. That voice¡­ could it be the senior¡¯s? S~ea??h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. ¡°Awooooo¡ª!¡± A sharp wolf howl pierced through the rain. Accompanied by heavy growls, three jet-black demonic wolves, each the size of a water buffalo, stormed into Li Qingran¡¯s view. Behind them, two more wolves loomed faintly in the shadows. ¡°Blackback Demonic Wolves?¡± How could this be¡­ Li Qingran quickly pieced it together. The lone wolf she had fought off recently must have been a scout. No wonder it hadn¡¯t engaged her directly and fled after a slight resistance. It had been gathering intel all along. The nearest wolf was no more than five meters away now. Without any hesitation, it lunged at her. Although her cultivation base was crippled and her spiritual root destroyed, Li Qingran¡¯s combat instincts were still sharp. She timed her move, rolled sideways to dodge the first wolf¡¯s attack, and flung a plate at the second wolf preparing to pounce. Outside the screen, Chen Huai''an¡¯s heart was in his throat. Watching Li Qingran move with the agility of a cat and counter swiftly, he slapped his thigh in excitement. ¡°Well done!¡± His biggest worry was that she¡¯d freeze in place when faced with danger. Fortunately, she was calm and quick to react. The demonic wolves, accustomed to skirmishing with Qingyun Sect cultivators on Wanqing Mountain, instinctively thought the white plate was a magical weapon. They dodged, only to realize nothing happened as the plate hit the ground. The pack exchanged glances, their red eyes growing even more ferocious, feeling utterly humiliated. Seizing the moment, Li Qingran bolted back to the cabin and slammed the door shut. ¡°Crap, crap, crap!¡± she muttered, dragging furniture to barricade the door, worry etched on her face. ¡°It almost killed me to fend off just one wolf last time. How am I supposed to deal with five now?¡± Her strength was waning fast. Dragging even a single table left her face flushed red. Before she could position the table properly, the tremors of approaching wolves reached her ears. Li Qingran¡¯s pupils constricted as she retreated to the window, considering her only escape route. But just when she thought the wolves were about to break in¡ª ¡°Boom¡ª!¡± A deafening thunderclap erupted outside the door. Even through the door, she saw a flash of lightning. The wolves¡¯ pained howls followed, and the air filled with the acrid scent of burning flesh. Startled, Li Qingran looked up. A talisman on the door was glowing with blazing lightning, its rectangular outline visible even through the wood. It unleashed thunder and fire, reducing the nearby wolves to charred remains. ¡°A Thunderfire Talisman!¡± She immediately recognized it. She hadn¡¯t noticed any talismans on the door earlier. It must have been placed there by that senior. Talismans and pills were graded from Mortal, Medium, Superior, Perfect, to Immortal. Immortal-grade talismans, wrapped in golden light, were extraordinarily powerful. Only old monsters in major sects could craft them. Regular Thunderfire Talismans were effective against Qi Refinement or Foundation Establishment cultivators. An Immortal-grade one, however, could obliterate even a Golden Core stage demon¡ªa treasure money couldn¡¯t buy. And this was an Immortal-grade talisman! Most cultivators would hoard such an item as their trump card. Yet the senior had casually slapped it onto her door? What a waste of a priceless treasure! Li Qingran was overwhelmed with gratitude and heartache. Outside¡ª The two wolves closest to the door were obliterated by the talisman. The remaining three froze, tails tucked, their ferocity replaced by terror. Were they cursed? Why would someone use such a powerful talisman on mere Qi Refinement wolves? They realized the path through the door was impassable. But giving up their prey so easily wasn¡¯t their style. Two of them circled toward the window while the third tried to climb onto the roof. Before the one on the roof could advance¡ª Boom! The two near the window exploded into ashes. The last wolf abandoned all thoughts of hunting and fled. ¡¾¡´Limited-Time Offer¡µWould you like to purchase a Thunderfire Talisman to strike down the fleeing wolf? (Thunderfire Talisman £¤288, 50% off)¡¿ ¡°What?!¡± Chen Huai''an¡¯s face turned green. Under normal circumstances, he¡¯d uninstall the game in seconds. But seeing Li Qingran¡¯s distressed expression on screen, and realizing the wolf might return with reinforcements¡­ ¡°Leave the roots, and they¡¯ll regrow in the spring! Fine, I¡¯ll recharge!¡± Clenching his fists, Chen Huai''an looked like he was holding the talisman himself. Another £¤288 disappeared from his Alipay, and a talisman shot toward the fleeing wolf. From Li Qingran¡¯s perspective, a crack of thunder echoed, and a golden streak pierced the rain. The talisman exploded upon contact, leaving only smoldering remains of the wolf amidst the relentless storm. ¡°Three Immortal-grade Thunderfire Talismans in a row¡­¡± Li Qingran stared blankly out the window. In less than thirty seconds, all five wolves were dead. And the senior hadn¡¯t even shown himself, offering only a single voice transmission as a warning. Such abilities were terrifying. But why would someone so powerful help her? She thought of her Qingyun Sect seniors and master. Before her junior sister arrived, they had treated her decently, but their kindness was often calculated. For instance, Senior Brother Lu Changtian, a fire spiritual root cultivator, wanted her water spiritual root as a Dao companion. Second Senior Brother Xiao Yifeng, obsessed with alchemy, needed her to tend spiritual herbs and test pills. Third Senior Brother Yun Zimo, a martial maniac, often sparred with her without holding back. Fourth Senior Brother Zhang Hanxiao, unruly and reckless, dragged her into trouble during sect missions, making her a scapegoat. What could the senior¡¯s motive be? She had nothing¡ªonly her life to offer. Perhaps he had no motive, merely a passerby moved by her plight. Shaking her head, Li Qingran pushed her thoughts aside. Regardless of his reasons, the senior had saved her life. If she survived, she would repay his kindness. ¡°Junior Li Qingran offers her heartfelt thanks for senior¡¯s aid!¡± This time, she simply knelt toward the sky, her expression solemn, and bowed deeply. ¡¾Li Qingran¡¯s favorability +5, now at 15.¡¿ ¡°Not bad. Favorability¡¯s climbing fast,¡± Chen Huai''an muttered, stroking his chin. Smiling, he added, ¡°Worth the 288 recharge.¡± This game was crazy addictive. He¡¯d already spent hundreds. No wonder some kids went into debt over gaming. It was just as exhilarating for him. ¡¾Ding! Li Qingran¡¯s health report and detailed identity have been generated!¡¿ ¡¾View now?¡¿ Chen Huai''an¡¯s eyes lit up as he eagerly rubbed his hands together. ¡°Here we go¡ªheh heh!¡± Chapter 5: Crazy Thursday Deals Chapter 5: Crazy Thursday Deals ¡ª Identity and Medical Report (Li Qingran) ¡ª Name: Li Qingran Current Realm: Qi Refinement Level 1 Identity: Former Qingyun Sect, Chixiao Peak Disciple Age: 19 (Female) Special Talents: Single Water Spiritual Root (Abolished), Taiyin Dao Body (Unactivated) Status: Severely damaged foundation, ruptured dantian, fire poison invasion, inner demons growing, severe internal injuries (severed meridians), moderate external injuries Background: Once an inner disciple of Qingyun Sect¡¯s Chixiao Peak, Li Qingran was betrayed, leading to estrangement from her sect. Her cultivation base was crippled by her senior brother, Lu Changtian. Her spiritual root was stripped by her master, Daoist Qingxuan. The fire poison resulted from defective pills concocted by her second senior brother, Xiao Yifeng. Later, she was expelled from the sect through collusion between her third senior brother, Yun Zimo, and an outer sect elder. Finally, she was abandoned in a dilapidated hut by her fourth senior brother, Zhang Hanxiao, and left to fend for herself. The first of her inner demons was planted by her betrayers, while the second arose from her own despair. (Click to expand detailed version) Overall Evaluation: A life of misfortune, a candle flickering in the wind. After reading Li Qingran¡¯s identity and medical report, Chen Huai''an was stunned. He himself was burdened by cancer¡ªa single debuff. Li Qingran had five! And her life? It was pure misery! What kind of grudge would warrant such treatment? All she did was injure her junior sister¡¯s shoulder during the sect tournament. Wasn¡¯t that normal for the cultivation world? Swords have no eyes in combat! Yet the entire Chixiao Peak seemed to have gone berserk over it. ¡°No wonder she¡¯s holed up in this broken hut. If I hadn¡¯t arrived in time, she¡¯d probably be dead by now.¡± On the screen, Li Qingran was meditating on a chair, her eyes closed. Somehow, Chen Huai''an couldn¡¯t help but imagine her as a real person instead of a mere game character. ¡°Is she cultivating? But her foundation is destroyed, and her spiritual root is gone¡ªcan she even cultivate?¡± Respectfully, Chen Huai''an clicked on Li Qingran¡¯s shoulder rather than anywhere inappropriate. ¡¾Status: Cultivating¡¿ ¡¾Cultivation Progress: 39/99¡¿ This probably meant she needed to accumulate 99 units of Spiritual Qi to advance to Qi Refinement Level 2. As Chen Huai''an speculated, he didn¡¯t notice Li Qingran¡¯s slightly reddened ears. He stared at her cultivating for half an hour. But instead of progressing, her cultivation dropped by one point, falling to 38. On-screen, the girl¡¯s brow furrowed, her pale lips turned down, her pitiful expression tugging at his heartstrings. ¡°She must have realized her Spiritual Qi is depleting instead of increasing¡­¡± Chen Huai''an began searching the interface for any way to help her speed up cultivation. Her numerous injuries couldn¡¯t be ignored either¡ªthey¡¯d only worsen if left untreated. After rummaging through options, he finally found something useful in the formation section at the top-right corner of the screen. ¡¾Basic Spirit Gathering Formation: Unlockable for one hour by watching an ad.¡¿ ¡¾Intermediate Spirit Gathering Formation: Unlockable for 10 minutes by watching an ad.¡¿ ¡¾Advanced Spirit Gathering Formation: £¤188/hour (requires watching an ad). £¼Crazy Thursday Deal (Original Price £¤488/hour)£¾¡¿ Aside from Spirit Gathering Formations, there were numerous other formations, like Concealment Formation, Mystic Armor Formation, and the intimidating-sounding Immortal Execution Formation. Some required money, while others demanded rare conditions¡ªmost of which Chen Huai''an didn¡¯t understand. One of the top-tier formations, the ¡°Tenfold Bloodbane Heaven-Slaying Formation,¡± required 12 malevolent spirit artifacts of at least Spirit Weapon grade, along with a long list of complicated materials. Where would anyone find those? Buy them? Get them as game rewards? Or send Li Qingran on a scavenger hunt, like in some idle adventure game? ¡°Another ¡®deal¡¯? And on Crazy Thursday, no less?¡± Chen Huai''an gritted his teeth. If he waited until tomorrow, the Advanced Spirit Gathering Formation would revert to its original price. It¡¯d be a waste not to use the discount. Sighing deeply, he made his decision. ¡°Charge it!¡± With £¤1888 added to his account, Chen Huai''an slumped in his chair, an inexplicable emptiness washing over him. But the feeling passed quickly. He only had a few days left to live¡ªwhy not enjoy himself? For the next 10 hours, the Advanced Spirit Gathering Formation would remain active, just in time until midnight. But first, he had to watch an ad. ¡¾The Dao is ruthless, treating all things as straw dogs. For cultivators like us, walking against the heavens, how can we go without a good weapon? Treasure Pavilion¡¯s Spirit Weapons¡ªpremium brand of the cultivation world¡ªis now running a promotion! Click below to claim celestial subsidies and enjoy up to 25% discounts. When buying weapons, choose Treasure Pavilion!¡¿ Chen Huai''an: ¡°...¡± ... Inside the hut, Li Qingran sighed in frustration. Her cultivation base was destroyed, her foundation severely damaged, and her spiritual root gone. Even with perfect technique, cultivation was near impossible now. Her Spiritual Qi continued to drain away¡ªat best, her efforts were delaying the inevitable. She had been practicing Chixiao Peak¡¯s unique cultivation method, the Chiyun Technique, which was known for its speed. It was a low-tier Mystical-grade technique, a lower version of the superior-grade Chixiao Technique. If even the Chiyun Technique couldn¡¯t restore her Qi, her only hope was a Spirit Gathering Formation. She was skilled at setting up formations, having done it frequently for her fourth senior brother, Zhang Hanxiao, in exchange for half her monthly Spirit Stones. Over time, she became proficient. But Spirit Gathering Formations required significant resources: Basic Formation: 100 low-grade Spirit Stones. Intermediate Formation: 500 mid-grade Spirit Stones or 50 high-grade ones. Advanced Formation: Required Spirit Crystals, typically only used by sect elders or leaders. Now, she didn¡¯t even have Spirit Stone scraps, let alone Spirit Crystals. At that moment¡ª ¡°Thud¡ª!¡± Something fell to the ground. Li Qingran looked over and froze, her mouth forming an "O" of disbelief. On the ground were ten Spirit Crystals, translucent and cyan, each the size of a baby¡¯s fist, exuding an intense Spiritual Qi. She couldn¡¯t mistake them. Spirit Crystals that Daoist Qingxuan used sparingly were now casually tossed onto the ground! ¡°Senior, you¡¯re wasting such precious items!¡± Following the crystals, eight faintly glowing golden formation flags appeared. These were Immortal-grade flags, maximizing material efficiency without a shred of waste. The flags hovered as if guided by an invisible hand, arranging themselves around her. In moments, they formed an Advanced Spirit Gathering Formation. Buzz¡ª! As the formation activated, the Spiritual Qi within the crystals was drawn out, enveloping Li Qingran in a vortex. The Qi density increased rapidly, forming a fog, then condensing into liquid droplets that fell within the formation. Even without using the Chiyun Technique, the Qi rushed into her body. She had needed a Spirit Gathering Formation¡ªand the senior had given her the best. Li Qingran¡¯s eyes stung with tears. From shelter, to food, to Thunderfire Talismans, and now an Advanced Spirit Gathering Formation¡ªthe senior¡¯s generosity had far exceeded her worth. Was he grooming her for something sinister? Even if that were the case, the sheer value of what he¡¯d provided made no sense. This might truly be her fateful encounter. The senior could be an unfathomable wandering master, casually sowing karma. The only way she could repay him was to cultivate diligently and not waste his efforts. ¡°Senior, rest assured, Qingran won¡¯t let you down.¡± Wiping her tears, Li Qingran composed herself and resumed her meditation. Every second within the Advanced Spirit Gathering Formation was precious, and she wouldn¡¯t squander it. S~ea??h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. ... ¡¾Status: Cultivating¡¿ ¡¾Cultivation Progress: 41/99¡¿ ¡¾Current Favorability: 20 (Reverence) (Increasing favorability may trigger small gifts.)¡¿ ¡°Still feels a bit slow,¡± Chen Huai''an muttered, scratching his head. He stared at her progress for ten minutes, occasionally poking her shoulder to check. Finally, he consoled himself: at least her Qi wasn¡¯t depleting anymore. Satisfied that nothing unexpected would happen, he repositioned the Thunderfire Talisman from the roof to the door. Once everything was secure, he opened his computer. In the past, he didn¡¯t care about earning money¡ªwhat was the point when he was dying? But now, his perspective had shifted. For this game, for Li Qingran, for this spark of color in his otherwise bleak existence, he decided to start earning. As a terminal cancer patient, there was no better way to make money than by putting himself in the public eye. He¡¯d start live streaming. But first, he needed to prepare: A cancer diagnosis from the hospital. A shaved head to mimic the effects of chemotherapy. No makeup was required¡ªhis sickly pallor spoke for itself. As for the stream¡¯s theme? He already had an idea. ¡°Flipping off fate and mocking the Grim Reaper with a smile.¡± His first stream? Climbing Mount Tai on cancer-stricken legs. Chapter 6: What?! There’s a Monthly Pass Too?! Chapter 6: What?! There¡¯s a Monthly Pass Too?! At Qingyun Sect, Chixiao Peak, Mu Baishuang abruptly opened her eyes while cultivating, sensing something unusual. ¡°Strange, my senior sister¡¯s aura has stabilized?¡± She retrieved a tattered straw doll and two copper coins from her spatial ring, calculating for a long time without coming to any conclusion. By her plan, Li Qingran, burdened with internal and external injuries, a destroyed spiritual root, and fire poison, couldn¡¯t possibly survive half a month. The demonic beasts roaming Wanqing Mountain should have taken care of her. Any encounter with a beast of modest strength should have spelled her doom. Once Li Qingran was dead, Mu Baishuang could claim the Taiyin Dao Body for herself. ¡°So, where did it all go wrong?¡± Mu Baishuang frowned, her calculations only revealing that Li Qingran was still in the dilapidated hut, unmoving. That was the only consolation. ¡°Baishuang, are you in there?¡± A shrill voice called from outside her cave. Her brows furrowed deeper in disdain¡ªit was Zhang Hanxiao, the incessant chatterbox. This annoying man showed up at her cave a dozen times a day! If not for maintaining her ¡°sweet junior sister¡± persona and the valuable item he carried, she would have thrown him out long ago. A lazy dandy dreaming of becoming her Dao companion? What a joke! Still, Zhang Hanxiao had his uses. Mu Baishuang¡¯s eyes gleamed as she thought of a plan, quickly putting on her signature sweet smile. ¡°Hanxiao Brother~¡± Her syrupy tone nearly sent Zhang Hanxiao into a trance. ¡°What brings you here, Hanxiao Brother?¡± She stepped forward, tilting her head slightly, her plain white robes as pristine as snow, hands clasped demurely before her. Her dark hair swayed in the breeze, and her eyes glimmered with innocent charm, as pure as a budding white lotus. ¡°Ah, haha! No big deal.¡± Zhang Hanxiao¡¯s eyes fixated on her face as he nervously swallowed and awkwardly handed her something. ¡°Your Frostmoon Sword broke during your duel with Li Qingran half a month ago, right? I took on some missions outside the sect and bought you a better sword. It¡¯s called Autumn Radiance¡ªbetter than Frostmoon.¡± He was lying. This sword was actually a birthday gift from Li Qingran. While he had taken on numerous sect missions recently, he¡¯d also caused a lot of trouble. The money he earned barely covered his debts. In the past, Li Qingran would clean up his messes. Now, he had to fend for himself. But to win favor with Mu Baishuang, he needed a present, and this sword seemed like a good choice. Mu Baishuang glanced at the Autumn Radiance Sword in his hands. A mid-grade magical weapon, indeed superior to her Frostmoon Sword, which was merely a top-grade mortal weapon. For a Foundation Establishment cultivator, it was considered luxurious. Of course, Senior Brother Lu Changtian had already gifted her a top-grade magical weapon¡ªthe Wind Tapestry Sword. But who would complain about having too many weapons? Besides, magical weapons could serve as deadly trump cards if detonated in emergencies. ¡°Hanxiao Brother, isn¡¯t this your personal sword?¡± Mu Baishuang pouted, feigning concern. ¡°If you give it to me, what will you use?¡± ¡°Bah, with my strength, any sword will do!¡± Zhang Hanxiao waved her concern away. ¡°But you, Baishuang, need a reliable weapon for protection. It¡¯s settled¡ªno need to refuse!¡± Internally, Mu Baishuang rolled her eyes. ¡°Well, thank you, Hanxiao Brother~¡± Outwardly, she bowed gracefully, her face lighting up with joy as she accepted the sword. Drawing it slightly, the blade gleamed coldly in the light. Hugging the sword to her chest, she beamed. ¡°I love it! You¡¯re so thoughtful, Hanxiao Brother!¡± Watching her embrace the sword, Zhang Hanxiao wished he could replace it with himself. Seizing the moment, he added eagerly, ¡°Junior Sister, do you have time tonight? There¡¯s a great spot at the back of the mountain with dense Spiritual Qi. I¡¯ll take you there!¡± ¡°Oh, that won¡¯t be necessary.¡± Mu Baishuang smiled politely. ¡°Senior Brother Lu already set up a Spirit Gathering Formation for me.¡± ¡°Uh¡­¡± Zhang Hanxiao was dumbfounded. ¡°Oh, right, Hanxiao Brother,¡± Mu Baishuang stepped closer, gently wrapping her arms around his, her finger tracing his palm. ¡°There¡¯s an outer disciple named Song Jiaojiao¡ªI¡¯m good friends with her. Could you bring her here for me? You know I can¡¯t go to the outer sect¡­¡± With her soft embrace and intoxicating scent, Zhang Hanxiao¡¯s brain turned to mush. Somehow, he found himself standing outside her cave, under a willow tree. ¡°Totally worth it.¡± He savored the lingering warmth on his arm, grinning as he left. Outer disciples weren¡¯t allowed in the inner sect, and inner disciples couldn¡¯t bring them in. It was against sect rules. But who cared about rules? The junior sister¡¯s word was law! Back in her cave, Mu Baishuang leaned against the door, her hand instinctively brushing the burning snake-shaped mark on her lower back. Her face darkened, her eyes flashing with malice. S~ea??h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. ¡°Li Qingran, let¡¯s see if you can survive this time¡­¡± At midnight, Chen Huai''an was jolted awake by his alarm. Usually, his extreme physical weakness meant he was dead to the world by 8 or 9 p.m., no matter what. But today, he set his phone to vibrate and fell asleep with his face on it, determined to wake up. He wasn¡¯t disappointed. The Advanced Spirit Gathering Formation had finished its work, leaving the ten Spirit Crystals shattered and the formation flags dim. At the center of the formation, Li Qingran was glowing with vitality. Chen Huai''an gently tapped her forehead. ¡¾Status: Resting¡¿ ¡¾Cultivation Progress: 327/499 (Level 2)¡¿ ¡°Well, look at that! Qi Refinement Level 2 already, and almost Level 3! Worth every penny!¡± He grinned, feeling like a dad who had bought study materials only to see his child¡¯s grades skyrocket. Before he could bask in the moment, two pop-ups smacked him in the face: ¡¾Congratulations! Your virtual girlfriend ¡°Li Qingran¡± has broken through to Qi Refinement Level 2!¡¿ ¡¾ First-time monthly pass at an astounding discount! Purchase now for a free ¡°Transmission and Recovery¡± session! Only £¤1888 for benefits worth £¤18.88 million¡ªincluding daily spirit stone and pill supplies corresponding to her realm (exclusive to virtual girlfriend use).¡¿ ¡¾The Virtual Girlfriend Shop is now open! Purchase items tailored for Qi Refinement cultivators or try your luck in the ¡°Fortune Carp Pool ¨C Beginner¡± lottery (£¤100 per draw, 10-draws at 10% off, with a 0.001% chance of winning the grand prize, guaranteed rewards after 1,000 draws).¡¿ Chen Huai''an¡¯s smile froze. He stared at his phone in silence, his hand trembling slightly. He wanted to call the police! Chapter 7: Isnt This a Great Deal? Chapter 7: Isn''t This a Great Deal? ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ªGame Forum¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª Awakened Roast Goose: Have you guys heard of a game called ? The production is top-notch, character models are detailed, interaction is great, and even micro-expressions don¡¯t repeat. The only issue is... it¡¯s a bit of a cash grab. Egg Cracker for Love: Never heard of it. Uncle Shanghai: What is that? Does such a game really exist? Pink Ferrari Cow: OP, upload the installation package here. I want to give it a try. ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª But searching online yielded no results. The idea of sharing an installation package was absurd because Chen Huai''an had already discovered that this game didn¡¯t have one. Based on his experience, a game of this quality should at least be 10GB. However, before and after installation, his modest 64GB phone storage hadn¡¯t budged an inch. Not to mention, the smooth graphics and detailed visuals were not something his thousand-yuan phone¡ªalready struggling to run casual games¡ªshould be able to handle. The truth was obvious! Chen Huai''an adjusted his glasses. He guessed he¡¯d been targeted by a powerful hacker organization! This game was probably the work of that hacker group, and he was just their guinea pig! "Sigh¡­ But the game is really well-made," Chen Huai''an muttered as he stared at the screen. The character, Li Qingran, had finished meditating. Her external injuries were completely healed, and her remaining lifespan had increased from six hours to three years. At this moment, she was carefully packing up eight formation flags. He could even hear her mumbling softly: "That senior is so kind to me. The materials on these formation flags could even be used to make a protective charm. If I ever get the chance to meet him again, I should gift it to him." Then she shook her head vigorously. "But¡­ someone as important as Senior would probably find such a gift laughable." Chen Huai''an chuckled. If this charm ever found its way to him¡ªeven if he knew it was officially scripted into the game¡ªit would still be a massive emotional win. Should he try using a transmission talisman to tell her he liked it? But seeing the talisman back to its original steep price in the Virtual Girlfriend Shop, he silently gave up. It didn¡¯t matter anyway. This was just a game. S§×ar?h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The newly unlocked Qi Refinement Stage Virtual Girlfriend Shop offered a variety of items, but the prices and quality were staggering. Low-grade spirit stone: £¤50 eachCommon-grade Thunderfire Talisman: £¤576 eachTransmission Talisman: £¤300 eachLow-grade Mortal Weapon (Sword): £¤998 eachMid-grade Mortal Weapon (Sword): £¤4,998 eachHigh-grade Mortal Weapon (Sword): £¤9,998 each The Thunderfire Talisman annoyed him the most. The discounted version was celestial-grade, but the one for purchase was common-grade. The gap was undoubtedly massive. And the weapons? Even worse. Mortal weapons were the lowest grade. Above them were magic weapons, spirit artifacts, innate spirit treasures, and celestial weapons. He couldn¡¯t even imagine the astronomical prices for higher-level items. "The developers must be crazy for money! Who would buy a £¤9,998 sword?!" Chen Huai''an sneered. Spending on anything else was borderline acceptable, but if he ever bought a weapon from this shop, he¡¯d write his name backward! While he was mulling over this, the in-game Li Qingran suddenly frowned, blood trickling from the corner of her mouth. After briefly stabilizing her turbulent Qi, she sighed in despair. "Thanks to Senior¡¯s help, my spiritual energy hasn¡¯t deteriorated further. But with my dantian shattered, foundation gone, and no spiritual root, expelling the fire poison in my body is as difficult as ascending to the heavens. My cultivation speed will only worsen¡­" Her situation had two potential solutions: Return to the Qingyun Sect and ask for an elixir.Explore the nearby Wanqing Mountain for healing spiritual herbs. The former was nearly impossible since she was no longer a Qingyun Sect disciple and didn¡¯t want to burden her acquaintances there. The latter was dangerous but more appealing to her. Previously, her frail body left her waiting to die in her hut. Now, even if she encountered that demonic wolf again, she could put up some resistance. Her voice was faint, but Chen Huai''an could hear everything, even her inner monologue. "Return to Qingyun Sect? Explore Wanqing Mountain?!" Without hesitation, Chen Huai''an opened the top-up interface. The character was spitting blood¡ªwhat was he waiting for? Even though he knew this was the game¡¯s money-grabbing strategy, he couldn¡¯t control his hands. He purchased a monthly pass immediately. "If I don¡¯t buy it this month, it¡¯ll be more expensive next month. I can only comfort myself this way," he rationalized. [Monthly Pass Purchased Successfully! Transmission and Recovery Granted Once!] [Elixir and Spirit Stone Supplies Delivered!] Two pouches suddenly descended onto the table with a soft thud, startling Li Qingran. "What¡¯s this¡­" Li Qingran curiously poked one of the bulging pouches, sensing the spiritual energy emanating from within. She raised her head toward the ceiling, cupping her hands in gratitude. "Dare I ask if these pouches were dropped by Senior?" Silence. She wasn¡¯t surprised by the lack of response. Over time, she¡¯d grown used to her silent benefactor. These pouches were undoubtedly his gifts. Having already accepted his previous help, she didn¡¯t hesitate to open the first pouch. With a soft rustle, a pile of spirit stones spilled out. Li Qingran was stunned. She counted them¡ª50 low-grade spirit stones in total. At the Qingyun Sect, an inner disciple in the Qi Refinement Stage received 30 to 40 low-grade spirit stones per month. Foundation Establishment disciples received 60 to 100. Spirit stones were not only currency but also vital for absorbing spiritual energy, arranging formations, and refining weapons. These 50 stones were extremely valuable. What she didn¡¯t know was that this was her daily allocation. "Thank you, Senior, for these spirit stones," Li Qingran expressed her gratitude solemnly. While 50 spirit stones might be trivial to a Nascent Soul or Fusion Realm expert, the gratitude and etiquette were non-negotiable. Hearing her words, Chen Huai''an couldn¡¯t help but smirk. He instinctively wanted to stroke his nonexistent beard. Sure, the monthly pass was pricey, but wasn¡¯t this haul a bargain? Li Qingran then opened the second pouch, which contained a red brocade box. As soon as she held it, a medicinal fragrance wafted out. "What a pure medicinal aroma!" Over the years, she¡¯d managed spiritual herbs for her senior brother and occasionally served as a test subject for pills. She¡¯d seen her fair share of elixirs from Qi Refinement to Foundation Establishment. Her senior brother, a talented alchemist, created pills so high-quality that even the Elders praised him. Yet even his pills couldn¡¯t compare to this fragrance, always carrying a trace of impurities. Opening the box, she found a translucent red pill gleaming like ruby, free of any blemishes. "Great Restoration Pill, celestial-grade!" Li Qingran gasped, covering her mouth in astonishment. The talismans were celestial-grade, and now the elixirs too? This benefactor must be a genius skilled in every craft! The Great Restoration Pill was a common healing elixir for cultivators from Qi Refinement to Golden Core stages. A supreme-grade pill could detoxify poisons, so a celestial-grade pill would undoubtedly eradicate her fire poison. Both the spirit stones and the pill were exactly what she needed, as if tailored for her. Warmth filled her heart. The only time she¡¯d experienced such care was from her parents. "Regardless of whether Senior likes it, I must prepare a gift for him!" Li Qingran resolved firmly. Meanwhile, Chen Huai''an received another in-game prompt. [Li Qingran is about to begin healing. Would you like to use your ''Transmission and Recovery'' chance to personally assist her in healing? (Enhanced Effect)] "Wait¡­ personally?" Chen Huai''an squinted, sensing there was more to this. Chapter 8: Insufficient Affection, No Peeking Chapter 8: Insufficient Affection, No Peeking ¡°Does this mean what I think it means?¡± Curious but apprehensive, Chen Huai¡¯an chose to use the option. ¡°Ah, Senior is going to personally heal me?¡± He saw Li Qingran freeze, her delicate face turning beet red. The young woman quickly waved her hands. ¡°Li Qingran is unworthy of such attention! I can handle it myself¡­¡± Four dialogue options popped up: £¼Hurry it up; I¡¯m busy!£¾ £¼You dare defy me, girl? Tired of living? Mwahaha!£¾ £¼Hmph, ungrateful wretch! Consider this an honor!£¾ £¼Spend £¤300 to purchase a Transmission Talisman for custom dialogue.£¾ Chen Huai¡¯an: ¡°¡­¡± He felt like the game developers were practically reaching into his bank account at this point. Spending £¤300 here would truly be insanity. After weighing his choices, he selected the first option. It was the only one that seemed halfway normal, even if a bit domineering. After making his selection, he didn¡¯t hear his voice, but Li Qingran seemed to react. Her eyes showed fear before she took a half-step back, lowering her head like a scolded child. She nervously fiddled with her clothes and mumbled softly: ¡°Very well¡­ but my body is filthy. May I wash up first before Senior bestows this healing upon me?¡± Although cultivators normally wouldn¡¯t have bodily odors, Li Qingran had been through a rough half-month. Her disheveled hair and mud-streaked clothes bore dried bloodstains. Letting her benefactor heal her in such a state was beyond her tolerance. She perked up her ears, awaiting his response. Four new options appeared: £¼No need to wash; I like it raw! Mwahaha!£¾£¼Fine, go ahead. I¡¯ll wait.£¾£¼Stop babbling and take off your top now!£¾£¼Spend £¤300 to purchase a Transmission Talisman for custom dialogue.£¾ Well¡­ Options one and four were immediately off the table. Chen Huai¡¯an hesitated between the second and third options. If he chose the third, would Li Qingran actually take her top off? It looked like she was only wearing one layer. If he chose the second, she would go to bathe. Would he be able to watch? No wonder this game required players to be 18 or older. There might actually be unspeakable VIP content. But was Chen Huai¡¯an the kind of person who would exploit this? He played this game and spent money on it because Li Qingran, despite being a mere collection of data, gave him emotional solace. She was the last ray of light in his despair-ridden life. sea??h th§× N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Besides, Li Qingran already looked beautiful as she was. Washing up would only enhance her beauty. He definitely wasn¡¯t interested in sneaking a peek at the bathroom. Option two it was. The in-game Li Qingran blushed and nodded. ¡°Th-Then I¡¯ll go now¡­¡± The bathroom, previously absent, appeared nearby. She had already checked it out during her earlier exploration of the house and found it fully equipped with washing supplies. As someone who valued cleanliness, she had long wished to freshen up but had never felt at ease until now. Standing in front of the bronze mirror, she stared at her reflection. As she began to untie her clothes, her fingers froze at her chest, and a deep blush spread from her cheeks to her ears. She bit her lip and lowered her gaze, thinking: Senior possesses divine abilities. He foresaw the demonic wolf¡¯s attack, sent spirit stones and elixirs when I was bleeding. This proves that he can see everything about me. So¡­ if I bathe here, won¡¯t it also be under his watchful gaze? ¡°No, no way! Senior wouldn¡¯t do such a thing!¡± She shook her head vigorously. Her cheeks burned with shame at the mere thought. If Senior wanted to take advantage of her, he wouldn¡¯t have waited until now. Besides, Senior was likely a revered elder, possibly hundreds of years old. Just because his voice sounded youthful didn¡¯t mean he was young in age. An elder like him wouldn¡¯t be interested in someone like her. With that reasoning, her embarrassment and hesitation eased considerably. Her clothes slid from her shoulders, and as her inner garments loosened, a perfectly proportioned, alluring figure was revealed... Meanwhile. Chen Huai¡¯an¡¯s bloodshot eyes remained glued to his phone screen, his finger hovering over the bathroom interface, unsure of what to do. He had already tested earlier¡ªhe could freely switch between rooms with a simple tap. ¡°Chen Huai¡¯an, don¡¯t become someone even you despise!¡± ¡°But it¡¯s just a game! Food and lust are human nature!¡± ¡°You¡¯re a cancer patient. You shouldn¡¯t even have these urges!¡± ¡°Why not? Can¡¯t a patient have desires?¡± ... ¡°I¡¯m just worried about her safety. What if she slips in the bathroom? What if a demonic shark or octopus suddenly appears?¡± With his moral dilemma resolved, he tapped the bathroom interface. [Insufficient affection level. Peeking unavailable.] Chen Huai¡¯an breathed a sigh of relief, his anxiety dissipating. But it sparked a new thought. ¡°So you¡¯re saying I peek if the affection level was high enough?¡± ¡°Hah, as if I even want to look!¡± Scoffing, he opened a random website to distract himself. Halfway through browsing, an in-game notification popped up. [Li Qingran has finished bathing.] ¡°So fast? Don¡¯t girls usually take over half an hour?¡± Chen Huai¡¯an silently put away the tissues he had pulled out and refocused on the screen. After a brief pause, the bathroom door opened slightly, releasing a faint mist. Then, it fully opened, and Li Qingran emerged with bare shoulders wrapped in a simple white towel. Chen Huai¡¯an¡¯s attention was immediately drawn to her long, fair legs. Zooming in, he could even see water droplets sliding down her skin. ¡°Wow¡­ Small dev teams and their insane skills! Hats off to the hackers!¡± But then he frowned. ¡°Wait, is she not going to put on clean clothes?¡± The scene shifted to Li Qingran kneeling on the bed, her flawless back facing the camera. ¡°Senior, I¡¯m ready¡­¡± In Li Qingran¡¯s mind, Senior was a kind but stern elderly figure, so her embarrassment wasn¡¯t overwhelming. After consuming the Great Restoration Pill, she loosened her robe, letting it fall along her waistline. The moment her back was exposed, her ears turned crimson. For the Transmission and Recovery, direct contact was necessary, especially on the back, abdomen, and chest. Her body was riddled with fire poison and impurities, which would be expelled during the process. The heat from the fire poison could easily ignite her clothes, so exposing her back was the safest choice. Better to reveal her back than risk being completely burned, right? Chen Huai¡¯an stared at her bare back, utterly dumbfounded. The game¡¯s perspective zoomed in, showcasing her back from the nape of her neck to just above her hips. He could even make out faint blood vessels under her fair skin. ¡°Really? They¡¯re testing old cadres with this?¡± He grumbled, but he had to admit¡ªthe view was breathtaking. The curves were impeccable. But what was he supposed to do next? Before he could dwell on it, golden acupuncture points appeared on Li Qingran¡¯s back. [Place your left hand on the ¡®Mingmen¡¯ point and your right hand on the ¡®Qihai Shu¡¯ point to begin the healing process.] Chapter 9: Divining the Heavens Chapter 9: Divining the Heavens ¡°Oh, so that¡¯s what ¡®personally¡¯ means.¡± Without feeling particularly surprised or disappointed, Chen Huai¡¯an reached out and pressed the designated points on the screen. ¡°Mm¡­¡± A soft, suppressed hum echoed from the game. Chen Huai¡¯an: ¡°¡­¡± Well, small dev teams really go all out. He liked small dev teams. The infusion of Spiritual Qi seemed painful. Li Qingran let out muffled groans, sweat dripping down her forehead, running along her cheeks and neck. Her skin began to glisten with fine beads of moisture. As the progress bar for the healing moved slowly forward, black impurities gradually appeared amidst the water droplets on her skin. ¡°This visual design is breathtaking.¡± In his opinion, spending money on a game wasn¡¯t just about how fun it was¡ªit had to feel worthwhile. Some games had limited content, barely two hours of playtime, but charged hundreds of yuan, practically robbing players blind. But was different. He had a feeling this game could last him a lifetime. As the healing progressed, a series of satisfying notifications appeared: [Li Qingran¡¯s meridians repaired. Status: ¡®Foundation Damaged¡¯ removed.] [Li Qingran¡¯s internal injuries healed. Status: ¡®Moderate Internal Injuries¡¯ removed.] [Detoxification initiated. Please press ¡®Yaoyangguan¡¯ and massage ¡®Shenshu¡¯ in circular motions to continue the healing process.] Following the instructions, Chen Huai¡¯an adjusted his focus to two new acupoints. The moment he touched them, Li Qingran let out a soft cry. ¡°Tch, must hurt quite a bit,¡± he thought silently. Her skin turned a vivid red¡ªnot the kind from soaking in hot water, but like a freshly boiled shrimp. She was clearly in pain, biting her lip to suppress any sounds. Or so he thought. In reality, Li Qingran felt an incredible warmth from the two glowing hands on her back. While the fire poison being expelled from her body caused a crawling, tingling sensation throughout her limbs, she bit her lip not from pain but to avoid making any indecent sounds that might offend her benefactor. To distract herself, she glanced at the bronze mirror hanging by her bedside. The mirror revealed part of her back. She had hoped to see a wise, white-haired elder but found only two hands formed of condensed Spiritual Qi. One pressed firmly on an acupoint while the other traced soothing circles, exuding a steady and calming force. Unable to see her benefactor¡¯s true appearance, she felt a twinge of disappointment. At the same time, relief and guilt welled up inside her. Senior wasn¡¯t the type to take advantage of others. Even during the healing process, he didn¡¯t touch her skin directly¡ªhis conduct was that of an absolute gentleman. Her earlier suspicions of him being anything less seemed utterly disgraceful now. [Li Qingran¡¯s fire poison expelled. Status: ¡®Fire Poison Corrosion¡¯ removed.] When the progress bar reached completion, Li Qingran¡¯s skin returned to normal. From Chen Huai¡¯an¡¯s perspective, her skin, though still marked with impurities, looked significantly smoother and even glossier, like a polished boiled egg. ¡°Thank you, Senior, for healing me. I feel much better now.¡± Li Qingran¡¯s soft gratitude came as she nervously gripped the edges of her towel. Her ears were flushed red, and even the nape of her neck seemed affected. ¡°May I ask Senior a question?¡± Her voice trembled slightly, as though summoning courage to speak. £¼Sure.£¾ £¼No.£¾ £¼Guess.£¾ £¼Spend £¤300 to purchase a Transmission Talisman for custom dialogue.£¾ This time, Chen Huai¡¯an didn¡¯t hesitate and chose the first option. With his permission, Li Qingran¡¯s tone brightened noticeably. ¡°Senior, you¡¯ve helped me so much. May I know your name? Of course, if you¡¯d rather not share, I won¡¯t press further.¡± A prompt appeared: [Please enter your name: _______] Goodness. Chen Huai¡¯an smirked bitterly. He¡¯d already spent thousands and played half the day, and now they finally let him create a character name? So, without spending money, even naming your character was off-limits? This game truly had a high entry barrier. After a moment¡¯s thought, he entered the simplest name he could think of: Chen Huai¡¯an. If he were to pass away someday, at least this game would still carry his name¡ªa faint trace of his existence. ¡°Huai¡¯an, the steadfast sword driving away the eternal night; the serene zither soothing the cold dawn. Huai¡¯an¡­ Senior¡¯s name will forever be etched in Qingran¡¯s memory.¡± Li Qingran glanced back with a gentle smile. Her delicate features softened, her dark hair cascading like a waterfall over her shoulder. Outside, the night was dark as ink, rain pouring relentlessly. But within, she felt no chill¡ªonly a tender warmth blooming in her chest. Chen Huai¡¯an froze as he stared at her smile. For a fleeting moment, it felt as though the phone screen had vanished, and there truly was a girl smiling at him. ¡°Small dev teams always go way too hard,¡± he muttered, shaking his head to dispel the unrealistic thoughts creeping into his mind. ¡°Senior, my body¡¯s now covered in impurities. I¡¯ll need to wash again.¡± This time, no dialogue options appeared. Li Qingran wrapped her towel more securely, bowed gracefully to the ceiling, and carried a fresh set of clothes into the bathroom. Left staring at her empty room, Chen Huai¡¯an zoned out for a while. He realized he was losing it¡ªfeeling genuine affection for a game character. ¡°By the way, her injuries are healed, but her spiritual root and dantian issues are still unresolved, right?¡± He rummaged through the game¡¯s interface and found a help center. [First question each day is free. Additional questions require £¤100 per query, with the price multiplying by five for each subsequent query.] ¡°What¡¯s the point of making games? Just rob banks already!¡± Despite his annoyance, he wasn¡¯t one to waste free perks. He¡¯d exploit this daily freebie until the day he died. ¡°How can Li Qingran¡¯s dantian and spiritual root be repaired?¡± [You can only ask about one issue.] Chen Huai¡¯an: ¡°¡­¡± Between the two, the dantian seemed more critical¡ªit was the container for all energy. ¡°Then how do I fix her dantian?¡± [Calculating Heavenly Divination¡­] ¡°Heavenly Divination? Really playing up the mysticism, huh?¡± Chen Huai¡¯an snickered. Unbeknownst to him, in the Cangyun Realm, the heavens shifted violently. Stars misaligned, tides surged, the earth quaked, and subterranean dragons stirred. Across countless sects, ancient cultivators turned their attention toward the phenomenon. ¡°Who dares to divine the heavens?!¡± ¡°With Spiritual Qi growing scarcer in the Cangyun Realm, could this signify someone foretelling its future?¡± ¡°Stay out of it! Such powers are beyond our reach. Retreat to closed-door cultivation!¡± ¡­ [Heavenly Divination complete!] [To repair Li Qingran¡¯s dantian, an ancient divine elixir¡ªthe Primordial Heaven-Mending Pill¡ªis required. Though lost to history, this pill can not only repair a severely damaged dantian but also enhance its quality and capacity for Spiritual Qi.] [The Fortune Carp Pool has captured a sliver of this destiny. Drawing a Fortune Carp will allow you to exchange it for the Celestial-Grade Primordial Heaven-Mending Pill.] Chen Huai¡¯an: ¡°¡­¡± A ¡°sliver of destiny,¡± my foot. It¡¯s just a scam to push gacha mechanics! A thousand draws cost £¤100,000. Sure, there was a minuscule chance to get it outright, but what¡¯s the difference between 0.001% and zero? If he were lucky, he wouldn¡¯t have gotten cancer in the first place. ¡°First thing tomorrow, I¡¯m registering this account and heading to the hospital for certification. Then, no hesitation¡ªstraight to livestreaming at Taishan!¡± Chen Huai¡¯an scratched his head. S§×ar?h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. He¡¯d planned to wait a few days before heading to Taishan, but now he couldn¡¯t delay. Li Qingran¡¯s dantian had to be repaired. He, Chen Huai¡¯an, said so! Chapter 10: Your Virtual Girlfriends Small Gift Has Arrived Chapter 10: Your Virtual Girlfriend''s Small Gift Has Arrived Night¡ª The rain gradually stopped. Li Qingran gazed nervously at the protective talisman in her hand, preparing to complete the final three steps. Step one: Recharge the talisman with Spiritual Qi. She wasn¡¯t sure how much Spiritual Qi was needed to create the talisman using the leftover materials from the immortal-grade formation flags. What she did know was that she had to exhaust all 50 low-grade spirit stones and completely drain her own Spiritual Qi just to fill the talisman enough to activate it. S~ea??h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Rubbing her pale face, she took a deep breath. ¡°Next is step two!¡± Carve a name! The creator of the talisman must use their own blood as ink to inscribe the name of the person to be protected. This was supposed to be the easiest step, yet Li Qingran found herself more anxious than ever. ¡°Write it nicely, write it nicely, you must write it nicely¡­¡± She muttered to herself, finally inscribing the characters ¡°Chen Huai¡¯an¡± onto the talisman. When she finished, her expression was more pitiful than a crying face. ¡°Oh no, this looks absolutely ridiculous¡­¡± The characters on the talisman were so jagged and crooked they resembled chicken scratch. Li Qingran had a natural flaw¡ªher handwriting was atrocious. It wasn¡¯t due to any lack of refinement or civility; before joining the Qingyun Sect, she was the daughter of a military general. Her parents had insisted she learn proper lady-like skills, but she showed no interest, devoting all her attention to horseback riding, spear techniques, archery, and warfare tactics instead. Back then, when her parents forced her to practice writing, she cried. On the battlefield, wielding spears and leading charges, neat handwriting wasn¡¯t a requirement. Now, though, she regretted it deeply. If she could go back, she¡¯d absolutely take her parents¡¯ advice and practice her penmanship diligently. ¡°Father said gifts are about the sincerity behind them,¡± she mumbled, pumping her fist to encourage herself as she moved on to the final step¡ªGift of Fortune. As the name implied, it involved transferring one¡¯s fortune to another. The world''s fortunes formed a natural balance; to give was to diminish one¡¯s own. Fortunately, with the talisman as a medium, the transfer was only temporary. However, the giver would inevitably experience misfortune for a while due to their diminished fortune. Li Qingran didn¡¯t mind. Regardless of whether her senior needed this modest fortune or not, she only wished for him to remain safe and sound. After sealing her fortune into the talisman with a secret technique, her complexion visibly worsened. Yet, her smile was brighter than ever. ¡°I¡¯ll just leave this talisman on the table.¡± Facing the ceiling, Li Qingran knelt and bowed, whether or not her senior could hear her. She believed he could. ¡°Senior, this junior has been greatly cared for by you. My injuries have healed, and I find myself at a loss for how to repay you. So, I¡¯ve crafted this protective talisman as a token of my gratitude. It¡¯s a small gift, but it carries my heartfelt sincerity¡­ I hope you won¡¯t dislike it.¡± After her speech, she lowered her head, though her eyes nervously glanced upward to check the talisman on the table. One second. Two seconds. Three seconds. Whoosh! The talisman vanished. Her senior had accepted her gift! Li Qingran¡¯s heart leapt with joy, and an uncontrollable smile spread across her face. ¡°Thank you, Senior, for not minding my foolishness, hehe.¡± Exhausted from her injuries and the all-night effort, she stumbled back to her bed. It had been half a month since she last slept on such a soft mattress, and the moment her head hit the pillow, sleep claimed her. Before drifting off, she stared at the ceiling and murmured groggily, ¡°Goodnight, Senior¡­¡± Meanwhile... ¡°Song Jiaojiao, you¡¯ve made considerable progress lately¡ªalready at the ninth level of Qi Refinement? Good. I have something for you to do.¡± ¡°What is it?¡± ¡°Kill Li Qingran for me!¡± ¡°What?! Kill Li Qingran? You¡­ you¡¯re still hung up on that?¡± ¡°Hmph. So what if I am? Li Qingran¡¯s reputation in the sect is already ruined. Her death won¡¯t matter. She deserves it! Besides, if you handle it cleanly, her death can easily be blamed on the beasts in Wanqing Mountain. Be good~ If you do this well, I¡¯ll get you a Foundation Establishment Pill.¡± ¡°A Foun¡­ Foundation Establishment Pill? Alright, deal! Just wait for my good news!¡± The Next Morning Before dawn, Chen Huai¡¯an booted up Virtual Girlfriend. ¡¾Remaining lifespan: 131 days.¡¿ ¡°Ridiculous!¡± What kind of game starts by predicting your death? Sure, he had a terminal illness, but was it necessary for a game to rub it in? Then he figured the countdown must refer to his in-game character¡ªthe ¡°senior.¡± He¡¯d probably die in 131 days unless the game provided a way to resolve it. ¡°Tch, they¡¯ll probably make me buy my way out by then. I see through your monetization scheme!¡± Chen Huai¡¯an sneered. A new notification popped up. ¡¾Due to your Heavenly Divination, you¡¯ve incurred backlash from the Dao and lost fortune.¡¿ ¡¾Today¡¯s Divination: Li Hexagram¡ªMinor Blessing¡ªAuspicious for marriage, inauspicious for mountain climbing.¡¿ ¡¾Tomorrow¡¯s Divination: Zhen Hexagram¡ªMisfortune¡ªAuspicious for cleaning, inauspicious for mountain climbing.¡¿ ¡°Oh, so now they¡¯re giving me warnings?¡± Chen Huai¡¯an scoffed. ¡°I¡¯ve got one foot in the grave already¡ªwhat¡¯s the worst that could happen?¡± Out of curiosity, he looked up the Zhen Hexagram. It predicted thunderclaps and was associated with the feet. When paired with misfortune, it warned against travel. Misfortune wasn¡¯t as severe as great misfortune but still hinted at injury or loss. ¡°So, if I climb a mountain, I¡¯ll get struck by lightning? Ridiculous.¡± He checked the weather forecast. Clear skies and temperatures above 30¡ãC¡ªno rain in sight. Closing the notifications, he focused on Li Qingran¡¯s serene sleeping face. Li Qingran was still sound asleep, having barely moved all night. Her complexion didn¡¯t look great, though. Last night, Chen Huai¡¯an had gone to bed after reading about the mountain. He hadn¡¯t paid much attention to her condition, but he recalled she¡¯d been meditating as usual. The girl worked tirelessly, like a perpetual motion machine. He tapped her profile and noticed a new debuff: Lost Fortune. ¡°Strange¡­ Could my Heavenly Divination have affected her?¡± He pondered the possibility. Status: Sleeping. Current Affection Level: 25 (Reverence). Affection Level 25 has unlocked a small gift. Your Virtual Girlfriend ¡®Li Qingran¡¯ has prepared a small gift for you. It has been delivered. ¡°A gift system? Classic,¡± Chen Huai¡¯an muttered, stroking his chin. He searched for the gift in his inventory but found nothing. No in-game mail system either. The game didn¡¯t even offer welcome bonuses¡ªit was aggressively pay-to-win. ¡°Maybe it hasn¡¯t refreshed yet,¡± he guessed. At that moment, a knock came at the door. Perplexed, Chen Huai¡¯an opened it, only to find no one there. As he was about to close the door, he noticed a palm-sized package on the ground. ¡°Huh? I didn¡¯t order anything. And who delivers packages at 5 a.m.?¡± He picked it up. The label bore no courier company logo or tracking number¡ªjust a line of neat characters:
  • ¡ªFor Senior Chen. Chapter 11: It Smells Like Li Qingran! Chapter 11: It Smells Like Li Qingran! ¡°Huh?¡± Chen Huai¡¯an was utterly stunned. Wait a second¡ªdid it really get delivered? Is this how far these indie developers are willing to go? And this game¡­ it had to be the work of hackers, right? It cracked his reality wide open! A normal person¡¯s first reaction to something like this would be fear. But Chen Huai¡¯an wasn¡¯t afraid. His life was already in shambles; at worst, he¡¯d just drop dead. What was there to fear? ¡°Hey! You¡¯re probably hiding in the hallway, right? Come out and talk! This game of yours is way too pay-to-win. Can¡¯t you make it more affordable? I really don¡¯t have much money!¡± He yelled into the pitch-black corridor. His voice echoed, bouncing down the stairwell, but no one replied. ¡°Well, fine. Stay hidden then,¡± Chen Huai¡¯an muttered, shutting the door with a loud He knew these hackers wouldn¡¯t show themselves; his shouting was just to test the waters. ¡°Let¡¯s see what this is about.¡± He sat on the sofa and began unboxing the package. Curiosity gnawed at him. If these people went so far as to recreate the in-game items and deliver them to his door, then they clearly cared deeply about the game. This meant the gift¡¯s quality had to be top-notch, right? Inside the box was a small, square pouch resembling a scented sachet. The craftsmanship was exquisite. But as Chen Huai¡¯an turned it over, his lips twitched involuntarily. On the sachet were three traditional Chinese characters¡ª"Chen Huai¡¯an"¡ªwritten vertically. Beneath them were smaller characters: ¡°Safe and Sound.¡± Clearly, it was a protective talisman. But the handwriting¡­ Chen Huai¡¯an couldn¡¯t help but compare it to his elementary school days, when even his six-year-old self had better penmanship. The crooked, shaky characters resembled something a dog might scratch out. The sachet¡¯s elegance plummeted the moment he saw them. ¡°What¡¯s inside this thing?¡± He tried to open the pouch, but the material was sturdier than expected¡ªit wouldn¡¯t tear. So, to get a sense of its contents, he brought it up to his nose and sniffed. That sniff changed everything. A faint, elegant fragrance rushed straight into his nostrils. It wasn¡¯t sweet or cloying¡ªsubtle and serene, entirely unassuming. It was like a quiet girl silently conveying her longing. He couldn¡¯t pinpoint the scent, but Li Qingran¡¯s image immediately sprang to mind. It gave him the illusion that this was her scent! ¡°Wh-what?!¡± Chen Huai¡¯an was shocked. How could a game achieve this level of realism? He¡¯d heard of games where female characters gifted ¡°authentic¡± items, like stockings with their ¡°scent.¡± His college roommate had received such a thing once. But those always smelled like cheap perfume¡ªtacky and artificial, stirring no connection whatsoever. This talisman was completely different. No matter how he sniffed it¡ªlying down, sitting upright, or even while viewing his favorite teacher¡¯s profile¡ªit still brought Li Qingran to mind. ¡°Incredible!¡± Chen Huai¡¯an slapped his thigh. Why waste this technology on a game¡¯s monetization schemes? If they marketed a perfume brand with this kind of innovation, they¡¯d be raking in billions! In the end, Chen Huai¡¯an decided to wear the talisman. Why? Because it truly felt like it was made by Li Qingran herself! By mid-morning, Chen Huai¡¯an had his affairs in order. He stopped by a shop near the hospital to shave his head bald. He uploaded his cancer diagnosis to his livestream account¡¯s profile, recorded a motivational vlog with the help of his doctor, and reluctantly spent 1,000 yuan on advertising. For lunch, he had three liang of dry noodles at a local diner. By afternoon, he was on a plane to Mount Tais. His livestream profile exuded boldness and a dash of melodrama: "Youth has no price; life is lived only once. My name is Chen Huai¡¯an, and I¡¯ve been diagnosed with terminal cancer. In my remaining days, I will defy fate, mock death, and push my physical limits to make my life burn as brightly as possible. Today¡¯s challenge: Climb Mount Tais in five hours!" By the time he reached the base of Mount Tais, it was already 7 p.m. His plan was to begin the climb at midnight. Reaching the summit around dawn, he¡¯d witness the sunrise and fulfill one of his small dreams. S~ea??h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. As for how much money he might earn, he wasn¡¯t sure. Terminal cancer patients climbing Mount Tais wasn¡¯t exactly common, and on top of that, his legs were genuinely in terrible shape. His ankles were swollen to the point where even wearing shoes was painful. In this condition, walking was agony¡ªlet alone climbing a mountain. He found a bench at the mountain¡¯s base and lay down for three hours to conserve energy. At 10 p.m., feeling rested, Chen Huai¡¯an pulled out his phone again. First, he opened the game to check on Li Qingran. The girl was already awake, meditating on her bed. On the table next to her were some cleaned plates and a basket of fruit, barely touched. These were all things he¡¯d ¡°fed¡± her earlier in the game. Such a hardworking girl. Just looking at her brought Chen Huai¡¯an a sense of calm. He took a deep breath, his lips curling into a faint smile, and opened his livestream account. His vlog had already gained attention over the past half-day, and over a hundred people had set reminders for tonight¡¯s livestream. The numbers were nothing compared to professional outdoor streamers, but for Chen Huai¡¯an, it was a promising start. "The hardest part is always the beginning." Chat comments: "Streamer, how can you prove you¡¯re terminally ill? You¡¯re not just trying to scam people for sympathy donations, are you?""Climbing Mount Tais with terminal cancer? And in five hours? You said you have bone cancer, right? At least make your lies logical.""Haha, this is so fake!" As expected, the initial chat was full of doubt and mockery. Chen Huai¡¯an didn¡¯t respond immediately. Instead, he silently invested in another wave of livestream promotions. When his viewer count hit several hundred, he finally spoke: ¡°Hello, everyone. My name is Chen Huai¡¯an. As a terminal cancer patient, I will climb Mount Tais in five hours, livestreaming the entire journey unedited. ¡°My profile contains my diagnosis, payment receipts, and medical records. If you suspect forgery, you can request verification from the relevant hospital¡ªI welcome any scrutiny!¡± With that, he flipped the camera to show his legs. Pulling up his pant legs and removing his shoes and socks, he revealed his swollen ankles, mottled with burn-like marks. Rolling the pants higher, he showed how the swelling extended up to his knees. ¡°As you can see, my body is in poor condition. Every step I take causes immense pain and places a heavy burden on me.¡± Switching the camera back, Chen Huai¡¯an rubbed his bald head and gave a carefree smile. ¡°But I will prove myself. I will trample this disease beneath my feet, mock fate¡¯s impotence, and flip off the Grim Reaper. When the sun rises, I¡¯ll share that moment of triumph with all of you watching!¡± The combination of meticulously prepared medical documentation, his scarred legs, his glaringly bald head, and his relaxed, confident smile¡­ It silenced the livestream chat completely. Chapter 12: We’re Here to Expose You (Single Female Lead Armor Stacking) Chapter 12: We¡¯re Here to Expose You (Single Female Lead Armor Stacking) ¡¾Oh my god, this is so touching! I actually doubted the streamer was just out to scam money...¡¿ ¡¾So inspiring! I¡¯m such an idiot for doubting him!¡¿ ¡¾Streamer, stop climbing. I¡¯m sending you gifts!¡¿ Chen Huai¡¯an¡¯s heartfelt words shifted the atmosphere in the livestream chat. Though doubts lingered, some began to believe in him, while others announced their intention to personally verify his claims by coming to Mount Tais. ¡°To the friend planning to expose me on Mount Tais, you¡¯re welcome to set out now. I¡¯ll start climbing at exactly noon and won¡¯t be going anywhere else before then.¡± This statement provoked another wave of reactions in the chat. ¡°Climbing Mount Tais with terminal bone cancer? What a joke!¡± In front of his computer, a young man, seething from a losing streak in an online game, was livid. ¡°Might as well settle this since I¡¯m too pissed to sleep tonight!¡± He left a message in the chat: ¡°I¡¯m an hour¡¯s drive from Mount Tais. Hang tight, everyone¡ªI¡¯ll go expose this guy!¡± Grabbing his keys, he stormed out the door. The internet was full of scammers, multiplying like cockroaches. Exposing one barely scratched the surface. If he couldn¡¯t catch online cheaters in the act, surely he could handle a live-streaming sob story. Chen Huai¡¯an had seen these messages and welcomed the challenge. The more people who came, the better. Not only could he prove he truly had cancer, but it would also boost his livestream¡¯s popularity. If his numbers caught the attention of high-tier accounts, his chances of earning money would skyrocket. ¡°Don¡¯t forget to follow, everyone. I don¡¯t have much time left. Right now, I¡¯m racing against the clock. After this climb, I plan to try more extreme sports¡ªlike skydiving or bungee jumping¡­¡± His words once again ignited the chat, drawing both ridicule and encouragement. By noon, all eyes were on whether Chen Huai¡¯an truly had cancer and whether he could reach the summit of Mount Tais within five hours. If he didn¡¯t, the audience could count on the so-called exposers to deliver the truth¡ªand enjoy the spectacle regardless. As noon approached, Chen Huai¡¯an rechecked his gear. To attempt the climb with terminal cancer, he needed to travel light. Initially, he planned to bring two power banks but decided to take only one to reduce weight, slinging it over his shoulder. His phone battery, already unreliable, had dropped to 27% after just two hours of streaming. With the power bank, he hoped to last until the descent. ¡°Are you Chen Huai¡¯an?¡± A voice called out behind him. Turning, Chen Huai¡¯an saw a young man, two middle-aged men, and a punk-style girl. ¡°Are you from the livestream chat?¡± ¡°That¡¯s right. We¡¯re here to expose you,¡± Zhang Rui replied coldly, smirking. On the way to Mount Tais, Zhang Rui had coordinated with several other chat members intending to confront Chen Huai¡¯an. To ensure he couldn¡¯t flee, they gathered at the entrance before approaching him, effectively blocking any escape route. ¡°Nice to meet you all.¡± Chen Huai¡¯an greeted them with a smile. ¡°I thought this would be a solo journey, but it¡¯s even better to have company.¡± Zhang Rui ignored the pleasantries, pointing at Chen Huai¡¯an¡¯s leg. ¡°That lump on your leg¡ªit¡¯s fake, right? Pull up your pants and let us see!¡± Unfazed, Chen Huai¡¯an rolled up his pants. Zhang Rui and the others shone their flashlights on his leg. The punk girl reached out and pressed on the lump, only to gasp and cover her mouth. ¡°Oh my god, it¡¯s a real subcutaneous tumor... How is he even walking?¡± Was this guy for real? Zhang Rui felt his confidence waver. Looking away, he muttered, ¡°A tumor doesn¡¯t prove it¡¯s bone cancer...¡± ¡°This is osteosarcoma,¡± Chen Huai¡¯an said with a calm smile. ¡°You can look up information online and compare it to mine... Anyway, it¡¯s time for me to start climbing.¡± Zhang Rui opened his mouth as if to say something, but Chen Huai¡¯an had already hoisted his livestream setup and begun the climb. ¡°You¡¯re being a bit much!¡± The punk girl, Su Xiaoqian, shot Zhang Rui a glare. ¡°Regardless of whether it¡¯s osteosarcoma, his leg is clearly in bad shape. Considering all the evidence, the chances he¡¯s lying are slim. Show some compassion!¡± ¡°She¡¯s right, young man,¡± one of the middle-aged men agreed. ¡°My father died of cancer¡ªosteosarcoma, in fact. I can tell whether this is real or not. The fact that this kid is climbing Mount Tais instead of lying in a hospital bed speaks volumes.¡± ¡°Exactly,¡± the other man added. ¡°Bone cancer can cause spontaneous fractures. He shouldn¡¯t even be doing high-intensity activities like this. For him to take on such a challenge shows incredible courage and determination.¡± Ashamed, Zhang Rui scratched his neck and fell silent. The group quickly caught up to Chen Huai¡¯an. ¡°Streamer, that setup looks heavy. Want me to carry it for you?¡± Su Xiaoqian offered, feeling guilty. Chen Huai¡¯an shook his head. ¡°No need. Carrying it myself makes it easier to adjust the camera angle, and holding the rig is part of my commitment to my audience.¡± ¡°You¡¯re amazing!¡± one of the middle-aged men exclaimed, giving him a thumbs-up. ¡°Unbelievable!¡± Encouragement poured in from the group. Even Zhang Rui chimed in. ¡°Hey, man, sorry for earlier. I lost some games and wasn¡¯t in the best state of mind. I said some things I shouldn¡¯t have.¡± ¡°It¡¯s fine. I understand people¡¯s concerns. Money doesn¡¯t come easy for anyone,¡± Chen Huai¡¯an replied without looking back. S§×arch* The N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. ¡°How about I send you a gift to make it up to you?¡± Zhang Rui offered. Chen Huai¡¯an immediately turned and flashed a friendly smile. ¡°What kind of gift?¡± ¡°Uh... A big rocket¡ª2000 yuan each.¡± ¡°Great! Thanks¡ªyou¡¯re a good guy.¡± Zhang Rui: ¡°...¡± It was clear to him now¡ªthis streamer was genuinely sick, but he was also genuinely out to make money. Still, Zhang Rui couldn¡¯t blame him. If he was battling cancer, it made sense to earn what he could for treatment. Zhang Rui¡¯s financial situation wasn¡¯t bad, so he decided to send the gift. Opening the livestream, he first followed Chen Huai¡¯an and then sent ten big rockets. ¡¾Whoa, what a boss move!¡¿ ¡¾Isn¡¯t this the guy who came to expose him? Looks like he¡¯s convinced now.¡¿ ¡¾Front-row seats for a real-time investigation!¡¿ ¡¾Poor streamer. Let¡¯s support him, even if he doesn¡¯t make it to the top.¡¿ The ten rockets sparked a chain reaction of gift-giving, drawing more viewers to the livestream. ¡°Thanks for the ten rockets, boss!¡± Chen Huai¡¯an, thrilled, panned the camera to show Zhang Rui, who blushed and dodged the frame. After the platform¡¯s cut, those ten rockets would net him 10,000 yuan. This was his ¡°Fortune Carp¡± streak paying off¡ª100 spins in one go. The internet truly was a lucrative space. As the gift count climbed, so did the pain in Chen Huai¡¯an¡¯s legs. Each step sent waves of agony through him. Sweat drenched his protective talisman, its faint fragrance growing stronger. In his mind, the image of Li Qingran¡¯s smiling face surfaced. What was that girl doing now? Chapter 13: Frenzied Beast Incense Chapter 13: Frenzied Beast Incense ¡°What¡¯s senior doing right now?¡± Li Qingran propped her cheeks on her hands, gazing at the ceiling. She had a feeling that Chen Huai¡¯an was too busy to pay attention to her at the moment. ¡°Someone as extraordinary as Senior must be fighting for the cultivators of the entire Cangyun Realm. Maybe he¡¯s out slaying some great demonic beast¡­¡± Her imagination took off, conjuring the image of a silver-haired elder with an immortal aura, riding his flying sword as he gracefully cut down a demon. The thought brought a silly smile to her face. If only¡­ If only Senior were her master, how amazing would that be? S~ea??h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. ¡°No, Li Qingran, don¡¯t overstep!¡± She gave herself a light slap on the head as a reminder. Earlier today, Senior had provided her with twelve Spirit Crystals, sustaining an Advanced Spirit Gathering Formation for six hours. That brute-force enhancement had even pushed her cultivation base to the fifth layer of the Qi Refinement Stage. Thanks to her meridians and internal injuries gradually healing, the leakage of Spiritual Qi from her dantian had slowed considerably. But ultimately, her dantian was broken¡ªa basin with a hole, unable to hold Qi for long. ¡°I have to figure out a way to fix my dantian and spiritual root,¡± Li Qingran mused. She couldn¡¯t rely on Senior for everything. If Senior was willing to help, it was out of his generosity, but she couldn¡¯t take the initiative to ask. She already had a plan in mind. The Qingyun Sect was unreliable. She needed to seek out another sect, even a smaller one. These smaller sects often had rare ancient texts. If she was lucky, she might find a way to repair her dantian and spiritual root. If all else failed, she could leave the world of cultivation altogether, retreat to a serene place, and slowly gather intelligence about her enemies. Or perhaps she could return to the Southern Dynasty and serve as a general. As for seeking revenge against her senior brothers¡­ Li Qingran hadn¡¯t even considered it. She hadn¡¯t been their match before, and her chances were even slimmer now. It was cowardly and humiliating, but survival in the cultivation world was harsh by nature. She had already lost the will to live before. Now, she just wanted to stay alive a little longer¡ªto live until Senior was no longer busy and might see her again. Even if it was just to hear him say one word to her. She really wanted to thank him in person. ¡°Something¡¯s wrong! Wasn¡¯t Li Qingran thrown into a thatched hut?¡± Song Jiaojiao stood at the foot of the mountain, frowning at the stone house. Her cultivator¡¯s eyesight was excellent, and it was clear that the stone dwelling was newly built. This meant someone had been helping Li Qingran. But who? Could it be one of the personal disciples from Chixiao Peak? It wasn¡¯t impossible¡­ Although Mu Baishuang had claimed those disciples hated Li Qingran to the core, perhaps they still had lingering affection and had decided to help her out? If that were the case, killing Li Qingran would put her at odds with them. But she couldn¡¯t give up the Foundation Establishment Pill. After weighing her options, Song Jiaojiao decided to test the waters first¡ªto see if those personal disciples had left any protective measures around Li Qingran¡¯s residence. She retrieved a half-meter-long red incense stick from her storage ring. This was the ¡°Frenzied Beast Incense.¡± Its aroma had a wide spread and was nearly undetectable to cultivators but could attract beasts with a keen sense of smell. Normally, it was used during beast hunts, but in certain circumstances, it was also a deadly weapon. Her original plan was to storm the hut, kill Li Qingran, and feed her corpse to the beasts in the mountains. But now, the plan had to change. She couldn¡¯t risk approaching, so she would use the incense to incite beasts to do the job. Even though a beast rampage might attract the sect¡¯s attention, it was worth the risk. ¡°Li Qingran, when a wall collapses, everyone gives it a push. Don¡¯t blame me for this.¡± Song Jiaojiao lit the red incense and flicked her fingers. The incense flew through the air and lodged in a tree near the stone house. After setting up a formation to conceal her aura, she retreated to a safe distance. When the beasts arrived, some were bound to be ferocious. The formation was her safety net. All she had to do now was wait and watch. The beasts would need time to pick up the scent and gather. Inside the stone house, the sleeping girl was completely unaware of the approaching danger. At five in the morning, the horizon began to brighten faintly. Chen Huai¡¯an was close to the summit. But he was in a terrible state. The wind was strong and the temperature low near the peak. Many tourists, sweating heavily at the halfway point, found themselves shivering as they neared the summit. They either quickened their pace to warm up or stopped by a mountainside restaurant for some hot porridge. Chen Huai¡¯an, however, was different. His face was pale, his entire body soaked in sweat. Every step was shaky, and sweat dripped from the hem of his soaked shirt. This was pain. He had only eaten two pieces of bread along the way, drinking water constantly to sustain himself. Though his pace was unsteady, his steps were resolute. His back was straight, his gaze calm, fixed firmly ahead. The light in his eyes made him look like a pilgrim. ¡°Dude, let me carry you! Don¡¯t climb anymore!¡± Zhang Rui¡¯s voice cracked as he held back tears. Tonight¡¯s events would stay with him for life. He had watched, step by agonizing step, as a man with legs riddled with osteosarcoma endured excruciating pain to climb the endless stone stairs. Even the two middle-aged men and the punk girl, Su Xiaoqian, were gasping for breath. Zhang Rui, who worked out regularly, had the stamina, but the mental pressure weighed heavily on him. Every time he saw sweat dripping from Chen Huai¡¯an¡¯s soaked shirt, it was like a blow to his heart. Chen Huai¡¯an had never once complained. He had faced their hostility with tolerance and peace. Behind Chen Huai¡¯an, it wasn¡¯t just the four livestream followers. A growing number of tourists, initially planning to turn back, had joined after hearing his story. The group swelled into a massive procession, a winding dragon on the stone steps. ¡°Almost there.¡± Chen Huai¡¯an looked up at the summit and smiled. He had to make it. An hour earlier, a viewer with a Level 57 account had promised to send 66 ¡°Drum and Gong City¡± gifts¡ªeach worth 2,888 yuan¡ªif he reached the summit by sunrise. After platform cuts, it would net him 95,000 yuan. With additional donations from tourists, tonight¡¯s earnings could reach 120,000 yuan. Of course, there was always the chance the viewer was bluffing. But Chen Huai¡¯an didn¡¯t care. He would have climbed regardless of gifts. It wasn¡¯t just about money. He wanted to push his limits in the time he had left¡ªto see how much light he could still bring to the world. But just 98 steps from the summit, a sudden, intense pain shot through his right leg. His balance faltered, and he fell to his knees on the stone steps. Su Xiaoqian instinctively looked at his leg, her face paling as she clamped her hands over her mouth. ¡°Ah! His leg¡­ his leg!¡± Gritting his teeth, Chen Huai¡¯an looked down. His right leg, from the ankle to the knee, was grotesquely twisted out of shape. He had fractured it. Chapter 14: A Mirage? Chapter 14: A Mirage? Pathological fractures are a common symptom among bone cancer patients. The destruction of bone tissue by cancer cells makes the bones soft and brittle, prone to breaking. It was only a matter of time before this happened to Chen Huai¡¯an. Pain had become so constant for him that it felt almost numb now. The physical torment was still bearable; the emotional pain hardly registered anymore. Nothing could compare to the grief of watching his parents perish in a fire years ago. So, amidst the concerned glances and murmured questions of nearby tourists, Chen Huai¡¯an calmly adjusted his camera and said to Zhang Rui, who was helping him up, ¡°Bro, do me a favor¡ªopen my backpack.¡± ¡°Dude, forget the backpack! Call an ambulance already! Your leg¡¯s broken!¡± Zhang Rui was dumbfounded by how detached Chen Huai¡¯an seemed, as though the twisted leg weren¡¯t even his. ¡°Call all you want; the ambulance can¡¯t drive up here. Just open my bag¡ªI¡¯ve got my own plan.¡± Skeptical but unwilling to argue, Zhang Rui opened the bag and handed it to Chen Huai¡¯an. From it, Chen Huai¡¯an pulled out a folded crutch. Zhang Rui: ¡°...¡± The tourists: ¡°???¡± Wait a minute, bro¡ªis this your big plan? They¡¯d expected at least some painkillers, maybe something miraculous, not... this. ¡°Alright, let¡¯s keep going!¡± Chen Huai¡¯an expertly unfolded the crutch and supported himself. Bone cancer patients were prone to fractures, so he¡¯d gotten used to walking with a crutch beforehand to avoid being caught off guard when it finally happened. And now it had. In a way, it felt like kissing fate on the lips. In the livestream, viewers were silently liking and sending gifts. Some begged him to head back down, while others, having abandoned their doubts about his illness, focused only on whether this relentless man could complete his journey. That bent leg symbolized the oppression of fate and the mockery of death, while the crutch in his hand was a bold middle finger to both. He wasn¡¯t just climbing to the top; he was defying fate, even with his broken leg. The tourists watched in awe as he struggled upward. In their hearts, they believed this young man must have an extraordinary purpose. ¡°Let¡¯s go! Just a few more steps to the 90,000 yuan sponsorship! I¡¯m gonna draw 1,000 spins from the Fortune Carp Pool!¡± Chen Huai¡¯an gritted his teeth, his face contorted with pain as he eyed the diminishing steps. ¡°Primordial Heaven-Mending Pill! Hahaha! A mere Heaven-Mending Pill!!¡± To the tourists, his grimace only deepened their respect. Finally, atop Mount Tais, Chen Huai¡¯an¡¯s trembling leg landed on the last step. A faint beam of light pierced through the thick clouds and stretched across the dim horizon, brushing against his head. Flocks of birds flew through the golden rays, and distant bells echoed among the mountains. In the next moment, the sun burst forth from the horizon, its light spilling across the sky and illuminating the world. Chen Huai¡¯an stared, his heart trembling, and the tourists around him fell silent, captivated by the sight of the golden-lit peaks. Suddenly¡ª ¡°Bow¡ª!!¡± A resonant cry rang out from nowhere. The sunlight began to ripple as if the sky itself were water disturbed by a stone. In the shimmering waves of light, a procession of ancient ceremonial figures appeared. At the forefront stood a majestic figure dressed in a black dragon robe, with a jade crown and a sword at his side. Behind him followed civil officials holding jade tablets, military officers in dark armor, and attendants carrying ceremonial items. They walked on clouds, the ground beneath them appearing as paved tiles, as they ascended toward the peak of Mount Tais. ¡°What the hell is that?¡± sea??h th§× n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. ¡°A mirage?¡± ¡°Is this a movie set?¡± The tourists were dumbstruck, their curiosity allowing for brief discussion. But in the next moment, the procession leaped across miles and appeared directly before them. Silence fell. The oppressive atmosphere rendered everyone motionless, their voices stilled by an invisible force. Chen Huai¡¯an stood frozen, watching as the emperor strode toward him. He couldn¡¯t see the man¡¯s face clearly; his eyes felt veiled by an inexplicable blur. The procession passed through the crowd like smoke and mist, untouchable and ethereal, as if it belonged to another realm. Chen Huai¡¯an assumed it was a vision from another time, a scene untouched by the present. Until the emperor paused before him. Just as the figure was about to pass through him, the emperor slightly inclined his head, lowering his gaze to meet Chen Huai¡¯an¡¯s. Golden vertical pupils locked onto his, piercing and full of scrutiny. Chen Huai¡¯an¡¯s scalp tingled. He swore the emperor was looking directly at him¡ªnot a coincidence, but a deliberate gaze. In that moment, he could feel the weight of judgment in the emperor¡¯s eyes. And then, as quickly as it began, the moment ended. The emperor passed through him, and the entire procession faded into the mist at the mountain¡¯s peak. The ¡°mirage¡± atop Mount Tais became an internet sensation, shooting to the top of trending topics. Experts speculated that it was the ceremonial procession of the First Emperor of Qin during his ritual ascension at Mount Tais. Why such a distant historical event would manifest in the present was unclear. While experts insisted on a scientific explanation, they hadn¡¯t yet concocted one. Chen Huai¡¯an wasn¡¯t bothered by the online frenzy, nor was he concerned about the emperor¡¯s gaze. As a steadfast materialist, if someone told him his house had a ghost, his response would be to head to the store and buy a box of Okamoto 001 condoms¡ªnot for anything else, just to support biodiversity. Meanwhile, the Level 57 viewer kept his word. Sixty-six "Drum and Gong City" gifts arrived, totaling nearly 95,000 yuan after platform cuts. The viewer even thanked Chen Huai¡¯an for the once-in-a-lifetime spectacle, promising to support his future endeavors. Chen Huai¡¯an couldn¡¯t be happier. He loved this kind of genuine fan. The livestream ended as his phone battery died. After a quick goodbye, he prepared to descend the mountain. ¡°Bro, how are you planning to get down? Cable car or sedan chair?¡± Zhang Rui asked, utterly impressed by Chen Huai¡¯an. ¡°Cable car, of course,¡± Chen Huai¡¯an replied. It was faster and cheaper, leaving him more time to recharge and check in on his virtual girlfriend. With 120,000 yuan in the bank, Chen Huai¡¯an considered his options. Was it worth throwing money at treatments like chemotherapy, with a low survival rate even after amputation? Or should he simply enjoy the time he had left? As he pondered, Zhang Rui and the others helped him to the crowded cable car station. Just as Chen Huai¡¯an was about to board, his talisman¡¯s string inexplicably snapped, and it fell to the ground. Bending down to pick it up, he moved slowly, prompting irritated, insulting remarks from the tattooed men already in the cable car. Suddenly¡ª The ground beneath Mount Tais shook violently. Chen Huai¡¯an lost his balance, tumbling down to the ticket hall as chaos erupted. ¡°Look out!¡± Screams echoed as debris rained down, accompanied by the shattering of glass and the earth-shaking sound of falling rocks. Chapter 15: If There’s a Next Life? Chapter 15: If There¡¯s a Next Life? An earthquake struck Mount Tais, triggering a rockslide. A massive boulder crashed in front of the cable car ticket office, flattening a cable car about to descend. Fortunately, the cableway itself was unharmed; otherwise, every tourist on it would have faced disaster. What shocked people even more was that the seven individuals killed in that cable car were drug traffickers¡ªkey players from both the buyer and seller sides of a major deal. In fact, these seven were the masterminds of two large drug organizations, with countless lives already on their hands. Many people speculated that this was the work of the Mountain God of Mount Tais. Others connected this sudden event to the mirage of the Fengchan ceremony that had recently appeared. ... This was all something Chen Huai¡¯an learned later. The first thing he did after descending the mountain wasn¡¯t calling an ambulance¡ªit was finding a small convenience store to borrow a power bank. As he charged his phone, he nonchalantly opened the ¡°Virtual Girlfriend¡± game and sat down on a chair, looking entirely unconcerned. Next to him, Zhang Rui was anxiously calling emergency services. Zhang Rui felt that Chen Huai¡¯an¡¯s fractured bones were partially his fault. If he hadn¡¯t made such cruel remarks earlier, maybe Chen Huai¡¯an wouldn¡¯t have insisted on climbing Mount Tais. ¡°I need to check what my virtual girlfriend is up to.¡± As soon as the game loaded, Chen Huai¡¯an was bombarded with notifications: [You have 130 days of lifespan remaining.] [Your virtual girlfriend ¡®Li Qingran¡¯ has been attacked by a small beast tide!] [Your virtual girlfriend ¡®Li Qingran¡¯ is fighting fiercely¡­] [Your virtual girlfriend ¡®Li Qingran¡¯ has been injured.] [Your virtual girlfriend ¡®Li Qingran¡¯ is severely wounded!] What the heck?! Chen Huai¡¯an¡¯s heart clenched. How did she get hurt after just a short mountain hike? Why would there be a beast tide in the middle of the night? Even if it aligned with the nocturnal habits of demonic beasts, this was still just a game¡ªdidn¡¯t the characters ever sleep? He quickly dismissed all the pop-ups, only to see a heartbreaking scene unfold. The house was nearly in ruins from the demonic beasts¡¯ onslaught. Li Qingran was surrounded by their corpses, kneeling amidst a pool of blood. Her head hung low, her black hair concealing her face. She held a broken sword in her hand, and though she was wearing a brand-new outfit he had gotten from a ¡°top-up bonus,¡± the once-elegant garment was now riddled with claw marks. Beneath the tattered fabric, her wounds were gruesome and bloody. [Your virtual girlfriend ¡®Li Qingran¡¯ is in critical condition!] ¡°So close¡­ but I still couldn¡¯t¡­ meet Senior¡­ one last time¡­¡± Li Qingran felt herself nearing death. She barely raised her head to look through the hole in the ceiling at the sky beyond. Her pale, haggard face was devoid of color, and her once-bright eyes grew dimmer by the second, her vision fading into gray. Nineteen years in this world, all filled with bitterness. Her father had died on the battlefield, and her mother had been poisoned by assassins from an enemy nation. She had hoped that joining the Qingyun Sect would give her a chance to avenge her parents, only to find herself jumping from one quagmire into another. The cultivation world¡¯s rigid rules forbade interference in mortal affairs. Yet these rules only served as chains to bind ordinary cultivators. Determined to rise above those rules, she had poured her heart and soul into cultivating, striving to one day bring peace to her parents'' restless spirits. Now, however, she had been expelled from her sect, her dantian and spiritual root destroyed, leaving her in utter despair. A sparrow flew across the hole in the ceiling, catching a glimmer of light in her dull eyes. In just two short days, every moment spent with ¡°Senior¡± played vividly in her mind. Even though he had never physically appeared, he had shown her an unselfish kindness and warmth. ¡°In this life¡­ Qingran has no strength left to repay Senior¡¯s kindness¡­ ...¡± She hunched over, coughing blood mixed with tears. The crimson liquid trickled down the corner of her mouth, drop by drop. ¡°If there¡¯s a next life¡­¡± A demonic beast, sensing her vulnerability, leapt forward to tear her apart. At that moment, countless streaks of lightning descended from the heavens. Boom! Boom! Boom! The blinding bolts of thunder annihilated everything, turning the surroundings of the house into a blazing white inferno. Song Jiaojiao, hiding within a concealed formation nearby, stared at the scene in utter shock. What had she just witnessed? A barrage of Thunderfire Talismans falling from the sky, raining destruction upon the demonic beasts! Whose talismans were those? Li Qingran¡¯s? Even the cheapest Thunderfire Talisman cost 500 low-grade spirit stones apiece, and this assault had consumed tens of thousands of them. The only explanation was that someone behind Li Qingran had intervened. But who could it be? Staring at the thunderstorm engulfing the area, Song Jiaojiao turned pale. The relentless assault continued. Dozens¡ªno, hundreds¡ªof Thunderfire Talismans rained down like worthless scraps, obliterating every demonic beast within and around the house. Not even their corpses remained; all were incinerated to ash. When the lightning finally ceased, the house was intact, but the surrounding area was scarred with countless craters from the strikes. Inside, Li Qingran lay unconscious in a pool of blood. Surrounding flames were blocked by a golden shield that encased her. ¡°Th-this place is dangerous!¡± Song Jiaojiao felt an ominous chill in her heart. Suddenly, a Thunderfire Talisman appeared above her. The glowing talisman radiated golden light, its silver-stroked characters exuding an oppressive majesty. ¡°An immortal-grade talisman?!¡± Her eyes widened in disbelief. An immortal-grade Thunderfire Talisman, targeting her¡ªa mere Qi Refining cultivator? There was no need to wonder how she¡¯d been discovered. To someone who could casually toss out talismans like trash, her concealment formation was a child¡¯s toy. ¡°Hah¡­ haha¡­¡± She let out a bitter laugh. The next second¡ª Boom! A lightning bolt as thick as a barrel struck, obliterating her formation and reducing her to nothingness. ... Seeing all the red markers vanish from the map, Chen Huai¡¯an finally relaxed a little. Not even breaking his bones or dodging falling rocks on Mount Tais had made him this tense. ¡°D*** it, can¡¯t this game give a warning for enemy attacks? Leave for a moment, and the base gets ambushed?¡± He¡¯d just rolled the Fortune Carp Pool 500 times. The prizes were either spirit stones, Thunderfire Talismans, or Transmission Talismans. Spirit stones weren¡¯t ideal, but Thunderfire and Transmission Talismans were worth the investment. Among them, several premium and top-grade talismans had been drawn, and even two immortal-grade ones. Just now, he had used one of the immortal-grade talismans to kill the sneaky mini-boss hiding nearby. Oh, and he had also pulled a top-grade artifact, the Silken String Sword. sea??h th§× ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Top-grade artifacts were invaluable, likely weapons commonly used by Foundation Establishment cultivators. But now wasn¡¯t the time to calculate profits. With a grave expression, Chen Huai¡¯an tapped on Li Qingran¡¯s character: [Status: Severely injured, critical condition.] [Cultivation Progress: 1456/4999 (Fifth Layer)] [Remaining Lifespan: Minutes.] [Favorability: 35 (Admiration)] ¡°Hm¡­ for injuries this severe, the correct course of action is to administer medicine.¡± Chen Huai¡¯an opened her storage ring and dragged a top-tier Immortal-Grade Great Recovery Pill from his monthly subscription reward to her mouth. However, a notification popped up: [Your virtual girlfriend ¡®Li Qingran¡¯ is in critical condition and unable to ingest the pill. Administration failed!] The game¡¯s adherence to realism and logic was almost too impressive. Chen Huai¡¯an muttered to himself: ¡°Did the developers aim to qualify this game for the civil service exam or what?!¡± Chapter 16: The Urge to Prick Something Chapter 16: The Urge to Prick Something Finding that the expensive item couldn¡¯t be used, Chen Huai¡¯an decided to contact customer service. Instead, he used the day¡¯s free Heavenly Divination. ¡°How can I heal Li Qingran¡¯s injuries?¡± [Performing Heavenly Divination for you...] Boom! The skies over the Cangyun Realm churned. Numerous sect elders and Nascent Soul Old Monsters were startled awake from meditation. ¡°Good heavens! Who is attempting Heavenly Divination again? It¡¯s only been two days!¡± ¡°Could it be some grandmaster skilled in divination? Perhaps the Patriarch of Anci Chant Hall?¡± ¡°Alas, the Spiritual Qi in the Cangyun Realm is dwindling by the day. These powerful figures must be growing desperate. Let us focus on our own closed-door cultivation and strive to break through our bottlenecks¡­¡± ¡°Evacuate! Evacuate! If they uncover the secrets of our demonic sect, it could ruin our plans!¡± ¡­ [Heavenly Divination Complete: You may use either "Transmission and Recovery" or "Golden Needle Acupuncture" to heal Li Qingran. The former offers moderate effects, restoring 30% of her injuries, while the latter provides powerful healing, fully recovering all current injuries except for her dantian and spiritual root damage.] [The Virtual Girlfriend Shop has captured a trace of Heavenly Insight. Would you like to purchase the lost skill "Golden Needle Acupuncture" for £¤9,998? Once purchased, this skill will become a permanent feature and can be upgraded. Each use will only require purchasing needle consumables.] Chen Huai¡¯an: ¡°...¡± He was losing his mind. The in-game shop was now capturing Heavenly Insights. What was next¡ªtracking Heavenly Insights in toilets and bathtubs? And £¤9,998 for a single skill? Fine, but having to pay for upgrades and needle consumables too? Did this game even consider players as human beings?! But when Chen Huai¡¯an glanced at the blood-soaked Li Qingran, he couldn¡¯t help but think of his late parents. Though his family hadn¡¯t been wealthy, his parents had always tried to give him the best. For the first time, he could somewhat empathize with their sacrifices. ¡°Top up!¡± [Congratulations on obtaining the lost skill: Golden Needle Acupuncture.] [Technique Activated: Flowing Cloud Hands.] [Technique Activated: Spring Revival Acupuncture lv1.] [Consumable Needed: Special Silver Needles, 64 units, totaling £¤640. Please top up to purchase.] Chen Huai¡¯an clenched his fists, gritting his teeth. ¡°You think I¡¯m not paying, huh?¡± [Please top up.] ¡°Fine, fine, just take my money!¡± As shameless as the game was, he couldn¡¯t abandon Li Qingran. Another £¤640 vanished from his account. With the skill unlocked and materials purchased, he asked, ¡°What¡¯s next?¡± [Please undress Li Qingran for treatment.] Chen Huai¡¯an froze, typing a slow ¡°???¡± into the chat box. Finally, it¡¯s happening! Wait¡ªno. Now wasn¡¯t the time for such thoughts! Saving her life was the priority! ¡°Who called 120? Who needs treatment?!¡± Paramedics rushed over as the ambulance arrived. Zhang Rui pointed to Chen Huai¡¯an, who was focused on his phone with an intense glow in his eyes. ¡°Him.¡± ¡°What¡¯s wrong with him?¡± The paramedic, at a glance, couldn¡¯t see any apparent injuries. ¡°He¡¯s in the late stages of bone cancer, with osteosarcoma. His leg is fractured from climbing Mount Tais.¡± Late-stage bone cancer and a fractured leg from climbing Mount Tais? The paramedic¡¯s eye twitched. Was this even coherent? Skeptical, he assumed Zhang Rui was joking. After all, the young man seemed engrossed in his phone, showing no signs of pain. Shouldn¡¯t someone with a broken leg be clutching it in agony, pale and wailing? And late-stage cancer? Was this guy one of the Eighteen Copper Men of Shaolin, immune to pain? Still, to err on the side of caution, the paramedic examined Chen Huai¡¯an¡¯s leg. Pulling up the pant leg, his expression immediately darkened. ¡°Quick! Get a stretcher down here!¡± The young man¡¯s leg was indeed fractured, with visible subcutaneous cysts¡ªthe hallmark of osteosarcoma. His shin was severely deformed, the fractured area swollen with a large purplish-red lump full of clotted blood. If left untreated, his leg would be beyond saving. Then again, with the tumors so advanced, the leg might already be beyond saving... sea??h th§× Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The paramedics carried Chen Huai¡¯an onto the stretcher, stunned by his calm demeanor. It was their first time encountering such a composed patient. ¡°Dude, why are you still playing on your phone?!¡± Zhang Rui couldn¡¯t believe it. What kind of game was so engrossing? From his angle, Chen Huai¡¯an¡¯s screen was completely black. Was he hallucinating? As the ambulance drove away, Zhang Rui returned the borrowed power bank to the store, his thoughts growing darker. Could Chen Huai¡¯an have a mental illness? It would explain his insensitivity to pain and apparent indifference to death. Realizing he had been rude to someone with terminal cancer and possible mental issues, Zhang Rui slapped himself. ¡°I¡¯m such an a**hole¡­¡± ¡­ In the ambulance, two nurses watched Chen Huai¡¯an, still intensely tapping on his phone. His screen was pitch black, and yet he seemed completely engrossed. In Chen Huai¡¯an¡¯s perspective, he was focused on treating Li Qingran using Golden Needle Acupuncture. Her clothing had been loosened¡ªpurely for treatment purposes, of course! He held the phone close to his face, not for any ulterior motives but to avoid awkwardness. Besides, seeing her body covered in countless wounds left no room for improper thoughts. The game¡¯s interface displayed a floating acupuncture map over her body, with bright points marking the necessary needle placements. Even private areas were obscured by the overlay. He barely noticed any details beyond the flashing points¡ªhe was too busy keeping up with the frantic rhythm, which felt like an S-tier Dance Dance Revolution challenge. A nurse waved a hand in front of his face, frustrated by his lack of response. ¡°Sir, the doctor is speaking to you!¡± Chen Huai¡¯an tilted his head to dodge her hand without looking up. ¡°Sorry, I¡¯m busy. Please wait a moment.¡± The doctor sighed, sharing a glance with the nurse. Quietly, he said, ¡°Prepare his admission paperwork. I¡¯ll fetch Dr. Wu from psychiatry.¡± The medical team had just left when Chen Huai¡¯an completed the procedure. With the final needle twist, streaks of azure energy surged from the 64 silver needles. Li Qingran¡¯s bleeding wounds instantly closed, her injuries healing rapidly without a scar left behind. [Grind the Immortal-Grade Great Recovery Pill into powder and sprinkle it over the wounds.] Following the on-screen prompts, Chen Huai¡¯an used a virtual mill to grind the pill into fine powder, applying it meticulously. Li Qingran¡¯s wounds regenerated at an astonishing speed, returning her body to flawless health. ¡°Finally done!¡± Chen Huai¡¯an exhaled in relief. Li Qingran¡¯s status now read as stable, though she remained unconscious. But now¡­ Chen Huai¡¯an swallowed. It was time to... [Battery Low] Just as he prepared to admire Li Qingran¡¯s beauty, his phone died. No way! He stared at the blank screen in disbelief, frozen for half a minute before clenching his teeth. Where was that power bank from Mount Tais?! It was only then that he noticed something off¡ªhe wasn¡¯t at the mountain anymore. Looking around in confusion, he realized he was in a hospital. ¡°When did I get here? Did I teleport?¡± ¡°Kid, keep it down! I¡¯m trying to sleep¡­¡± a dry, elderly voice croaked from the next bed. Turning his head, Chen Huai¡¯an saw an old man with a bandaged leg, dark circles under his eyes from what was likely a sleepless, pain-filled night. Chen quickly quieted down. However, his gaze soon fell on a set of silver needles on the old man¡¯s bedside table. He flexed his fingers, itching with anticipation. That small, thrilling sensation... He just wanted to prick something. Chapter 17: Could Chen Huai’an Be a Genius?! Chapter 17: Could Chen Huai¡¯an Be a Genius?! That¡¯s right, this intense feeling wasn¡¯t an illusion. It even made Chen Huai¡¯an unable to control his sinful hands. He grabbed the set of silver needles, glanced at the old man next to him, and a sinister smile appeared on his lips. That smile carried a mix of recklessness, lewdness, arrogance, nonchalance, and¡ªmost importantly¡ª88% eagerness. Then he opened the needle case. Inside lay 36 silver needles. As his fingers brushed over the needle tips, a familiar sensation surged through him, as if he were caressing his girlfriend¡¯s fingers. ¡°Forgive me!¡± Chen Huai¡¯an silently clasped his hands in apology toward the old man beside him. Then, he pinched a silver needle and reversed his grip before stabbing it into his own leg. Using a needle that someone else had touched to stab his own leg¡­ wasn¡¯t this a kind of NTR for the needle itself? This was his way of expressing his deep apology to both the old man and the needles! But why didn¡¯t he stab the old man instead? Was he crazy? While he had a strange feeling and a bit of curiosity, randomly stabbing others was not something he would do. However, stabbing himself didn¡¯t burden his conscience¡ªafter all, he was dying anyway and would try anything on himself. His gaze fell on his leg. A network of acupuncture points emerged faintly before his eyes, overlapping with the diagrams he¡¯d seen in the game. His fingers moved like lightning, and the needles flew as smoothly as clouds and flowing water. In the blink of an eye, all 36 needles were embedded in his right leg. Chen Huai¡¯an took a deep breath and held it. Next, he adjusted the depth of each needle, twisted their ends, and stimulated the acupuncture points on his leg. His hand, which normally trembled when holding a water bottle, was now as steady as a rock. After a while, he finished administering the needles. Chen Huai¡¯an returned the needles to their case and placed it back in its original position. The strange itch in his heart finally subsided. ¡°Ah, much better.¡± He rubbed his hands in satisfaction and left. The injured leg was his right leg, so that¡¯s where he had applied the needles. At this moment, the bruising on his leg was already showing signs of fading. While the bones were still misaligned, the primary concern with fractures wasn¡¯t the break itself but the tissue damage and bruising that came afterward. Reducing the swelling was crucial. The acupuncture session hadn¡¯t even lasted ten minutes, but the results were clear: the swelling had diminished, and the bruising was receding. Even Chen Huai¡¯an found it hard to believe. ¡°Wait, is this game really that hardcore?¡± It wasn¡¯t just a game¡ªit was actually teaching him something useful?! But of course, not everyone could learn this. How many people could replicate the acupuncture techniques and memorize the diagrams after just one try? And yet¡­ hadn¡¯t his memory always been bad before? This was starting to get weird. Chen Huai¡¯an pondered for a moment. Suddenly, his eyes lit up, and he clapped his hands together in realization. ¡°Ah, I get it now! Hahaha!¡± Outside the hospital room, Dr. Wu and Dr. Zhang were walking together, discussing Chen Huai¡¯an. ¡°This young man¡¯s a university student with no history of mental illness. Are you sure he¡¯s got problems upstairs?¡± Dr. Wu had reviewed Chen Huai¡¯an¡¯s file and was skeptical of Dr. Zhang¡¯s assessment. ¡°Hahahaha! It¡¯s cancer! The mysterious cancer cells have unlocked my genetic potential! I¡¯m a genius!¡± A bizarre, muffled laugh came from the room. ¡°See?¡± Dr. Zhang spread his hands and tilted his head toward the room. Dr. Wu: ¡°¡­¡± It seemed that this young man might have been slightly traumatized after seeing a mirage atop Mount Tai. Medical intervention was indeed necessary. ¡°Young man¡­¡± Dr. Wu stepped into the room. ¡°Doctor, I¡¯m not sick. I want to be discharged. Or do you guys have a power bank? If you do, I¡¯ll stay a bit longer.¡± ¡°¡­¡± Dr. Wu stared at the young man on the bed, whose face was filled with seriousness, and began contemplating whether to increase his medication dosage. Dr. Zhang, however, noticed something unusual about Chen Huai¡¯an¡¯s leg and froze. ¡°Huh? What¡¯s going on with your leg?¡± He clearly remembered that when he went to find Dr. Wu earlier, Chen Huai¡¯an¡¯s lower leg had a massive, dark bruise at the fracture site. If left untreated, it would¡¯ve led to necrosis. But now, the swelling was noticeably reduced, and the bruising wasn¡¯t as severe. Noticing the doctor¡¯s gaze, Chen Huai¡¯an instinctively pulled his leg back and chuckled nervously. ¡°I¡¯ve been tough since I was a kid. I have a natural talent for recovery.¡± There was no way he could say that the swelling had been reduced by his secret acupuncture technique. Even if he did, no one would believe him, and it¡¯d just lead to more trouble. As for demonstrating his needlework to the doctors, that was out of the question. The old man in the next bed would¡¯ve been a great guinea pig, but Chen Huai¡¯an doubted he¡¯d even get a chance to start before being hauled off to the psych ward. Besides, there was no guarantee it¡¯d work on someone else just because it worked on him. These days, you couldn¡¯t even help someone cross the street without worrying about the legal consequences. Let alone stabbing someone with needles. Dr. Zhang thought about it for a long time but couldn¡¯t make sense of the situation. At least the bone tumor on Chen Huai¡¯an¡¯s leg hadn¡¯t disappeared. If it had, Dr. Zhang would¡¯ve had no choice but to escalate this to his superiors. ¡°Young man, you need to find a way to treat your cancer. Ignoring it won¡¯t end well¡­¡± ¡°I understand, but I don¡¯t have money.¡± Chen Huai¡¯an smiled faintly. ¡°Didn¡¯t you buy insurance?¡± ¡°Nope.¡± ¡°What about your parents?¡± ¡°They¡¯re gone.¡± ¡°¡­Sigh.¡± Dr. Zhang fell silent. A few quick questions, and even he felt defeated. As an experienced doctor, he had seen countless cases like Chen Huai¡¯an¡¯s¡ªpatients with nothing to rely on, left with no choice but to wait for the inevitable. But a patient who seemed this indifferent about his situation? Rare. ¡°Doctor, I know my condition. I can¡¯t afford expensive treatments. Just treat my broken leg normally.¡± Dr. Zhang nodded but still added, ¡°If you need help raising funds, let me know. I might be able to assist a little.¡± ¡°Thank you, Doctor. If I ever make enough money, I¡¯ll definitely get proper treatment.¡± While Chen Huai¡¯an and Dr. Zhang were talking, Dr. Wu had been observing quietly. The young man¡¯s thoughts were clear, and his eyes were bright¡ªno signs of mental illness. If anything, he was just a bit dramatic. ¡­ They¡¯d almost used a tranquilizer dart for nothing. Close call. Chen Huai¡¯an stayed at the hospital until the afternoon. He underwent a procedure for his fractured leg, which was now encased in a plaster cast. Though the doctors recommended hospitalization for observation, he refused, citing lack of funds. Before leaving, he bought a set of silver needles from the pharmacy next to the hospital. ¡°Power bank! Power bank!¡± Once outside, Chen Huai¡¯an scanned the surrounding stores like a starving wolf, his eyes gleaming. He needed a power bank! He hadn¡¯t logged into the game all afternoon. What if Li Qingran was attacked by a beast again? He couldn¡¯t bear the thought. Besides, he¡¯d already invested nearly 60,000 yuan in the game. If his character got deleted, he¡¯d be furious enough to jump off the hospital¡¯s second floor. ¡°Hands off that power bank!¡± In the terrified gaze of a female student, Chen Huai¡¯an, wielding a crutch, darted forward and seized the last power bank from a restaurant charging station. He powered up his phone and logged into the game. Phew. Li Qingran was still unconscious in the Xuanjia Formation, safe and sound. With the power bank clamped in his mouth, a crutch under one arm, and his phone in the other hand, he limped over to a table in the restaurant under the bewildered gaze of the female student. ¡°Boss, three liang of dry noodles.¡± ¡°Coming right up! Want an egg with that?¡± ¡°No, but I want soup!¡± ¡°Got it~¡± An egg cost three yuan¡ªnot worth it. Soup was free¡ªdefinitely worth it. For now, Li Qingran¡¯s coma could wait. sea??h th§× N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Chen Huai¡¯an opened the Fortune Carp lottery pool. He was 500 draws away from the guaranteed prize. ¡°Tch, I¡¯ve got no luck.¡± With a snort, he tapped the screen to draw, accompanied by the ¡°E-Pay deduction¡± prompt. He went all in. Chapter 18: This Is Something Very Important Chapter 18: This Is Something Very Important Li Qingran had a dream. In her dream, she was being relentlessly chased by hordes of demonic beasts. There was no light in sight; darkness surged toward her like a suffocating tide. But just as the beasts were about to catch her, a crisp clap of thunder echoed through the sky. A young man in strange clothing appeared on the horizon, his features obscured. Like seasoning food, he flung talismans from his left hand, and with his right hand, unleashed a barrage of magical artifacts. The beasts pursuing her were either struck down by lightning from the talismans or impaled by the descending artifacts. ¡°Is¡­ is that the senior?¡± Li Qingran gazed up at the sky. She had a strong intuition¡ªit had to be him. The senior had come to save her. Though she couldn¡¯t make out his face, he seemed far younger than she¡¯d imagined. Before she could observe more closely, the senior suddenly appeared right in front of her. Flustered, Li Qingran felt her face flush red, the color creeping to her ears. In her panic, she prepared to bow down in reverence. But in the next moment, a pair of strong hands gently stopped her. Then, the figure handed her a square-shaped object. The item was pitch black and looked like a brick, though it was much lighter than one. Etched on its surface were three simplified characters that seemed to read¡­ "Electric Charge Full"? What was "Electric Charge Full"? Some kind of magical artifact? As she stood there, puzzled, the senior¡¯s figure grew fainter and fainter, like mist dissipating into the air. ¡°Senior¡­ I¡¯m so grateful to you. I¡­¡± ¡°This is something very important.¡± The senior¡¯s voice echoed faintly through the dispersing mist. ¡°Make sure to take good care of it¡­¡± ¡°Let¡¯s go with this one¡ª¡®Electric Charge Treasure.¡¯ It sounds reliable.¡± Chen Huai¡¯an clicked on the purchase button. He couldn¡¯t afford a three-yuan fried egg, but a 300-yuan power bank? That was an instant buy. After his earlier ordeal, he was now terrified of being without a power bank. From now on, he vowed to carry one at all times¡ªand it had to have plenty of capacity. S§×arch* The N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. As for replacing his phone, he had considered it. But could he transfer the "My Virtual Girlfriend" game to a new phone? After all, it wasn¡¯t even a proper app but a mysterious virus-like program with no installation file. He had no idea how to handle that. Glancing at his computer, he saw that it was already 9 p.m. It had been over an hour since he¡¯d gotten home. ¡°Li Qingran should be awake by now.¡± Chen Huai¡¯an opened the "My Virtual Girlfriend" game. Sure enough, Li Qingran was awake. The girl sat curled up in a corner, wrapped in tattered clothing, her knees clutched to her chest. Her vacant eyes stared at the ground, lost in thought. Chen Huai¡¯an noticed a half-burned red incense stick at her feet. [Your virtual girlfriend, "Li Qingran," has lost her home. Recharge 6 yuan to restore it.] Without batting an eye, Chen Huai¡¯an clicked, ¡°Recharge!¡± [For just 88 yuan more, you can gift your virtual girlfriend two stylish new outfits!] ¡°Recharge!!¡± [Your virtual girlfriend, "Li Qingran," is hungry and feeling down. Recharge 68 yuan to¡­] ¡°Recharge!!!¡± In an instant, her house was fully repaired, new outfits appeared neatly on her bed, and plates of chicken, duck, fish, and fruit clattered onto the table. The commotion was impossible for Li Qingran to ignore. She knew the senior had come to check on her. She already suspected he¡¯d been here earlier. After all, the small craters of scorched earth surrounding her house, the demon beast corpses reduced to ash by lightning, and her own recovered injuries were evidence enough. The sudden appearance of the beasts was bizarre, but while exploring the charred surroundings, she had found a broken "Frenzied Beast Incense" stick under a tree. This kind of incense, used to lure beasts, was a common tool for sects when hunting. Different sects crafted their incense sticks with distinct markers. For instance, Qingyun Sect¡¯s Frenzied Beast Incense was marked with azure cloud patterns at the base. These cloud patterns, an essential part of the incense¡¯s design, were engraved using specific materials. Removing them would significantly weaken the incense¡¯s effect. Naturally, since this was a dangerous item, all sects made sure to brand it to avoid false accusations. The person who threw the incense likely assumed it would burn away completely, leaving only ash. Little did they expect the senior to arrive and turn the surrounding 500 meters into a wasteland. The perpetrator probably hadn¡¯t intended to kill her¡ªyet had been reduced to ash alongside the beasts. ¡°Senior.¡± Li Qingran gazed at the ceiling, her face etched with exhaustion. Her dry lips parted slightly as she whispered: ¡°Senior¡­ do you think I¡¯m someone who¡¯s hard to like?¡± Before the first dialogue option could finish appearing, Chen Huai¡¯an dismissed it and switched to freeform conversation. Fresh from drawing in the Fortune Carp lottery pool, he now had over seventy communication talismans. He was feeling invincible. Clearing his throat, he held down the talisman and spoke in a gentle tone: ¡°Of course not. In my eyes, you¡¯re a polite, thoughtful girl who works hard in your cultivation. Blah, blah, blah¡­ Why would you think that?¡± What Chen Huai¡¯an said was a heartfelt 300-word mini-essay. What Li Qingran heard, however, was the solemn voice of the Dao: ¡°Why would you say that?!¡± ¡°If that¡¯s not the case, then why¡­ why does Qingyun Sect¡ªmy senior brothers, my master¡ªwant to kill me? My dantian and spiritual roots have already been destroyed. I¡¯ve been expelled from the sect and banished to Wanqing Mountain to fend for myself. Why won¡¯t they leave me alone? Did I commit some grave sin?¡± Chen Huai¡¯an watched Li Qingran¡¯s eyes, once clear and bright, now shrouded in darkness. He understood her doubts all too well. Li Qingran was a textbook example of a self-sacrificing personality. She repaid kindness a hundredfold. When Daoist Qingxuan accepted her as a disciple, she revered him as her most respected elder, even though he never formally guided her. When Senior Brother Lu Changtian looked out for her during her initiation, she treated him like a true elder brother. When Second Brother Xiao Yifeng gave her leftover elixirs, she managed his spiritual herbs and even volunteered to test his pills. When Third Brother Yun Zimo gifted her a storage ring, she silently accepted his false accusations and allowed herself to be expelled. When Fourth Brother Zhang Hanxiao helped her once during a mission, she spent most of her monthly spiritual stones cleaning up the messes he created. Like a flower blooming under sunlight, she thrived on even the slightest warmth. But beneath her smiling facade was likely a face full of scars and tears. Kind people are often taken advantage of, just as gentle horses are ridden harder. It¡¯s not a joke¡ªit¡¯s wisdom passed down by ancestors. Just like how he¡¯d poured his heart into his ex, only to be betrayed. Stories like this were all too common: treasures wasted, loyalty repaid with betrayal, hearts broken. No wonder people now devoted their time and money to pets or virtual companions. Were they foolish? No. They were just tired of being hurt. ¡°Li Qingran.¡± Chen Huai¡¯an gazed at her through the screen, their eyes seemingly crossing the boundaries of space and time to meet. He stared into her eyes, and in their reflection, he saw himself. ¡°Today, I will help you restore your dantian.¡± The solemn voice of the Dao transmitted his words without omission: ¡°No matter how muddy your past may be, your future will bloom with brilliance!¡± Chapter 19: The Divine Medicine Emerges Chapter 19: The Divine Medicine Emerges Qingyun Sect. At the peak of Chixiao Peak¡ª Daoist Qingxuan exited seclusion only once a week to give a lecture, each session lasting two hours. Afterward, he would dedicate another hour to answer any questions his disciples had encountered during their cultivation. At this moment, the disciples of Chixiao Peak were gathered under a venerable pine tree whose age was immeasurable. The lecture had concluded, and it was now time for inquiries. Lu Changtian was the first to stand, performing a respectful kneeling salute before addressing the figure in green robes under the pine tree. ¡°Master, it¡¯s said that the Sect Leader¡¯s direct disciple, Zhao Lingtian, was struck by a magic cultivator, shattering his dantian. The Sect Leader has been spending exorbitantly to find a solution. Is it true that there¡¯s no way to restore a shattered dantian?¡± The question caused varied reactions among the other disciples under the pine tree. After all, Zhao Lingtian wasn¡¯t the only one who had suffered such a fate¡ªthere was also their former Fifth Junior Sister, Li Qingran. Daoist Qingxuan cracked open his eyes slightly and stroked his beard before responding calmly, ¡°It¡¯s not that a dantian cannot be repaired. It merely requires a particular ancient divine medicine. With that medicine, even a completely destroyed dantian can be restored. Without it, it¡¯s as hard as ascending to the heavens!¡± ¡°What kind of medicine, Master?¡± ¡°The Primordial Heaven-Mending Pill,¡± Qingxuan answered solemnly. The crowd exchanged stunned glances, feeling a surge of awe just from hearing the name. A priceless treasure! Qingxuan began to elaborate: ¡°When all beings are born, their dantian is fixed¡ªan unchangeable constant. The quality of each person¡¯s dantian varies, influencing the capacity and purity of spiritual qi it can hold. While a dantian¡¯s impact on innate talent isn¡¯t as pronounced as a spiritual root, as cultivation progresses to deeper levels, the differences in dantian quality become increasingly evident when two cultivators of similar aptitude and cultivation face off. ¡°In ancient times, when spiritual qi was abundant, dantians were classified into nine grades, with Ninth Grade being the lowest and First Grade the highest. A First Grade dantian could accommodate vast amounts of spiritual qi, refining it swiftly and to an unparalleled purity. Back then, the quality of a disciple¡¯s dantian often determined their ultimate potential, making it a critical criterion for sect recruitment.¡± ¡°Then, Master, how would you grade my dantian?¡± Zhang Hanxiao stepped forward confidently, patting his abdomen twice. He believed his dantian was exceptional¡ªhis cultivation speed was fast, and his spiritual qi fairly robust. However, Qingxuan merely glanced at him sideways and scoffed, ¡°You?¡± ¡°Ungraded.¡± Zhang Hanxiao: ¡°...¡± Laughter erupted under the pine tree, leaving Zhang Hanxiao mortified, wishing he could disappear into the ground. Then Qingxuan continued, ¡°What are you all laughing at? Most of you are ungraded as well. Only Lu Changtian¡¯s dantian barely qualifies as Seventh Grade. In the ancient era, when spiritual qi was abundant, you would have been relegated to cleaning up after the sect¡¯s spirit beasts! Only now, in the spiritually desolate Cangyun Realm, does dantian quality matter less than spiritual roots or external tools, giving you the chance to become inner disciples or even direct disciples.¡± The laughter subsided, replaced by somber expressions. Having crushed their spirits thoroughly, Qingxuan finally brought the topic back on track. ¡°A cultivator¡¯s dantian is fixed. Once shattered, it cannot be restored¡ªjust like water spilled on the ground cannot be retrieved. However, the heavens always leave a trace of hope. In ancient times, an alchemist refined the Primordial Heaven-Mending Pill by uncovering this faint thread of possibility. This divine medicine can turn the unchangeable into the changeable. Not only can it restore a shattered dantian, but it can even improve its quality. And that¡¯s merely the effect of the mortal-grade pill! Who knows what the celestial-grade version can achieve? Perhaps only that ancient alchemist would know.¡± The disciples all looked hopeful. If they could acquire a single Primordial Heaven-Mending Pill and offer it to the Sect Leader, they might never have to worry about cultivation resources again. ¡°Next month, a minor ancient secret realm will open in Zhongzhou. It¡¯s said to have not only battlefields for demonic beasts but also the caves of ancient cultivators. Perhaps such a divine medicine could be found there?¡± Lu Changtian¡¯s eyes sparkled with anticipation. As someone with a Seventh Grade dantian, obtaining the pill might elevate him to Sixth or even Fifth Grade. ¡°You may try your luck,¡± Qingxuan nodded. He didn¡¯t hold much hope. Such a pill was rare even in ancient times, let alone in a minor secret realm. Still, exploring the realm would provide valuable experience and resources, so he refrained from discouraging them. ¡°Today¡¯s lecture ends here. Return to your caves.¡± Qingxuan waved his sleeve to dismiss the disciples. But just then¡ª Boom! A pillar of green light shot into the sky, piercing through the clouds above Wanqing Mountain. It continued to ascend, splitting the heavens as if it were a divine column connecting the earth and the heavens. Every cultivator in the Cangyun Realm looked up in shock, their expressions shifting dramatically. ¡°Spiritual light forming a column, medicinal fragrance filling the air! A divine pill has emerged!¡± ¡°It¡¯s coming from the direction of Wanqing Mountain! Let¡¯s go¡ªwe might make it in time!¡± ¡°What kind of pill could it be? If I get my hands on it, my cultivation will surely advance by leaps and bounds!¡± At the peak of Chixiao Peak, Qingxuan¡¯s eyes snapped open. In the blink of an eye, he soared toward the green light, while powerful cultivators from other main peaks of Qingyun Sect followed suit. All capable cultivators near Wanqing Mountain mobilized instantly. ¡¾Celestial Grade Primordial Heaven-Mending Pill detected. Would you like to pay £¤18 to conceal the heavenly phenomenon?¡¿ ¡°Huh?¡± Chen Huai¡¯an stared at the notification on his phone, his mouth twitching. Makes sense¡ªthis celestial phenomenon was as blatant as a neon sign declaring a treasure¡¯s presence. On the map, countless red dots appeared and began converging on his location, sending chills down his spine. Thankfully, the game developers seemed lenient since he¡¯d already spent over £¤90,000. They didn¡¯t push him to spend more. Still, he felt annoyed. Couldn¡¯t they offer the concealment function for free? Gritting his teeth, Chen Huai¡¯an paid the £¤18. Sear?h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. ¡¾Concealing heavenly phenomenon!¡¿ The green pillar of light vanished, along with the medicinal fragrance in the air. Qingxuan, who had nearly reached Wanqing Mountain, stopped midair, dumbfounded. His divine sense swept the area for miles, but he found nothing. ¡°Isn¡¯t that Li Qingran?¡± Recognizing his former Fifth Disciple in a small hut, Qingxuan scowled. ¡°Does she think staying in Wanqing Mountain will get her back into the sect?¡± Shaking his head, he dismissed her presence with a cold laugh. Failing to locate the pill, he returned to Qingyun Sect in frustration. Unbeknownst to anyone, the divine pill that had shaken the Cangyun Realm now lay on an ordinary wooden table. In the corner, a girl sat trembling, completely petrified. Chapter 20: Swearing to the Heavens Chapter 20: Swearing to the Heavens ¡°P-Predecessor, w-what is this?¡± Li Qingran was initially startled when Chen Huai¡¯an mentioned helping her restore her dantian. Then something landed on the table, and the entire room was engulfed in a radiant green light accompanied by a dense medicinal fragrance. Just one breath made her feel as though her spiritual qi was circulating faster! ¡°This is the medicine that can restore your dantian,¡± Chen Huai¡¯an replied. He didn¡¯t reveal the name of the pill¡ªafter all, just one look at it screamed ¡°priceless.¡± To Chen Huai¡¯an, Li Qingran was essentially a high-intelligence AI character. Given the current level of AI technology, it wasn¡¯t impossible to achieve this degree of sophistication, provided there was enough data to train the model. Since the game developers were skilled hackers, creating such an advanced AI model would be a walk in the park. Although high-intelligence AI differed from humans, it could simulate emotions under the influence of its data streams. If he outright told Li Qingran that it was a Primordial Heaven-Mending Pill, she¡¯d surely refuse to accept it. ¡°Medicine to restore a dantian?¡± Li Qingran murmured, stunned. She had never heard of such a thing. To her knowledge, once a dantian was shattered, it was virtually impossible to repair. Even if restoration was conceivable, it would involve methods far beyond the reach of a Foundation Establishment cultivator like her. Moreover, the sheer commotion caused by the appearance of this pill indicated its immense value. ¡°Predecessor, this medicine is too precious. I cannot accept it.¡± Li Qingran¡¯s tone was resolute. She indeed longed to restore her dantian, but she had already received far too many favors from the predecessor. She had no means to repay him in equal measure, and this imbalance filled her with guilt. ¡°Take it if I say so!¡± Chen Huai¡¯an muttered as he tapped the communication talisman, amused at how lifelike the AI was. In most other games¡ªeven ones with nurturing elements¡ªthe NPC would simply accept the item without question. He continued, ¡°This pill was prepared specifically for you. It¡¯s useless to me. Take it now, or others will come and snatch it!¡± What Li Qingran heard was: ¡°This pill is useless to me. The commotion just now has already drawn attention from other cultivators, and I can¡¯t conceal the heavenly phenomenon for long. If you don¡¯t consume it now, you¡¯ll only be making trouble for me!¡± ¡°I...¡± Li Qingran glanced at the ceiling, her eyes returning to the pill on the table. She bit her lower lip, visibly conflicted. Consuming the pill would leave her with a crushing debt of gratitude. But refusing the pill would mean causing trouble for her predecessor... ¡°Hurry up!¡± The sharp reprimand from above startled her, causing her to tremble. Faced with a choice between breaking her principles and defying her predecessor, she ultimately chose to break her principles. She couldn¡¯t bear to make him angry. Carefully, she picked up the pill, her expression filled with apprehension. Chen Huai¡¯an smirked as he watched her hesitantly cradle the pill in her hands. ¡°Hah, so in the end, you still obediently listened to me!¡± He realized that being called ¡°Predecessor¡± by Li Qingran was starting to get to his head. Perhaps from now on, he should refer to himself as ¡°this lord¡±¡ªit felt more fitting for the occasion. ¡°If you don¡¯t take the pill, my 90,000 yuan will have been wasted!¡± Amid the urgency earlier, he hadn¡¯t even had the chance to check what he¡¯d won during the last 500 draws. Li Qingran, holding the pill, decided that if she was to break her principles, she must find a way to make amends. Looking up at the ceiling, she raised one hand, holding three fingers upright to represent Heaven, Earth, and Man, and declared in a loud voice: ¡°Today, this junior Li Qingran received the aid of the predecessor, gaining the divine medicine to restore my dantian. I am deeply ashamed of my inability to repay this kindness. From now on, should the predecessor require anything of me, I vow to face mountains of blades and seas of fire, even the infernal depths, without hesitation or regret!¡± She swore this to the Dao of Heaven and to her Dao Heart, her words resonating with the heavens. Spiritual qi surged around her, lifting her long black hair and revealing her determined gaze. Having made her vow, she was free of burden. With no hesitation, she raised the pill to her mouth and consumed it. She had now entrusted everything she had to the predecessor. It was the only thing she could offer. The celestial-grade Primordial Heaven-Mending Pill dissolved the moment it touched her tongue, transforming into a clear stream that flowed directly toward her shattered dantian. From Chen Huai¡¯an¡¯s perspective, a golden thread snaked its way into her abdomen. At the same time, the entire room began to spin, as if drawn into a vortex centered around Li Qingran. The vortex expanded outward, forming a tornado that reached the sky. ¡°So this is a spiritual qi vortex?¡± Chen Huai¡¯an mused. Since the game was set in a cultivation world, Li Qingran was likely absorbing a vast amount of spiritual qi to fuel the pill¡¯s effects. ¡°Speaking of which, isn¡¯t this causing a bit too much commotion? Shouldn¡¯t I conceal it again?¡± The spiritual qi vortex tore through the clouds above, leaving a gaping hole in the sky. On the map, the chaotic red dots swarmed toward his location like moths to a flame. ¡¾Li Qingran has consumed the celestial-grade Primordial Heaven-Mending Pill, triggering continuous heavenly phenomena. Would you like to pay £¤28 to conceal the heavenly phenomenon?¡¿ ¡°What the...!¡± Chen Huai¡¯an was both furious and amused. Drip-feeding me now, huh? Can¡¯t you just be straightforward? Despite his grumbling, he begrudgingly paid the £¤28. sea??h th§× n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. In Wanqing Mountain¡ª ¡°It¡¯s over there! It¡¯s over there!¡± ¡°Such an overwhelming surge of spiritual qi¡ªthis must be where the divine pill emerged!¡± ¡°Hahaha! I¡¯m going to ascend to immortality!¡± Suddenly, the vortex of spiritual qi dissipated, snuffed out as if by an invisible hand. The treasure hunters were left dumbfounded once again. ¡°Damn it! Where did it go?¡± ¡°Are you kidding me?!¡± ¡°Forget it! Search everywhere! Don¡¯t let anything slip past, even if it¡¯s a pile of dung¡ªsniff it just in case!¡± Meanwhile, Chen Huai¡¯an was contentedly admiring Li Qingran as she meditated in a cross-legged position. She sat quietly, strands of black hair cascading over her shoulders, swaying gently amidst the flow of spiritual qi. Her simple attire complemented her serene and elegant demeanor. Usually, her eyebrows carried a hint of heroism, but now, with her eyes closed and her lips pressed tightly together, her pale face bore a delicate, sickly beauty that evoked pity. Chen Huai¡¯an, a practical-minded science student, didn¡¯t have much in the way of flowery language. Still, he couldn¡¯t help but marvel at her beauty in his own way. ¡°Damn, she¡¯s stunning!¡± He forced himself to look away. Any longer, and he might find it impossible to concentrate later. He still hadn¡¯t checked what treasures he¡¯d drawn from his 1,000 attempts at the Fortune Carp Pool. Opening his inventory, he saw all 12 slots packed to the brim: low-grade spirit stones, mid-grade spirit stones, communication talismans, Thunderfire Talismans in four grades from Mortal to Celestial, a Black Armor Formation, an Intermediate Spirit Gathering Formation, the Su Xian Sword, and a golden jade slip. ¡°Seriously? Why can¡¯t all the Thunderfire Talismans go into one slot?¡± Chen Huai¡¯an cursed his luck but decided against giving them all to Li Qingran¡ªafter all, if she got controlled, he¡¯d need them for backup support. The most intriguing item was the golden jade slip. A golden-tier treasure¡ªdefinitely something extraordinary! Chapter 21: The Sword Manual Chapter 21: The Sword Manual The moment Chen Huai¡¯an opened the golden jade slip, a wave of imposing energy unique to a top-tier item swept over him. ¡¾¡°I am a madman from Chu, singing with laughter at Confucius. With a three-foot sword in hand, I challenge the sorrows of the Nine Heavens.¡± The was created by the Green Lotus Sword Immortal. It contains 36 foundational sword chapters and 12 sword styles, ranked as celestial-grade. Anyone with unblocked meridians can practice this manual, but to achieve ultimate mastery, one must possess the Sword Bone, Sword Spiritual Root, and Sword Heart without fail!¡±¡¿ The description confirmed the manual¡¯s status as a peerless treasure. But as Chen Huai¡¯an finished reading it, his expression turned peculiar. ¡°Wait a minute... this Green Lotus Sword Immortal isn¡¯t supposed to be Li Bai, right?¡± Li Bai, the great poet of the Tang Dynasty, wasn¡¯t he known as the Immortal Poet? When did he become a Sword Immortal? ¡°Whatever, it¡¯s not surprising these days. After all, even Tang Monk can wield a Gatling gun. Turning Li Bai into a Sword Immortal isn¡¯t that much of a stretch.¡± Sear?h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Shaking his head, Chen Huai¡¯an chuckled. He remembered that Li Qingran used a sword. This would be perfect for her. A celestial-grade sword manual should be incredibly powerful, right? The manual opened to its first page, and to Chen Huai¡¯an¡¯s surprise, it wasn¡¯t just a static in-game item. The first page contained text and even small brush-drawn illustrations. ¡°Whoa... is this a small indie studio? This is insane!¡± ¡¾Sword Chapter One: Crane Stance¡¿ The page included an accompanying illustration for clarity. Chen Huai¡¯an continued flipping through the manual. ¡¾Sword Chapter Two: Pine Stretch¡¿ ¡¾Sword Chapter Three: Blade Holding¡¿ The list went on, all the way to: ¡¾Sword Chapter Thirty-Five: Return to One¡¿ ¡¾Sword Chapter Thirty-Six: Carefree Wanderer¡¿ Not a single chapter lacked detailed descriptions and illustrations. By the time Chen Huai¡¯an reached the final chapter, he was already marveling at the dedication of the game¡¯s developers. The attention to detail in crafting this manual was astonishing. Even his earlier annoyance at how much money he¡¯d spent on the game began to fade. The 36 chapters seemed to be foundational techniques. Beyond them were the 12 sword styles. As he prepared to flip to the sword styles, a notification popped up: ¡¾You must master Sword Chapters 1¨C12 before you can access the Sword Styles!¡¿ ¡°What the... I have to learn it? How do I even do that?¡± Instinctively, Chen Huai¡¯an searched for a pay-to-progress option, but there wasn¡¯t one. This apparently didn¡¯t rely on money to unlock upgrades. ¡¾Would you like to begin learning Sword Chapter One?¡¿ [Yes] [Let me think] Without hesitation, Chen Huai¡¯an chose [Yes]. He was curious to see what the game had in store. ¡¾Activating camera...¡¿ The game screen vanished, replaced by the phone¡¯s camera in selfie mode. The game interface now floated over the live feed. ¡¾Please follow the instructions for Sword Chapter One: Crane Stance. Current progress: Novice (0%)¡¿ ¡°Are you serious?¡± Chen Huai¡¯an stared at his reflection on the screen, his lips twitching uncontrollably. If he understood correctly, the game wanted him to perform the crane stance. And record it. ¡°Man, this game really knows how to mess with people. Can¡¯t spend money? Fine, let¡¯s just humiliate you instead!¡± Chen Huai¡¯an imagined the game developers gleefully watching player-uploaded videos of awkward stances while enjoying takeout. ¡°Like hell I¡¯m going to let you win.¡± He huffed. Clearly, the developers wanted players to get frustrated and eventually pay to skip the grind. He¡¯d seen it all before in other games that dangled rewards just out of reach until players caved and spent money. But as the minutes passed, no pay-to-progress option appeared. ¡°Fine! I¡¯ll just give the sword manual to Li Qingran.¡± He tried dragging the into Li Qingran¡¯s inventory. ¡¾You cannot directly transfer the . Please achieve at least Novice mastery in the 36 Sword Chapters to unlock the teaching feature!¡¿ ¡°What the hell is this nonsense?!¡± Frustrated, he clicked a small help icon on the corner of the screen. ¡¾Help: The core intent of this game is to provide players with the most authentic nurturing experience. Players can support their virtual companion with resources and guidance, becoming their mentor and source of inspiration. However, iron must first be tempered to become strong. To better teach your virtual companion, we encourage you to improve yourself too!¡¿ Chen Huai¡¯an was stunned into silence. He had always found games lacking immersion. No matter how skilled you were, you weren¡¯t the one storming the battlefield or taming the wilds. The separation between reality and the game world always felt insurmountable. But this game was doing something new. As grueling as it was, Chen Huai¡¯an had to admit he was intrigued. The idea of personally teaching his virtual companion, seeing her learn sword techniques, and overcoming challenges with his guidance¡ªthis was a level of immersion no other game offered. It was hardcore. It was expensive. But he loved it. Chen Huai¡¯an reopened the learning interface for the . He propped his phone on a stand and took a deep breath. ¡°Fine. If I have to look ridiculous to teach Li Qingran the ultimate sword technique, so be it. No one can see me anyway.¡± Without a sword, he used a drying rod. The instructions were simple on paper, but in practice, they were maddeningly precise. The blade couldn¡¯t waver, the angles had to be perfect, and every part of his posture required alignment. It was manageable at first, but after less than two minutes, his arms began to ache. Worst of all, after 30 grueling minutes of holding the drying rod, his progress in Sword Chapter One had only reached 1%. Even so, Chen Huai¡¯an persevered for another hour. By the time he stopped, his back was drenched with sweat, and his body felt like it was falling apart. ¡°Ugh, I¡¯m done... I¡¯m going to collapse.¡± He shakily set the rod aside and stretched his stiff muscles. It was nearly midnight. He reeked of sweat and hadn¡¯t even washed his clothes or taken a shower. ¡°If I treat this as exercise, maybe it¡¯s not so bad,¡± he muttered, massaging his sore arms. Just as he decided to call it a night, a sudden echoed from the doorway, as if something had struck it. Chapter 22: You and I Are Fated! Chapter 22: You and I Are Fated! Chen Huai¡¯an opened the door. Outside, there was no one. He looked puzzled and muttered to himself, Instinctively, he glanced down. At the door was a small, fluffy black ball that resembled a lump of coal. Squinting, he could just make out its eyes, nose, and ears¡ªit was a kitten. ¡°Last I checked, I¡¯m staying in a chain hotel,¡± Chen Huai¡¯an murmured, glancing at the long hallway. He sank into thought. He crouched down and poked at the little fluff ball. The kitten didn¡¯t react, only trembling all over. Picking it up by the scruff of its neck, Chen Huai¡¯an examined it more closely. The kitten had a white marking on its face resembling the character "͹"¡ªa distinctive feature often referred to as a "buff-cat." Its back legs were a mangled mess of blood and flesh, and its back bore visible wounds. Looking around, Chen Huai¡¯an noticed that the room at the end of the hallway, near the window, had its window completely open. There was also a small smear of blood on the door, located much too high for the kitten to have reached. Near the window, a few feathers lay scattered¡ªones that clearly belonged to a bird of prey. Narrowing his eyes, Chen Huai¡¯an pondered the strange situation. Suddenly, inspiration struck. He snapped his fingers. ¡°Got it! Mystery solved! A bird must¡¯ve crashed into the window, dropped its prey here, and then fled in fright, leaving the kitten behind.¡± S~ea??h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. What keen insight! Chen Huai¡¯an concluded that his cancer must have activated some latent potential in his brain. ¡°Little one, you and I are fated.¡± He carried the kitten into the room. If left untreated, the kitten would surely die. As a long-term hotel guest, he wasn¡¯t allowed to keep pets, but Chen Huai¡¯an dismissed the rule with a wry smile. He temporarily placed the kitten in a shoebox. It was too late to go to a pet hospital. Most of them were closed by midnight, and the nearest 24-hour clinic was over an hour and a half away in the city. The kitten wouldn¡¯t survive that long. Blood was already seeping into the shoebox in the time it took him to search for a nearby vet. ¡°Little one, conventional means won¡¯t save you. If your fate is to survive, then grow strong and stay away from birds in the future. If it¡¯s not, don¡¯t blame me for your fate.¡± Chen Huai¡¯an clasped his hands together and gave the kitten a solemn bow. Then, he retrieved a set of silver needles he¡¯d purchased earlier. Originally, he¡¯d planned to use the needles on himself to see if acupuncture might speed up his leg¡¯s recovery. Today, however, the kitten had become the perfect test subject. As soon as he held a needle and focused on the kitten, an acupuncture point diagram for cats appeared vividly in his mind. Cat acupoints were different from human ones. He didn¡¯t know how he knew this¡ªit was as if the knowledge had been etched into his brain. Perhaps it was latent potential at work again. The Spring Awakening Technique was designed to stop bleeding, promote blood circulation, and speed up wound healing. To upgrade this skill, it required either 1,000 successful applications or a payment of 998 credits to unlock the Pulse Opening Technique (Lv. 2). Following the glowing sequence in the acupoint diagram, Chen Huai¡¯an administered the needles swiftly and efficiently. The results were immediate. The bleeding stopped entirely, and a thin layer of blood membrane covered the open wounds on the kitten¡¯s back¡ªsomething that hadn¡¯t been present before the treatment. ¡°Wow¡­ this acupuncture technique is amazing,¡± he muttered, stroking his chin in thought. Although he didn¡¯t understand traditional Chinese medicine deeply, he had always respected its mysterious power. But now a question nagged at him¡ªwas the effectiveness due to his skill, or the techniques he¡¯d learned from the game? For now, all he could do for the kitten was done. The rest depended on its will to survive. He turned toward the bathroom for a shower. Unbeknownst to him, a black dragon, wreathed in smoky mist, emerged behind him. Its form flickered between reality and illusion, and its golden eyes exuded an overwhelming aura of dread, like an abyssal chasm. In the shoebox, the black kitten struggled to turn over. Its mouth twitched slightly, emitting faint crunching sounds. A pale bone joint peeked out from its jaws, disappearing as it chewed. The kitten¡¯s body convulsed, shifting between a lamb-like form and its feline shape. Its features twisted into a terrifying visage¡ªa fanged, eyeless ghostly creature, its mouth enormous, with eyes growing from under its armpits. After several transformations, it finally settled back into its cat form, lying motionless. Song Jiaojiao was dead. Mu Baishuang learned this from Song Jiaojiao¡¯s Dao companion, Yang Botao. ¡°How did she die?¡± Under Mu Baishuang¡¯s interrogation, Yang Botao¡¯s face turned pale. ¡°I don¡¯t know. I only told her to kill that b**** Li Qingran. After that, she never came back. She left a soul lamp with me. When I returned to my cave to retrieve some spirit stones, I found her soul lamp extinguished.¡± Mu Baishuang was shocked but maintained a facade of grief and anger. ¡°What did you just say? Why did you tell Song Jiaojiao to kill Li Qingran? Song Jiaojiao was my best friend, and Li Qingran is my senior sister. Are you out of your mind?¡± ¡°I¡­ I did it for you!¡± Yang Botao stammered. His voice trembled as he continued, ¡°Baishuang, that b**** Li Qingran dared to hurt you and humiliate me. I couldn¡¯t stand it anymore. Didn¡¯t you tell Song Jiaojiao about all the suffering you endured because of Li Qingran? I just wanted to help you get revenge!¡± ¡°Call me Mu Baishuang. We¡¯re not that close! What I said to Song Jiaojiao is between us as friends¡ªwhat does it have to do with you? Who asked you to get involved?¡± ¡°I¡­¡± Mu Baishuang kept a cold expression, but her mind was racing. Her original plan had been to play the victim in front of Song Jiaojiao, knowing she would confide in Yang Botao. That way, Yang Botao would incite Song Jiaojiao to act on his own. With Song Jiaojiao under the guidance of their fourth senior brother, Zhang Hanxiao, the responsibility for her actions would fall on him, not her. Song Jiaojiao was at the ninth level of Qi Refinement, while Li Qingran was nothing but a cripple with a destroyed dantian and severed spiritual roots. Killing Li Qingran should¡¯ve been an effortless task, and Song Jiaojiao could have done it without leaving a trace. But who would¡¯ve thought that Li Qingran would survive while Song Jiaojiao ended up dead? Something had definitely gone wrong. Even earlier, when Li Qingran¡¯s injuries seemed to heal unnaturally quickly, it had felt suspicious. But Mu Baishuang had dismissed it as unimportant. ¡°Baishuang¡­ I did it all for you!¡± Yang Botao pleaded desperately. Li Qingran¡¯s expulsion from Qingyun Sect made her an ordinary person, but if it became known that a cultivator had attacked a defenseless mortal, Yang Botao would face severe punishment for tarnishing the sect¡¯s reputation. ¡°I don¡¯t care. Yang Botao, prepare to face the sect¡¯s judgment!¡± Mu Baishuang skillfully shifted all blame onto Yang Botao. At that moment, Senior Brother Lu Changtian of Chixiao Peak entered the room. Mu Baishuang immediately hid behind him. ¡°Yang Botao, this is Chixiao Peak, not your Xuanling Peak. What are you doing here?¡± ¡°Brother Changtian!¡± Mu Baishuang cried, tears streaming down her face as she clung to his arm. ¡°Yang Botao ordered Song Jiaojiao to assassinate Li Qingran and got her killed. How could he do such a thing? Song Jiaojiao was my best friend, and Li Qingran was my senior sister¡­¡± ¡°Wait, no, Senior Lu, I can explain¡ª¡± Before Yang Botao could finish, the furious Lu Changtian kicked him to the ground. ¡°Yang Botao, you¡¯re bold indeed! Even if Li Qingran is no longer part of Qingyun Sect, she was once under Chixiao Peak¡¯s protection. When did Chixiao Peak¡¯s matters become yours to meddle in? Do you think killing Li Qingran would earn you any favor here? Ordering Song Jiaojiao to assassinate Li Qingran has violated sect rules. You¡¯ll be coming with me to face the Discipline Hall¡¯s judgment!¡± Just as Lu Changtian was about to seize him, Mu Baishuang tugged on his sleeve and whispered, ¡°Brother Changtian¡­ Senior Sister Li didn¡¯t die. It was Song Jiaojiao who did¡­¡± Lu Changtian froze mid-action, confusion evident on his face. After a long pause, he finally processed what she said. ¡°What did you just say?!¡± Chapter 23: Stage Mission Unlocks Chapter 23: Stage Mission Unlocks Song Jiaojiao was dead. Li Qingran wasn¡¯t. After unraveling this cause and effect, Lu Changtian found it hard to believe. What level of strength did Li Qingran possess? At best, her body¡ªnurtured by prolonged exposure to Spiritual Qi¡ªallowed her to be a slightly stronger-than-average martial artist. And Song Jiaojiao? If memory served, she was at the ninth level of Qi Refinement. Killing someone like Li Qingran should have been as effortless as squashing an ant. Yet, here was the baffling result: Song Jiaojiao was dead. ¡°Was Song Jiaojiao killed by Li Qingran?¡± Lu Changtian demanded, glaring at Yang Botao. ¡°I don¡¯t know.¡± Terrified, Yang Botao stammered, ¡°I only told her to kill Li Qingran. At first, she didn¡¯t want to, but I promised her a Foundation Establishment Pill. That convinced her. After that, I left to fetch some spirit stones to buy the pill. When I returned to my cave, I found her soul lamp shattered.¡± A shattered soul lamp meant only one thing. For cultivators below the Nascent Soul stage, this rule was ironclad. The soul lamp housed a fragment of the cultivator¡¯s spirit and a drop of their essence blood. If the main soul perished, the fragment would become rootless and dissipate, causing the lamp to extinguish. ¡°Brother Changtian, this is very suspicious,¡± Mu Baishuang chimed in with a fearful expression. ¡°I¡¯ve heard rumors that demonic cultivators have been active in the Cangyun Realm recently. Could it be that Senior Sister was possessed by someone from the demonic sect?¡± She added with a look of concern, ¡°Even though Senior Sister Li is no longer part of Qingyun Sect, I¡¯d hate to see her harmed by those from the demonic sect.¡± Lu Changtian¡¯s expression darkened, his mind churning. Yang Botao would undoubtedly face punishment. That much was clear. But the situation with Li Qingran was strange. Whether she lived or died didn¡¯t concern him, but he couldn¡¯t allow her to become a hidden threat to Qingyun Sect. He needed to understand why she had been able to kill Song Jiaojiao¡ªwhether it was by sheer coincidence or due to something deeper. Mu Baishuang, feigning newfound knowledge of Li Qingran¡¯s whereabouts, added, ¡°Brother Changtian, no matter what, Senior Sister Li was once part of Chixiao Peak. If we don¡¯t intervene, what will the other peaks think of us? Regardless of whether she¡¯s responsible, we should bring her back¡ªeven as a servant¡ªrather than leaving her to die in Wanqing Mountain.¡± Her expression was one of false compassion, her eyes brimming with pity. ¡°You¡¯re too kind, Junior Sister. Even after all the harm Li Qingran caused you, you still speak up for her. Zhang Hanxiao should¡¯ve ended her back then!¡± Lu Changtian said through gritted teeth, but he took Mu Baishuang¡¯s words to heart. If Song Jiaojiao had died accidentally, he would simply send Li Qingran away from Wanqing Mountain, far from Qingyun Sect. But if Song Jiaojiao had indeed been killed by Li Qingran¡ªwhether by some newfound opportunity or possession by a demonic sect¡ªshe would become a ticking time bomb. Better to keep her under observation than to let her explode unchecked. That said, he believed the former was more likely. Aside from possession or defecting to the demonic sect, he couldn¡¯t think of any other way a crippled cultivator could defeat a ninth-level Qi Refinement cultivator. His master had once said that only the Primordial Heaven-Mending Pill could restore a shattered dantian. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Junior Sister. I¡¯ll report this to Master and make sure you¡¯re satisfied with the outcome,¡± Lu Changtian said, stroking Mu Baishuang¡¯s head with a gentle smile. ¡°Song Jiaojiao won¡¯t have died in vain. If Li Qingran didn¡¯t kill her, we¡¯ll bring her back to Chixiao Peak. After all, Chixiao Peak can afford to support one mortal.¡± ¡°You¡¯re the best, Brother Changtian!¡± Mu Baishuang replied, her smile sweet, though a flicker of cunning shone in her eyes. Lu Changtian reported the mysterious circumstances of Song Jiaojiao¡¯s death and his suspicions about Li Qingran to the sect. Qingyun Sect¡¯s Sect Master, Wu Duantian, took the matter seriously. He punished Yang Botao by sentencing him to six months of reflection at Thunderclap Cliff and stripping him of all resource allocations for a month. Additionally, Wu Duantian appointed Lu Changtian to lead a team of Discipline Hall disciples to investigate Wanqing Mountain. Before their departure, the sect gathered at the Discipline Hall, where Wu Duantian sternly reminded them, ¡°If you encounter anyone from the demonic sect, do not act rashly. Demonic cultivators are cunning, and the strength they show might be a deliberate deception. Lu Changtian, your top priority is to report back using the communication jade slip.¡± ¡°Rest assured, Sect Master. I will act with caution,¡± Lu Changtian said, bowing respectfully. He then turned to seek instructions from Qingxuan Daoist, the Peak Master of Chixiao Peak. Qingxuan Daoist stroked his beard, his eyes narrowing. ¡°You¡¯ve always been prudent in your actions. I have nothing more to say. Go forth.¡± Hearing this, Lu Changtian drew his sword with a flourish, his suave gesture sending many female disciples swooning. As the team prepared to take flight, a sudden clap of thunder roared through the sky. Boom! The once-clear heavens above Cangyun Realm darkened as blood-red lightning flashed within the thick, ominous clouds. A terrifying aura swept across the land, suffused with an overwhelming pressure. Lu Changtian¡¯s mind went blank as the pressure struck, causing him to topple off his sword mid-step. The disciples of Qingyun Sect looked up at the sky, their faces pale with fear. Even Sect Master Wu Duantian and the peak elders wore grave expressions. ¡°What¡¯s been going on these past few days? Why does someone attempt heavenly divination every afternoon?¡± Heavenly divination was a last resort for powerful cultivators facing insurmountable challenges. However, not just anyone could perform such divination¡ªit required both mastery of a specific technique and immense cultivation. Furthermore, it was highly taxing, depleting the cultivator¡¯s vitality and potentially damaging their fate and fortune. Normally, even a single divination per year would be considered excessive. But one per day? That was unheard of. S~ea??h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. ¡°This realm is becoming harder to fathom,¡± Wu Duantian muttered, sighing heavily. For all their power, even Nascent Soul cultivators were mere ants beneath the tides of destiny. If those capable of daily heavenly divination were struggling to find answers, how could lesser cultivators hope to survive the dangers ahead? ¡°Lu Changtian, to be safe, take the Discipline Hall disciples and travel on foot,¡± Wu Duantian ordered, turning his gaze away from the darkened sky. ¡°If there are demonic cultivators lurking, they won¡¯t act recklessly amidst such divine scrutiny. Whether you arrive sooner or later, it won¡¯t make much difference. Keep a low profile.¡± ¡°Yes, Sect Master,¡± Lu Changtian replied grimly, clenching his fists as he glanced at the foreboding sky. For now, the slightest disturbance in the heavens rendered weaker cultivators too afraid to even fly on their swords. ¡°Are you some kind of AI?¡± At his bathroom door, Chen Huai¡¯an, now dressed in his pajamas, furiously tapped on his phone. ¡¾Heavenly Divination in Progress¡­ Divination Failed. Please try a different question.¡¿ ¡°When does one plus one equal three?¡± ¡¾Divination in Progress¡­ One plus one equals two. Please try a different question.¡¿ ¡°There are ten birds on a tree. You shoot one. How many are left?¡± ¡¾Divination in Progres¡­ One is dead on the ground. None remain on the tree. Try¡­ a¡­ different¡­ question.¡¿ ¡°Haha, this is fun.¡± ¡°But there¡¯s definitely a GM behind this,¡± Chen Huai¡¯an mused, rubbing his chin. If the AI couldn¡¯t answer riddles that would stump most programs, then there must be a real person pulling the strings. In that case¡­ ¡°Can I get a developer¡¯s account? I¡¯ll write detailed reports for you daily and won¡¯t complain about spending money anymore. Oh, by the way, I¡¯ve mastered acupuncture now. It¡¯s unbelievable, like learning kung fu through tai chi exercises. My skills are practically miraculous. If you ever need someone to reattach a limb, I¡¯ll do it for free.¡± As soon as he sent the message, the game window closed automatically. ¡°Tch, stubborn,¡± Chen Huai¡¯an muttered. When the developers eventually came begging for his help, they better not regret it. ¡°How to restore a Spiritual Root,¡± he typed, opening the divination again. Li Qingran was still absorbing the Primordial Heaven-Mending Pill. As an ancient divine medicine, it would take time to fully integrate its effects. Chen Huai¡¯an had nothing better to do, so he decided to bother the divination system again. Li Qingran had two major issues: her dantian and her spiritual root. While the dantian problem was solved, the spiritual root still lacked a solution. ¡¾Heavenly Divination Complete!¡¿ ¡¾Spiritual roots cannot be repaired but can be artificially implanted! The cultivation stage mission has captured a sliver of heavenly fate for you. For just 12,888£¤, enjoy a tenfold rebate! Achieve great rewards at each milestone: Qi Refinement Perfection, Foundation Establishment Mid-stage, Late-stage, and Perfection. Reaching Foundation Establishment Perfection will grant a superior mystical spiritual root!¡¿ ¡¾Activate the ¡°Mid Qi Refinement to Foundation Establishment Perfection¡± stage mission?¡¿ Chen Huai¡¯an: ¡°¡­¡± ¡°Screw your mission!¡± Chapter 24: The Guardian Package Chapter 24: The Guardian Package ¡°Is there no other way to obtain a spiritual root?¡± Does this war order really have to be activated? Is Chen Huai¡¯an¡¯s money just blown in by the wind? As Chen Huai¡¯an wrestled with his frustration and confusion, the system¡¯s Virtual Girlfriend Shop popped up on the screen. The first item catching his eye was the gleaming , priced at an astronomical 19,990,000£¤. This five-element spiritual root, considered top-tier, was the cheapest option available. Below it were even more outrageously priced spiritual roots, the zeros trailing far longer than his remaining lifespan. Ordinary spiritual roots? Not even listed. This shop only sold the best of the best. And to top it off, the was locked. Li Qingran would need to reach the Nascent Soul Stage to unlock the right to purchase it. Absolutely insane. If he had 19.99 million, wouldn¡¯t it be better spent curing his cancer? If cured, he could relax and spend the rest of his life in comfort. Clearly, this game wasn¡¯t planning to let him obtain spiritual roots through this route! ¡°Heh, then what¡¯s the point?¡± Chen Huai¡¯an chuckled bitterly. On the bright side, this darned game had accidentally unlocked his genetic potential. Fine then, top-up it is! Another hefty sum vanished from his payment account. Chen Huai¡¯an collapsed onto the couch, the emptiness hitting him harder than any post-climactic blues he¡¯d ever felt. ¡°Meow¡­¡± A weak cat¡¯s cry interrupted his melancholy. Chen Huai¡¯an immediately sprang to his feet and dashed to the shoebox. ¡°Well, aren¡¯t you a tough little guy!¡± Compared to the pitiful state it had been in earlier, the black kitten looked much better now. It could at least move inside the shoebox, though its wounds still seemed severe. On closer inspection, however, they appeared to have healed slightly since its bath. ¡°Chen Huai¡¯an, you¡¯re a genius.¡± This time, his declaration was in a tone of absolute certainty. But then he shook his head, laughing at himself in self-mockery. ¡°Shame I won¡¯t live much longer.¡± Unbeknownst to him, the black kitten was staring intently at his neck, a glint of murderous red flashing in its jet-black eyes. ¡°What are you staring at?¡± Chen Huai¡¯an and the kitten locked eyes. As his gaze met the kitten¡¯s, its fierce expression softened instantly. Its slit-like pupils rounded, and it let out a small, plaintive ¡°meow.¡± ¡°Still not feeling well?¡± Chen Huai¡¯an rubbed his chin thoughtfully. ¡°Alright then¡­¡± He turned his back, exposing himself completely. The black kitten arched its back, preparing to pounce. Its fur bristled, and its eyes blazed with killing intent. But just as it was about to strike, the man suddenly spun around¡ª A set of silver needles in one hand, its scruff firmly pinched in the other. The kitten¡¯s eyes widened in shock. ¡°You only got one round of acupuncture earlier. Let me reinforce it now!¡± S§×arch* The N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Chen Huai¡¯an placed the kitten on the couch, wrapped it in a towel, and began applying the needles. Who knew if this kitten had rabies? Now that it could move again, better to be cautious than risk a hospital trip for a rabies shot. That¡¯d cost a fortune. The black kitten struggled madly, baring its fangs. Chen Huai¡¯an, well-prepared, expertly jabbed two acupoints with his needles. The kitten¡¯s eyes bulged again. What kind of sorcery was this?! It couldn¡¯t move. Again. ¡°Wow, this technique is really effective.¡± Chen Huai¡¯an marveled, shaking his head as he worked. ¡°If I can¡¯t use this on people anymore, maybe I could fake a vet license, open a pet hospital, and make bank. I might even get thank-you banners from grateful pet owners.¡± ¡°By the way, are you a boy or a girl?¡± Lifting its tail, Chen Huai¡¯an peeked. ¡°Oh, a boy. Alright, once you grow up, I¡¯ll personally perform your neutering. Can¡¯t have you harassing lady cats everywhere¡­¡± The kitten: ??? But as Chen Huai¡¯an continued inserting needles, the kitten suddenly noticed something. Its wounds were healing rapidly, and the pain in its body was fading. Instead of discomfort, the needles sent waves of warmth coursing through it, leaving it so comfortable it almost drifted off to sleep. ¡­ A game window popped up. Chen Huai¡¯an glanced at it from the corner of his eye, his spirits lifting. He quickly removed the silver needles from the kitten, flicking them effortlessly into the shoebox. The box bounced on the couch, the lid snapping shut. The kitten: ¡°¡­¡± ¡°Meowwww!!!¡± Ignoring the kitten¡¯s enraged scratching from inside the shoebox, Chen Huai¡¯an focused entirely on Li Qingran. ¡°Wow, things are heating up!¡± Seeing that Li Qingran¡¯s lifespan had extended to 273 years, Chen Huai¡¯an felt a mix of comfort and envy. Meanwhile, his own life expectancy, updated at midnight, still showed just 129 days. Shrugging off his envy, he came to terms with it quickly. As long as he kept pouring money into the game, ensuring Li Qingran avoided any mishaps, her existence would outlast his. Even if he died, as long as the game account remained, she could carry on his legacy for centuries. But that would only work if the game company didn¡¯t pull a fast one and shut down the servers. Turning his attention back to the game, Chen Huai¡¯an noticed the area around Li Qingran was undergoing strange changes. Curtains had stilled, the dust outside her small room settled, and the Spiritual Qi fluctuations had stabilized. Tiny golden sprouts resembling plant buds began emerging around her, spreading throughout the room. These sprouts started forming flower buds, hinting at something extraordinary about to be born! ¡°Another cash grab?¡± Chen Huai¡¯an smirked with disdain. He knew full well that without the purchase, Li Qingran¡¯s Dantian reconstruction would fail, and some old monster would conveniently appear to steal it. After all, the game¡¯s script was entirely in the developers¡¯ hands. Thankfully, 88£¤ wasn¡¯t much, so he paid up. Chen Huai¡¯an¡¯s lips twitched. How naive he¡¯d been. The 88£¤ was just the key to opening the floodgates. Without it, he wouldn¡¯t even qualify to spend more! But at least the options seemed functional. The game ensured any package bought would suffice to protect Li Qingran. Expensive ones were just for rich players flaunting their wealth. Chen Huai¡¯an chose the Basic Guardian Package without hesitation. Strangely, for a man who grumbled about 15£¤ takeout being too pricey, the 188£¤ price tag felt almost reasonable at this moment. A glowing lightning array materialized around Li Qingran¡¯s small room, extending for a hundred meters before fading from sight. Simultaneously, ten Supreme Thunderfire Talismans appeared on the room¡¯s exterior. Inside, a massive Nine Suns Violet Lightning Talisman glowed on the table before her, its surface etched with arcane patterns. ¡°Now it¡¯s time for a monster siege, right?¡± Chen Huai¡¯an crossed his arms, already predicting the game¡¯s next move. Li Qingran¡¯s Dantian reconstruction progress had reached 90%. ¡­ In the Cangyun Realm, deep within Wanqing Mountain, At a barren, rocky slope concealed by towering peaks, A pair of sinister eyes snapped open in the depths of a pitch-black pool. ¡°Such a delectable aroma! This¡­ this scent of a Grade-One Dantian! It¡¯s unbelievable¡ªan unparalleled genius in this era has actually condensed a supreme Dantian!¡± ¡°Jie jie jie! Heaven favors me! Truly, heaven favors me!!!¡± Chapter 25: The Night Reaper of the Heavenly Demon Sect Chapter 25: The Night Reaper of the Heavenly Demon Sect ¡°Senior Brother Lu, is it true there are demonic cultivators active in Wanqing Mountain?¡± ¡°I heard demonic cultivators use fellow cultivators to refine pills, strip their tendons, and skin them to craft artifacts. They¡¯re said to be cruel and ruthless¡ªthough that might be an exaggeration.¡± A group of Qingyun Sect disciples descended from their mountain base. Since entering the Foundation Establishment Stage, they had primarily traveled via flying swords, leaving little time for casual conversation. But today, with the leisurely pace of their journey, they seized the rare chance to chat. ¡°Silence!¡± Lu Changtian¡¯s cold snort cut through the chatter. His indifferent gaze swept over the group as he said dismissively, ¡°So what if there are demonic cultivators? Wanqing Mountain is the Qingyun Sect¡¯s territory. Even if a patriarch from the demonic sects shows up, they¡¯d have to bow before us!¡± The disciples nodded vigorously, their expressions filled with flattery. ¡°Senior Brother Lu is right!¡± ¡°Indeed, Senior Brother Lu is the strongest among the new generation of Qingyun Sect¡¯s direct disciples. His talent far surpasses those demonic cultivators!¡± ¡°If we run into demonic cultivators, we¡¯ll just slaughter them all!¡± Outwardly, Lu Changtian maintained a stoic expression, but inwardly, he felt a twinge of satisfaction. True, there had been a time when the Sect Leader¡¯s favored disciple, Zhao Lingtian, overshadowed him. But now, with Zhao Lingtian¡¯s Dantian crippled, Lu Changtian was unquestionably the top disciple of his generation¡ªthe strongest Foundation Establishment cultivator in the Qingyun Sect. The mere thought of demonic cultivators seemed laughable. Whoosh¡ª! The previously clear night sky abruptly darkened. Lu Changtian looked up, spotting a mass of black clouds rising from the mountains, blotting out the moonlight as they surged westward at alarming speed. Within the black clouds swirled ominous crimson demonic energy. Even from afar, its oppressive aura sent chills down their spines. ¡°It¡¯s a demonic cultivator!¡± ¡°Such terrifying demonic energy!¡± ¡°Quick, notify the Sect!¡± Lu Changtian¡¯s face turned pale, his earlier arrogance evaporating. This level of demonic energy, capable of forming a cloud, could only belong to a powerful elder-level demonic cultivator. To confront such a monster as mere Foundation Establishment disciples was nothing short of suicide. One of the Qingyun Sect disciples from the Enforcement Hall fumbled with his communication jade slip, attempting to activate it. But before he could, his body froze, immobilized. ¡°Jie jie jie¡­ Little ones, I can¡¯t let you go spreading news so freely.¡± A chilling voice echoed from behind them. Lu Changtian¡¯s blood ran cold as he realized the black cloud had disappeared from the sky. The demonic cultivator was already behind them. In an instant, the disciple attempting to send a message was engulfed in a mist of demonic energy. He didn¡¯t even have time to scream before the mist consumed him, leaving behind only a twisted corpse. ¡°Don¡¯t have time to deal with you brats today. Here, have a little toy to play with. Jie jie~¡± The demonic energy dissipated, leaving no trace of the demonic cultivator except for the grotesque remains of the fallen disciple. ¡°D-Did he leave?¡± ¡°Junior Brother Zhang, Junior Brother Zhang?¡± ¡°Don¡¯t bother. He¡¯s dead! We need to return to the Sect immediately and report this!¡± The jade slip was destroyed, and Wanqing Mountain was no longer a safe place for disciples of their level. The matter required senior disciples or even elders to resolve. S§×ar?h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. One of the disciples stepped forward to collect Junior Brother Zhang¡¯s remains. ¡°Don¡¯t touch him! Step back!¡± Lu Changtian, his gaze fixed on the corpse, noticed something amiss and shouted a warning, but it was too late. Suddenly, red fur sprouted all over Junior Brother Zhang¡¯s corpse. With a predatory leap, the reanimated body lunged at the nearest disciple like a leopard, its blood-stained maw revealing sharp fangs. With a sickening crunch, the monster bit through the disciple¡¯s neck, tearing flesh and spraying blood everywhere. The horrific scene left the surrounding disciples frozen in fear, unable to react. The bloodthirsty creature, now empowered by its kill, grew even more ferocious. ¡°It¡¯s a Redfur Ghoul!¡± Lu Changtian drew his flying sword, his expression grave. ¡°Form up! This is a dangerous enemy. If we don¡¯t destroy it, none of us will make it out alive!¡± As the ghoul snarled and advanced, Lu Changtian felt a chill in his heart. This demonic cultivator had casually turned a Foundation Establishment cultivator¡¯s corpse into a Redfur Ghoul, a monster equivalent to a peak Foundation Establishment cultivator. Just who was this demonic cultivator? ¡­ Inside a small house at the base of the mountain¡ª ¡°The elixir Senior gave me is more than just precious¡­¡± Li Qingran was in utter disbelief as she examined her Dantian through inner sight. The nascent Dantian, bathed in golden light, defied her expectations. As the reconstruction neared completion, a spinning golden lotus platform appeared before her. ¡°This¡­ is my new Dantian?!¡± The lotus-shaped Dantian radiated a faint green glow, its intricate petals etched with mysterious Daoist scriptures. This was no ordinary Dantian¡ªits quality was unheard of. Though she had read many records in the Sect¡¯s library, none described a Dantian of this caliber. The closest comparison was the Grade-One Dantian, the pinnacle of innate Dantian quality. Even so, legends spoke of an even higher grade: the Supreme Dantian, attainable only through extreme effort and rare resources. Li Qingran¡¯s intuition told her that her current Dantian was Supreme-grade. ¡°What kind of extraordinary elixir did the Senior give me¡­?¡± Tears welled in her eyes as she looked at the golden lotus blooming around her. She felt overwhelmed by gratitude. Restoring her Dantian alone was an unrepayable favor, but the Senior had also granted her such a profound opportunity. ¡°Jie jie! A Supreme Dantian indeed! My fortune has arrived!¡± A sinister, elderly laugh broke the silence outside. Li Qingran turned toward the window and saw a dark cloud in the sky, swirling with demonic energy. A shadowy figure loomed within. ¡°A demonic cultivator!¡± The intruder exuded malice and formidable power. ¡°Senior, a demonic cultivator is here!¡± Without thinking, Li Qingran picked up her broken sword, her eyes fixed firmly on the threat outside. ¡°Jie jie jie!¡± The figure in the cloud laughed maniacally. ¡°I am Ye Futian, Patriarch of the Heavenly Demon Sect! None of you will escape tonight. You will become the foundation of my ascension to the Dao!¡± ¡°Arrogant fool!¡± Li Qingran¡¯s gaze sharpened, and she gripped the broken sword, ready to fight. But before she could act, a gentle force pushed her back. In his hotel room, Chen Huai¡¯an smirked as he observed the black cloud and the glowing red dot on the game map. Pressing a communication talisman, he spoke with a devilish grin: ¡°Girl, step back and get under the covers. Your Senior is about to show off.¡± What Li Qingran heard, however, was: ¡°Do not worry. Mere ants¡­ I¡­ can crush them with ease!¡± Chapter 26: 188 for Instant Kill—What More Needs to Be Said? Chapter 26: 188 for Instant Kill¡ªWhat More Needs to Be Said? The moment he saw the prompt ¡°You can freely manipulate formations and talismans¡±, a peculiar grin spread across Chen Huai¡¯an¡¯s face. As a premium player, wasn¡¯t the whole point of spending money to crush bosses effortlessly? ¡°Thunderfire Incineration Formation, stop hiding¡ªactivate it!¡± Cangyun Realm A commanding voice echoed above a small hut: ¡°Thunderfire Incineration Formation, activate!¡± ¡°What¡¯s this!?¡± From Ye Futian¡¯s perspective, glowing purple formations appeared across the ground within a hundred-mile radius of the hut. From these formation patterns, thunder and fire burst forth, intertwining into a massive circle that trapped him and the hut within its boundaries. A slight sense of danger arose in his heart, though not enough to alarm him. Ye Futian was a cautious man. After all, it was this very caution that had allowed him to evade death countless times while being hunted by righteous cultivators. Many others of the demonic path in his place would have long been torn to shreds. In the past, even the slightest threat would have sent him fleeing. But today was different. The temptation before him was simply too great. S§×arch* The N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. A Supreme Dantian! If he could obtain this body, what did the bottleneck that had plagued him for years amount to? He wouldn¡¯t even hesitate to disperse his cultivation and start anew if necessary. The spiritual energy in Cangyun Realm was dwindling, and rare treasures alone could no longer provide the breakthrough he needed. Fortune favors the bold. Even if every elder of the Qingyun Sect were to arrive today, he would still take the risk! ¡°Ha! Just a mere formation trying to stop me?¡± Ye Futian¡¯s figure was obscured by demonic energy, his voice emanating from within. The demonic energy surged and condensed into a bloody demonic palm that launched toward the hut¡¯s roof. As it descended with a force akin to Mount Tai, a violent gale scattered sand and gravel, and the surrounding vegetation bent low. Inside the hut, Li Qingran felt a chilling fear climb up her spine, her breathing turning labored under the oppressive force. The demonic palm slammed into the formation. The formation patterns flickered momentarily but held firm without breaking. ¡°What the h*ck!¡± Chen Huai¡¯an jumped in fright, staring at his phone. He had only just begun figuring out how to operate the formation when the boss launched its attack. ¡°This old geezer doesn¡¯t play fair!¡± ¡°Fine, let¡¯s start with a few celestial-grade Thunderfire Talismans!¡± With a flurry of taps on his phone, Chen Huai¡¯an activated three talismans placed on the hut¡¯s walls and door. The talismans shot out like arrows, aiming straight for the demonic energy cloud. Ye Futian didn¡¯t even flinch at the three talismans. His mind was focused on the formation, which had withstood his full-strength strike¡ªa clear indicator of its high quality. He knew how troublesome formation masters could be. If given the choice, he would avoid crossing paths with one altogether. He began charging a second strike with full force, aiming for a swift victory. The technique he employed was the Blood Cloud Palm, a low-tier earth-grade skill with a unique ability to corrode spiritual energy. Those struck by it would find their spiritual energy increasingly consumed by the demonic energy of the palm. This effect worked on formations too. In no time, the three talismans reached Ye Futian. As their golden light surged, thunder boomed. ¡°Wait, these are celestial-grade!¡± Ye Futian¡¯s scalp tingled, but it was too late to adjust his move. The celestial-grade Thunderfire Talismans detonated midair, unleashing a storm of thunder and fire that engulfed the blood cloud entirely. Meanwhile, Chen Huai¡¯an had finally figured out how to operate the formation. His phone displayed a keyboard interface. Following the given prompts, he began inputting a sequence of Chinese and English combinations. Each correct input triggered a new burst of the formation¡¯s power. ¡°This is child¡¯s play for me!¡± Chen Huai¡¯an boasted. In the past, he wouldn¡¯t have been so confident. But ever since mastering acupuncture, his hands had become both fast and steady. He even wondered if he could break records in rhythm games. Chen Huai¡¯an¡¯s fingers flew across the screen. [Come isÀ´£¬GoÊÇÈ¥~] A thunderbolt from the formation struck Ye Futian squarely in the face before he could recover from the previous attack. [Nod is Yes, Shake is No~] [To greet someone, say Hello, Hello Hello, Ha Ha Hello~] As Chen Huai¡¯an¡¯s typing speed increased, so did the frequency of the thunderbolts. Though the formation alone couldn¡¯t instantly kill Ye Futian, the sheer number of attacks gradually wore him down. Soon, the demonic cloud dissipated, revealing a charred, tattered, and disheveled old man with white hair resembling a dandelion. ¡°Arrrgh¡ªenough! I¡¯ll kill you!!!¡± Furious, Ye Futian abandoned all pretense. He leaped onto the hut¡¯s roof, his dark hands spreading out before him. A surge of demonic energy formed a colossal figure behind him¡ªa ferocious, blue-faced avatar with razor-sharp fangs. The avatar¡¯s actions mirrored Ye Futian¡¯s, pressing forward with a gigantic claw. The immense pressure shattered the formation¡¯s glowing patterns, breaking it apart. To Chen Huai¡¯an¡¯s surprise, the boss entered a new phase. ¡°Wow, three-stage transformation? This boss is something else!¡± Still, Chen Huai¡¯an wasn¡¯t worried. After all, he had bought the premium package. Victory was guaranteed. Inside the hut, Li Qingran gripped her sleeves tightly, her face pale. She anxiously warned, ¡°Senior, demonic cultivators are cunning. Be wary of hidden tricks!¡± Her voice trembled with guilt. She had no power to intervene, only able to pray that the senior wouldn¡¯t get injured. As the fight escalated, Chen Huai¡¯an unleashed his trump card¡ªthe Nine Suns Purple Thunder Talisman, a tool capable of summoning heavenly lightning. Thunderclouds gathered in the sky, and a purple lightning dragon descended with terrifying force. The lightning obliterated Ye Futian, draining the boss¡¯s health bar in an instant. Chen Huai¡¯an smirked, blowing on his fingers like a gunslinger. ¡°Tsk, that¡¯s it? Looked tough, but... 188 bucks for an instant kill. What¡¯s there to say?¡± Meanwhile, in Qingyun Sect, Sect Master Wu Duantian gazed at the sky, feeling the intense spiritual energy rippling through the heavens. ¡°This... this must be the same expert who crafted that divine elixir!¡± Hope reignited in his heart. Turning to his bedridden disciple Zhao Lingtian, he declared, ¡°This is our last chance. If we can gain that senior¡¯s help, your dantian might still be saved!¡± ... Chapter 27: Someone Requests an Opportunity from You Chapter 27: Someone Requests an Opportunity from You By the time Wu Duantian arrived at the scene with his personal disciple, the battle had long since ended. The heavenly phenomena had dissipated, the subtle fluctuations of spiritual energy had faded, and the senior expert was nowhere to be found. ¡°There¡¯s residual demonic energy here. Could it be that the senior was fighting a demonic cultivator?¡± He scanned the area and soon spotted a massive thunder crater dozens of meters wide. Upon closer inspection, the crater was over three meters deep, filled with molten rock from the intense heat, and arcs of lightning still flickered in the lava. The remnants of demonic energy lingered faintly in the pit, but its owner was nowhere to be seen. Perhaps they had been obliterated without a trace¡ªor maybe they had fled. ¡°To wield such terrifying lightning¡­ Tsk, this senior¡¯s strength truly defies comprehension.¡± On the surface, Wu Duantian maintained the composure of a late-stage Nascent Soul cultivator. In reality, his heart was in turmoil. Nascent Soul cultivators could refine their avatars to cooperate in offense and defense, and they could even begin to harness the forces of nature. However, to summon the power of the Dao itself, as this senior had done, was entirely beyond Wu Duantian¡¯s capabilities. What level of cultivation could achieve such a feat? Still, since the senior had fought against a demonic cultivator, it was reassuring to assume they were on the righteous path. This thought eased his mind somewhat. ¡°Master, look¡ªthere¡¯s a woman in that hut,¡± Zhao Lingtian said, pointing to a small house by the stream at the foot of the mountain. Wu Duantian squinted. His enhanced vision easily pierced the distance, and he recognized the figure inside the hut. ¡°Isn¡¯t that the disciple from Chixiao Peak who injured her junior sister on purpose? What was her name... Li Qingran?¡± ¡°Yes, that¡¯s her.¡± Zhao Lingtian sneered. ¡°During the sect tournament, where attacks are supposed to stop before causing real harm, she sought personal revenge. Getting expelled from Chixiao Peak and the sect was what she deserved. I heard Zhang Hanxiao sent her back to the mortal world. Looks like she¡¯s crawled back here, thinking she can rejoin Qingyun Sect.¡± ¡°Don¡¯t waste time on insignificant people,¡± Wu Duantian replied, withdrawing his gaze. A disgraced disciple with her cultivation base crippled wasn¡¯t worth their attention. Still, Li Qingran had been lucky to survive. The thunder crater was only three or four hundred meters away from her hut. If it had been closer, even the residual force of the lightning could have been fatal. As for whether the mysterious senior had any connection to Li Qingran, Wu Duantian never considered it. The difference in their statuses was as vast as heaven and earth. A cultivator capable of crafting divine pills wouldn¡¯t care about a mere ant. ¡°Zhao Lingtian, that senior might still be nearby,¡± Wu Duantian said. ¡°After such a battle, they¡¯re likely resting in a secluded location. Be sincere in your plea¡ªperhaps they can help restore your dantian.¡± ¡°Yes, Sect Master.¡± Zhao Lingtian was brimming with confidence. Born a prince of a great mortal kingdom, he possessed rare talent, with a radiant Flame Spiritual Root. Before his dantian was shattered, it was rated as fourth-grade. Combined with his striking looks and extraordinary charisma, he believed anyone would admire his potential. Cultivation emphasized karmic ties. High-level reclusive cultivators, often stuck at bottlenecks, would roam to seek opportunities, doing good deeds to enhance their karmic balance. Zhao Lingtian stepped forward, bowing respectfully toward the thunder crater. Tears welled in his eyes as he pleaded, ¡°This junior is Zhao Lingtian, personal disciple of the Qingyun Sect Master. I witnessed your divine pill refinement and heroic battle against the demonic cultivator. I have long admired your strength. ¡°My dantian was shattered by a demonic cultivator, and I harbor deep hatred toward them. ¡°I humbly ask for your guidance or a prescription to restore my dantian. If you help me recover, I will never forget your kindness. I am willing to serve you loyally for the rest of my life.¡± Wu Duantian, standing nearby, felt a twinge of jealousy. Zhao Lingtian had never expressed such devotion to him. Still, he suppressed his feelings, hoping his prized disciple¡¯s dantian might be restored. They waited patiently in the wilderness. Inside the hut, Li Qingran glanced out the window and quickly returned to her bed. ¡°So Wu Duantian and Zhao Lingtian came here to seek an opportunity from the senior?¡± Her thoughts were complicated. Would the senior grant Zhao Lingtian the chance he sought? S§×ar?h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. She didn¡¯t know. The senior wasn¡¯t the type to hand out opportunities freely, but neither were they stingy. Though she hated to admit it, Zhao Lingtian¡¯s talent and background far outstripped hers. Investing in him would likely yield greater returns. But she didn¡¯t want the senior to help Zhao Lingtian¡ªnot because she was selfish, but because she understood his character. Zhao Lingtian was arrogant, narrow-minded, and prone to causing trouble. If he misused the senior¡¯s resources, it could bring harm to the senior in return. Ultimately, the decision wasn¡¯t hers to make. All she could do was watch quietly. [Someone is requesting an opportunity from you!] Chen Huai¡¯an was reviewing his spoils when the game displayed this notification. ¡°What the h*ck?¡± he muttered. The game showed Wu Duantian and Zhao Lingtian near the hut. ¡°Hah! Big shots, huh? Isn¡¯t Qingyun Sect where Li Qingran used to belong? And these guys want something from me?¡± Chen Huai¡¯an felt amused¡ªand furious. Who was he? Li Qingran was his virtual girlfriend. That made him her ¡°cyber boyfriend,¡± right? These people had bullied his girl and now dared to come asking for help? A dialog box appeared: [First opportunity-granting event triggered! This Transmission Talisman is free to use. Granting an opportunity may affect your virtual girlfriend, Li Qingran, in unpredictable ways. Effects could be positive or negative. Please choose wisely. You may select items from your inventory to gift.] Chen Huai¡¯an paused to read the prompt carefully. ¡°What do they want?¡± [Zhao Lingtian is requesting a Primordial Heaven-Mending Pill. Will you grant it?] ¡°What the h*ck is this?¡± ¡°A Heaven-Mending Pill? That¡¯s not an opportunity; that¡¯s my life savings!¡± He opened his inventory, dragged out a handful of Thunderfire Talismans, and aimed at Wu Duantian and Zhao Lingtian. ¡°Can I just zap these two idiots to death?¡± [Wu Duantian is a late-stage Nascent Soul cultivator. Do you wish to engage in battle?] ¡°Hmm, guess I can¡¯t pay-to-win here,¡± Chen Huai¡¯an muttered, calming down. He knew he didn¡¯t have enough power to defeat a Nascent Soul cultivator. Losing would tarnish his dignity¡ªand worse, it might affect Li Qingran. Maintaining his air of mystery, Chen Huai¡¯an activated the Transmission Talisman. Taking a deep breath, he bellowed, ¡°Scrll do you think you are, coming to me for opportunities? Get lost, you piece of sh**! You¡¯re not worthy!¡± In Cangyun Realm, a violent gust of wind swept through the area, flattening the grass. Wu Duantian and Zhao Lingtian perked up as they sensed a spiritual presence in the wind. ¡°Finally! The senior is responding!¡± Wu Duantian thought excitedly. ¡°My dantian can finally be saved!¡± Zhao Lingtian clenched his fists in anticipation. They strained to listen¡ªbut all they heard was a single, thunderous word: ¡°SCRAM!¡± Inside the hut, Li Qingran¡¯s eyes widened in surprise before she burst into laughter, covering her mouth. ¡°Pfft¡ª!¡± Chapter 28: Another Little Gift? Chapter 28: Another Little Gift? Hearing the roar carried by the wind, Wu Duantian and Zhao Lingtian¡¯s faces turned dark. ¡°Senior, have I done something to offend you?¡± Zhao Lingtian protested, unwilling to accept the humiliation. ¡°I have never crossed paths with you. Why would you treat me with such contempt?¡± Zhao Lingtian, a peerless talent wherever he went, was accustomed to being revered. His dantian had been shattered by a demonic cultivator, a fact that caused his late-stage Nascent Soul master, Wu Duantian, endless grief. After all, Zhao Lingtian was expected to elevate Qingyun Sect to new heights. Now, even a single word¡ª¡°Scram¡±¡ªwas a blow to his pride. But no further response came from the mountain. Zhao Lingtian stood there, torn between anger and awkwardness, hesitant to leave yet unable to give up the chance to restore his dantian. He glanced at Wu Duantian for guidance. ¡°Let it go,¡± Wu Duantian sighed. ¡°If it¡¯s yours, it will come to you. If not, it wasn¡¯t meant to be. We can¡¯t force fate.¡± As a master, he longed to shield his disciple from this indignity. If the other party were an equal, he would have sought justice for Zhao Lingtian. But thus far, he couldn¡¯t even pinpoint the senior¡¯s location despite the use of spiritual senses and communication talismans. This demonstrated that the senior could evade them at will. Pursuing this any further would only bring disgrace. ¡°Master¡­¡± Zhao Lingtian¡¯s voice quivered with resentment. Wu Duantian placed a reassuring hand on his disciple¡¯s shoulder. Feigning calm, he said, ¡°Come, let¡¯s go.¡± Inside, his frustration burned even brighter than Zhao Lingtian¡¯s. As a master, he should stand up for his disciple. Instead, he was left with no choice but to retreat in silence, swallowing his pride. Meanwhile, Lu Changtian and a group of Enforcement Hall disciples sat under a pine tree, shaken. Of the fifty who set out, only thirty-six remained. Fourteen had perished in the fight against the red-haired zombie. Thankfully, a mighty expert had intervened, splitting a bolt of heavenly lightning to annihilate the zombie. Without that aid, their losses would have been far greater. ¡°Which powerhouse was it that summoned such divine lightning to cleanse evil? Their methods are beyond our reach,¡± a disciple mused in awe. Lu Changtian remained silent but was equally impressed. He secretly yearned for an opportunity to encounter this mysterious figure, hoping to receive guidance that could accelerate his own cultivation. ¡°Senior Brother Lu, given the circumstances, should we continue with the mission?¡± ¡°Yes, Senior Brother. The demonic cultivator might still be alive¡­¡± Though the disciples didn¡¯t voice it outright, their hesitant gazes and faltering words betrayed their reluctance. Lu Changtian sneered inwardly but kept a calm demeanor. ¡°The Sect Master entrusted us with this mission, and it must be completed. However, since many of you are not in the right state, report the casualties back to the sect. I¡¯ll handle the rest alone.¡± ¡°Ah, Senior Brother, that¡¯s not proper¡­¡± ¡°Wanqing Mountain is dangerous. How can you manage alone?¡± Hearing their insincere protests, Lu Changtian curled his lip in disdain. ¡°This is my decision. As the team leader, I command you to obey!¡± Seeing no room for argument, the disciples reluctantly expressed their gratitude and left, leaving Lu Changtian alone under the pine tree. ¡°Cowardly fools,¡± he muttered. ¡°People like you will never seize opportunities.¡± Continuing the mission wasn¡¯t just about appearances or orders. It was about opportunity. Fewer people meant a bigger share of the pie. In the small hut, all was peaceful. ¡°Senior, this junior is endlessly grateful to you for restoring my dantian.¡± Li Qingran bowed toward the ceiling, struggling to express her joy and gratitude. Words felt inadequate, and the more she said, the more superficial they seemed. Instead, she decided to keep her feelings in her heart. ¡°No need for thanks; you¡¯re my virtual girlfriend, after all!¡± Seeing Li Qingran¡¯s affection level rise to 60, Chen Huai¡¯an couldn¡¯t contain his glee. ¡°As your cyber boyfriend, it¡¯s only natural to help you out! Li Qingran, just focus on cultivating and trample those who look down on you. I may be stuck in this lifetime, but you¡¯re different. You may be data, but even data can grow. Before the game officially launches, I¡¯ll make you the strongest female cultivator! That way, I can die a happy man and reincarnate as the world¡¯s richest tycoon!¡± What Li Qingran heard: [Cultivate diligently and remain humble.] ¡°Yes, Senior. I will not disappoint your expectations!¡± Li Qingran bowed deeply, her expression solemn. Yet in her heart, she couldn¡¯t help but think, A small smile escaped her lips before she quickly composed herself. From her storage ring, she retrieved a bracelet made of spirit stones. ¡°Senior, this is a Fortune Bracelet I made. The materials are not exceptional, so I hope you don¡¯t mind. Once I have better resources, I¡¯ll craft you a new one!¡± She had used low-grade spirit stones¡ªher only available resources¡ªto make the bracelet. High-grade materials like spirit crystals were essential for maintaining the Advanced Spirit Gathering Formation and couldn¡¯t be spared. [Your virtual girlfriend, Li Qingran, has made you a small gift. It has been sent¡ªplease check your inventory.] ¡°A gift? Li Qingran, you¡¯re the best!¡± Chen Huai¡¯an grinned widely at his phone, feeling that every penny he had spent was worth it. Official game mechanics or not, the emotional value was priceless. Meanwhile, in Cangyun Realm, Li Qingran heard: [Not bad. Thoughtful of you.] Later that night, Chen Huai¡¯an found himself in a budget hotel, still clutching his phone. ¡°Last time, that protective talisman was pretty subpar. It couldn¡¯t even survive a single climb without the ink washing off¡­¡± sea??h th§× n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. He grumbled but held onto hope that this new gift would be of better quality. From the shadows of a shoebox, two glowing cat eyes peeked out. [What¡¯s this human idiot grinning at on that black box?] The eyes belonged to a black cat, whose sleek form slipped silently onto the table. [My current body is too weak for a direct confrontation. Plus, this human seems to have some unique abilities. It¡¯s safer to act while he sleeps.] As the moonlight filtered through the window, the cat¡¯s shadow on the wall morphed into a terrifying beast. The world outside fell silent. Time itself seemed to thicken¡­ Chapter 29: What a Sword! Chapter 29: What a Sword! All living beings are at their most vulnerable when they sleep¡ªvulnerable enough to be killed by entities far weaker than themselves. And now was no exception. The black cat crouched low, its gaze fixed on Chen Huai¡¯an¡¯s exposed neck. Having only recently awakened, it was still too weak to face an adult human in direct combat. However, with more time to recover and a few more prey to restore its vitality, even those four-wheeled steel contraptions would no longer pose a threat. The thought of those vehicles made the cat¡¯s eyes flicker with hatred. Those cunning humans had hidden themselves inside fast-moving steel boxes. Caught unaware during their first encounter, it had nearly been run over! Its revenge would begin now, by devouring this human. The black cat leaped at Chen Huai¡¯an, moving so quickly it blurred into a shadowy streak. Its claws extended, leaving crimson trails in the air, aimed directly at the man¡¯s throat. Just as it was about to strike¡ª A thunderous dragon¡¯s roar exploded in its mind, making the cat dizzy. Its nimble limbs stiffened, and it dropped to the floor like a lump of dead weight. [Ancestral Dragon?] [This aura... how is this possible?] Trembling, the black cat staggered to its feet, shaking its head to clear the disorientation. It looked again at the sleeping man, disbelief filling its round eyes. The noise caused Chen Huai¡¯an to smack his lips and roll over, the blanket slipping to reveal his bare back. On his skin, a black dragon tattoo coiled and writhed, its golden eyes glowing faintly with an aura of dominance. As if sensing the cat¡¯s gaze¡ª Another dragon¡¯s roar reverberated in its mind. The black cat froze as the tattooed dragon leaped off Chen Huai¡¯an¡¯s back. [What the¡ª?! Isn¡¯t this overkill?] Terrified, the cat turned to flee, but the dragon¡¯s tail, edged with golden scales, lashed out and swatted it straight back into the shoebox. The lid snapped shut. [Curse it all! This human has the protection of an Ancestral Dragon!] Curled up in the box, the cat shivered in pain. Its organs burned as if on fire, and it spat out a mouthful of blood. Having just awoken, its body was fragile. In this era of spiritual energy scarcity, healing was already difficult. Add to that its earlier injuries from being struck by a car and attacked by a bird¡ªit had barely survived. Now, the dragon¡¯s strike had worsened its condition considerably. [I must leave! This place is too dangerous!] It tried to steady itself but felt faint. After staggering two steps, it collapsed inside the box, unconscious. The moonlight remained serene, washing over the room. The dragon tattoo circled the bed once before returning to Chen Huai¡¯an¡¯s back. In his sleep, Chen Huai¡¯an chuckled, scratched his rear, and rolled over again. At 7:00 AM, Chen Huai¡¯an¡¯s alarm went off. He reached out blindly, grabbing his phone and swiping to unlock it, revealing a face with deep dark circles. Virtual Girlfriend: Activated! Onscreen, Li Qingran was seated cross-legged on her bed, meditating and absorbing spiritual energy from the mid-level Spirit Gathering Formation. [Status: Cultivating] [Progress: 7631/9999 (Eighth Layer)] [Remaining Lifespan: 273 years] [Affection Level: 60 (Close)] ¡°Not bad!¡± Chen Huai¡¯an perked up, immediately awake upon seeing her progress. Although he could only afford a mid-level Spirit Gathering Formation due to his dwindling funds, Li Qingran had still managed to ascend two whole layers overnight. Her rapid advancement was remarkable. This was the terrifying power of a Supreme Dantian. Smiling with satisfaction, Chen Huai¡¯an tapped her shoulder in the interface, triggering several reward notifications. Three golden bags materialized on Li Qingran¡¯s desk. [Spirit Stone Mystery Box: Contains random rewards such as 1 Spirit Crystal, 99 High-Grade Spirit Stones, or 999 Mid-Grade Spirit Stones. Guaranteed minimum: 1,000 Low-Grade Spirit Stones. (For Li Qingran only.)] ¡°Eh, not bad, I guess,¡± he muttered, unimpressed by the small rewards. His focus was on the grand prize awaiting Li Qingran when she reached the peak of the Qi Refinement Stage. The prize¡¯s interface glowed with a dazzling purple light: [Tideborne Technique (Low-Tier Profound Rank)] The description made his eyes widen in awe. ¡°Wow, no wonder this is a reward from the system. It¡¯s terrifyingly good!¡± Although he hadn¡¯t asked what cultivation technique Li Qingran currently practiced, he doubted it was anywhere near as exceptional as this one. Opening her profile, he found her technique: Chiyun Technique¡ªLow-Tier Profound Rank. It was the same rank as the Tideborne Technique, but switching techniques required discarding her current cultivation base. All the progress she had painstakingly made would be lost. ¡°Eh, better hold onto it for now,¡± Chen Huai¡¯an mused. He noticed the Tideborne Technique wasn¡¯t marked as exclusive to Li Qingran, sparking a curious thought. ¡°Could I use this myself?¡± His mind wandered to the Green Lotus Sword Manual. What if he needed to learn the Tideborne Technique first to unlock it? Shaking his head, he dismissed the thought. ¡°These game developers sure know how to make everything feel serious, as if cultivation will make you a real immortal.¡± Just then, two notifications popped up: [Your virtual girlfriend¡¯s gift has arrived!] S§×arch* The novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. [Your selected loot has arrived!] The first was the bracelet Li Qingran had made for him. The second was a choice of items dropped from Ye Futian: a fragmented demonic cultivation manual, a low-grade magic sword, a damaged mid-grade spiritual weapon, and several spirit stones. He had selected the sword as his ¡°real-world loot.¡± A knock came from his door. Startled, Chen Huai¡¯an hopped out of bed with his crutch and dashed to the door. He was determined to catch the mysterious early-morning delivery person. But when he flung the door open, no one was there. ¡°Parkour master, huh?¡± he muttered, glancing at the stairwell. Looking down, he spotted two packages: One was a small box labeled ¡°Qingran¡¯s Gift,¡± perfectly sized for the bracelet. The other was a long, heavy package, nearly five feet in length, with the bold words ¡°Spoils of War¡± printed on it. ¡°Just as I thought,¡± he muttered. Bending to pick up the long package, he was caught off guard by its weight. It thudded back to the floor, leaving a noticeable dent in the hotel¡¯s wooden flooring. ¡°Crap!¡± Panicked, he grabbed a corner of the carpet to cover the damage. Only then did he lift the package carefully, a spark of excitement flickering in his eyes. ¡°What a sword. What a sword!¡± He couldn¡¯t help but cackle. ¡°Now have my own sword!¡± Chapter 30: The Black Scale Sword Chapter 30: The Black Scale Sword If only his streaming account had more followers, Chen Huai¡¯an thought wistfully. He could¡¯ve made an unboxing livestream out of this moment. Grinning from ear to ear, he carried the two boxes into his room, locked the door, drew the curtains, and switched on the bedside lamp. Sitting cross-legged on the bed, he rubbed his hands together in excitement. ¡°Let¡¯s start with Qingran¡¯s adorable little gift!¡± Using a nail clipper, he carefully snipped the tape and opened the box. His expression darkened immediately. Inside was a sealed bag containing a bracelet strung with beads. The material looked suspiciously like glass marbles. S~ea??h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. ¡°Emmm... so lazy.¡± Chen Huai¡¯an took out the bracelet, feeling its smooth, cool surface. As he breathed in, the air seemed to grow fresher, and the morning grogginess lifted from his mind. ¡°Sure, the material¡¯s mediocre, the craftsmanship is shoddy, and the engraved blessing looks so bad it makes me want to cry.¡± He squinted at the crooked characters on the beads. Still, he slipped the bracelet onto his wrist with a smile. ¡°But knowing it¡¯s a gift from Li Qingran makes me feel energized already.¡± He attributed the refreshing sensation to the ¡°power of love.¡± Not far away, the black cat lying in the shoebox twitched its nose and cracked open an eye. ¡°Now for the main event!¡± This time, Chen Huai¡¯an wasn¡¯t gentle. With a few rough tears, he revealed the contents of the large package: an ancient-looking longsword. The sword measured 1.5 meters in length and had a bronze hue, with black scale-like markings on the blade. The hilt bore intricate carvings in archaic script, which Chen Huai¡¯an assumed might be the blacksmith¡¯s name. ¡°A fitting name: Black Scale Sword.¡± He held the sword up to the light. The lamp¡¯s glow reflected off the blade, revealing a cold gleam that seemed to belong to another era. It felt as though this sword didn¡¯t belong to his world but to Li Qingran¡¯s¡ªthe realm of the Cangyun Realm. This wasn¡¯t a mere decorative piece but a genuine flying sword from that world. ¡°Ugh, I must be sleep-deprived,¡± Chen Huai¡¯an muttered, shaking his head at his own fanciful thoughts. Still, he couldn¡¯t help but admire the game developer¡¯s attention to detail. Even the protective talisman he¡¯d received previously, despite its fading ink, had seemed genuinely crafted by Li Qingran. The bracelet, with its faint fragrance, shared the same aura of authenticity. As for the sword, it was clearly the real deal¡ªperfect as a wall decoration, and undeniably stylish. ¡°Is this thing sharp?¡± Chen Huai¡¯an scratched his head, tempted to test it with his hand before pulling back instinctively. Instead, he picked up a stray black hair from the floor and gently let it fall onto the blade. A faint sword hum echoed, and the hair split cleanly in two, drifting to the ground. ¡°Holy sh¡ª! It¡¯s that sharp?!¡± ¡°This thing must count as a restricted weapon. How the heck did it get delivered?¡± Panicking slightly, Chen Huai¡¯an quickly sheathed the sword. Spying a nail on the wall where a painting had once hung, he mounted the sword there. Surprisingly, the ancient weapon didn¡¯t clash with the room¡¯s modern decor. It looked perfectly at home. ¡°Decision made: Black Scale Sword, you¡¯ll join me in the crematorium someday. Heh heh heh!¡± Black Scale Sword: ¡°¡­¡± Black cat in the shoebox: ¡°¡­¡± [What¡¯s with this weirdo? A flying sword? A real magic weapon?] The black cat¡¯s wide eyes peered from the shoebox, fixated on the sword. It had been awakened by the spiritual energy radiating from the spirit stones used in the sword¡¯s creation. To its weakened body, even inhaling air infused with spiritual energy hastened its recovery. Gold needle techniques, Ancestral Dragon protection... now spirit stones and a magic weapon? The cat¡¯s thoughts raced in confusion. It couldn¡¯t comprehend how this strange human possessed so many treasures in an era where spiritual energy had supposedly vanished. When it awoke, the world seemed to have lost all remnants of cultivation. But this human¡­ how did he have it all? Deciding to put aside these questions, the black cat resolved to recover its strength using the spiritual energy in the room. The Ancestral Dragon¡¯s protection posed a problem, but as long as it didn¡¯t harm the human, it wouldn¡¯t trigger the dragon¡¯s wrath. Preparing to feign a pitiful meow to attract Chen Huai¡¯an¡¯s attention, the cat realized he had already left the room. [Where¡¯d he go?] Dragging its weakened body, the cat climbed onto the windowsill and saw Chen Huai¡¯an, still in his pajamas, running toward the hotel square with a drying pole in hand. In the square, Old Man Li had practiced tai chi under the same tree for 20 years. Among the elderly tai chi enthusiasts in the area, he was unmatched. ¡°Watch where you¡¯re going!¡± he shouted at two kids crossing the street while playing mobile games. One of them flipped him off. ¡°Mind your own business, old man!¡± ¡°You little¡­!¡± Shaking his head in disappointment, Old Man Li muttered, ¡°Kids these days¡­ no energy, no discipline. Always glued to their screens. Back in my day¡­¡± He sighed, lamenting how modern technology, while advancing society, had stripped away much of its simplicity and charm. ¡°Ahhh¡­¡± Another heavy sigh. He approached his usual tree, only to find someone had beaten him there. A young man in pajamas was crouched awkwardly with a drying pole, sweating profusely as he maintained a bizarre posture. Though the man¡¯s form was rough, Old Man Li saw a spark of hope in the darkness¡ªa vigorous young person, something he greatly admired. ¡°Hey, young man, you¡¯re doing it all wrong!¡± Old Man Li said, walking over. ¡°Your stance is unstable. That¡¯s not how you do a horse stance!¡± Chen Huai¡¯an, struggling to practice the Green Lotus Sword Manual, turned to see an elderly man behind him. Suddenly, a firm hand pressed down on his shoulder, forcing him lower. A foot nudged between his legs, correcting his balance. The adjustment sent sharp pain through his casted leg, but Chen Huai¡¯an wasn¡¯t angry. As the old man corrected him, Chen Huai¡¯an noticed with astonishment that his cultivation progress in the Green Lotus Sword Manual had skyrocketed from 2% to 13%! Chapter 31: Please Select a Target Chapter 31: Please Select a Target What a surprise! A huge surprise!! Originally, Chen Huai¡¯an thought teaching Li Qingran the foundational moves of the was an unattainable dream. But now, with just a small correction from the old man, a glimmer of hope emerged! At the same time, Chen Huai¡¯an confirmed something important: the hacker team monitoring him through the camera¡ªor at least an AI system¡ªwas tracking his every movement. Only by performing the moves perfectly would his training progress advance. This game was detailed to the extreme, down to the golden needles replicating authentic traditional Chinese medicine techniques. It was evident that the foundational chapter of the was adapted from genuine martial arts, meaning precise movements were essential. "Master!" Chen Huai¡¯an turned to bow with deep gratitude, his eyes brimming with tears. "Thank you for correcting my moves, Master!" Old Li was utterly dumbfounded. Then, a surge of joy rushed straight to his head. Master?! Sure, sometimes his old friends called him that as a joke. But being addressed as "Master" by a young person? This was a first. The young man in front of him looked sharp and upright. Despite his shaved head and pale complexion, he seemed genuine. What¡¯s more, Old Li noticed something unusual¡ªthe cast and swelling on Chen Huai¡¯an¡¯s leg. "A young man like you with this kind of injury, and you still came out early in the morning to practice martial arts?" He pressed lightly on the leg, his brow furrowing as he felt the hardened cast and swollen lump beneath. "Young man, give me your wrist." Without waiting for a reply, Old Li checked Chen Huai¡¯an¡¯s pulse, his face growing darker with each second. S§×arch* The N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Terminal cancer?" Chen Huai¡¯an said nonchalantly, noticing the old man¡¯s worried expression. "I know my condition; no need to sugarcoat it. And I must say, your pulse-reading is remarkably accurate." Old Li sighed deeply. "Young man, with this illness, how are you still smiling?" "Since it¡¯s inevitable, why not face it calmly?" Chen Huai¡¯an replied with a carefree smile. "All I want in my remaining days is to live a fulfilling life. Life''s journey may be shorter for me, but at least I¡¯ve experienced it fully." Old Li was silent for a moment, staring at this young man who had seemingly seen through life and death. It was a maturity that often came at great cost. "Is there no chance of a cure?" "Almost none," Chen Huai¡¯an replied, shaking his head. "Even if I had insurance, it would only buy me time, not a cure. Honestly, I¡¯d rather spend my days happy and carefree, doing things I never dared to before." Old Li, moved by Chen Huai¡¯an¡¯s resolve, said, "Well, since mindset is so crucial, why not keep practicing? Martial arts training has worked wonders for others in dire conditions." Chen Huai¡¯an chuckled but didn¡¯t refuse. After all, he was serious about mastering the . That morning, Chen Huai¡¯an¡¯s progress in the manual reached 80%. No matter how much he practiced, it wouldn¡¯t budge further. As Old Li explained, muscle fatigue had set in, making additional training counterproductive. On the way back to his hotel, Chen Huai¡¯an thought about how his stamina had improved significantly. "Last night, I could barely manage half an hour before exhaustion. This morning, I lasted five to six hours without breakfast!" His gaze landed on the glass bracelet on his wrist. One of the beads seemed dimmer. ¡°I get it!¡± Chen Huai¡¯an laughed, clutching the bracelet tighter. The cancer might have shortened his lifespan, but it seemed to have awakened some hidden potential in his genes. Back at the hotel, he opened the skill interface for . To upgrade to the next level, he needed to perform the 1,000 times. He had only managed three so far. ¡°998 bucks?¡± Chen Huai¡¯an stared at his balance and grinned. "Time to swipe!" With the payment complete, the skill interface shone brilliantly, upgrading the to Level 2 and unlocking the . He eagerly chose to start the training sequence. ¡¾Warning: The is highly dangerous. Insufficient proficiency may result in severe injury or disability. Proceed?¡¿ "Yes!" ¡¾Please select a target for the procedure.¡¿ Chen Huai¡¯an hesitated. Li Qingran was out of the question. Maybe he could find a wild boar later? The screen suddenly switched to selfie mode, showing his own face. ¡¾Target selected. Begin procedure.¡¿ Chen Huai¡¯an: ¡°???¡± Chapter 32: Heart Demon Arises Chapter 32: Heart Demon Arises Seriously? You¡¯re not even pretending anymore? Not even trying to hide it?! ¡°I know you can hear me! From now on, stop controlling my phone, and stay out of my private life, or I¡¯ll sue you!¡± Chen Huai¡¯an¡¯s voice was stern, his anger palpable. ¡¾The Pulse Opening Needle Technique is highly dangerous. Using it on a suitable target will greatly improve proficiency.¡¿ ¡¾This session will grant 20% proficiency and reduce the chance of disability by 20%.¡¿ ¡¾The technique¡¯s powerful effects can help your Virtual Girlfriend train faster and stabilize a cultivator¡¯s foundation.¡¿ Chen Huai¡¯an furrowed his brows as he read the game¡¯s prompts. He calmed down and his gaze instinctively fell to his right leg. sea??h th§× ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Well¡­ it¡¯s not impossible, right? After all, his right leg was already messed up¡ªwhat¡¯s the harm in messing it up a little more? Besides, this was just a game prop! What¡¯s the worst that could happen? It¡¯s probably just exaggerating the risks. From its perch on the couch, the black cat watched Chen Huai¡¯an tapping away at his phone with suspicion. It needed to stay close to absorb the Spiritual Qi radiating from Chen Huai¡¯an¡¯s spirit stones, but it didn¡¯t dare get too close, wary of the ancestral dragon aura protecting him. ¡¾What¡¯s this brat messing with now?¡¿ The black cat edged closer, its curiosity piqued. ¡¾Wait a second. Could it be¡­ all the treasures this human has come from that black box? If I steal it, his fortunes will become mine!¡¿ Its eyes gleamed with a dangerous glint. The cat crouched lower, one eye fixed on Chen Huai¡¯an¡¯s phone and the other watching his movements. Suddenly, Chen Huai¡¯an picked up the silver needles. The black cat¡¯s ears perked up, thinking it might finally be its turn to get some acupuncture. But to its shock, Chen Huai¡¯an drove the needle straight into his own right leg. ¡°MEOW?!¡± A piercing scream echoed through the hotel room, loud enough to rattle the windows. Thankfully, it was midday; otherwise, the neighbors would¡¯ve come knocking. ¡°Holy sh*t, that hurts!¡± Chen Huai¡¯an glanced at the spot where the needle had pierced his skin, now bruised purple. Then he noticed something unusual. The area he¡¯d just jabbed had been completely numb before, but now he could feel pain¡ªa clear sign the needle was working! ¡°Well, it¡¯s just a bit of pain. I¡¯m not scared of that!¡± He gritted his teeth and continued, driving in another ten needles in quick succession. The black cat, seeing him absorbed in his ¡°self-mutilation,¡± prepared to pounce on the phone. As the final needle went in, the black cat leapt forward with a loud ¡°MEOW!¡± But just as it reached Chen Huai¡¯an¡¯s thigh, his injured leg jerked upward in a sudden, reflexive motion. The force was like lightning. BAM! The black cat was sent flying in a perfect arc, landing neatly back in its shoebox, which closed tightly on impact. ¡°Wow, it really hurts, but I can feel it again!¡± Chen Huai¡¯an exclaimed, rubbing his leg in delight. The Pulse Opening Needle Technique was designed to clear meridians and circulate blood and Qi. His leg¡¯s numbness had been caused by a combination of fractures and tumor pressure. Whether by coincidence or design, the needle treatment seemed to be working. ¡°Wait¡­ did I just hit something with my knee?¡± He glanced around the room but saw nothing unusual. Shrugging it off, he returned to studying his leg. Meanwhile, in the Cangyun Realm, Li Qingran¡¯s cultivation speed was advancing at an astonishing rate. Last night, she had broken through to the eighth level of the Qi Refinement stage. By this afternoon, she was nearing perfection in the stage, thanks to the unmatched quality of her Supreme-Grade Dantian. Her cultivation base had skyrocketed due to its enormous capacity for Spiritual Qi, despite her lack of a Spiritual Root. In the cultivation world, those with single-attribute Spiritual Roots were considered the most talented, with variant roots being even better. Meanwhile, five-element and rootless cultivators were seen as the worst. For most rootless cultivators, their rapid cultivation speed was offset by low-quality Qi and difficulties breaking through bottlenecks. Li Qingran had resigned herself to these limitations¡­ until now. ¡°The Supreme-Grade Dantian bestowed by my benefactor is incredible,¡± Li Qingran thought as she observed her dantian, brimming with purer and greater volumes of Spiritual Qi than she¡¯d ever had. Her excitement grew as she prepared to break through to the Foundation Establishment stage. But just as she was gathering her strength, an excruciating pain erupted in her mind, and a suffocating darkness swallowed her whole. In the darkness, an elder in a green robe appeared¡ªDaoist Qingxuan, her former master. ¡°Li Qingran! You harmed your junior sister¡ªhow unrighteous!¡± ¡°You neglected my teachings and tarnished the sect¡ªhow unfilial!¡± ¡°You bullied outer disciples after being demoted¡ªhow unjust!¡± ¡°And you dared to think of betraying the sect for another master¡ªhow disloyal!¡± His booming voice echoed through her mind, shattering her focus and scattering her Qi. The shadow of her senior brother, Lu Changtian, loomed beside Qingxuan. He sneered coldly. ¡°Li Qingran, someone as treacherous as you dares to dream of advancing? Ridiculous!¡± Other figures followed, each one hurling accusations and insults. ¡°No¡­ I didn¡¯t¡­¡± Li Qingran clutched her head, curling up in the freezing darkness. She wanted to refute them, but a thousand shadowy hands silenced her, leaving her isolated and unheard. The specters of her sect¡¯s members continued to accuse her, their voices drowning her protests. Among them, her sixth junior sister, Mu Baishuang, stood beside Lu Changtian, shielded by the crowd¡¯s approval. She smiled softly, her lips moving just enough for Li Qingran to hear her whispered words: ¡°Senior Sister Li Qingran¡­ just disappear.¡± ¡°Someone like you doesn¡¯t deserve to live.¡± Chapter 33: A Change of Heart Chapter 33: A Change of Heart ¡°Oh right, I rescued a black cat yesterday. I wonder how it¡¯s doing now,¡± Chen Huai¡¯an said, standing up and heading toward the shoebox. Inside, the black cat, still dazed from the earlier blow, perked up at the sound of movement. It braced itself, ready to charm Chen Huai¡¯an and get closer to him. But just as Chen Huai¡¯an was about to open the box¡ª His phone on the coffee table vibrated with a notification. Chen Huai¡¯an paused and sat back down on the couch, leaving the black cat¡¯s hopes dashed once again. It slumped back into the shoebox, its fleeting aspirations crushed. ¡¾Your Virtual Girlfriend is under attack by Heart Demons!¡¿ The message made Chen Huai¡¯an jump. He quickly opened the app, where he saw Li Qingran sitting cross-legged on the bed, meditating. Her face was pale, sweat dripped from her brow, and her lips were an ominous shade of blue. Her expression was one of deep anguish, with dark energy gathering ominously at her brow. ¡°Heart demons? At the Qi Refinement stage?¡± Chen Huai¡¯an muttered in confusion. He had read enough cultivation novels to know that heart demons usually appeared only during advanced stages. Opening Li Qingran¡¯s status bar, he found an explanation for the condition: ¡¾Heart Demon Arising: Heart demons are unrelated to cultivation stages and stem from a practitioner¡¯s inner thoughts¡ªobsessions, malice, greed, and more can give rise to them. They can form naturally through experiences or be induced by certain demonic techniques. To defeat a heart demon, one must break free of the inner thoughts that bind them.¡¿ ¡°So it¡¯s about what¡¯s troubling her. But what exactly is weighing on Li Qingran¡¯s mind?¡± Chen Huai¡¯an wracked his brain for answers, recalling Li Qingran¡¯s backstory. Besides the tragic death of her parents, the biggest source of pain in her life was undoubtedly the people of Chixiao Peak and the Qingyun Sect. Knowing the source, however, was one thing¡ªsolving it was another. Still treating the situation as part of the game, Chen Huai¡¯an started tapping around the app, looking for a recharge option. But the game, as usual, refused to make things straightforward. Hidden pay-to-win features like this only appeared at specific moments in the story. ¡°God, this game is such a tease,¡± Chen Huai¡¯an grumbled, frustrated by the developer¡¯s coyness. ¡°Whatever. When in doubt, use !¡± ¡¾This divination will cost £¤100 and apply a debuff for 24 hours. Proceed?¡¿ ¡°Proceed!¡± In the Cangyun Realm, the sudden divination caused a stir. ¡°Again? That mysterious powerhouse is divining twice in one day?!¡± ¡°What¡¯s happening in the Cangyun Realm that warrants this?¡± ¡°First a divine pill appeared at Wanqing Mountain, then spiritual light surged skyward. Could these be connected to the divinations?¡± ¡°It seems Zhongzhou¡¯s secret realm is about to open. These are turbulent times indeed¡­¡± Wanjian Pavilion. Sect Master Su Qinian stood atop the mountain, white robes billowing in the wind. His long, snowy hair whipped dramatically around him, and his narrowed eyes fixed on the direction of Wanqing Mountain. A picture of elegance and gravitas. At least, for a moment. The next second, his composure shattered. ¡°D*mn that Qingyun Sect! Why does Wanqing Mountain get all the benefits?! Just wait¡ªwhen Zhongzhou¡¯s secret realm opens, I¡¯ll make them pay!¡± ¡°Sect Master!¡± A pavilion elder descended from a flying sword, bowing respectfully. ¡°Two pressing matters require your attention.¡± ¡°What matters?¡± Su Qinian smoothed his robes, resuming a calm demeanor. ¡°First¡­ we¡¯re broke.¡± ¡°¡­What?¡± ¡°The spirit stone mines in the back mountain have been completely depleted,¡± the elder explained with an uneasy expression. ¡°D*mn it! I knew this day would come, but so soon?!¡± Su Qinian clenched his fists. Wanjian Pavilion was already infamous as the poorest sect in the Cangyun Realm. ¡°And the second matter?¡± ¡°Our sect¡¯s guardian beast has gone into heat. It¡¯s demanding to mate and has threatened to destroy the spiritual herbs in the back mountain if we refuse¡­¡± Su Qinian¡¯s eye twitched. Taking the beast to the Ten Thousand Beasts Sect for mating would cost money, and ordinary beasts wouldn¡¯t satisfy it. Letting it destroy their herbs was also unthinkable. After a long pause, Su Qinian finally made his decision. ¡°Tell it to hold it in. If it can¡¯t, we¡¯ll¡­ we¡¯ll neuter it!¡± ¡°WHAT?!¡± The elder gaped in horror. ¡°I said NEUTER IT!¡± Su Qinian roared, his eyes flashing with murderous resolve. ¡°Tell that beast this sect has no money! If it doesn¡¯t behave, I¡¯ll personally take care of it!¡± The elder left with a pained expression, while Su Qinian stared into the horizon, muttering darkly. He adjusted the sword at his waist, seemingly lost in thought. His hand reached into his storage pouch, where he felt the familiar texture of his black night-raid uniform. ¡°¡­Guess I¡¯ll find a way to get some money.¡± ¡¾Heavenly Divination Complete!¡¿ ¡¾To overcome her heart demon, Li Qingran must return to the Qingyun Sect and sever her ties to Chixiao Peak completely.¡¿ ¡¾Warning: Li Qingran is suffering from a heart demon backlash, and her cultivation base is about to regress. Use the in conjunction with the free Supreme-Grade Heart Protection Pill to stabilize her foundation. (This use of the needle carries no risk.)¡¿ ¡¾You have gained the status for 24 hours.¡¿ ¡°A free supreme-grade pill?!¡± Chen Huai¡¯an was shocked. ¡°The developers actually gave me something for free? Have they finally grown a conscience?¡± A flash of green light appeared, and the pill materialized on the table. Meanwhile, at Qingyun Sect¡¯s Chixiao Peak, Xiao Yifeng had just returned to his cave and eagerly retrieved his pill furnace. ¡°I finally got a Supreme-Grade Heart Protection Pill! Once I figure out how it¡¯s made, I¡¯ll refine it myself and amaze everyone¡ªincluding Junior Sister Mu!¡± Reaching into his storage pouch, his face went pale. S§×arch* The nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. ¡°¡­Gone? Everything I bought is gone?!¡± ¡°My¡­ my Supreme-Grade Heart Protection Pill?!¡± Chapter 34: Li Qingran, You’re So Stupid Chapter 34: Li Qingran, You¡¯re So Stupid The theft of a supreme-grade Heart Protection Pill from an inner disciple of Chixiao Peak was no trivial matter. Especially when the pill, worth tens of thousands of mid-grade spirit stones, had cost Xiao Yifeng all the connections he could muster. To buy it, he had borrowed from everyone willing to lend. He thought that as an alchemist, learning to refine a supreme-grade Heart Protection Pill would allow him to easily repay his debts. When asked about the theft, Xiao Yifeng stammered out that the pill had vanished from his storage pouch without explanation. He swore it had been there when he returned to Qingyun Sect and checked it before heading up the mountain. The elders and Daoist Qingxuan, who had been ready to rally behind him, were left speechless by the sheer absurdity of the situation. Sect Master Wu Duantian issued an order for a sect-wide lockdown and an inspection of all disciples¡¯ belongings. After much chaos and an exhausting search, they turned up nothing. ¡°If I ever find out who stole my pill, I¡¯ll tear them limb from limb!¡± Xiao Yifeng swore to the heavens. Meanwhile, on Earth, Chen Huai¡¯an had already fed the pill to Li Qingran. ¡°Achoo!¡± He sneezed three times in rapid succession. ¡°Who the heck is talking about me?¡± He refocused on his phone as a prompt popped up. ¡¾Press the Qihai Acupoint with your left hand and circulate energy. Slide your fingers toward the Guanyuan Acupoint.¡¿ ¡¾Use your right hand to perform acupuncture according to the Pulse Opening Needle Technique.¡¿ The screen zoomed in, highlighting Li Qingran¡¯s waist and abdomen. Due to her battle with the heart demon, sweat soaked her thin clothing, leaving her attire almost translucent. The damp fabric clung to her skin, outlining the elegant curve of her waist. Beneath her top, her undergarment¡ªa pale green dudou¡ªwas visible, embroidered with a lotus leaf and a small frog. In the corner, the words ¡°Li Qingran¡± were stitched in clumsy, crooked handwriting. ¡°Wait, is that¡­ her handwriting?¡± Any fleeting inappropriate thoughts vanished as Chen Huai¡¯an stared at the childish scrawl. It reminded him of the poorly written characters on his talisman and bracelet. Shaking his head, he focused on the task at hand. Guided by the glowing acupoints on the screen, he pressed the indicated spots with his fingers. Li Qingran¡¯s body trembled slightly under his touch. ¡°Did that hurt?¡± Chen Huai¡¯an wondered to himself, oblivious to Li Qingran¡¯s reaction. Inside her mind, Li Qingran continued to struggle in the murky darkness, surrounded by taunts and accusations. Every inch of her body felt like it was being torn apart, her soul pierced and shredded by cruel words. ¡°You think you can reach the Foundation Establishment stage? Laughable!¡± ¡°Trash like you deserves to have your cultivation crippled!¡± ¡°Get out of Qingyun Sect! Get out!¡± ¡°Someone like you doesn¡¯t deserve to live.¡± Despair engulfed her. She reached out desperately, but her hands grasped only cold, empty air. The mocking faces drew closer, mouths opening wide as if to devour her. ¡°No¡­ someone¡­ save me¡­¡± Suddenly, a clear sword cry rang out, slicing through the oppressive darkness like a stream of cool spring water. A beam of light pierced the void, dispersing the chaos. ¡°Li Qingran!¡± A voice called her name, firm and steady. The faces froze in shock. One by one, they were severed by an invisible blade. Flames erupted from the clean cuts, consuming the twisted visages until they disintegrated into ash. ¡°Li Qingran!¡± The voice grew closer. Through the smoke and debris, a figure emerged. A black-clad silhouette stood tall, a sword in hand. White hair cascaded down their back, and a majestic five-clawed black dragon coiled around them, its golden eyes burning with authority. ¡°Predecessor¡­¡± Li Qingran murmured, her voice trembling. She felt a wave of calm wash over her, sweeping away the turmoil in her mind. The suffocating darkness receded, as if cowed by the figure¡¯s presence. Li Qingran opened her eyes, finding herself back in the small room. The terrifying illusions caused by the heart demon had vanished. Now drenched in sweat, her body ached from head to toe. Her abdomen and waist tingled with an unfamiliar sensation. Glancing down, her face turned crimson. Golden hands of pure Spiritual Qi were pressing her acupoints, massaging her waist and abdomen. One hand circulated energy, while the other performed acupuncture. The sensation was peculiar¡ªtingling, ticklish, and almost unbearably intimate. Clenching her teeth, she fought the urge to gasp aloud. Li Qingran¡¯s face burned as she watched her soft flesh yield to the pressure of the glowing hands. Her fingers twisted the hem of her damp robe, turning her knuckles white. Her feet shuffled restlessly on the floor as she prayed for a hole to crawl into. ¡°He saw¡­ he definitely saw the dudou¡­¡± ¡°Why did I embroider a lotus leaf and a frog on it? He must think I¡¯m so childish¡­¡± ¡°Li Qingran, you¡¯re so stupid. So, so stupid¡­¡± Her mind spiraled with embarrassment. The heart demon¡¯s torment felt trivial compared to her mortification. Even after Chen Huai¡¯an finished, she remained lost in her thoughts, replaying countless awkward scenarios in her head. ¡°Done!¡± Chen Huai¡¯an sighed in relief. ¡°Her cultivation base is intact.¡± The Heart Protection Pill, combined with his acupuncture and techniques, had effectively stabilized her Foundation Establishment stage. Now, however, he had to tackle the root problem: her heart demon. According to the , she needed to return to Qingyun Sect and sever her ties to Chixiao Peak to fully overcome the issue. Chen Huai¡¯an frowned. If he had a choice, he wouldn¡¯t send her back to such a dangerous place. But the game left him no alternatives. ¡°Going back might be risky¡­¡± he muttered. Just then, a knock at the door interrupted his thoughts. A cold voice followed from outside. ¡°Li Qingran, open the door. I know you¡¯re in there.¡± S§×ar?h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Chapter 35: Ending It Once and for All Chapter 35: Ending It Once and for All The visitor was Lu Changtian. Li Qingran was absolutely certain. After spending three years on Chixiao Peak, she was far too familiar with Lu Changtian¡¯s voice. At the same time, she sensed a faint killing intent and a sweeping spiritual probe. ¡°Li Qingran, you¡¯ve reached the peak of the Qi Refinement Stage? How is that possible?¡± Lu Changtian¡¯s voice was filled with shock. Li Qingran¡¯s dantian had been crippled. In theory, she should have been unable to cultivate normally. Even if she forcefully attempted it, there was no way she could have reached the peak of Qi Refinement in such a short time. He needed to see for himself and reached out to push the door open. ¡¾Someone is attempting to barge into your virtual girlfriend¡¯s room. Please choose a countermeasure.¡¿ Unleash a palm strike and blast him away, teaching him the consequences of touching your virtual girlfriend. Suppress him with the might of a superior cultivator, forcing him to kneel and learn the meaning of respect. Let out a cold snort and shatter his eardrums with internal energy, scaring him into fleeing. (Warning: This may cause him to suspect you are a demonic cultivator.) Chen Huai¡¯an wasn¡¯t satisfied with the game¡¯s choices. The man outside was none other than one of Li Qingran¡¯s greatest obsessions¡ªSenior Brother Lu Changtian. He had arrived quickly, appearing as a neutral yellow dot on the map, which meant there was no immediate danger alert. Yellow dots could turn red or green at any moment¡ªred for enemies, green for allies. ¡°I¡¯ll pay extra¡ªcan I just squash him?¡± Chen Huai¡¯an¡¯s face darkened. If this were real life, casually taking a human life would trigger a moral dilemma. But this was just a game¡ªhe had no ethical concerns about killing Lu Changtian. After waiting a moment, no new pay-to-win options appeared. Clearly, Lu Changtian was part of an essential plotline and couldn¡¯t be killed outright. But Chen Huai¡¯an quickly realized something. Lu Changtian was a heart demon for Li Qingran. The customer service had mentioned that Li Qingran had to sever her own heart demons¡ªso naturally, she had to deal with Lu Changtian herself. He was curious to see how the story would unfold. After thinking it over, he chose option ¡´2¡µ. Since Lu Changtian was just a stepping stone for Li Qingran, he wouldn¡¯t interfere. ¡°This damn door won¡¯t budge?¡± Outside the cabin, Lu Changtian was getting anxious. Just as he was about to channel his spiritual energy and punch the door open, an overwhelming pressure suddenly descended upon him, crushing him like a mountain. ¡°Ugh¡­¡± His blood surged chaotically, his internal organs feeling as if they were being crushed by an iron grip. Unable to hold himself up, his knees slammed into the ground, shattering the stone tiles beneath him. Panic flooded Lu Changtian¡¯s mind. In the entire Qingyun Sect, only his master, the sect leader, and a few elders could suppress him purely through their aura. But this pressure¡­ it was even more devastating than what those elders could unleash. He couldn¡¯t muster the slightest resistance. ¡°Junior of the Qingyun Sect, Lu Changtian of Chixiao Peak¡ªI was unaware that Senior was inside. I have been disrespectful, and I¡ª¡± ¡¾Shut up!¡¿ A thunderous voice erupted from within the cabin. S~ea??h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. A powerful gust of wind slammed the door open, then shut it again with a deafening . Lu Changtian was sent flying backward, landing in a crater left by a previous lightning strike. He felt as though his abdomen had been punched with immense force¡ªhis internal organs twisted in pain, and the words he had been about to say died in his throat. ¡¾Qingran, this is someone from your sect. I won¡¯t interfere.¡¿ ¡°Yes¡­ Thank you, Senior.¡± ¡­ Did Li Qingran just call that man ¡®Senior¡¯? Their relationship seemed close. Had this Senior helped Li Qingran recover from her injuries? Was he also the one who killed Song Jiaojiao? Had Li Qingran defected to the demonic sects? But¡­ that earlier pressure had been upright and balanced, with not a hint of demonic energy. This mysterious Senior didn¡¯t seem like a demonic cultivator at all. Then how had Li Qingran ended up connected to such a powerful figure? Lu Changtian¡¯s mind was in chaos when the cabin door opened. Li Qingran stepped out, now clad in fresh robes, her delicate face still tinged with a faint blush. ¡°Lu Changtian, what do you want?¡± Lu Changtian looked up at his former junior sister. Not much time had passed, yet she had changed drastically. Her aura was now ice-cold, completely devoid of the pitiful weakness she once showed when begging them for mercy. She was like an unsheathed sword, radiating a faint, deadly sharpness. She was no longer the same person. Faced with this version of Li Qingran¡ªand knowing that the mysterious Senior was inside¡ªLu Changtian instinctively abandoned his authoritative demeanor. Clutching his chest, he stood up and spoke in a calm tone. ¡°Junior Sister, I came to bring you back to Qingyun Sect. Though you injured Sixth Junior Sister during the Sect Tournament, your crime is not punishable by death. I didn¡¯t know that dog Zhang Hanxiao abandoned you here on Wanqing Mountain to die¡ªif I had known, I would never have allowed it.¡± ¡°Not punishable by death¡­?¡± Li Qingran let out a bitter laugh, her icy gaze locking onto Lu Changtian. ¡°Not punishable by death, so you crippled my dantian? Not punishable by death, so you ripped out my spiritual root? What a joke. Lu Changtian, you should know better than anyone what a dantian and a spiritual root mean to a cultivator. You didn¡¯t kill me outright, but you made me suffer a fate worse than death!¡± Lu Changtian frowned at her aggressive tone. In the past, if he had simply offered to bring her back, she would have been overwhelmed with gratitude. Now, she looked like she would rather die than comply. Since she could still cultivate, her dantian must have only been damaged, not completely destroyed. With the help of that mysterious Senior, and some elixirs for stabilization, she had recovered. Lu Changtian pressed his lips together. ¡°Junior Sister, crippling your dantian was wrong¡ªbut you¡¯re still able to cultivate, aren¡¯t you? Master and I can help you restore it further. As for your spiritual root, we can find another one for you.¡± ¡°My spiritual root?¡± Li Qingran¡¯s voice trembled, her eyes filling with cold fury. ¡°Your spiritual root¡­¡± Lu Changtian hesitated before finally forcing himself to speak. ¡°You know that Little Junior Sister has always been frail, with a weak foundation. So¡­ we transplanted your Water Spiritual Root to her. But don¡¯t worry, Junior Sister¡ªI promise, I¡¯ll find you another single-attribute spiritual root, even if I have to spend everything I have at an auction!¡± Li Qingran lowered her head, her long bangs casting a shadow over her face. Her hands clenched into fists, then relaxed, then clenched again. No one knew what she was thinking. Two teardrops rolled down her cheeks and fell to the ground with soft . Outside the ¡®game,¡¯ Chen Huai¡¯an, having witnessed the entire conversation, was both furious and amused. The people of Chixiao Peak were truly something else. They had ripped out Li Qingran¡¯s spiritual root and given it to some pathetic excuse of a Junior Sister? Were they insane? Even after suffering such cruelty, Li Qingran still held lingering feelings for Qingyun Sect and Chixiao Peak. She was someone who cherished old bonds, remembering Daoist Qingxuan¡¯s teachings and the kindness of her senior brothers. But now, as her tears fell¡ª Those old sentiments were finally crumbling away. ¡°Lu Changtian, I will return to Qingyun Sect.¡± Li Qingran lifted her head. Her tear-streaked eyes were devoid of emotion¡ªonly an icy void remained. Under that gaze, Lu Changtian felt no joy¡ªonly a bone-chilling dread. Then, he heard Li Qingran¡¯s cold, deliberate words. ¡°I will return tomorrow¡ªonly to sever my past once and for all.¡± Chapter 36: Variety Show Chapter 36: Variety Show "Senior, I have made my own decision¡ªI wish to return to Qingyun Sect tomorrow." After Lu Changtian left, Li Qingran returned to the cabin, knelt down before the ceiling, and remained in that position without rising. "I am not a foolish, stubborn child, nor am I holding onto any misplaced gratitude toward Qingyun Sect or Chixiao Peak. But they have become obstacles on my path of cultivation. I must personally sever them to continue forward and live up to your expectations." Her head was lowered, and her tone was sincere. She knew Qingyun Sect was a den of dragons and tigers, yet she had to enter. She also understood that, from her Senior¡¯s perspective, he likely wouldn¡¯t want her to return. He might even become suspicious of her motives. She had already received too much kindness¡ªif she went back to Qingyun Sect now, wouldn¡¯t she be an ungrateful wretch? So, she waited. Waited for his decision. If he permitted her to return, she would go. If not, she would stay. Chen Huai¡¯an thought for a moment, then pressed the communication talisman and said, "It¡¯s fine. Only the one who ties the knot can untie it. Since this all began at Chixiao Peak, it should end there. You handle it yourself¡ªI believe in you." Inside the cabin, Li Qingran waited a while before a voice as ethereal as drifting clouds finally echoed in her ears. ¡¾When joy peaks, sorrow follows. One must understand the ebb and flow of fate. Every cause has its effect, every bite and sip predestined. This is your burden to bear. Go.¡¿ Li Qingran carefully pondered ¡®Chen Huai¡¯an¡¯s¡¯ words, her heart trembling. Then, she bowed deeply once more. The hesitation in her gaze disappeared, replaced by unwavering determination. "Junior Li Qingran thanks Senior for his guidance!" ¡¾Mm. Before you leave, I bestow upon you a gift.¡¿ A flying sword appeared on the table, its sheath pure white like moonlight, its tassel crimson like flowing blood. ¡¾This sword is called Su Xian. It is a top-grade magical flying sword. I noticed that your previous sword was broken¡ªtake this as your protection.¡¿ Li Qingran held Su Xian Sword in her hands, a deep warmth surging in her heart, touching her beyond words. She wiped away the tears in the corners of her eyes, embraced the sword, and bowed respectfully. "I will not disappoint you, Senior!" ¡¾Hello, is this Mr. Chen?¡¿ "I am." ¡¾We have a variety show and would like to invite you to participate. Would you be interested¡­¡¿ "What kind of scam call is this?" Chen Huai¡¯an frowned and hung up immediately. He was already troubled about how to help Li Qingran survive tomorrow¡¯s ordeal. He was nearly out of money, and this damn game was sure to find a way to force him to spend more. He had no time to waste on scam calls. In the past, he might have spent an hour lecturing these scammers about life and philosophy. The phone rang again. Chen Huai¡¯an looked at the caller ID and smirked coldly before answering. Fine, you refuse to drink the toast and insist on drinking the penalty cup? Today, as Immortal Chen, he had intended to lay down his blade and spare some souls. But since these scammers were practically throwing themselves onto the blade, he might as well have some fun! ¡¾Mr. Chen, please don¡¯t hang up. We¡¯re not a scam. We¡¯re from an outdoor variety show called . We saw your vlog about your challenge on Mount Tais, and our director is very interested in you. We¡¯d like to officially invite you to join our show. We have quite a few popular young actors and idols participating, and our ratings on Mango TV are excellent. If you join, it¡¯ll be a great promotion for your livestream account¡ªyou¡¯ll gain a huge fan base. It¡¯s a win-win!¡¿ Chen Huai¡¯an narrowed his eyes, sensing that this was no simple matter. He immediately turned on his hotel computer, searched online, and found that the show did indeed exist¡ªand it was actually quite popular. The show¡¯s basic format involved taking a group of young celebrities and putting them through extreme outdoor challenges¡ªhiking, diving, bungee jumping, wilderness survival, and more. It was perfect for crafting an adventurous, brave public image for the stars. Of course, it also exposed the ones who were pampered and spoiled. But why were they inviting him? He wasn¡¯t a celebrity. Still puzzled, he opened his livestream account¡ªonly to be completely dumbfounded. The vlog he had casually edited had over a hundred million views, more than seven million likes, and an overwhelming number of comments and private messages. The sheer volume had even caused his backend to lag. "Holy sh*t! I went viral?!" Chen Huai¡¯an gawked at his follower count, which had surged to 270,000. This was the power of the internet. He couldn¡¯t help but sigh. Fate was fickle. No wonder so many college graduates nowadays wanted to become influencers. After all, working a regular job for some boss was a dead end. Becoming an online personality, however, at least had a sliver of hope. The key was that self-media covered a wide range of interests¡ªyou could do what you loved. If it made money, great. If not, life still wouldn¡¯t feel meaningless. His vlog was trending alongside another hot topic¡ª. Experts had already provided an explanation: a film crew in Shanghai had been shooting a historical drama, and atmospheric optical phenomena had projected their scene onto the summit of Mount Tais. To prove this, they even presented a drama crew supposedly filming . Chen Huai¡¯an took one look and instantly knew they had cobbled this crew together at the last minute. The ¡®emperor¡¯ they cast did wear a dark imperial robe and was indeed handsome, but his aura was utterly lacking. To put it bluntly, it was the difference between a mudfish and a true dragon. No comparison. Other trending topics related to his vlog were calls for cancer awareness, encouraging patients to fight bravely, and so on. All of them had high engagement. Now it all made sense. His livestream hadn¡¯t sold products or begged for donations, and his vlog hadn¡¯t been a sob story. From start to finish, his content embodied an unyielding fighting spirit. It wasn¡¯t that fundraising or selling products was wrong¡ªmany seriously ill patients relied on those methods for medical funds. But audiences had become desensitized. Scams were everywhere, eroding people¡¯s sympathy. In contrast, his livestream and vlog were a breath of fresh air. They crushed everything else in the same category. With a little push from the platform, he had exploded in popularity. His content had only been out for three days¡ªthere was still massive potential for growth. That variety show was clearly trying to ride the wave. Hah. A ¡®win-win¡¯? More like they were trying to milk him for free exposure. Damn capitalists¡ªrotten to the core! "I¡¯m not interested in joining any variety show," Chen Huai¡¯an rejected flatly. "I just want to peacefully live out the rest of my days." The person on the other end of the line chuckled, seemingly expecting this response. Sear?h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. ¡¾Mr. Chen, who wouldn¡¯t want a chance at treatment? If you agree to participate, we¡¯ll pay you 500,000 yuan in appearance fees!¡¿ "How much?!" Chen Huai¡¯an¡¯s eyes instantly turned into two golden coins. ¡¾500,000 yuan. It¡¯s a buyout fee for this season. We film three episodes per season. Whether you appear in later episodes or not, once you sign the contract, the money will be transferred to you immediately.¡¿ Chen Huai¡¯an forced himself to calm down. Half a million. That was the appearance fee for some second- or third-tier celebrities. The producers were clearly serious about capitalizing on his viral fame. After all, many rookie actors had to to get onto variety shows¡ªgetting an actual fee was rare. ¡¾So, Mr. Chen, what do you think?¡¿ Chen Huai¡¯an had always believed in win-win situations. A broad smile spread across his face. "Sounds great! So, what¡¯s the theme of this episode?" Chapter 37: Returning to Qingyun Sect Chapter 37: Returning to Qingyun Sect The doctor¡¯s words were clear. In plain terms: Chen Huai¡¯an had no choice but to return to his hotel. It was already past nine in the evening. "Sigh, making money is useless if this disease can¡¯t be cured," he muttered, opening the game. He saw that Li Qingran had finished her meditation and was now sitting by the window, staring at the moonlit night in a daze. The girl was probably worried about tomorrow. But she really had nothing to worry about. Because at this moment, his bank account held 500,000 yuan. For this game, 500,000 was already a massive fortune. It was enough to do all sorts of things¡ªan Immortal-Grade Primordial Heaven-Mending Pill only cost 100,000 yuan, and 500,000 might even be enough to buy the life of a Nascent Soul cultivator! "If only I could spend money to buy myself a new life too," Chen Huai¡¯an sighed. Unfortunately, his life wasn¡¯t a game, and there was no one outside this game offering him any heaven-defying artifact to change his fate. Tomorrow, Li Qingran would return to Qingyun Sect. And he would be heading to Tianmen Mountain to record the variety show. "In the end, changing fate is still up to me. At least now, I have 500,000 yuan¡ªmoney that allows me to do things I never dared to dream of before. In some way¡­ isn''t this also a form of rewriting destiny?" Lying on the bed, staring at the ceiling, Chen Huai¡¯an spoke to himself. His anxiety quickly faded. Things couldn¡¯t possibly get worse than they already were. S~ea??h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. From now on, every step forward would be a blessing. "Sigh, nothing to do for now¡­ might as well give that black cat some acupuncture." He suddenly remembered that there was still a living creature in this room. He reached into a shoebox and pulled out the black cat. The cat had been sleeping. When Chen Huai¡¯an placed it on the sofa, its eyes were still dazed. But soon, it reacted, letting out a pitiful "meow" before limping two steps forward, then turning back to meow at him again. Could Chen Huai¡¯an resist that? Staring at the cat¡¯s limp leg, he stroked his chin in thought. "What acupuncture method should I use? The Pulse-Opening Needle technique worked well last time, though it might have some risks. But hey, the cat¡¯s already limping¡ªwhat¡¯s the worst that could happen? And besides, my luck can¡¯t be bad." The black cat stared at Chen Huai¡¯an, deep in thought as well. ¡¾Heh heh, this king is adorable, right? Hurry and treat this king¡¯s injuries! Once I recover, I¡¯ll have a better chance at stealing your treasures¡­ Heh heh heh!¡¿ "Alright, Pulse-Opening Needle it is! Let¡¯s see if this gamble pays off!" Chen Huai¡¯an pulled out his silver needles and began his acupuncture treatment on the black cat. Half an hour later¡­ The black cat stared at its now completely paralyzed right leg, lost in deep contemplation. ¡¾Hiss¡ª! No, no, this isn¡¯t right¡­¡¿ ¡¾Could it be¡­ this brat doesn¡¯t actually know acupuncture?! But my leg was fine before this!¡¿ It had only to be injured. Now, it was actually crippled. A shadow loomed over its vision¡ªChen Huai¡¯an¡¯s expressionless face. "You and I were destined to meet," Chen Huai¡¯an intoned solemnly, masking his guilt. He could tell that the black cat¡¯s right leg was now entirely numb¡ªcompletely stiff like a wooden club. "Since fate has brought us together, I shall take responsibility for you. From now on, your name shall be Ba Ji. In the human world, naming a pet means accepting it as one¡¯s own. From today on, you¡¯ll grow up strong and healthy under my care. Whatever I eat, you¡¯ll eat¡ªno picky eating allowed." While babbling on, Chen Huai¡¯an stuffed the utterly bewildered Ba Ji back into the shoebox and closed the lid. Once he fully grasped the Pulse-Opening Needle, he¡¯d fix its leg. Then, he grabbed his crutch and hobbled downstairs to buy steamed buns. Now that he had money, he wouldn¡¯t just buy steamed buns¡ªhe¡¯d get a chicken drumstick too. The door shut behind him. On the table, the shoebox suddenly shook violently. ¡¾AAAAHHHH! MY LEG!!!¡¿ ¡¾Damn human brat, just you wait! If this king gets the chance, I¡¯ll make you pay!¡¿ At midnight, Chen Huai¡¯an had fallen asleep, his phone still running the Virtual Girlfriend game. As the clock struck 12, a system notification popped up: ¡¾Remaining lifespan: 72 days.¡¿ "Did you hear? Li Qingran is coming back to the sect!" "Li Qingran? Who¡¯s that¡­" "The one who injured Chixiao Peak¡¯s Little Junior Sister. They say it was intentional. Pretty serious offense¡ªhow does she even dare return?" "Does it even matter if it was intentional? Injuries happen in sect tournaments all the time. Is Chixiao Peak really that dramatic?" "Shh, stop talking¡ªshe¡¯s here!" All eyes turned toward the entrance of Qingyun Sect. At some point, a slender figure had appeared there. She wore a blue-and-white Daoist robe, her long black hair tied at the back with a white ribbon. In her right hand, she carried a pale moon-colored flying sword. As the morning breeze swept past, two strands of hair lifted slightly over her forehead, her robe and sword tassel fluttering gently. Her pace wasn¡¯t particularly fast, yet in just a few moments, she had reached the sect¡¯s main plaza. "That¡¯s Li Qingran?" "People keep saying Mu Baishuang is the most beautiful girl in the sect¡­ that Li Qingran was just jealous of her taking her place in Chixiao Peak¡­ but looking at her now, Li Qingran is more beautiful than Mu Baishuang." "Heh, Li Qingran was always prettier than Mu Baishuang. When she got expelled from the sect, I actually thought it was a shame." Li Qingran stood in the center of the plaza, meeting the stares around her. Qingyun Sect had around 1,200 disciples, and she could clearly hear the buzzing whispers of their discussions. She didn¡¯t know exactly what they were saying. Probably nothing good. She tightened her grip on Su Xian Sword, its icy sheath biting into her palm. Forged from millennia-old black iron, the blade emitted a faint, frost-like chill even through the scabbard, merging with the morning mist. But she didn¡¯t feel cold. On the contrary, her heart was growing steadier. She wasn¡¯t standing here alone. She wasn¡¯t without support. Even though she couldn¡¯t see her Senior¡¯s figure, she could feel his gentle gaze watching over her. Every day and night¡ªwhen she was training, eating, sleeping, even bathing¡ªthat gaze was always there. At first, she had been shy and embarrassed. But later, she found that without that presence, she would feel uneasy. At some point, she had become completely reliant on him. She knew it wasn¡¯t good, but she couldn¡¯t control her feelings. She waited. Time passed, the sun shifting slightly. One by one, the sect elders arrived. The doors of the main hall opened, and Sect Master Wu Duantian stepped out, flanked by his three direct disciples. From the peak of Chixiao Peak, five streaks of light shot forth. A blue flying sword descended first, carrying Daoist Qingxuan. Behind him, Xiao Yifeng, Yun Zimo, and Zhang Hanxiao followed suit, each dismounting their flying swords in the plaza. Lu Changtian was the last to arrive, with Mu Baishuang seated behind him. Li Qingran met Mu Baishuang¡¯s gaze indifferently. Mu Baishuang, on the other hand, visibly flinched and immediately hid behind Lu Changtian. Suddenly¡ª A thunderous roar shook the plaza, making Li Qingran¡¯s ears ring. "Li Qingran! Do you realize your crimes?!" Chapter 38: Let Me See Who Dares Chapter 38 ¨C Let Me See Who Dares The one who spoke was Daoist Qingxuan. Li Qingran met Daoist Qingxuan¡¯s gaze with cold indifference and said icily, ¡°I, Li Qingran, am innocent!¡± For a brief moment, the entire square before the grand hall fell into silence. Everyone stared at Li Qingran in shock. Where did she get the audacity to defy a Nascent Soul cultivator?! To most disciples in the sect, an elder like Daoist Qingxuan was a revered figure, an existence akin to the natural order itself. Whether he was right or wrong didn''t matter¡ªhis word was law, and they were to obey without question. If something seemed unjust, there were ways to explain it later. But to directly confront a Nascent Soul cultivator like this? That was nothing short of courting death. Forget about authority¡ªabsolute power was the real law here. If a Nascent Soul cultivator wanted to suppress you with his cultivation level, what could you do about it? In the end, in the cultivation world, strength ruled above all. Sect Master Wu Duantian shook his head and sighed. ¡°Li Qingran has a commendable temperament. Even under Elder Qingxuan¡¯s pressure, she remains composed. But she¡¯s too rigid¡ªunyielding things tend to break. She¡¯s not suited for survival in the cultivation world¡­¡± ¡°Innocent?!¡± Daoist Qingxuan let out a furious laugh. ¡°You dare defy your elders? That alone is an unforgivable crime! Kneel before me!¡± Boom! A terrifying pressure crashed down upon Li Qingran. Even as she gritted her teeth and resisted, she was still being forced down, inch by inch, about to kneel. But at that moment, a gentle force rose up to support her knees. It spread through her entire body, allowing her to withstand Daoist Qingxuan¡¯s oppressive might. It¡¯s him¡­ Li Qingran¡¯s heart warmed. As expected, he had arrived. But there were seven Nascent Soul cultivators in Qingyun Sect, along with over a dozen Core Formation cultivators. If he stepped in for her, wouldn¡¯t he be in danger? She relied on him, yet she constantly worried for his safety. I¡¯ve troubled you again, Senior¡­ ¡¾It¡¯s nothing.¡¿ A cold voice whispered in her ear. ¡¾As long as I¡¯m here, who dares to humiliate you?!¡¿ In the game, Chen Huai¡¯an was awe-inspiring. Outside the game, Chen Huai¡¯an was utterly dumbfounded. Ten minutes earlier¡ª Just as Li Qingran stepped into the grand hall, a flood of notification windows popped up on Chen Huai¡¯an¡¯s screen, just as he had expected. ¡¾You have triggered Main Quest 1.0: Help Li Qingran sever ties with Chixiao Peak and survive this crisis. (This mission is extremely difficult. If you fail, your Virtual Girlfriend, Li Qingran, will remain at Chixiao Peak and ultimately perish in the sect¡¯s dungeon.)¡¿ ¡¾Please create your game character!¡¿ Chen Huai¡¯an¡¯s mouth twitched. Unbelievable. He had already spent over a hundred thousand yuan on this game, and only now did it let him create a character? S§×ar?h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. If this damn game hadn¡¯t popped up this window, he wouldn¡¯t have even known he could make a character! He had thought his character was just some formless mass of Spiritual Qi¡ªor worse, just a pair of floating hands. ¡°Let me see what¡¯s going on here!¡± Chen Huai¡¯an opened the character creation panel and found that the customization options were quite limited¡ªhe could only make minor adjustments to his current appearance. Luckily, he looked decent enough. After a few tweaks, he actually had a bit of an immortal aura. He scrolled to the hairstyle section. His hand froze. ¡¾Limited-Time Offer ¨C Celestial Flowing White Hair: Wuxian. One-time purchase, permanent use! Only £¤998! Take home a top-tier white-haired style today!¡¿ ¡°¡­What the f***.¡± Chen Huai¡¯an¡¯s expression became incredibly complex. He had assumed the game wouldn¡¯t push microtransactions here, but it didn¡¯t even bother pretending otherwise. There were over a hundred white-haired styles available. And not just white hair¡ªthere were golden, red, silver, and thousands of different hairstyles! The so-called "limited-time" white hair was actually the cheapest option. It looked suspiciously similar to Wei Wuxian¡¯s ponytail, except bleached white. He tried it on. Absolutely stunning. ¡°998¡­ not bad. Way cheaper than those 9998 ones. I¡¯ll buy it.¡± Chen Huai¡¯an shook his head. As a devoted fan of white-haired characters, some sacrifices had to be made. Fortunately, he was wealthy now, so this amount was nothing. Next up: outfits. Without purchasing an outfit, he¡¯d be stuck in the default burlap robe¡ªnot exactly the look of a grandmaster. He¡¯d barely look better than a beggar on the streets. He needed to buy a proper robe! After careful selection, he chose a black Daoist robe¡ª"Dijun"¡ªwith gold dragon embroidery on the cuffs. Price: £¤3,988, another limited-time offer. The other Daoist robes all cost over £¤10,000, and some with special abilities were in the hundreds of thousands or even millions. Some even required Spirit Stones for purchase, though he had no idea how that worked. He couldn¡¯t afford those anyway. Now that he had a stylish outfit and flowing white hair, his character finally looked impressive. But compared to the Nascent Soul old monsters in the sect hall, who were covered in dazzling treasures, he still fell short. That¡¯s where the next microtransaction came in. ¡¾Aura Effects¡¿ Dragon Ancestor¡¯s Protection ¨C Gain a divine dragon¡¯s blessing. When entering a scene, a dragon leads the way, surrounding you with awe-inspiring might. Golden Crow Chasing the Sun ¨C Erupt with blazing solar radiance upon entry. ¡­ 1999. Dragon Ancestor¡¯s Seal ¨C Summon a black dragon¡¯s phantom. Today¡¯s special price: £¤99.8 Chen Huai¡¯an: ¡°¡­¡± After a long pause, he chose the Dragon Ancestor¡¯s Seal¡ªthe best bang for his buck. As soon as he equipped it, a five-clawed black dragon¡¯s shadow coiled around his character. Not quite the full Dragon Ancestor¡¯s Protection, but £¤99.8? A steal. Besides, he was up against a Nascent Soul cultivator, not a bunch of Grand Immortals. No need to go overboard. There were more expensive things ahead. Finally, the main event¡ªcultivation boost. Instantly reach Nascent Soul Peak ¨C £¤660 million / One-day trial £¤88,000 Instantly reach Fusion Realm Peak ¨C £¤1.88 billion / One-day trial £¤188,000 If this were before¡ªespecially before his last hospital visit¡ªhe would have scoffed at these ridiculous prices and cursed out the game developers. But now? He simply chuckled and clicked Nascent Soul Peak ¨C One-Day Trial. £¤188,000 vanished from his bank account. His character erupted in divine radiance, an overwhelming presence sweeping across the game. Right at that moment, Daoist Qingxuan¡¯s enraged voice echoed: ¡°Kneel before me!¡± Kneel? Make Li Qingran kneel? Heh¡­ Chen Huai¡¯an pressed his Communication Talisman and let out a cold laugh. ¡°As long as I¡¯m here, let me see who dares?!¡± Chapter 39: So What If I Interfere? Chapter 39 ¨C So What If I Interfere? At the Qingyun Sect Grand Hall Square, two overwhelming Nascent Soul auras clashed, triggering a Spiritual Qi explosion centered around Li Qingran. The disciples nearby felt as if their heads were suddenly submerged in water, their ears ringing violently. The force of the clash sent dust and debris flying, stone tiles ripped from the ground by the shockwave, crashing into the sect¡¯s outer walls and leaving deep pits in their wake. ¡°This is bad! A powerful expert is here!¡± Sect Master Wu Duantian turned pale and urgently commanded the elders beside him, ¡°Hurry and activate the Sect Protection Formation! Ensure the safety of the disciples!¡± ¡°Yes¡ª!¡± The two elders didn¡¯t dare to hesitate and immediately set to work. But their precaution was unnecessary. That overwhelming aura targeted only Chixiao Peak¡¯s people¡ªspecifically, the arrogant Daoist Qingxuan. For the other disciples, it was no more than a gentle breeze. Even the flying debris curved away, avoiding them entirely. However, the disciples behind Daoist Qingxuan weren¡¯t so lucky. The immense pressure from two Nascent Soul cultivators bore down on Lu Changtian and the others, forcing them to the ground, their faces turning an alarming shade of purple-red. Yet, none of them dared utter a single complaint. ¡°Who are you, and why are you interfering in Qingyun Sect¡¯s affairs?!¡± Daoist Qingxuan¡¯s face was grim. He was the strongest cultivator in Qingyun Sect, second only to Ancestor Qingyun. Even Wu Duantian, the sect master, was no match for him. But now¡ªthis mysterious expert, still unseen, was able to go toe-to-toe with him! Previously, Lu Changtian had reported that Li Qingran had met a mysterious senior outside the sect. This must be him. Qingxuan had expected this person to give Li Qingran some resources or minor help. He never expected this person to openly stand against Qingyun Sect for her! Did this person truly fear nothing¡ªnot even Qingyun Sect?! ¡¾I have interfered. So what?¡¿ ¡°You¡ª!¡± Daoist Qingxuan almost choked on his own breath. Before he could gather his words, that ethereal voice floated in once again. ¡¾Li Qingran is no longer a disciple of Qingyun Sect. I am merely here to settle an old cause and effect. Stay calm.¡¿ Cultivators deeply respected karma¡ªwhenever cause and effect were involved, the matter was never trivial. Daoist Qingxuan frowned. ¡°What cause and effect?¡± ¡¾The cause was planted in Chixiao Peak. The effect belongs to Li Qingran.¡¿ ¡¾I will not interfere further¡­ but neither will you. Otherwise, don¡¯t blame me for disregarding Qingyun Sect¡¯s dignity!¡¿ These words sent a wave of unease through Chen Huai¡¯an. If only he could buy the Fusion Realm cultivation upgrade! If he had Fusion Realm power, he wouldn''t even need to talk¡ªhe¡¯d just cut them all down with a sword! Right now, he could only buy Nascent Soul Perfection, and if all the elders ganged up on him, he¡¯d have to burn his lifeforce and self-destruct to take them with him¡­ assuming they didn¡¯t flee first. Seems like I still have to play the "mysterious expert" act. Since his character model hadn¡¯t been revealed yet, the enemy had no way of locating him. As long as he maintained the air of an unfathomable expert, Daoist Qingxuan wouldn¡¯t dare make a move. And why was Chen Huai¡¯an so sure? Because he could see Qingxuan¡¯s basic character profile: ¡´Daoist Qingxuan ¨C Late Nascent Soul ¨C 651 years old ¨C Cautious by nature, highly suspicious, arrogant and ruthless.¡µ Chen Huai¡¯an was the same type of person. He usually acted carefree, but in truth, he was always scheming. If someone provoked him, he¡¯d ensure they suffered true despair. Qingxuan, too, was this kind of person. And until he figured out Chen Huai¡¯an¡¯s true identity, Qingxuan would behave himself. Just as Chen Huai¡¯an expected, Qingxuan, Wu Duantian, and the other elders all turned pale at his words. What did he mean by "not considering Qingyun Sect¡¯s dignity"? What level of strength must he have to say such a thing?! Wu Duantian wanted to prove Qingyun Sect¡¯s might¡ªbut he had no idea where this person even was. When he sent his spiritual sense out to locate him, there was nothing but empty space. Not knowing the enemy¡¯s full strength, he had no choice but to endure the humiliation. ¡°You two, continue searching for that person¡¯s whereabouts.¡± Wu Duantian ordered two elders to investigate further, while he subtly gestured for Qingxuan to remain patient. His voice was transmitted directly into Qingxuan¡¯s mind: "Qingxuan, they are in the shadows while we are exposed. Until we understand their power, we must not act rashly. That girl is merely at Qi Refinement¡ªhow much trouble can she truly cause? Let¡¯s wait and observe." Qingxuan hesitated, then gave a slight nod, withdrawing his oppressive aura¡ªthough his icy gaze remained locked on Li Qingran. Li Qingran had brought an outsider to challenge the sect, humiliating Chixiao Peak. From this moment on, no matter what, she would never be forgiven. Even if Lu Changtian and the others pleaded on her behalf, it would be useless. Thinking of rejoining Qingyun Sect? Heh. Ridiculous. Qingxuan still assumed Li Qingran wanted to return. But he was stuck in the past. With Chen Huai¡¯an backing her, Li Qingran felt at ease. She stepped forward, stopping before the Chixiao Peak disciples. Ignoring Qingxuan¡¯s dagger-like glare, she swept her gaze across them before finally settling on Zhang Hanxiao. She clasped her hands together in a polite bow. ¡°Fourth Senior Brother, I trust you¡¯ve been well.¡± ¡°Well, well, Li Qingran.¡± Zhang Hanxiao crossed his arms, smirking. ¡°No wonder you came back so confidently¡ªyou¡¯ve found someone to back you up?¡± This was Qingyun Sect. With the elders and sect master present, no matter how strong that outsider was, he wouldn¡¯t dare keep defending Li Qingran. Once that "senior" was gone, wouldn¡¯t Li Qingran be at his mercy? ¡°Senior is, of course, supporting me.¡± Li Qingran didn¡¯t deny it. She simply held her Su Xian Sword, looking Zhang Hanxiao in the eye. ¡°But do you still remember, Fourth Senior Brother¡ªbefore I was expelled from Qingyun Sect, who was it that covered for you whenever you got into trouble? Who paid off all your gambling debts? If not for me, your reputation would have been ruined long ago.¡± Zhang Hanxiao¡¯s face flushed red, humiliated by the public exposure of his past. ¡°You¡­ what nonsense are you saying?! Stop slandering me!¡± ¡°Slander?¡± Li Qingran reached into her storage bag, pulled out a stack of debt records, and threw them into the air. The papers fluttered down like falling snow, the sheer number shocking everyone. Her cold voice cut through the silence. ¡°These are all the records of the debts I paid for you. I kept track of them at first, but I couldn¡¯t write fast enough to keep up with your reckless spending!¡± ¡°Zhang Hanxiao, in public, you are Chixiao Peak¡¯s brilliant Fourth Senior Brother.¡± ¡°But in reality? You¡¯re nothing more than a parasite feeding off your Junior Sister!¡± sea??h th§× N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. A storm of murmurs erupted among the disciples. And before Zhang Hanxiao could react¡ª Li Qingran¡¯s sword was already at the ready. "Very well¡­" "Draw your sword!" Chapter 40: Battle Against Zhang Hanxiao Chapter 40 ¨C Battle Against Zhang Hanxiao Zhang Hanxiao, the top-ranked disciple in Qingyun Sect¡¯s mission records, was undeniably powerful. Although he indulged in gambling and pleasure, his talent was remarkable. At not even thirty, he had already reached the mid-stage of Foundation Establishment. Within Chixiao Peak, he was slightly older than Mu Baishuang and Li Qingran, though his cultivation level was lower than that of Lu Changtian and others. However, he had always kept Li Qingran firmly under his thumb. Back when she was still on Chixiao Peak, Zhang Hanxiao often used her as a sparring dummy, and she had never been able to defeat him. Both of them practiced Chixiao Peak¡¯s signature sword technique¡ªLittle Formless Sword. Zhang Hanxiao had mastered the technique, while Li Qingran, having joined Chixiao Peak later and being neglected by Daoist Qingxuan, had barely reached the entry-level stage after three years. Facing Zhang Hanxiao, whose swordsmanship, inner strength, and cultivation level were all superior, it was impossible for Li Qingran to feel no pressure. Yet, she held her Su Xian Sword firmly. ¡°Li Qingran, I heard from Senior Brother that you managed to cultivate to Qi Refinement Perfection despite your shattered Dantian? Impressive perseverance. If only you had worked this hard back when you were on Chixiao Peak. But back then, you wasted your days fooling around. Now that you finally want to improve, it''s too late.¡± Zhang Hanxiao instinctively reached for his flying sword, only to grasp at empty air. Only then did he remember¡ªhe had already gifted his preferred sword to Mu Baishuang. Now, he was left with nothing but a low-grade artifact sword, a dull, worn blade he usually used for chopping vegetables. He pressed his lips together but still pulled it out. Against Li Qingran, even this broken sword would be enough. ¡°Li Qingran, I¡¯m at mid-stage Foundation Establishment. If I fight you at full power, it wouldn¡¯t be fair. So, I¡¯ll suppress my cultivation to Qi Refinement Perfection, just like you.¡± Zhang Hanxiao pointed his sword at Li Qingran, tilting his chin arrogantly. Not far away, Daoist Qingxuan twitched slightly, his face darkening further. This idiot. Even if Zhang Hanxiao suppressed his cultivation, Li Qingran still had no Spiritual Root due to her shattered Dantian. S§×ar?h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. If he wanted to make it look "fair," he should have suppressed his cultivation to mid-stage Qi Refinement at most. How the hell did he end up recruiting such an embarrassing fool into Chixiao Peak? Sect Master Wu Duantian understood Daoist Qingxuan well. This elder cared deeply about his reputation. Seeing Daoist Qingxuan¡¯s face turning black as coal, Wu Duantian figured that once today¡¯s ordeal was over, Zhang Hanxiao would likely be sent to reflect in the Cliff of Penitence for six months. However, Li Qingran did not respond to Zhang Hanxiao¡¯s taunts. Instead, she drew her sword¡ªa flash of cold lightning as she charged straight at him. ¡°Junior Sister, your **first stance, ¡®Frightening the Branches,¡¯ is still lacking!¡± Zhang Hanxiao laughed, leaping into the air as his sword slashed downward. Three illusory sword shadows converged toward Li Qingran¡ªone of Little Formless Sword¡¯s deadliest moves, "Solitary Goose Shadow". In the past, Li Qingran had lost to this very attack countless times. But today, it no longer felt so difficult to deal with. Even though Zhang Hanxiao had suppressed his cultivation, his mastery of the sword technique remained lethal. Yet, in Li Qingran¡¯s eyes, his movements seemed slower than before. Why¡­? Is it because of my Supreme-Grade Dantian? The moment the thought surfaced, she was certain of it. A Supreme-Grade Dantian was incredibly rare¡ªeven in ancient times, it was highly coveted. There was no way it wouldn''t have special abilities. Her thoughts flashed by in an instant. She locked onto Zhang Hanxiao¡¯s real body amidst the sword shadows¡ª Clang! Their swords clashed. Zhang Hanxiao¡¯s smug expression froze. He had aimed straight for Li Qingran¡¯s weakness, attacking with an unstoppable killing move¡ª But it missed. On the ground, a broken blade lay motionless. He lowered his gaze. His own sword had been severed in half. A low-grade artifact sword was destroyed in a single strike?! Zhang Hanxiao looked at Li Qingran in disbelief. She stood a few steps away, sword in hand, a faint frosty mist curling around the blade. The sword¡¯s jet-black body gleamed under the light. Its pure white hilt contrasted starkly against the red tassel swaying in the wind. That wasn¡¯t her original sword. ¡°That sword is no ordinary weapon,¡± Wu Duantian squinted slightly. ¡°If I¡¯m not mistaken, that sword is at least a top-tier artifact. The chilling aura running down its blade suggests it¡¯s one of the finest even among top-tier artifacts. With further nurturing, it could easily develop a sword spirit, elevating it to the level of a true spiritual weapon.¡± Daoist Qingxuan¡¯s expression darkened as his fingers tensed on his sword hilt, his teeth grinding audibly. He wanted nothing more than to cut Zhang Hanxiao down himself. Earlier, he had felt embarrassed when Zhang Hanxiao used his full cultivation level against a Qi Refinement cultivator. Now, he felt even more humiliated watching Zhang Hanxiao¡¯s sword shatter in one strike. And if Zhang Hanxiao actually lost? That would be an even bigger disgrace. Forget about artifacts¡ªweapons were part of a cultivator¡¯s strength. But this Su Xian Sword was definitely overpowered. For a Nascent Soul cultivator, this quasi-spiritual weapon was ordinary. But for a Qi Refinement or Foundation Establishment cultivator, it was a priceless treasure. Who was this mysterious benefactor? What was his connection to Li Qingran? Why would he go to such lengths to help her? Or was it that¡­ to him, a mere top-tier artifact sword was nothing worth caring about? While Daoist Qingxuan¡¯s thoughts were in turmoil, the battle on the grand square had already shifted dramatically. With his weapon destroyed, Zhang Hanxiao didn¡¯t dare to clash directly with Li Qingran. With a longer reach, her flying sword made up for her weaknesses in technique. Zhang Hanxiao tried to drag out the fight, hoping to exhaust Li Qingran¡¯s Spiritual Qi. But as time passed, he was the one running out of energy. ¡°Impossible! Before, she would have long since exhausted her Spiritual Qi!¡± Seeing Li Qingran fighting fiercely without any signs of fatigue, Zhang Hanxiao¡¯s mind wavered¡ª A fatal mistake. Li Qingran did not waste the opportunity. Her sword technique suddenly shifted¡ªfrom a cautious approach to an overwhelming assault. Her robes fluttered like a dancing butterfly. Little Formless Sword ¨C Ninth Stance: Dancing Shadows Beneath the Trees. Her wrist trembled¡ª Her sword seemed to split into countless light fragments, each precisely aimed at a vital point. She felt it completely now. This Supreme-Grade Dantian wasn¡¯t just improving her Spiritual Qi capacity. It was enhancing her comprehension as well! Li Qingran¡¯s heart grew warm. She knew how precious that elixir had been. Yet Senior had given it to her without hesitation. ¡°Senior, I won¡¯t let you down!¡± ¡°Li Qingran, don¡¯t push your luck!¡± Zhang Hanxiao roared. He unleashed his full power, restoring his Foundation Establishment cultivation. But at that moment¡ª Li Qingran¡¯s sword struck. Blades of golden light rained down. A miserable scream rang out. Zhang Hanxiao¡¯s body was sent flying, rolling across the dust-covered ground, his chest and limbs covered in deep sword wounds, blood seeping from every cut. Three steps away, Li Qingran sheathed her sword and stood tall. Chapter 41: The Reckoning Continues Chapter 41 ¨C The Reckoning Continues ¡°Fourth Senior Brother¡ªno, Zhang Hanxiao, you lost.¡± Li Qingran looked at Zhang Hanxiao, who lay motionless on the ground. The pent-up frustration in her chest instantly dissipated, leaving her feeling lighter than ever. The entire sect square had fallen into an eerie silence. Everyone stared in shock. Li Qingran¡¯s Spiritual Qi fluctuation was clearly at Qi Refinement Perfection. Yet a mid-stage Foundation Establishment cultivator like Zhang Hanxiao had lost to her? Yes, Zhang Hanxiao had only removed his self-imposed suppression at the last moment. Yes, his flying sword had broken. But still¡ªhe shouldn¡¯t have lost so easily. Even Sect Master Wu Duantian was baffled. He stiffly turned his neck to look at Daoist Qingxuan and asked, ¡°Elder Qingxuan, was Li Qingran really crippled¡ªher Spiritual Root removed, her Dantian destroyed?¡± At the time, he had thought such a punishment was a bit extreme. But since each peak handled its own affairs, and Daoist Qingxuan was the strongest cultivator in the sect, even having ties to Ancestor Qingyun, Wu Duantian had turned a blind eye. Now, however, he felt utterly confused. His own personal disciple, Zhao Lingtian, had his Dantian destroyed once¡ªhe had lost all combat ability. Any Spiritual Qi he cultivated would leak away, rendering him completely powerless. Yet Li Qingran, who had suffered the same fate, had defeated a mid-stage Foundation Establishment cultivator? That was insane! Daoist Qingxuan glared at Li Qingran in silence. It wasn¡¯t just her combat strength that shocked him. It was her swordsmanship. He clearly remembered how Li Qingran had repeatedly asked him for guidance. But she had little talent for swordsmanship¡ªno matter how many times he explained, she struggled to comprehend. Eventually, he grew impatient and told her to figure it out on her own or ask Lu Changtian. When she had left Chixiao Peak, her Little Formless Sword technique was only at entry-level mastery. Now, she had executed "Dancing Shadows Beneath the Trees"¡ªthe ninth stance! She had at least reached the level of sword mastery! That shouldn¡¯t be possible. Even though Little Formless Sword was merely a Mysterious-grade technique, it still wasn¡¯t something one could master in just a few months. How had she advanced so quickly? ¡°Senior Brother Zhang!¡± ¡°Fourth Senior Brother!¡± The Chixiao Peak disciples immediately rushed forward. Yun Zimo lifted Zhang Hanxiao¡¯s upper body, while Xiao Yifeng shoved an elixir into his mouth, helping him regulate his breathing. Meanwhile, Mu Baishuang wept into Zhang Hanxiao¡¯s chest, tears streaming down her face. ¡°Senior Brother¡­ this is my fault! I shouldn¡¯t have taken your sword¡­ If you still had it, you wouldn¡¯t have ended up like this¡­¡± But deep down, her thoughts were completely different. Good thing he gave me that sword. Otherwise, wouldn¡¯t it have been wasted? The sword in Li Qingran¡¯s hands was clearly something extraordinary. Even if Zhang Hanxiao had a better sword, he still would¡¯ve lost. A surge of fear crept into Mu Baishuang¡¯s heart. What had happened to Li Qingran? Who was the powerful cultivator standing behind her? Could he see through her disguise? No. He must not discover her true identity! Sear?h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Their Young Lord¡¯s lifespan was nearing its end¡ªshe had to give everything she had to secure a chance of survival. Once the Young Lord broke through his bottleneck and reconnected with their Ancestor, their faction would have a chance to rise again. She needed to keep a low profile. Calming herself, Mu Baishuang quickly withdrew from Zhang Hanxiao, hiding behind Lu Changtian while pretending to sob. ¡°Li Qingran, don¡¯t you think you¡¯ve gone too far?¡± Lu Changtian stepped forward, pointing at her coldly. ¡°No matter what, Zhang Hanxiao was once your senior brother. How could you be so ruthless?¡± ¡°Ruthless?¡± Li Qingran spread her hands, shaking her head. ¡°I am merely at Qi Refinement Perfection, not Foundation Establishment Perfection. Wounding him was already my limit. Are you suggesting that I somehow managed to injure him so severely that he fainted?¡± Lu Changtian opened his mouth¡ªthen fell silent. He glanced at Zhang Hanxiao, who was supposedly unconscious. Zhang Hanxiao¡¯s face was bright red. Of course, Lu Changtian immediately realized¡ªhe was faking it. His injuries were serious, yes. But they weren¡¯t severe enough to knock him out. He was just too ashamed to face reality. ¡°Li Qingran, did your Dantian recover?¡± After a long silence, Daoist Qingxuan suddenly spoke. All the Chixiao Peak disciples froze. Even Mu Baishuang peered out from behind Lu Changtian. Li Qingran nodded. ¡°Thanks to Senior¡¯s mercy, I was able to restore my Dantian.¡± She casually tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear, one hand resting lightly on her sword hilt. A faint blush crept up her ears. For the first time, her composure wavered slightly. Everyone was too focused on her words to notice her small moment of shyness. Everyone except Mu Baishuang. Women understood women best. Mu Baishuang didn¡¯t know what had happened to Li Qingran during this time. But she could tell¡ª Li Qingran had feelings for that mysterious cultivator. This was bad. If that cultivator wanted Li Qingran for her Taiyin Dao Body, how could Mu Baishuang possibly compete with such an old monster? She bit her lip, her mind spinning. Moments later, she came up with a plan. ¡°Senior Sister Qingran¡­¡± Mu Baishuang stepped forward hesitantly, her voice timid. ¡°I heard from Master that restoring a Dantian requires an extremely rare elixir called the Primordial Heaven-Mending Pill. It¡¯s been lost to time¡ªonly such a pill could possibly heal a Dantian¡­¡± Her tone was gentle, but her words were poisoned. ¡°What I¡¯m saying is¡­ Senior Sister, are you sure your Dantian is truly healed?¡± ¡°What if some malicious person tricked you¡ªgave you a false sense of recovery while secretly stealing something else from you¡­?¡± ¡°Shut up!¡± Before she could finish speaking, a terrifying killing intent surged forth. It crushed her words back down her throat. Li Qingran¡¯s knuckles turned white as she gripped Su Xian Sword, her body trembling slightly. ¡°Senior¡¯s kindness is as vast as the heavens. How dare you slander him?¡± Mu Baishuang turned pale, frantically waving her hands. ¡°A-Ah, I¡¯m sorry, Senior Sister! I was just worried about you¡­¡± Shing¡ª! A sharp sword hum answered her. Li Qingran¡¯s blade flashed. A cold streak of light shot toward Mu Baishuang¡¯s throat. She didn¡¯t move. Instead, she shut her eyes, looking utterly helpless. She knew someone would block the attack before it landed. That way, she wouldn¡¯t reveal her true strength. Clang! The strike was indeed blocked. When she opened her eyes, Yun Zimo was standing in front of her. The Third Senior Brother, who had once protected Li Qingran, was now glaring at her with hatred and disgust. How ironic. But Li Qingran didn¡¯t care anymore. She no longer lived for anyone else. She was herself¡ªLi Qingran. She brushed a finger over the red tassel of Su Xian Sword, memories flashing through her mind. A cold smirk curled her lips. ¡°Yun Zimo. Since you¡¯ve stepped forward¡­¡± ¡°Let¡¯s start with you.¡± ¡°The reckoning continues.¡± Chapter 42: A Thousand Swords Through the Heart Chapter 42 ¨C A Thousand Swords Through the Heart ¡°Oh? You want to duel me?¡± Yun Zimo raised an eyebrow and let out a cold laugh. ¡°I¡¯m not like Fourth Brother. I won¡¯t suppress my cultivation. Against someone as arrogant and disrespectful as you, I have no reason to hold back¡ªeven if my realm completely overwhelms you, I won¡¯t feel the slightest shame!¡± Like Zhang Hanxiao, Yun Zimo was at mid-stage Foundation Establishment, but he had far superior resources. Zhang Hanxiao spent spirit stones as soon as he earned them, while Yun Zimo saved them, accumulating wealth and knowledge. On top of that, he dabbled in artifact refinement and formation techniques, making him far more difficult to deal with than an ordinary Foundation Establishment cultivator. Li Qingran, however, remained unfazed. She locked eyes with him and asked, ¡°Third Senior Brother¡­ are you afraid?¡± ¡°Don¡¯t try to provoke me. I won¡¯t fall for it.¡± Yun Zimo retrieved a flying sword from his storage bag, his gaze lingering on Su Xian Sword before he sneered, ¡°Your sword is impressive, but unlike Fourth Brother, I won¡¯t lose because of my weapon. I have plenty of swords.¡± But Li Qingran ignored him, instead turning to Sect Master Wu Duantian. She cupped her fists and spoke loudly, ¡°Sect Master, Qingyun Sect upholds the principle: ¡®Only virtue may flourish; evil must never be tolerated.¡¯¡± ¡°To slander others, to conspire against one¡¯s fellow disciples¡ªsuch acts are grave crimes within the sect. Is that correct?¡± Wu Duantian, lost in thoughts about elixirs that could restore Dantian injuries, was caught off guard by the sudden question. It took him a moment to react. ¡°¡­That is correct.¡± Yun Zimo¡¯s expression flickered¡ªa barely perceptible flash of panic. But he quickly regained his composure. What could she possibly have on him? She had no evidence. All he had to do was deny everything. Li Qingran glanced at him briefly before turning back to Wu Duantian. ¡°And what is the punishment for such crimes?¡± Wu Duantian narrowed his eyes, stroking his beard as he answered, ¡°For false accusations and defamation, the offender is given a verbal warning by the Law Enforcement Hall. A repeat offense results in exile to the Cliff of Penitence.¡± ¡°For conspiring to harm a fellow disciple, however¡­ the punishment is severe. If proven true, the offender shall have their tongue cut out, eyes gouged, and molten iron poured into their ears. Treatment is forbidden for one month as a lesson to all.¡± Even though cultivators could eventually heal from such injuries, the agony of such punishment was unimaginable. A month of complete blindness, deafness, and silence¡ªtrapped in endless darkness and suffering. It was a punishment feared by all. Li Qingran listened calmly, then once again bowed. ¡°Sect Master, Yun Zimo, the third personal disciple of Chixiao Peak, conspired with an Outer Sect Elder to frame and persecute his fellow disciple.¡± ¡°Since Qingyun Sect is a prestigious sect, it surely won¡¯t ignore such a crime, will it?¡± Her words sent a wave of shock through the crowd. She hadn¡¯t explicitly named anyone, but everyone knew what she meant. Yun Zimo gritted his teeth in fury, but his clenched fists betrayed his inner turmoil. He knew. If this blew up, the consequences would be dire. But as long as he denied everything, she had no proof. He could still get away with it. ¡°Scoundrel! You actually did such a thing?!¡± Daoist Qingxuan slammed the table, his sword flashing into his hands as he glared at Yun Zimo. His half-black, half-white hair whipped in the wind, his rage uncontrollable. But at that moment¡ª ¡¾Tsk. I told you to sit down.¡¿ That ethereal presence swept through the air once more. A command, undeniable. Daoist Qingxuan¡¯s veins bulged in frustration. After three deep breaths, he reluctantly sheathed his sword. He couldn¡¯t afford to provoke this person. If this mysterious expert had truly refined an elixir capable of restoring a shattered Dantian, then he was at least Fusion Realm or above. Even if every elder in the sect joined forces, they wouldn¡¯t stand a chance. Unless Ancestor Qingyun emerged from seclusion. But disturbing the Ancestor in the middle of his breakthrough attempt was out of the question. For now¡­ he had to endure it. Wu Duantian¡¯s expression hardened. This situation was serious. If Li Qingran hadn¡¯t spoken up, he never would have known. Normally, he would have swept it under the rug for the sake of keeping peace between sect members. But today¡ª That mysterious expert was watching. And more importantly¡ª He still wanted to ask for a way to restore Zhao Lingtian¡¯s Dantian. ¡°¡­Yun Zimo.¡± Wu Duantian¡¯s gaze turned icy. ¡°Is what Li Qingran said true?¡± The late Nascent Soul pressure locked onto Yun Zimo like a predator¡¯s jaws. A chill ran down his spine. But he forced himself to remain calm. ¡°Sect Master, I swear I never did such a thing!¡± ¡°This is a slanderous accusation!¡± Wu Duantian narrowed his eyes. He already suspected the truth. ¡°¡­Li Qingran.¡± ¡°If you were expelled from Qingyun Sect because of this, I will personally see that justice is served.¡± ¡°But in all matters, evidence is required.¡± ¡°Do you have proof?¡± Proof? Li Qingran almost laughed aloud. Wu Duantian wasn¡¯t asking this for her sake. He was asking for the sake of the mysterious cultivator behind her. If she hadn¡¯t had Senior¡¯s support, she wouldn¡¯t have gotten anything today. She took a deep breath. ¡°I do have proof.¡± S~ea??h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. ¡°The day I was expelled, I sought out an outer disciple involved in the scheme.¡± ¡°I paid him 1,000 low-grade Spirit Stones to reveal the truth. Since I was already being forced out of the sect, and he had nothing to lose, he confessed everything.¡± Li Qingran¡¯s gaze swept across the hall, pausing briefly on Yun Zimo and the other Chixiao Peak disciples. At the time, she could have exposed Yun Zimo before leaving. But she hadn¡¯t. Because she had still held onto hope. She had still believed in brotherhood. She had still believed she might one day return. Only when Zhang Hanxiao had thrown her into that filthy shack had she finally understood. Chixiao Peak was no longer worth hoping for. Her heart grew firm. Her voice carried the weight of the past. ¡°¡­And he made me swear an oath before he spoke.¡± ¡°If I ever broke that promise¡­ then I would suffer¡­¡± ¡°A Thousand Swords Through the Heart.¡± As soon as the words left her lips¡ª SHING! A phantom sword pierced through her chest from behind. Her face went deathly pale. A single trail of blood dripped from her lips, falling onto the stone ground with an eerie ¡®plop¡¯. Her hands trembled as she clutched her chest, barely staying upright with her sword. SHING! SHING! SHING! More phantom swords rained down, stabbing into her body. A horrific pain like a thousand insects devouring her nerves spread through her. ¡°¡­Ugh¡­¡± She coughed up mouthfuls of blood, crimson staining the ground. Yet¡ª She did not make a single sound of pain. Silence filled the sect square. Everyone stared in utter disbelief. Within just two breaths of time, Countless swords had impaled her body. Pinned down, her long black hair draped onto the blood-soaked ground. She could no longer stand¡ªonly kneeling on one knee could keep her from collapsing completely. Glowing Daoist script circled the blades. A thousand swords through the heart. The Dao had answered her oath. ¡¤¡¤¡¤ ¡¤¡¤¡¤ Chapter 43: Are You Satisfied? Chapter 43: Are You Satisfied? "Help! Help! Someone, hurry up and save her!" "What the hell? The game never mentioned a plot kill for the female lead!" Outside the "game," Chen Huai''an was dumbfounded as he watched Li Qingran instantly turn into a bloodied mess. For a brief moment, he wondered if he simply hadn''t recharged enough! Frantically tapping his already battered phone screen, the cracks spread even further. Sweat dripped down his face as he anxiously waited for a recharge prompt to appear. Meanwhile, the entire Qingyun Sect was in shock. Among the crowd, one disciple''s face turned pale with disbelief. Never in his life did he expect Li Qingran to use a Dao Oath as proof of her sincerity. That was Ten Thousand Swords Piercing the Heart! A single misstep, and it could become an eternal shadow on her cultivation path, preventing her from ever advancing again! Back in the real world, just as Chen Huai''an was about to lose his mind, the game''s paywall mechanics¡ªthough delayed¡ªfinally arrived. A prompt appeared on the screen just before he could tap it to oblivion. sea??h th§× ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. [Would you like to recharge £¤18.8 to purchase a Celestial-Grade Emerald Creation Pill to heal Li Qingran? (Limited-time offer~?)] "Buy!" Without hesitation, Chen Huai''an closed his eyes and confirmed the payment, not even noticing how surprisingly reasonable the price was this time. In the Cangyun Realm, on the grand plaza of Qingyun Sect, Li Qingran, who was on the verge of passing out from pain, was suddenly supported by an invisible force. Then, before everyone''s eyes, an ornate brocade box emerged from the void behind her. The box opened, revealing a jade-green elixir. The moment it was exposed, a rich medicinal fragrance spread in all directions. Those standing close felt their Spiritual Qi circulation quicken, and their unhealed wounds tingled with an itching sensation. Even those further away felt invigorated and refreshed. Before anyone could savor the intoxicating aroma, the elixir flew toward Li Qingran, transforming into a streak of green light that entered her body with her breath. In an instant, it spread throughout her entire being. "Emerald Creation Pill! This must be the Emerald Creation Pill!" Sect Master Wu Duantian was the first to react. Over the past few days, he''d tried every rare pill imaginable to restore Zhao Lingtian¡¯s shattered dantian. Among them was the Emerald Creation Pill, which was said to pull people back from the gates of hell. However, the pill he had given Zhao Lingtian never emitted such an overwhelming medicinal fragrance. And the one he just saw was entirely flawless¡ªtranslucent like jade, without a single impurity. The answer was obvious. "And it¡¯s a Celestial-Grade Emerald Creation Pill!" Wu Duantian was utterly shaken. "Master, is this pill really that powerful?" Wu Duantian shot a glance at Zhao Lingtian and snapped, "The Emerald Creation Pill starts at a minimum of fifth-grade. This one has reached Celestial-Grade. You tell me¡ªwhat grade does that make it?" Zhao Lingtian¡¯s eyes widened in shock. A mortal-grade Emerald Creation Pill was already fifth-grade¡­ Then a Celestial-Grade one must be at least fourth or even third-grade! And they were using such a divine pill just to relieve Li Qingran¡¯s pain?! She was hurting, not dying! Zhao Lingtian felt his heart bleeding. The elders of various peaks looked on with mixed emotions as the emerald-green glow enveloped Li Qingran¡¯s body. Such a pill¡­ They would only use it when their lives were at stake! How could it be wasted like this? In the crowd, Elder Wang Chuanhe, drenched in cold sweat, sensed imminent disaster. He was doomed¡ªthere was no way around it. Who would have thought Li Qingran would be so reckless, shattering a Dao Oath like it was nothing? With Wu Duantian''s temperament, Wang Chuanhe''s position as an elder was undoubtedly lost. Worse, he''d likely suffer brutal punishment¡ªgouging out his eyes and cutting out his tongue. And even more terrifying¡­ Would the mysterious cultivator backing Li Qingran let him go? Would Wu Duantian offer him up as a sacrifice to curry favor? The more he thought, the more terrified he became. Wang Chuanhe¡¯s gaze darkened. "Right now, everyone''s attention is on that disciple. The mysterious cultivator must also be focused on her safety¡ªthis is the perfect moment to strike." No more hesitation. Kill or be killed. With a flick of his hand, Wang Chuanhe hurled his flying sword forward and immediately leaped onto it. However¡ªhe hadn''t even flown two steps before¡ª Boom! A dozen golden talismans chased after him at an even greater speed. Out of nowhere, thunder roared across the cloudless sky. Before Wang Chuanhe could react, he was struck head-on. His body charred black as he plummeted from the sky. Back in the real world, Chen Huai¡¯an calmly stuffed the remaining Thunderfire Talismans back into his inventory. He flexed his numb fingers and silently took credit for the kill. Wang Chuanhe, merely at Golden Core Perfection, couldn¡¯t possibly withstand the barrage. While it wasn¡¯t enough to kill him outright, after getting repeatedly electrocuted, he was nothing more than crispy on the outside, mushy on the inside. Even standing up was impossible. Wu Duantian was equally stunned, quickly ordering disciples to restrain Wang Chuanhe. His wariness toward the mysterious cultivator grew. The Thunderfire Talismans had been thrown in handfuls¡ªsome were even supreme-grade! That meant their backer had plentiful resources. Could they be an ancient hidden expert from another sect? That would be troublesome. At that moment, Yun Zimo stepped forward and knelt before Wu Duantian and Daoist Qingxuan, his face filled with remorse. "Master, Sect Leader, this disciple has sinned!" "I was simply angered by Li Qingran hurting my junior sister, which led me to act recklessly¡­ But no matter the reason, I violated sect rules. I am willing to accept punishment!" "Foolish brat!" Daoist Qingxuan was trembling with rage. His face turned red with humiliation. Red Mist Peak was now the laughingstock of Qingyun Sect! And when the Old Ancestor came out of closed-door cultivation, he''d surely be furious. But with so many eyes watching, he didn¡¯t dare act rashly. He had never felt so utterly stifled. Wu Duantian stroked his beard, his eyes gleaming as he smiled faintly. "The real problem here is Wang Chuanhe. Without his involvement, you wouldn¡¯t have been able to do anything." Yun Zimo¡¯s heart soared with joy. If the Sect Master said so, then the main punishment would fall on Wang Chuanhe. That meant his own punishment would be lighter! But then¡ª Wu Duantian spoke coldly: "Wang Chuanhe¡ªstripped of his elder status, eyes gouged, tongue cut, ears filled with molten iron, and exiled to the Cliff of Repentance for six months!" "Yun Zimo¡ªsame punishment, but for three months. However, since you confessed, you¡¯ll get two extra vegetable leaves with your meals." "As for the others involved¡ªface the wall at Cliff of Repentance!" Yun Zimo¡¯s face twisted in horror. Wasn¡¯t this just as bad?! Wu Duantian ignored the chaos and turned to Li Qingran, who had just regained consciousness. With a gentle smile, he asked: "Qingran, my judgment¡ªare you satisfied?" ¡­ Chapter 44: Execution on the Spot Chapter 44: Execution on the Spot The Emerald Creation Pill was precious not only because it healed injuries but also because it alleviated pain. For cultivators facing life-and-death situations, the wounds themselves weren¡¯t always the deadliest threat¡ªit was often the pain-induced debilitating states that proved fatal. A Celestial-Grade Emerald Creation Pill almost entirely nullified pain, making even the agony of Ten Thousand Swords Piercing the Heart feel negligible. Li Qingran gazed at the ethereal green glow enveloping her body. She gently squeezed her wrist, her eyes lowering. Once again, she owed the senior a great favor. But she had already lost count of how many debts she had accumulated¡ªso many that she no longer knew how to repay them. "Senior¡­ I¡­" [It¡¯s fine. Just a pill. Handle the situation at hand first.] A mystical voice echoed in her ears, audible only to her. "Qingran, are you satisfied with my decision?" Wu Duantian¡¯s voice rang out as he turned to face her. In the corner of her vision, Yun Zimo was already being dragged away by two disciples to the Enforcement Hall for punishment. Indeed, even the cruelest punishment¡ªgouged-out eyes, severed tongue, molten iron poured into the ears¡ªpaled in comparison to what she had endured. Without the senior, Wu Duantian would have likely given Yun Zimo nothing more than a slap on the wrist out of consideration for Daoist Qingxuan. She should have pressed for harsher retribution¡­ But thinking of the senior standing behind her, she let it go. "Sect Master Wu is righteous and impartial. I naturally admire and respect his judgment." Li Qingran gave a deep bow, signaling her acceptance of the verdict. [Wait.] A cold voice suddenly reverberated through the void. [Qingran is satisfied. But I¡ªam NOT.] Wu Duantian¡¯s smile froze. His hand, mid-stroke on his beard, hesitated¡ªneither lowering nor raising. He cautiously inquired toward the empty air, "Uh¡­ May I ask what your excellency thinks should be done?" "Obviously, execution on the spot!" Sitting cross-legged on his sofa, Chen Huai¡¯an was vigorously petting his cat with one hand while pressing a Communication Talisman with the other. "Who knows if you¡¯re actually going to punish him at the Enforcement Hall or just pretend? I can¡¯t see it. Seeing is believing. Hearing is deception." A pause followed. Then, the ethereal voice spoke again: [Justice must not be hidden. Law must not show favoritism. If punishment is not carried out publicly, how can it serve as a deterrent?] [Therefore, the sentence shall be executed immediately.] Li Qingran was momentarily stunned. A warmth spread in her heart. sea??h th§× N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The senior¡ªa man as pure as the heavens¡ªsurely didn''t wish to witness such gruesome brutality. No, he merely feared that her hard-fought justice might be manipulated behind closed doors. He wanted to ensure that those who had wronged her would truly face the consequences. Wu Duantian let out a breath of relief. For a moment, he had feared the mysterious cultivator would demand Yun Zimo be expelled from Qingyun Sect¡ªor even outright killed. That was beyond his authority. Expelling a personal disciple required consultation with the elders¡ªespecially since the elder in question was Daoist Qingxuan. But immediate punishment? That was no issue at all. He shot a glance at the two Enforcement Hall disciples holding Yun Zimo. In truth, every month, Wu Duantian led the disciples to the Cliff of Repentance to visit the punished, using their suffering as a lesson to others. Since the mysterious cultivator insisted on immediate punishment, he wouldn¡¯t argue. At most, it would just make Daoist Qingxuan lose face. And he didn¡¯t care about that at all. The Enforcement Hall disciples dragged Yun Zimo back to the center of the plaza. One held him still, while the other pulled out a sharp hook. Given cultivators¡¯ enhanced regenerative abilities, there was no need to sterilize the hook with fire. A piercing scream rang through the air. Several Qingyun Sect disciples averted their gazes in discomfort. In the middle of the plaza, Yun Zimo¡¯s tongue was gone, his empty eye sockets bled profusely, and he could only let out a broken, guttural howl toward the sky. "The molten iron must be prepared on the spot. It will take some time." Wu Duantian¡¯s words were directed at Li Qingran¡ªbut everyone knew they were meant for the mysterious cultivator behind her. All eyes turned to Li Qingran, as if she were now the mouthpiece of the mysterious master. Zhang Hanxiao continued playing dead. Lu Changtian and Xiao Yifeng¡¯s faces were ashen, but they didn¡¯t dare plead for Yun Zimo. They instinctively stood on either side of Mu Baishuang, shielding her from the horrific scene. With so many gazes on her, Li Qingran felt a bit uneasy. The senior hadn¡¯t spoken, and she couldn¡¯t speak on his behalf. So she simply clutched her Su Xian Sword and counted ants on the ground. [Qingran, what do you think?] The gentle voice suddenly sounded. Li Qingran¡¯s face flushed crimson. She froze for a second before forcing herself to stay calm. "I believe¡­ this is already enough." Daoist Qingxuan snorted coldly, his face dark. Wu Duantian, on the other hand, straightened his beard and grinned like a mediator. The time was right. He turned toward the mysterious presence and bowed. "Forgive my shamelessness, but I have a humble request." "Since Your Excellency was able to restore Li Qingran¡¯s dantian, I wonder if you might also help my direct disciple?" Wu Duantian stepped aside, revealing Zhao Lingtian. With a bitter smile, he said: "This child is brilliant and kind-hearted¡ªa rare talent. But his dantian was destroyed by a demonic cultivator. I cannot bear to see him wither away, forever stuck at this bottleneck..." Li Qingran lifted her head, her blush fading into icy coldness. Primordial Heaven-Mending Pill. She finally understood how precious the opportunity the senior had given her was. A pill of such caliber¡ªeven for the senior¡ªmust have been hard to obtain. And now, Wu Duantian opened his mouth and asked for one outright? Did he think he was entitled to it? Was he planning to use her to pressure the senior? At the same time, on Chen Huai¡¯an¡¯s screen, a prompt appeared: [Sect Master Wu Duantian requests an opportunity¡ªPrimordial Heaven-Mending Pill. Please choose an action.] : : : Chen Huai¡¯an¡¯s finger hovered over a choice. He nearly clicked immediately¡ª But then, his eyes narrowed. Something wasn¡¯t right. ... Chapter 45: A Debate Begins Chapter 45: A Debate Begins Chen Huai¡¯an had almost chosen the first option¡ªan outright rejection. But after thinking it through, he hesitated. First, the Primordial Heaven-Mending Pill was worth at least 100,000 spirit stones per pill. Second, the Fortune Carp Pool currently didn¡¯t have any left in stock. And third¡ªthe system prompt implied that the true price of this pill was far beyond just 100,000. Moreover, this was just a regular Primordial Heaven-Mending Pill, not even a Celestial-Grade one! If he outright rejected Wu Duantian¡¯s request, what if Qingyun Sect collectively lost their minds and went berserk? Sure, his Cultivation Base at Nascent Soul Perfection could wipe the floor with their late-stage Nascent Soul cultivators, but he couldn¡¯t protect Li Qingran. And sects like this always had hidden depths. Who knew if some ancient fossil was meditating in seclusion, just waiting to step out and annihilate him? His left hand, which had been rubbing his cat¡¯s head, now began furiously kneading. This wasn¡¯t unnecessary paranoia. In games like this, plot choices always affected the game¡¯s trajectory. A wrong move, and he could trigger a Bad Ending. And what then? Restart the game with a new virtual girlfriend? That wouldn¡¯t be his Li Qingran. After a brief hesitation, he tapped the second option. [Let¡¯s set this matter aside for now. Once Qingran¡¯s situation is resolved, we¡¯ll find time to discuss it in detail.] The mystical voice was calm and authoritative, naturally convincing. Wu Duantian immediately realized he had been too hasty. He quickly bowed and apologized: "You¡¯re absolutely right. Qingran¡¯s well-being comes first. It was my mistake for not focusing on what truly matters." He didn¡¯t expect an immediate answer anyway. To him, a cultivator capable of refining the Primordial Heaven-Mending Pill wouldn¡¯t play mind games¡ªthey¡¯d likely just negotiate a price later. And if curing Zhao Lingtian¡¯s dantian cost him his entire fortune, so what? It was worth it. Li Qingran wanted to remind the senior of Wu Duantian¡¯s intentions, but she never got the chance. Instead, his voice gently reassured her: [Patience. I have my own plan.] Her worries instantly melted away. So the senior had been aware all along. She had worried for nothing. Taking a deep breath, she felt a wave of self-doubt. Someone like him¡ªwho appeared young but was undoubtedly ancient¡ªhad walked paths far longer than she had even lived. What right did she have to worry for him? If anything, he was the one reassuring her. ¡­It was so wrong of her. Her ears turned red at the thought. She hurriedly shoved away her scattered emotions and lifted her gaze. Her eyes landed on Xiao Yifeng¡ªthe second disciple of Chixiao Peak. Xiao Yifeng had been comforting Mu Baishuang when he suddenly felt a chill down his spine. Turning his head, he met Li Qingran¡¯s cold gaze. His scalp went numb. Memories surfaced in his mind. Li Qingran had always been submissive, enduring mistreatment without complaint. Even during painful experiments, she would pretend not to care. Even when she was beaten half to death by medicine-stealing demon sparrows, she would laugh it off. She had admired his talent for alchemy. Or rather¡ªhe had assumed she admired his talent. Somewhere along the way, asking her to test medicine and tend to his spiritual fields had shifted from a request to a demand. He had taken it for granted. He had occasionally tossed her useless pills as a "reward," believing that was enough. But was it? "Senior Brother, what¡¯s wrong?" Xiao Yifeng snapped out of his thoughts. His hand was grasped by a cool, soft hand¡ªMu Baishuang¡¯s. She looked at him with tear-filled eyes, her face pale from fear and grief. She had been crying since hearing Yun Zimo¡¯s screams. Yet even now, despite her terror, she still tried to comfort him. And he was hesitating? What was there to fear?! Xiao Yifeng¡¯s resolve returned. He failed to notice the faint red mist swirling deep in Mu Baishuang¡¯s pupils. Nearby, Daoist Qingxuan, who had been meditating with closed eyes, suddenly glanced toward Xiao Yifeng. A flicker of doubt crossed his face. Just now¡­ that aura¡­ No. Impossible. His disciples had all been carefully selected. At most, their personalities had some issues. Still, he made a mental note of that fleeting presence, just in case. "Li Qingran, why are you looking at me like that?" Xiao Yifeng stepped forward, his chest puffed out. "What have I ever done to wrong you? Don¡¯t forget how many pills I¡¯ve given you!" "Oh? You mean the Fasting Pills, the Insect Repelling Pills, the Laxative Pills¡­?" Li Qingran counted on her fingers, sending the surrounding Qingyun Sect disciples into uproarious laughter. Xiao Yifeng¡¯s face turned red as a baboon¡¯s backside. Li Qingran¡¯s eyes turned frigid, and she continued: "Oh, and let¡¯s not forget the pill you disguised as a Great Recovery Pill¡ª" "The one that filled my body with Fire Poison, burning me alive for ninety-three days." "Do you know what it¡¯s like to be in constant agony, unable to eat, unable to sleep, unable even to walk?" "You truly are Chixiao Peak¡¯s proud Second Disciple." "Truly, my good Senior Brother." Xiao Yifeng¡¯s expression twisted. He had expected Li Qingran to bring this up. During the Sect Tournament, when Mu Baishuang was injured and Li Qingran was beaten to near death, he had been the only one to visit her in her cave dwelling. Back then, he had pretended to give her a Great Recovery Pill. But in reality¡ªit was a poisonous dud. He had watched her eat it. Watched her collapse in agony within minutes. He had even mocked her for it. But¡­ could she prove it? What would she do? Swear a Dao Oath again? Was she truly so reckless? Did she not fear a damaged fate, shattered fortune, and an early death? "Hah. Junior Sister, I am merely a Seventh-Grade Alchemist." "Even with my talent, I cannot guarantee that every pill is completely purified of toxins." "And you¡ªhow do you plan to prove that I deliberately poisoned you?" Xiao Yifeng crossed his arms and smirked. "You test medicines all the time. Your body is as sensitive as mine to alchemical properties." "If there really was Fire Poison, wouldn¡¯t you have noticed?" "I think you¡¯re just ungrateful¡ªbiting the hand that feeds you!" "You¡¯ve lost your mind, turning against the people who helped you!" S~ea??h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Li Qingran stared at him, nausea rising in her stomach. She had once admired him. Now, he was nothing but filth. But¡­ She had no direct evidence. And then¡ª A cold snort echoed from the void. [Interesting.] [Xiao Yifeng¡ªtell me, does an alchemist always know if their pill contains Fire Poison?] Xiao Yifeng froze. Of course they did. It was basic knowledge. So he nodded confidently. "Of course!" [Good. Then let¡¯s put your skills to the test.] Ten brocade boxes flew out of the void¡ª Each containing a basic Great Recovery Pill. Xiao Yifeng¡¯s heart pounded. What was this senior planning? Chapter 46: Have You Chosen? Chapter 46: Have You Chosen? [Here are ten Basic Great Recovery Pills. Nine of them contain Fire Poison. You have one incense stick¡¯s time to identify the one pure pill. If you succeed, I¡¯ll consider this matter settled.] Xiao Yifeng¡¯s eyes swept over the pills. Low-quality pills often had visible black spots when contaminated with Fire Poison. At a glance, none of these pills showed any abnormalities. He quickly realized¡ª The senior behind Li Qingran was setting a trap for him. These pills had been deliberately camouflaged, impossible to distinguish with the naked eye alone. But was he just an ordinary alchemist? Xiao Yifeng smirked. With his Innate Yimu Spiritual Root, he had a natural affinity for alchemy. His sense of smell alone allowed him to discern the ingredients of simple pills. But even stronger was his taste¡ª He could detect pill toxins that even high-stage cultivators wouldn¡¯t notice. No one here was better suited for this test than him. "Senior, if I successfully identify the poisoned pills, what then?" Instead of accepting immediately, he looked toward the void behind Li Qingran. Today, he would avenge Yun Zimo, Zhang Hanxiao, and Mu Baishuang. He would redeem Chixiao Peak¡¯s reputation! sea??h th§× n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. [If you succeed, I will let this matter rest.] Xiao Yifeng frowned slightly. What was this senior¡¯s relationship with Li Qingran, that he would forgive and forget on her behalf? But he kept his questions to himself. He bowed respectfully but with a hint of defiance. "Senior, if I prove my skill, I ask that you personally heal my fellow disciples and plead with Sect Master Wu to revoke Yun Zimo¡¯s punishment." Wu Duantian¡¯s expression darkened. This brat had some nerve¡ªtrying to negotiate terms with a mysterious powerhouse? Meanwhile, Daoist Qingxuan stroked his beard in satisfaction. He didn¡¯t believe Xiao Yifeng had poisoned Li Qingran. And now, his disciple was proving himself to be bold and capable. This¡ªthis was the kind of disciple he had trained! Chen Huai¡¯an stared at the screen, calculating the odds. Chance of Xiao Yifeng correctly identifying the untainted pill: 0%. A system evaluation. He let out a silent laugh. Well¡ªif he wanted to dig his own grave, why stop him? Pressing his Communication Talisman, he smirked: "Sure, no problem. In fact, I¡¯ll give you three tries. But if you fail all three, you eat all ten pills." Back in the Qingyun Sect plaza, everyone waited anxiously for the mysterious voice¡¯s response. Xiao Yifeng kept up his fearless act, but inside, he was panicking. Had he overstepped? Would this senior hold a grudge? After all, his words had been quite disrespectful. [Agreed.] The voice rang out, calm but imposing. [You have three attempts. If you fail them all, you must consume every last pill.] Xiao Yifeng exhaled deeply in relief. A confident smile returned to his face. "Senior is generous. I stand by my word!" He stepped forward, standing before the ten brocade boxes. At first, he sniffed each pill, his confidence unwavering. But as he repeated the process, his expression stiffened. His casual attitude was replaced by grim determination. The pills were¡­ identical. Their heat, structure, ingredient ratios, herb ages¡ª Everything was perfectly uniform. That wasn¡¯t normal. What level of alchemy could produce such flawless replication? Xiao Yifeng¡¯s forehead began to sweat. "Daoist Qingxuan, can Xiao Yifeng handle this?" Wu Duantian wasn¡¯t an alchemist, but seeing Xiao Yifeng sniff and prod the pills so seriously, he felt hopeful. Daoist Qingxuan scoffed, barely opening his eyes. "Of course. My disciple has Innate Yimu Spiritual Root. This challenge is meaningless." Wu Duantian nodded, remembering how Xiao Yifeng had originally applied to his peak¡ª Only to be snatched away by Daoist Qingxuan. He had been so angry, he lost two nights of sleep over it. Nearby, Lu Changtian let out a sigh of relief. Cultivators in the Foundation Establishment Stage had virtually no poison resistance. If Xiao Yifeng misidentified all nine pills, consuming them could cripple him permanently. "That old monster sure is ruthless," Lu Changtian sneered, glaring at the void behind Li Qingran. "If Li Qingran stays with someone this cruel, even if she succeeds, she¡¯ll be no better than a demonic cultivator." Behind him, Mu Baishuang rolled her eyes. True demonic cultivators didn¡¯t play games. They would have poisoned all ten pills, no hesitation. Time ticked away. Xiao Yifeng had exhausted his sense of smell. Now, he was licking each pill, scraping powder, and cutting tiny slivers to inspect them. But the more he analyzed¡ª The paler he became. The more lost he looked. [Time¡¯s up. Have you chosen?] A cold voice jolted him. Xiao Yifeng flinched. He gulped, throat bobbing¡ª Then, his gaze landed on one pill. His eyes hardened with resolve. "This one!" He pointed confidently at his choice. ¡­ ¡­ Chapter 47: Why Not Give It a Try Chapter 47: Why Not Give It a Try Chen Huai¡¯an watched as Xiao Yifeng chose the Great Rejuvenation Pill and immediately let out a cold laugh. He actually had an option to instantly swap pills for just 6 spirit stones per use. If Xiao Yifeng somehow had heaven-defying luck and picked the one pill without pill poison, he could just pay to swap it with a poisoned one. But now, it seemed he wouldn¡¯t even need to spend the money. Xiao Yifeng clearly wasn¡¯t blessed with extraordinary luck¡ªthe very first pill he picked was poisoned. Pressing down on the Communication Talisman, Chen Huai¡¯an sneered, ¡°Since you picked one, go ahead and eat it. What are you standing there for?¡± ¡¾The outcome is set¡ªtake it and see.¡¿ "Xiao Yifeng, what are you hesitating for?" Daoist Qingxuan cast a glance at his second disciple. He was already eager to watch Xiao Yifeng slap that mysterious person in the face. As for Xiao Yifeng''s constipated expression? He assumed it was just nerves from being too close to that mysterious cultivator. sea??h th§× N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Yes, Master." Xiao Yifeng silently prayed to every immortal and deity he could think of, then clenched his teeth and swallowed the Great Rejuvenation Pill in one gulp. The pill¡¯s medicinal power erupted instantly. Xiao Yifeng groaned, clutching his chest as his face turned a deep purple-red. His eyes were bloodshot, his breathing ragged like an ox¡ªclear signs of pill poisoning. And not just mild poisoning. This was the full-strength, premium-grade poison. To prevent his meridians from being permanently damaged, he immediately sat cross-legged and began circulating his Spiritual Qi to suppress the toxins, using his Wood-attribute Qi to gradually neutralize the poison. If it were a cultivator with any other Spiritual Root, they would have no choice but to take detoxification pills or beg a senior cultivator to help expel the poison. "This¡­" Wu Duantian glanced at Daoist Qingxuan beside him and saw that the elder¡¯s face had darkened again¡ªso dark it was almost the same shade as his hat. His hands, hidden in his sleeves, were trembling with rage. ¡¾You still have two more chances!¡¿ A voice as calm as still water echoed from the void behind Li Qingran. All the Qingyun Sect disciples and elders watching understood¡ªXiao Yifeng had failed his first attempt at identifying the correct pill. Suppressing the pill poison, Xiao Yifeng opened his eyes, his expression grim. After a moment of hesitation, he cupped his hands toward the void behind Li Qingran and asked, "Senior, if I may be so bold¡ªare you certain that one of these ten pills is truly untainted?" ¡¾Oh? Are you implying that I¡¯m lying to you?!¡¿ A cold snort rang out, followed by an overwhelming pressure. A fierce gust of wind swept past, grinding the stone steps around Xiao Yifeng into dust. From the void, a voice thick with killing intent resounded: ¡¾For that one sentence alone, I could kill you without needing any reason!¡¿ "Senior, I was wrong! Please quell your anger!" Xiao Yifeng immediately bowed his head, heart pounding. Out of the corner of his eye, he glanced toward Daoist Qingxuan. Only to see his master standing there with his eyes coldly shut, as if ignoring the whole situation would make it disappear. Sect Leader Wu Duantian, on the other hand, was watching Li Qingran with a beaming smile, as if admiring his own beloved daughter. No one was going to help him. Neither his master nor the sect leader was willing to offend that mysterious cultivator. He was on his own. Taking a deep breath, Xiao Yifeng steeled himself and picked a second pill. Another dose. And once again, the Fire Poison erupted within him. ¡¾You have one chance left.¡¿ Suppressing the poison, Xiao Yifeng''s trembling hand reached toward the remaining eight pills. Before today, he had never imagined that Fire Poison Corrosion could be this agonizing. It felt as if his entire meridians and bones were being scraped repeatedly by a brush embedded with steel needles. The pain wasn¡¯t constant¡ªit came in unpredictable waves, slithering through his body like a venomous snake, never giving him a moment to adjust, never allowing him a single breath of relief¡­ And this was with his Wood-attribute Qi, which had natural detoxifying and suppressive properties. Li Qingran had none of that. So this was what Li Qingran had been enduring after being expelled from Chixiao Peak¡ªthis unending torment¡­ The alchemical skills of this mysterious cultivator were truly terrifying. Even if he cheated by cutting off a sliver of each pill to taste, he still couldn¡¯t tell which one was safe. If that was the case, he might as well pick at random. Xiao Yifeng shut his eyes and grabbed one blindly. "Tch, this kid''s got pretty good luck. He managed to pick the right one with an eighth of a chance." Chen Huai¡¯an sighed, then reluctantly paid 6 spirit stones. The moment his payment was processed, the pill in Xiao Yifeng¡¯s hand was instantly swapped. The black cat beside him watched Chen Huai¡¯an with an eerie glint in its eyes. ¡¾This brat keeps staring at that black box and talking to himself¡­ Could he be mentally ill?¡¿ ¡¾Or¡­ is that black box some kind of mind-controlling demonic artifact? Interesting, interesting! I wonder whether the demon behind that artifact is more sinister than me? Heh heh heh¡­¡¿ Its tail curled high as if excited by the thought. Xiao Yifeng swallowed his final chance. Once more, the Fire Poison erupted. The accumulated poison from the first two doses had already pushed his body to the limit. This third dose acted like a fuse, igniting the previous toxins and causing them to explode all at once. "Ugh¡­" Xiao Yifeng''s face turned pale as gold, then flushed bright red like a tide. He staggered back several steps before finally collapsing to his knees, vomiting a mouthful of black blood. Strangely, the black blood turned into mist upon contact with the air, filling the surroundings with the pungent stench of decayed medicine and tainted blood. The disciples standing nearby immediately covered their noses. At the center of the square, Xiao Yifeng clutched his chest, trying to endure. But in the end, his body went rigid, then convulsed violently before he lost all strength and collapsed onto the ground. ¡¾Daoist Qingxuan, it seems your disciple is not as brilliant as he thinks he is¡­¡¿ A mocking chuckle echoed from the void. ¡¾There are still seven pills left. Will you feed them to him yourselves, or shall I do it?¡¿ Chen Huai¡¯an felt no sympathy for Xiao Yifeng. Li Qingran had endured this agony for three whole months. Her meridians had been burned black and rotted away by the poison. Compared to that, what Xiao Yifeng was going through now was nothing. "S-Senior, this disciple has already been punished enough. The Fire Poison Corrosion in his body is extremely severe¡ªperhaps we should not force him to take the remaining seven pills¡­" Wu Duantian quickly stepped forward to smooth things over, sensing that Daoist Qingxuan was on the verge of exploding. ¡¾Did I give you permission to speak? Sit down!¡¿ "You go too far!" Daoist Qingxuan could no longer hold back. He stood abruptly, his sword pointed¡ª At Li Qingran. "Don¡¯t think I don¡¯t know that all ten of these pills were poisoned! My disciple had no chance of picking correctly! Even if you wanted revenge for Li Qingran, this is far too much! Besides, did my disciple really feed her a poisoned pill?" "Daoist Qingxuan." Li Qingran, face pale from enduring the pressure of a Nascent Soul cultivator, stepped forward. Her cold, clear eyes locked onto her former master, filled with a sorrow so deep it seeped into her bones. "The only pill I consumed after the Sect Tournament was the Great Rejuvenation Pill that Xiao Yifeng gave me." "You lie!" Daoist Qingxuan¡¯s eyes burned with fury. "If I speak even a single falsehood, may the Dao itself strike me down!" Li Qingran raised three fingers to the sky. Thunderclouds instantly gathered over Qingyun Sect. Streaks of lightning flickered ominously among the clouds, searching¡ªsearching for a lie. Finding none, the storm dissipated. A single pill floated before Daoist Qingxuan. The ethereal voice spoke again: ¡¾If you doubt me, why not try it yourself?¡¿ Daoist Qingxuan hesitated. "How do I know this pill¡ª" Before he could finish, the pill shot into his mouth. ¡¾Eat.¡¿ Chapter 48: Battle Against Lu Changtian Chapter 48: Battle Against Lu Changtian The moment the pill shot into Daoist Qingxuan¡¯s mouth, two people visibly shuddered¡ª One was Sect Leader Wu Duantian. The other was Chen Huai¡¯an, who sat frozen in front of his phone screen. Just now, the game had popped up a prompt: "Would you like to actively hand the normal pill to Daoist Qingxuan?" He had clicked "Yes." So¡­ this was their interpretation of "handing it over"? That hardcore?! Would this NPC really not fly into a rage? Was this going to trigger a Bad End?! Wu Duantian, meanwhile, was left in shock at how brutally direct Chen Huai¡¯an had been. A grand cultivator, shoving a pill straight into another person''s mouth¡­ Absolutely disgraceful. Utterly scandalous. And yet¡­ Delightfully satisfying. Li Qingran was completely dumbfounded. A single strand of hair on her forehead stood straight up in disbelief. Daoist Qingxuan¡¯s throat bobbed as he involuntarily swallowed the Great Rejuvenation Pill. Just as he was about to explode with rage, the pill¡¯s medicinal effects spread through his body¡ªpure, untarnished. Not a trace of pill poison. As the mysterious cultivator had said, there was no deceit. Xiao Yifeng¡¯s miserable state¡­ was entirely self-inflicted. A complex storm of emotions surged through Daoist Qingxuan¡¯s mind. His rage-fogged brain cleared a little. He couldn¡¯t possibly twist the truth now and claim the pill was poisoned¡ªeveryone had just seen him take it. His reputation was already in tatters. Moreover, the mysterious cultivator¡¯s true cultivation level was still unknown, and they remained hidden in the shadows. If he attacked and ended up losing¡­ He might as well leave Qingyun Sect forever. Fine. He¡¯d endure this¡­ one last time. Daoist Qingxuan took a deep breath. His stiff expression twitched, and he forced out a few words: "Indeed, this Great Rejuvenation Pill contains no poison¡­ It seems I have failed in teaching my disciple properly, allowing him to make a fool of himself before Senior." "But my disciple, Xiao Yifeng, has extraordinary talent in alchemy. Given time, he will surely achieve greatness. Perhaps one day, he will be able to seek guidance from Senior." His words were polite on the surface. But the hidden message was clear¡ª"Thirty years east, thirty years west, the tides will turn. My disciple will surpass you one day." Chen Huai¡¯an instantly caught the meaning. He scoffed. "By the time your disciple has achieved anything, I¡¯ll have already poured enough money into Qingran to make her a Sword Immortal." ¡¤¡¤¡¤ "Master, there¡¯s no need to wait that long." "I''ll challenge her today." A series of steady footsteps echoed through the square. The crowd turned to look¡ª Lu Changtian ascended the steps, stopping before Li Qingran. Slowly, he drew his sword from its sheath. His aura surged, his sharp gaze locking onto her. Lu Changtian, the First Disciple of Chixiao Peak. Foundation Establishment Peak. Among cultivators under thirty, this was already considered heaven-defying talent. The two stared each other down in silence, their tension taut as a drawn bowstring. Lu Changtian¡¯s robes billowed, as if filled with an unseen wind. His deep pupils burned with anger and hatred, yet as his aura reached its peak, he suddenly¡­ suppressed it. He lowered his cultivation level¡ªto Qi Refinement Seventh Layer. "Shimei, I am still willing to call you my junior sister." "But I am speaking to the you of the past. Not the despicable person you¡¯ve become." "If not for you, Zhang Hanxiao, Yun Zimo, and Xiao Yifeng wouldn¡¯t be so gravely injured." "Chixiao Peak and Master wouldn''t have suffered such disgrace!" Li Qingran slowly unsheathed Su Xian, its tip angled toward Lu Changtian. In the sword¡¯s polished reflection, her frost-covered eyes gleamed coldly. "I do not wish to call you ¡®senior brother.¡¯" "The day I fell from the dueling platform¡­ Lu Changtian was already dead." "You hurt Junior Sister Mu Baishuang¡ªthis is your just punishment." "If I had truly intended to harm Mu Baishuang, none of you would¡¯ve been able to stop me." "I was in Foundation Establishment. She was in Qi Refinement. What made you think that if I wanted to kill her, any of you could have stopped me?" "The elders and the sect leader weren¡¯t there. It was just you lot¡ªand a mere Golden Core outer sect elder." Sear?h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Enough excuses! Let¡¯s see if your sword is as sharp as your tongue!" Lu Changtian lunged forward. His sword gleamed like fresh snow, exuding a chilling aura. Frost Gathering Snow. A move frequently used by Mu Baishuang. It came from the Lesser Non-Phase Sword Style¡ªthe same style Mu Baishuang had used against Li Qingran in the past. That day, Mu Baishuang had been at Qi Refinement Seventh Layer. So now, Lu Changtian had restricted himself to Qi Refinement Seventh Layer. He had mastered every move of the Lesser Non-Phase Sword. Every technique Mu Baishuang had used that day¡ªhe would use them all. To see for himself whether Li Qingran¡¯s claim was true¡ª That if she had wanted to, they wouldn¡¯t have been able to stop her. Li Qingran instantly understood his intent. She evaded the sweeping sword energy, her figure flickering. Su Xian lashed out¡ª Not at Lu Changtian, but at an empty patch of air. In the next instant, Lu Changtian, who had transformed into drifting snow, reappeared right there. His brow furrowed. ¡®When did her reactions become this fast?¡¯ Sensing danger from above, he immediately raised his sword to block¡ª A crushing force slammed into his blade before vanishing just as quickly. He instinctively lashed out with a counterattack¡ªa whip-like kick¡ª But Li Qingran had already drifted three steps back. Before he could retract his leg¡ª She thrust forward. Sword light rained down like a storm. The strikes grew faster, heavier¡ª She was using the same move she had once used against Mu Baishuang. Lesser Non-Phase Sword¡¯s Sixth Form¡ª"Pouring Rain." Lu Changtian had suppressed his cultivation too much. His body couldn''t keep up with his mind¡¯s reactions. And he never expected¡ª Li Qingran¡¯s sword was this fast. Even with his deep knowledge of the Lesser Non-Phase Sword, he was forced into a desperate defense. The highest mastery of "Pouring Rain" allowed forty-nine consecutive thrusts. In his memory, Li Qingran had never surpassed thirty. ¡®If I can just hold out past the thirtieth strike¡ª¡¯ SHKRRRK¡ª! No time to think. A dazzling sword light burst before his eyes¡ªfaster than anything before. Descending from above. A slender silhouette followed behind it. A torrential downpour of sword strikes. Even within the storm of slashes, a faint trace of Sword Intent began to take form. On the forty-ninth thrust¡ª A single, decisive stab¡ªunstoppable as a breaking tide. CLANG! Lu Changtian¡¯s sword flew from his hands. He fell to his knees, pupils trembling. He stared blankly at the girl before him¡ª A girl both familiar and foreign. The icy blade of Su Xian rested against his throat. "How¡­ how were you able to unleash the final strike of ¡®Pouring Rain¡¯?" "Why?" Li Qingran sighed. Or perhaps she mocked herself. "Lu Changtian¡­" "I could always do it." "You just never had the patience to let me finish." Chapter 49: A Game Helmet? Chapter 49: A Game Helmet? Lu Changtian froze. In his memories, when had it started? When had he stopped being patient whenever his junior sister sought him out for sword practice? He was the one who had encouraged her to spar with him frequently¡ªso why had everything changed? He no longer patiently guided her. No longer waited for her at the training grounds every day. He used to smile and encourage her, carefully reviewing their duels even when she fumbled. But later, no matter how hard Li Qingran tried, all he could see were flaws. Mistakes. He saw her as slow, incompetent, talentless. Heh... So that was it. Li Qingran hadn¡¯t changed. He had. If Li Qingran¡ªat Foundation Establishment¡ªhad truly wanted to harm Mu Baishuang, they never would have been able to stop her. From beginning to end, they had just been lashing out. They weren¡¯t protecting anyone. They were venting their frustration¡ªbecause they couldn¡¯t take more from her. Li Qingran had always regarded them as senior brothers, as family. But they had lost themselves in the sound of her calling them . They took it all for granted¡­ until she was gone. Lu Changtian understood now. "...Kill me, punish me however you wish." "I owe you that much." He lowered his head, unwilling to meet Li Qingran¡¯s eyes. "Then¡ªdestroy your own dantian." Li Qingran sheathed her sword and turned away, leaving only a slender yet unyielding silhouette. Lu Changtian clenched his fists. Then slowly¡­ released them. "If¡­ If I destroy my dantian, will you forgive me?" "Qingran¡­ w-will you return to Chixiao Peak?" That wavering figure never looked back. The icy wind howled between them. Her reply was resolute. "No." ¡¤¡¤¡¤ "HELL YEAH!" In front of his phone screen, Chen Huai¡¯an slapped his thigh in excitement. He had actually been worried that the game developers would pull some bulls***, like forcing Li Qingran into a moment of soft-hearted hesitation. Maybe they¡¯d write some emotional "misunderstandings resolved" nonsense, where Li Qingran would be coaxed into returning to Chixiao Peak, and suddenly all the would be regretful and start groveling for her forgiveness. Then he¡ªas the player¡ªwould end up being forced by the plot to support Chixiao Peak and Qingyun Sect like some kind of doormat. Just imagining it made him sick. S§×ar?h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. How was that any different from NTR?! But thankfully¡ª The game developers weren¡¯t brain-dead. Just as he was basking in satisfaction¡ª A notification window popped up. ¡¾Thank you for supporting our game! Your exclusive game helmet has been delivered!¡¿ At the same time¡ª Thud. A sound came from the door. Chen Huai¡¯an practically launched himself to the entrance, flung it open, scanned his surroundings¡ª Then, with a knowing smirk, looked down. Sure enough, a package. He picked it up and hurried back to the sofa. Ripping open the box, he found¡ª A helmet. It looked like a motorcycle helmet, but sleeker, more futuristic. On the side was the ¡´My Virtual Girlfriend¡µ game logo¡ª And next to it, a chibi version of Li Qingran. Chen Huai¡¯an slowly typed out a question mark in his mind. The black cat beside him also slowly typed out a question mark in its mind. Chen Huai¡¯an: "...This thing. I¡¯m supposed to wear this? It won¡¯t explode, will it? Feels kinda sketchy. This game never looked like one that required a full-on gaming helmet¡­" The black cat twitched its ears. ¡¾I-Is this¡­ Is this a broken fragment of an immortal artifact?¡¿ ¡¾What the hell is this senior¡¯s background?! He¡¯s not some direct descendant of the Ancestral Dragon, is he?!¡¿ Chen Huai¡¯an squinted at the black cat. "...Why are you shaking?" The black cat let out a stiff "meow" and quickly lowered its head, pretending to lick its paws. I am but a small cat. A tiny, helpless cat. What do I know? Nothing. Absolutely nothing. In the end, Chen Huai¡¯an put on the helmet. He might not trust the game developers, but he sure as hell trusted the 300,000 spirit stones he had spent. ¡ª¡ª¡¾¡´My Virtual Girlfriend¡µ connecting¡­¡¿ The screen went black for a moment. Then¡ª Chen Huai¡¯an froze. Because standing before him¡ª Was Li Qingran. She took a step forward. Then another. She glanced around. He recognized this place¡ª It was Qingyun Sect¡¯s central square. "What the f***?!" "This VR tech is insane!" Chen Huai¡¯an had tried out the latest VR headsets at an experience center before. Sure, the visuals were realistic, but there was still a clear disconnect¡ªan unmistakable sense of artificiality. But this¡­ This was different. This felt real. He could see the tiny blood vessels beneath Li Qingran¡¯s skin. He could hear the faint rustling of sand underfoot. But¡ª There was still a barrier. A thin, almost imperceptible veil between him and the game world. He couldn''t touch it. Yet even so¡ª 300,000 spirit stones. Not a waste. Not a single bit wasted. ¡¤¡¤¡¤ "Today, I, Lu Changtian, will cripple my own dantian." "First, to atone for my sins." "Second, to earn Junior Sister Qingran¡¯s forgiveness." "Even if I die, I have no regrets¡ªMaster, please allow me this!" Lu Changtian rose, about to strike at his own dantian¡ª When suddenly¡ª "Insolence!" A furious roar erupted from above. In the next instant, Lu Changtian''s body was frozen in place. "You wretched fool!" "I poured countless efforts into raising you to this level¡ª" "And you¡¯re going to throw it all away over a single person?!" "A worthless disgrace!" "Get to the Reflection Cliff and meditate on your sins!" At the critical moment¡ª Daoist Qingxuan could no longer sit still. Lu Changtian was his most cherished disciple. Xiao Yifeng came second. Mu Baishuang ranked third¡ª And that was only because she was good at sweet-talking people. But Lu Changtian¡ªhis first disciple¡ª He had invested too much into him. How could he just stand by and watch him cripple himself? Chen Huai¡¯an saw this and immediately frowned. The game developers just couldn¡¯t help themselves, could they? They were really about to shove some bulls* down his throat. ¡ª¡ª¡¾Your Character Projection has been activated. You may now freely interact.¡¿ ¡ª¡ª¡¾Current Cultivation: Nascent Soul Perfection, Remaining Time: 21 Hours.¡¿ ¡ª¡ª¡¾You may freely speak. Your words and actions will directly influence the plot. Choose carefully.¡¿ Chen Huai¡¯an blinked. He hurriedly swallowed back the expletives he was about to shout. Then¡ª Straightened his expression. Let out a cold snort. And declared¡ª "I already said¡ª" "No one is allowed to interfere today." "Daoist Qingxuan¡ª" "Don¡¯t say I didn¡¯t warn you." ¡¤¡¤¡¤ ¡¤¡¤¡¤ Chapter 50: Moon Rises Over Tianshan Chapter 50: Moon Rises Over Tianshan A book¡¯s value is only realized when you truly need it. Chen Huai¡¯an suddenly felt that his vocabulary was incredibly limited. He could only try to force something out. As soon as he spoke, the entire Qingyun Sect plaza fell into a heavy silence. Daoist Qingxuan remained silent, simply drawing his Qingxuan Sword. The overwhelming aura of a Late Nascent Soul cultivator surged like a tidal wave, causing the surrounding Spiritual Qi to churn violently. His hat fell to the ground, and his robes and hair billowed wildly in the unseen force. ¡°Elder Qingxuan, let¡¯s talk this through!¡± Wu Duantian was the last person who wanted to see a fight break out between two cultivators. This was the Qingyun Sect¡ªif a battle broke out, he would be the one suffering for it. Besides, he was still waiting for that mysterious cultivator to help Zhao Lingtian recover his shattered dantian. If they became enemies now, how the hell was he supposed to negotiate later? ¡°Lu Changtian is my personal disciple. How can I stand by and watch his dantian be destroyed?¡± Daoist Qingxuan¡¯s voice turned sharp as he directed his words toward Wu Duantian. ¡°He is definitely not at the Fusion Realm. Judging by his relationship with Li Qingran, even if they aren¡¯t master and disciple in name, they share the bond of one. If he were truly a great cultivator of the Fusion Realm, would he need to be so roundabout in his actions?¡± His tone was resolute¡ªhe had made up his mind to protect Lu Changtian at all costs. Wu Duantian let out a sigh. How could he not understand Daoist Qingxuan¡¯s reasoning? Everyone here wasn¡¯t blind. It was clear that the other party was also wary of Qingyun Sect¡¯s strength, which was why he hadn¡¯t acted recklessly. But Wu Duantian didn¡¯t care about any of that. What realm the opponent was in meant nothing to him. All that mattered was whether he could heal Zhao Lingtian¡¯s dantian. ¡°Can¡¯t we just sit down and have a proper conversation?¡± ¡°There¡¯s nothing to talk about.¡± Daoist Qingxuan¡¯s expression remained cold as he responded flatly. ¡°Fine, fine, then just fight already!¡± Wu Duantian, seeing that persuasion was useless, gave up entirely. ¡°Break the sect¡¯s gates, force the ancestor to come out, and let the entire Cangyun Realm¡¯s righteous and demonic factions mock our Qingyun Sect!¡± ¡°Good. Then let¡¯s see whether any of you even have the right to meddle in this matter today!¡± The space behind Li Qingran twisted. A chilling snort filled with fury echoed from within. A pressure even more terrifying than Daoist Qingxuan¡¯s descended upon everyone. A figure slowly emerged from the void. Dressed in black, with long white hair, he wielded a black-scaled longsword. His face was shrouded in a divine glow, making his features indistinct, but his air of elegance was undeniable. However, the most striking feature was his pair of golden slit-pupiled eyes, radiating an unparalleled sense of authority. Just making eye contact with him was enough to send shivers down one''s spine. He hovered behind Li Qingran. As his body fully materialized¡ª ROAR¡ª! A thunderclap split the sky. A massive black dragon¡¯s phantom surged forth from behind him, coiling around him in a majestic display of power. Its fangs bared and claws extended, its terrifying presence shook the heavens before partially merging into the black-scaled sword, as if it were the weapon¡¯s very soul. ¡°Se-Senior!¡± Li Qingran¡¯s eyes locked onto Chen Huai¡¯an, who now stood before her. Even though she could only see his side profile, she found herself unable to breathe. Her face grew hotter and hotter, and her mind went completely blank. ¡°Step back, girl. I¡­ ¡ªI am about to put on a show¡ª ¡ªI mean, start killing.¡± Li Qingran was nervous, but so was Chen Huai¡¯an. His vision was filled with a dazzlingly chaotic array of skill icons, all fully lit up. He didn¡¯t even know what half of them did¡ªbefore he could even figure things out, he had already been thrown into the fray. And the worst part? He was wearing a VR helmet. The hyper-immersive experience only intensified his sense of urgency. He didn¡¯t even dare to look at Li Qingran. He had glanced at her once just now¡ªshe was stunning. Absolutely gorgeous. The difference between seeing her in VR and real life was night and day. He was afraid that if he kept looking, he wouldn¡¯t be able to look away. Now the real problem was¡ªhow the hell was he supposed to fight? Tap on whatever¡¯s glowing? But was glowing! [Beginner Combat Tutorial Initiated.] A game window popped up in Chen Huai¡¯an¡¯s vision, and he was instantly overjoyed. ¡°Thank god, it¡¯s a noob-friendly tutorial! We¡¯re saved!¡± The next second, everything around him froze. Chen Huai¡¯an realized he had entered the tutorial and immediately turned his head to stare at Li Qingran, committing her face to memory. This was what he called desensitization training. [This game utilizes the latest neural mapping technology, allowing players to control their characters entirely through thought.] A water-like mirror and a practice dummy appeared before him. Reluctantly tearing his gaze away from Li Qingran¡¯s face, Chen Huai¡¯an turned to the mirror and attempted a peace sign. A Nascent Soul Perfection cultivator making such a gesture was absurdly out of place. He quickly returned to his composed, otherworldly demeanor. Once fully immersed in character, he couldn¡¯t help but put on an act. [All techniques and skills available to you will be mapped directly into your mind. Don¡¯t worry, this will not burden your brain. As the mapping process continues, they will gradually become part of your muscle memory.] [Please attack the training dummy.] Chen Huai¡¯an considered for a moment before casually slashing at the dummy. The dummy shattered instantly. There was no impact feedback¡ªit felt like slicing through tofu. Way too effortless. [Please use a skill.] The dummy regenerated, and after a moment¡¯s thought, Chen Huai¡¯an activated Green Lotus Sword Manual ¨C First Form: Riding the Waves. Swoosh¡ª! With a sharp sword cry, his body moved with the sword, striking as fast as a dragon. S§×ar?h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. In an instant, a blinding sword light flashed, and the dummy was sliced into four pieces. In the next moment, he was already back in place, while a watery afterimage of himself remained at the dummy¡¯s previous location, frozen in a thrusting motion. At that moment, the second part of Riding the Waves lit up¡ª Shadow Strike: Instantly teleport to your afterimage and thrust again. ¡°Holy sh*t, that¡¯s sick!¡± Chen Huai¡¯an might not have been well-read, but he knew how to appreciate something awesome. Who would¡¯ve thought the very first move of the Green Lotus Sword Manual would be this insane? He to master it and teach it to Li Qingran. [Tutorial complete. Enjoy your game!] ¡­ The frozen world around him came back to life. Chen Huai¡¯an¡¯s gaze locked onto Lu Changtian and Daoist Qingxuan. The hesitation in his eyes was gone, replaced by unwavering confidence. So, Daoist Qingxuan¡­ You like to meddle, huh? Chen Huai¡¯an smirked coldly. For stubborn old fossils like him, there was only one solution¡ª Drop the ultimate move. In his mind, Green Lotus Sword Manual ¨C Tenth Form: Moon Rises Over Tianshan surfaced. The Eleventh and Twelfth Forms were still locked¡ªNascent Soul Perfection wasn¡¯t enough to use them. Otherwise, he would¡¯ve planted the entire Milky Way onto Daoist Qingxuan¡¯s face. His black-scaled sword slid half an inch from its sheath, its radiance dim yet sharp. A storm of sword intent spilled forth, slicing the very air with an eerie screech. So you want to protect your disciple, Qingxuan? Chen Huai¡¯an¡¯s eyes gleamed. Then take this sword! Clang¡ª! Thunderous sword cries echoed. Above the Qingyun Sect¡¯s grand hall¡ª A sliver of moonlight rose from the earth. Chapter 51: Another Hidden Old Monster Chapter 51: Another Hidden Old Monster A young master unparalleled, his sword intent piercing the heavens. Everyone was left speechless, stunned by the radiant full moon. Wu Duantian staggered to his feet, unable to hide his shock. The Qingxuan Sword in Daoist Qingxuan¡¯s hands trembled slightly. Deep within the Qingyun Sect¡¯s mountain range, inside a secluded hidden paradise, an elderly woman with long white hair sat in meditation. Suddenly, her brows furrowed. Li Qingran gazed at the moonlight in a daze. Within that luminous moon, someone danced with their sword, wild and uninhibited. "The bright moon rises over Tianshan, drifting above the boundless sea of clouds¡ª!" A mystical voice echoed within the moonlight. It resonated clearly, yet did not feel intrusive. Instead, it bewitched the soul, drawing all who heard it into an intoxicating trance. The sword dance within the moon was ethereal, like a dream, with streaks of cold light shooting forth, piercing through the sea of clouds. Suddenly, the sword''s momentum shifted¡ªswift as a raging thunderstorm! The voice laughed freely, its ethereal tone carrying through the night: "The long wind sweeps ten thousand miles, blowing past the Jade Gate Pass¡ª!" "Condense¡ª!" High in the sky, sword intent surged like a rising mountain peak. The figure dancing in the moonlight halted, lifting the sword in hand. Then, with a casual downward slash¡ª Clang! The sea of clouds split apart. The world cleared, and the moonlight intensified. But along with the brilliance came an overwhelming killing intent. Wu Duantian¡¯s heart pounded violently. His face turned deathly pale as he frantically shouted to those around him: ¡°Not good! Hurry and stabilize the Sect¡¯s Grand Formation! Evacuate all disciples from the plaza immediately!¡± When that mysterious cultivator first appeared, he only seemed to be at Nascent Soul Perfection, so Wu Duantian hadn¡¯t taken him too seriously. He figured that even if Daoist Qingxuan was outmatched, he could still hold out for a while, and in the worst case, the other elders could step in. But who could have expected that the moment the man unleashed his sword technique, just the sword intent alone had already sent chills through Wu Duantian¡¯s entire body? Was this man a reclusive elder from Sword Pavilion?! To wield such a terrifying sword technique¡ª Everyone knew that most cultivators used swords, but true sword cultivators were extremely rare and difficult to cultivate. Yet for those who did succeed, their sheer destructive power was unmatched in the entire Cangyun Realm. There was no more time to think. The sword had already fallen¡ª Straight toward Daoist Qingxuan. The icy moonlight fused seamlessly with the razor-sharp sword intent. From a distance, the sword still seemed tangible. But as it drew near, everything in sight was engulfed in a blinding silver-white radiance. Daoist Qingxuan gripped his sword tightly, unable to distinguish whether the brilliance before him was moonlight or sword light. Surrounded from all sides, with no way to evade, he gritted his teeth and unleashed his strongest move¡ª Lesser Non-Phase Sword Style ¨C Grasping the Galaxy. The Qingxuan Sword flared up with starlight, dazzling and radiant. This should have been a mighty strike, powerful beyond compare¡ª Yet within the vast moonlight, it seemed laughably feeble. A single spark could ignite a prairie fire. But under the brilliance of a full moon, a mere starlight could only be swallowed and dissolved. The full moon vanished. The Qingyun Sect Plaza was riddled with countless sword holes, the density increasing toward the center. Daoist Qingxuan, covered in blood, barely remained standing, using his sword to support himself. The Qingxuan Sword, his companion for over a century, was now riddled with cracks, just like his body¡ªso fragile that even the slightest movement might cause it to shatter completely. A beam of moonlight descended behind him. Chen Huai¡¯an stepped out of the fading moonlight. He didn¡¯t even spare a glance at the bloodied figure kneeling at the center of the plaza. Instead, he strode forward¡ªtoward Lu Changtian. "Will you do it yourself, or shall I do it for you?" Lu Changtian looked up at Chen Huai¡¯an, his face growing even paler. His throat bobbed as he struggled to respond: ¡°I-I¡¯ll do it myself¡­¡± Spiritual Qi surged in reverse. With a muffled bang, Lu Changtian clutched his dantian, collapsing to the ground in agonizing pain, writhing uncontrollably. His sharp screams echoed across the plaza. Daoist Qingxuan''s body trembled. He tried to stand, struggled twice, but ultimately collapsed back into the pool of blood. "Debts must be paid to their rightful owner." Chen Huai¡¯an turned to face Mu Baishuang, his golden slit pupils exuding only cold indifference. The delicate young girl now looked at him like a terrified deer, her entire body trembling. Her lips quivered, and tears welled in her eyes, making her seem utterly pitiful¡ªlike she could be shattered with just a single touch. But as for Chen Huai¡¯an¡ª A single bead of sweat dripped from his temple. [Mu Baishuang ¨C Female ¨C 347 years old ¨C Mid Nascent Soul Stage (Self-Sealed) ¨C Born with Enchanting Bones] Two bad news. First¡ªthis was a top-tier, hidden old monster. Second¡ªhe had burned through all his energy just to act cool. The two stared at each other in silence for a moment. S§×ar?h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Chen Huai¡¯an slowly spoke: ¡°Hand over Li Qingran¡¯s Water Spiritual Root.¡± ¡°Senior, I¡­¡± ¡°Will you hand it over, or not?¡± Staring into those murderous golden eyes, Mu Baishuang gritted her teeth, carefully weighing her options. If she refused, she would have to break her self-imposed seal and fight this sword demon. Not only would she expose her identity, but if he still had any residual strength, wouldn¡¯t she just be throwing herself to death? She had to survive to aid her master. She couldn¡¯t reveal her identity. And in the end, a mere Water Spiritual Root was useless to her master, and she had no attachment to it. ¡°¡­I¡¯ll give it to you.¡± Mu Baishuang feigned a pitiful expression, tilting her head slightly to expose her fair, slender neck. She let out a sorrowful sigh, her delicate face streaked with fresh tears. ¡°Senior, you may take it yourself.¡± No wonder she was born with Enchanting Bones. Chen Huai¡¯an was speechless. [Select the Spiritual Root to extract:] Single Water Spiritual Root (from Li Qingran)Earth-Wood Dual Spiritual Root (from Yang Tian) Holy sh*t! Chen Huai¡¯an¡¯s mind screamed. He had no idea how this demon girl managed to hide previously stolen Spiritual Roots from Daoist Qingxuan¡ª But now? Opportunity knocks only once. He selected both. Two lights flared from Mu Baishuang¡¯s abdomen. Chen Huai¡¯an reached out and¡ªwithout encountering any resistance¡ªplunged his hand straight into her body, pulling out both glowing orbs and stuffing them into his inventory. At the same time, he shot Mu Baishuang a knowing look. Mu Baishuang was stunned. The pain of losing her Spiritual Roots was nothing compared to the sheer fear and horror seizing her heart. She had hidden her identity perfectly¡ªno one should have seen through her! Yet this man¡­ knew? He didn¡¯t expose her. Why? Could it be¡ªhe was also¡­ a demonic cultivator?! Her mind spiraled into chaos. She lifted her gaze, intending to confirm something in Chen Huai¡¯an¡¯s expression¡ª But by then, he had already turned away, walking toward Li Qingran. ¡­ Enemies defeated. Vengeance taken. Loot secured. Mana exhausted. It was time to flee. But just as he passed Daoist Qingxuan¡ª A cane struck the ground. Boom¡ª! A crippling pressure swept across the plaza. Chen Huai¡¯an¡¯s pupils contracted. An elderly woman in white robes silently stood beside the fallen Daoist Qingxuan. And around them¡ªevery Late Nascent Soul cultivator had knelt. The Qingyun Sect fell into absolute silence. Chapter 52: Select All Chapter 52: Select All Chen Huai¡¯an paused mid-step. So, it had finally come to this. A hidden BOSS! One of the most clich¨¦ tropes in cultivation novels¡ªso overused that it was even considered a toxic plot device¡ªthe Sect¡¯s Ancestor! Defeat the disciple, the master arrives. Defeat the master, the ancestor arrives. Defeat the ancestor? Well, then comes the heavenly tribulation, the celestial enforcers, or even some revived ancient being. Invincible in the mortal world? Don¡¯t worry, heaven¡¯s got you covered. For most players, at this point, there were only two options¡ªrun for their life or get killed by the plot. But Chen Immortal Lord Huai¡¯an was built different. Because he had money! ¡°You¡ªso you¡¯re the old monster hiding within Qingyun Sect? Heh.¡± Chen Huai¡¯an tilted his head slightly, half of his face shrouded in shadow. The only thing visible was his piercing golden slit-pupil, still radiating with scorching intensity. The entire audience gasped. Li Qingran silently watched him, feeling that something about his way of speaking had completely changed compared to before. But¡­ that didn¡¯t matter. All she knew was that her heart was racing. Wu Duantian and the elders looked at Chen Huai¡¯an like he was a complete idiot. Zhang Hanxiao, who had been playing dead, cracked open an eye. Lu Changtian had stopped rolling in pain. Mu Baishuang widened her eyes and covered her mouth. Even the half-dead Daoist Qingxuan twitched at the corner of his lips. Qingyun Sect¡¯s great ancestor, a Fusion Realm powerhouse¡ªand this guy just called her an "old monster"? Granted, she was actually old. But basic respect was still a thing, wasn¡¯t it? Besides, he was only at Nascent Soul Perfection¡ªwhat was he acting so cocky for? The gap between Nascent Soul and Fusion Realm was like heaven and earth! ¡°You¡­ called me an old monster?¡± Qingyun Sect¡¯s ancestor¡¯s eyebrow twitched violently, though her lips curled into a cold smile. But there was no warmth in that smile¡ªonly chilling malice and murderous intent. "That¡¯s right. Old. Monster." Chen Huai¡¯an didn¡¯t flinch, but the moment he said those words, he could feel that this hidden BOSS was about to attack. It was time¡ªto activate the power of money! He silently willed: ¡°Raise my cultivation to Fusion Realm Perfection!¡± Since this was neural mapping technology, it should be able to capture his conscious thoughts. And sure enough, the game responded. But instead of an upgrade, a notification popped up¡ª [This realm is currently locked, and your balance is insufficient!] Chen Huai¡¯an: ¡°???¡± ¡°Fine! Raise me to Fusion Realm Late Stage!¡± S§×arch* The n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. [Realm locked, balance insufficient.] ¡°Fusion Realm Mid Stage?¡± [Locked. Insufficient funds.] ¡°Fusion Realm Early Stage??¡± [Locked. Not enough money.] Chen Huai¡¯an: "¡­" He was screwed. The entire mental conversation happened in a split second. Meanwhile, Qingyun Sect¡¯s ancestor had already begun gathering her spiritual energy. Behind her, a massive stone avatar emerged¡ªa towering figure with an ashen face, crimson eyes, and a solemn expression. The avatar had six arms, each holding a different weapon¡ªsword, saber, spear, flask, shield, and fan¡ªexuding an aura of absolute dominance. She had directly summoned her Dharma Avatar. Chen Huai¡¯an looked calm on the surface¡ªbut inside, he was freaking out. Was this really about to be a forced death scenario?! [You have angered Hidden BOSS: Qingyun Sect¡¯s Ancestor. You have three options (multiple selections allowed).] A game menu popped up. Chen Huai¡¯an, who had been on the verge of bending over in despair, immediately straightened his back. [Limited Time Offer] Spend £¤18 to receive a Thousand Mile Escape Talisman and flee the battlefield. [Super Value Deal: 0.001% Discount] Spend £¤88 to temporarily obtain Fusion Realm Late Stage pressure for 30 seconds. [Exclusive Special ?] Spend £¤188 to increase Charm¡ªQingyun Sect¡¯s Ancestor will develop a favorable impression of you (greatly increases success rate of seduction). ¡­ Wait, hold on¡ª Was that third option serious?! Chen Huai¡¯an thought it over. An isekai sugar mommy? If Li Qingran weren¡¯t here, he would¡¯ve picked that in a heartbeat! After all, this was just a game. If there was a thigh to cling to, of course he¡¯d cling to it! What did he care? It was just a character! And besides, his stats would go up too. But right now¡­ Chen Huai¡¯an¡¯s eyes narrowed. Just as Qingyun Sect¡¯s ancestor was about to go berserk¡ª He directly recharged £¤294. ALL. IN. In an instant¡ª Qingyun Sect¡¯s ancestor¡¯s murderous gaze abruptly froze. She suddenly felt that the divine glow shrouding his face looked extremely familiar. "Zih¨¤o¡­ is it really you?" "No. Zih¨¤o is already dead. He can¡¯t be Zih¨¤o. But¡­ his aura¡­ it¡¯s so similar¡­" Her rising battle intent deflated like a punctured balloon. L¨¹ Zih¨¤o¡ªher former Dao Companion. One of the top ten most handsome men in Cangyun Realm. But his talent was garbage. No matter how many rare treasures she used, she couldn¡¯t push him past the Nascent Soul stage or extend his lifespan. Originally, Qingyun Sect¡¯s ancestor didn¡¯t look this old. Cultivators had methods to preserve their youth¡ªeven if she was a thousand years old, she could have the appearance of a young maiden. She simply chose not to. Because her heart had died. But now¡ª A tiny spark reignited within her long-extinguished emotions. And in the next second¡ª That tiny spark was mercilessly crushed. ¡°Old monster, do you really think being at Fusion Realm makes you all that?¡± Chen Huai¡¯an sneered. The moment he spoke, his aura erupted¡ª Fusion Realm Late Stage! The entire Qingyun Sect Plaza trembled as if an immense mountain had descended upon it, shrouding everything in darkness. The combined pressure of two Fusion Realm cultivators was so intense that even the Nascent Soul elders could barely lift their heads¡ªtheir knees sinking into the stone bricks beneath them. Behind Chen Huai¡¯an, a colossal black dragon avatar coiled into existence, its thunderous roar shaking the heavens. Its golden slit pupils blazed like two miniature suns, even dimming the sunlight. At that moment, Chen Huai¡¯an suddenly had a strange urge¡ª Should I recite a poem here? But¡­ he didn¡¯t know any. What was he supposed to say? "Holy sh*t, this is awesome"? He chose silence. With only a few seconds left on his Fusion Realm buff, Chen Huai¡¯an seized the moment: ¡°Today, I have witnessed Qingyun Sect¡¯s grandeur. Vengeance is settled¡ªI have no further quarrel. Farewell!¡± With five seconds remaining, he pulled out his Thousand Mile Escape Talisman, grabbed for Li Qingran¡¯s hand¡ªand missed. But the talisman still wrapped them both in light. ¡°Your name?¡± Qingyun Sect¡¯s ancestor asked, watching his fading figure. "Sword Sect. Chen Huai¡¯an!" Whoosh! They vanished. Qingyun Sect¡¯s ancestor stood still, emotions in turmoil. She turned to Daoist Qingxuan. ¡°Mother¡­¡± he croaked. ¡°Shut up. Go kneel at Reflection Cliff.¡± Then she turned back. ¡°¡­Also, bring me two furnaces of Beauty Retention Pills within the hour.¡± Daoist Qingxuan: "???" ¡°¡­And a milk bath. And lotus flowers.¡± Daoist Qingxuan: "???!" Chapter 53: The Guardian Chapter 53 ¨C The Guardian No joke. Daoist Qingxuan felt like his mother was about to be gone. It was an incredibly strong premonition. But he dared not disobey the Qingyun Patriarch¡¯s orders. Even though his injuries hadn¡¯t fully healed, he had no choice but to follow orders. ¡°I really didn¡¯t expect that person to be a Fusion Realm grand cultivator,¡± Daoist Qingxuan sighed and shook his head. Since he was a Fusion Realm cultivator and had chosen to spare his life, it was clearly an act of mercy¡ªout of consideration for the Qingyun Sect¡¯s reputation. With this thought, he felt at ease. So what if he was instantly defeated by the sword of a suppressed Fusion Realm grand cultivator? His crushing defeat was an honor! Under that earth-shattering strike, an ordinary Nascent Soul cultivator would¡¯ve been reduced to dust. ¡°Master, my dantian¡­¡± Lu Changtian staggered toward Daoist Qingxuan, his face pale. ¡°There¡¯s nothing I can do about your dantian.¡± Daoist Qingxuan¡¯s brows furrowed with impatience and disdain. ¡°All things in this world follow the law of cause and effect. If you had known this would happen, why did you and the others bully that girl, Qingran? You even claimed she deliberately tried to harm Mu Baishuang and wanted me to cripple her spiritual root! Now what? You regret it? You come begging me now?¡± Lu Changtian hung his head, speechless. In the end, Daoist Qingxuan couldn¡¯t bear to watch his favorite disciple be completely ruined. He shook his head and said, ¡°You have two paths before you. First, you can switch to body cultivation. Body cultivators refine their bones and flesh to break through all techniques with sheer strength. With your talent, you could achieve something. However, the Qingyun Sect doesn¡¯t have many body cultivation techniques, and they are scarce even across the entire Cangyun Realm. This path is narrow, difficult, and requires you to figure out a lot on your own. The second path is to prepare for the upcoming Zhongzhou Secret Realm expedition. This time, there will be both a major and a minor secret realm.¡± ¡°Master, I choose the major secret realm!¡± Lu Changtian immediately bowed with a firm expression. Daoist Qingxuan smacked his forehead with the hilt of his sword and scolded, ¡°Idiot! The major secret realm is for Nascent Soul and above. If you go in, you¡¯ll die for sure! I brought up the secret realm to tell you that this time, the great Holy Lands will be selecting talents. If you perform exceptionally in the minor secret realm, you might catch their attention. If that happens, you could gain a fortunate opportunity¡ªperhaps even a way to heal your dantian.¡± Lu Changtian¡¯s eyes lit up with realization. The three great Holy Lands of the Cangyun Realm: Yaochi, Zhenwu, and Fanjing. They were filled with powerful cultivators, including many legendary figures in the realm¡¯s history. Among them, some might possess a Primordial Heaven-Mending Pill, or even a complete body cultivation system! If so, his dantian issue could be resolved. Daoist Qingxuan looked at the joy on Lu Changtian¡¯s face and felt a pang of sadness. The Holy Lands had strict standards for selecting prodigies. For a cultivator with a shattered dantian like Lu Changtian to stand out, he would have to be exceptionally extraordinary. Difficult. Difficult. Difficult. Not far away, Mu Baishuang, who was meditating to heal, perked up her ears and eavesdropped. Of course, she knew about the Zhongzhou Secret Realm¡ªit was an annual grand event where many ancient cultivation techniques, artifacts, and elixirs would appear. It was no exaggeration to say that if one could obtain a great treasure from within, even an ordinary person could instantly rise to become a genius sought after by major sects. Sear?h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. ¡°Li Qingran should be heading to the Zhongzhou Secret Realm too, right?¡± Mu Baishuang pondered. The Taiyin Dao Body and the Black Gold Cold Jade on Zhang Hanxiao were crucial to her young master. Getting the Black Gold Cold Jade would be easy. Zhang Hanxiao was currently injured, so she just needed to cozy up to him a little more. Once she had him wrapped around her finger, the treasure would basically be in her hands. As for the Taiyin Dao Body¡­ Back in the sect, she couldn¡¯t make a move on Li Qingran directly. Originally, she had planned to let Li Qingran die outside so she could use the Heavenly Demon Bone-Devouring Secret Art to strip away her Taiyin Dao Body for herself. But fate had other plans. Li Qingran encountered that mysterious expert. Not only did she survive, but her dantian was restored, and the Heart Demon Curse Mu Baishuang had planted was broken. Still, every cloud had a silver lining. Outside the Qingyun Sect, if they met in the secret realm, wouldn¡¯t a mere Li Qingran be easy to handle? That Fusion Realm grand cultivator surely wouldn¡¯t be idling around, watching over Li Qingran forever. After all, grand cultivators like him spent most of their time in closed-door cultivation. She dared to stay in the Qingyun Sect because the Qingyun Patriarch only emerged from seclusion once in a blue moon. As long as she didn¡¯t flaunt herself before the Patriarch, she could hide her true intentions with ease. ¡°You are Qingxuan¡¯s disciple?¡± Just as Mu Baishuang was lost in thought, an aged voice suddenly rang out beside her. She shuddered, her skin crawling with goosebumps. Without even daring to glance at the speaker, she immediately knelt and kowtowed. ¡°Disciple Mu Baishuang greets the Patriarch.¡± The Qingyun Patriarch¡¯s eyes remained calm, saying nothing. Mu Baishuang bit her lip. In her vision, all she could see were the Patriarch¡¯s shoes and cane. Sweat dripped down her cheeks, each second feeling like an eternity. Just as she began to wonder if the Patriarch had seen through her schemes¡ªwhether she should go all out and resist¡ªhe finally spoke. ¡°I know a little about the matter with Li Qingran¡­ Mu Baishuang, if you wish to cultivate, then do so properly. But if you harbor impure intentions again, I won¡¯t mind helping my unfilial disciple clean up his mess.¡± With that, the Qingyun Patriarch tapped his dragon-headed cane on the ground and bounced away with a sprightly gait. Like a lively young maiden. She had seen plenty of scheming female disciples like Mu Baishuang. Back when she was still just a disciple, her own tricks weren¡¯t any less crafty. Right now, she was too busy enjoying her second youth to care. A mere Qi Refinement disciple? A simple warning was enough. No need to waste effort. Meanwhile, elsewhere¡ª Chen Huai¡¯an emerged from the Thousand-Mile Divine Travel Talisman with Li Qingran. He glanced at the map. From the looks of it, they hadn¡¯t actually left Qingyun Sect by much. ¡°What the f***? How huge is this Taoist¡¯s map?!¡± To avoid being chased down by the Qingyun Patriarch, Chen Huai¡¯an grabbed Li Qingran with remote control, let out a biu!, and jumped onto his Blackscale Sword. With his Nascent Soul Experience Card still active, he had to fly as far as possible. How fast could a Nascent Soul cultivator fly? Chen Huai¡¯an felt like he was on par with a fighter jet. Not that he had ever flown on a plane¡ªso he had no real comparison. Just as he was marveling at how awesome this game was¡ª Behind him, Li Qingran was being blasted by the wind, unable to keep her eyes open. She looked at her senior¡¯s back, wanting to speak up for help. But the moment she opened her mouth¡ª Whoosh! Her lips puffed out into a trumpet flower from the sheer wind pressure. To avoid being seen in such an undignified state, she quickly shut her mouth. Still, she was perplexed. Did senior cultivators not use wind-shielding formations when flying? Or¡­ Did he think having his hair blown back made him look cooler? No! There was no way Senior was that shallow. Senior must have been feeling the rhythm of the wind. Sensing the ever-present Dao laws of nature. Li Qingran, oh Li Qingran, compared to someone like Senior, you''re still far too lacking. And you actually dream of becoming his disciple? Sigh¡­ I wonder if Senior has any disciples. Any female disciples? How many female disciples¡­? Li Qingran gazed at the wildly dancing white hair in front of her. Even though her own hair had been whipped into her face and mouth by the wind, her heart still felt warm and soft. What was the point of overthinking? Senior was always right. Even if he had a hundred female disciples, that was perfectly natural. Hee~ ? "Hiss¡ª! This wind is actually kinda cold." Chen Huai¡¯an rubbed his hands together and slowed down slightly. They were cultivators now¡ªwhy couldn¡¯t flying swords come with built-in temperature control? What if his precious Qingran caught a chill? Not mystical at all. ¡ª¡¾Congratulations! You have assisted your Virtual Girlfriend in completing Main Quest 1.0¡¿¡ª ¡ª¡¾You have received: 10 Thunderfire Talismans (delivered)¡¿¡ª Tch, just 10 Thunderfire Talismans? Were they giving out scraps to beggars? Chen Huai¡¯an curled his lips in disdain. Did he, Lord Immortal Chen, look like he needed this kind of thing? Meanwhile, in his hotel room¡ª ¡ªThud! The door made a dull sound. Inside, the black cat peeked its head out from the shoebox, cautiously sniffing the aura of whatever lay outside. Its body suddenly stiffened. Its round cat eyes widened in shock. And then, shivering, it shrank back into the shoebox. ¡ª¡¾Main Quest 2.0: Help your Virtual Girlfriend establish herself in the new "Guardian¡¯s Home."¡¿¡ª "G-Guardian¡¯s Home?" Lord Immortal Chen¡¯s mind blanked out. He almost fell off his flying sword. ¡­ Chapter 54: Dispersing Cultivation Chapter 54 ¨C Dispersing Cultivation "Senior, have you been to Tianquan City before?" "Senior, look at this, it¡¯s so interesting! My parents bought me one when I was little..." "Senior, do you have any favorite foods? I know a fantastic restaurant here... Oh, sorry, I forgot you''ve already stopped eating mortal food." "Senior, this road leads to Feilong Pass. My parents used to say that those who leave through this road¡­ probably never return." Li Qingran turned to face Chen Huai¡¯an but kept her head lowered, fingers clutching the hem of her robe. Strands of hair swayed gently in the wind, and beneath her fluttering lashes, emotions flickered¡ªtoo complex to put into words. Tianquan City. Once, it was her hometown. Now, it had long since changed dynasties, and two different city lords had come and gone. Standing before the city gates, watching the bustling crowds and carriages pass by, Li Qingran¡¯s voice turned sour. "Senior, you..." She didn¡¯t dare lift her head. Afraid that Senior would see the red-rimmed eyes she was trying so hard to hide. "This lord¡­ sigh¡ª" Chen Huai¡¯an felt utterly helpless. Because at this moment, what he was doing was no different from parents who drop their kids off at a boarding school just to lighten their own burden. The boarding school, in this case, was a sect. Li Qingran had no sect now, and according to the game''s storyline, she needed one for protection. At first, Chen Huai¡¯an didn¡¯t understand why. Until he saw his rapidly depleting Experience Card timer. And then¡ª He understood. In this world where everyone was superhuman, a cultivator with a supreme-grade dantian, the Taiyin Dao Body, and a pure water spiritual root was basically a walking treasure chest. The moment someone discovered how special she was, she¡¯d be in immense danger. And with only Qi Refinement Peak strength, she had absolutely no way to protect herself. A rogue cultivator with tons of rare traits and zero backing? There was no way she¡¯d survive in this world. And he couldn¡¯t watch her 24/7¡ªhe had a life to live, a show to participate in, and money to make. So, getting her into a sect that could offer temporary protection was absolutely necessary. And as her Cyber Boyfriend and guardian, his job was to help her establish herself in this new sect. That was why he had brought her to Tianquan City. Flying from the upper-left of the map¡¯s center to just a little to the right of the center. This was a mortal city¡ªfar enough from Qingyun Sect, away from areas dense with cultivators and flourishing with Spiritual Qi. Spiritual Qi here was scarce. Which also meant¡ªit was relatively safe. "This lord is only leaving temporarily." ¡­Though, in reality, he wasn¡¯t leaving at all. His avatar¡¯s time was just running out, and he had no good explanation for it. "Senior..." Li Qingran saw the hesitation on Chen Huai¡¯an¡¯s face. The fingers clutching her robe slowly relaxed. What was wrong with her? She shouldn¡¯t be causing Senior trouble. Senior had his own things to do. He had a hundred hungry female disciples waiting for him. He had already given her so much help. What more could she possibly ask for? "I understand. I will behave and find a place to stay." Chen Huai¡¯an raised an eyebrow and glanced at her in surprise. He thought the conversation had gone smoothly, that she had come to terms with things. But when he looked at her lowered lashes, he saw the faint redness in her eyes. Like a small, abandoned kitten. Pitiful and lost. Yet not long ago, when she dueled Lu Changtian, she had been so fierce and determined. "Forget it. This lord shall explain things properly!" Standing around wasn¡¯t getting them anywhere. Chen Huai¡¯an led Li Qingran into a restaurant, casually ordering some food while the nervous waiter trembled and rushed to serve them. Only then did he finally explain to Li Qingran in a serious tone: "I¡­ Ahem, this lord is very busy. There¡¯s a lot to do. I don¡¯t have time to watch over you." The moment he said that, Li Qingran¡¯s lips trembled. Seeing her about to pout, Chen Huai¡¯an immediately dropped the "cool senior" act. He ruffled her hair, and under her dazed expression, quickly added: "Look, I can¡¯t even touch you. This is just an avatar. That¡¯s because my real body is currently battling a huge demon beast!" "Senior, are you in danger?" "Is it a really difficult demon to deal with?" ¡­Huh. That wasn¡¯t exactly wrong. Cancer was a damn difficult beast to deal with. Chen Huai¡¯an nodded helplessly. "Very difficult. I was poisoned by that demon. The poison is nearly impossible to cure¡­ My life may be at risk." He figured¡ª What could a game character possibly understand? Telling her about cancer wouldn¡¯t mean anything. Even though this game world was highly immersive, and its characters were AI-driven, surely AI couldn¡¯t simulate real human emotions, right? That was a flaw AI could never overcome. The moment Li Qingran heard this¡ª Her face went completely pale. A sharp ringing filled her ears. Her mind went blank. Her heart clenched painfully¡ªas if someone had stabbed a red-hot iron into it. Her fingers clenched her robe so tightly they turned white. Senior was so powerful, yet even he couldn¡¯t cure the poison. Just how terrifying must that demon be? It was just as she thought¡ªSenior was a great hero, constantly fighting to protect the Cangyun Realm. Even though he was so busy, he still took time out to accompany her to Qingyun Sect. And here she was¡ªacting selfishly, clinging to him, unwilling to let him leave. "Senior, I was wrong." Tears rolled down Li Qingran¡¯s face. She stepped forward¡ª And with a thud, she knelt before him. "Whoa, what the¡ª?! Hey!" Chen Huai¡¯an panicked. Even as a force lifted her up, Li Qingran stubbornly remained kneeling in midair. Now, with her floating and him standing, they locked eyes in a very bizarre position. "Senior, I have a pure water spiritual root, which means I¡¯m also suited for alchemy!" "There are countless alchemy recipes in the Cangyun Realm!" "No matter what, I will find a way to refine a pill that can cure you!" Li Qingran¡¯s voice was firm and resolute. Her idea was na?ve, maybe even laughable, but she still clung to hope. She figured¡ªSenior must be looking for high-grade, rare elixirs. But sometimes, the simplest solutions were hidden in overlooked, ordinary sect libraries. While he searched for big solutions, she would search for small ones. That way, nothing would be missed. Seeing her reaction, Chen Huai¡¯an was actually touched. For a moment, he even suspected¡ª S~ea??h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Was Li Qingran really an AI character? Or was she secretly a GM (game master) roleplaying just for him¡ªwith live voice acting, facial expressions, and immersive interactions? Because in her eyes, he saw something AI shouldn¡¯t have. Genuine sadness. Real fear. She wasn¡¯t just worried about him leaving. She was terrified that he would die. And the eyes¡ªthey never lied. "Three hundred thousand... totally worth it." At the moment he was about to leave this world, He actually got to feel warmth in his heart once again. Chen Huai¡¯an chuckled, unable to stop himself from comforting the girl before him. "Don¡¯t worry. I¡¯m a Fusion Realm grand cultivator¡ªhow could some mere demon poison possibly kill me? Just focus on your cultivation. If you become the strongest cultivator in the Cangyun Realm one day, that would be the greatest comfort to me." Li Qingran noticed¡ªSenior didn¡¯t call himself ''this lord'' anymore. But rather than feeling distant, this change actually made him seem closer. Like the untouchable figure high above the clouds was suddenly within reach. Even though, in reality¡ªshe still couldn¡¯t touch him. "Senior, I want to become an alchemist." "I must become an alchemist." "I have a pure water spiritual root¡ªLingxi Valley will accept me." Lingxi Valley¡ªone of the most renowned alchemy sects in the Cangyun Realm, also known as Holy Healer Valley. It was home to countless alchemists and healers, capable of reviving the dead and growing back flesh and bone. Right now, in Tianquan City, a major sect recruitment event was being held. They were scouting for gifted individuals with spiritual roots among mortals to bring into their sects. Lingxi Valley was among them. However, Chen Huai¡¯an hadn¡¯t considered Lingxi Valley as Li Qingran¡¯s future sect. Because she had already cultivated Chiyun Technique, a fire-attribute technique centered on combat and destruction¡ªcompletely incompatible with alchemy. "Qingran, I understand your intentions, but you¡¯ve already cultivated Chiyun Technique¡ª" Chen Huai¡¯an stopped mid-sentence. Because at that moment, he saw something in Li Qingran¡¯s eyes¡ª Determination. Unwavering, absolute determination. He froze. Suddenly, something clicked in his mind. "You..." "Senior, I know that Chiyun Technique is fire-based and meant for battle¡ªit conflicts with alchemy." Li Qingran bowed deeply, then lifted her gaze to meet his eyes. "But my water spiritual root was never compatible with Chiyun Technique anyway." Her lips curled into a soft, sunlit smile. Almost as if she was the one comforting him, rather than the other way around. "Since that¡¯s the case..." "Then I will simply¡ªdisperse my cultivation." ¡­ ¡­ Chapter 55: Master, Please Accept Your Disciple’s Bow Chapter 55 ¨C Master, Please Accept Your Disciple¡¯s Bow No wonder the people from Chixiao Peak said that Li Qingran cultivated too slowly. A water spiritual root cultivating a fire-attribute technique¡ªhow could that possibly be fast? They probably only cared about getting her into Chixiao Peak, without even considering whether there was a technique suitable for her cultivation. Coincidentally, the Battle Order¡¯s Qi Refinement Peak reward had included a Tideborn Technique¡ªan absolute match for a water spiritual root. It was perfect as a foundational technique for Li Qingran. While Chen Huai¡¯an was lost in thought, Li Qingran had already completed dispersing her cultivation. She stood there timidly, like a stubborn little flower, gazing at him with a bright, hopeful smile. For any cultivator, dispersing one¡¯s cultivation meant losing all previous progress. No one would willingly erase what they had worked so hard to achieve. And Li Qingran had no idea that the Tideborn Technique was waiting for her. She was simply determined to help Chen Huai¡¯an¡ªnot just with words, but with immediate action. All things in life are guided by fate. Chen Huai¡¯an pulled out a jade slip, its surface marked with wave-like patterns. "This is the Tideborn Technique, a water-attribute cultivation method. Since you no longer have an internal technique, you''ll cultivate this from now on. Once you reach perfection, I¡¯ll give you something even better." But Li Qingran didn¡¯t take it. Instead, she tilted her head slightly, her gaze filled with hopeful anticipation. "Senior¡­ does this mean you''re taking me as your disciple?" "Huh?" Chen Huai¡¯an was momentarily stunned. Him? A fake Nascent Soul cultivator? Taking Li Qingran as his disciple? Of course, he didn¡¯t lack confidence. After all, he was a pay-to-win player. Eventually, he¡¯d rise to power. He had always planned to officially take her as his disciple once he became truly strong. That way, he could stand tall and not risk being exposed. "Senior hesitated." Li Qingran lowered her gaze, letting out a soft, lonely chuckle. "Of course¡­ Senior already has over a hundred starving female disciples. There¡¯s no way you¡¯d have time for another one, huh¡­" Chen Huai¡¯an slowly typed out a question mark in his mind. A hundred¡­ what? Female disciples? Starving?? Since when?! "This lord¡­ has no disciples." Thud! Li Qingran dropped to her knees, performing a deep bow that she refused to rise from. "Master, please accept your disciple¡¯s bow!" "..." She¡­ she just changed the title on the spot?! But he hadn¡¯t even agreed yet! What if he got exposed in the future?! Still, at this point, rejecting her wasn¡¯t an option. With a favorability score of 80, turning her down would cause a massive drop. Chen Huai¡¯an straightened his expression, putting on a serious front. He stroked his nonexistent beard and said in a deep voice: "From this day forward, you are my final disciple¡ªa true, personal successor! I will teach you with all my heart. You must also cultivate diligently, increase your realm, extend your lifespan, and live long and prosperous. Do not disappoint me!" "Yes, Master! Qingran will never forget!" The two exchanged smiles. In a simple mortal restaurant, A bond spanning two worlds was formed. "All things in this world are intertwined by fate. And it is through fate that we are drawn to each other." As Chen Huai¡¯an removed his VR helmet, these words naturally surfaced in his mind. He couldn¡¯t help but nod to himself, feeling satisfied. The apprenticeship wasn¡¯t a grand affair. Li Qingran simply made use of the restaurant¡¯s resources, brewing a cup of spiritual tea as an offering to her new master. When asked how she planned to join a sect now that she had a master, Li Qingran simply replied¡ª "A Master is a Master, and a Sect is a Sect." In the Cangyun Realm, many sects weren¡¯t too strict about this. Most disciples in a sect didn¡¯t even have personal mentors¡ªthey simply learned from the sect¡¯s library or listened to elders preaching in the training halls. Of course, disciples who already had masters weren¡¯t usually given access to the sect¡¯s most secret techniques. Entering a sect didn¡¯t necessarily mean taking a master. Before logging out, Chen Huai¡¯an gave all his Thunderfire Talismans to Li Qingran for self-defense. Her goal was Lingxi Valley. Looking at the map¡ª In Tianquan City, every cultivator from Lingxi Valley glowed green, indicating absolute friendliness. It was a safe choice. Unlike Yuling Sect, Zen Sect, and Solar Pavilion. Their cultivators were a mix of yellow and green, a clear warning sign. Aside from Lingxi Valley, the only other sect with fully green light indicators was Sword Pavilion. But Sword Pavilion¡¯s recruitment was a single disciple¡ªwhich looked a little too pitiful. "Qingran is going to the sect. And I¡­" "I need to go make money." Chen Huai¡¯an glanced at the time¡ª It was getting late. After changing clothes, he cooked a bowl of rice for Ba Ji, then opened the door¡ª Only to feel that something was outside. He looked down. Two packages. One labeled ¡¾Thunderfire Talismans¡¿. The other labeled ¡¾Qingran¡¯s Spiritual Tea¡¿. Chen Huai¡¯an fell into silence. Slowly, he typed out a question mark. So¡­ The main quest reward Thunderfire Talismans¡­ Were meant for him? But what the hell was he supposed to do with them?! If he stuck them on his door, wouldn¡¯t people think he was crazy?! He unwrapped the package. Inside, there were indeed ten Thunderfire Talismans, exquisitely crafted, with the scent of cinnabar still lingering. "No sincerity. They¡¯re all common-grade." Chen Huai¡¯an sighed. These were useless. More like decorations than actual combat tools. Still, he stuck one on his door and another on his window. With the Blackscale Sword hanging on the wall, the cheap hotel room instantly took on a mysterious and eerie vibe. "Not bad. Has a bit of that aesthetic." Even though he complained, he still liked the setup. Next, he opened the spiritual tea package. He had expected it to be loose tea leaves. But inside¡ª It was an actual cup of brewed tea. The lid and cup were vacuum-sealed. When he peeled off the seal and lifted the lid, The tea inside was still warm. "Holy sh*t!" "Are the devs literally living next door?!" In the past, Guan Yu once warmed his wine before beheading Hua Xiong. And now¡ª The game devs were literally serving warm tea with his quest rewards. For the perfect 1v1 VIP player experience, They had gone all out. Chen Huai¡¯an shrugged and took a sip. "Mmm~" The fragrance was the same as the protective charms and bracelets he had received before. His eyes fluttered shut in satisfaction. "So detailed. Just incredible." Even if this was just ordinary tea, it made him feel lighter and sharper. What he didn¡¯t realize¡ª Inside the game, a system notification was going crazy. ¡¾Remaining Lifespan: 45 Days¡¿ sea??h th§× n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. ¡¾Remaining Lifespan: 84 Days¡¿ ¡¾Remaining Lifespan: 79 Days¡¿ His lifespan value was bouncing up and down like a heart monitor. Until finally¡ª ¡¾Remaining Lifespan: 78 Days¡¿. After finishing the spiritual tea, Chen Huai¡¯an casually placed the cup under his pillow. He took two steps forward¡ª Then suddenly froze, his expression shifting dramatically. He looked down at his legs. "Wait¡­ I can walk?!" He moved his legs, took a few more steps, then hesitated. Ripping off his plaster cast, he saw¡ª His legs were completely fine. There¡¯s a saying¡ªit takes a hundred days to heal from tendon or bone injuries. For a bone cancer patient like him, it wouldn¡¯t just be a hundred days¡ªit¡¯d be a lifelong disability. Yet now¡ª The bones that had been fractured were not only fully healed, They even felt better than before. "Hiss¡ª! Something¡¯s off¡­" Chen Huai¡¯an stroked his chin, lost in thought. What¡¯s causing this? Some kind of Spring Rejuvenation Needle technique? Or maybe a Meridian-Opening Acupuncture method? Could it be that his cancer cells activated some kind of hidden genetic potential? ¡­ Did cancer just turn him into a super-healing vampire?! To test his theory, he grabbed a razor blade and made a small cut on his finger. A drop of blood welled up¡ª But within seconds, the wound had already scabbed over and begun to heal. Chen Huai¡¯an first froze in shock¡ª Then immediately broke into laughter, standing tall with hands on his hips. "Holy sh*t, am I turning into a superhuman?!" "Hahahahahaha! This lord¡­ is SUPERMAN!" Meanwhile¡­ A shoebox lid cracked open just a little. Inside, a pair of sharp feline eyes glowed ominously. The black cat, Baji, silently observed Chen Huai¡¯an. ¡¾Hiss¡ª! Something¡¯s off!¡¿ ¡¾Why is this bigshot so happy? Isn¡¯t this just basic Spiritual Qi circulation speeding up internal healing?¡¿ ¡¾He has an Immortal Artifact! He has a magic sword! How does he not know this kind of basic knowledge?!¡¿ ¡¾No. This beast must leave.¡¿ ¡¾There may be opportunities here, but there¡¯s also something deeply unsettling¡­¡¿ ¡¾This king has just been reborn. I refuse to die here!¡¿ Yes¡ªBaji was no ordinary cat. It was actually a young Taotie¡ªa primordial beast that had taken over the body of a newborn black cat. As a Taotie, it only needed to consume to grow stronger. Originally, it had thought that following this powerful human would lead to great food. But in the end¡ª All it got was plain white rice every single day. And now, to make things worse¡ªthis bigshot seemed to be going insane. Danger. Extreme danger. If it didn¡¯t leave now, it would end up dead! Its gaze locked onto the door. As long as this crazy human stepped out¡ª The world was vast, and it could go anywhere. All it needed was to keep eating¡ª One day, it would become an unstoppable, world-dominating existence! Hehehe¡­ Just imagining it made Baji¡¯s mouth curl into a sinister grin. ¡­ ¡­ Chapter 56: Bro, You’re Insanely Good-Looking Chapter 56 ¨C Bro, You¡¯re Insanely Good-Looking Thirty minutes later. By now, Chen Huai¡¯an had already left the house. Standing by the window, Baji gazed at the setting sun with deep sorrow in its golden eyes. On the windowpane, a yellow talisman was firmly stuck in place¡ªetched with unfathomable characters. Even though it couldn¡¯t read them, Baji knew exactly what they meant: If it dared to get close to the window, it would be struck by lightning. ¡¾So in the end¡­ I still can¡¯t escape, huh¡­¡¿ ¡¾Heh¡­ This king was too na?ve after all.¡¿ Baji lowered its head in despair. A mighty being in possession of a damaged Immortal Artifact¡ª How could someone like that not be aware of its little escape plans? There was no way this prison would be so easy to flee from. As for all the bizarre things this human did? Baji had figured it out. He was comprehending the Dao. It was common for cultivators to suppress their own cultivation realms, even seal away their memories, all for the sake of experiencing mortal suffering¡ªto attain enlightenment. Clearly, this human bigshot was doing just that. ¡¾Forget it. White rice is still food.¡¿ The world had changed greatly since its time, and rice nowadays tasted much better than it did back then. Though for some reason¡­ It never seemed to be filling. Baji crawled over to the bowl, took a few bites¡ª And then, all of a sudden¡ª A single tear rolled from its golden cat eyes. ¡¾This rice¡­¡¿ ¡¾DAMN IT, IT¡¯S UNDERCOOKED!!!¡¿ Meanwhile, at the airport¡ª Chen Huai¡¯an scratched his chin as a thought suddenly popped into his mind. "I feel like I forgot something¡­" "Oh, right. That rice¡­ I think I half-cooked it¡­" A brief moment of guilt flickered through his heart. But then he remembered¡ªBaji was looking healthier than ever, meaning he wasn¡¯t neglecting it too badly. Baji was a rural cat, after all. Back in his grandparents¡¯ countryside home, their cats ate whatever the family ate¡ª They weren¡¯t like spoiled city cats that needed expensive cat food or had sensitive stomachs. The guilt quickly vanished, replaced by pride. Not bad. Baji¡¯s tough. Easy to take care of. Today was his first time flying, so he was feeling a bit excited. Last time he went to Mount Tais, he took the high-speed train¡ªbecause he was broke. Originally, he had planned to take a train to the show¡¯s filming location too. But after wandering around Tianquan City with Li Qingran for too long, He almost missed his departure time. So in the end, he splurged a little and booked a flight. As he walked through the airport terminal, dragging his suitcase along, A strange sensation crept over him. "Weird. Why do I feel like so many people are staring at me today?" At first, he thought it was just his imagination. But as he continued toward the check-in counter, he started to notice the glances more clearly. The stares mostly came from women¡ª But there were also quite a few men, though their expressions were a mix of displeasure and jealousy. Every time he turned his gaze toward them, their eyes quickly darted away. Chen Huai¡¯an narrowed his eyes. Something wasn¡¯t right. "I need to check the mirror. Maybe there¡¯s something weird on my face?" He hurried into the restroom. The moment he disappeared behind the bathroom door¡ª A wave of fiery gazes immediately locked onto the restroom entrance. "HOLY SH*T. A ONCE-IN-A-LIFETIME LEVEL OF HANDSOME." "AAAAHHH! I GOT A PHOTO! LOOK AT THAT SIDE PROFILE! PERFECTION!" "OMGGG, WHO HAS THE GUTS TO GO ASK FOR HIS CONTACT?!" "Forget it, I¡¯d probably faint just standing in front of him. This dude is way hotter than that trending idol, Cai Yifan!" "Is he a celebrity? I don¡¯t recognize him¡­" Chatter exploded through the terminal, buzzing like a swarm of green-headed flies. Nearby, a group of men clenched their jaws, grinding their teeth in frustration. Some young women even began lingering near the restroom, using various objects as cover, preparing to snap pictures. The older ladies were more restrained, telling themselves¡ª "Just one more look. One last look. That¡¯s enough to make my whole day." Inside the restroom, Chen Huai¡¯an stared at his reflection in the mirror. "Weird. There¡¯s nothing on my face¡­" He leaned closer, examining himself from every angle. Nothing seemed off. If anything¡ª His skin looked better. His entire aura seemed to have changed subtly. How to describe it¡­? Otherworldly? That word suddenly popped into his mind. If he donned an immortal robe, he wouldn¡¯t even need to pose¡ªhe¡¯d radiate an ethereal presence effortlessly. As he was still processing this revelation, A guy washing his hands nearby suddenly grumbled: "The hell you looking at? Narcissist." Then stormed out of the restroom. Sear?h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Chen Huai¡¯an furrowed his brows. Then his expression relaxed. Then he slapped his thigh in realization: "Wait a minute¡ªhe¡¯s right! I am being narcissistic!" Enlightenment struck. It was all because he had been immersed in the game for too long¡ª Always referring to himself as "this lord", acting like some kind of self-obsessed immortal. "Damn, I¡¯m an idiot. Time to board my flight." Slapping his cheeks to snap out of it, he strode out of the restroom with his head held high. Even when a few girls walked into signboards because they were too busy staring at him¡ª He ignored them all. On the plane. Once seated, the number of stares significantly decreased. Chen Huai¡¯an settled into his seat, ready to relax¡ª Until a flight attendant approached him with a warm, dazzling smile. "Sir, you seem to be having trouble. Let me help you with your seatbelt." Chen Huai¡¯an: "Oh, uh, I can do it myself¡ª" What the hell? What trouble? His leg injury was fake, and his hands worked fine! "It¡¯s no problem, sir. This is my duty." Once she buckled him in, another flight attendant walked over. "Sir, would you like some water? Or perhaps a drink~?" Chen Huai¡¯an: "Uh¡­ I¡¯m good, thanks¡­" Then, the head stewardess approached. "Sir, do you get airsick? Let me share some tips for a comfortable flight." Chen Huai¡¯an: "I¡­ don¡¯t think I get airsick¡­?" Sweat dripped down his forehead. Why was the service so damn enthusiastic?! ¡®Damn. No wonder people fly instead of taking the train.¡¯ If this was how airlines treated all their passengers, Then 800 bucks for a plane ticket was beyond worth it. What he didn¡¯t notice¡ª The girl sitting beside him was already blushing to her ears, practically melting into her seat. She hesitated for a solid ten minutes, gathering her courage¡ª Before finally sneaking a glance at him. ¡®Ahhh! He¡¯s so handsome! But he looks so cold¡­¡¯ ¡®This is fate! A fateful encounter in the skies!¡¯ With her heart pounding, she nervously extended her phone toward him¡ª "Um¡­ can I add you on¡ª" This Lord¡¯s Flying Sword is Faster Chen Huai¡¯an suddenly let out a disdainful chuckle. "Heh. So this is what people call an airplane?" "This lord¡¯s flying sword is way faster!" The girl who had just worked up the courage to ask for his contact¡ª froze. Then, without saying a word¡ª She silently withdrew her phone. ¡­ Back at his hotel¡­ After finishing the spiritual tea, Chen Huai¡¯an placed the cup under his pillow. He took two steps forward¡ª Then suddenly froze, his expression shifting dramatically. He looked down at his legs. "Wait¡­ I can walk?!" He moved his legs, took a few more steps, then hesitated. Ripping off his plaster cast, he saw¡ª His legs were completely fine. There¡¯s a saying¡ªit takes a hundred days to heal from tendon or bone injuries. For a bone cancer patient like him, it wouldn¡¯t just be a hundred days¡ªit¡¯d be a lifelong disability. Yet now¡ª The bones that had been fractured were not only fully healed, They even felt better than before. "Hiss¡ª! Something¡¯s off¡­" Chen Huai¡¯an stroked his chin, lost in thought. What¡¯s causing this? Some kind of Spring Rejuvenation Needle technique? Or maybe a Meridian-Opening Acupuncture method? Could it be that his cancer cells activated some kind of hidden genetic potential? ¡­ Did cancer just turn him into a super-healing vampire?! To test his theory, he grabbed a razor blade and made a small cut on his finger. A drop of blood welled up¡ª But within seconds, the wound had already scabbed over and begun to heal. Chen Huai¡¯an first froze in shock¡ª Then immediately broke into laughter, standing tall with hands on his hips. "Holy sh*t, am I turning into a superhuman?!" "Hahahahahaha! This lord¡­ is SUPERMAN!" Meanwhile¡­ A shoebox lid cracked open just a little. Inside, a pair of sharp feline eyes glowed ominously. The black cat, Baji, silently observed Chen Huai¡¯an. ¡¾Hiss¡ª! Something¡¯s off!¡¿ ¡¾Why is this bigshot so happy? Isn¡¯t this just basic Spiritual Qi circulation speeding up internal healing?¡¿ ¡¾He has an Immortal Artifact! He has a magic sword! How does he not know this kind of basic knowledge?!¡¿ ¡¾No. This beast must leave.¡¿ ¡¾There may be opportunities here, but there¡¯s also something deeply unsettling¡­¡¿ ¡¾This king has just been reborn. I refuse to die here!¡¿ Yes¡ªBaji was no ordinary cat. It was actually a young Taotie¡ªa primordial beast that had taken over the body of a newborn black cat. As a Taotie, it only needed to consume to grow stronger. Originally, it had thought that following this powerful human would lead to great food. But in the end¡ª All it got was plain white rice every single day. And now, to make things worse¡ªthis bigshot seemed to be going insane. Danger. Extreme danger. If it didn¡¯t leave now, it would end up dead! Its gaze locked onto the door. As long as this crazy human stepped out¡ª The world was vast, and it could go anywhere. All it needed was to keep eating¡ª One day, it would become an unstoppable, world-dominating existence! Hehehe¡­ Just imagining it made Baji¡¯s mouth curl into a sinister grin. ¡­ ¡­ Chapter 57: Get Out Chapter 57 ¨C Get Out Tianquan City. The Dao Inquiry Platform was packed with a sea of people. Most of them weren¡¯t locals but had come from various surrounding regions. Without exception, they were all mortals. Some among them were martial artists who had cultivated combat skills. However, no matter how strong a martial artist was, they remained just that¡ªa martial artist. Even those hailed as top experts or innate masters in the martial world had no choice but to bow before cultivators. If given the chance, they would fight tooth and nail for a place in an immortal sect. Unfortunately, immortal sects only valued spiritual roots and talent. No matter how high one¡¯s martial skills were, they meant nothing in the face of cultivation. A few disciples from the Chiyang Sect stood in the crowd, grumbling among themselves. "Sigh, more disciples have died this year than last¡­" "Back then, the Dao Inquiry Conference was held once a year. Then it became once every six months, then once every three months, and now? Every single month! Even immortals will get exhausted at this rate." "Can¡¯t be helped. The competition¡¯s getting fiercer. Even the elders in the sect are stuck at bottlenecks, let alone us ordinary disciples." "Hope we get a few decent spiritual roots this time. Best if they¡¯re triple or dual spiritual roots. A single spiritual root genius? That¡¯s too much to ask for..." Suddenly, a voice rang out from the west side of the Dao Inquiry Platform. "Li Qingran, single water spiritual root!" The words sent shockwaves through the crowd. "A single spiritual root! Someone has a single spiritual root!" "Let me see!" "Find out everything about this disciple in half a stick of incense!" Li Qingran was momentarily stunned. The next second, she found herself surrounded by a throng of sect recruiters, completely blocking her in. "Young friend, join our Chiyang Sect! Our Sect Leader will personally take you in as a direct disciple!" "Chiyang Sect? Are you kidding? She¡¯s a water spiritual root! She belongs in our Sushui Sect¡ªwe have the best water-attribute cultivation techniques!" "Why not consider the Tool Refining Sect?" "We, the Zen Sect¡­ actually, never mind, forget it." Li Qingran looked at the friendly, eager faces around her, feeling completely overwhelmed. Was a single water spiritual root really this sought after? S§×ar?h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Back when Lu Changtian brought her into the sect, she never experienced such a frenzy. Outside the crowd, an elderly man in plain robes with a sword at his waist squinted in Li Qingran¡¯s direction. After ensuring no one was watching, he took out a jade slip and whispered into it: "Sect Leader! We¡¯ve got a big one! A single water spiritual root genius just appeared! Should we act?" After a brief silence, a hurried voice came from the jade slip: "Not yet! I¡¯m still dealing with something on my end. It¡¯s even more important. Just keep an eye on things!" The old man sighed, his wrinkled face scrunching up. A single spiritual root was a rare prodigy. In no time, other sects would snatch her away. But what was he supposed to do¡ªkill everyone here just to keep an eye on one girl? That would be no different from the ways of the demonic sects. "Forget it. If she¡¯s meant to stay, she¡¯ll stay. If she¡¯s meant to leave, I can¡¯t stop it." Just as he muttered those words, a soft female voice rang out from the crowd. "Younger sister, I am Liu Shengyan, the welcoming elder of Lingxi Valley. "Your water spiritual root is most suited for medicine and alchemy cultivation. Why not join Lingxi Valley?" The crowd parted. A woman dressed in green robes emerged, flanked by several female cultivators. A sheer veil concealed her face, but as she walked, the scent of flowers filled the air, and lotus blossoms bloomed beneath her feet. "It¡¯s Lingxi Valley¡­" "Well, that¡¯s that. She¡¯s definitely joining them now." "What, you think you can compete with Lingxi Valley? You better pray you never need their help in the future." Hearing the murmurs, Li Qingran¡¯s heart soared with joy. Her goal was to join Lingxi Valley. And now, the opportunity had come knocking. Liu Shengyan stopped before Li Qingran. Beneath her veil, her enchanting eyes lingered on the girl for a few moments before she spoke in admiration. "You¡¯re quite the beauty, and your figure is graceful too. Coupled with such outstanding talent¡­ You wouldn¡¯t want to waste yourself in another sect, letting those filthy men feast their eyes on you, would you? "Come to Lingxi Valley. Here, we sisters are family~" Li Qingran had heard that Lingxi Valley only accepted female cultivators. In rare cases, they did accept male disciples¡ªbut only if they were willing to be castrated. She had previously thought that joining a sect of only women would save her a lot of trouble. Other sects would require her to interact with senior brothers and elders, but her heart was solely devoted to her master. She had no interest in dealing with complicated relationships. Since Lingxi Valley had extended an invitation, and she was more than willing, she bowed deeply and said, "Thank you for your kind offer, Elder. I would be honored to join Lingxi Valley." Seeing how obedient Li Qingran was, Liu Shengyan was even more pleased. She turned to the female cultivators beside her. "Take this little sister to see the Young Mistress. Let her have a look. I¡¯ll stay here and see if any other promising seedlings turn up." "Yes, Elder." ¡ª Li Qingran was led to the top floor of a luxurious restaurant. A sheer crimson curtain draped over the bed, revealing a tantalizing silhouette behind it. A single long, snow-white leg stretched out beneath the curtain, lazily swaying. The delicate toes, painted a soft crimson, looked like five tiny pearls dipped in rouge. The person behind the curtain clearly disliked noise. The female cultivators simply bowed in greeting and left without a word. This must be the Young Mistress of Lingxi Valley. Even though the other person was a woman, Li Qingran still felt slightly nervous. She lowered her head and quietly waited, not daring to speak out of turn. After a moment, the leg behind the curtain stopped moving. The seductive figure inside stretched lazily, like a cat waking from a nap, before a clear voice rang out. "A single water spiritual root? Not bad, not bad! I¡¯ve been waiting half a month for a genius to show up!" "You flatter me, Senior," Li Qingran quickly bowed. "No need to be so formal. Come closer, I want to ask you something." Li Qingran complied, stepping toward the curtain. A heavy floral fragrance enveloped her. She took a quick glance inside before immediately lowering her eyes. No peeking. The girl inside the curtain sniffed the air and withdrew her foot. She chuckled softly. "You¡¯re quite the beauty. Even I¡¯m a little jealous. "Tell me, do you have a Dao companion?" Li Qingran hesitated for a moment. She wished she did. But unfortunately, her master likely didn¡¯t see her that way. She shook her head. "No." "Have you ever had one before?" "Never." "Good." The Young Mistress seemed satisfied with that answer. A pale foot lifted the curtain slightly, revealing a flawless chin and a pair of captivating peach blossom eyes. "Give me your hand." Li Qingran obediently extended her hand. Two slender fingers rested on her wrist, cool to the touch. After a long silence, the Young Mistress of Lingxi Valley withdrew her fingers, her expression unreadable. "Hmm¡­ You¡¯ve already cultivated an excellent internal technique, perfectly suited to your water spiritual root. Very good¡­ Do you have a master?" "I do." Li Qingran knew there was no use in lying. She wasn¡¯t good at deception anyway. "Man or woman?" The Young Mistress¡¯s voice sharpened slightly. "Man." The air in the room instantly turned frigid. Li Qingran stiffened, sensing the icy gaze behind the curtain. "Get out." With a flick of the Young Mistress¡¯s hand, the doors of the private suite slammed open. A forceful burst of energy rudely expelled Li Qingran from the room. Chapter 58: Hold It~ Chapter 58 ¨C Hold It~ Li Qingran stumbled and fell outside the door. The female cultivators standing guard on either side quickly helped her up. She was completely bewildered. Why had the Lingxi Valley Young Mistress suddenly thrown her out after they had been conversing so well? Was it just because her master was a man? "Apologies, little sister. You did not pass our Young Mistress¡¯s test." One of the female cultivators gently straightened the folds in Li Qingran¡¯s robes, her face carrying an apologetic yet firm expression as she led her toward the exit. Li Qingran didn¡¯t want to lose this chance to enter Lingxi Valley. In her mind, Lingxi Valley was the sect most likely to have ancient pill recipes. It was also the best place for her to learn medical skills¡ªskills that could help her master in the future. So she stopped walking, bowed, and asked, "May I know the reason?" The female cultivator hesitated, glancing quickly toward the private room now far behind them. Then she pulled Li Qingran into a secluded corner, ensuring no one was around before lowering her voice. "If you were of ordinary talent, I wouldn¡¯t tell you this. But with a single spiritual root, you are bound for great achievements, and I don¡¯t want you to resent our Young Mistress for this. She wasn¡¯t always like this¡­ "I can¡¯t tell you the full details, but you only need to know that Lingxi Valley now strictly forbids its disciples from taking Dao companions. And our Young Mistress¡­ she utterly despises men, especially male masters." Despises men? Li Qingran grew anxious. "But my master is a good person! He¡¯s not like those bad men¡ªI can vouch for that! And he wouldn¡¯t even come to Lingxi Valley..." The female cultivator shook her head. "It doesn¡¯t matter. "Our Young Mistress struggled with this once. She tested ten thousand men, and they all failed. "She already had psychological scars from past experiences, and after those failures, her hatred for men became absolute. Lingxi Valley used to simply refuse male disciples. Now, men aren¡¯t allowed within fifty miles of our sect. Even if a male cultivator is exceptionally talented, he can only join if he agrees to be castrated." Li Qingran stood there, dumbfounded, feeling a mix of frustration and helplessness. "Can¡¯t we make an exception? Or at least let me explain to her?" "No exceptions. You should leave." The female cultivator waved her off. "The Dao Inquiry Conference is ending soon. The sects will be taking their flying boats back. If you leave now, you might still join another good sect. "But Lingxi Valley¡­ we are not fated to be." She turned and left, not giving Li Qingran any room to negotiate. "This isn¡¯t fair!" When Chen Huai¡¯an left, Li Qingran had managed to hold back her tears. But now, when she was supposed to be joining Lingxi Valley, only to be inexplicably rejected, she nearly broke down. Apart from Lingxi Valley, what other sect specialized in medical and alchemy cultivation? What other sect would have a collection of ancient pill recipes? Her master¡¯s poison¡ªhow could she cure it now? Li Qingran stood at the entrance of the restaurant, staring blankly toward the private room upstairs. She felt utterly useless. Her master had given her so many opportunities, but when it was her turn to help him, she couldn¡¯t even take the first step. "Well, well! If it isn¡¯t the single water spiritual root girl from earlier!" A voice rang out, neither fully masculine nor feminine, filled with surprise and greed. "Little sister, you didn¡¯t join Lingxi Valley?" Li Qingran turned toward the voice and saw a group of people approaching. Leading them was a pale-faced scholar. His features were even more delicate than a woman¡¯s, his skin white as paper, his cheeks painted with rouge. A thin short sword and four porcelain bottles hung at his waist, and his perfume was so strong it could be smelled from half a street away. Every movement he made was exaggerated and artificial. The scholar gave her a once-over and smirked. "Hah! So that crazy woman really kicked you out! I never thought even a single spiritual root genius would be turned away!" He laughed so hard his face turned gray, and he had to bend over, taking a deep breath before grinning again. "Perfect, perfect! Little sister, why not join our Yin-Yang Sect? We are just as powerful as Lingxi Valley¡ªonly our reputation is slightly worse¡­ But as cultivators, aren¡¯t we all pursuing the Dao? As long as we don¡¯t practice demonic cultivation, what¡¯s wrong with being a little indulgent?" Li Qingran¡¯s expression grew cold. She had heard of the Yin-Yang Sect. It, along with the Hehuan Sect and the Extreme Bliss Zen Sect, was known as one of the Three Great Debauched Sects. That said, they were still considered righteous sects. Unlike demonic cultivators, who drained their partners¡¯ essence, these sects focused on mutual cultivation. However, their practices were decadent, their lifestyles indulgent, and they were widely despised by the rest of the righteous path. She already had a master. There was no way she would ever join such a depraved sect. Even if she didn¡¯t have a master, their way of cultivation was completely different from her own path. "Thank you for your kind offer, Senior." Li Qingran bowed politely. "The Yin-Yang Sect is a fine sect, but I wish to find one more suited to my water spiritual root." "We have water-attribute techniques too! Yellow-rank, Profound-rank¡ªyou can pick whatever you like." "I already have a master. I must follow his orders. Please don¡¯t make things difficult for me." Li Qingran bowed again. "Hmph! Difficult?" The pale scholar¡¯s face darkened. "You¡¯re just refusing to give our Yin-Yang Sect any respect! "Master, you say? Fine, let¡¯s see this master of yours! Today, you¡¯re coming with us!" Li Qingran bit her lip. She couldn¡¯t summon her master here. She also didn¡¯t want to distract him from fighting that great demon. That demon was incredibly powerful¡ªher master needed absolute focus. How could she let him worry about her now? But even without him, she wasn¡¯t helpless. She still had the talismans her master left her. She reached into her storage pouch and grasped a handful of Thunderfire Talismans. She hesitated. The pale scholar was at least at the Golden Core Stage. If she activated these talismans, she could blast him to dust. But then the Yin-Yang Sect would hunt her down. What would she do then? Would she just end up troubling her master again? Li Qingran, you idiot. You had such a good hand, and you played it like a fool! She cursed herself inwardly, her gaze locking onto the scholar approaching step by step. A cold glint flashed deep in her eyes. "Hold it." A light voice echoed from the sky. Boom! A massive sword¡ªhalf a meter wide and as tall as a rooftop¡ªslammed down between Li Qingran and the Yin-Yang Sect group. A gust of wind swept through the street. Perched on the massive sword was a leg, casually dangling over the hilt. A gourd tapped against the pommel, spilling two drops of wine. A woman in black robes and black pants sat lazily on the blade, her face covered with a black veil. She had one leg crossed over the other. The toe of her shoe had a hole in it, exposing half a toe. The wind lifted her veil slightly, carrying the strong scent of alcohol and garlic. Then, a languid voice spoke. "This little girl? We¡¯ve taken a liking to her. Hic¡ª!" "You lot, hic, now¡­ sea??h th§× n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Scram¡ª!" Chapter 59: We Are from Qingyun Sect Chapter 59 ¨C We Are from Qingyun Sect "You dare to snatch someone from Yin-Yang Pavilion in broad daylight? Aren''t you being a little too arrogant?" The pale scholar sensed the aura of the black-clad woman before him, and his already deathly white face turned even darker. "Hic¡­ This old lady¡­ hic¡­ is stealing from you. So what!" The black-clad woman leaped off her sword, grabbed the hilt in reverse, and swung it in a wide arc. She was swaying unsteadily, unable to stand firm, yet the massive sword in her hands was lifted effortlessly like a mere toy. The Yin-Yang Pavilion disciples immediately took a few steps back, afraid of getting caught in the heavy sword¡¯s wild sweep. "This woman is on par with me in strength, and a single water spiritual root is a top-tier dual cultivation match. It would be a shame to just let this go! I''ll hold her off¡ªyou go and get the Hall Master!" The pale scholar urgently commanded his guards before drawing the short sword from his waist and pointing it at the black-clad woman. "Hmph, we''re both at the Golden Core Stage. Today, Wei shall test your skills!" But before he could react, a hand suddenly reached out from the side and grabbed his sword. "Test what? You want to spar with this old man instead?" The pale scholar was shocked and turned to find a withered old man standing beside him. He hadn''t even noticed when the man had gotten so close. The old man had white, unkempt hair, half of his face covered by a mask, and when he grinned, a mouth full of crooked, rotten teeth was revealed. "Who the hell are you?!" "Heh heh, take a guess?" The old man had a sword gourd hanging from his waist, yet he didn¡¯t draw a sword. Instead, his gnarled fingers tightened around the scholar¡¯s short sword. Under his immense grip, the blade slowly began to bend, making a creaking sound. A suffocating pressure locked the pale scholar in place, rendering him unable to move. His only hope now was that his men would bring the Hall Master quickly¡ª But then came the sound of bodies thudding to the ground. He turned and looked, his face instantly paling further. Three black-clad figures stood in the middle of the street, arranged from tallest to shortest. The one on the left was the tallest and thinnest, the middle one of average build, and the rightmost figure was short and plump. All three were dressed in black, with swords at their waists, and each carried a bulging sack on their backs, its contents unknown. Meanwhile, his subordinates were sprawled on the ground, their fates uncertain. "You¡­ You dare lay hands on the people of Yin-Yang Pavilion?" The pale scholar was furious. Yin-Yang Pavilion was no small sect¡ªwho would dare challenge them? And besides, this confrontation had been going on for a while now. Why hadn¡¯t the Tianquan City guards or other sects intervened yet? Had they all returned to their mountain gates? "Enough wasting time. Let¡¯s grab the last batch and retreat!" A voice called out from above. The pale scholar looked up to see a figure stepping out onto the rooftop of a nearby building. Clad in all black, with a black sword and a black hood, the figure had a striking contrast¡ªa long, flowing white beard. More importantly, his waist was adorned with a variety of weapons. The pale scholar¡¯s pupils shrank. Among them¡ªhe saw his Hall Master''s personal saber! When had they raided his sect? The pale scholar''s arrogance instantly crumbled. His expression twisted into a smile uglier than crying. "Seniors, I¡­ I failed to recognize greatness when I saw it. The single water spiritual root disciple is yours. I will take my leave now¡ªright now¡ª" "Drop all your artifacts, spirit stones, and storage pouches on the ground!" The old man in front of him grinned wider, his wrinkled face scrunching up like a blooming chrysanthemum. The pale scholar had no choice but to obediently hand over all his possessions. "The jade on your neck, too." "¡­" "And your robes." "Enough, Elder Li," the black-clad woman resting on her giant sword finally spoke up, unable to watch any longer. "But his robes are quite nice," the old man muttered, running his hands over the fabric with fascination. The pale scholar was on the verge of tears. "S-Seniors¡­ May I leave now?" "Heh heh, go on." The old man casually pocketed the short sword and released his grip. The pale scholar bolted without hesitation. S~ea??h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Take your men with you!" the old man shouted after him. Without looking back, the pale scholar scrambled to grab his fallen subordinates and flew away in a panic. Yin-Yang Pavilion was gone. The five black-clad figures all turned their gazes toward Li Qingran. She instinctively took a half-step back, lowering her head in fear before quickly bowing. "Junior thanks the esteemed seniors for your assistance." Although these five seemed even more dangerous than the Yin-Yang Pavilion members¡­ For some reason, they didn¡¯t feel particularly threatening. "Little one, your talent is excellent. Would you like to join our sect?" The eccentric old man beamed at her with an oddly kind and gentle expression. "Junior wishes to join Lingxi Valley," Li Qingran shook her head hesitantly. "Senior¡¯s sect is surely great, but I wish to become a healer." "You can still be a healer in our sect," the black-clad woman leaning on her sword muttered, hiccupping from her drunken state. "I¡­" Li Qingran wanted to refuse again. But at that moment, a voice rang out from the rooftop. "Sigh, you guys are doing this all wrong!" The figure on the rooftop pulled off his hood. Under Li Qingran''s stunned gaze, he spoke in a loud, clear voice: "We are from Qingyun Sect!" The other four followed suit, removing their disguises. The female cultivator removed her veil, revealing long, waist-length black hair and a stunning, intoxicatingly beautiful face. Her cheeks were flushed red, her eyes hazy with intoxication, yet her smile was charming, and her words were sharp and to the point. "Little sister, as you can see, we just looted a bunch of other sects." The old man added, "And now, you know our identities." From the rooftop, Su Qinian, the Sword Pavilion Master, grinned maliciously as he declared: "So, you have no choice but to come with us! Otherwise, we¡¯ll have to silence you! Keh keh keh!" Li Qingran: "¡­" Did they really think she didn¡¯t know they were from Qingyun Sect? She had already noticed the emblem on the rooftop man¡¯s waist¡ªSword Pavilion. Sword Pavilion¡­ Sword Sect? She hesitated, her mind making some odd connections. Before she could react, the world spun, and in the next moment, she found herself standing on a flying sword. The drunken female cultivator had taken her. The other four also stepped onto their own swords, grinning like a bunch of bandits after a heist. "Junior Sister, if you¡¯re scared, you can hold onto Senior Sister¡¯s waist~" The woman turned back with a seductive smile. Then, the flying sword launched skyward. Li Qingran squinted against the rushing wind, instinctively wrapping her arms around the woman¡¯s waist. At that moment, she suddenly lost the will to resist. Because these people¡­ Were just like her master. Flying swords, but no wind-shielding formations. ¡­ Chapter 60: I Really Am a Superhuman Chapter 60 ¨C I Really Am a Superhuman Tianquan City, Ascension Tower. Yun Suxin, the Young Mistress of Lingxi Valley, slowly regained consciousness from her deep sleep. Around her, cultivators from various sects and city guards lay sprawled in disorder, still unconscious. She rubbed her throbbing temples and instinctively reached for her waist. "...Where''s my storage pouch?" Not only was her storage pouch gone, but so were her artifacts and even her jewelry! Many of the other cultivators had yet to wake up. They had all been waiting here for their sects'' flying boats, only to be drugged and stripped of their possessions instead. "This is¡­ Soul-Scattering Incense!?" Yun Suxin spotted a burnt-out incense burner in the corner. Soul-Scattering Incense was a non-toxic, colorless, and odorless sedative, typically used to calm spirit beasts. Whoever did this was thankfully not out for blood. Otherwise, the consequences would have been unthinkable. However, this location was only known to reputable sects, and everyone here had undergone strict identity checks. Which meant¡ªthere was a traitor! But who? "It was Qingyun Sect!" A furious voice rang out. Someone pointed at the large character "Qing" on the hall¡¯s wall, along with a taunting ghostly face drawn beside it. "Unbelievable! We had no grudges with Qingyun Sect, yet they came all this way just to rob us?" "Qingyun Sect is already wealthy beyond measure. They must¡¯ve done this just to humiliate us!" "In the Zhongzhou Secret Realm, we must make their disciples pay!" As the hall erupted into outraged discussions, Yun Suxin pinched the burnt incense ash between her fingers and rolled her eyes. If this had really been Qingyun Sect, she would eat this incense ash. She looked around. The only ones missing¡ªwere the people from Sword Pavilion. Thinking about their perpetual poverty, Yun Suxin immediately understood. Hah. So, Sword Pavilion dared to rob Lingxi Valley? Fine. Just wait and see! "Brother, you look absolutely legendary!" Chen Huai¡¯an¡¯s mouth twitched as he sat in the production crew¡¯s shuttle. For the third time, the driver had repeated this exact phrase. First when they met. Second when he got in the car. And now, again. "To be honest, bro, I¡¯ve driven for this show for years. I''ve seen at least a thousand celebrities, if not more," the driver said earnestly, one hand on the wheel, the other giving Chen Huai¡¯an a thumbs-up. "But I''ve never seen someone as insanely good-looking as you. And that¡¯s saying something, even with you being bald! I can¡¯t even imagine how stunning you¡¯d be with hair! No joke, you make that celebrity, Cai Yifan¡ªwho''s on this season¡ªlook like a joke, and he¡¯s had work done!" "I think I¡¯m just average," Chen Huai¡¯an replied, feeling a bit embarrassed. "Not a chance!" The driver shook his head. "You know what it is? Aura. Looks aside, your aura alone crushes all those male celebrities. It¡¯s got this¡­ I don¡¯t know¡­ enlightened monk kinda purity! You should play Tang Sanzang¡ªyou¡¯d be an instant hit!" Chen Huai¡¯an chuckled. "If that¡¯s the case, won¡¯t I steal the spotlight from the celebrities?" At this, the driver¡¯s face fell. He slapped the steering wheel. "You know what? Be careful of that Cai Yifan guy. He¡¯s a big deal, not someone to mess with. The show is basically set up to promote him. If you run into him, keep a low profile. We¡¯re just regular folks¡ªno need to butt heads with celebrities." Chen Huai¡¯an took note. But really, what kind of conflict could he, a terminal cancer patient, possibly have with a celebrity? On the other hand¡­ would that celebrity even dare mess with him? After being dubbed "The Top Version T0 Creepy Old Man" and "The Little Celestial" in past incidents, wasn¡¯t he essentially the hidden boss of reality itself? If that celebrity actually tried to stir trouble with him¡­ Well. He¡¯d let him experience firsthand the phrase: "I really messed up." "Oh my god! Cai Yifan is finally here!" "Good evening, Fan-ge!" "Fan-ge, you¡¯re getting more and more handsome! Your career is totally skyrocketing!" At the foot of Tianmen Mountain, the production team of "Daring Adventure with Celebs" had gathered. A striking young man, dressed in tailored designer wear and adorned with an expensive brooch, stepped into the spotlight. Cai Yifan. A current trending "fresh meat" celebrity. He wasn¡¯t quite at the level of true A-listers yet, but he was rising fast, with a bright future ahead. He hadn¡¯t joined the show because he particularly liked it. His company had arranged it, saying it would help improve his public image and attract more casual fans¡ªlaying the groundwork for the lead role he had secured in an upcoming movie. The problem? Cai Yifan had zero acting skills and would require dubbing. If he didn¡¯t build up goodwill now, the movie would get torn apart by critics before it even premiered. From his own perspective, he despised being here. First, he hated hiking¡ªit was exhausting and made him sweat. Second, the show was live-streamed. That meant he had to suppress his real behavior¡ªno cursing, no smoking, no picking his nose. The program started at 9 PM sharp. He was supposed to arrive by 7 PM to prepare. He showed up at 8:40 PM instead. All the other guests¡ªincluding a washed-up celebrity and three minor influencers¡ªhad obediently arrived early. They¡¯d even filmed some behind-the-scenes clips in advance. On a show like this, BTS clips were essential. Even though it was a live broadcast, the footage would later be edited into a pseudo-documentary for replays. After all, not every working-class viewer could sit down at 7 PM sharp to watch TV. "Oh, finally, Xiao Fan, you¡¯re here," the director, Zhang Dao, greeted him, barely hiding his frustration. He was pissed but didn¡¯t dare say anything harsh. "Go get ready. We¡¯ll shoot some filler clips in the meantime." Cai Yifan gave him a bored look and rolled his eyes. "Make sure the camera angles are perfect. Capture my best angles. I need to approve the footage before you upload anything. If it doesn¡¯t make me look good, it¡¯s not going up." "Of course, of course," Zhang Dao forced a smile, mentally cursing Cai Yifan¡¯s entire bloodline. Cai Yifan went to change and get his makeup done. Even though they were about to hike up Tianmen Mountain at night, makeup was mandatory. Had to cover up those dark circles. The cameraman was dumbfounded. So this entire BTS clip would just be¡­ Cai Yifan changing clothes and getting his makeup done? All the other guests had introduced themselves, demonstrated their outdoor survival gear, and discussed potential hiking challenges and secret weapons. And Cai Yifan¡¯s contribution? Striking a few pretentious poses. Was this a hiking show or a fashion runway?! At 8:50 PM, everyone was in position, ready to start filming. Then, a staff member ran up to Zhang Dao, whispering nervously. "Director Zhang¡­ One more guest hasn¡¯t arrived yet." "Who?" Zhang Dao¡¯s eyes narrowed, barely restraining his temper. "The mystery guest you arranged." "Oh, right. The mystery guest." Zhang Dao had been so infuriated by Cai Yifan that he had completely forgotten. "Find out where they are!" "We did. The driver said¡­ they ran out of battery." "WHAT?! F***! Can¡¯t anything go smoothly? Ask them for their exact location and send a car immediately!" Zhang Dao¡¯s face darkened. He grabbed his head in frustration but still announced the show¡¯s start. A five-minute delay was no big deal for them. For the TV station, however, it would be a broadcast disaster. At that moment, on a deserted hiking route, Chen Huai¡¯an¡¯s car had stalled. "We¡¯re still a ways from the meeting point," the driver sighed. "Damn electric cars, not as reliable as gas ones. Battery drains way too fast in cold weather." Chen Huai¡¯an glanced at the time. The show started at 9 PM sharp. He was always punctual. He looked up at the steep rock face, testing it with his foot. Solid. Stable. If he climbed directly, he¡¯d be there in no time. "Guess I¡¯ll go up myself," he said. "What?" By the time the driver turned around¡ªChen Huai¡¯an was gone. The night was dark. The wind howled over Tianmen Mountain. A shadow soared up the vertical cliff face like a phantom. Chen Huai¡¯an grinned under the moonlight. "Tonight¡­ I feel unstoppable!" Sear?h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Chapter 61: Who Could Be More Handsome Than Our Brother? Chapter 61 ¨C Who Could Be More Handsome Than Our Brother? "Hei, everyone! What''s up? Born in 2006, dreaming of being a rap leader, so pretty, so G-G! Every day, it¡¯s all about style! A boy who loves to rap, creativity is his ace, he can rap anytime, anywhere, the world is his stage! Your attention is my fuel¡ªhello, everyone! I am your dearest Chenchen baby, Song¡ªZi¡ªChen!" "One plus one is cutie, two plus two is cutie, three plus three is also cutie! Hello, everyone! I am your little cutie, Wang Yitao~" "Hello, everyone! I¡¯m rookie actress Su Xingchen. I¡¯ve only acted in a short drama so far, but I¡¯ll keep working hard!" Finally, after two complete disasters, a somewhat normal introduction came from a sweet-faced young woman. She had a pure and innocent look, her big eyes still carrying the na?ve foolishness of a fresh college graduate. After speaking, she even playfully waved a little fist. Director Zhang nodded in approval. This young actress had a good image and decent presence¡ªworth giving more screen time. "Hello, everyone! I am your familiar Wang Lulu! My dear Lu Baos, good evening! My new album releases next week¡ªmake sure to listen~" Wang Lulu was a washed-up singer, a mother of two. She had joined the show hoping to regain some popularity. Finally, it was Cai Yifan¡¯s turn. "Yo, everyone! I¡¯m Xiao Fan." With just one sentence, the previously calm chat exploded. ¡¾Ahhhhh! Fan-ge is so handsome!¡¿ ¡¾Yi Fan Yi Fan, forever outstanding!¡¿ ¡¾Why waste time on others? Just focus on my brother! Does the production team not understand who the biggest star is?¡¿ ¡¾OMG, Fan-bao¡¯s schedule is packed, and he still came for an outdoor show? So exhausting! Mommy feels heartbroken~¡¿ ¡­ Seeing the barrage of comments, Director Zhang felt slightly better. Cai Yifan was insufferable, but he was undeniably good-looking and had real popularity. Spending three million to bring him onto the show had been worth it. "You know, I¡¯m super handsome. I play basketball¡ªsuper handsome. I hike¡ªalso super handsome." Cai Yifan barely said anything. Instead, he struck over ten different poses. And yet, the chat became even wilder. The flood of comments blurred into an unreadable mess. When Cai Yifan finished, the director, realizing the mystery guest still hadn¡¯t arrived, quickly signaled him to stall for time. Cai Yifan saw the director''s expectant look and scoffed inwardly. He, the biggest celebrity here, had already arrived¡ªso why should he wait for some no-name mystery guest? And why should he even help cover for them? He smirked and said deliberately, "I heard there¡¯s a mystery guest tonight? Someone about my age, right? I wonder if they can be as handsome as me? But if we¡¯re all waiting here for them, they must be suuuuuper amazing~" Director Zhang¡¯s face turned green. This idiot! Instead of changing the subject, he¡¯s making things worse! Sure enough, the chat went into another frenzy. ¡¾Of course, my brother is the handsomest!¡¿ ¡¾Mystery guest? Not worthy of making my Fan-ge wait!¡¿ ¡¾How is the production team allowing a late guest? Kick them out!¡¿ ¡¾Omg, such a diva! So arrogant!¡¿ ¡­ "Ahaha, well, if we¡¯re talking about looks, Fan-ge is obviously the most handsome," Su Xingchen jumped in, trying to salvage the situation. "But since they¡¯re a mystery guest, they should make a grand entrance and keep the audience excited, right?" She thought this would spark discussion about the mystery guest¡¯s identity¡ªsomething to buy time. But no one responded. She was left awkwardly hanging in silence. Even Cai Yifan, whom she had just complimented, acted as if he hadn¡¯t heard her, offering not even a glance. Su Xingchen pursed her lips. Her face turned scarlet, her ears burning. Neither stepping forward nor retreating felt right¡ªit was like being covered in crawling ants. At that moment¡ª "Excuse me, is this the ''Daring Adventure'' production team?" A clear yet oddly stupid-sounding voice echoed from the cliffside behind them. Everyone turned. S§×arch* The N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The cameraman immediately swung his camera toward the new arrival. Under the spotlight, a gleaming bald head entered their view. The light reflected off his shiny scalp, nearly blinding them. A young man stood at the edge of the cliff, leaning slightly on a cane, his face lit with a gentle smile. The wind ruffled the collar of his hiking jacket, casting a shadow on one side of his face. The exposed side seemed to glow with a divine radiance, giving the illusion of an enlightened monk. The shadowed side, however, carried an unsettling charm¡ªlike a bottomless abyss, luring people in. The illusions faded in an instant, leaving behind only one thought in everyone''s minds: "Handsome." Too damn handsome. How could a man look this good?! Director Zhang stared at Chen Huai¡¯an. His mind wasn¡¯t focused on how Chen Huai¡¯an had even climbed up a cliff. Nor on why he had appeared there in the first place. His only thought was: "This is it. This is my golden opportunity to rise from a small-time director to a major one." He had to hold onto this man. This was the future of top-tier viral content. Cai Yifan? He was nothing. ¡­ "Sorry, Director. I cut it too close," Chen Huai¡¯an said, glancing at his watch. He had tried his best but still only arrived at exactly 9 PM. That probably caused the crew some trouble, right? That was not acceptable. Director Zhang didn¡¯t care at all. Instead, he hurried forward in three large strides, grabbing Chen Huai¡¯an¡¯s hands with an eager smile. "It¡¯s fine, it¡¯s fine! Chen Huai¡¯an, right? No problem at all¡ªit¡¯s great that you¡¯re here!" Then, as if he had just realized something, his expression turned deadly serious. He gave a solemn nod and said in a low, reverent voice: "Chen Huai¡¯an¡­ You, my friend¡­ are unbelievably, impossibly, ridiculously good-looking." ¡­ Chapter 62: What Are You Trying to Do? Chapter 62 ¨C What Are You Trying to Do? Everyone was utterly mesmerized by Chen Huai¡¯an¡¯s "beauty." Several makeup artists in the crew stared blankly at him, their professional instincts kicking in. They worked with celebrities daily and knew better than anyone how much "adjustments" went into those faces¡ªplastic surgery, contouring, strategic lighting. Many stars looked like entirely different people before makeup. But this guy? Flawless. Rosy lips, white teeth, and though his complexion was a bit pale, it only added to a natural, serene, Zen-like aura. The most shocking part? He wasn¡¯t even wearing makeup. A pure, naturally perfect face. And he was bald. If he had hair, how godly would he look?! "...Am I really that handsome?" Even Chen Huai¡¯an, slow as he could sometimes be, felt something was off. He had always considered himself "moderately handsome." Sure, he had a noticeable edge over regular people, but if he were truly drop-dead gorgeous, wouldn¡¯t he have had a girlfriend by now? But now, with the program director personally confirming it, things were different. People in the industry were practically half-scouts¡ªthey had a keen sense for good-looking, camera-ready faces. If they said he was handsome¡­ then he really was. "...Could my ''potential activation'' have improved my looks?" Chen Huai¡¯an fell into deep thought. Maybe¡­ vampires were just people who had mastered cancer cell mutations? That would explain why they were all ridiculously good-looking. Too bad vampires didn¡¯t exist. Otherwise, he¡¯d definitely go and exchange notes on "cancer cell management." Who knew¡ªmaybe then he wouldn¡¯t have to die. "Perfectly handsome. Absolute god-tier visuals," Director Zhang said as he turned the live chat toward Chen Huai¡¯an. The chat, which moments ago had been singing praises for Cai Yifan, had completely flipped. ¡¾AHHHHHHH!!! The mystery guest is TOO HANDSOME!!¡¿ ¡¾Oh my god, I¡¯m a sinner, but¡­ he really is hotter than Fan-ge!¡¿ ¡¾I¡¯m sorry, baby! Mommy shouldn¡¯t have been mad at you for being late¡ªtake as long as you want next time~¡¿ ¡¾Does anyone know his name?! Is he a celebrity?! How come I don¡¯t recognize him?!¡¿ ¡¾Wait¡­ he looks kinda familiar¡­¡¿ Chen Huai¡¯an took it all in and finally accepted reality. "Looks like I really am that handsome." This time, it was a statement, not a question. Sear?h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Director Zhang¡¯s eyes glowed like he had struck gold. "Alright, now that our mystery guest is here, let¡¯s continue¡­ Xiao Chen, why don¡¯t you introduce yourself?" Cai Yifan had been watching quietly all this time. And he could feel it¡ªhe was no longer the center of attention. Him! Cai Yifan! The star of the show! Now pushed to the sidelines? Unacceptable. He noticed Chen Huai¡¯an¡¯s braced right leg and the cane tucked under his arm. Without thinking, he blurted out: "Director Zhang, my schedule is packed¡ªI barely get two hours of sleep a night. I had to squeeze out time to come here." "And we¡¯re night hiking, right?" "If we bring a disabled guy along, won¡¯t we be hiking until tomorrow afternoon?" "I don¡¯t mean to look down on disabled people, but¡­ shouldn¡¯t someone in his condition be resting at home instead of slowing down a variety show?" The moment he finished speaking, he felt sure of how the chat would react. They¡¯d feel sorry for him¡ªpitying his exhausting schedule. Then, they¡¯d slam the production team for forcing a cheap publicity stunt. No matter how handsome this guy was, what did it matter? Cai Yifan¡¯s fanbase was unbeatable. ¡­ Except, that¡¯s not what happened. Silence. Every single person looked at Cai Yifan in shock and outrage. Even the live chat froze for a moment. Only Chen Huai¡¯an remained calm. He even looked at Cai Yifan with the kindly patience of an elderly monk. Then, he smiled gently. "You¡¯re absolutely right, brother." "A disabled guy like me would only hold everyone back." "But I didn¡¯t want to miss this opportunity." "Because this might be my only chance to reach the top of Tianmen Mountain in this lifetime." He turned to face the camera. He bowed slightly. Then, he flashed an effortless, carefree smile. "My name is Chen Huai¡¯an. A late-stage bone cancer patient, with my life in its final countdown. I hope that in these dying embers of my existence, I can still burn brightly. To those watching¡ªthank you for sharing this moment with me. Bearing witness to my journey. I¡­ am on my way." Dead. Silence. The only sound was the wind rushing through the mountain pass. Then¡ª Sniffles. A few makeup artists wiped away tears. Su Xingchen¡¯s eyes were red. She looked at Chen Huai¡¯an with pure maternal tenderness. Cai Yifan? His mouth hung open. A cold sweat ran down his back. "Bro¡­ what are you trying to do?!" Meanwhile, in Cai Yifan¡¯s DMs: Agent: ¡¾Xiao Fan, are you trying to kill yourself?! You¡¯re DONE FOR!¡¿ ¡¾Your competitors are ALL roasting you alive! They¡¯re saying you mock disabled and terminally ill people!¡¿ ¡¾DO YOU EVEN HAVE BASIC HUMAN COMPASSION?!¡¿ ¡¾What were you THINKING saying those words just now?!¡¿ ¡¾The public persona we built for you¡ªyou destroyed it in one sentence.¡¿ ¡­ Agent: ¡¾Find an opportunity to apologize to Chen Huai¡¯an.¡¿ ¡¾And it has to be sincere.¡¿ The first few messages, Cai Yifan could barely tolerate. But the last line? His blood boiled. "Apologize?!" To a nobody?! He was the future megastar. Soon, A-list actors would share the screen with him. Even at his company, third-tier actors called him senior, and top celebrities gave him face. And now¡ªhis agent wanted him to bow his head to a cripple?! He furiously slammed his response: ¡¾Why the hell should I?!¡¿ ¡¾He¡¯s just a regular person! And I¡¯m a future superstar!¡¿ ¡¾I don¡¯t care what they say¡ªI won¡¯t apologize to some cripple!¡¿ He hit send. Then, he shut off his phone. He didn¡¯t check the live chat. He already knew his fanbase would have his back. They could twist white into black, flip haters into fans¡ªif he played the victim, they¡¯d instantly attack Chen Huai¡¯an¡¯s page. But¡­ As they continued hiking¡­ Cai Yifan noticed something strange. Despite the physical exertion, despite the two female guests and two other young male celebs starting to sweat¡­ Chen Huai¡¯an looked completely fine. No sweat. No labored breathing. Apart from his slightly limping gait, he didn¡¯t seem like a disabled person at all. A suspicion formed in his mind. "...Is this guy faking it?" Was this all an act? Some productions did pull stunts like this¡ªhiring people with ¡°special conditions¡± for publicity. But someone this handsome? That would be hard to come by. If Chen Huai¡¯an was actually just a normal person acting pitiful¡­ Then he, Cai Yifan, could expose the fraud. Not only redeeming himself but also teaching this show a lesson. And¡ªmost importantly¡ªshutting down this scene-stealing nobody. His gaze darkened. Time to set a trap. ¡­ Chapter 63: I’ll Expose You! Chapter 63 ¨C I¡¯ll Expose You! "An-ge, is there really no cure for your cancer?" "No cure." "Not even with money?" "Still no cure." "I''m sorry." Su Xingchen lowered her head apologetically. S§×ar?h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "It¡¯s fine, haha~" Su Xingchen felt immense sympathy for Chen Huai¡¯an. But looking at the calm confidence on his face, she realized she had no right to pity him. This was a man radiating light and warmth. He didn¡¯t need pity. His life was far more brilliant than most. Maybe this was what people meant by "heaven is jealous of talent." The gods gave him peerless beauty, only to take away his lifespan. What should have been a tragedy was instead turned into an inspirational comedy by his own unwavering optimism. Their conversation was all captured on the live broadcast. By now, the chat was completely devoid of Cai Yifan¡¯s fans. Every comment was purely emotional. ¡¾I¡¯m crying¡­ this guy is too strong¡­¡¿ ¡¾An-ge, we¡¯ll all be here to witness your journey!¡¿ ¡¾I was just cursing him for being late¡­ I feel so guilty now¡­¡¿ ¡¾This show just became a must-watch.¡¿ Director Zhang clicked his tongue. People were so fake. Online audiences were even more hypocritical¡ªmagnified to absurd degrees. Just moments ago, they had been yelling for Chen Huai¡¯an to be kicked out. Now? "Tears, tears, tears!" But what nobody knew¡ª Despite his calm exterior, Chen Huai¡¯an was suffering. He wanted to check his phone so badly. Was Li Qingran safely in Lingxi Valley by now? Was she being bullied as a new disciple? Unfortunately, he couldn¡¯t play his game until the show was done. Even glancing at his phone had to be done in secret, when the cameras weren¡¯t on him. ¡­ But could the damn cameraman stop filming him all the time?! Chen Huai¡¯an felt like he was going to break. Meanwhile, Cai Yifan was plotting. "Ah! Suddenly, I feel super energized! Can I lead the group?" With an exaggerated bounce, he hopped to the front and asked the guide. "You want to lead?" The guide, a retired mountaineer, glanced at Cai Yifan¡¯s thin arms and legs. He sighed inwardly. "This is not a tourist route," the guide explained patiently. "It¡¯s night, and if something unexpected happens¡ªlike encountering wild animals¡ªyou need to make the right call immediately. Otherwise, you¡¯ll provoke them. Are you sure you¡¯re up for it?" Wild animals? In 2034? Cai Yifan almost laughed. Even if there were wild animals, would they dare attack such a large group of people? This guide was just worried about his paycheck. If he lost control of the group, his salary might get docked. Typical blue-collar worker behavior. Cai Yifan sneered internally. No matter how hard they worked, they¡¯d never compare to someone like him¡ªa top-tier idol. "Relax, Uncle! I trained in Shaolin as a kid! Still got ͯ×ÓÄò (virgin¡¯s urine), haven¡¯t lost my powers yet!" "I¡¯m super strong! Even if we see a bear, I¡¯ll knock it out!" To "prove" himself, Cai Yifan flexed his "muscles." Yes, he had gone to Shaolin. But he left after less than a month. Back then, he thought the experience was worthless. After he became famous, however, his agency repackaged it into: "Shaolin-trained, pure-hearted.""Martial arts background, strong physique.""Disciplined, resilient, hardworking." To sell the image, his company even trained him for a month in stage-fighting. Didn¡¯t matter if it looked **weak¡ª**as long as it looked good. His brain-dead fans wouldn¡¯t know the difference. Sometimes, even he himself started to believe he was some kind of martial arts master. That¡¯s why every time he led a team in online games, he¡¯d always tell the support: "Relax, I¡¯m strong. Just follow my lead." Then, five minutes later¡ªdead. But still, he felt great about himself. Cai Yifan: The Eternal Feeder. The guide didn¡¯t want to argue. Instead, he gave Director Zhang a questioning look. The director paid him. If the director approved, he¡¯d step aside. Director Zhang frowned. What was Cai Yifan up to now? At worst, he was probably just trying to fix his image. Since Cai Yifan¡¯s agency had a deal with Pineapple TV, Zhang reluctantly decided to let him have this one chance. "Let him." The guide nodded and moved to the back. This was actually the second most important position. Predators, like wolves, often follow large groups from behind, waiting for an opening. But clearly, no one in the production team considered this possibility. Meanwhile, the live chat was split into factions. ¡¾Fan-ge leading the team? So brave! (But not as handsome as Bald-ge~)¡¿ ¡¾Fan-ge and Huai¡¯an-ge together? Best ship ever!¡¿ ¡¾Huai¡¯an-ge is the handsomest! Smelly Fan-fans, stay away!¡¿ ¡¾Hey! I love both Fan-ge AND Huai¡¯an-ge! Can¡¯t I support both?!¡¿ ¡¾Exactly! Huai¡¯an-ge, we love you too~¡¿ Chen Huai¡¯an had no idea that his fanbase was growing at lightning speed. Nor that his new fans were already fighting with Cai Yifan¡¯s. The weird thing? The fighting was incredibly weak. Cai Yifan¡¯s fans hesitated. Because deep down, even they weren¡¯t sure they wanted to fight back. After all¡ª This bald guy was just too damn handsome. He looked like he had divine blessings stacked on top of divine blessings. There was nothing to criticize. Even trying to insult him felt wrong. Every time they looked at his face, their aggression melted away. All they wanted to do¡­ was watch. Just watch. Peacefully. Like monks in meditation. Cai Yifan took full advantage of his leader role. "Keep pushing forward, everyone!" he called out, arms spread wide. "At this pace, how long will it take to reach the top?" "Don¡¯t you all want to see the first sunrise from Tianmen Mountain?" "One, two, three¡ªcharge!" He sped up. The cameraman, desperate not to lose him, ran after him. The other celebrities, afraid of losing screen time, forced themselves to keep up. Su Xingchen almost followed too¡ªbut then she glanced at Chen Huai¡¯an¡¯s cane. Her heart softened. "An-ge, are you okay? Do you need help?" "I¡¯m fine," Chen Huai¡¯an smiled. "I¡¯m used to my cane by now. Honestly, I might be faster than you." Because¡ª He was a superhuman. Did he need help? Absolutely not. He picked up his pace. His right leg felt incredibly strong tonight¡ªlike it had unlimited energy. Su Xingchen watched in shock as he overtook her. ¡­Was this the speed of a disabled man? She felt a brief suspicion¡ªbut it quickly turned into self-reproach. "He¡¯s probably just forcing himself for our sake¡­ He must be in pain!" "I¡¯m crying, QAQ!" Up ahead, Cai Yifan¡¯s eyes glinted. "He¡¯s taking the bait." "Just as I expected," he thought. "If he¡¯s faking his condition¡­ people will notice." And I¡¯ll expose him. Meanwhile, above them, hidden in the trees¡­ A middle-school-aged girl sat lazily on a branch, a backpack hooked on her shoe. The wind rustled the leaves. She sniffed the air¡ª Her eyes flashed cold. "Sh*t. Something¡¯s coming." ¡­ Chapter 64: A Tap on the Shoulder Chapter 64 ¨C A Tap on the Shoulder "Fan-ge, slow down a bit!" "Yeah, Fan-ge, you trained when you were a kid, but we didn¡¯t!" Song Zichen and Wang Yitao were even weaker than Cai Yifan. At first, they could barely keep up. Later, they fell behind¡ªeven lagging behind Chen Huai¡¯an and the two female guests. But they didn¡¯t want to miss screen time, so they forced themselves to run until they were completely out of breath. Meanwhile, Cai Yifan was struggling too. His face was pale, his forehead dripping with sweat. He was exhausted¡ªbut for the sake of exposing Chen Huai¡¯an, he pushed on. Seeing that the moment was ripe, he finally stopped to catch his breath. Then, pointing at Song Zichen and Wang Yitao, he mocked them. "You two grown men¡ªcan you even keep up?!" "Look at Chen Huai¡¯an. He¡¯s disabled, yet he¡¯s climbing better than both of you." "And he¡¯s not even sweating." At first glance, this sounded like praise. But in reality, he was calling attention to something unnatural. And everyone noticed. Song Zichen and Wang Yitao stared at Chen Huai¡¯an. ¡­It was true. They had been climbing for over half an hour. Everyone was panting and sweating. Even the professional mountaineer guide was perspiring. But Chen Huai¡¯an? Not a single drop of sweat. His breathing was steady. He was completely unaffected. The realization spread through the group. They exchanged glances. Something wasn¡¯t right. Only Su Xingchen remained clueless, instead smiling brightly. "Huai¡¯an-ge, your endurance is amazing! Such willpower!" Director Zhang, meanwhile, had seen Chen Huai¡¯an¡¯s medical reports. He knew Chen Huai¡¯an¡¯s cancer was real. His condition had even worsened to late stage. As for whether there was any hope of a cure¡ªhe didn¡¯t know. He only knew that Chen Huai¡¯an¡¯s illness was severe. But even he was surprised at how effortlessly Chen Huai¡¯an was keeping up. As a director, his job wasn¡¯t to investigate the truth. It was to keep the show running. So, with expert timing, he suddenly interrupted. "Shh¡ª" He put on his most serious face and whispered, "Do you hear that?" The cameraman zoomed in. Everyone¡¯s attention immediately shifted. Director Zhang deepened his voice. "It¡¯s¡­ a wolf howl." Wolf howl?! The two female guests immediately tensed. It made sense¡ªthis was the mountains. Wolves were a real possibility. Even though Tianmen Mountain had been developed into a tourist attraction, its wild nature still existed beneath the surface. If they had taken the main tourist route, encountering a wolf would be extremely unlikely. But they were on a side path. And it was nighttime. The staff knew Director Zhang was just diverting attention. They held back their laughter. Truly, a seasoned director¡ªquick on his feet. Besides, even if a wolf showed up, they had nothing to fear. They had so many people. And if things really went south¡ª They could just pile into the backup van and drive away. A wolf couldn¡¯t outrun a van. "I didn¡¯t hear any wolves." Cai Yifan wasn¡¯t letting go of this. He smirked and said, "But hey, even if there¡¯s a wolf, what¡¯s there to fear?" "I¡¯m here, after all! I¡¯ve trained before! And worst case, we have Huai¡¯an-ge¡ªhe¡¯s probably some hidden expert!" Director Zhang laughed. "You?" He chuckled darkly, then added in a low, chilling voice: "I¡¯m not talking about normal wolves." His voice grew ominous. "I¡¯m talking about Tianmen Mountain¡¯s ''Shoulder-Tapping Wolf.''" The Shoulder-Tapping Wolf. An infamous legend. According to myth, these wolves were exceptionally cunning. They only hunted at night. They would silently sneak behind their prey¡­ Then, they would rise on two legs¡­ And gently press down on the victim¡¯s shoulder. The moment the prey turned around¡ª Their head would be bitten off. The group exhaled in relief. "Oh, it¡¯s just a story," someone muttered. sea??h th§× N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Wang Lulu rolled her eyes. "Director, you really love messing with people," she scolded, patting her ample chest. Su Xingchen also relaxed. She hated wolves. Not just wolves¡ªshe was scared of dogs and cats too. Oddly enough, she wasn¡¯t that afraid of bugs or snakes. Cai Yifan laughed mockingly. "Director, I¡¯m 1.9 meters tall. What kind of wolf can reach my shoulders?" Height had always been his pride. He would brag about it every chance he got. "If a wolf can tap my shoulder, it¡¯d have to be 2.5 meters tall." "The biggest wolf in the world is only 2 meters max." "And that¡¯s not even in our country." Just then¡ª A long, eerie howl echoed through the mountains. Awoooooo¡ª! The night fell silent. Even the insects and birds stopped making noise. The group froze in fear. Director Zhang was stunned. He had been making it up¡ª But now, a real wolf had answered. Cai Yifan¡¯s neck stiffened. A chill ran down his spine. He slowly turned¡ª But there was nothing there. The howl had come from far away. It wasn¡¯t a direct threat. He wiped the cold sweat from his forehead and laughed nervously. "Heh¡­ I scared myself." The moment he said that¡ª His shoulders suddenly felt heavy. Something had just pressed down on him. Two large, heavy ''hands'' settled firmly on his shoulders. ¡­ Meanwhile, deep in the forest¡­ A small figure darted through the trees like lightning. The thick underbrush didn¡¯t slow her down at all. She moved like a martial arts master. ¡­Even though she was wearing a middle school uniform. "AAAAAHHHH!!" A piercing scream shattered the stillness of the night. The girl''s expression darkened. Her steady steps faltered slightly. "Damn it! Who the hell is hiking the side path at night?!" She had no choice. She had to intervene. This was her duty. Ever since the Spiritual Qi Revival began ten years ago¡ª As a civilian demon slayer¡ª This was her responsibility. The hunt had begun. ¡­ Chapter 65: Does He Have a Plan? Chapter 65: Does He Have a Plan? The 1.9-meter-tall Cai Yifan had been foolish his whole life, but today, he finally had a moment of clarity. Maybe it was because of the folklore that Director Zhang mentioned, but the instant he felt something press down on his shoulder, his first reaction wasn¡¯t to turn around. Instead, he crouched low and rolled on the spot, scrambling back to the group in a mix of tumbling and crawling. When he got back on his feet, he finally saw what was behind him. ¡ªIt was a massive wolf, standing upright on its hind legs. From a rough estimate, its body length had reached at least 2.5 meters. Its entire form was wrapped in thick, black fur, yet its body appeared oddly twisted. Its head was enormous, with a mouth so wide it looked like it could swallow a truck tire whole. However, its limbs were disturbingly thin, and in its eerie green eyes, reflected the terrified faces of the people around it¡ªeyes filled with killing intent and hunger. The sight of this monstrous wolf made the crew¡¯s scalps tingle with fear. Not a single one of them could utter a sound. Except for one. ¡°Wow~¡± Chen Huai¡¯an murmured. His casual remark instantly disrupted the atmosphere of terror. He genuinely wasn¡¯t doing it on purpose. He wasn¡¯t afraid at all¡ªin fact, he found it a little amusing. For some reason, he felt like this wolf wasn¡¯t all that impressive. In terms of sheer presence, it wasn¡¯t even worthy of carrying Daoist Qingxuan¡¯s or the Qingyun Patriarch¡¯s shoes. So when he saw this odd-looking wolf, instead of feeling instinctive fear, he actually thought it looked kind of funny¡ªits oversized head, its too-thin limbs, and its bizarre posture. It didn¡¯t have the overwhelming dominance and ferocity of a true demonic beast. Nor did it look like an ordinary wild animal. It gave off the vibe of a malformed runt¡ªlike some kind of mutant that had suffered from developmental issues. Did it drink too much nuclear wastewater or something? But then again, Tianmen Mountain wasn¡¯t anywhere near the ocean¡­ S~ea??h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Chen Huai¡¯an¡¯s casual ¡°Wow¡± snapped the mountain climber uncle back to reality. Swallowing hard, the older man kept his eyes on the slowly approaching monster wolf, forcibly calming himself. ¡°Nobody panic! If you ever encounter a wolf in the wild, never turn your back and run. Especially now¡ªwe outnumber it, and there¡¯s only one of them. It won¡¯t attack easily. We just need to back away slowly toward the van, and we¡¯ll be safe.¡± The van was less than 50 meters away¡ªnot far at all. But every step they took felt nerve-wracking, terrifying. ¡°Keep eye contact with it so it knows we¡¯re not afraid. But don¡¯t provoke it¡ªthat might set it off!¡± The uncle had some experience. The monster wolf clearly showed aggression but hadn¡¯t attacked yet, only baring its fangs and growling threateningly. The cameraman, ever professional, kept rolling. Whether or not this was part of the show, he kept his lens locked onto the beast. The livestream was still ongoing. Meanwhile, the chat had exploded. ¡¾Oh my god, that wolf is HUGE!¡¿ ¡¾This¡­ this is CGI, right? Just for the show?¡¿ ¡¾Huai¡¯an baby, come to Mama! Mama will protect you! T-T¡¿ ¡¾Is this real or staged? Someone call the cops!¡¿ ¡¾Xiao Fan-ge, I¡¯m sorry¡­ but between you and Huai¡¯an-ge, I still choose to worry about Huai¡¯an-ge¡­¡¿ ¡¾Wait, isn¡¯t Cai Yifan a Shaolin secular disciple? He¡¯s been practicing martial arts since childhood. Shouldn¡¯t taking down one wolf be a piece of cake?¡¿ ????£Â¨§???? ¡­ Song Zichen wasn¡¯t reading the comments, but he suddenly remembered what Cai Yifan had said earlier. Poking him in the waist, he whispered, ¡°Fan-ge, d-didn¡¯t you say you practiced martial arts since you were a kid? Go fight it off! Use your¡­ uh¡­ use your virgin urine to scare it away!¡± Cai Yifan was already on edge, and the unexpected poke to his waist sent him over the limit. He turned and shrieked at Song Zichen, ¡°Martial arts, my ass! You¡¯re the one who trained! Your whole family trained! You expect me to fight a damn monster that big? Are you insane, or am I?!¡± The uncle shielding the group turned pale. Idiot! he cursed inwardly. The giant wolf had been observing them cautiously. But Cai Yifan and Song Zichen¡¯s shouting was like a lit fuse to a powder keg¡ªit instantly enraged the beast. Its body hunched, dropping to all fours in a pouncing stance. The uncle¡¯s heart nearly stopped. He spun around and shouted, ¡°RUN! Get to the van!¡± But the monster wolf was even faster. In a blur, it lunged¡ªsending Song Zichen and Zhang Lulu flying. The beast landed in the middle of the group, throwing back its head in a chilling howl. Anyone with a bit of knowledge could tell¡ªit was calling for reinforcements. Sure enough, the nearby bushes rustled, and a second monster wolf, slightly smaller, leaped out. Now there were two. Their predatory gazes locked onto the group, effectively splitting them into two factions. One group was close to the van. The other¡­ was trapped outside. And unluckily, Chen Huai¡¯an was in the latter. Along with him were Su Xingchen and the main camera operator. Su Xingchen and the cameraman were completely despairing. There was no way they could get past the wolves to the van. And Zhang¡¯s group couldn¡¯t risk their lives to save them. What now? As panic set in, one person remained perfectly calm. Chen Huai¡¯an. ¡°Aim for the skies, Superman,¡± he whispered to himself. His cancer cells and boundless potential surged within him, resonating with his life force. He could hear them. His cold, sharp eyes locked onto the wolf demon, filled with contempt and confidence. Did these beasts even realize who they were dealing with? Chen Huai¡¯an¡ªImmortal Chen¡ªthe one who had once smashed through Qingyun Sect¡¯s gates with a single sword strike, reducing them to rubble. Even the despicable Qingxuan Old Dog had been forced to kneel in the sect¡¯s central plaza, unable to move. And this oversized, malformed mutt thought it could intimidate him? Su Xingchen noticed Chen Huai¡¯an¡¯s eerie composure. Does he have a plan? he wondered. Then, he saw Huai¡¯an lower his stance, set his footing, and raise his cane¡ªpointing it straight at the monster wolf. And with his free hand, he curled a finger, beckoning the beast forward. Su Xingchen: ¡°¡­¡± No¡­ no, wait! Don¡¯t underestimate Huai¡¯an-ge! Maybe¡­ maybe he really knows martial arts! Hope flickered in Su Xingchen¡¯s heart. Yes! Huai¡¯an-ge had terminal cancer and was disabled. If he hadn¡¯t tempered his body through rigorous training, how could he still be standing? How could he have climbed Tianmen Mountain so effortlessly? The answer was obvious. The monster wolf snarled at the provocation and leaped. Su Xingchen squeezed his eyes shut in terror. But in a flash, Chen Huai¡¯an¡¯s cane shot forward like a dragon¡ªbrimming with killing intent, even carrying a hint of sword momentum! Fast! Precise! Ruthless! His cane struck the wolf¡¯s head. CRACK! ¡­Was that its skull breaking? Su Xingchen cracked open one eye¡ªonly to see two broken halves of the cane on the ground. ¡­Oh. It was Huai¡¯an-ge¡¯s cane that shattered. Yet, Chen Huai¡¯an still stood tall before them, an unbreakable fortress. Did he have another plan? Su Xingchen and the cameraman stared at Huai¡¯an¡¯s back, waiting. Chen Huai¡¯an slowly turned. With a kind, yet tragic smile, he softly spoke: ¡°Stop staring¡­¡± ¡°ENEMY SHAMED, RETREAT IMMEDIATELY!!!¡± Chapter 66: A True Powerhouse Chapter 66: A True Powerhouse The monster wolf was stunned by that cane strike. It shook its head a few times before finally regaining its senses. It couldn¡¯t understand. There was no way an ordinary human could dodge its pounce. Yet this human had stopped it with just a wooden stick? What confused it even more was¡ª At the moment that stick came down, it felt something. A terrifying shiver down its spine, a chilling sensation that told it if that stick had been a sword, its head would already be on the ground. Was this human¡­ strong? The wolf stared at the three fleeing figures, its eyes filled with doubt. If this human was that strong, why was he running? So he wasn¡¯t strong. That strike just now must¡¯ve been a fluke! Chase! The wolf figured it out. It was fast¡ªjust a few strides, and it had already closed in on Chen Huai¡¯an from behind. Its glowing eyes locked onto the back of the human¡¯s neck, gleaming brighter with excitement. On Chen Huai¡¯an¡¯s back, a shadowy black dragon wavered between illusion and reality, slowly becoming more distinct. Then, in a flash¡ª Chen Huai¡¯an accidentally stepped on a rock. His body instantly lost balance, and two Thunderfire Talismans slipped from his chest, falling to the ground. At the same time, his right leg reflexively swung backward. The unexpected kick landed right under the wolf¡¯s chin. CRACK! BOOM! A sharp, sickening snap rang out¡ª The wolf¡¯s jaw shattered. A massive force blasted the creature into the air, sending it tumbling deep into the bushes. Meanwhile, Chen Huai¡¯an landed flat on his back. Su Xingchen and the cameraman, who had been running ahead, saw the scene and immediately rushed back to help him up. ¡°Don¡¯t! Just keep running!¡± Chen Huai¡¯an¡¯s face was pale from pain. He didn¡¯t even know what he had kicked, but his right foot felt like it had fractured. He still thought the wolf was chasing him. ¡°No way! We¡¯re not leaving you behind¡ªlet¡¯s go while it¡¯s still down!¡± Su Xingchen and the cameraman grabbed him from both sides and started dragging him forward. Chen Huai¡¯an finally turned his head¡ª Only to see¡­ nothing behind them. Empty. Huh? He could have sworn that wolf was right on top of him just now. So where did it go? Weird. Really weird. Meanwhile, in the bushes¡­ The monster wolf with its shattered jaw staggered to its feet. Compared to the cane strike earlier, its head felt even more dazed now. Its ears buzzed, and its lower jaw throbbed with agony¡ªlike it had been slammed by one of those human iron boxes. ??????£Ï?????? This pain only ignited its fury. Its eerie green eyes slowly turned red. Heavy breaths escaped its throat, and its body began to expand, its thick fur bristling like steel needles. Ever since it had gained higher intelligence, no human had ever made it feel this much pain. The last time it felt this way was when it got hit by a damn iron box. Humans. They all deserve to die. This mountain was supposed to belong to them. Now, it was just a playground for humans to hike and sightsee. They had been forced deeper into the forests, always on the lookout for those high-speed iron boxes. Why?! ¡°Awooooo¡ª¡ª!¡± The wolf howled, bursting from the bushes. It emerged in full glory, its kingly presence commanding fear and respect, bloodlust surging. The darkness of the night seemed to embrace it, as if cheering for its vengeance. It would make the humans pay for their humiliation. Locking onto their scent, the wolf bolted forward at lightning speed. Then, it stepped on one of the fallen Thunderfire Talismans. Huh? BOOOOOOM¡ª¡ª! Back with Chen Huai¡¯an¡­ He suddenly froze. That thunderclap just now¡­ sounded familiar. Like he had heard it somewhere before. ¡°Why is there thunder?¡± Su Xingchen also felt something was off. ¡°It was sunny just now¡­ and why does the wind smell like something¡¯s burning?¡± Dragging along an adult was exhausting. Su Xingchen and the cameraman were quickly running out of strength. Fortunately, they spotted a small wooden hut nearby. The three of them rushed in and slammed the door shut. Chen Huai¡¯an leaned against the door, sitting down. ¡­His foot didn¡¯t hurt anymore. But since he was technically supposed to be a disabled person, he figured he should keep up appearances. Wouldn¡¯t want the show to find out and make him pay back the compensation, right? ¡°Huai¡¯an-ge, why are you sitting by the door? That¡¯s dangerous.¡± Su Xingchen moved to pull him further inside. But Chen Huai¡¯an simply raised a hand, stopping him. His expression was calm as he spoke: ¡°If that wolf comes, at least I can buy you two some time to escape through the window. I don¡¯t have much time left to live anyway. You saved my life, so naturally, I¡¯ll return the favor.¡± Su Xingchen¡¯s eyes turned red again. He sniffled and pouted, sitting beside Chen Huai¡¯an. ¡°Huai¡¯an-ge, you¡¯re too nice. I already called the police¡ªeveryone¡¯s gonna be okay!¡± Chen Huai¡¯an nodded casually. ¡°You flatter me. I¡¯m just an ordinary person.¡± He reached for his phone, about to open a game¡ª Sear?h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Then he saw the camera lens still aimed at him. Chen Huai¡¯an¡¯s face froze. ¡°¡­Wait. You¡¯re still recording?!¡± The sweat-drenched cameraman grinned, showing a set of pearly whites. ¡°Heh¡­ Professionalism.¡± Five Minutes Ago¡­ ¡°AAAAAH! WOLF! THE WOLF IS EATING PEOPLE!!¡± ¡°HAHAHA! WOLF! IT¡¯S HERE! HAHAHA¡ª¡± Cai Yifan twitched uncontrollably on the twisted, half-destroyed van door. The others were huddled in terror inside the wrecked van. Not far away lay a gigantic wolf¡ªdead in a pool of blood. Its body had expanded to four meters. A true colossus. At first, they thought hiding in the van would save them. They didn¡¯t expect the wolf to treat the van like a toy it could rip apart. Standing next to its corpse was a schoolgirl. She held a spear in one hand. Blood dripped from its tip, mixed with yellow-white brain matter. ¡ªWolf brains. Lin Lingling wiped the blood from her face, expressionless. She glanced at Cai Yifan. His leg was mangled, and his mind had clearly snapped. He kept muttering nonsense. ¡°¡­Tch. A Shaolin secular disciple? With this level of mental resilience?¡± Lin Lingling scoffed. The fact that she once idolized him disgusted her now. Ever since she became a Demon Slayer, celebrities had lost all meaning. Stars? Nothing. This world was far more thrilling than she had ever imagined. It just hadn¡¯t fully erupted yet. For now, to keep society stable, everything was still covered up. But truth couldn¡¯t stay hidden forever. ¡°Uh¡­ Miss Hero?¡± Director Zhang hesitated, choosing his words carefully. ¡°A second wolf¡­ chased after three people. They ran west. Please, save them.¡± ¡°¡­WHAT?! YOU¡¯RE JUST TELLING ME NOW?!¡± Lin Lingling¡¯s eyes widened in rage. She rushed west¡ª Then, suddenly¡ª A blinding light flashed across the sky. ¡°BOOOOOOM¡ª¡ª!¡± Lin Lingling froze. Her eyes widened as she saw thunder crash down from the heavens. The wolf demon¡¯s aura vanished instantly. ¡°¡­A powerhouse.¡± Lin Lingling felt the righteous force within that lightning. She immediately knew¡ª Not only was there another Demon Slayer¡­ They were a damn big shot. Chapter 67: I’ve Got More Chapter 67: I¡¯ve Got More Lin Lingling followed the path of the lightning strike. Finally, in a five-meter-wide crater, she found the charred corpse of the wolf demon. ¡°Its jawbone is shattered¡­ Based on the fracture pattern, it looks like it was hit by a blunt weapon. That means the powerhouse¡¯s weapon was probably a hammer or a staff.¡± Since a bigshot had already handled the situation and there was no scent of human blood, it meant the missing three were safe. So, without any burden on her conscience, Lin Lingling crouched down and began studying the wolf¡¯s corpse. She reached out, picked up a wolf bone, and lightly pinched it¡ª It crumbled into dust. Her pupils contracted. ¡°A lightning-based attack¡­ and with this much power¡­ Could it be¡­ a General-level slayer?!¡± But there were only a handful of Generals in the world! Lin Lingling was shocked by her own deduction. Currently, Demon Slayers were ranked into four levels: White, Scholar, Soldier, and General. She was only at White-level, which meant she was considered a civilian Demon Slayer. Civilians could take missions but weren¡¯t officially employed. It was similar to being a bounty hunter¡ªno forced assignments, work was voluntary, and killing demons for profit was fair game. However, if you overestimated yourself and got killed¡­ well, tough luck. No one was coming to collect your body. Lin Lingling had been paying for her tuition with money earned from slaying demons. Otherwise, who knew where she¡¯d be right now? Probably screwing bolts in some sketchy sweatshop. Her ultimate goal? To become an officially recognized Demon Slayer¡ªonly then would she gain access to the real secrets of this world. S§×ar?h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. ¡°Hmm? What¡¯s this?¡± She bent down and picked up a piece of yellow paper. It was lying just three meters from the wolf¡¯s corpse. Intricate vermillion symbols were drawn on it¡ªrunes that pulsed with latent thunder energy. The moment she realized what she was holding, her fingers trembled. If she had demonic energy in her, she¡¯d probably be incinerated on the spot. ¡°So the lightning earlier¡­ came from this talisman.¡± Lin Lingling inhaled sharply. If the powerhouse was able to unleash that level of destruction just by using a talisman¡­ This was unprecedented. Even the strongest Demon Slayer in Huaxia couldn¡¯t pull off something like that. Who the hell was this person?! She steadied herself and continued following the footprints. Finally, near the wolf¡¯s corpse, she found an old, abandoned ranger¡¯s cabin. Inside the Cabin¡­ ¡°Why hasn¡¯t the wolf shown up yet?¡± ¡°Huai¡¯an-ge, how can you say that?!¡± Su Xingchen turned pale. The cameraman was speechless. ¡°What, are you looking forward to it?¡± ¡°No, it¡¯s just¡ªaccording to the Law of Balanced Danger, if we¡¯re safe, it means the other group is probably in trouble.¡± Chen Huai¡¯an rubbed his chin and said casually, ¡°Those two wolves were huge. Do you really think Zhang and the others could survive just by hiding in the van?¡± ?????£Î¨®?????? At his words, Su Xingchen and the cameraman¡¯s expressions darkened. Right¡­ If the van crew was dead, wouldn¡¯t they be next? How could they outrun these beasts in the middle of a mountain wilderness? Just then¡ª Creak¡ª The cabin door slowly swung open. Moonlight poured in, casting a huge shadow on the wall. But it wasn¡¯t a wolf. It was¡­ a girl. Lin Lingling stood in the doorway, illuminated by the moon, and examined the three people inside. Two men and one woman. One bald guy, one innocent-looking young woman, and one buff cameraman. None of them looked like a powerhouse. They had no aura of inner strength. So the bigshot wasn¡¯t here? Her eyes flickered with doubt. Had the powerhouse already left? As expected of a General-level Demon Slayer. Come and go without a trace¡ªa mere rookie like her couldn¡¯t even detect them. ¡°Little sister, there are wolves outside. Hurry in and hide.¡± Seeing a cute schoolgirl, Su Xingchen let out a sigh of relief. Though¡­ why was she carrying a long spear on her back? Cosplay? Whatever. As long as she wasn¡¯t a wolf, that was good enough. ¡°The wolves are already dead.¡± Lin Lingling¡¯s spear was still dripping blood, but her face remained emotionless as she spoke in a trembling, frightened tone: ¡°Oh no, I was just hiking, and then I saw a wolf¡¯s corpse¡­ I panicked and ran here¡­ I¡¯m so scared~¡± Su Xingchen: ¡°¡­¡± This girl is suspicious as hell. Meanwhile, Chen Huai¡¯an¡¯s gaze locked onto her. His eyes scanned her up and down before stopping at her hand. Then, he blinked. ¡°Little sister, where did you find that talisman?¡± Lin Lingling froze. She looked at Chen Huai¡¯an. Then she looked again. And again. And again¡ª Until she was staring hard. Holy shit. He¡¯s¡­ he¡¯s really freaking hot. When she first entered, she hadn¡¯t paid attention. Now that she looked closer¡­ she wanted to superglue her eyes to his face. But she was a dignified Demon Slayer! She forcefully suppressed her internal fangirl meltdown, coughed twice, and responded with a straight face: ¡°Talisman? No idea what you¡¯re talking about. That¡¯s just¡­ my keychain.¡± Demon Slayers were sometimes forced into public exposure. In the past, monsters were rare, so they had to completely conceal their identities, often making civilians sign non-disclosure agreements. Later, authorities even developed memory-erasing drugs. But these days, monsters were everywhere. Secrecy was becoming impossible, and those drugs were too expensive to hand out like candy. So, unless the monster looked completely unnatural, the official narrative was simple: ¡°It mutated from drinking seawater.¡± And Demon Slayers? They were just ¡°highly skilled martial artists.¡± Sometimes, they worked alongside security forces and were called Special Operations Agents. Bottom line¡ªthe public could never know the truth. So, naturally, her first instinct was to deny everything. Unfortunately¡ª ¡°¡­But this talisman should be mine, right?¡± To prove his point, Chen Huai¡¯an reached into his jacket pocket¡ª And pulled out a wrinkled Thunderfire Talisman. Keychain, my ass. This schoolgirl might look pure and innocent, but she was a straight-up liar. Lin Lingling: ¡°?¡± ¡°Look, I¡¯ve got more.¡± Chen Huai¡¯an casually pulled out five more talismans. Lin Lingling: ¡°???¡± ¡­ ¡­ Chapter 68: Your Virtual Girlfriend Has Joined the Sword Pavilion Chapter 68: Your Virtual Girlfriend Has Joined the Sword Pavilion The Tianmen Mountain trip ended in a complete mess. Cai Yifan was traumatized into insanity¡ªhis title as a Shaolin secular disciple had turned into a joke. Song Zichen and Wang Yitao¡¯s public image shattered beyond repair¡ªtwo grown men had been more cowardly than a young girl when facing danger. Thanks to the cameraman¡¯s dedication, Su Xingchen¡¯s reputation as a kind-hearted lamb skyrocketed, going viral online. Zhang Lulu, while not particularly impressive, still gained moderate popularity. But the real internet sensation, the one dominating discussions, was¡ª The middle school girl who fought a wolf with her bare hands. The impossibly handsome, effortlessly calm, and terrifyingly composed "National First Male God"¡ªChen Huai¡¯an. (Of course, "National First Male God" was just a nickname given by netizens.) Despite the accident on the show, the incident boosted its ratings dramatically. And since no one died, the internet quickly downplayed the danger¡ªinstead, the main takeaway became the ridiculous expressions of the male celebrities. Chen Huai¡¯an¡¯s face became a meme as well¡ª But because he had been so calm, there were no ugly or embarrassing screenshots. Every single meme of him looked insanely cool. Hotel Front Desk Receptionist A: "The hottie from Room 418 is back!" Receptionist B: "Really?! This morning, I even sent Auntie to check, and he wasn¡¯t here yet~" Receptionist A: "So, should we send him a green bubble message?" Receptionist B: "Ugh, I¡¯m just a hotel receptionist. He¡¯d never be interested in me." Standing in front of the counter, Lin Lingling was speechless. She was short, barely taller than the counter itself. And with the 32-inch monitors sitting on the counter, her entire lower face was blocked from view. ¡°Excuse me, I¡¯d like to book Room 417.¡± Lin Lingling raised her ID card with both hands. Receptionist A: "Oh, come on, you¡¯re not bad-looking. What if he actually likes you?" Lin Lingling: ¡°Excuse me, I¡¯d like to book Room 417!¡± Receptionist B: "But I weigh almost 180 pounds¡­" Receptionist A: "That¡¯s fine! Curvy girls are trendy now~" Lin Lingling had had enough. She took a deep breath and snapped¡ª "YOU HEARD ME?! I SAID I WANT ROOM 417!!!" The two receptionists finally noticed her. "Ah, sorry, little sister. Room 417 is already taken~" "¡­What about 419?" "419 is available." "I¡¯ll book it for a month. Swipe my card." sea??h th§× n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Lin Lingling, expressionless, slammed her bank card onto the desk. After checking in, she wordlessly dragged her huge suitcase into the elevator. As the elevator doors closed, Lin Lingling thought back to last night. After confirming that Chen Huai¡¯an¡¯s talismans were 100% real, her first reaction was: Chen Huai¡¯an must be the hidden expert. But something felt off. Chen Huai¡¯an had no inner force¡ªjust a regular person. He failed every single test. On the way down the mountain, she had asked if he was General-ranked. Chen Huai¡¯an had looked at her like she was an idiot and replied¡ª Still unconvinced, she tried giving him coded phrases. She said: (The correct response was: ) Chen Huai¡¯an, instead, responded: She tried again: (The correct response was: ) Chen Huai¡¯an¡¯s answer? ¡­A total disaster. His completely clueless expression told her¡ª This absurdly handsome man had zero knowledge about the Demon Slayer Bureau. But then¡­ where did he get those talismans? Who was he? Did he even know how to use them? Maybe he was just a random civilian who stumbled upon some powerful artifacts? As a Demon Slayer, besides exterminating demons, she had another mission: To identify civilians affected by Spiritual Qi Revival. Some of them could become allies¡ªthey needed to be informed about the Demon Slayer Bureau.Some of them could turn into dangerous threats. Lately, serial murder cases had been rising. Some were committed by monsters¡ªbut many were by humans who had gained unnatural powers. And these humans were often far more terrifying than the demons. She had returned the talismans to Chen Huai¡¯an. (Even with her adorable youthful face, she couldn¡¯t get away with stealing them.) But she wasn¡¯t about to let him go. That¡¯s why she booked the room next to his. To find out what he really was. If he was just a random civilian, she would buy back those dangerous items. (And, yes, she definitely wanted them for herself.) Standing at the door of Room 419, Lin Lingling turned to look at Room 418. The door was shut tight. A talisman was firmly stuck to it. ¡ªThe exact same Thunderfire Talisman that had killed the wolf demon. ¡°What the hell?! DOES HE EVEN KNOW HOW TO USE THEM?!¡± Lin Lingling clawed at her head, feeling like she was about to lose her mind. What if he was actually a high-level expert on a secret mission? Wouldn¡¯t she just be barging into his business? ¡°¡­Forget it. I¡¯ll just stay here for a few days and observe.¡± Meanwhile, in Room 418¡­ Chen Huai¡¯an split his fresh Cao¡¯s Spicy Duck with Baji. Then, plugging in his phone, he booted up his Virtual Girlfriend app. Last night had been a mess. After everything, he had to spend half the night in the police bureau. Why? Apparently, getting attacked by wild animals required a formal police report, complete with heavy security presence, as if it had been a terrorist attack. £Ò¨¤?????????¨º? An eye-opening experience, to say the least. Chen Huai¡¯an muttered to himself. Lingxi Valley. A sect full of beautiful women. Surely, he¡¯d get to feast his eyes on some stunning beauties, right? But when he opened the game¡ª It was a wasteland. Ruins. Broken pillars. Desolation everywhere. This¡­ was Lingxi Valley? The famous sect of female healers? The sect plaque was shattered, the inscription barely readable. Chen Huai¡¯an slowly typed a question mark. Then, a game notification popped up: ¡¾Your Virtual Girlfriend, Li Qingran, has joined the sect: ¡°Sword Pavilion.¡±¡¿ ¡¾Sword Pavilion ¨C A sect entirely composed of Sword Cultivators. Due to the nature of Sword Cultivation, this sect is known as the poorest sect in Cangyun Realm.¡¿ Chen Huai¡¯an: ¡°¡­¡± Heavenly Divination! Get out here! I demand a disability refund! Chapter 69: Chen Huai’an Is a Grand Elder?! Chapter 69: Chen Huai¡¯an Is a Grand Elder?! Half a Day Earlier¡ª ¡°Disciple Qingran greets the Sect Master!¡± Li Qingran bowed gracefully to Su Qinian. She had successfully passed all the Sword Pavilion''s assessments and officially joined. Only now did she realize that, in order to snatch Spirit Stones, the four elders of the Sword Pavilion had all been deployed. The one who had flown her here was Senior Sister Yue Qianchi, Su Qinian¡¯s direct disciple, wielder of the Xuanwu Sword. The Sword Pavilion had few disciples, and its buildings were old and run-down. Everything reeked of poverty. Along the way, she saw no more than a hundred disciples, and many of them seemed¡­ a bit eccentric. ¡°Hahaha, no need to be so formal, Qingran! Now that you¡¯re in our Sword Pavilion, you¡¯re family!¡± Su Qinian stroked his beard and led Li Qingran to the sect¡¯s main square, smiling as he spoke: ¡°I tricked you into thinking this was Qingyun Sect earlier¡ªhad no choice. Too many people were watching, and we just pulled off a big heist. Couldn¡¯t risk exposure.¡± Li Qingran wasn¡¯t comfortable with the idea of robbing others. Though the Sword Pavilion hadn¡¯t harmed anyone, it still wasn¡¯t the right thing to do. But when she thought about how this might be her master¡¯s sect, she let go of her reservations. She even started understanding Su Qinian¡¯s actions. As a prestigious sect known for its sword cultivation, they wouldn¡¯t resort to this if they had a choice. Clearly, they had been desperate. This was probably a one-time thing. Once the Sword Pavilion got through this crisis, it wouldn¡¯t happen again. Until¡­ A short, chubby elder named Yuan Sanshi spoke up: ¡°Sect Master, this haul was amazing! We got over a hundred thousand low-grade Spirit Stones¡ªshould last us for a while. Who do we rob next?¡± Su Qinian didn¡¯t even hesitate. ¡°A month from now, Zhongzhou Secret Realm. We hit them again. Thoughts?¡± The elders beamed with joy and cupped their hands. ¡°Sect Master is wise!¡± Li Qingran: ¡°¡­¡­¡± ¡­She took back everything she just thought. Sect Introductions Since they had kidnapped Li Qingran, they now had to take responsibility. Su Qinian had the elders line up and introduced them: ¡°Qingran, our Sword Pavilion has six peaks: Xuanwu Peak (My Peak) ¨C Practices the Xuanwu Sword Intent, a heavy sword style that splits mountains and shatters boulders. Lingyun Peak (Elder Yuan¡¯s) ¨C Masters the First Momentum Sword, carrying the power to dominate vast lands. Cangjian Peak (Elder Li¡¯s) ¨C Masters the Hidden Sword Technique¡ªa sword that remains sheathed until it must taste blood. Luoshuang Cliff (Elder Wang¡¯s) ¨C Masters the First Frost Sword, creating a bone-piercing chill that blankets the land in snow. Ruthless Peak (Elder Wu¡¯s) ¨C Masters the Ruthless Sword Intent, a blade that cuts not just flesh but also the soul. Wanjian Peak (No one¡¯s) ¨C Holds the legendary Stele of the Peerless Sword Intent, but since none of us cultivate it, it has no elder to guide you. Choose wisely.¡± ???????????????? Seeing Li Qingran looking dazed, Su Qinian stroked his beard and suggested: ¡°You have a Pure Water Spiritual Root and an Absolute-Grade Dantian. You¡¯re a once-in-ten-thousand-years prodigy. I suggest you join Elder Wang¡¯s Luoshuang Cliff. His Ice Soul Sword Technique is a perfect match for your Water Spiritual Root. You¡¯ll progress at lightning speed.¡± ¡°Also, never reveal your Absolute-Grade Dantian to anyone. Inside the Sword Pavilion, we can protect you. Outside¡­ people¡¯s hearts are sinister. It could bring disaster.¡± Li Qingran nodded. ¡°Disciple will remember.¡± When she first underwent the aptitude test, she had feared that her Absolute-Grade Dantian would draw trouble. To her surprise¡ª The Sect Master and elders were only briefly surprised. Later, she learned that over thirty disciples in the Sword Pavilion had graded Dantians. Senior Sister Yue Qianchi had a Second-Grade Dantian. Though an Absolute-Grade Dantian was incredibly rare, it wasn¡¯t shocking here. Sword Pavilion seemed unassuming because it avoided competition. It looked impoverished¡ªbut it hid deep power. Like a sheathed blade. Perhaps the only thing that could stir these sword maniacs¡¯ emotions¡­ was being broke. Even though the Sect Master¡¯s recommendation was excellent¡ªLi Qingran didn¡¯t forget her goal. She wanted to become a healer. To do that, she couldn¡¯t focus solely on sword cultivation. She couldn¡¯t follow an elder. Otherwise, if their views clashed, it would cause problems. So, she bowed and said: ¡°Disciple wishes to enter the Sixth Peak.¡± Su Qinian chuckled helplessly. ¡°You still wish to become a pill or healing cultivator?¡± Li Qingran lowered her head in silence. ¡°¡­Very well, then. The Sixth Peak it is.¡± He didn¡¯t force her, but he offered a parting remark: ¡°From the looks of your internal energy, you likely already have a master. I won¡¯t worry about you lacking a cultivation technique. The Sword Pavilion, despite its focus on swords, has deeper foundations than any sect in the Cangyun Realm. We may seem small and impoverished, but¡­ Once you enter the Scripture Pavilion, you¡¯ll see another world entirely.¡± Li Qingran didn¡¯t think he was exaggerating. The confidence and arrogance in his voice were undeniable. Her regret at not entering Lingxi Valley diminished greatly. Besides¡­ Maybe this place really was connected to her Master. S§×ar?h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Thinking of this, she couldn¡¯t help but ask¡ª ¡°Sect Master, if I may ask¡­ do you know any senior named Chen?¡± ¡°A Chen? A sword cultivator?¡± Su Qinian raised an eyebrow. ¡°Yes.¡± ¡°Ah¡­ Ahahaha¡­¡± Su Qinian glanced at her expectant eyes, his mind spinning. ¡°Of course! Grand Elder Chen was once our Sword Pavilion¡¯s Supreme Elder!¡± ¡°However, he left long ago. Even I don¡¯t know where he is. Probably off slaying demons for fun somewhere.¡± ¡°I see!¡± Li Qingran¡¯s heart filled with excitement. So this really was her Master¡¯s former sect! No wonder their sword styles were so similar! ¡°Train hard,¡± Su Qinian said. ¡°When Grand Elder Chen returns, I¡¯ll introduce you. He¡¯s very strict with his disciples. Only the strong are worthy of meeting him.¡± ¡°Yes! Disciple will remember!¡± Li Qingran bowed deeply, her face radiant with joy. ¡°Alright, go pick a cave residence with your Senior Sister.¡± Su Qinian gestured to Yue Qianchi. She understood immediately and led Li Qingran away. After They Left¡­ Elder Yuan: ¡°Sect Master¡­ Do we actually have a Grand Elder Chen?¡± Su Qinian: ¡°Hell no.¡± Elder Yuan: ¡°Then why did you¡­?¡± Su Qinian: ¡°She¡¯s an Absolute-Grade Dantian holder. If she trains seriously in swordsmanship, she has limitless potential. But she clearly had a master who focused on healing techniques. So I had to lie.¡± He gazed at the vast clouds beyond the mountain, eyes deep. ¡°This is the Era of Great Struggle. Only a sword at your waist can protect you. Healing and alchemy? If war erupts, all it takes is one enemy to burn down your clinic and smash your pill furnace¡ªand you¡¯ll be helpless. I did this to protect her.¡± The elders exchanged glances¡ªthen bowed deeply. ¡°Sect Master is wise!¡± Chapter 70: Choosing a Cave Residence Chapter 70: Choosing a Cave Residence ¡°Qingran, this is where we live in the Sword Pavilion!¡± Riding on a flying sword, Senior Sister Yue Qianchi pointed toward a towering ten-thousand-meter peak in the distance. Li Qingran looked closely and saw numerous man-made caves carved into the mountainside, along with small stone huts. Around these dwellings, some cultivators had their own spiritual fields, and the various plants and decorations displayed their personal tastes. For example¡ª One cultivator had planted chrysanthemums in front of their cave. Another had massive cacti covering the entrance. Though she hadn¡¯t met their owners, Li Qingran could already tell¡ªthese two must have completely opposite personalities. Seeing Qingran lost in thought, Yue Qianchi chuckled, assuming she found the mountain too shabby. She explained, ¡°Unlike other sects, our Sword Pavilion doesn¡¯t have many natural blessed lands. So, to increase Spiritual Qi concentration, Sect Master redirected the Qi from all the other peaks into this one. This means that, although we all live here together and it¡¯s a bit cramped, the cultivation conditions are much better. And besides, it¡¯s livelier this way!¡± Hearing this, Li Qingran nodded, admiration flickering in her eyes. The Sect Master must be a pragmatic person. He was willing to sacrifice the sect¡¯s reputation to prioritize the well-being of its disciples. Back when she was in Qingyun Sect, she had wondered¡ªwhy didn¡¯t the Sect Master just consolidate the Spiritual Qi into one area instead of letting the disciples compete with each other? She had once brought up the idea to Daoist Qingxuan. He had scolded her as a fool. he had said. But Li Qingran had always believed that a sect should be like a family¡ªunited, helping one another, not constantly fighting. Maybe she was just too naive. ¡°Junior Sister, you seem deep in thought. Something on your mind?¡± ¡°No.¡± Li Qingran met Yue Qianchi¡¯s clear eyes, her face turning slightly red as she lowered her head. ¡°Senior Sister, I think this place is great. Which cave residences are still available?¡± Yue Qianchi gestured toward the upper half of the mountain. ¡°Up there¡ªmost of them are empty. Some were dug out by disciples themselves. Some are just craters left behind when Master fought the sect¡¯s guardian beast. If you don¡¯t like any of them, you can dig your own.¡± ¡°Why do most people choose to live lower on the mountain?¡± Li Qingran asked curiously. ¡°Convenience.¡± Yue Qianchi shrugged. ¡°Flying swords are tiring. Our Sword Pavilion¡¯s philosophy is: If you can stand, don¡¯t fly. If you can sit, don¡¯t stand. If you can lie down, don¡¯t sit. If you can sleep, don¡¯t wake up. If you can¡­ uh, never mind the last part.¡± Li Qingran: ¡°¡­¡­¡± So this is the lifestyle of Sword Pavilion cultivators? They¡¯re so¡­ lazy. As they neared the mountain, she saw several sword cultivators lying around in random places. One was lounging on the back of a turtle by a waterfall, basking in the sun. At first glance, it looked lazy¡ªbut upon closer inspection, there was a strange meditative aura to it. ¡°That¡¯s Duan Feng, a cultivator of the Ruthless Dao. He¡¯s in deep comprehension.¡± Yue Qianchi rolled her eyes. ¡°He¡¯s usually as stiff as a coffin board. Super boring.¡± She then took Li Qingran on a full tour around the mountain. ¡°Well, Junior Sister, have you decided where you want to stay?¡± Li Qingran blinked. A vision flashed in her mind¡ª A cliffside residence, where she could watch the sunrise, listen to the chirping birds, and gaze at the vast skies. ¡°Senior Sister, I want to live at the mountaintop.¡± ¡°¡­Alright.¡± Yue Qianchi wasn¡¯t surprised. Most new disciples chose the mountaintop. The scenery was breathtaking, and the view was unmatched. At first, they didn¡¯t mind flying everywhere. But after a while¡­ They¡¯d realize how exhausting it was to fly every single morning just to make it to early lessons. Waking up extra early. Flying long distances while others leisurely walked over. Drenched in sweat before class even started. Then came summer. S~ea??h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The scorching heat baked them alive. A full day of sun exposure on the mountaintop was unbearable. Then came winter. Blizzards. Freezing winds. Down below, flowers bloomed. Up above, they froze their butts off. Within six months, most disciples gave up and tried to challenge senior disciples for better-located caves. The lower on the mountain, the stronger the disciple. Still, Yue Qianchi took her to the peak. There was an abandoned stone house covered in dust¡ªit had clearly been vacant for a long time. ¡°Alright, Junior Sister, this is your stop. If you need anything, use a Communication Talisman to contact me. Or just visit me at Cave One at the mountain base.¡± Just then, a faint aroma of wine drifted through the air. Yue Qianchi, previously calm and composed, suddenly lit up. Her eyes sparkled as she hurriedly set Li Qingran down. Licking her lips, she grinned mischievously¡ª ¡°Senior Sister has to go drink. Kekekekeke~ See you!¡± And she was gone. Her flying sword roared down the mountain at full speed. Her voice echoed through the peaks¡ª ¡°Junior Sister, don¡¯t be late for morning lessons!¡± Then, another voice responded¡ª ¡°Xu An! I¡¯m counting to three! Hand over your new brew, or I¡¯ll destroy your cave!¡± ¡°Tch! Over my dead body, tomboy!¡± BOOM! Two sword intents clashed in the distance. The mountain shook from their battle. A few cranes napping on the cliffs barely flinched. Clearly, this was a daily occurrence. Li Qingran stood by the cliffside for a moment, then turned and entered the stone house. ¡°A new beginning.¡± She clenched her fists in determination. Tomorrow, after morning lessons¡ªshe¡¯d visit the Scripture Pavilion. She had to cure her Master. She had to ensure his eternal life. With that thought, she grabbed a broom and began cleaning the dusty room. Suddenly¡ª A familiar voice echoed in the void. ¡¾Qingran, we have been apart for a day. Did you miss your Master?¡¿ ¡­ ¡­ Chapter 71: FarmVille?! Chapter 71: FarmVille?! "Qingran, I missed you so much!" In Room 418, Chen Huai¡¯an hugged his phone, furiously typing away. He had no idea that his words were being heavily edited on the other side. Meanwhile, on the table nearby, Baji had just taken a bite of Cao¡¯s Spicy Duck and was now trembling violently from the spiciness. Hearing Chen Huai¡¯an¡¯s voice, Li Qingran¡¯s eyes softened like melted honey, her entire being radiating joy. "Master! Qingran missed you too!" She looked around but couldn¡¯t see Chen Huai¡¯an. "Master, where are you?" ¡¾I am still battling a great demon, but I have left a sliver of my divine sense here so I can occasionally speak with you.¡¿ Li Qingran¡¯s heart sank in disappointment but quickly recovered. She asked with concern, "Master, were you injured by the great demon? And¡­ your poison¡­?" ¡¾Do not worry about me. I am fine.¡¿ "Oh, that¡¯s good! Master is the strongest!" But deep down, Li Qingran didn¡¯t believe it. With such a severe poison, her master must be suffering. She could already picture it¡ª A white-haired immortal, drenched in blood, resting against the corpse of a demon beast, his sword still embedded in its body. Even in agony, he still forced himself to speak to his distant disciple¡­ Just imagining it¡ª Her heart raced a thousand times faster. No, no, no! Face burning, Li Qingran shook her head furiously. This wasn¡¯t the time for such thoughts! "Master, I have joined a new sect. Everyone here is very kind to me. Tomorrow, I will visit the Scripture Pavilion to search for a cure for your poison!" ??£Î?????¦¥¡ì Hearing this only made Chen Huai¡¯an more frustrated. ¡¾Which sect did you join?¡¿ "The Sword Pavilion!" Li Qingran touched her lips and smiled. "I originally planned to join Lingxi Valley, but some unexpected things happened. Their Young Mistress doesn¡¯t like men, so when she found out my Master was male, she kicked me out." What?! Outrageous! Chen Huai¡¯an rolled his eyes so hard they nearly fell out of their sockets. He mentally wrote down the name of this Lingxi Valley Young Mistress in his personal revenge notebook. "Qingran, just wait! The next time I run into that Young Mistress, I¡¯ll teach her a lesson! How dare she kick you out? Who does she think she is?! You are Immortal Chen¡¯s treasured disciple! No one bullies you and gets away with it!" ¡¾Hmph! Lingxi Valley must have a death wish! How dare they wrong my disciple?! When I return, I shall wipe them from existence!¡¿ "Master, it¡¯s really fine." Li Qingran shook her head gently. "This matter is already in the past. Everyone has their own principles. Since she wouldn¡¯t accept me, I simply found a better home." Chen Huai¡¯an¡¯s eyelid twitched. "The Sword Pavilion?!" "Yep!" Li Qingran giggled. "This was your old sect, wasn¡¯t it, Master? I figured it out as soon as I saw them riding flying swords without wind-shielding formations! I¡¯m so smart, right?" Wait. Chen Huai¡¯an¡¯s brain froze. S§×arch* The ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Wind-shielding formation? You need a formation to ride a flying sword? Where is it? How do you activate it? And¡ª The Sword Pavilion was his old sect?! Since when?! ¡¾¡­Who told you that?¡¿ "The Sect Master!" Li Qingran¡¯s eyes sparkled with admiration. "He said you were the Supreme Elder of the Sword Pavilion! But you¡¯ve been away for a long time, and he doesn¡¯t know where you are now. He also told me to train hard, or else you wouldn¡¯t even bother looking at me as your disciple!" Li Qingran clasped her fingers together, blushing shyly. Chen Huai¡¯an stared at her naive, trusting expression. ¡­ If he had to guess¡ª This dumb girl had been scammed. That Sword Pavilion Sect Master must¡¯ve figured something out and improvised a masterful deception. Now, Li Qingran was the donkey, and Chen Huai¡¯an was the carrot tied in front of her. Chen Huai¡¯an couldn¡¯t help but laugh in exasperation. "Right, Master! Should I tell the Sect Master about your current situation?" "If he knew, maybe he could help you!" Li Qingran¡¯s eyes lit up. After all, she wasn¡¯t sure how strong Su Qinian was, but if he was as powerful as Wu Duantian, he might be able to assist her Master. ¡¾No¡­ wait¡­ actually, yes.** Go ahead.**¡¿ Chen Huai¡¯an had wanted to refuse. He wasn¡¯t really a Supreme Elder, after all. But then he thought¡ª If this Sect Master was already using his name to manipulate Li Qingran¡­ Why not play along and see how he¡¯d cover for it? "Alright! I¡¯ll go see the Sect Master tomorrow!" Li Qingran nodded seriously. Chen Huai¡¯an opened the game map and scanned the entire Sword Pavilion. To his surprise¡ª Everyone in the sect was a green light. Not a single yellow or red dot. That meant¡ª Not one person harbored ill intent toward Li Qingran. Everyone had goodwill toward her or at least toward their fellow disciples. Even the two light dots currently fighting¡ªthough their battle seemed intense, there was zero malice between them. "¡­Fine, fine. Not joining Lingxi Valley isn¡¯t a big deal." Chen Huai¡¯an shook his head. Plans never keep up with changes. Just like how he had no idea that climbing a mountain would lead to fighting two massive wolves. Just then, a notification popped up. ¡¾Your Virtual Girlfriend¡¯s residence is too run-down. Recharge £¤68 to give your girlfriend a cozy home!¡¿ Chen Huai¡¯an scoffed. £¤68? Peanuts. Even if this was just a trap to unlock more microtransactions¡ª So what? He, Chen the Pay-to-Win Immortal, had plenty of money! Charge it! SWOOSH! Just as Li Qingran was about to start cleaning, a golden light flashed¡ª Her stone hut transformed into a beautiful wooden house, complete with brand-new furniture and decorations. It was exactly like before. Her heart clenched. More than Spirit Stones, magic artifacts, or even divine pills¡ª What she remembered most was that rainy night. When her master had simply spoken the word "Home"¡ª And, instantly, a house appeared to shelter her from the storm. It was just a simple house, built from wood and stone. Yet to her¡ªit was the most precious thing in the world. When Master took her away from Wanqing Mountain, she had looked back at that tiny house for a long time, feeling reluctant to leave. Chen Huai¡¯an¡¯s care had always been subtle and unnoticed by others. And that made it even harder to repay. ¡­ Meanwhile, back in Room 418, Chen Huai¡¯an stared blankly at his screen. ¡¾You have unlocked the "Virtual Girlfriend¡¯s Residence" feature.**¡¿ ¡¾You may now purchase the following upgrades to assist your Virtual Girlfriend¡¯s cultivation:** Basic Spirit Gathering Formation: £¤10,000 Intermediate Spirit Gathering Formation: £¤100,000 Cultivatable Spirit Field: £¤5,000 Upgrade Spirit Field (Lv1): £¤1,000 Build Spirit Beast Pen (Unlocks Pet Store): £¤50,000 Upgrade Residence to Lv2: £¤998 Chen Huai¡¯an slowly typed a question mark. Then, he zoomed out to see the surrounding landscape. There were large, divided plots of land just waiting to be developed. A single, ancient game name escaped his lips¡ª ¡°¡­Is this¡­ FarmVille?!¡± ¡­ ¡­ Chapter 72: That’s It? Just Some Grass? Chapter 72: That¡¯s It? Just Some Grass? Although this game was pretty outdated, Chen Huai¡¯an instantly recognized that the Cave Residence System was just a reskinned version of the classic QQ Farm. Chen Huai¡¯an scoffed, then upgraded Li Qingran¡¯s cave residence to Level 2. With a flash of golden light, her small wooden hut expanded, now larger by an entire section. Two new side rooms appeared as well¡ª One with a bathing tub, the other with a stove for cooking. Chen Huai¡¯an took a moment to observe the terrain. The mountain itself already had a Basic Spirit Gathering Formation. But if he added another Basic Spirit Gathering Formation inside the house, the effects would nearly match those of an Intermediate Formation. And the best part? It didn¡¯t require extra materials¡ªperfect for a spendthrift like him. Charge! Basic Black Armor Formation¡ªgotta keep Qingran safe. Charge! After a few more microtransactions, the cave residence had completely transformed. It still wasn¡¯t a luxurious pavilion, but it had refined aesthetics¡ªclean, elegant, and fully equipped with all essentials. In Qingyun Sect, this would be considered a high-class residence. In Sword Pavilion? A literal dream mansion. Just as Chen Huai¡¯an was considering what else to charge for¡ª A soft, hesitant voice came from the game. ¡°M-Master¡­ please, that¡¯s enough¡­ this is too much¡­¡± Li Qingran stood at the edge of her bed, her small hands nervously gripping her sleeves, her delicate face flushed bright red. She had already witnessed Master¡¯s mystical abilities before, so she wasn¡¯t shocked. But now¡ª Her cave residence had changed so much¡ªhow was she supposed to explain this to her fellow disciples?! She couldn¡¯t possibly say she built all this herself, right?! "Qingran says this is enough?" Chen Huai¡¯an thought otherwise. A girl saying "I don¡¯t need it" means she definitely wants it. ¡¾"Qingran, everyone else has Spiritual Fields. Master will set up some for you too!"¡¿ ¡°Ah! Master, no, please¡ª!¡± ¡¾"Ten large plots should be enough, right?"¡¿ ¡°Ten?!¡± Li Qingran vaguely remembered that Senior Sister only had two plots. And she had boasted about them, since cultivating a fertile Spiritual Field was no easy feat. Now, Master just casually offers her ten?! ¡¾"Alright, ten it is!"¡¿ BOOM BOOM BOOM¡ª! The land surrounding the wooden hut trembled. Ten glowing plots of fertile Spiritual Fields emerged from the ground. Chen Huai¡¯an even upgraded them a bit. Now, they were all Level 1 Spiritual Fields. Li Qingran trembled as she opened the door. She stared at the vast stretch of fertile fields, then her knees gave out. She collapsed onto the ground, eyes shut in despair. Once Master gives something, there¡¯s no taking it back. She could already see the future. She was about to become Sword Pavilion¡¯s biggest legend. Would the other disciples start calling her "Master¡¯s Favorite Disciple" behind her back?! Meanwhile, Chen Huai¡¯an Wasn¡¯t Done ¡¾"This outfit looks nice. Wear it to sleep!"¡¿ A piece of clothing dropped onto the bed. Li Qingran picked it up¡ª And her face turned as red as a tomato. It was a white silk nightgown¡ª The back was completely open. The waist and hips were tightly fitted. There was a slit up to the thighs. One look, and it was obvious¡ª This dress would perfectly showcase every curve. No way she could wear this outside. Did Master¡­ want her to wear this to bed? Could that mean¡­ Master wants to see her in it?! Ahhhh, she couldn¡¯t think about it! Too embarrassing!! Her face burned, turning so red it reached her ears. ¡°¡­But if this is Master¡¯s request¡­ maybe it¡¯s okay¡­¡± As Li Qingran spiraled into her own thoughts¡ª Chen Huai¡¯an had already logged out of the Virtual Girlfriend Shop. In reality¡ª He hadn¡¯t thought that deeply at all. The shop had randomly refreshed this discounted sleepwear for only 18 yuan. Quest Update ¡¾Main Quest 2.0: Help Your Virtual Girlfriend Establish Herself in Her New "Foster Home"¡ªCOMPLETED¡¿ Rewards: Nine-Turn Spirit Orchid (Delivered) A Pot of Nuwa¡¯s Earth (Delivered) ¡¾Main Quest 3.0: Zhongzhou Secret Realm Instance opens in 30 days! Increase your Virtual Girlfriend¡¯s Survival Rate in the instance! Every 30% increase earns a "Heavenly Insight."** Current survival rate: 0%.**¡¿ ??????¨¯¦¢¨§? THUD! A familiar sound echoed at the door. Chen Huai¡¯an was unfazed. Another mysterious delivery. He wasn¡¯t in a hurry¡ªthose items could be picked up anytime. Right now, he was more focused on Main Quest 3.0. He had long suspected that this MMO-type game would have instances. With such a massive map, there had to be plenty to explore¡ªmaybe even World Bosses! Leaving Wanqing Mountain was just leaving the tutorial. Joining Sword Pavilion was where the real game began. From now on, he would experience the Cangyun Realm¡¯s power struggles through Li Qingran¡¯s perspective. And with that¡ª Endless dangers. Some would be scripted events. Some would be triggered by players. And Zhongzhou Secret Realm seemed to be a scripted event. Chen Huai¡¯an stroked his chin. With their high favorability, he might actually convince her to skip it. ¡­Of course, he¡¯d soon realize how naive that idea was. He checked Li Qingran¡¯s status. ¡¾Status: Daydreaming¡¿ ¡¾Cultivation Progress: 399/800 (Qi Refinement 3rd Layer)¡¿ ¡¾Remaining Lifespan: 143 years¡¿ ¡¾Favorability: 85 (Budding Affection)¡¿ She was blushing, lost in fantasy, surrounded by pink bubbles. Her cultivation had reached Qi Refinement 3rd Layer. And with 0% survival rate, that meant her current strength wasn¡¯t enough for the Secret Realm. She needed rapid improvement¡ªboth in techniques and power. Then again, there was a full month left. He should have plenty of time. sea??h th§× N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. As a pay-to-win player, he just needed to charge money and enjoy the game. It was the developers and game designers who had to worry about balance. Chen Huai¡¯an opened the door. As usual, two boxes sat outside. One had a tiny sprout peeking out. The other was heavy with a faint earthy smell. He brought the dusty boxes inside and grabbed a pair of scissors and wet wipes. On the coffee table¡ª Baji, who had been half-dead from spicy duck, suddenly flipped over. Its cat eyes glowed, locking onto the boxes. ¡­ ¡­ Chapter 73: Could This Be a Real Talisman? Chapter 73: Could This Be a Real Talisman? "Good stuff! Absolutely top-tier stuff!" Baji stared intently at the box, unblinking. It had a feeling¡ªif it ate whatever was inside this box, its strength would skyrocket. At that point, even those human-made iron boxes wouldn¡¯t stand a chance against its jaws. It could swallow them whole and refine them in an instant! After being fed "sh*t" for so many days, was this big shot finally willing to give it something delicious? Chen Huai''an opened the box with a pair of scissors. As expected, inside was a plant. The other box contained a soil clump in a small pot¡ªcolorful, almost unnaturally so. He planted the plant into the soil, placed the pot on the windowsill, and stared at it for a while. Unable to shake his doubt, he pulled out his Thousand-Degree Identifier to scan it. The result came back instantly: [Grass¡ªA type of plant.] Wait, seriously? Just an ordinary patch of grass? Chen Huai''an was speechless. This game company was really cutting corners. A pot of orchids barely cost anything nowadays, and they had the nerve to send him a dirty little patch of grass? That was just lazy! And that soil¡ªit looked like some kind of industrial pollution with all those colors. Completely unaesthetic. Then, he noticed something else in the box. Pulling it out, he found a talisman, sealed in a plastic pouch, along with an instruction sheet. [Purple Heaven Divine Thunder Talisman: Please affix this talisman to the flowerpot to protect the Nine-Turn Spirit Orchid from being devoured by gluttonous demonic beasts.] Chen Huai''an: "¡­" A gluttonous demonic beast? There were only mosquitoes and one dumb cat in his room. Whatever. He¡¯d treat it as decoration. The flowerpot, engraved with celestial palaces and auspicious clouds, was quite pretty, even if all it housed was a limp little patch of grass. He peeled off the talisman and stuck it onto the flowerpot. A talisman-covered flowerpot with a droopy plant¡ªdefinitely something a normal person wouldn¡¯t do. From a distance, the whole setup looked unhinged. Meanwhile, in the game, Li Qingran was pacing around the bed, hugging a set of clothes. Since there wasn¡¯t anything urgent to do, Chen Huai''an logged off. ?????????? He hadn¡¯t even had breakfast yet after all that. Once he finished eating, he planned to head to the square to practice swordsmanship. Hopefully, that old man would be there today. ¡­ While Chen Huai''an prepared breakfast, Baji sneakily approached the Nine-Turn Spirit Orchid. The closer it got, the denser the spiritual energy became. [How could such a spiritual plant exist in this era of depleted Spiritual Qi? Where on earth did this big shot get it from¡­?] Baji stared at the orchid, completely baffled. But none of that really mattered¡ªit was still edible. It edged closer, swallowing greedily at the thick scent of Spiritual Qi. Suddenly¡ªZAP! A violent arc of lightning crackled through the air. A terrifying pressure loomed over its head, sending it scrambling backward, rolling onto the sofa in sheer panic. Only then did Baji notice a piece of yellow paper stuck to the side of the flowerpot. A talisman. And one far more terrifying than the ones on the doors and windows. If it dared to so much as touch that flowerpot, it would die instantly! As it retreated to a safe distance, the overflowing lightning from the talisman gradually withdrew. [Hah¡­ I was too na?ve.] Baji lifted its head at a dramatic 45-degree angle, gazing toward the ceiling. [Like this big shot would ever let me eat something so valuable.] Shaking its head in self-mockery, it continued gnawing on its unfinished Cao Hei Duck. Still, as long as the Nine-Turn Spirit Orchid was around, this place would soon become a cultivation sanctuary. The entire room would be infused with Spiritual Qi. Ordinary rice would transform into Spirit Rice, Cao Hei Duck would become Spirit Black Duck, and even a pet fish could eventually gain sentience! Sure, the food might still taste like crap, but at least it¡¯d be crap-flavored chocolate now. With that comforting thought, Baji ate even more enthusiastically. ¡­ [Breaking News: A Wild Wolf Spotted on Tianmen Mountain! Authorities Have Intervened to Ensure Tourist Safety.] While scrolling through Douyin, a short news video caught Chen Huai''an''s attention. [What do the experts say about this unusually large wolf?] Chen Huai''an¡¯s lips twitched as he watched the old white-haired professor confidently spout nonsense. Less aggressive? If that thing was less aggressive, then why the hell did it tear apart a van like a chew toy? That said, the past decade had indeed seen the rise of many mutated creatures. It all started ten years ago with a catastrophe so outrageous it angered both heaven and man. At the time, people didn''t take it seriously¡ªuntil the effects of seawater pollution became impossible to ignore. Mutated creatures were just one of many consequences. There had been rumors that the chickens used in fast food were genetically modified to have extra legs and wings, but those had always seemed like urban legends. Now? Chickens with three to five heads were a reality. Previously, such creatures only existed in labs. Now, even regular poultry farms occasionally produced multi-headed chickens. And not only did these mutated chickens survive, they actually had longer lifespans. Worse yet, each head had its own independent thoughts¡ªmeaning they often fought each other. Rarity breeds value. Though their safety for consumption remained uncertain, some places had already started treating multi-headed chickens as a luxury delicacy. Certain farms had even begun intentionally breeding them. Like most ordinary people, Chen Huai''an firmly believed that mutated creatures were a disaster waiting to happen. For now, at least, they were still manageable. As long as bullets could kill them, there was no immediate threat. But once these creatures evolved beyond the reach of gunfire, the truth would no longer be something the authorities could suppress. Then again, Chen Huai''an figured he wouldn¡¯t live to see that day. After all, he wasn¡¯t going to make it past this year. And once he was gone¡ªwho cared if the world drowned? ¡­ ¡°Oh? Isn''t that Director Zhang?¡± The screen cut to an interview with a middle-aged man, and Chen Huai''an grinned dumbly. Several photos of a charred crater appeared on screen, showing the lightning-blasted remains of a mutant wolf, reduced to charcoal. As Chen Huai''an shoveled rice into his mouth, he suddenly froze. That crater¡­ Something felt off. The thunder he heard that night. That familiar lightning-scorched ground. And the missing Thunderfire Talisman¡­ He reached into his jacket pocket and pulled out a few crumpled Thunderfire Talismans, staring blankly at the red cinnabar inscriptions. Carefully, he laid out seven of them on the coffee table. Then, cautiously, he poked one with his finger. After a long silence, he muttered: S§×ar?h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. ¡°¡­No way. These¡­ are real talismans?¡± Chapter 74: Is This Plant Really Suspicious? Chapter 74: Is This Plant Really Suspicious? Since childhood, Chen Huai''an had always prided himself on being sharp-minded. Some people might remain oblivious to subtle bodily changes. But not him. The moment he felt something unusual, he knew¡ªthe truth was clear. Cancer cells¡ªthe most mysterious of all cells¡ªhad activated his genetic potential, turning him into a castrated version of Superman. Sure, he couldn¡¯t take down a wolf with a single hit. But thanks to his regeneration, he could last at least thirty seconds longer than a normal person in a fight against one. That, in itself, was extraordinary power. And now, his sharp mind recalled certain details from the previous night. First, where had that girl found the talisman? From what he gathered, it had been near the mutant wolf¡¯s corpse. Second, the power and effects of this talisman were identical to the Thunderfire Talismans in the game! Third, there was something off about the wolf''s corpse. If it had been struck by lightning, the head or back should have been the most damaged. But in reality? It was missing its left leg¡ªblown off as if it had stepped on a landmine. Putting these three clues together made things¡­ intriguing. It was highly likely that, in his panic while escaping, he had accidentally dropped two talismans, and the mutant wolf had stepped on one. That thunderclap he heard? It wasn¡¯t just a coincidence. The wolf had been blown apart by his own talisman. Mystery solved. Even Conan himself would have no choice but to kneel before this deduction! Which meant¡­ Right now, there were seven ticking C4 bombs just sitting on his coffee table. S§×ar?h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Chen Huai''an instinctively backed away. ¡°¡­Wait. If these things exploded randomly, they¡¯d have gone off already. Maybe I¡¯m just overthinking?¡± He had already told the cleaning lady not to tidy his room¡ªespecially since he had a cat hiding in there. But the cleaning lady still came by occasionally to clean the other rooms. If these talismans required specific conditions to activate, it meant they had a trigger mechanism. And how were talismans used? You threw them! Chen Huai''an¡¯s eyes lit up. Excited, he grabbed the talismans, threw on some clothes, and rushed out the door. ¡­ Not long after he left, the door to Room 419 creaked open. ¡°Perfect! That pretty boy finally left!¡± Lin Lingling peeked out, scanning the empty hallway, a gleam of excitement in her eyes. She had been waiting for Chen Huai''an to leave. Now was her chance to investigate his room¡ªmaybe she could uncover some clues. The door? No way in. Which left only one option¡ªthe window. With a nimble flip, Lin Lingling climbed out of the hallway window. It was just past 6 AM, and the streets were already bustling with early commuters. But she moved fast¡ªbarely touching the air-conditioning units as she hopped gracefully toward Chen Huai''an¡¯s window. Not a single pedestrian noticed her. Outside Room 418, a yellow talisman was stuck to the window. It radiated a majestic, righteous aura¡ªa silent warning. "Intruders will be executed without mercy!" Lin Lingling froze. So cautious? He actually knows how to use talismans?! Peering through the window, she saw nothing unusual inside. Well¡­ except for one thing. Who the hell plants ordinary grass on a windowsill? And why use such gaudy, multi-colored soil? Something wasn¡¯t right. She stared hard at the seemingly ordinary grass. As a martial artist, her eyesight far surpassed that of normal people, allowing her to see details that others would miss. And what she saw made her gasp in shock. The veins of the grass leaves were etched with intricate patterns. "Winding corridors, high-reaching eaves; each structure embracing the terrain, interlocking with one another¡­" Lin Lingling¡¯s eyes widened. She even forgot to breathe. On those delicate grass leaves, there was an elaborate, hidden depiction of a celestial palace among the clouds. If not for her perfect angle under the sunlight, she wouldn¡¯t have noticed at all. "Did he carve this?" No. Impossible. She immediately rejected the idea. There were no carving marks¡ªevery single brushstroke was naturally formed. It was as if this plant was born this way¡ªas if it was meant to grow with such magnificent, intricate leaves. This was definitely no ordinary plant! But what exactly was it? Even with her current level of strength, she couldn¡¯t tell. To truly uncover its secrets, she¡¯d have to hand it over to the Demon Slayers Bureau. But¡­ even if there was no talisman blocking her, she wouldn¡¯t dare. First, stealing was immoral. She was already considering breaking into his room¡ªshe couldn¡¯t steal from him too. Second, what if this pretty boy was actually a big shot? If she only took a look, the worst she¡¯d face would be crippling humiliation. But if she stole something, she might end up scattered into ashes. She still had a long life ahead of her. She hadn¡¯t yet seen the full extent of the world. She had a dream¡ªone day, she would soar through the skies on a flying sword. So breaking a leg was fine¡ªbut losing her life was not. ¡°Fine. If I can¡¯t get in, I¡¯ll find another chance later.¡± Just as Lin Lingling prepared to leave¡­ Hissss¡ª! A chilling snarl erupted. Her back went cold. It felt as if she had just fallen into an icy abyss. Her neck stiffly turned, as if controlled by an unseen force. And then she saw it¡ª A black cat had silently appeared on the window ledge, its golden eyes locked onto hers. It was staring at her¡­ The way a predator watches a helpless mouse. That¡­ that growl just now¡­ came from the cat?! The sound was like steel scraping against shattered glass¡ªsharp, violent, and filled with an urge to destroy everything. With slow, deliberate steps, the black cat advanced. Its movements were elegant, but domineering¡ªlike a king surveying its domain. The shifting sunlight elongated its shadow on the wall behind it, distorting into a massive, monstrous shape. A demon. Lin Lingling¡¯s pupils shrank. She had no idea what level of demon it was, but its aura alone was so overwhelming that she couldn¡¯t move. So this guy¡­ lived with this thing? How? How did they coexist?! She had no time to think. The black cat suddenly raised a paw. Boom! It slammed down violently. Buzz¡ª! A shockwave of black ripples exploded outward, lashing at Lin Lingling like a whip. Regaining control of her body, she tried to retreat¡ªbut it was too late. An overwhelming force slammed into her, twisting her insides into a chaotic mess. Her foot slipped¡ª And she fell from the windowsill. ¡­ Baji peered out the window, keeping a safe fist¡¯s distance from the yellow talisman. It snorted at the girl lying motionless on the awning below. "Tired of living, are we? You dare covet the boss¡¯s spiritual plant?" "Too bad I can¡¯t touch you. Otherwise, you¡¯d be dead." It was displeased, but there was nothing it could do. Glancing at the flowerpot, where the talisman¡¯s lightning flashed ominously, Baji quickly hopped off the windowsill and curled up on the sofa. To the great Dao-comprehending master, it was nothing more than a cat. And so, it would play the role of a cat. If its true nature was ever exposed¡­ It would die a horrible death. ¡­ Meanwhile, Chen Huai''an arrived at an isolated corner of the square. He wasn¡¯t heading to the old man¡¯s usual training spot. Not yet. First, he had to test whether these talismans actually worked. Chapter 75: Am I Using the Wrong Stance? Chapter 75: Am I Using the Wrong Stance? "If I blow a hole in the square, how much would I have to pay?" Chen Huai''an stared at the grassy field in deep thought. He wasn¡¯t exactly broke right now, but he doubted he had enough to cover that kind of damage. "Is there anything I can blow up without having to pay for it?" After pondering for a while, he made his way to a nearby garbage dump. The place was nearly overflowing with trash, and the collection truck hadn¡¯t arrived yet. Since it was all garbage anyway, blowing a hole here shouldn¡¯t be an issue. "Alright¡­ here goes!" His eyes sharpened as he took a deep breath, reaching into his bag. With his index and ring fingers, he pinched a Thunderfire Talisman and yanked it out. Biu¡ª The talisman flew about half a meter before flopping weakly to the ground. Chen Huai''an: "¡­" No, wait. Maybe it needed an incantation? He picked up the talisman and shouted, "Waaah! By the decree of the heavens!" Biu¡ª The talisman flew half a meter and flopped down again. ¡­Was the incantation wrong? Chen Huai''an frowned and tried again: "Condense¡ª!" "Go!" "Fly, you fool!" "Purple Zap¡ª!" "Adoken!" "Chi-Bi-Ni!" "Saiban¡ª!!" One by one, the talismans all flopped lifelessly to the ground. Chen Huai''an fell into deep contemplation. No, this didn¡¯t make sense. In the game, he never chanted anything. So the problem wasn¡¯t the incantation. That meant¡­ his stance was wrong! How did immortals throw talismans? He tested different poses¡ª The shot put spin, the javelin throw, the poker card flick, the Salt Bae sprinkle¡­ Nothing worked. "Hah¡­ I was too naive after all." He tilted his head back at a melancholy 45-degree angle, staring wistfully at the sky. With a self-deprecating chuckle, he muttered, "There¡¯s no such thing as talismans. No such thing as the cultivation world. It¡¯s all just the delusions of a terminal cancer patient." ???????????????? A stray dog trotted past, sniffed at his shoe¡ª Its face changed instantly. With a terrified whimper, it bolted like it had just seen a ghost. Chen Huai''an blinked, then suddenly had a revelation. Back then, the talisman only activated when it landed on something alive. So just throwing it wasn¡¯t enough¡ªhe needed a specific target! ¡­But what should he use as a target? Baji¡¯s face immediately popped into his mind. Back in the room, Baji was curled up on the sofa, dozing off¡ª Suddenly, it shivered violently. A bone-chilling sense of doom washed over it, from head to tail. It whipped its head around, scanning for danger¡ª Nothing. And yet, it knew¡ªsomeone had just harbored a murderous intent toward it. "No, no, Baji is too cute," Chen Huai''an shook his head. "I can¡¯t go around abusing animals." The ominous presence around Baji suddenly vanished. "Hmm, I¡¯ll just buy a fish at the market later." That seemed like the most ethical solution. He was going to eat it anyway, so technically, it wasn¡¯t cruel. Besides, normal fish preparation involved descaling and gutting. If the talisman worked, it¡¯d just zap the fish into instant charcoal¡ªa quick and painless death. With his conscience cleared, Chen Huai''an cheerfully jogged to where the old man practiced martial arts. Sure enough, the old man was there. "Yo, kid! You didn¡¯t show up yesterday. I thought you were just on a three-day hype train!" Old Man Li¡¯s murky old eyes brightened up at the sight of Chen Huai''an. He had actually felt a little disappointed when the kid didn¡¯t show up. "Hahaha, no way! Something just came up yesterday, Li Lao." Chen Huai''an propped up his selfie stick and opened the game. The moment the screen loaded¡ªhis nose nearly spurted blood. Inside the game, Li Qingran had changed into the newly purchased sleepwear. Perfect fit. She sat on the edge of the bed, her cheeks red like crushed cinnabar, the blush spreading down to her slender neck. Loose strands of hair framed her face, partly covering her ears like red jade hidden in black silk. She puffed up her cheeks and blew at her bangs, revealing a smooth forehead. Her delicate collarbones were exposed, forming tiny pavilions amidst soft jade mountains. Beneath them, a small jade pendant rested against the skin¡ªa green phoenix on a red string, resembling plum blossoms on snow. Her waist was slender, barely a handful. Under the dim candlelight, her tiny feet swayed slightly, making her graceful curves shift ever so gently, like a breeze stirring the night. And those feet¡­ Those dainty little feet¡­ "Oi, kid. What the hell are you looking at? It¡¯s pitch dark." Chen Huai''an jerked back to reality, instinctively slapping a hand over the screen. With an awkward laugh, he stammered, "N-Nothing! Just¡­ reviewing exam materials! Ahaha¡­ ahahahaha¡­!" "At least you¡¯re responsible. My grandson¡¯s your age, but all he does is start businesses¡ªlost twenty million and still wants to start another one!" Old Man Li sighed, rubbing his temples. Chen Huai''an¡¯s eyes lit up. "Wait, Li Lao¡ªwhat did you just say?" "About my grandson starting a business?" "No, the last part." "That he lost twenty million?" "Yes! Yes, exactly!" Chen Huai''an beamed with 99% shameless flattery. "Li Lao, entrepreneurship is a heavy burden! Having your grandson carry it alone is simply too cruel! Why not count me in?" "Eh, well¡­ it¡¯s not impossible," Old Man Li waved a hand dismissively. "But my grandson took out loans for it." Chen Huai''an: "¡­Let¡¯s just stick to martial arts." Back to practice. Chen Huai''an forced himself not to look at Li Qingran. Instead, he checked his Green Lotus Sword Manual progress¡ªand was immediately dumbfounded. The first 12 chapters of the sword techniques had all reached 99% comprehension. Just a little more, and they would break into the next stage. Even more shocking¡ª The first move, , and the second move, , were already unlocked and ready for training. "What the hell?! What happened?!" Chen Huai''an was completely stunned. He didn¡¯t remember practicing any of these. How did they all level up on their own?! sea??h th§× novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Had he been training in his sleep?! "Kid, I see you¡¯re pretty interested in swordplay." While Chen Huai''an was frantically clicking around, trying to find answers, Old Man Li smugly spoke up. "I went home and studied your stance from last time. Turns out, it was actually a sword technique opener. So I dusted off my old Tai Chi Sword skills¡­ What do you think? Wanna learn from this old man?" Chen Huai''an narrowed his eyes. "Wait¡­ Old Man Li, are you actually good at swordplay?" "Ahem¡ª" Old Man Li lifted his chin. "Not to brag, but¡­ probably the best in the province." "Whoa! That¡¯s insane!" Old Man Li beamed, slapping Chen Huai''an¡¯s shoulder. "I guarantee, kid¡ªone look at my swordplay, and you¡¯ll be begging to call me ¡®Master¡¯!" Chapter 76: What? Sword Qi?! Chapter 76: What? Sword Qi?! Seeing Old Man Li hype himself up so much, Chen Huai¡¯an couldn¡¯t help but feel a bit excited. "Watch closely, kid! My swordplay is crazy stylish!" Sear?h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. With that, Old Man Li got into position, executing a full Tai Chi Sword routine¡ªstarting slow, then gradually picking up speed, only to slow down again. As expected of an old-timer, his swordsmanship was solid. At least, to Chen Huai¡¯an¡¯s untrained eye, that¡¯s all he could really say. Old Man Li¡¯s movements were graceful and fluid, clearly the product of years of practice. Everything flowed seamlessly, without the slightest awkward pause. It even looked like it could be used in an actual fight¡­ But something still felt off. He couldn¡¯t put his finger on it, but some movements felt unnecessary¡ªlike they could be removed or replaced with something more efficient. Of course, he wasn¡¯t some grandmaster, so he didn¡¯t dare critique. "Well? Feels swordy enough for you?" Old Man Li stroked his beard, confidently sheathing his sword, his face practically glowing with pride¡ªalready prepared for Chen Huai¡¯an to shower him with a 3,000-word essay of praise. "It¡¯s good. Very swordy!" Chen Huai¡¯an gave him a big thumbs-up. Old Man Li¡¯s smile immediately dropped. "What, you think my swordplay¡¯s lacking or something?" "No, no!" Realizing the misunderstanding, Chen Huai¡¯an scratched his head awkwardly. "Li Lao, I actually feel like I had some breakthroughs recently. How about you take a look?" "Alright, but if I see flaws, I won¡¯t hold back." "Sounds good! Let me borrow your sword." Chen Huai¡¯an took the sword, steadied his breath, and closed his eyes for a moment. His stance sank into a solid horse stance, his form shifting naturally into the "Crane Stance" from the . The instant he took position¡ª Old Man Li, who had been prepared to critique harshly, suddenly widened his eyes in shock. One day. It had only been one day. Yet this kid felt like an entirely different person. Not only was his leg fully recovered, but just two days ago, he had still been a complete beginner. But now¡ª His movements were flawless, his entire body moving as one unified entity. Most importantly¡ª He had "Shen". Modern martial arts were often mocked for being flashy and impractical, precisely because they focused only on form, neglecting "Shen"¡ªthe spirit of the technique. ?§¡????o?????¦¥? True mastery lay in the balance of form and spirit. And "Shen" was far more important than form alone. Why did ancient soldiers drill the same thrusting motion endlessly? Because through sheer repetition, they could break through their limits¡ªunderstanding how to strike with maximum power, where to target for armor penetration, and how to react instantly in combat. The moment that movement became second nature, when it no longer required thought¡ªthat was the birth of "Shen". The best warriors forged their "Shen" through battle, refining their techniques until a single perfected strike could command a hundred-man battalion. A general was simply a warrior who had mastered multiple "Shen" techniques. As Old Man Li pondered this, Chen Huai¡¯an had already completed the first twelve chapters of the . At first, it was just individual stances. But gradually, the moves flowed together, forming a seamless display of strikes¡ªthrusting, slashing, sweeping¡ªevery motion clean and decisive, with no wasted effort. For a moment¡ª Old Man Li could see it. A swordsman in white, moving like a drifting dragon, swirling through the air with carefree elegance. A sword in one hand, a jug of wine in the other¡ªwild and unrestrained. "This¡­ this is impossible." Old Man Li was utterly dumbfounded. This kid wasn¡¯t some novice. He was a master. No¡ªeven the masters he had seen before had never displayed "Shen" in so many techniques at once. Most so-called masters only managed to embed "Shen" into two or three moves, and that alone made them famous. But this kid¡ª Who the hell was he?! Suddenly, the flowing sword movements halted. Chen Huai¡¯an stood tall and unmoving, eyes closed, his sword returning to its sheath. His left hand held the scabbard, his right hand resting on the hilt. A breeze swept past. The air shimmered with sharp energy. "A shooting star, white-feathered, sheathed at my waist¡ª A sword blossom, autumn lotus, its radiance unleashed." The moment he finished speaking¡ª Shing¡ª! Old Man Li couldn¡¯t even see the sword move. All he saw was a silver arc of light, gleaming in the morning sun. The light fractured, scattering like a blooming autumn lotus. A faint hissing filled the air¡ª And then¡ª The petals of that illusory lotus began to shatter, fading into nothingness. With a sharp clang, Chen Huai¡¯an¡¯s sword returned to its sheath. Old Man Li stood there, speechless. His throat felt dry, unable to form a single sound. His mind buzzed, overwhelmed. Was that¡­ a sword technique a young man should be capable of? That autumn lotus bloom¡ª Was that sword energy?! How much raw power and speed would it take to pull that off? How many years of experience did it take to reach this level?! Chen Huai¡¯an, however, simply frowned at the old poplar tree in front of him. "Not good enough¡­" His goal had been to cut off a tree branch. Sure, Old Man Li¡¯s sword wasn¡¯t sharpened, but even a kid could lop off a branch with enough force, right? Yet the branch still swayed in the wind, completely untouched. "Forget it. It¡¯s just game mechanics anyway¡ªlooks good enough." He had already figured out the reason behind his progress. That VR helmet he had worn must¡¯ve directly mapped the sword techniques into his neural pathways. That was why everything felt so natural today. A glance at the time¡ªalmost 9 AM. He still felt fine, but apparently, that sword routine had taken quite a while. "Li Lao, it¡¯s getting late. I need to stop by the market, so I¡¯ll head out first." He stuffed the sword back into Old Man Li¡¯s hands, pried his fingers open to secure the sheath, and turned to leave. It wasn¡¯t until long after Chen Huai¡¯an had disappeared that Old Man Li finally snapped out of his daze. Without a word, his expression turned grim as he approached the poplar tree. He didn¡¯t look at the branches¡ªhe ran his hand along the trunk, feeling for something. A moment later¡ª His fingers found a deep, thin groove in the bark. So thin¡ªas fine as a strand of hair. If he hadn¡¯t touched it, he might have never noticed it. Old Man Li¡¯s breathing stiffened. His muscles tensed. He walked around the tree¡ª And on the other side, he found another identical cut. The sword had sliced through the entire trunk. His hand trembled as he reached for his phone, dialing a number. A rough, smoky voice answered¡ª "Yo, Old Li! Haven¡¯t heard from you in ages¡ªforgot about your old pal?" Old Man Li ignored the joke. "Old Peng, I need you to brace yourself. I just met a kid¡­" "He can use Sword Qi." "WHAT?!" The voice on the other end skyrocketed eight octaves. "Are you sure?!" "Dead sure." Old Man Li stared at the poplar tree¡¯s cut, voice quivering. "Right in front of me. Swish¡ªone sword straight through." "Stay there, don¡¯t move! I¡¯m coming over from the Demon Slayers Bureau¡ªNOW!" Chapter 77: Is Chen Huaian a Ticking Time Bomb? Chapter 77: Is Chen Huai''an a Ticking Time Bomb? "Amitabha, boundless longevity and fortune, Amen... Benefactor Fish, this humble one knows that you have already taken on a demonic form. To prevent you from bringing disaster upon the world, today, I shall uphold the will of the heavens!" Chen Huai''an bowed three times to the still-living ten-pound bighead carp on the cutting board. Then, he took out a Thunderfire Talisman tied to a clothes-drying rod¡ªprecautionary measures to avoid blowing off his own hand when activating it. "My apologies!" As soon as he finished speaking, Chen Huai''an pressed down on the drying rod, his eyes flashing with determination. He silently recited, Snap! The bighead carp flopped once on the cutting board, its eyes widening. Nothing happened. Chen Huai''an fell silent, tilting his head at a dramatic forty-five-degree angle to gaze at the ceiling, his expression full of melancholy. At the dining table, Baji stared blankly at Chen Huai''an''s bizarre behavior, utterly confused. "Oh, I see now." Chen Huai''an smacked his forehead. "You have to hold the talisman in hand to activate it. Alright then..." Steeling himself, he grabbed the Thunderfire Talisman and pressed it directly onto the fish. The fish thrashed violently. Nothing happened. Chen Huai''an: "..." Baji: "..." The black cat couldn''t comprehend it. If this guy really wanted to kill the fish, why wasn''t he infusing the talisman with Spiritual Qi? Did he not know that activating a talisman required Spiritual Qi infusion? All set-trigger talismans worked the same way: They either triggered automatically when sensing demonic aura, killing intent, ghostly energy, or malicious intent.Or the user had to manually activate them with Spiritual Qi. Could it be¡­ this guy doesn''t know that? Baji stared at Chen Huai''an''s back, as if he could see a sinister, scheming smile on his face. Baji took slow, cautious steps backward, retreating into the shadows. It was done. The fear was unbearable. When would this paranoid nightmare finally end? Only Spiritual Qi brought it some measure of comfort. It had already done its best to learn the ways of a cat, but pretending to be an actual housecat required far too much effort. At any moment, it could slip up and reveal itself. Like just now. "...Forget it. I really am just a superhuman. A mere superhuman." Chen Huai''an shook his head, sighed, and found a basin to hold the bighead carp. He filled it with water and placed the whole thing on the windowsill. ??N????????¨¨? The basin was a bit small, leaving half of the fish''s tail sticking out. But beggars couldn¡¯t be choosers. At least it was still alive. "Baji, such a big fish, and you¡¯re not interested?" He turned to look at the black cat in surprise. Ever since Baji recovered from its injuries, it had been acting incredibly suspicious. Almost like¡­ a paranoid madman. Baji stiffened at his words, then scrambled onto the windowsill and started licking the fish¡¯s tail like crazy¡ªall while sneaking glances at Chen Huai''an''s face. Chen Huai''an: "..." This cat¡­ was not normal. Shaking his head with a chuckle, he decided to ignore both the bighead carp and Baji. He also failed to notice: The Spiritual Qi from the Nine-Turn Spirit Orchid was slowly seeping into the room, permeating his skin. It became nourishment for both his cancer cells and his normal body cells and bones. Baji was actively absorbing Spiritual Qi. The previously half-dead fish near the flower pot was calming down and no longer flipping belly-up. Subtle changes were happening. Chen Huai''an simply opened his Virtual Girlfriend game. He could finally teach Li Qingran how to practice swordsmanship. Under a poplar tree, a burly middle-aged man with a scruffy beard scanned the surroundings anxiously. "Lao Li, where¡¯s that young man you mentioned?" "He said he was going to the market. By now, he¡¯s probably already bought his groceries and gone home." The bearded man panicked. "Then why didn¡¯t you keep an eye on him?" Old Man Li rolled his eyes. "You told me to stay put! How was I supposed to keep an eye on him? You think I can clone myself?" The bearded man opened his mouth but sighed in resignation. "Fine, let¡¯s check the sword marks first." Old Man Li led the way as they circled the old poplar tree¡ªonce, twice, over and over again. Finally, they stopped beneath the tree, staring at the trunk in stunned silence. It seemed like they were struggling to process what they were seeing. After a long moment, Old Man Li turned to the bearded man. "Well? What do you think?" The bearded man¡¯s face darkened. "...Hard to say." "Hard to say?" "Yeah, I''m only at Master Rank, what the hell do I know?" "So you''re saying this kid''s sword strike was beyond Soldier Rank?" The bearded man fell silent. Old Li, seeing his constipated expression, also fell into silence. General Rank? Unthinkable. Even Soldier Rank was already ridiculous. "Old Li, remember last year when Wang Laohu poached someone from our province?" The bearded man''s eyes flickered with recollection as he rested a hand on the tree trunk before continuing, "That kid was originally a video content creator¡ªjust messing around with old-school sword techniques for fun. But when Spiritual Qi Revival hit, those sword techniques suddenly became second nature to him overnight. When he was tested at the Demon Slayer Bureau, he immediately ranked top-tier Master Rank." "I heard that this year, he''s already at Soldier Rank and has taken care of more than a dozen high-difficulty cases. His fame is skyrocketing¡­ But even so, he can barely unleash Sword Qi. The power of his attacks? Honestly, it¡¯s not even as good as when he just swings the sword normally." "I know. That ungrateful bastard." Old Li snorted, clenching his fist, eyes flashing with anger. He would never forget that betrayal. Wu Haiting. S§×ar?h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. He had personally guided that kid in comprehending sword techniques. But the moment he saw an opportunity for more money, he abandoned them, letting the neighboring province¡¯s Demon Slayer Bureau snatch him up. C Province¡¯s Demon Slayer Bureau had invested a ton of resources in his training, only for another province to reap all the rewards. As a result, their department had been struggling for the past two years. Not enough high-rankers, poor performance, sluggish response times to cases¡ªsometimes, they even had to beg headquarters to send reinforcements from other regions. The embarrassment was secondary. The real tragedy was the number of civilians killed by monsters because they lacked a high-ranking slayer. If they had even one Soldier Rank expert, things wouldn¡¯t be this bad. "That''s why, Old Li, we must bring this young man into the Demon Slayer Bureau!" The bearded man grabbed Old Li¡¯s hand, speaking with urgency. "Last month, we lost several good kids. Right now, there are fewer than twenty active demon slayers left!" "I can¡¯t promise anything." Old Li sighed, shaking his head wearily. "I get why you¡¯re desperate, but we can¡¯t rush this. First, I don¡¯t even know where he lives. Second, I¡¯ve only met him a few times¡ªI have no idea what kind of person he really is. "If this kid has truly mastered Sword Qi, none of us combined would be a match for him. Have you forgotten about that rogue Awakener back in Year 31? Look how much slaughter he caused! We still haven¡¯t caught him! "And why? Because we underestimated the risk, overestimated his humanity, and misjudged his ambitions." The bearded man fell silent again. He couldn¡¯t deny it. With their current capabilities, they wouldn''t be able to control an Awakener who had fully mastered Sword Qi. Sure, guns and explosives could still threaten most Awakeners¡­ But once someone reached Master Rank, they developed an instinctive danger sense, making them significantly harder to shoot. Soldier Rank Awakeners? As long as they weren¡¯t caught in heavy gunfire, they could use cover and survive most firearm attacks. And General Rank? They could parry bullets with a sword. "I get it." The bearded man took a deep breath. "I was being impatient. Old Li, here¡¯s the plan¡ªyou keep in contact with that young man. Find a way to test his character. If he checks out, we can slowly introduce him to the Demon Slayer Bureau and feel him out." "Sounds reasonable." Old Li nodded. Since Chen Huai''an was interested in sword techniques and ancient martial arts, he figured the young man would eventually return to this place. They¡¯d have another chance to meet, and when that happened, he¡¯d try to find out where he lived. That way, tracking him down later would be easier. With their discussion over, the bearded man hailed a cab back to the Demon Slayer Bureau. But he barely sat down before his phone started vibrating. Glancing at the caller ID, he immediately answered. "BOSS! WE HAVE A SITUATION!" The voice on the other end was frantic. "A civilian demon slayer just reported that there are suspected Grade A monsters in Tianfu City¡ªTWO of them!" "Two Grade A?!" The bearded man¡¯s face changed. His fist clenched. "Got it! I¡¯m coming back immediately!" He hung up. Through the taxi window, he looked at the towering city skyline. His brows furrowed. Outside, the streets were bustling¡ªcars honking, pedestrians rushing to work. None of them knew that their world was on the brink of chaos. Neon lights flickered. Ghosts roamed the streets at night. In North America, evil spirits ran wild. In Europe, entire regions had become hunting grounds for vampires and werewolves. Sometimes, he missed the old days¡ªwhen he was just an office worker. Sure, back then, life was dull. He was nothing more than a NPC background character. But at least he never had to worry about getting killed at any moment. The world had changed. And monsters were appearing more and more frequently. Chapter 78: Damn, Is This Lingxi Valley? Chapter 78: Damn, Is This Lingxi Valley? "Qingran, baby! I''ve already learned a bit of the Green Lotus Sword Manual! I¡¯ll turn you into a peerless Sword Immortal right now!" ¡¾Qingran, you''ve been in the sect for some time now. As your master, it¡¯s time I teach you some self-defense techniques.¡¿ Li Qingran was just about to sit down and cultivate when her master''s voice echoed through the void. Master is finally going to teach her a technique?! Her heart filled with joy. "Yes, Master! I will study diligently and never bring shame upon you!" She obediently sat on the cushion, hands resting on her knees, back straight. However, she didn¡¯t notice how her kneeling posture accentuated her slender waist and curvy figure. Her expectant and admiring gaze made Chen Huai''an''s heart tremble slightly. These small workshops¡­ truly terrifying! This was the nth time he had marveled at it. ¡¾Today, I will teach you a sword technique¡ªGreen Lotus Sword Manual. It consists of thirty-six chapters and twelve forms. I''ll teach you the first twelve chapters and the first two forms for now.¡¿ "Why not all thirty-six chapters and twelve forms?" Li Qingran''s hands clenched on her knees, a hint of anxiety and eagerness in her eyes. She carefully said, "Master, I will study very hard! I¡¯m not that slow! You can try giving me everything all at once!" ¡¾Ahem, it¡¯s not that I think you¡¯re slow. It¡¯s just that this sword technique is very powerful. You need to build a solid foundation first¡ªrushing won¡¯t get you anywhere.¡¿ Hearing this, Li Qingran calmed down. As long as Master didn¡¯t think she was stupid, that was enough. Back at Qingyun Sect, Daoist Qingxuan and Lu Changtian had often called her dumb and useless. Now that she was following Chen Huai''an, she desperately wanted to prove herself. She wanted to leave a good impression. She had been abandoned too many times before. She didn¡¯t want to be discarded like trash again. ¡¾Watch closely! I will demonstrate the first twelve chapters of the Green Lotus Sword Manual, then break them down for you.¡¿ Chen Huai''an followed the game''s instructions, setting up his phone on a selfie stick. The game automatically switched to recording mode. "So¡­ I just need to perform the technique once?" A small window popped up in the top-left corner of the screen. Inside was a white-haired celestial in black robes, holding a Blackscale Sword, mirroring Chen Huai''an¡¯s exact movements. Chen Huai''an made a Monkey Reaching for the Moon gesture. The celestial copied him perfectly. "Oh, right¡ªthis is my in-game avatar!" Chen Huai''an suddenly remembered. He now understood how the game worked. If this weren¡¯t a game, Li Qingran wouldn¡¯t see him as a bald guy in pajamas¡ªshe¡¯d see the white-haired celestial instead. And sure enough, that¡¯s exactly what happened. The moment the words ¡¾Watch closely!¡¿ fell, Li Qingran¡¯s vision blurred. When she came to, she was no longer in her small wooden hut. Instead, she found herself in a dimly lit, independent space. Though the surroundings were dark, there was a single bright figure standing five meters ahead. White robes. A sword on his back. Snow-like hair. Her master. Unlike in Qingyun Sect, where her master¡¯s presence was terrifying and oppressive, here, he felt much closer, more real. Back in the sect, her master was like a god¡ªunreachable and untouchable. But now¡­ He felt within her grasp. ¡¾Focus! Pay attention in class!¡¿ Before she realized it, her master had already moved to her side. A wooden ruler lightly tapped her head¡ªsmack! It didn¡¯t hurt, but her face heated up instantly, making her want to crawl into a hole. "So fun! The disciple can even interact and get scolded for daydreaming! The expressions are so realistic, too!" Chen Huai''an laughed as he lightly tapped Li Qingran¡¯s forehead with the ruler. Once she straightened up and focused, he finally began his demonstration. A flying sword descended upon Luoxia Peak. A young man named Xu An stepped off, carrying two gourd flasks filled with spiritual wine. He had brewed this wine himself, carefully refining it so that three parts of its intoxicating properties were neutralized. Now, it wasn¡¯t too strong¡ªjust a refreshing drink that aided digestion, calmed the mind, and boosted Spiritual Qi absorption. ??N????B????? "Senior Sister said the new Junior Sister was placed on the abandoned Ten Thousand Swords Peak. As her seniors, we should take good care of her¡­ But damn it, I only had six flasks, and they left me with just three!" Xu An shook his head and sighed. If he gave two flasks to his Junior Sister, he¡¯d only have one left. But giving just one seemed too stingy. In the end, pride won over thriftiness. "Screw it. I¡¯ll just give them to her." "She should be at the stone hut at the mountaintop, right? Wait a second¡ªstone hut?!" Xu An froze, his eyes widening. What the hell?! Is this still Luoxia Peak?! Sear?h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. This¡­ this looked like Lingxi Valley! Where the hell was the stone hut? Instead, there stood a beautifully furnished wooden house, nestled within a bamboo forest. More importantly¡ªthere were ten freshly cultivated spirit fields, overflowing with so much Spiritual Qi that it was turning into mist! The wooden house sat half-hidden among the bamboo, with a gentle stream flowing from deep within the forest, forming a crystal-clear pond beside the house. Lotus flowers bloomed on the water¡¯s surface, while several Celestial Cranes flapped their wings, playing in the pond. "The clear pool reflects the bamboo grove, lotus petals adorn the pavilion¡­" Xu An muttered in awe. "This¡­ this is what a true Immortal¡¯s Cave Residence should look like!" "Compared to this, my cave is nothing but a dog kennel!" But the real question was¡ª How did Junior Sister set all this up in less than half a day?! And what about these ten spirit fields?! Did she have some kind of divine artifact?! Xu An glanced at the two wine flasks in his hand and suddenly felt hesitant. He was never good at socializing, and now, faced with such an extravagant sight, he felt even more out of place. "Forget it. I won¡¯t go in." Standing on the stone steps in front of the wooden house, he placed the wine flasks down and turned to leave. But just then, he sensed a faint ripple of Dao aura emanating from inside the house. His face changed slightly. "Junior Sister¡­ has already entered enlightenment?" Glancing around, he noticed the house had no defensive formations. "Enlightenment is a critical moment in cultivation. It must not be disturbed." "I¡¯ll set up a concealment formation to prevent any interruptions." Xu An patted his waist. Swish! A black sword shot out, circling the house as he quickly inscribed runes. Within moments, the formation was complete. He then sprinkled a handful of Spirit Stones at the formation¡¯s core. In Sword Pavilion, there weren¡¯t many dangers. This formation was merely a polite gesture¡ªa subtle way to signal to others that the person inside didn¡¯t wish to be disturbed. Once finished, Xu An nodded in satisfaction. "Interesting, interesting~" "A Junior Sister arrives, cultivates ten spirit fields within half a day¡­ This is something everyone needs to see!" He grinned, laughing heartily. Then, he leapt onto his flying sword and soared into the sky. Chapter 79: Are They Going to Take Over My House? Chapter 79: Are They Going to Take Over My House? ¡¾Qingran, the essence of the is poetry¡ªinfusing poetry into the spirit. A single word, a single sword; words can empower sword techniques with greater strength.¡¿ "I see, Master. I will remember this." Li Qingran stared intently at the white-robed figure carrying a sword on their back, growing even more certain of one thing¡ªher master must be an unparalleled Sword Sovereign. Sear?h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. This also reaffirmed her previous speculation¡ªher master had to be the Supreme Elder of the Sword Pavilion. Every cultivator from the Sword Pavilion carried an air of sharpness. Some were like freshly forged blades, brimming with vigor; others like drawn swords, their edge exposed; some like sheathed swords, their power concealed; and then there was the Pavilion Master¡ªsteady as a mountain. But none of them possessed an aura as overwhelming as her master¡¯s. That was a sword capable of splitting the heavens¡ªan unparalleled, peerless blade! And such a sword needed a perfect sheath to match. She wanted to be that sheath. But right now, she was still far from worthy. ¡­ Six full hours. It took Li Qingran that long just to grasp the first twelve chapters of the . She had never encountered such an intricate sword technique before. The seemingly simple foundational movements turned out to be incredibly difficult to string together. Just executing each move correctly had drained most of her . The depletion of her energy and sheer exhaustion made her sway unsteadily. Her entire body felt light-headed, and all she wanted was to collapse onto the bed and sleep under her master¡¯s warm yet imposing gaze¡­ Wait, master?! Li Qingran bit down on the tip of her tongue, hard. ¡®No sleeping. Hang in there!¡¯ Her master was still teaching her sword techniques¡ªhow could she allow herself to lose focus? ¡¾Qingran, perform the sequence again from start to finish. Then, we¡¯ll conclude for today. Tomorrow, I will teach you the first sword stance¡ª.¡¿ "Yes, Master." Li Qingran steadied herself, silently cheering herself on before rising to perform the sword dance. Chen Huai¡¯an tossed a handful of peanuts into his mouth, watching the screen with an enraptured expression. In truth, Li Qingran had already grasped the basics of the first twelve chapters. He just wanted to watch her perform again. On the screen, the young girl wielded her Su Xian Sword, assuming the Crane Stance to start. Her light steps and graceful form exuded elegance, her movements smooth and unwavering. Her hand twirled the sword in intricate flourishes, her robes swirling in the air as the shimmering blade gleamed like the season¡¯s first snowfall¡ªunpredictable yet mesmerizing. ?a???¨ºs Chen Huai¡¯an was completely enthralled, losing track of time. He also failed to notice the exhaustion creeping onto the girl¡¯s face. By the time she had completed the twelve-chapter sequence, Li Qingran was drenched in sweat. Her sleepwear, already thin and translucent, clung to her skin, giving Chen Huai¡¯an an unintended feast for the eyes. "Master¡­ how was my performance?" Li Qingran sheathed her sword, gripping the hilt with her right hand while subtly concealing her trembling legs behind her skirt. She tried to maintain a composed expression, but her labored breathing and flushed face betrayed her exhaustion. A bead of sweat slid from her brow to the tip of her delicate nose, then down to the corner of her lips. The tickling sensation made her instinctively stick out her tongue to lick it away. She could only imagine how disheveled she must look. With her completely drained, her technique had faltered in the last two chapters. She had forced herself through sheer willpower, enduring the discomfort to finish. She gazed longingly at the ceiling. She knew her master was watching her¡ªshe could feel it. But why had he remained silent for so long? Did he¡­ think she performed poorly? Outside the screen, Chen Huai¡¯an took a deep breath to calm himself. ¡¾Not bad. Keep it up!¡¿ Hearing her master¡¯s praise, Li Qingran¡¯s lips curled into a bright smile, her heart swelling with joy. It was as sweet as honey. Her fatigue seemed to melt away instantly. This was what she had been waiting for¡ªnothing mattered more than her master¡¯s approval. "Master, I am slow-witted. It took me six whole hours to grasp the basics. I¡¯m sure Master could have mastered it in half an hour." She leaned against her , fingers playing with the hem of her robe. Her lowered gaze held a hint of playful mischief. She didn¡¯t want Chen Huai¡¯an to leave just yet, so she deliberately found something to chat about. Chen Huai¡¯an wiped a bit of sweat from his forehead. In reality, he had practiced the for a long time. If not for the gaming helmet helping him memorize the basic movements, it would¡¯ve taken him at least a week to reach teaching proficiency. ¡¾Ahem¡­ No need to be so modest. Six hours for an initial grasp is already impressive.¡¿ "Then¡­ how long did Master take?" ¡¾Hmm¡­ cough¡­ about fifteen minutes.¡¿ "Wow! Master is truly amazing! I must work even harder to catch up!" Chen Huai¡¯an felt his face heat up under her gaze of pure admiration. After exchanging a few more words with her, he quickly made his exit. His stomach was growling after spending so much time watching her practice. Li Qingran didn¡¯t press him to stay either. Instead, she obediently went to bathe and change into fresh clothes. She didn¡¯t rest¡ªonce some of her exhaustion faded, she immediately sat down in meditation to restore her depleted . ¡­ Meanwhile, over at ¡ª "Hey! Have you heard? The new junior sister got a fancy house and ten spiritual fields on her first day!" "What?! No way!" "Have you heard? The new junior sister came with a grand house and fifty spiritual fields!" "Breaking news! The new junior sister unlocked a hundred spiritual fields and built an immortal estate in the span of a single incense stick!" "Unbelievable! Do you guys know? The new junior sister owns a celestial palace in the clouds, a hundred acres of spiritual land, and even captured two Azure Dragons as pets!" "What? No way!" "Let¡¯s go check it out¡ªwho cares if it¡¯s true or not?!" ¡­ Suddenly, the sound of swords slicing through the air filled the sky outside the window. Li Qingran jumped in surprise. She quickly got up and opened the window to check. The scene outside made her jaw drop. A massive crowd of sword cultivators hovered in the sky, their robes billowing in the wind as they stood on multicolored flying swords, completely surrounding the peak. They were all disciples of the Sword Pavilion¡ªincluding the Pavilion Master and the elders! "What¡­ what is happening?" Li Qingran¡¯s face went pale. Her mind blanked out as she instinctively shut the window and crouched against the wall in a defensive position. "Junior Sister Qingran, no use hiding! We can all see you!" It was Senior Sister Yue Qianchi¡¯s voice. Li Qingran¡¯s brain went even more blank. Did they see her master giving her special treatment? Did they see her practicing in her sleepwear?! Her sleepwear with little frogs and lotus flowers printed on it?! She hadn¡¯t even put on stockings¡ªher bare feet were exposed?! Ahhh! "No matter how much you hide, your house and spiritual fields won¡¯t disappear. Come out!" "Oh¡­" Li Qingran let out a small sigh of relief. But her heart clenched again. Why were they all gathered here?! Considering the Sword Pavilion disciples¡¯ notoriously aggressive nature¡­ She nervously pushed the door open, pressing herself against it like a tiny crab guarding its shell, looking up at the sea of floating sword cultivators. She had a very, very bad feeling. Had the entire come to confront her? Were they¡­ seriously going to take over her house?! Chapter 80: The Sword Pavilion’s Tradition? Chapter 80: The Sword Pavilion¡¯s Tradition? S§×ar?h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The house and spiritual fields were given to her by her master¡ªthere was no way she would hand them over to anyone. But since her master was the Supreme Elder, surely they wouldn¡¯t dare try anything¡­ right? "Junior Sister, why are you guarding that door so tightly?" Just as Li Qingran¡¯s thoughts ran wild, Yue Qianchi, standing on her flying sword, chuckled and teased, "What¡¯s the matter? Afraid we¡¯ll tear down your little house and take it over?" The surrounding Sword Pavilion disciples burst into laughter. There was no malice in their laughter¡ªonly amusement. Li Qingran, caught red-handed, turned bright red, unable to say a word. "Li Qingran, did your master create this house and these fields for you?" The one who spoke was the Pavilion Master, Su Qinian. Li Qingran lifted her gaze for a brief moment before quickly looking away. She mumbled, "Yes¡­ my master arranged it. Master said it¡¯s for me alone¡­ The spiritual fields¡­ I¡¯m the only one tending them too¡­" "Oh." Su Qinian glanced at the fields, silently astonished. The fertility of these fields was already at the level of . Even his own medicinal garden was only about this level¡ªand it wasn¡¯t much bigger than what Li Qingran had. Yet, right under his nose, ten such fields had been cultivated in an instant. Who exactly was Li Qingran¡¯s master? There was no way someone could infiltrate the Sword Pavilion without him noticing. They must have used some kind of treasure¡­ but even so, such a feat was practically divine. "Master, Junior Sister Qingran is afraid you¡¯ll steal her spiritual fields~" Yue Qianchi¡¯s playful remark snapped Su Qinian out of his thoughts. Seeing Li Qingran¡¯s wary expression, he rolled his eyes. "You think I¡¯m going to tend to your spiritual fields for you? You sure have high expectations!" The Sword Pavilion disciples erupted into laughter once again. Li Qingran¡¯s face turned an even deeper shade of red. "D-disciple didn¡¯t mean it that way¡­" Su Qinian raised an eyebrow. "Oh? Then what you mean?" "I just¡­" Li Qingran shut her mouth, unsure what to say. She had never seen a sect master interrogate a disciple like this before. Su Qinian, seeing her at a loss, stroked his beard in satisfaction and said, "You chose this peak for your cave residence. However you develop it is up to you. No matter how extravagant it becomes, it¡¯s still yours. Our Sword Pavilion may not be rich, but we¡¯re not so desperate that we need to seize resources from our own disciples." ??????§à?§¦S? "That¡¯s right, Junior Sister. We were just curious and came to take a look. I mean, it¡¯s not every day you see such a large spiritual field," Yue Qianchi added with a sigh. If she had a field like this, she wouldn¡¯t have to spend money on spirit herbs anymore¡ªshe could just grow her own and even sell the excess for a profit. "Senior Sister¡­ you can plant your herbs here if you¡¯d like¡­" Li Qingran figured Yue Qianchi had always been kind to her, so helping her grow some spirit herbs wasn¡¯t a big deal. Yue Qianchi snorted and crossed her arms. "I appreciate the thought, but you should use the fields yourself. You¡¯re planning to become an or a , aren¡¯t you? You¡¯ll need these fields. Work hard!" "Oh, right¡ªhere, take this." She pulled a small cloth pouch from her storage bag and shoved it into Li Qingran¡¯s hands. "These are basic spirit herb seeds. I bought too many last time. You can have them." "Senior Sister¡­" Li Qingran opened her mouth to refuse, but Yue Qianchi cut her off with a smirk. "If you refuse, I¡¯ll plant dogtail grass all over your field!" Li Qingran: "¡­" "Junior Sister, I brought you two jugs of spirit wine this morning. Don¡¯t forget to take them inside." From his flying sword, Xu An, the senior disciple of Lingyun Peak, waved at her with a smile. "You must be the new Junior Sister, right? I¡¯m Gongsun Sheng, second disciple of Lingyun Peak." A sword cultivator stepped forward, taking out a small device and handing it to her. "This is something I crafted. Just infuse it with , and it will unleash 108,000 spirit steel needles. It might save your life one day." "Junior Sister, I am Zhen He, a direct disciple of Hidden Sword Peak." Another sword cultivator, sitting on a celestial crane with his sword across his lap, handed her a small pouch. "Inside are three , each containing my condensed sword energy. They can instantly kill anyone below the and heavily injure those at the . Keep them for protection." "Junior Sister, I raise celestial cranes. Here¡¯s one for you." "Junior Sister, I don¡¯t have much, so here are some elixirs. Heh heh!" "Junior Sister, this hairpin suits you¡ªtake it!" One after another, gifts were pushed into Li Qingran¡¯s hands until she could no longer hold them all. The pile of items grew so high that even the celestial crane from Zhao Le Senior Sister had to help carry some. "Here. Take this." A cool, indifferent voice spoke. Li Qingran peeked out from behind the mountain of gifts and blinked in confusion. The speaker was the she had seen earlier¡ªthe one who cultivated the while sleeping on a turtle¡¯s back. "I am Duan Feng, direct disciple of ." Duan Feng held out a dark, heavy sword case. His tone was as calm as ever. "Joining the Sword Pavilion means becoming a sword cultivator. Your sword is no longer just a weapon¡ªit is your partner, your kin. Even if it is a wooden sword, you must remain loyal to it until it is no longer usable." "Nearly all of our resources go into . This sword case can temper and restore your blade, enhancing its sharpness over time. It is yours now." "I¡­ I can¡¯t accept this¡­ It¡¯s too, too valuable¡­" Li Qingran was already overwhelmed by the sheer number of gifts. She stammered, unsure of what to do. "It¡¯s just an object. Besides, I have a better one." Duan Feng placed the sword case on top of the pile, perfectly balancing it before turning and walking away. His own sword hung at his waist¡ªits dark, polished blade wrapped in a faint green glow. He was also the only disciple who wasn¡¯t floating in the air. When all the gifts had been given, Li Qingran found herself completely surrounded by presents. The celestial crane had to carry some for her. This outcome was far beyond anything she had expected. She had thought her fellow disciples would demand something in return, but after giving their gifts, they simply left, chatting and laughing among themselves. Yue Qianchi helped Li Qingran carry everything into her house. The two of them sat on the cliffside of , each holding a jug of Xu An¡¯s spirit wine under the moonlight. "This is a tradition in the Sword Pavilion. You¡¯ll get used to it." Yue Qianchi ruffled Li Qingran¡¯s hair with a gentle smile. "But¡­ why did they give me so much?" Li Qingran was still confused. Wasn¡¯t the Sword Pavilion supposed to be ? One senior even gave her all his , keeping only a single one for himself. Yue Qianchi gazed at the moon, eyes filled with sorrow. After a moment of silence, she finally spoke. "Junior Sister¡­ it¡¯s been a long time since we had new disciples in the Sword Pavilion." "The path of a sword cultivator is difficult¡ªfar harder than in other sects. It requires immense perseverance and countless resources. We don¡¯t want to lose another disciple to hardship." Li Qingran might not know the history of the Sword Pavilion, but she could see the sadness in Yue Qianchi¡¯s eyes. She reached out and firmly grasped Yue Qianchi¡¯s hand, fingers interlacing. "Senior Sister, I won¡¯t die. I¡¯ll do my best to live on. And you can¡¯t die either¡ªyou¡¯re our Pavilion¡¯s Senior Sister!" Yue Qianchi froze¡ªthen let out a hearty laugh. "That¡¯s right!" She raised her wine jug, letting the moonlight flow into her drink. "As long as I, Yue Qianchi, am here, no one will harm my fellow disciples!" Chapter 81: The Breathing Technique and Hidden Turmoil Chapter 81: The Breathing Technique and Hidden Turmoil ¡­ Late at night, Chen Huai¡¯an turned over in his sleep. "Emmm¡­ Qingran hasn¡¯t been bullied in her new sect, right?" He groggily reached for his phone, took a quick glance, and saw Li Qingran diligently cultivating in-game. Satisfied, he casually tossed his phone aside and went back to sleep. On the windowsill, the black cat, Baji, curled up into a ball, breaking into a cold sweat. Only when it confirmed that Chen Huai¡¯an had fallen asleep again did it let out a sigh of relief. Facing the under the moonlight, it slowly released a suppressed aura¡ªa menacing energy that belonged to the . Dark tendrils extended from its body, merging into the room¡¯s shadows, filling the air with a sinister presence. ¡¾That big green fish sure is lucky.¡¿ Baji scoffed at the blue carp leisurely bathing in the basin, absorbing . In this era of dwindling , living in a place rich with energy¡ªunder the protection of a powerful master¡ªwas an unimaginable fortune. Sear?h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. As for how Baji understood the current world? It had learned from watching TV whenever Chen Huai¡¯an turned it on. Eventually, it figured out how to turn it on itself whenever Chen Huai¡¯an left. Now, it knew that the metal box that nearly crushed it last time was called a . It wasn¡¯t a human weapon¡ªjust a transportation device. Real human weapons were things called and , which were like long-range hidden weapons that could kill enemies from afar. With this newfound knowledge, Baji became even more convinced that its master was here to comprehend the . He must have traveled across countless worlds, sealing his power and memories to experience different , refining his path to perfection. But no one should mistake a sealed master for an easy target¡ªif he dared to suppress his own strength and memories, he must have a means of self-preservation. Baji speculated that the was his secret weapon. Unlike human phones, its master¡¯s device had a pitch-black screen that only he could see. It was a tool for comprehending the ¡ªa treasure that even Baji had once coveted. But after witnessing the terrifying last time, it no longer dared to entertain such thoughts. ¡¾This carp must have been left here on purpose by the master. If the master intends to keep you, then I shall grant you a stroke of fortune!¡¿ As one of the Four Ancient Fiend Beasts, the was practically the ancestor of all demons. To bestow sentience upon a creature and transform it into a true demon was an effortless act. Baji pressed its paw against the carp¡¯s forehead, allowing a single drop of dark red blood to seep into its skin. ¡¾At this rate, it will fully demonize in two months.¡¿ Baji retracted its paw, its round eyes gleaming with cunning. Once the carp became a demon, it would serve as the perfect distraction. As long as its master¡¯s memories remained sealed, his attention would be focused on the newly transformed carp¡ªmeaning he wouldn¡¯t have time to notice anything wrong about Baji itself. ?a?¨¯¦Â?? ¡¾Kekekeke! I¡¯m a genius!¡¿ ¡­ "Stupid cat, what the hell are you screeching about in the middle of the night¡­" Half-asleep, Chen Huai¡¯an casually threw a pillow in Baji¡¯s direction. His hand brushed against his phone¡¯s screen. A game notification popped up. ¡¾Your remaining lifespan: 57 days¡¿ ¡¾Today''s fortune: Minor Blessing ¨C Auspicious for Marriage¡¿ ¡­ "You¡¯re kidding, right? Three-Zero, are you seriously expecting me to believe this story?" A burly, bearded man stared in disbelief at the school-uniform-clad girl in front of him. What had she just said? Some mysterious expert casually threw out seven or eight capable of summoning divine lightning? And¡ªhe was with a high-grade demonic entity?! Was this even anymore?! "Brother Wu, I may not be an official member of the Demon-Slaying Bureau, but you know my character." Lin Lingling¡¯s wounds were wrapped in simple bandages, and after applying the Bureau¡¯s special wound-healing salve, she felt much better. But she still had to lean against her spear for support. She added, "Moreover, I suspect that demon isn¡¯t just a high-grade entity¡ªit might be a ." The bearded man, Wu, let out an exasperated sigh. The Demon-Slaying Bureau categorized demonic entities into several levels: Among them, were newly awakened creatures affected by the . They primarily evolved by consuming flesh and devouring one another. But ? Only a could handle those. Anything weaker than that would just be throwing themselves into the meat grinder. Because were as intelligent as humans¡ªmeaning tricking them into submission was out of the question. If Lin Lingling¡¯s report was accurate and this really was a , they were in deep trouble. Especially since the C-Province Demon-Slaying Bureau ! He and Old Li were both merely . There was no way they could take on such a threat. "You also said this demon is living with a mysterious Revived, correct? And that this Revived can use Thunder Talismans?" "That¡¯s right. I even tested him¡ªhe seems completely unaware of the Bureau." Lin Lingling rubbed her chin, deep in thought. "I have two theories. One, this person is a , someone who naturally awakened and is unaware of the Bureau. But the fact that a wild Revived can already so skillfully is suspicious¡­ Two, he might actually a member of the Bureau or another private exorcist organization, just executing a secret mission¡ªhence why he ignored my probing questions." "No, there¡¯s a third possibility." Wu¡¯s expression turned grim. "Have you considered that he might be an ?" "¡­An ?" Lin Lingling recalled the video account she had seen of Chen Huai¡¯an and his carefree, idiotic, yet strangely demeanor. Could an Uncontrolled Revived really have kind of gaze? She had never even considered the possibility. Wu, however, remained unconvinced. "People can pretend, you know." "This situation is too serious to ignore!" Wu slammed his hand on the table, his eyes sharp. "You¡¯re the only one who¡¯s interacted with this mysterious Revived, and he hasn¡¯t attacked you yet. That means your new mission is to . The moment he¡ªor the demon in his home¡ªshows any abnormal signs, you report back immediately!" "I¡¯ve already requested a Soldier-Class backup from headquarters. You just need to stall for time." "Me?" Lin Lingling pointed at herself, her lips twitching. "You want , a mere , to ?" "If you do it well, I¡¯ll promote you to ." Wu grinned, hands folded smugly. "You know we¡¯re short-staffed. Most freelance exorcists are cowards. But you, Three-Zero¡­ You¡¯re different. You¡¯re fearless. I believe in you. Just stall until our reinforcements arrive, and I¡¯ll make you . Hell, I¡¯ll even make you an !" "Isn¡¯t already an automatic promotion?" "Not the same thing!" Wu pulled out a document from his desk. "This is the newly developed . If I promote you, you¡¯ll gain access to the first three volumes." Lin Lingling¡¯s face twitched. They really perfect the ?! Her fingers tightened around her spear. After a moment, she raised her head and met Wu¡¯s gaze. "Deal." "But I¡¯m broke. I need a quick demon-slaying job on the side." "No problem!" Wu gestured toward the mission board, grinning. "Pick anything you like!" Chapter 82: Are You Serious?! Chapter 82: Are You Serious?! "Disciple Qingran humbly prays to the heavens for mercy, to dispel calamities, and to bless my master with safety and peace." At dawn the next day, Li Qingran followed her usual routine¡ªbathing in incense and offering three bows to the sky, praying for her master''s well-being. Afterward, she rode the celestial crane gifted by Senior Sister Zhaole and headed toward the sect''s Sword Pavilion plaza. She had always been a punctual person, believing that arriving early was enough. But the moment she reached the plaza, she was stunned. The entire plaza was already packed with people. The rooftops, the ancient pines, the very tips of the bamboo in the grove¡ªwherever one could stand, sit, lie down, or meditate¡ªwere all occupied by disciples of the Sword Pavilion. The better the vantage point, the more crowded it was. Clang! A sudden sword cry pierced the air, and from the front of the crowd, a dazzling sword light shot skyward. Then came the sounds of battle. "Get lost! This is my spot!" "You think just because you say so, it¡¯s yours? I say it¡¯s mine!" "I left my flying sword here to claim this spot!" "Like I care!" S~ea??h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The intense clashing of swords roared into the sky. Yet, none of the surrounding disciples of the Sword Pavilion seemed inclined to intervene. Instead, they watched with great interest, even discussing who would win. "You¡¯ll have to come even earlier next time, Junior Sister." A voice came from above, and a figure gracefully landed on the tip of a bamboo stalk beside her¡ªit was Xu An, the same senior brother who had gifted her spirit wine the day before. "Senior Brother Xu." Li Qingran quickly bowed in greeting. "No need to be so formal." Xu An, holding a wine gourd, looked slightly intoxicated as he chuckled. "The sect¡¯s morning lessons are extremely important. They¡¯re when the elders answer cultivation questions and the direct disciples share their battle experiences. Only after this do the elders of each peak take their disciples back for specialized sword training." "I see..." Li Qingran nodded, still somewhat confused. Sword Pavilion¡¯s teaching model was vastly different from Qingyun Sect¡¯s¡ªit even seemed quite eco-friendly. "That¡¯s why you need to arrive early and claim a good spot. Sometimes, the direct disciples will spar, and the closer you are to the front, the more details you can observe. It¡¯s very beneficial for both cultivation and swordplay," Xu An explained. His intoxication seemed to swell as he swayed precariously atop the bamboo stalk. Yet, no matter how much he wobbled, his feet remained firmly planted on the tip. "But Senior Brother, you arrived late too." "Me?" Xu An waved dismissively. "No one dares take my spot. The very front is reserved for the top three direct disciples of each peak. If anyone wants my spot, they¡¯ll have to beat me first." At the front, the sword fight seemed to have reached its conclusion. One disciple, cursing under his breath, leaped onto a nearby rooftop and promptly knocked down another disciple who had already secured a good spot, taking it for himself. ?¨¤?????B¨º£Ó Dong¡ªDong¡ªDong! A distant, ethereal bell tolled from the mountains¡ªnine chimes in total. Instantly, the entire plaza fell silent. "Morning lessons are starting." Xu An¡¯s expression turned serious, and his drunkenness vanished in an instant. "Junior Sister, I¡¯ll be heading to the front. See you later~" The moment he finished speaking, Li Qingran blinked, and Xu An was already gone, leaving only the swaying bamboo behind. Li Qingran was completely absorbed in the morning lessons. The elders of the Sword Pavilion didn¡¯t just dump their own experiences onto the disciples and call it a day. Because the gap in cultivation levels was too vast, much of their knowledge would be incomprehensible to lower-level disciples. So, instead, they carefully deconstructed their insights, tailoring them for each cultivation stage so that all disciples could grasp them easily. At the same time, they exposed disciples to knowledge above their current level without hindering their progress. This reminded Li Qingran of her time in Qingyun Sect. Back then, when Daoist Qingxuan taught her the Chiyun Technique, he simply recited the incantation and left her to figure it out on her own. Translating the incantation into something she could actually understand had already taken her a ridiculous amount of effort. After the morning lessons ended, the disciples left under the guidance of their respective elders. But Li Qingran didn¡¯t leave right away. She wandered around the small plaza for a while. Finally, she spotted the Sword Pavilion Master, Su Qinian, fast asleep on a towering ancient pine. "Sect Master, this junior has something to report!" Standing beneath the tree, she bowed respectfully. No response. She looked up and saw that this late-stage Nascent Soul powerhouse was sleeping soundly¡ªcompletely unguarded! "Sect Master?" "Junior Sister, that won¡¯t wake him up." Out of nowhere, Yue Qianchi appeared, grinning mischievously as she draped an arm around Li Qingran¡¯s shoulder. "Master can sense killing intent from a hundred miles away, but within the Sword Pavilion, no matter how close a disciple gets to him, he¡¯ll sleep right through it," Yue Qianchi explained while rummaging through her storage pouch. Soon, she pulled out a bronze gong and a wooden mallet. She raised an eyebrow at Li Qingran. "Today, Senior Sister will teach you how to wake up a sleeping sect master." Li Qingran¡¯s face paled. "Senior Sister, this... this doesn¡¯t seem appropriate..." She could already guess what Yue Qianchi intended to do. This was outright disrespect! In Qingyun Sect, this kind of offense would get someone expelled! "It¡¯s fine." Yue Qianchi leaped onto the tree, positioned the gong right above Su Qinian¡¯s head, and swung the mallet in a wide arc. BOOOOM!!! Li Qingran instinctively shut her eyes in terror. When the echo finally faded, she cautiously opened them again¡ªonly to see Su Qinian now sitting cross-legged, his face dark as thunder, his jaw twitching. The culprit, Yue Qianchi, was nowhere to be found. Oh no. Li Qingran hurriedly bowed. "Sect Master, that wasn¡¯t me. It was¡ª" She bit her lip and ultimately decided not to rat out her senior sister. Let the sect master figure it out himself. She simply shut her eyes, resigned, and muttered, "Disciple got dust in her eyes. I didn¡¯t see anything." "Hah! You think I wouldn¡¯t know it was that damn girl Yue Qianchi?" Su Qinian ground his teeth, his fists clenched inside his sleeves. "That brat is getting bolder! I¡¯ll make her clean up after the sect¡¯s guardian beast later!" "Ah? That¡¯s it?" Li Qingran let out a sigh of relief. Cleaning up after the guardian beast wasn¡¯t even a punishment. She had done plenty of that before¡ªit was just a little smelly. But upon hearing her response, Su Qinian¡¯s expression twisted. A sinister grin crept onto his face. "Heh... So it was her, huh? Heh heh heh... Good! Well done! Heh heh heh..." Li Qingran was dumbfounded. She hadn¡¯t expected the sect master to trick her into confessing! Without realizing it, she had sold out her senior sister. Lowering her head, she pressed her hands together in silent apology. ¡¾Senior Sister, I¡¯m so sorry QAQ. Sect Master is way too cunning!¡¿ "Save your prayers. That brat is doomed." Su Qinian jumped down from the pine tree, straightened his robe, and asked in confusion, "Anyway, why were you looking for me?" Li Qingran steadied herself and bowed deeply. "Sect Master, my master¡ªSenior Grand Elder Chen¡ª is currently fighting a great demon. He said he has been poisoned and may not have much time left. Since he is a Senior Grand Elder of the Sword Pavilion, I thought I should inform you." Master. Senior Grand Elder of the Sword Pavilion. Poisoned. What? Su Qinian¡¯s eye twitched. Wait... this is serious?! Chapter 83: Found the Memorial Tablet? Chapter 83: Found the Memorial Tablet? The so-called "Senior Grand Elder" was just a lie Su Qinian had told Li Qingran to motivate her to cultivate harder. In reality, the Sword Pavilion never had a Senior Grand Elder, let alone one with the surname Chen. But now what? Li Qingran''s master was poisoned and dying. Leaving him alone didn¡¯t sit right with Su Qinian. But stepping in? He didn¡¯t have the resources for that¡­ "Qingran, was informing me of this your idea or your master''s?" Su Qinian decided to stall and gauge the situation first. "It was my master''s wish, and it is also mine!" Li Qingran bowed deeply again. "Sect Master, is there any way to save my master? I am willing to do anything!" Su Qinian felt his head spin. Great. Not only had he accepted a disciple, but now he had also indirectly acknowledged a nonexistent Senior Grand Elder in the Sword Pavilion? Was this even appropriate? Was this¡­ right? Since the situation was getting out of hand, Su Qinian decided to create some distance. Testing the waters again, he said, "When I joined the sect, that Senior Grand Elder had already left for a journey. I only know his surname is Chen, but I don¡¯t recall his full name¡­" "My master''s name is Chen Huai¡¯an!" Li Qingran immediately supplied. "Ah, I see. Then follow me to the sect¡¯s ancestral hall. I¡¯ll check the records and see which Senior Grand Elder he was, and based on his cultivation level, we can figure out a solution." Su Qinian¡¯s real plan? The ancestral hall only contained memorial tablets of deceased elders, along with some for those who had left the sect and were missing. Sear?h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. If they didn¡¯t find any tablet for a Chen Huai¡¯an, he¡¯d simply claim it was a mistake, brush the whole thing off, and then offer Li Qingran another encouraging lie to keep her focused on improving her strength. It wasn¡¯t selfishness. The Sword Pavilion simply couldn¡¯t afford distractions right now. Resources were dwindling. They barely had enough for their own people. Li Qingran wasn¡¯t sure why she needed to confirm her master¡¯s identity, but clinging to hope, she obediently followed Su Qinian to the ancestral hall. The hall was old. But it was immaculately maintained. Li Qingran noticed a female sword cultivator sweeping fallen leaves in the courtyard. She wore plain robes, her long white hair cascading down her back. Tall and slender, she stood bathed in the morning light, her pale face glowing with an ethereal radiance. Time had left no trace on her features. ???????¦¢¦¥? For a moment, Li Qingran felt as though time itself had merged with this woman. "Senior Sister Lin," Su Qinian greeted with a bow. It was the first time Li Qingran had ever seen the usually irreverent Pavilion Master act so proper. The woman merely nodded slightly, as if she barely noticed their presence. Su Qinian offered no explanation about her identity and simply led Li Qingran inside. The hall was filled with neatly arranged memorial tablets. Compared to the hall¡¯s dilapidated state, the tablets themselves gleamed as if they had just been placed there. Li Qingran couldn¡¯t help but think of the ethereal woman outside. The tablets must be her work¡ªcarefully maintained day after day, preserving the memory of those who had come before. Su Qinian lit three incense sticks, placed them in the burner, and bowed three times before turning to Li Qingran. "We¡¯ll split up and search. Remember¡ªdo not move the tablets. You can look, but don¡¯t touch!" Li Qingran nodded seriously. "Understood! I won¡¯t touch anything!" "Good, you¡¯re well-behaved, so I won¡¯t keep an eye on you." With that, Su Qinian wandered up to the second floor, planning to stall for time. He was certain. There was no record of any ancestor or senior with the name Chen Huai¡¯an in the Sword Pavilion. Li Qingran searched carefully, but with each passing moment, she grew more anxious. Especially when she reached the section dedicated to those with the surname Chen¡ªyet still, no sign of her master¡¯s name. Minutes ticked by. Su Qinian eventually came back down, finding Li Qingran frantically scanning the memorial tablets. Though he felt a pang of guilt, he steeled himself and said, "Well? Did you find your master¡¯s tablet? If not, I must have remembered wrong. Ah¡ªsuch is age, my memory fails me at times." Li Qingran didn¡¯t respond. She kept searching, even revisiting the tablets Su Qinian had already "checked." Her eyes were red, her lips tightly pressed together, as if determined to check every single one. Su Qinian didn¡¯t stop her, instead patiently continuing, "Qingran, even if your master isn¡¯t one of our sect¡¯s Senior Grand Elders, I¡¯ll still try to help him. You don¡¯t have to¡ª" "I found it!" The sheer joy in her voice cut Su Qinian off mid-sentence. "What?!" Su Qinian spun around, stunned. Li Qingran rushed forward, clutching a memorial tablet in her arms. Her eyes were slightly red, tears shimmering at the corners, but her face carried a look of profound relief. "Master¡­ I found my master¡¯s tablet!" Chapter 84: Isnt This Triple Zero? Chapter 84: Isn''t This Triple Zero? "Hiss¡ª! This isn¡¯t right! This shouldn¡¯t be happening!" Su Qinian yanked out another strand of his beard, utterly baffled. "So, Sect Master, is this my master¡¯s memorial tablet or not?" Li Qingran stared at Su Qinian anxiously, her fingers nervously clutching the hem of her dress. The Sect Master had been staring at the tablet for over ten minutes now. Could there be some issue? "Well¡­ how should I put this?" Su Qinian tore his gaze away from the memorial tablet, his expression complicated. The inscription read "Chen _ An," with the middle character missing. Li Qingran¡¯s master was named Chen Huai¡¯an, but with a missing character, he couldn''t be completely sure if this tablet belonged to him. However, Li Qingran''s master had claimed he was once a Senior Grand Elder of the Sword Pavilion¡­ Su Qinian was completely confused. His memory told him there had never been a Senior Grand Elder named Chen Huai¡¯an in the Sword Pavilion. Sear?h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. But the ancestral hall¡¯s records suggested there been a highly revered ancestor with the name Chen _ An. The tablet was placed at the very top¡ªan indication of great status. Since it was missing a character, and because Su Qinian had no recollection of a Chen Huai¡¯an, he had originally glossed over it. If not for Li Qingran double-checking every tablet he had already dismissed, they might have completely missed it. Could it be that, when he first joined the sect, this "Chen _ An" had indeed left on a journey? Did his random nonsense just turn out to be ?! Still in disbelief, Su Qinian took the tablet and hurried outside to find the white-clad female sword cultivator. Li Qingran quickly followed. "Senior Sister Lin, you joined the sect earlier than I did. Do you recall an elder named Chen _ An?" The woman in white turned at the mention of the name. Her beautiful face instantly darkened as she unsheathed her sword and Su Qinian on the head with its scabbard. "Who gave you permission to move the memorial tablets? Are you looking for a beating?" Despite being the Pavilion Master of the Sword Pavilion, Su Qinian didn¡¯t dare resist. He simply lowered his head and endured her scolding. "I do recall an ancestor with the surname Chen," Lin Yuxi eventually admitted, though her expression remained indifferent. "But I¡¯ve long forgotten his full name." ?????¦­?B§¦s She carefully returned the tablet to its original place and glanced at the two younger cultivators. "That ancestor left on a journey a long time ago. He was the senior martial brother of our master¡¯s master. This tablet is extremely old. The previous caretaker of the ancestral hall failed to protect it, and one day, our sect¡¯s guardian beast got in and clawed away the middle character." Su Qinian¡¯s vision darkened. So the nonsense he had spouted had actually ? "Is there any other information about this ancestor?" He wanted final confirmation. "Hmm¡­" Lin Yuxi frowned in thought. "He did leave behind a saying, engraved on the stele at Ten Thousand Swords Peak." "You mean the inscription on the Ten Thousand Swords Peak stele was left by this Chen ancestor?!" Su Qinian was shocked. "I always thought our master wrote it!" "I haven''t been to Ten Thousand Swords Peak yet. May I ask what it says?" "I suppose there''s no harm in telling you." Su Qinian stroked his beard before reciting, "Just eight simple words, yet filled with overwhelming might, perfectly encapsulating the sword intent cultivated at Ten Thousand Swords Peak¡ª ''When the Dao collapses, only the sword remains!''" Su Qinian shook his head, lost in admiration for the phrase''s boundless arrogance. But Li Qingran only blinked, her gaze flickering with uncertainty. The words certainly carried an imposing presence, but they didn¡¯t sound like something her master would say. Her master¡¯s words always carried an ethereal quality. But that wasn¡¯t important. The past was the past. Her master had gone through countless experiences over the years¡ªof course, the way he spoke would change. "That settles it." Su Qinian clenched his fist, sealing his conclusion. "Li Qingran, your master, Chen Huai¡¯an, was not a Senior Grand Elder, but an of our sect. Perhaps he was just an elder when he left, and since his position within the sect is hard to define now, he told you he was a Senior Grand Elder instead." Li Qingran didn¡¯t respond. Actually, her master had never told her anything. She had asked. "Since your master is an of the Sword Pavilion, this matter must be handled with the utmost care. Go ask your master where he is now and what kind of poison he has been afflicted with. The Sword Pavilion will spare no expense¡ªwe find the antidote, even if it costs us everything!" Su Qinian''s voice was resolute. He was all in. Forget the sect¡¯s principle of never abandoning a single disciple¡ª Just the title alone was worth going broke over. If they managed to save this ancestor and bring him back, what did the amount to? They could Qingyun Sect with the entire Pavilion. Dig out every last one of their spirit stones. Make their guardian beast with Qingyun Sect¡¯s mother snake. Would the Qingyun Sect dare say no? Would they ?! "" Lost in his fantasy, Su Qinian laughed like a true sword cultivator. "Su Qinian! You touched an ancestor¡¯s memorial tablet. Report to the Law Enforcement Hall and receive one hundred lashes!" A cold voice suddenly rang out from behind him, sending a shiver down his spine. "Ah, Senior Sister, I the Pavilion Master now, you know¡ª" "Pavilion Masters get punished too." Lin Yuxi shut the doors to the ancestral hall with a cold glare. "Or what? Are you waiting for me to drag you to the sect plaza like when we were kids? Spank your backside with a vine rod in front of the Sword Pavilion disciples?" Su Qinian''s face turned green. He hurriedly grabbed Li Qingran and made his escape. He knew Senior Sister Lin do it. "Sect Master, I¡¯d like to visit the Scripture Pavilion as well." Although Su Qinian had already promised to handle the situation, Li Qingran felt it was best to have a backup plan. Her master¡¯s poisoning couldn¡¯t be delayed. If Su Qinian¡¯s efforts failed, she might still find a solution in the Scripture Pavilion. "Go, go." Su Qinian waved her off in boredom. "The Scripture Pavilion is at the peak of the North Summit. Just remember to follow the rules." He summoned his flying sword and prepared to head to the Law Enforcement Hall. Then, he hesitated, turned back, and fixed Li Qingran with a dark expression. "Qingran, about today¡¯s events, you¡­" Li Qingran straightened her posture, her face solemn as she cupped her fists. "This disciple simply visited the ancestral hall with the Sect Master, glanced at the memorial tablets, and left. I saw , met , and no one said a single word to us. This disciple also has where the Sect Master is headed now." "Mm~" Su Qinian stroked his beard in satisfaction. "Good girl!" With that, he soared into the sky on his sword. Li Qingran let out a quiet breath of relief. She unhooked the bell at her waist, summoned her celestial crane, and flew towards the North Summit. Boom! Boom! That morning, Chen Huai¡¯an was still asleep when two loud thuds echoed from outside. Groggily, he opened his eyes. "" On the sofa, the black cat, Baji, also opened its golden eyes, a cold glint flashing within. ¡¾Blood¡­ and the scent of that little thief from before¡­¡¿ Chen Huai¡¯an got up and opened the door. A strong stench of blood hit him straight in the face, making him frown. A blood trail stretched from the window at the end of the hallway, leading to his doorstep. And lying at his feet was a small, trembling figure. Dressed in a bloodstained high school summer uniform, her hair matted with dirt and gore, her face was nearly unrecognizable. A collapsed, bloodied little girl. And most importantly¡ª He her. "" Chapter 89: Disciple Won’t Let You Die! Chapter 89: Disciple Won¡¯t Let You Die! Back at the hotel, Chen Huai¡¯an let out a small sigh of relief. Nothing in his room had been touched. Good. He it when people messed with his stuff¡ªwhether it was the police or anyone else. At the sound of the door opening, Baji poked its head out from the corner. Seeing that it was Chen Huai¡¯an, the black cat immediately let out a and began its paw-licking performance. Meanwhile, the big green fish in the washbasin peeked its head out slightly, as if secretly listening in on the room¡¯s conversation. Chen Huai¡¯an plugged in his phone to charge. Sitting on the edge of the bed, he began sorting through the chaos in his head. ¡°Something¡¯s wrong with the world.¡± Hearing his muttered words, Baji¡¯s paw froze mid-lick. Slowly¡­ its gaze lifted in horror. ¡®Has he¡­ finally realized?!¡¯ "Ever since I came back from Tianmen Mountain, things have felt off. That mutant wolf died way too strangely, Triple Zero kept asking me weird questions, and then today she almost right in front of me." "The police took me in for questioning, but then I ran into that ¡ªclearly someone with a lot of power, yet he was pretending to be an internet caf¨¦ owner. And his behavior? Completely ." As Chen Huai¡¯an¡¯s thoughts connected the dots, his eyes shone brighter and brighter. Meanwhile, Baji¡¯s expression grew more and more terrified. ¡®The big boss¡­ Is about to awaken his memories?!¡¯ The air in the room darkened, as if something had blinded the heavens. This¡ªthis terrifying presence¡­ It could overturn the sky itself! "HYDRA¡­ SHIELD¡­ THE AVENGERS¡­ X-MEN! HAHAHA!" Baji: "???" What the hell was the boss talking about?! Baji swiped the sock Chen Huai¡¯an had thrown on its face and, realizing that nothing was actually happening, resumed licking its paws. "That girl, Lin Lingling¡ªdressed in a school uniform, carrying a long rifle, and wandering around deep in the mountains? That was weird enough!" "But then, she was the one who killed that mutant wolf!" "And that bearded guy? He has enough authority to control the police, but he¡¯s clearly not part of law enforcement." "He even gave me a mysterious address¡ªit secret organization!" Chen Huai¡¯an¡¯s eyes lit up as he clenched his fist. "I¡¯ve got it!" "Triple Zero and Beardy are agents of a secret organization. They must have discovered that my cancer cells have transformed me into a superhuman, so they deliberately made contact!" ?¨¢£Î?§£§¦? "And Beardy offering 100,000 yuan for my talismans? That was his way of leaving a lasting impression on me!" "As for Triple Zero¡­ Hmm¡­" He rubbed his chin in thought. Why exactly had she been covered in blood at his doorstep? That part still didn¡¯t make sense. "Eh, whatever. They¡¯ve already found out about Tumor Superman. They¡¯ll definitely come looking for me again." With his "Think too much? Just let it go" mindset, Chen Huai¡¯an shrugged and logged into his Virtual Girlfriend game. "Master! You¡¯re finally here!" The moment he went online, Li Qingran¡ªwho had been meditating on a prayer mat¡ªimmediately opened her eyes. S§×arch* The N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. She tilted her face up, looking toward the ceiling, her smile bright and soft. She could feel her master¡¯s warm gaze upon her. "Ah~ Only my Virtual Girlfriend can heal my soul!" Chen Huai¡¯an gazed at the blushing, sparkling-eyed Li Qingran on his screen, feeling his heart melt into warm, soft fluff. "Master, so much has happened while you were gone!" Li Qingran excitedly began counting on her fingers. She talked about the morning lessons at the Sword Pavilion¡ª How the teachings were clear and easy to understand, how the elders and direct disciples weren¡¯t arrogant, and how¡ªaside from the occasional brutal fight for seating¡ªeveryone generally got along well. Then she moved on to the cunning Sect Master, and how Senior Sister Yue Qianchi had into waking up. Every time she got to something funny, she would burst into laughter. "Oh! And Master, these are all the gifts my senior brothers and sisters gave me!" Li Qingran proudly displayed the pile of items on her bed¡ª Meticulously explaining each one¡¯s function, who had gifted it, and why. ¡¾Looks like you really like the Sword Pavilion.¡¿ Chen Huai¡¯an was relieved. After all the bullying she had endured at Qingyun Sect, it was clear that she was much happier here. "Of course! It¡¯s a wonderful place. Everyone treats me so well," Li Qingran said with heartfelt gratitude. "As expected of Master¡¯s former sect¡ªafter just a few days, it already feels like home." Chen Huai¡¯an awkwardly rubbed his nose. ¡­Yeah. The Sword Pavilion was definitely his former sect. That was just a big fat lie the Sect Master had fed her. "Oh, right! Master, I told the Sect Master about your poisoning today!" Li Qingran sat up straight, her expression suddenly serious. ¡¾Oh? What did he say?¡¿ Chen Huai¡¯an was curious. How would the Sect Master wiggle his way out of one? "He took me to the ancestral hall to confirm your identity¡ªand we found your memorial tablet!" Chen Huai¡¯an: "?" "I also joined Ten Thousand Swords Peak! And the inscription on the stele¡ª¡®When the Dao collapses, only the sword remains¡¯¡ªthat was written by you!" "Hehehe, even though Master is thousands of miles away, I still managed to choose your mountain as my sect!" Unable to maintain her serious face, Li Qingran grinned cutely. She truly believed¡ª This was fate. She was Master¡¯s disciple. And she had chosen his mountain. This was destiny. Chen Huai¡¯an: "???" Wait. No. This¡ªthis doesn¡¯t make sense. They actually found his memorial tablet? And now he was canonically the founder of Ten Thousand Swords Peak?! At this rate, wouldn¡¯t the game eventually reveal that he actually some long-lost Senior Grand Elder of the Sword Pavilion?! Even if this game was released in 2034, it would still be the most clich¨¦, overdramatic, soap opera-level storyline ever! "Master, the Sect Master asked which province you¡¯re in and what your current cultivation level is, so he can send over detoxification pills." Chen Huai¡¯an froze. ¡­Province? Bro, I¡¯m in ASIA. What the hell was he supposed to say now? Fortunately, the game provided dialogue options: ¢Ù ¢Ú ¢Û ¢Ü After a moment of silence, Chen Huai¡¯an mimicked the game¡¯s tone and said: "I am not in Cangyun Realm. I am trapped in an alternate space, surrounded by endless demon beasts. It is too dangerous for you to reach me. However, if you prepare the detoxification pills, I can use my divine abilities to retrieve them from your location." "A trapped space¡­ full of demon beasts¡­" Li Qingran¡¯s face turned pale, her breath hitching. So Master had been suffering alone in such a place? Her eyes burned, moisture gathering. But she clenched her fists¡ª Her voice resolute: "Master, don¡¯t worry! I found an all-poison antidote in the Scripture Pavilion! I will refine the best detoxification pill for you!" Her determination blazed. Tears slid down her cheeks. Her fists trembled as she swore¡ª "I will not let you die!" Chapter 90: You Want to Divine the Future Too? Chapter 90: You Want to Divine the Future Too? "Master, may I ask¡ªwhat is your current cultivation realm?" As soon as Li Qingran regained her composure, she immediately started gathering crucial information. ¡¾This master¡­¡¿ Chen Huai¡¯an paused. Since this was a free response, he could technically say whatever he wanted. In the Cangyun Realm, the highest cultivation stage was the Mahayana Realm. Once a cultivator surpassed their tribulation, they would ascend to the Immortal Realm. Claiming he was at the Mahayana Realm would be too ridiculous. So¡­ Chen Huai¡¯an hardened his resolve and made a bold choice. ¡¾This master is currently at the Void Piercing Realm!¡¿ The moment those words appeared, both the game world and the real world fell into a stunned silence. Baji: "QAQ!!!" ¡¾T-The boss is a Void Piercing Realm powerhouse?!¡¿ ¡¾Wait¡ªif he were truly at the Void Piercing Realm, he would¡¯ve already seen through my true form!¡¿ ¡¾Then¡­ what exactly is the boss¡¯s real cultivation? Why would he say that?!¡¿ Baji curled into a ball, trembling in the corner. The Void Piercing Realm was the stage right before Mahayana. Cultivators at this level could already sense the Heavenly Tribulation they would face upon reaching Mahayana. This was why it was also known as the Tribulation Stage or the Insightful Stage. At this level, a cultivator had to contemplate their path forward¡ª If their Dao Heart was not firm enough, they would almost certainly die under the tribulation lightning. And how did Chen Huai¡¯an know this? Because he had just randomly activated a Heavenly Divination. The heavens trembled! Countless sect elders and reclusive cultivators were thrown into shock! "Immeasurable Heavenly Lord! It has been two days since that supreme expert last performed a Heavenly Divination¡ªI thought something had happened to him!" ?¦Á????? "Honestly, life felt a bit empty without it." "What did he divine this time? I swear¡­" "Damn it! Notify all sect disciples to be extremely careful in their actions¡ªespecially those infiltrating righteous sects! That all-seeing cultivator has returned!" In the Law Enforcement Hall, where Su Qinian was currently getting flogged, he suddenly stopped mid-punishment and stared at the sky for a long time. But Li Qingran didn¡¯t care about the chaos unfolding in the world. She was deep in thought about the significance of the Void Piercing Realm. A realm beyond Fusion, yet beneath Mahayana. At this stage, a cultivator could analyze Dao Laws, condensing the power of an entire world within their Mud Pill Palace, creating a miniature inner world. Only Holy Land leaders were supposed to have this kind of terrifying strength. Yet even a cultivator of this level was trapped in that alternate space¡ª It was proof of how dangerous the demonic beasts within must be. If that was the case¡­ Then her master¡¯s poison must be exceptionally difficult to cure. A shadow loomed over her heart. She was already preparing for the possibility that the Hundred Herb Detoxification Pill might not work. But no matter what¡ªshe had to try. "Understood, Master." Li Qingran rose to her feet, bowed toward the ceiling, and declared, "I will go discuss this with the Sect Master immediately!" Then, clutching her bell, she hurried out the door. Chen Huai¡¯an scratched his head as he watched her rush toward the Sect Master¡¯s Hall. Only for her to find it empty. Li Qingran furrowed her brows and anxiously paced in circles. After some thought, she suddenly turned and rode her celestial crane to the Law Enforcement Hall. Sure enough¡ª She found Sect Master Su Qinian standing at the entrance. A row of disciples stood before him, faint traces of whipping marks on their backs. Faint murmurs of conversation drifted through the air. " Now, regarding today¡¯s events, you all¡ª" "" "" "" Su Qinian¡¯s face darkened instantly. His eyes narrowed, settling on the last disciple who had spoken. Then¡ª With a cold smirk, he said: " Go get yourself a hundred lashes!" The disciple¡¯s grin immediately vanished¡ª And reappeared on Su Qinian¡¯s face instead. To avoid unnecessary trouble, Li Qingran waited patiently for the disciples to leave. Only when Su Qinian was about to fly away on his sword did she finally descend on her celestial crane. She rushed up to him, bowed deeply, and said, "Sect Master, I have an important matter to report!" "Oh, Qingran, what is it?" Su Qinian had already noticed her earlier, but to avoid suspicion, he pretended he had only just seen her. With a fake, sword-cultivator-esque smile, he stroked his beard. "Sect Master, I have been to the Scripture Pavilion. I obtained an ancient pill recipe that may help Master!" Su Qinian nodded knowingly. "Elder Jiong already informed me," he said with a grin. "That pill formula comes from an ancient alchemy master. His pills were famous for their simple refinement methods, complex ingredients, and incredibly effective results. The fact that you acquired his recipe¡ªthis is a tremendous opportunity for both you and your master." Hearing this, Li Qingran¡¯s face lit up. She cupped her hands and added, "Master also informed me that he is not in the Cangyun Realm¡ªhe is trapped in an alternate space and cannot receive direct assistance. However, he possesses a great divine ability that will allow him to retrieve the detoxification pills from my location." "Oh?" Su Qinian¡¯s eyebrows lifted in genuine surprise. "So he¡¯s not even in Cangyun Realm? That means his cultivation level must be¡­" "Master is at the Void Piercing Realm." S§×arch* The Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Silence. A single leaf drifted onto a sword hilt. Plop¡ª! Su Qinian¡¯s sword fell to the ground. He hurriedly bent down to pick it up. "" "" His voice trembled slightly, an unmistakable hint of excitement in his tone. A Void Piercing Realm Senior Grand Elder?! If they rescued him, then the Sword Pavilion could walk sideways across the Cangyun Realm! As long as the Holy Lands didn¡¯t interfere¡ªthey would be invincible! No more fighting over resources. No more beast-related problems. Their guardian beast wouldn¡¯t have to rip up the back mountain¡¯s grass just because it was in heat! They had to save him¡ªat any cost! "" With a serious expression, Su Qinian declared: "" Chen Huai¡¯an: "¡­¡­" Okay, sure. This was touching and all¡ª But calling a Senior Grand Elder ¡®fallen¡¯ sounds a little inappropriate, don¡¯t you think? Su Qinian immediately led Li Qingran to the Medicine Garden, planning to verify the required herbs. And if they couldn¡¯t identify them¡ª He raised a jade tortoise shell and vowed: "If the Medicine Garden elders don¡¯t know these herbs, then I shall divine the future¡ªeven if it costs me my lifespan!" Chen Huai¡¯an, watching from outside the game: "¡­Oh? So you wanna divine the heavens too?" "Alright, let¡¯s see what happens next." Chapter 91: Living Up to Expectations Chapter 91: Living Up to Expectations Before Su Qinian brought it up, Li Qingran had no idea that the Sword Pavilion even had a Medicine Garden. She had always assumed that every disciple just carved out a small plot of land near their cave residences, growing their own herbs separately. But once they arrived at the Medicine Garden, she was stunned. Unlike the dilapidated ancestral hall and the run-down Scripture Pavilion, the Medicine Garden looked brand new¡ªwell-maintained, vibrant, and flourishing. Standing at the entrance, Su Qinian hesitated. Clearing his throat, he called out toward the garden, "" For a moment, the Medicine Garden fell into silence. Then¡ª "GET LOST!!!" A thunderous roar exploded from within. BOOM! The garden doors swung open violently, and a gale-force wind erupted outward, causing the very air to distort and tremble. The fierce wind swept through the garden, bending and nearly snapping countless herbs. Su Qinian, however, casually summoned a wind-shield barrier, looking completely unfazed¡ªas if he were used to this. Once the wind settled, he dismissed his barrier with a wave and turned to Li Qingran. "Qingran, that loudmouth just now is our Medicine Garden Elder¡ªLiu Yuanqing. Don¡¯t be fooled by his temper; he¡¯s actually a pretty decent guy¡ªQingran?" S§×ar?h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. When he didn¡¯t get a response, Su Qinian turned to look¡ª Only to see Li Qingran clinging to the edge of a cliff. Apparently, she had been blown away by the gale and had just climbed back up, her once sleek, silky hair now a complete bird¡¯s nest. "Ah¡­ this¡­" Su Qinian awkwardly scratched his head, chuckling, "" At the entrance of the garden, an elderly man had already appeared. Despite his white hair, he had a childlike complexion, a kindly face, and an aura of wisdom. However, when his sharp, piercing eyes settled on Su Qinian, they burned with undisguised fury¡ª "*Sect Master Su, I respect your title, but if you come to steal spirit herbs again, I will fight you for three hundred rounds¡ªTO THE DEATH!" Li Qingran stared at Su Qinian in shock. Su Qinian ignored her expression and simply laughed. "" "" Elder Liu narrowed his eyes. "" "" Elder Liu emphasized again. "" Giving up, Su Qinian shamelessly admitted, "This disciple here wants to refine a Hundred Herb Detoxification Pill, but there are some ingredients I don¡¯t recognize. We came to ask for your expertise." ?????¦­????????¦¥???? "" Elder Liu remained skeptical, shooting Su Qinian a cold glare. " He unsheathed his sword with a , his spiritual energy surging, his robes fluttering from the force. Before the situation escalated, Li Qingran stepped forward and knelt down on both knees. "" If she let these two bicker any longer, they were definitely going to start fighting. She had already figured it out¡ª The Sect Master had stolen herbs from the Medicine Garden way too many times. And since the Medicine Garden was a separate department from the main sect, Elder Liu held absolute authority here¡ªhis status was on par with Su Qinian¡¯s. Elder Liu examined Li Qingran carefully. Seeing that she was a well-mannered, charming young woman with an earnest expression, his anger softened slightly. " Who is your master?" "" Elder Liu: "Ah?" As someone who had joined the Sword Pavilion later, Elder Liu wasn¡¯t familiar with its ancient history. All he knew was that Su Qinian held the highest rank¡ªhe had never heard of any "Senior Grand Elders" or "sect ancestors." If such a person had existed, the Sword Pavilion wouldn¡¯t be so poor! He turned to Su Qinian for confirmation. Su Qinian nodded. "" "" Elder Liu snorted, but his hostility faded. He approached Li Qingran with a much gentler expression and said, "" After she carefully listed all the ingredients, she nervously watched Elder Liu¡¯s reaction. Thankfully, his expression remained calm¡ªunlike Su Qinian¡¯s, who had been completely baffled earlier. "See? Every other elder in the Sword Pavilion is reliable except for the Sect Master." She had just reached this conclusion in her mind. Elder Liu stroked his beard in thought. Then, pulling out a thick record book, he began flipping through it¡ªoccasionally shaking his head, occasionally nodding and muttering to himself. After a long while, he finally closed the book and looked up. "" Li Qingran¡¯s eyes brightened. "Then that means¡ª!" "" "¡­¡­" Hearing that one word, her heart clenched. "" "" Su Qinian immediately took over the conversation, reassuring Li Qingran, "" "" Elder Liu nodded. "" Li Qingran stepped back, bowed deeply, and declared, "" She understood¡ªher senior brothers and sisters would be seeking their own opportunities in the secret realm. She couldn¡¯t expect them to prioritize finding her herbs. So she had to go herself. She had to find those two ancient-era medicinal primers. Su Qinian and Elder Liu exchanged glances. They had wanted to refuse¡ª After all, she was the disciple of the Senior Grand Elder. Her safety was paramount. But seeing her determination, they hesitated. Finally, Su Qinian relented. "" Li Qingran lifted her head, her snow-bright eyes meeting Su Qinian¡¯s. She declared firmly, without hesitation: "Disciple Qingran will not disappoint!" Chapter 92: Who Wouldn’t Be Anxious? Chapter 92: Who Wouldn¡¯t Be Anxious? "So, after all that, you were just waiting for me here?" Chen Huai''an shook his head as he watched the plot unfold. His main quest was to increase Li Qingran¡¯s survival rate in the Zhongzhou Secret Realm. At the time, he had wondered if he could prevent Li Qingran from going at all. But now? The storyline had locked her fate¡ªshe was destined to go, and the reason? To refine the Hundred Herb Detox Pill for him. Well¡­ it wasn¡¯t entirely unexpected. Still, it felt pretty nice to have someone this concerned about him. Chen Huai''an suddenly thought of his ex-girlfriend. After seeing him make money from livestreaming and even appear on a variety show, she actually had the nerve to message him on Green Bubble, asking to get back together? Screw that! Back when he was hospitalized, she hadn¡¯t visited him even once. Reality proved that even a virtual girlfriend provided more emotional value than a living, breathing person. Shaking his head, Chen Huai''an suddenly caught the scent of blood on himself. That was when he remembered¡ªafter all the chaos earlier, he still hadn¡¯t changed clothes. "This hotel¡¯s a no-go now. Gotta take a shower and get out of here!" He quickly packed up his things, grabbed a few fresh outfits, and headed for the bathroom. Baji stared at the neatly packed suitcase. Even though it still didn¡¯t fully understand human matters, it could tell¡ªBoss was about to leave. [Please, let Boss forget I exist when he leaves.] Baji prayed silently in its heart. Sure, staying here meant it could absorb Spiritual Qi every day, but life was just too stressful! It had lost weight! Out there, all it had to do was find a quiet place to lay low. As the world¡¯s Spiritual Qi continued to recover, there¡¯d be more than enough to go around. By then, even without Boss¡¯ spiritual plants, it could still achieve true Spiritual Qi freedom. ????¨¤?¨®????¨¨???? If it stayed any longer¡­ it feared it might end up with that thing they talked about on TV. Right! Depression! Baji slinked into an inconspicuous corner, trying to shrink its presence as much as possible while dreaming of a peaceful life. Hospital¡ª Although Lin Lingling wasn¡¯t yet an official Demon Slayer, the bearded officer still rushed to the hospital out of concern for his soon-to-be subordinate. He also wanted to find out exactly what had happened. He remembered that the mission she took was supposed to be fairly simple. Given her abilities, she shouldn¡¯t have been severely injured. "A miracle! An absolute medical miracle!" "Incredible! I¡¯ve never seen a human with such insane self-healing abilities!" The bearded officer halted at the hospital room door. Something was off. What was going on inside? He leaned in to listen. "Can you believe this? When she was brought in, she had three broken ribs on each side of her chest. Now? All six are almost fully healed!" "And get this¡ªdespite being covered in blood, we just ran tests, and she isn¡¯t even anemic! Can you believe that?" "You know what this means? Her red blood cells and stem cells regenerate way faster than a normal person¡¯s!" "Should we report this to the director? This girl could be a breakthrough for medical science!" "No can do. She¡¯s got a special status. I got a call just before coming in¡ªtold us to keep our mouths shut. Ugh, I don¡¯t know what these big shots are trying to cover up all the time, but something¡¯s seriously off¡­" Wait¡­ Lin Lingling had that strong of a self-healing ability? Why didn¡¯t she ever mention it before? What a hidden gem! To officially join the Demon Slayers, one had to meet two conditions. First, they needed to reach the "Master" rank¡ªthis required handling five incidents of any difficulty level. Second, they had to join voluntarily. Of course, as the head of the Tianfu Demon Slayers, he had the authority to waive the first requirement if he saw promising talent. Like Lin Lingling. Honestly, not many Awakened individuals wanted to join the Demon Slayers. Why? Because, in the past, there wasn¡¯t anything particularly tempting to lure them in. Plus, there was a rule requiring at least one mission per month¡ªeach mission meant facing danger. Most ordinary people who suddenly gained powers? They got cocky. They craved freedom. But after seeing how terrifying demons could be, that same ego made them value their lives even more. Money? Some Awakened could make easy cash just by using their abilities. The Demon Slayers¡¯ salary meant nothing to them. And cracking down on those misusing their powers? Not so simple. What could they even charge them with? If someone used their power to pick up antiques on the cheap and resell them, that wasn¡¯t exactly a crime. It¡¯s not like they were harming society. Could you really call it "illegally obtaining assets"? Recruitment had been an uphill battle from the start. Lin Lingling was an exception. Her parents were divorced, her father didn¡¯t care, and her mother didn¡¯t love her. She barely had enough money to attend school. What she lacked most was money. So when he offered her financial support, this girl¡ªwho often didn¡¯t even have enough to eat¡ªwas moved to tears and swore to join the Demon Slayers. However, according to the initial assessment, her strength was only at the White Rank, and she had no self-healing abilities. Did she awaken this regenerative power after surviving this recent danger? No point in eavesdropping any further. The bearded officer coughed twice and walked in, flashing his credentials to the doctors. "Alright, this is no longer your concern. Leave." The doctors exchanged glances before exiting the ICU. The bearded officer pulled out a syringe and injected it into Lin Lingling¡¯s arm. Less than ten minutes later, she slowly regained consciousness from the anesthesia. "Boss?" Lin Lingling blinked groggily at the bearded officer. He casually raised the now-empty syringe. "High-speed cell regeneration serum. Cost me 10 merit points. You owe me." "Thank you." Lin Lingling bit her lip, truly grateful. For each mission, depending on the difficulty, a Demon Slayer could earn anywhere from 1 to 100 merit points. She only had three merit points¡ªnot nearly enough to buy such a high-grade healing serum. "No need for thanks. It¡¯s an investment." The bearded officer sat by her bed, lighting a cigarette. "Now, tell me¡ªhow did an ordinary mission land you in this condition?" "Faulty intel." Lin Lingling clenched her teeth in frustration. "No idea how long that mission was on the board, but damn it, the report said there was only one Grade-A Black Rat Spirit. When I got there? It wasn¡¯t one¡ªit was a whole swarm!" "They reproduced?" The bearded officer raised an eyebrow. "Exactly! Two adult Black Rat Spirits, leading a whole litter of smaller ones. Lucky for me, they weren¡¯t the type that eats flesh, or I¡¯d be dead by now." Seeing Lin Lingling¡¯s angry expression, the bearded officer awkwardly scratched his nose. As the head of the Demon Slayers, it was his responsibility to keep intel updated. But could he really be blamed? They were severely understaffed! He had just gotten back from a mission himself¡ªhadn¡¯t even had time to sit down properly. At least he had taken the chance to test out the new issued from above. And he had to admit¡ªit was damn effective! Before, he used to be cautious when facing Grade-A demons. But now? With the , he could go full force. That dog demon he fought earlier had been running for its life. The Demon Slayers would only grow stronger from here. Thinking that, his guilt eased a little. Yeah¡­ tonight, he¡¯d grab a copy of the for Lin Lingling. That should at least boost her survival rate. "So, how many did you kill?" he asked, steering the conversation away. "The mother. And all the little ones," Lin Lingling replied, expressionless. "The father lost his mind after that. I couldn¡¯t beat him." The bearded officer paused. Well¡­ yeah. If it were him, he¡¯d lose his mind too. Still, he reassured her, "You did well. I¡¯ll count this mission as complete. I¡¯ll have people handle the cleanup¡­ By the way, you used the scent-masking potion, right?" Lin Lingling¡¯s face went pale. S§×arch* The n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Her still-groggy mind suddenly realized what she had forgotten. The bearded officer narrowed his eyes. "Why aren¡¯t you saying anything?" "I¡­ I thought this mission was easy. I was sure I¡¯d get the kill, so I didn¡¯t buy the potion¡­" Lin Lingling admitted, looking like she was about to cry. The bearded officer¡¯s face darkened. Which meant¡ªon Chen Huai¡¯an¡¯s side¡­ "Boss! We need to save him!" Outside, a few doctors had been eavesdropping. Then¡ª BANG! The ICU door flew off its hinges, embedding itself into the opposite wall at an angle. All they saw was a pitch-black blur darting out the eighth-floor window. ... Chapter 93: This Is What You Get for Cosplaying!! Chapter 93: This Is What You Get for Cosplaying!! Hotel. Baji was dozing off to the sound of running water from the bathroom. Suddenly, a thick, resentful aura filled the air¡ªit was demon energy, and it was getting closer. [A demon¡¯s coming?] Baji leaped onto the table and peered out the window. Sure enough, the bushes below rustled violently, as if some wild beast was charging through. The shaking stopped near the drainage pipe. The next second, a massive black rat, about the size of a calf, shot out like an arrow and scaled the hotel¡¯s exterior wall in just a few leaps, reaching the second floor. [Heh, it really is coming straight here.] Baji let out a cold laugh. That rat demon was overflowing with resentment¡ªit was probably related to that human cub from earlier. The human must have left some blood traces near Boss¡¯ room. The rat demon must have tracked it here. [Too bad it never should''ve come. Coming here is a death sentence!] [Forget that Boss is already at the Void Fragmentation Stage¡ªjust the talismans on the door and windows alone will turn it into mincemeat! Kehehe~] Baji felt no sympathy for a demon dying in front of it. It to the demon kind but wasn¡¯t truly one of them. In ancient times, humans lumped it together with ordinary demons, but it was something far beyond that¡ªa true-born fiend, a being that transcended demons entirely! In fact, in some ways, it was a natural predator of demons. After all, compared to puny humans who could barely fill a gap between its teeth, demon kings¡ªthose towering beings spanning dozens or even hundreds of meters¡ªwere far more appetizing. [Tch, but with Boss here, I can¡¯t reveal my identity. Otherwise, that rat demon would¡¯ve been a nice little snack for my recent cravings¡­] Baji licked the corner of its mouth, its eyes flashing red for a brief moment. Then, the bathroom door creaked open. It quickly suppressed its hunger. "Meow~" "Oh, Baji, almost forgot about you." Chen Huai¡¯an stepped out of the bathroom, fully dressed, and smiled when he saw Baji. Even though Baji had an almost nonexistent presence, after taking care of it for a few days, he had grown fond of the little guy. Besides, Baji was incredibly well-behaved. Unlike other cats that caused chaos by parkouring all over the place, Baji barely made a sound. And those eyes¡ªit always looked so melancholic, like it had the worst luck in the world. Just looking at it somehow put him in a good mood. Baji: "?" Damn it! It had been so focused on the rat demon that it forgot to find a hiding spot! Chen Huai¡¯an grabbed a shoebox and held it up against Baji for size comparison. Realizing it was too cramped, he swapped it for a storage container instead. Then, without giving Baji a chance to react, he lifted it and gently placed it inside. ??£Î????????¦¥S "Sorry, Baji, you¡¯ll have to bear with this for now. Once we¡¯re past this, I¡¯ll buy you a proper cat carrier," Chen Huai¡¯an said apologetically as he closed the lid. Baji sat inside, feeling utterly cold inside. But it quickly calmed itself down. [No big deal. This is actually an opportunity.] This storage container wasn¡¯t easy to carry around, so Boss would probably just hold it directly. Which meant¡­ As soon as Boss left the room, Baji could jump out and escape! [The world will be mine again! Kehehe! The sky¡¯s the limit! The ocean¡¯s my playground!] Just as this wonderful thought formed¡ª The lid opened again. A massive green carp was tossed inside. Baji: "???" The green carp: "¡­¡­" The lid slammed shut again. Chen Huai¡¯an¡¯s voice drifted from outside. "Ugh, this fish is a hassle to carry around. Might as well leave it in the box for Baji to eat." Baji and the green carp locked eyes. The carp flapped twice, looking at Baji with big, teary fish eyes, filled with desperate pleading. [¡­Forget it. I¡¯m escaping soon anyway, might as well let this one go.] Baji forcibly suppressed its hunger and convinced itself: [A cat of my size shouldn¡¯t be able to eat such a big fish anyway. Just hold back a little longer¡­] Just a bit more, and freedom would be within reach! The next second¡ª Chen Huai¡¯an spoke again: "I¡¯ll take the talismans off the door and windows too. Those cost me 200,000 yuan. Damn, what a scam." SLAP! A hand pressed down on the storage container. Baji¡¯s heart nearly jumped out of its chest. Trembling, it slowly looked up. Through the thin lid, it could just barely make out two rectangular paper strips being pressed onto the top of the container. They were talismans¡ªfresh ones, just taken off the door and window! And Boss had slapped them onto the storage box! [Ha¡­ I was far too naive.] Baji stared at the lid at a 45-degree angle, eyes welling up with tears. [This is Boss we¡¯re talking about! How could he not see through my little scheme?] [Even if he didn¡¯t notice, that blinding fortune of his would still suppress me!] [There¡¯s no escape. Absolutely no escape¡­] Meanwhile, Chen Huai¡¯an remained completely unaware that his casual actions had just sent Baji into a state of existential crisis. He had finished packing¡ªclothes and that potted plant went into the suitcase, while the storage box (now tightly taped) was secured on top. As for himself, he wore an old, faded tracksuit. It was a bit old-fashioned, but he was used to it. Not that it stopped random girls from asking for his Green Bubble contact whenever he stepped outside. However¡ª Just as he opened the door¡ª A scream rang out from nearby. "AHH! MONSTER! MONSTER!!" It was the cleaning lady¡¯s voice. Turning his head, Chen Huai¡¯an saw the woman had collapsed on the floor, curling up against the wall, trembling in fear. In the hallway, with its plush red carpet¡ª A massive black-furred rat was steadily approaching. Its coarse black fur scraped against the wall, making a sharp creaking noise, proving just how tough its body was. It didn¡¯t even glance at the terrified cleaning lady. Its blood-red eyes were locked solely on the figure standing at the end of the hallway¡ª Chen Huai¡¯an. One step. Two steps. Moving like creeping claws. Like the devil¡¯s approach. "A mutant rat?" Chen Huai¡¯an stared at the monstrous rodent. Strangely, he felt no fear. His mind subconsciously compared it to Daoist Qingxuan and found this rat was . It wasn¡¯t even as threatening as the mutant wolf he had encountered at Tianmen Mountain. But logically¡ª He figured he grab something for self-defense. Too late to think. The black-furred rat suddenly lunged! "SCREEEE¡ª!!" It zigzagged wildly, screeching, A black whirlwind tearing through the hallway at terrifying speed. Too fast! Chen Huai¡¯an had no time to dodge. On instinct, he raised both hands to shield his face, his mind going completely blank. But¡ª The rat never struck. Hearing no impact, Chen Huai¡¯an slowly lowered his hands. The massive black rat had come to a dead stop¡ªtwo meters away. Even though they were different species, he could clearly see the sheer terror in the rat¡¯s trembling eyes and shaking body. "It¡¯s afraid of me?" Chen Huai¡¯an steadied himself, confirming his judgment. Underneath the rat, a puddle of yellow liquid was quickly spreading. It pissed itself. He took a few steps forward. sea??h th§× ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Even when he stood right in front of the black-furred rat¡ªit didn¡¯t dare to move. "Seriously? You¡¯re scared of me? That¡¯s it? " Chen Huai¡¯an swelled with confidence, standing with his hands on his hips in front of the trembling rat. Completely oblivious to the fact that the rat¡¯s horrified gaze was actually fixed on the toppled storage box behind him. "So this is the fear caused by a difference in life force level?" "Wow, this is the biggest rat I¡¯ve ever seen." He circled around the rat, observing it like some kind of rare specimen. It stood frozen¡ªjust like those stiff zombies in dramas with talismans stuck on their foreheads. A mischievous idea struck him. Pulling a Thunderfire Talisman from his pocket, he pressed it to the rat¡¯s forehead. "" "Today, I shall make you cosplay as a zombie rat!" Chapter 94: At What Cost? Chapter 94: At What Cost? Just as the talisman was about to stick to the black-furred rat¡¯s forehead¡ª The rat suddenly seemed to snap out of its daze, instinctively shrinking its head down¡ªso far that it actually retracted into its own chest cavity. But it was too late. The talisman had already left Chen Huai¡¯an¡¯s hand, following his intent with pinpoint accuracy and slapping directly onto the rat¡¯s forehead. And at that exact moment¡ª At the far end of the hallway, the bearded officer finally arrived, only to witness the scene unfold before his eyes. "OH SH*T! STOP!" His pupils shrank in horror, a cold chill running from his spine straight to the top of his head. Too late. Where the talisman met the rat¡¯s forehead, a glowing sphere the size of a coin appeared, crackling with electricity. The sizzling sound of arcing energy grew louder and brighter. Without hesitation, the bearded officer grabbed the limp hotel maid, rolled to the side, and crashed through a nearby door, tumbling into a room just as¡ª BOOM! A pillar of lightning tore through the hallway. The entire hotel shook with the force of the explosion. Heart still pounding, the bearded officer glanced at the splintered remains of the door he had just broken through. The explosion had originated a full fifty meters down the hallway, yet even from that distance, the shockwave had shredded the door into pieces. The sheer power of that talisman¡­ terrifying. The hallway was a tunnel-like structure¡ªonce an explosion occurred inside, the blast spread indiscriminately, making escape nearly impossible. "Sh*t¡­ did Chen Huai¡¯an get blown to pieces?" He peeked out cautiously. The entire hallway was now engulfed in thick smoke, the air reeking of burnt flesh. Several room doors had already caught fire. At the very end of the corridor, Chen Huai¡¯an sat slumped against the wall, head bowed, unmoving. His suitcase and storage box lay in front of him. To his left, the hallway was a charred ruin, blackened meat splattered across the walls and floor in a grotesque, radial pattern. To his right, within a two-square-meter radius, everything was untouched. The only unscathed spot in the entire hallway. That was the power of the mysterious talisman. The bearded officer had witnessed its true might. Anxious, he hurried over to Chen Huai¡¯an¡¯s side, carefully reaching out to check for any signs of breathing. But before he could touch him¡ª A charred hand lifted and pressed against his own. The bearded officer froze. The young man in front of him still had his head lowered, his burnt fingers still faintly smoking. A beam of light fell across his sharp, almost unreasonably handsome side profile¡ª And on those lips curled a sinister, knowing grin. "Heh¡­ Hehehe¡­ HAHAHA! So that¡¯s how it is!" Chen Huai¡¯an lifted his head, looking directly at the bearded officer. His lips parted in a wide grin, wisps of black smoke seeping through his clenched teeth. "So¡­ I wasn¡¯t a tumor-ridden superhero after all¡­" His smile widened, voice dripping with glee. "I¡¯m the Lightning King!" The bearded officer: "???" "So¡­ this world is already broken, isn¡¯t it?" "Yeah, you could say that." "What the news calls ¡®mutant beasts¡¯ aren¡¯t actually mutations¡ªthey¡¯re demons. There are many of them, and more keep appearing. Even some of those famous supernatural cases and serial killings in recent years? Most were caused by malicious spirits and demons. Some¡­ were rogue Awakened humans who lost control." Ra??????§¦? Outside the hotel, now surrounded by police cars, the bearded officer and Chen Huai¡¯an sat crouched on the curb, watching the city traffic flow by. "You smoke?" The bearded officer offered a cigarette. "Nope." Chen Huai¡¯an shook his head. "I¡¯m Luo. Just call me ¡®Bearded Luo.¡¯" Luo lit his own cigarette, exhaling smoke as he muttered, "My ability is Devour and Assimilate¡­ but I haven¡¯t decided on a target yet." Chen Huai¡¯an¡¯s thoughts were still a tangled mess. He pointed to himself. "So I¡¯m an Awakened?" "Yup." Luo took a drag, squinting as he exhaled. "I was planning to reach out to you eventually. Just hadn¡¯t decided whether to tell you the truth about this world. Compared to other Awakened and demons, your physical body is weak. But one thing is undeniable¡ªyour Awakened ability is incredibly powerful." "You mean¡­ the talismans?" Chen Huai¡¯an looked down at his charred hand. The moment the talisman exploded, he had been flung back by the force¡ª Yet despite the sheer destruction it had caused, it hadn¡¯t killed him. It had obliterated the black-furred demon rat, but all he had suffered was a minor burn on the hand that had held the talisman. "Your talismans come from that mobile game, don¡¯t they?" Luo asked. Chen Huai¡¯an was momentarily stunned. "Wait¡­ you can the game, Uncle?" "No, I can¡¯t. Only you can," Luo shook his head, exhaling a ring of smoke before continuing, "It¡¯s your . Only you¡ªand only ¡ªcan use it. No one else can control it. But a Spirit Artifact that¡¯s completely invisible to others? That¡¯s pretty rare." Innate Spirit Artifact¡­ Chen Huai¡¯an mulled over Luo¡¯s words. Up until now, he had assumed his changes were due to some kind of cancer-induced evolution. But thinking about it carefully¡­ hadn¡¯t his life started shifting dramatically ever since he got the game? Without that game, he wouldn¡¯t have gone climbing at Mount Tais. If he hadn¡¯t climbed Mount Tais, how could he have encountered all those opportunities? "I know someone with an ability similar to yours," Luo suddenly said. "His initial assessment put him at . Codename: Divine Brush. His Spirit Artifact is a brush¡ªwhatever he draws becomes real. But depending on how logical or overpowered the creation is, he has to pay a price. If the cost is too high, it could even take his life." Luo¡¯s gaze darkened slightly as he focused on Chen Huai¡¯an. "Creating something from nothing¡­ that¡¯s one of the hardest things to do. And your talismans¡ªyour Spirit Artifact generates them, doesn¡¯t it?" Chen Huai¡¯an nodded. That wasn¡¯t wrong. Besides the talismans, he had also received a Protective Talisman, a string of Spirit Stones, and a potted plant. No wonder no matter how fast he ran to the door, he never caught sight of the mysterious delivery person. There had never been a hacker. Never been a courier. The game¡ªhis Innate Spirit Artifact¡ªhad simply created those items out of thin air. "Then¡­ what¡¯s the price?" Luo¡¯s eyes bore into Chen Huai¡¯an, a trace of urgency in his voice. He needed to know what it cost to generate such powerful talismans. This wasn¡¯t just about Chen Huai¡¯an¡¯s Awakener classification. It was about the future of the Tianfu Demon Slayers. Chen Huai¡¯an met Luo¡¯s gaze, opened his mouth¡­ then fell silent. Does it cost money? Somehow, he had a bad feeling about that answer. If Luo was right¡ªif this world was about to be overrun by demons¡­ if this was about to become an era of Awakeners¡­ Then money would mean nothing to them. A man without sin may still die for carrying treasure. If money was all it took to buy these talismans, then what was he? A walking loot chest? S§×ar?h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. What if they decided to experiment on him? What if they locked him up and forced him to mass-produce talismans every day? What if¡ªsomeone tried to steal his Spirit Artifact? Luo said that an Innate Spirit Artifact could only be used by its owner¡­ but was that really true? Chen Huai¡¯an didn¡¯t want to assume the worst about people. But his entire life had taught him otherwise. If people were truly trustworthy, he wouldn¡¯t have spent his days scraping by on a meager pension. If people were truly trustworthy, his ex wouldn¡¯t have cheated on him. If people were truly trustworthy, his college roommate wouldn¡¯t have fought him for the poverty aid scholarship. So¡­ "The price¡­ is my lifespan." Chen Huai¡¯an stared into Luo¡¯s eyes. Not a single muscle on his face twitched. Not a flicker of hesitation. Not even the slightest change in heartbeat. That was the answer he gave. Chapter 95: The Multitudes of Life Chapter 95: The Multitudes of Life "Lifespan? That¡¯s¡­ such a heavy price?" Luo¡¯s mouth hung open, and the half-smoked cigarette slipped from his fingers onto the ground. A sudden wave of guilt hit him. The talisman he had used¡ªone that Chen Huai¡¯an had traded his life for¡ªhad only cost him 100,000 yuan. At the time, Chen Huai¡¯an probably hadn¡¯t even realized its true value. Looking back now, it felt like he had deliberately tricked him. "Wait¡­ how do you know the cost is lifespan?" Luo frowned. "I remember you didn¡¯t even know these talismans could be used before." Chen Huai¡¯an had already prepared his answer. With a flawless, unwavering expression, he said, "That¡¯s true. I didn¡¯t know at first. As for how I confirmed that the cost is lifespan¡­" He casually lifted his pant leg. Underneath, his skin was covered with dense, tumor-like bone growths. Luo¡¯s breath hitched. "To be honest, I¡¯m a terminal cancer patient," Chen Huai¡¯an said matter-of-factly. "But a week ago, I was still in the mid-stage of cancer." Luo¡¯s mind blanked for a second. Then, as realization dawned, his face twisted in shock. "So¡­ you¡¯re saying that using those talismans accelerated your cancer?" "Exactly." Chen Huai¡¯an nodded. "The doctors said they¡¯ve never seen cancer spread this aggressively. And conveniently enough, the rapid deterioration started right after I began exchanging for talismans." "Then¡­ how long do you have left?" "Who knows?" Chen Huai¡¯an chuckled lightly. "If I¡¯m lucky, maybe six months. If not, one month." Luo¡¯s entire brain crashed. It was impossible to reconcile¡ªthis brightly smiling, outrageously handsome young man was actually a dying man. But those horrific tumors¡­ they proved it was real. This wasn¡¯t a joke. "Sh*t, I¡¯m such a bastard!" Luo mentally slapped himself. He was the head of the Tianfu Demon Slayers, and yet he had cheated a terminally ill patient out of a priceless talisman¡ªfor a mere 100,000 yuan! Forget his own conscience, if the other regional Demon Slayer divisions found out, wouldn¡¯t they roast him alive behind his back?! "Huai¡¯an, brother, I owe you an apology," Luo blurted out, trying to ease his guilt. "I shouldn¡¯t have tricked you into giving me a talisman." "Eh, it¡¯s fine~" Chen Huai¡¯an waved him off casually. "I still have more, anyway. I was already terminally ill, destined to die. What¡¯s a little more lifespan loss?" ?¦¡N?§£¨§? Luo said nothing, staring at Chen Huai¡¯an in silence. And yet, his guilt only deepened. "I¡¯ll transfer you another 100,000!" "Great!" Before Luo could even process what had happened, Chen Huai¡¯an had already whipped out his phone, QR code ready for payment. Luo: "¡­" After the transfer, the air between them felt¡­ noticeably more sincere. "Huai¡¯an, what¡¯s your plan from here?" "My plan¡­" Chen Huai¡¯an and Luo both stared at the bustling traffic ahead. Truthfully, his plan hadn¡¯t changed at all¡ªkeep making money to top up the game. Before, he had been willing to spend money on just because he wanted to. Now that he knew it was an Innate Spirit Artifact, he was even more willing to spend. After all¡­ What if the game someday offered an item that could cure his cancer? And beyond that¡ªwas the world inside the game actually real? If it wasn¡¯t, then why did his seem so vividly alive? But if the game¡¯s world was real¡­ Then why hadn¡¯t that civilization already surpassed Earth¡¯s by an unimaginable degree? A basic-grade Thunderfire Talisman was already this terrifyingly destructive. What about an immortal-grade talisman? Or even higher-level ones? Wouldn¡¯t just one of them have the power of a missile or even a nuclear bomb?! It didn¡¯t make sense. If a three-dimensional world could dominate a two-dimensional one, then why hadn¡¯t Cangyun Realm already obliterated Earth? And another thing¡ª The game had main quests, storylines, and dialogue choices. What kind of ¡°real world¡± operates like a scripted RPG? If it were truly real, then shouldn¡¯t he be an actual god, capable of controlling its fate? If he really had that kind of power, he¡¯d already be immortal by now. Everything about Cangyun Realm felt more like a game. So, Chen Huai¡¯an was now certain that was, in fact, his Innate Spirit Artifact¡ªjust as Luo had called it. As for whether the cultivation world inside the game was real¡­ He still wasn¡¯t convinced. Seeing is believing. Of course, Chen Huai¡¯an Li Qingran was real. But sometimes, hoping too much was a dangerous thing. It meant that if reality turned out to be different, the mental cost of disappointment would be unbearable. Luo assumed Chen Huai¡¯an was simply lost, unsure of what path to take. He understood that feeling well¡ªmany Awakeners had felt the same way. So, he patted Chen Huai¡¯an¡¯s shoulder. "This world is only going to get more chaotic. Everything we¡¯ve sworn to protect could shatter at any moment." On the sidewalk, a group of schoolchildren held hands, singing a nursery rhyme. On a park bench, a young couple embraced, lost in a passionate kiss. Sunlight stretched across an elderly man carrying a basket of groceries. A delivery driver, waiting behind him, let out a resigned sigh, forced to slow down. Chen Huai¡¯an watched these scenes play out. And Luo¡¯s voice murmured beside him¡ª S~ea??h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Brother Huai¡¯an, why not join the Demon Slayers? I can introduce you to Awakeners with healing abilities. Maybe they could help with your cancer." "The Demon Slayers aren¡¯t like before¡ªwe have techniques now, like Breath Cultivation. Think of it like the cultivation methods in novels. It allows us to absorb Spiritual Qi and strengthen our bodies. Right now, only the Demon Slayers have access to it." "But¡­" Luo took a deep breath, "I don¡¯t want you to join just for the benefits. I want you to join for a greater mission." "To protect our homeland." "To protect humanity." "To defend our peaceful way of life." Luo stole a glance at Chen Huai¡¯an. This was a standard recruitment speech¡ªone the Demon Slayers had been trained to deliver. Usually, at this point, most Awakeners would show some reaction. Especially young men like Chen Huai¡¯an. This was the kind of hot-blooded rhetoric they loved to hear. But¡ª Chen Huai¡¯an¡¯s face remained completely blank. "Thank you for saying that," he said, smiling as he scratched his head. "And thank you for the invitation." Then, still smiling, he said something that wasn¡¯t funny at all¡ª "You know, Uncle Luo¡­ my parents died in a forest fire when I was a kid. The government was supposed to give me 200,000 yuan in compensation, but by the time I actually got it¡ªdue to all sorts of ¡®complications¡¯¡ªit had shrunk to 20,000 yuan." "I struggled to survive. I thought that if I just got into college and graduated, I¡¯d finally make it." "Then I was diagnosed with terminal cancer." "The hospital didn¡¯t care. They just asked, ¡®Do you have insurance? Do you have money?¡¯ If not, they told me to go find some first. No money, no treatment." "My girlfriend cheated on me. When she found out I had cancer, she dumped me without hesitation." Luo hesitated, his voice strained. "So¡­ you think this world is unfair?" "No," Chen Huai¡¯an shook his head. "I think this world is very fair." "If you can¡¯t afford treatment, you wait for death¡ªthat makes sense." "If compensation money never reaches the victims, that¡¯s just normal bureaucracy." "If a girlfriend leaves her boyfriend because he¡¯s terminally ill, well¡­ who could blame her?" "Then why¡ª" Chen Huai¡¯an exhaled softly. "It¡¯s just that¡­" "When I was at my lowest, this world never embraced me." "So if you¡¯re asking me to turn around and embrace the world now¡ª" "I¡¯d find that absolutely disgusting." Luo met his gaze. The light in Chen Huai¡¯an¡¯s eyes flickered¡ªon and off, like a candle in the wind. And yet, despite standing under the warm glow of the sun, Luo couldn¡¯t shake the feeling that this young man¡­ Was already completely dead inside. "Uncle Luo, what you¡¯re protecting¡ªis your world." "But my world¡ª" "Isn¡¯t worth protecting." ¡ª At the end of the street, Chen Huai¡¯an¡¯s figure grew smaller as he walked away, dragging his suitcase behind him. Just before disappearing into the crowd, he turned back, flashed a smile, and waved goodbye. Then, without hesitation, he vanished¡ªblending into the faceless sea of humanity. Luo sat in silence on the steps, lighting cigarette after cigarette. Even now, Chen Huai¡¯an¡¯s final words still echoed in his ears¡ª "I won¡¯t be joining the Demon Slayers. At least not now. I don¡¯t see a reason to, and I don¡¯t believe in your so-called ¡®mission.¡¯" "But if you ever need my help, feel free to ask. I don¡¯t know if I¡¯ll be useful, but¡­ I¡¯ll consider it." The traffic light changed from red to green. Luo stubbed out his cigarette and disappeared into the moving crowd. He didn¡¯t return to the Demon Slayers headquarters. He just wandered. To see the people who lived under the same sky¡ª Yet existed in entirely different worlds. Chapter 96: It’s All Real Chapter 96: It¡¯s All Real "Crap! I totally forgot!" Chen Huai¡¯an had just settled into his new place¡ªa duplex apartment near the Wetland Park with a monthly rent of 2,000 yuan¡ªwhen the realization hit him. "Didn¡¯t that old man say that killing demons comes with bounty rewards? I haven¡¯t joined the Demon Slayers, but as a freelance demon hunter, I should still be able to claim the money, right?" He had no idea how much that black-furred rat was worth. A demon that weak probably wasn¡¯t too valuable. Maybe a few thousand yuan, at most. "Eh, whatever. Demons are everywhere now. Even if each one is only worth a thousand or so, as long as I kill enough, the money will pile up naturally!" Just thinking about this made Chen Huai¡¯an excited¡ªhe could finally make money in a way that suited him. He didn¡¯t need to join the Demon Slayers to claim bounties at Longteng Internet Caf¨¦. Freedom, profit, and extra perks. What could be better than that? Just as he was enjoying this thought¡ª RING RING! His phone rang. An unknown number. "Hello? Who¡¯s this?" [Brother Huai¡¯an~] A familiar voice came through. "Uncle Luo? How¡¯d you get my number?" [Oh, I saved it when the security bureau checked your phone¡­ Not important. I¡¯m calling to tell you that I¡¯ve arranged for a healer to look at your cancer. Three days from now, come over.] "Wait, what? But I never joined the Demon Slayers." [Doesn¡¯t matter. I can¡¯t just sit back and watch you die, can I? I already call you ¡®brother.¡¯] "Isn¡¯t it a bit rude to trouble someone else like this¡­?" [It¡¯s free.] "Alright, I¡¯m in!" Chen Huai¡¯an agreed instantly, without a trace of hesitation. As long as it was free, nothing else mattered! [Then meet me the morning after tomorrow, 9 AM, third floor of Longteng Internet Caf¨¦.] Luo sounded like he already knew exactly how to handle Chen Huai¡¯an¡ªhis voice carried the faintest trace of amusement. "Got it, no problem!" They also discussed the bounty for the black-furred rat. Turns out, Chen Huai¡¯an had completely underestimated it. The bounty was a whopping 20,000 yuan¡ªand that was only because the demon had been blown to bits, making it unrecoverable. If the corpse had been intact, the bounty would¡¯ve doubled. The money would be transferred to Luo after the claim was processed, and he would send it straight to Chen Huai¡¯an. [Alright, that¡¯s it. I¡¯m hanging up.] Luo ended the call without saying much else. He was still walking through the busy city streets. But as he moved through the crowds, he started to see things more clearly. Chen Huai¡¯an refusing to join the Demon Slayers was disappointing¡ªbut if he could show him that humanity still had warmth, still had kindness, then one day, Chen Huai¡¯an would be moved. ?¨¤?§°?¨¨? One day, he would join the Demon Slayers. "Tsk, tsk, the older the wiser! Damn, I¡¯m a genius!" Luo patted himself on the back for his brilliance. His mood, which had been a bit low, suddenly lifted. His thoughts drifted to another key recruit¡ªthe swordsman prodigy that Elder Li was hoping to bring in. "Chen Huai¡¯an might be a lost cause for now, but that sword kid¡ªwe can¡¯t afford to miss him! He¡¯s the future of Tianfu!" Luo clenched his fist. Chen Huai¡¯an had too much baggage¡ªa tragic past, terminal cancer, a cheating ex¡­ But surely, that sword kid wasn¡¯t also cursed with a sh*t family, a dying body, and a two-timing girlfriend¡­ ¡­Right? "If the world is really ridiculously coincidental, I¡¯ll eat sh*t while doing a handstand!" ¡ª "Man, there really are a lot of good people in the world." Chen Huai¡¯an put down his phone with a sigh. Too bad those only started showing up after he became an Awakener. If they had appeared that, maybe he really would have been touched. He plugged in his phone to charge, then quickly tidied up his new place. The first thing he did was take the talismans off the storage box and stick them on the door. Before, they were just decoration. Now that he their real power, he treated them like landmines against demon intrusions. Next, he opened the storage box. Inside, Baji looked miserable, its entire body limp, eyes half-lidded, completely drained of energy. "Probably suffocated in there. I¡¯ll give you an acupuncture treatment later." Chen Huai¡¯an lifted Baji out and placed it aside before reaching in to grab the motionless green carp. He figured it had already kicked the bucket. But the moment his fingers touched its tail¡ª PAH! The green carp suddenly flipped into the air, performing a flawless carp-leap half a meter high, nearly scaring Chen Huai¡¯an out of his skin. "HOLY SH*T, IS THIS FISH SENTIENT?!" He stared at the glaring, wide-eyed fish lying on the floor, its gaping mouth opening and closing frantically as if it were cursing him out. It had been out of water for nearly three hours¡ª From the hotel to his rental apartment, with an extra hour wasted on house hunting and bargaining. And it still wasn¡¯t dead? Not only that¡ª It still had so much damn energy?! "...Is this thing a demon?" Chen Huai¡¯an narrowed his eyes and pulled a talisman from his pocket. Luo had told him that abnormal creatures were most likely demons. And if not demons, then evil spirits. Either way¡ª The solution was simple. Just kill it. Minimum bounty: 20,000 yuan. ¡ª [This dumbass fish!] Baji glared daggers at the green carp. If it hadn¡¯t been weakened by the talisman explosion, it would have squashed this stupid fish already! The green carp froze, instantly playing dead. Its bulging fish eyes rolled back, its entire body stiffening as it began to emit the unmistakable smell of salted fish. "...Why does it look half-dead again? A last burst of energy before dying?" Chen Huai¡¯an raised an eyebrow, grabbed the completely limp green carp, and tossed it into the bathroom bathtub, filling it halfway with water. Only when he saw it floating belly-up, barely breathing, did he finally relax. "Guess it really was just a dying twitch. At least it¡¯s not actually dead." He put the talisman away. "" However¡ª The moment he closed the bathroom door¡ª Inside the bathtub, the green carp flipped over immediately, its eyes burning with determination. Then¡ª It frantically gulped down water, chugging so fast that bubbles overflowed the entire tub. ¡ª "Meow~" When Chen Huai¡¯an returned to the living room, Baji was licking its paw while meowing at him, looking noticeably better. "Good kitty. Hungry? I¡¯ll get you something nice." Seeing that Baji was back to normal, he decided against acupuncture and instead ordered a bag of cat food on Meituan. He collapsed onto the sofa, finally letting his mind settle to sort through his chaotic thoughts. Meanwhile, Baji let out a sigh of relief. [As expected, Boss sealed the doors and windows again. There¡¯s no escape. Absolutely no escape¡­] At this point, it had resigned itself to fate. As for why it didn¡¯t want acupuncture? It had already faked a limp on one leg. If it got stabbed again and actually became lame¡ª What then?! Would it have to crawl around dragging both hind legs? That sounded like hell! ¡ª Chen Huai¡¯an lined up all the items he had received from on the coffee table: Spirit Stone Bracelet Protective Talisman Potted Plant Thunderfire Talisman Blackscale Sword Spring Needle Technique Meridian Opening Acupuncture Green Lotus Sword Manual And the ones he couldn¡¯t take out? He wrote them down on paper. Staring at the collection, he narrowed his eyes. Sear?h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. So far, he had confirmed: The Virtual Girlfriend game = Innate Spirit Artifact. The talismans from it were real and usable. Then¡­ Wouldn¡¯t that mean everything else from the game was real too? He stared at the pile of items, deep in thought. "So, what secrets do you hold? Let me take a closer look¡­ Kehehehe~" His gaze turned sharp and analytical¡ª Like an X-ray scanner, sweeping across every item on the table. Chapter 97: Junior Sister, Let’s Head Down the Mountain! Chapter 97: Junior Sister, Let¡¯s Head Down the Mountain! Chen Huai¡¯an carefully picked up the now-faded protective talisman. The writing on it had blurred, as if soaked in water, making it barely legible. Before, he had always treated this talisman as just another game giveaway, never connecting the strange occurrences around him to it. But now that he knew the Thunderfire Talisman was real, did that mean this protective talisman was real too? Chen Huai¡¯an narrowed his eyes. The talisman had only started fading after he returned from Mount Tais. That trip had been full of unexpected dangers¡ªfirst, he had broken his leg, then encountered a landslide. Either of those incidents could have been disastrous for him. Yet, what actually happened? Not only did he return from Mount Tais unscathed, but he even got a hefty reward from a real bigshot, earning himself some startup funds. "So, the talisman actually worked? That¡¯s why it faded?" Chen Huai¡¯an toyed with the talisman, then brought it to his nose for a sniff. He had already washed it, but the light fragrance still lingered¡ªit definitely wasn¡¯t from detergent. His theory was sounding more and more plausible. "If only I had another talisman, I could test this out¡­ Maybe I should log into the game later and ask Li Qingran for one?" Would that even work? If it did, wouldn¡¯t that mean he could get all his items for free in the future? That thought alone made his heart race with anticipation. "Speaking of which, there was also that imperial procession on Mount Tais. That must have been another anomaly caused by the Spiritual Qi Revival. I thought the emperor seemed off at the time, but as for what¡¯s really going on over there, only the Demon Slayers Bureau would know¡­ It sounds like an official organization, so their intelligence network must be decent." ??????O?§£¨¨? Baji, who was sprawled on the couch, silently listened to Chen Huai¡¯an¡¯s rambling. Its small, weak body instinctively shrank further into the corner. It¡¯s over. The calamity was coming. The bigshot had fully realized that this world wasn¡¯t normal. Was this the moment his lost memories would resurface? If that happened, would it still be able to keep its Taotie identity hidden? There was no stopping him from uncovering the world¡¯s anomalies anymore. No, it had to run. It needed to find a way to escape! Baji stared at the spiritual plant by the window, lost in thought. At its current rate of absorbing Spiritual Qi, in about a week, it would reach the power level of a two-hundred-year-old demon. By then, breaking through the window and escaping would be easy. Sure, the talismans would leave it badly injured, but as long as it could get away, a little damage was nothing. Better than staying here and risking death at any moment! While Baji was busy plotting its escape, Chen Huai¡¯an continued checking his other items. The spiritual stone bracelet was most likely real¡ªhalf of its beads had already turned cloudy, meaning their Spiritual Qi had been depleted. But when? And how? That would require further testing. The potted plant by the window was also suspicious. When he tried to cut a leaf, his scissors wouldn¡¯t even make a dent. He decided to keep it for now and see if it grew a mouth or something. As for the Blackscale Sword, he had already decided¡ªhe was sleeping with it from now on. A divine weapon like this shouldn¡¯t just be left hanging by the bedside. It needed to be close to him, absorbing his unique aura! Heh heh! The orange-red sunset cast long shadows on the coffee table, the glass reflecting the harsh light. Chen Huai¡¯an blinked against the glare, suddenly realizing it was already dinnertime. His phone, fully charged and resting on the couch armrest, chimed with a notification. After everything that had happened today, he was exhausted. Unplugging the charger, he picked up the phone and launched . There were a few things he wanted to test. But when the game loaded, he found that Li Qingran wasn¡¯t in her room. She was standing at the peak of Falling Sunset Summit, bathed in the golden hues of dusk. Before her stood Senior Sister Yue Qianchi and Pavilion Master Su Qinian. The three of them had solemn expressions, as if engaged in a serious discussion. "What¡¯s going on?" Chen Huai¡¯an turned the volume up to max. Their voices became much clearer. "Li Qingran, the journey is long, and your cultivation base is still weak. This time, I¡¯ll have your senior sister escort you. It¡¯ll be good for both of you to have company along the way," Su Qinian said. "But¡­ wouldn¡¯t that be too much trouble for Senior Sister?" Li Qingran hesitated, glancing between Su Qinian and Yue Qianchi. "Ah, no trouble at all." Yue Qianchi waved dismissively. "My cultivation has already reached a bottleneck. Master has been telling me to go down the mountain for experience¡ªit¡¯ll help with my breakthrough." She noticed Li Qingran still looking unsure and leaned over, nudging her playfully. A grin spread across her face, exaggeratedly fawning. "Hehe, Junior Sister, I¡¯m not escorting you for free. You¡¯re covering the drinks on the way!" "Hmph! Drinking every day¡ªone of these days, it¡¯ll kill you!" Su Qinian lifted a hand, aiming to smack Yue Qianchi¡¯s head, but she dodged with a laugh. S§×arch* The n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Sighing, Su Qinian turned to Li Qingran and said helplessly, "Your senior sister is addicted to alcohol. Keep an eye on her so she doesn¡¯t mess things up on the way." With things settled, Li Qingran could only nod and bow respectfully. "I understand, Pavilion Master. I¡¯ll make sure to keep Senior Sister in check." "Tch, Old Su, you think Junior Sister can stop me? Hah¡ª!" Not far behind Li Qingran, Yue Qianchi hung upside down from a tree branch, making a face at Su Qinian. Su Qinian pretended not to see her. "Alright, get ready. You two should set off soon." He then took out two pouches and handed them to Li Qingran. "Though the Sword Pavilion is lacking in resources, as its master, I must at least provide you with travel funds. Here are twenty low-grade spirit stones¡ªten for each of you." Li Qingran: "¡­" Yue Qianchi: "¡­" "What? Not enough?" Su Qinian¡¯s face darkened as he shoved the pouches forward, leaving no room for argument. Li Qingran had no choice but to accept. "Thank you, Pavilion Master." "¡­Pavilion Master?" She gave the pouch a tug but found she couldn¡¯t pull it away. Su Qinian¡¯s grip was firm. Only when Yue Qianchi pried his fingers open one by one did the pouches finally land in Li Qingran¡¯s hands. "Master, if you don¡¯t want to give it, just don¡¯t." Yue Qianchi rolled her eyes so hard they nearly flipped over. Caught red-handed, Su Qinian coughed awkwardly, then threw his flying sword into the air, stepping onto it in a flash. "Hmph! You two take care¡ªI¡¯m leaving!" The Pavilion Master¡¯s exit was dramatic. He merged with his sword, weaving through the twilight clouds. Only Li Qingran and Yue Qianchi remained atop Falling Sunset Summit, the air filled with the scent of sun-dried grass. It smelled nice. Like a summer night. Li Qingran turned to look at Yue Qianchi. Under the setting sun, Senior Sister¡¯s face was flushed a brilliant red. Yue Qianchi withdrew her gaze from the fading trail of Su Qinian¡¯s sword, then slung an arm around Li Qingran¡¯s shoulders, laughing. "Come on, Junior Sister, let¡¯s head down the mountain!" ¡­ Atop Falling Sunset Summit, the sky burned crimson. A great sword cultivator used the clouds as ink and the sword as a brush, writing¡ª Safe travels. ¡­ Chapter 98: I, Immortal Chen, Want to Live! Chapter 98: I, Immortal Chen, Want to Live! ¡¾Qingran, where are you two planning to go?¡¿ "Ah! Master!" Walking down the mountain path with Yue Qianchi, Li Qingran suddenly froze, blinking her big eyes as she looked around. Realizing belatedly that her master wasn¡¯t actually there, she lifted her gaze to the sky, her face lighting up with joy. "Master, Senior Sister and I are heading to Lingxi Valley to seek medicine~" ¡¾Lingxi Valley? That far?¡¿ "There¡¯s no other choice~" Li Qingran explained, "Elder Liu searched the entire herb garden and could only gather part of the ingredients needed for the Hundred Herbs Detoxification Pill. The rest can only be found in Lingxi Valley, so I plan to head there and search for them." Saying that, she pulled Yue Qianchi, who was looking completely lost, in front of her. "Master, this is Senior Sister Yue Qianchi. The Sect Master arranged for her to accompany me. With her watching over me, this journey will be much smoother." Yue Qianchi glanced around, but no matter how she looked, she couldn¡¯t see the so-called "Master" Li Qingran was speaking to. Awkwardly, she followed Li Qingran¡¯s gaze and forced out a polite smile, clasping her hands in greeting. "Senior¡­ uh, hello?" This was too weird. Who was Li Qingran even talking to? She hadn¡¯t heard any voice at all. Was someone speaking directly into Li Qingran¡¯s mind? If so, this was beyond awkward. Yue Qianchi dug her toes into the ground, feeling utterly embarrassed. She might be the revered Senior Sister of the Sword Pavilion, but outside the sect, she was actually quite shy. ¡¾Your Virtual Girlfriend has left the Sword Pavilion. Team Mode activated.¡¿ A small team interface appeared in the upper left corner of Chen Huai¡¯an¡¯s screen. Li Qingran was the team leader, marked by a chibi avatar with a little red flag. Chen Huai¡¯an was in the second slot as the vice leader, represented by a white-haired Immortal¡¯s avatar, but there was an unknown ¡¾Spirit Transformation¡¿ buff attached to his name. ??¦­¨¯????§¦? Yue Qianchi wasn¡¯t automatically included in the team¡ªher name popped up as a pending request: ¡¾Allow Yue Qianchi to join the team voice chat?¡¿ "Uh¡­ sure." Chen Huai¡¯an twitched his lips. The bearded guy had mentioned that some Awakened had companion spirits called ¡¾Divine Brush¡¿ with abilities similar to his. But he doubted any other Awakened had a companion spirit as entertaining as his. ¡¾Sword Pavilion Senior Sister - Yue Qianchi has joined the team.¡¿ With that notification, Chen Huai¡¯an found he could now access Yue Qianchi¡¯s basic info. ¡¾Yue Qianchi - Senior Sister of the Sword Pavilion¡¿ ¡¾Traits: Alcoholic, Loyal, Protective¡¿ ¡¾Bio: Witnessed her parents perish in a fire as a child, nearly dying herself. She was later rescued by Sword Pavilion Master Su Qinian. A Golden Single Spiritual Root cultivator, she practices the Xuanwu Sword Intent and is the Sword Pavilion¡¯s true personal disciple.¡¿ It seemed that once someone became an ally, more of their details became visible, even including a brief life history. Chen Huai¡¯an found this feature very reassuring. "Oh wow, not bad. This is like having a follower in an MMO, huh?" He had been a bit wary of Yue Qianchi, worried she might have ulterior motives for getting close to Li Qingran. After all, his Virtual Girlfriend was a walking treasure trove, and he couldn¡¯t possibly monitor her 24/7. But thankfully, this was just a game. With one simple information display, all his worries vanished. Suddenly, Yue Qianchi heard a voice directly in her mind. ¡¾So, you¡¯re Yue Qianchi? I often hear my disciple mention you.¡¿ Startled, Yue Qianchi jumped slightly. However, her adaptability was strong. She quickly turned to Li Qingran, teasing, "Looks like Junior Sister talks about me quite a lot, huh?" Li Qingran¡¯s face instantly turned crimson. She fidgeted with her fingers, unable to meet Yue Qianchi¡¯s gaze. "I-I don¡¯t talk about you that much¡­ Master is exaggerating¡­" ¡¾With you watching over Li Qingran, I can rest assured.¡¿ Chen Huai¡¯an meant it as a compliment, but his words had an unexpected effect¡ªLi Qingran¡¯s eyes reddened. "Master, what nonsense are you saying!" She clenched her fists, wrinkling the hem of her dress, her voice trembling. "I am foolish and untalented, yet I am willing to travel far and wide to seek a cure for you, without a single complaint. Last night, I stayed up grinding and sorting those herbs, straining my eyes to ensure not a single mistake¡­ Can¡¯t you at least try a little harder for yourself, for my efforts? Please don¡¯t say such things, as if you¡¯re entrusting me to someone else!" Finishing, she wiped her eyes and lowered her head, staring at her feet in silence. Speaking so boldly to her master was improper, but she couldn¡¯t hold back. Even if she was punished, she had to say it. Yue Qianchi looked up at the sky, then at Li Qingran. After a brief hesitation, she finally wrapped an arm around Li Qingran and pulled her into her ample embrace. She didn¡¯t care whether Li Qingran¡¯s master was up in the sky or elsewhere. She scowled and said, "Senior, you take care of your own disciple. I¡¯m only twenty-eight¡ªI don¡¯t want to suddenly have a kid! It¡¯ll ruin my chances of finding a Dao Companion!" "Alright, alright, Qingran, don¡¯t cry." She gently stroked Li Qingran¡¯s head. "Listen, if your master dares to abandon you, I¡¯ll toss you into the Ten Thousand Beast Mountain and feed you to the demons¡ªlet¡¯s see if he dares then!" sea??h th§× NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Li Qingran: "¡­" Meanwhile, in the real world, Chen Huai¡¯an fell silent. He hadn¡¯t paid much attention to Yue Qianchi¡¯s joking threat. His mind was still replaying Li Qingran¡¯s words. To be honest, he had always thought the Hundred Herbs Detoxification Pill was just a game quest. He had casually mentioned that he was "poisoned," so Li Qingran went off to find the best detoxification pill for him. But he knew the truth¡ªcancer wasn¡¯t poison. It was something far worse. Even with Spiritual Qi Revival, the bearded guy hadn¡¯t guaranteed a cure¡ªonly that an Awakened might be able to try. "So¡­ someone actually cares about me? Worries about me? Fights to keep me alive?" Chen Huai¡¯an murmured, his once dim eyes now flickering with a new light. "Even if¡­ even if it''s just my companion spirit!" The bearded guy had said: Companion spirits live and die with their host. His companion spirit wanted him to live. His companion spirit was using this game, using Li Qingran¡¯s voice, to tell him¡ª Chen Huai¡¯an, live on. Don¡¯t give up! ¡¾Alright!¡¿ Hearing his voice echo through the sky, Li Qingran lifted her head slightly. Across two entirely different worlds, their gazes met. Chen Huai¡¯an pressed down on the communication talisman and took a deep breath. ¡¾I will not die. I¡­ will live!¡¿ He, Chen Huai¡¯an, was going to survive. "You damn heavens, after putting me through all this suffering, you still want me dead?" "Well, screw you! I¡¯m going to live!!!" Baji, curled up in the corner, trembled as it watched Chen Huai¡¯an shouting at the ceiling. It shook its head. ¡¾He¡¯s lost it. Boss has completely lost it!¡¿ ¡¾Memory recovery always causes temporary insanity. Looks like he¡¯s getting close to fully awakening¡­¡¿ ¡¾I need to run! I must escape!¡¿ Meanwhile, Chen Huai¡¯an steadied himself. Before, he had been indifferent¡ªspending money, fighting demonic wolves, facing black-furred rats¡ªbecause he believed he wouldn¡¯t live long. But now? If it meant staying alive, he¡¯d do whatever it took. Slay demons, make money, find the best hospital. Didn¡¯t they say there was a 1.5 million per shot miracle drug? If one wasn¡¯t enough, he¡¯d take ten! If ten didn¡¯t work, then a hundred! If those failed, there were still acupuncture techniques like the Spring Renewal Needle and Meridian-Opening Needle. As long as he had money, he would keep upgrading treatments until he was cured. Chen Huai¡¯an stood up, his heart burning with resolve. He marched to the door, flung it open¡ª And found a small figure standing there. The sudden movement startled the girl, making her yelp as she stumbled back and fell on her butt. Chen Huai¡¯an instantly recognized her. Raising an eyebrow, he muttered, "Three Zero?" ¡­ Chapter 99: A Warm Welcome Chapter 99: A Warm Welcome "I''m here to monitor you." Lin Lingling took a sip of her drink, her tone assertive and her expression calm¡ªonly her slightly trembling voice betrayed her nerves. The couch was three meters long. Baji sat on the far left. Lin Lingling sat on the far right. The space between them was like a vast no-man¡¯s-land. Chen Huai¡¯an twitched at the scene. "Triple Zero, are you afraid of cats?" Lin Lingling shot a glance at Baji and swallowed. "Yeah." "Aren¡¯t girls supposed to like cats and dogs?" Chen Huai¡¯an was surprised. He reached out and ruffled Baji¡¯s head. The cat wasn¡¯t ugly¡ªon the contrary, he had assumed it would be popular with girls. And yet, Baji was clearly just as scared of Lin Lingling as she was of it. Hah, wasn¡¯t this a beautifully tragic case of mutual fear? Lin Lingling lowered her head, silent. It wasn¡¯t that she was afraid of cats¡ªit was that this thing wasn¡¯t a cat! Before she arrived, the bearded guy had already warned her. Based on talisman power alone, Chen Huai¡¯an could be classified as at least a Grade B Combatant Awakener, but since talismans required extreme costs to acquire, his official designation was set at Grade A Instructor-Level Awakener. For someone like her¡ªa White-Grade Rookie¡ªthat made him a bonafide ! And in the eyes of this bigshot, that was just a "cute little kitty"? No wonder¡ªbigshots even had unique tastes in pets. Chen Huai¡¯an settled himself between Baji and Lin Lingling. Immediately, he could both of them relax, as if an invisible weight had lifted from the room. "You said you¡¯re here to monitor me?" "Yes." Lin Lingling was direct. "Though, monitoring is secondary. You¡¯re extremely important to the Demon Slayers Bureau, and considering the powerful talismans in your possession, potential security risks must be accounted for. That¡¯s why a formal bureau member needs to keep watch. Of course, my primary job is to provide you with support¡ªif you ever need anything related to the bureau, just let me know, and I¡¯ll handle it for you." ????¨¢¦­???? "And if I refuse to cooperate?" Chen Huai¡¯an narrowed his eyes. Lin Lingling turned to face him fully. Her short legs, which had been dangling off the couch, folded into a cross-legged position. Then, in a completely serious manner¡ª She knelt. Pressed both palms to her forehead. Took a deep breath¡ª And ! She bowed, forehead hitting the floor. "Please, let me monitor you!" Chen Huai¡¯an: "¡­" He stared at her for a long moment, then, for some reason, asked, "You get paid for this?" "Yeah." "How much?" "One thousand a day." "Fifty-fifty." "Deal." Chen Huai¡¯an stretched out his hand, flashing a friendly smile. "Welcome aboard." Lin Lingling gripped his fingers and gave them a solemn shake. "I¡¯ll be in your care!" Baji: "¡­" "...Right, since I have to monitor you, I¡¯ll need to live nearby, but all the apartments above, below, and next door are already occupied," Lin Lingling murmured, cheeks flushing slightly. "So, from now on, we¡¯ll be siblings. You¡¯re my big brother, and I¡¯m your little sister. That¡¯ll be our cover story. Since I¡¯m still a student, this will help conceal our Awakener identities if we ever go on missions together." "Sure." Chen Huai¡¯an pointed to the master bedroom. "You can have that one. Private bathroom, but don¡¯t come out here to use the restroom¡ªI like sleeping naked." Lin Lingling: "¡­" "Call me first." Lin Lingling: "???" Her face froze. Her mouth twitched. After a long hesitation¡ªher pride warring with her survival instincts¡ªshe barely managed to choke out the first syllable, "O¡ª" Before she could finish, she grabbed her suitcase, dashed into the master bedroom, and slammed the door shut. Baji was dumbfounded. The bigshot just let a human kid¡ªone who its true identity¡ªmove in?! Wasn¡¯t this a massive security risk? At this rate, its Taotie identity would be exposed before the bigshot even ! For the first time, Baji felt a deep, suffocating pressure¡ªlike a snake coiling around its throat. Meanwhile, Chen Huai¡¯an rubbed his chin in thought. Sure, being watched wasn¡¯t ideal, but there were two sides to every coin. With Triple Zero around, he could finally dig into the details of the Demon Slayers Bureau¡¯s operations. He could have asked the bearded guy, but since that guy was higher up in the ranks, there were probably things he wouldn¡¯t share. Lower-level members like Lin Lingling? Much easier to extract information from. The Demon Slayers Bureau was watching him. But wasn¡¯t also watching them? After all, if he wanted to make money, he needed to understand the playing field. "Hey, Triple Zero!" He knocked on the master bedroom door. Immediately, a pair of cautious eyes peeked out from the crack. "After dinner, I want to take a demon-hunting mission. Can you help me?" Lin Lingling blinked in surprise. The bearded guy Chen Huai¡¯an to take missions¡ªfrequent participation would keep him engaged with the Bureau and help tackle the growing demon problem in Tianfu District. She had expected persuading him to be difficult. Yet here he was, asking to take a mission. Then again, most newly awakened individuals were eager to test their abilities. It was only after facing the true horror of demons that their enthusiasm turned into fear. "No problem," she said. "The next mission refresh is at nine tonight. We can check it out then. The latest mission reports will be fresh." "Meaning¡­ your Bureau¡¯s intel always fresh?" Chen Huai¡¯an raised an eyebrow. Lin Lingling realized her mistake and quickly looked away, pushing the door closed a little. "Haha, hahaha, what? No way! Our intel is up-to-date! There''s members would ever be put in danger due to outdated reports!" The bearded guy had her¡ªnever expose the Bureau¡¯s shortcomings. Their issues were only temporary. In time, things would improve. If Chen Huai¡¯an found out the truth, would be the one getting a pay cut. "...Then why did you come back covered in blood?" "Well, obviously because the intel was faul¡ª" Lin Lingling froze. Her face went blank. Then, in an instant, she slapped her hands over her mouth. The bedroom door slammed shut. Chen Huai¡¯an stared at it, suddenly enlightened. The Demon Slayers Bureau was . So much so that they couldn¡¯t even update their mission intel in time. That settled it. No way was he officially joining them. Freelance bounty hunter it was. After all, his main goal now was . ¡­ Behind the door, Lin Lingling leaned against the frame, drained. The more she thought about it, the angrier she got. The angrier she got, the more flustered she became. In frustration, she gave herself a light slap and grumbled, "Lin Lingling, you absolute idiot! Three damn zeros¡ªthat¡¯s what your brain is worth!" ¡­ Lingxi Valley. "Young Mistress, two disciples from the Sword Pavilion will be arriving tomorrow. Their invitation letter has already been delivered." "Oh? Sword Pavilion?" Behind gauzy curtains, Yun Suxin, who had been meditating, opened her captivating eyes and gazed at the disciple standing outside. "Did they state their purpose?" "Yes, Young Mistress. They¡¯re coming to purchase some spiritual herbs." S~ea??h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Lingxi Valley, home to vast spiritual fields, was one of Cangyun Realm¡¯s biggest suppliers of rare herbs. Many sects and rogue cultivators bought herbs from them¡ªnot only were the prices lower than the market, but the quality was guaranteed. Lingxi Valley welcomed all business. But Sword Pavilion? That was a different story. "Excellent." Yun Suxin¡¯s lips curled into a playful smirk. Sword Pavilion had crossed Lingxi Valley before. She hadn¡¯t settled that score yet. And now, they were delivering themselves to her doorstep? Oh, she would make sure to give them a welcome. ¡­ Chapter 100: Might Have Been Seen? Chapter 100: Might Have Been Seen? "Prepare yourselves¡ªactivate the illusion array in front of Lingxi Valley!" The disciple delivering the report hesitated. S~ea??h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. If they opened that formation, wouldn¡¯t those two Sword Pavilion disciples be trapped inside indefinitely? "Young Mistress?" She didn¡¯t understand why their usually courteous and polite mistress would take such an action. "Just do as I say. Why so many questions?" Yun Suxin¡¯s voice turned cold. The disciple didn¡¯t dare ask further. She quickly bowed and retreated. "Hmph, if you can break out of the illusion, then I¡¯ll allow you to enter the valley and buy your herbs. But if you can¡¯t¡­ well, enjoy yourselves in there for a few days~" Yun Suxin murmured, closing her eyes again to resume her cultivation. The Zhongzhou Secret Realm was about to open. She had to raise her strength as soon as possible. Breaking through to Golden Core Perfection before then would be ideal. She find the Ruins of the Medicine King Valley this time. The situation on her mother¡¯s side had reached a critical point. She couldn¡¯t afford any delays. This was her chance. ¡­ "Senior Sister, how long until we reach Lingxi Valley?" "Hmm¡­ probably by tomorrow afternoon." That night, Li Qingran and Yue Qianchi stopped in a small town and checked into an inn. They had spent the entire afternoon flying on their swords, draining their Spiritual Qi, so they had to find a place to rest. Yue Qianchi took a sip of the drink on the table¡ª Immediately, her brows furrowed. "What the hell is this?" "Hehe, it¡¯s fruit wine~" Li Qingran stuck out her tongue and grinned. "The Sect Master doesn¡¯t want you drinking too much¡ªhe¡¯s afraid you¡¯ll crash your sword into a cliff. But I know you like alcohol, so I got something milder. Fruit wine doesn¡¯t get you that drunk. Plus, it¡¯s even more expensive!" §²???§£§§? Yue Qianchi looked at Li Qingran¡¯s adorable, expectant expression and finally sighed in resignation. Clicking her tongue, she muttered, "Tch, fine¡­ not like this small town has any good liquor anyway." Had any other junior dared say that to her, she would¡¯ve smacked them with her sword hilt. But Li Qingran was different. She was beautiful¡ªjust looking at her made people feel at peace. Beauty really could improve one¡¯s mood. "Senior Sister, do you have something on your mind?" Li Qingran noticed that Yue Qianchi was only drinking and not eating, and her usually sharp brows held a trace of worry. "It¡¯s not really a big deal." Yue Qianchi leaned back, giving a bitter chuckle. "Junior Sister, remember how our Sword Pavilion made a move during the Disciple Recruitment Tournament?" Li Qingran nodded. "Well, Lingxi Valley was there too. Their Young Mistress was personally present. That woman is as cunning as a fox¡­ and was the one who searched her during the commotion. She¡¯s probably already figured out that it was us who took the new disciples. So, this trip to Lingxi Valley for medicine¡­ won¡¯t be easy." "Ah?" Li Qingran blinked, concerned. "Then¡­ what if they refuse to sell us the herbs?" Yue Qianchi downed the last of her fruit wine, snorted, and said, "Then we¡¯ll them to sell. We paying, after all!" Li Qingran pursed her lips and let out a dry laugh. There was just one problem. They didn¡¯t have enough money. Those herbs were extremely valuable. The Sect Master only gave them ten low-grade Spirit Stones each. Even adding in the Spirit Stones her Master had given her over time, it was far from enough. So their plan was to barter instead. They had brought some specialty items from the Sword Pavilion¡ªFlying Swords, Concealed Sword Pellets, and the like. Sure, it was a bit shabby, but their quality was top-notch defensive artifacts. Even the Tool Refining Sect had praised the Sword Pavilion¡¯s craftsmanship. Lingxi Valley¡¯s cultivators weren¡¯t particularly skilled in combat and relied heavily on external tools for self-defense. These items were what they needed. After chatting for a while longer, the two decided to sleep since they couldn¡¯t cultivate in their current environment. Li Qingran lifted the bed¡¯s canopy, then turned around¡ª Only to see Yue Qianchi had already stripped down to just a dudou. Her ample curves stretched the upper part taut, while the lower part hung loose, like a curtain. "Ahhhhh! Senior Sister, what are you doing?!" Li Qingran slapped her hands over her face, her blush spreading all the way to her ears. "Hm? What¡¯s the big deal?" Yue Qianchi stretched lazily, then reached back to undo the strings on her shoulders, casually saying, "Sleeping with clothes on is uncomfortable. I¡¯ve been stuffed in them all day¡ªI need to let loose. Besides, we¡¯re both girls. What¡¯s there to be shy about?" "B-But¡­ But¡­" Li Qingran stammered, lips trembling. Then¡ª A realization hit her. Her Master always knew what she was doing. Which meant¡­ he could everything happening around her. Including this. "Senior Sister, wait¡ª!" Too late. Yue Qianchi was already completely bare. She tilted her head in confusion at Li Qingran¡¯s distress. Seeing her Junior Sister¡¯s bright red face, a mischievous glint appeared in her eyes. She reached out¡ª One hand yanked off Li Qingran¡¯s outer robe. The other wrapped around Li Qingran¡¯s waist and her into bed. The canopy lifted. The blanket rolled over. Two soft, delicate bodies tumbled into the sheets together. Li Qingran¡¯s mind went completely blank. All she could register was the against her back, and a playful, wine-scented breath tickling her ear. "Hehe~ You¡¯re that shy? Come on, let me see how well you¡¯ve developed~" "N-No, Senior Sister, it¡¯s not that I¡¯m embarrassed¡ª!" "Then what is it? You¡¯ve been acting weird from the start." Li Qingran buried her face in the blankets, her voice trembling. "Senior Sister¡­ My Master has great divine abilities. He can always see what¡¯s happening around me. Just now, you¡ªyou¡ª" The warm body behind her . Then, it got even . "You¡¯re joking, right?" "You¡¯re saying¡­ your Master can actually ?!" A tiny, guilty whisper answered. "Mm¡­" "N-No way¡­" Yue Qianchi¡¯s face burned as if she were on fire. She stammered, "H-He wouldn¡¯t be all the time, right? I mean, doesn¡¯t he have things to do? And if he really could see, he would¡¯ve looked away¡­ or at least somehow, right?" Li Qingran curled up tighter, biting her lip in silence. Would her Master look away? Of course, she knew the answer. Even when she was bathing, she could his ever-present gaze¡­ Just as the two were panicking, overthinking, and utterly at a loss¡ª A Medium Spirit Gathering Formation appeared out of thin air in their room. ¡¾Even while traveling, one must not neglect cultivation.¡¿ A solemn voice echoed through the void. As soon as the words fell, the formation activated. Li Qingran whimpered like a mosquito. Yue Qianchi¡¯s scalp tingled, her eyes widening in despair as she watched the Spirit Gathering Formation light up beside the bed. Her last hope¡­ shattered. ¡­ "They¡¯re already sleeping? This early?" In a taxi, Chen Huai¡¯an glanced at the game. When he logged in, Li Qingran and Yue Qianchi were already lying in bed. "Probably because the Spiritual Qi is too thin in mortal lands¡­ Guess I¡¯ll set up a Medium Spirit Gathering Formation so they can cultivate while they rest." With that thought, he casually activated six hours of the formation. Li Qingran was already at Qi Refinement Peak, but her survival rate was still only five percent. She to train harder. No slacking off just because of a trip to Lingxi Valley. "" Chen Huai¡¯an grinned smugly. Seeing that the taxi had arrived at Dragon Soar Internet Cafe, he logged out. ¡­ Chapter 101: Making Money! Chapter 101: Making Money! Dragon Soar Internet Cafe looked no different from any ordinary cyber cafe. In fact, business seemed pretty bad. Dim lighting, a faint smell of smoke, and only a dozen or so active computers¡ªit gave off the vibe of a place barely clinging to survival. Chen Huai¡¯an glanced at Lin Lingling beside him and asked, "Didn¡¯t you say the bearded guy was coming to meet us?" "Uh¡­" Lin Lingling hesitated for a moment, then started walking forward. "Maybe he got held up. No big deal¡ªI¡¯ll take you up." They climbed the stairs at the back of the cafe to the fourth floor. The stench of blood hit them immediately. Lin Lingling¡¯s pupils shrank. Something had gone wrong. The two quickened their pace, rushing through the corridor until they reached the only lit room at the end. The smell of blood was even stronger. Inside, three sofas were arranged haphazardly. A few people sat there, with the bearded guy in the center, head down, smoking. On the floor in front of them¡­ Two mangled corpses. "BOSS!" Lin Lingling called out as she led Chen Huai¡¯an inside. Her eyes flickered to the bodies for a split second, then her breath hitched, and a shiver ran down her spine. The corpses had gaping holes in their heads. The brain matter was gone, leaving only a hollow cavity. Their faces were twisted into grotesque expressions of pain, blood streaming from their eyes, noses, mouths, and ears. ?§¡£Î?????????s They had been Demon Slayers¡ªWhite-Rank. One of them was young. Lin Lingling vaguely recognized him. She remembered¡­ He used to be a programmer. They had even gone on a mission together once. On the night they submitted their mission report, the guy had suddenly confessed to her. Said he her. Said he wanted to have a with her. Didn¡¯t even care that she was underage. Dude was eight or nine years older than her. It had been an instant . But seeing him dead here like this¡­ She couldn¡¯t help but feel a deep unease. "You two arrived at just the right time." The bearded guy snuffed out his cigarette, his face dark. "The situation is urgent. Some demon has set its sights on us. These two Awakened were killed by it¡ªand then the demon dumped their bodies here as a warning." "This thing isn¡¯t just hunting us." "It¡¯s us." "The demons have gotten too bold!" "Damn right! Once I master breathing techniques, I¡¯ll make them suffer!" "BOSS, what do we do?" The Demon Slayers in the room were furious. Chen Huai¡¯an scanned the room, quietly nodding to himself. These people walked the razor¡¯s edge, protecting the mortal world from demons. At least for now, they still had their fighting spirit. The logical next step? They would analyze the demon¡¯s abilities. Identify its location. Then hunt it down together, proving the Demon Slayers Bureau¡¯s strength, boosting morale, and reinforcing their unity. Right? Lin Lingling¡¯s blood boiled with determination. She clenched her fists and said solemnly, "Boss! Just tell us what to do¡ªwe¡¯ll follow your lead!" The bearded guy crossed his hands on the table. His eyelids drooped as he looked around the room. Then, in a deep voice, he said¡ª "We¡­ run." Chen Huai¡¯an: "???" Lin Lingling: "¡­" "Brilliant move, Boss!" "Yeah, a strategic retreat is key. The demon will see it coming!" "BOSS! THIS ISN¡¯T RIGHT!" Lin Lingling¡¯s eyes widened in disbelief. "That demon came knocking on our door, and we¡¯re just going to run away?! We¡¯re Demon Slayers! And besides, running won¡¯t solve anything¡ªwhat, are we gonna let it chase us forever?!" The bearded guy sighed. He knew Lin Lingling had a point. But that demon¡­ was not an easy target. He had spent the entire previous night in the Demon Slayers Bureau headquarters. Yet, despite tight security, the demon had snuck in undetected and dropped these corpses in his office. If it could do that¡­ It could just as easily kill him in his sleep. He was the strongest one here. And even he wasn¡¯t confident. If he brought the White-Rank and Instructor-Level slayers into this fight, he¡¯d just be sending them to their deaths. Now that breathing techniques had been introduced, it made more sense to lay low. They just needed time¡ªonce they were stronger, demons like this would be nothing. "Lin Lingling, I understand what you¡¯re saying, but¡ª" "Understand what?" A sharp voice echoed from above. A chilling, deranged laugh followed. "Ke-ke-ke~ Demon Slayers afraid of demons? Your first instinct is to flee? How !" "WHO?!" The bearded guy¡¯s instincts screamed danger. Everyone snapped their heads upward. The ceiling¡ª Was now covered in a massive black web. At its center¡­ A spider the size of a conference table. Its back faced them. Then¡ª Its head twisted a full 180 degrees, revealing a ghastly human face. The face resembled a mask, its features drawn in red paint¡ªgrotesque eyes, a nose, and a grin stretching ear to ear. "A demon!" The Demon Slayers drew their weapons. Some had guns. Some, like Lin Lingling, wielded blades. But from the fear in their eyes, it was clear¡ª This wasn¡¯t just any demon. "Not a demon," the bearded guy muttered grimly. "A Lost One." His eyes darkened as he yanked open a nearby cabinet, pulling out a ridiculously large shotgun and a cleaver-like blade. Then, he fired. BOOM! The spider tried to block with its web. Taking advantage of the moment, the bearded guy roared¡ª "This is a Grade D Combatant-Level Lost One! You guys are outmatched¡ªcall headquarters! I¡¯ll hold it off!" "Ke-ke-ke! ? Hold off?" The Lost One lunged, ramming into the bearded guy and smashing him through a wall. A pained scream echoed through the dust. "CHEN HUAI¡¯AN, LET¡¯S GO!" Lin Lingling grabbed his wrist and bolted. A Combatant-Level threat was way beyond their league. She had seen too many die. She wasn¡¯t some reckless newbie anymore. The other Demon Slayers also fled. It wasn¡¯t cowardice¡ªcalling for reinforcements was their only chance. Their only hope was that their boss could hold out. ¡­ "What the hell that?" In a deserted alley, Chen Huai¡¯an looked at Lin Lingling, who was still panting heavily. "A Lost One." Lin Lingling wiped her sweat, then side-eyed Chen Huai¡¯an¡ªwho wasn¡¯t even out of breath. "Technically not a demon. There are two types: Awakened who gain powers and turn against society.Awakened who receive twisted, cursed powers and are eventually corrupted beyond recognition." "So¡­ that thing was the second type?" "Yeah." Lin Lingling pulled out her phone, anxious. "Lost Ones are mentally broken and insanely strong. They¡¯re all high-bounty criminals. I need to call for backup!" "A bounty?" Chen Huai¡¯an¡¯s eyes lit up. His lips curled. "Meaning¡­ that thing is ?" Lin Lingling hesitated, then nodded. "Of course. They¡¯re wanted criminals. But I don¡¯t know the exact bounty." "More than demon bounties?" "Definitely." "Good." Chen Huai¡¯an pulled out a talisman. Fact: He never felt threatened by the wolf demon. It instantly died. Fact: He never felt threatened by the giant rat demon. It instantly died. Now: He hadn¡¯t felt threatened by that spider. S§×arch* The ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Thus¡ª Conclusion: The spider was about to instantly die. Chen Huai¡¯an turned and walked back toward the fight. Lin Lingling gawked. "WHAT ARE YOU DOING?!" Chen Huai¡¯an paused, then grinned. "Making money." ¡­ Chapter 102: This Thing Doesn’t Work on Me! Chapter 102: This Thing Doesn¡¯t Work on Me! "Little Mustache, weren¡¯t you so cocky when you were hunting me down? Why so quiet now?" On the second floor of the internet cafe, amidst the rubble of a collapsed wall¡ª The Human-Faced Spider stood there, nearly unscathed, brimming with arrogance. In the corner, the bearded guy sat slumped, leaning against a cracked cleaver, his entire body drenched in blood. He had been right. This Lost One was indeed Combatant-Rank. Just one rank above him¡ªyet the gap was like a chasm. The bearded guy lifted his head with difficulty, his vision swimming in a sea of red. Through his blurry sight, he could still make out the deranged, triumphant face of the spider. That guy¡ª He had once been a normal Awakened. He had gained the ability to control and mutate spiders. But when he refused to join the Demon Slayers Bureau, they had been forced to keep him under surveillance. Then one day¡ª The informant who had been monitoring him vanished. When the bearded guy finally tracked the guy down, he found that this once-human Awakened had turned into a spider monster¡ª And the informant? His body parts were scattered across the entire living room. Some of them were inside the spider¡¯s belly. Monsters like him had a specific name within the Bureau¡¯s leadership¡ª Aberrant Lost Ones. These special cases had only started appearing after the "Black Coffin Rises to the Heavens" Awakening incident in Changbai Mountain three years ago. There wasn¡¯t solid proof that the two events were linked¡ª But the Bureau was nearly certain. The truth was¡ª Their understanding of Awakening Events was still shallow. They hadn¡¯t even fully deciphered the earliest case¡ª "Kunlun Immortal Palace", from a decade ago. All they had gotten from it was a breathing technique engraved on a stone tablet at the base of the thousand-layer staircase outside the palace¡ª The "Primordial Return Technique." And even that had taken them ten years to decode. "If this were two days ago, this whole branch of the Demon Slayers Bureau might¡¯ve been wiped out." "...What?" The Human-Faced Spider narrowed its eyes at the bearded guy. The man¡¯s head drooped, his body weak and near collapse. Yet¡ª A grin split across his bloodstained, unshaven face. Slowly¡ª The bearded guy stood up, lifting a trembling hand. The spider tensed, sensing something amiss. With explosive speed, it lunged forward like a cannonball, razor-sharp legs slashing. A severed arm went flying. But the bearded guy just laughed. From his remaining hand, he suddenly yanked out a bloodstained talisman¡ª And slapped it onto the spider¡¯s forehead. His lips moved. "Boom." Silence. Nothing happened. The Human-Faced Spider twitched, then slowly peeled the talisman off its face. It tossed it on the ground and kicked the bearded guy over with a sneer. "Boom what, you dumbass?" The bearded guy stared, dumbfounded. The hell? Was the talisman fake?! No way¡ª He had seen the radiant, golden aura of righteous energy on it! But then¡ª He glanced down at the talisman again. The once-brilliant aura¡ª Had completely vanished. "...Hey, little mustache." The spider mockingly patted his face, voice dripping with sadistic delight. "When you pulled that thing out, I almost panicked." "Thought it was some kind of trump card." "But this?" "This is just comedy." Memories of being hunted by this man surged through the spider¡¯s mind. The humiliation¡ª The anger¡ª Letting the bearded guy die quickly would be too easy. No¡ª He needed to savor this. With a cruel chuckle, the spider whispered, "How should I torture you?" "Maybe I¡¯ll wrap you up in webs, leave only your head exposed¡ª" "Then slowly inject digestive fluids into your feet." "Let your body melt away, bit by bit¡ªwhile you watch me eat you alive!" "Ke-ke-ke¡ª" Suddenly¡ª A soft breathing sound came from behind him. Very close. The spider¡¯s hair bristled. He whipped his head around¡ª And found himself staring at a ridiculously handsome, buzz-cut young man. Standing just two meters away. Holding a talisman. Identical to the one he had just thrown away. "...Who the hell are you?" The spider¡¯s instincts screamed danger. How had this guy gotten so close without him noticing? Had he been too focused on the bearded guy? The young man said nothing. He just moved closer, lifting the talisman. The spider stepped back, eyeing it cautiously. Then¡ª He snorted. "You think that cheap-ass talisman can do anything to me?" The young man took another step forward. "Then try it." "You seriously think I¡¯d be dumb enough to slap that thing on myself?" "I think you¡¯re too scared to." "...Heh. You little shit¡ªfine! I¡¯ll do it just to shut you up!" "Then do it!" "Fine, I will!" "DO IT¡ª!!!" The spider lifted a leg, ready to slap the talisman onto itself¡ª But at the last second¡ª He hesitated. "...Wait a second." "You really think I¡¯m that dumb?" A twisted grin spread across his face. His scarlet eyes gleamed with sinister intelligence. "If I had to guess¡ª" "The moment I put this thing on, there¡¯s gonna be a smoke bomb effect or something." "Blinding me¡ª" "Letting you grab mustache-man and escape!" The young man remained silent. Then, without warning¡ª He casually poked the spider in the face with a laundry pole. Then¡ª He dove under a desk, curled into a ball, and grabbed a chair cushion as a shield¡ª And covered his ears. He sighed sympathetically. Then¡ª Light. Thunder. Fire. BOOM¡ª! A blinding white explosion ripped through the entire second floor. S§×ar?h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. When the dust settled¡ª The second floor was practically destroyed. From the wreckage¡ª A tiny, palm-sized, charred spider scurried toward the cafe¡¯s entrance, frantically trying to escape. Its mind was a chaotic mess. But one thought was crystal clear¡ª If it didn¡¯t run, it was dead. Dodging overturned computer desks¡ª Evading collapsing debris¡ª Jumping over burning keyboards¡ª It leaped toward the exit¡ª Only for a girl to step into its path. No problem. She wasn¡¯t an obstacle. Except¡ª She raised her hand¡ª And slapped a talisman onto the door. The spider¡¯s six eyes widened in horror. "OH F**K, NO¡ª!" BOOM¡ª! Under the desk, Chen Huai¡¯an closed his eyes in pity. A soft chime rang from his pocket. His game interface had a new message. ¡¾Target Eliminated: Spider Demon¡¿ Rewards: Demonic Cultivation Fragment x1 Spider Silk Armor x1 (Delivered) ¡­